Steel ball filling device
By designing an automated steel ball loading device, and utilizing the cooperation of the base plate extension, the guide ball bottom ring guide surface, and the limiting cylinder, the efficient and stable loading of ball bearing steel balls is achieved, solving the problems of low efficiency, unstable quality, complex equipment, and high cost in existing technologies.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310433159.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-04-21
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the process of loading steel balls into the cage of ball bearings suffers from low efficiency, unstable quality, and complex equipment and high cost.
A steel ball filling device was designed, comprising a cage conveying assembly, a steel ball guiding assembly, and a ball filling assembly. The device utilizes the cooperation of a base plate extension and retraction, the guiding surface and guide groove of the ball guide bottom ring, a limiting cylinder, and a pressing outer sleeve to achieve automated steel ball installation.
It improves the efficiency and quality stability of steel ball loading into the cage, simplifies the equipment structure, and reduces costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN116475732B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a steel ball filling device. Background Technology
[0002] Bearings are crucial components used for rotating supports in machinery. Ball bearings are the most common type. A ball bearing typically consists of an outer ring, an inner ring, a cage, and several steel balls. During assembly, the steel balls are first loaded into the cage to provide initial restraint. Then, the cage and steel balls are loaded together into the raceway formed by the outer and inner rings. The process of loading the steel balls into the cage is generally divided into manual and mechanical pressing. Manual pressing requires workers to press the steel balls one by one into the cage pockets. Since a bearing typically has more than ten steel balls, this process presents challenges. Manual pressing is less efficient, and the quality of the pressing is greatly affected by the operator's skill level, resulting in inconsistent quality. Furthermore, long-term manual pressing has a significant negative impact on the operator's hands. Mechanical pressing typically involves transporting steel balls to a base via a guide tube, using grooves on the base to distribute the steel balls evenly, then using the first jaw to transport the cage to the top of the base, and then pressing the cage vertically downwards to allow the steel balls to enter the cage's pockets. Finally, the second jaw removes the assembled cage and steel balls. The overall structure of the equipment is more complex, requiring more parts, resulting in a larger overall size, more complex operation, and higher costs. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a steel ball filling device that features a relatively simple structure, a simple workflow, and low cost, enabling automated steel ball filling.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a steel ball filling device, comprising a first frame and a second frame. A retainer conveying assembly is disposed on the first frame. The second frame extends vertically and is provided with a steel ball guiding assembly and a filling assembly. The retainer conveying assembly includes a base plate capable of laterally extending and retracting along the first frame. A positioning portion for placing the retainer is disposed on the base plate. The steel ball guiding assembly includes a ball guide tube for conveying steel balls and a ball guide bottom ring. The ball guide bottom ring is rotatably disposed and includes... The ball guide tube has a guide surface that gradually decreases in size towards the first frame and guide grooves that are spaced apart on the guide surface. The outlet of the ball guide tube is aligned with the guide surface. The bottom plate can drive the positioning part to extend or retract to the bottom of the second frame. The ball filling assembly includes a limiting cylinder and a pressing sleeve. The limiting cylinder is used to cooperate with the bottom ring of the ball guide to form a radial limit on the steel ball. The limiting cylinder can elastically extend forward relative to the pressing sleeve towards the first frame. The limiting cylinder and the pressing sleeve can be driven by a cylinder to extend and retract vertically. The lower end of the pressing sleeve is aligned with the pocket of the retainer.
[0005] The advantages of the above technical solution are as follows: The cage conveying assembly, steel ball guiding assembly, and ball filling assembly are provided. The cage conveying assembly has a base plate that extends and retracts laterally along the first frame, and a positioning part for placing the cage is provided on the base plate. The extending and retracting base plate drives the positioning part to extend or retract below the second frame, thereby changing the position of the cage steel balls when they are pressed or need to be replaced. The steel ball guiding assembly includes a ball guide tube for discharging the steel balls and a rotating ball guide ring. The ball guide ring has a guide surface that gradually decreases in size towards the first frame and guide grooves spaced apart on the guide surface. The outlet of the ball guide tube is aligned with the guide surface, allowing the steel balls falling from the outlet of the ball guide tube to enter the guide surface. The guide surface that gradually decreases in size towards the first frame guides the steel balls toward the cage. The guide grooves, when rotating the ball guide ring, cause the steel balls to sink when they reach the cage pockets, while the remaining steel balls are driven by the guide grooves to continue circumferential movement, ultimately allowing several steel balls to... With the cooperation of the guide surface and guide groove, all balls can reach the corresponding cage pocket. Finally, the ball filling assembly is equipped with a limiting cylinder and a pressing sleeve. The limiting cylinder, in cooperation with the ball guide bottom ring, radially limits the steel balls, ensuring that under their own weight, the steel balls always partially extend into the pocket. The pressing sleeve, with its lower end facing the cage pocket, presses down after the steel balls are distributed, pressing them into the cage, thus completing the ball pressing process. The overall process is: by extending the base plate forward, the balls on the base plate... The positioning part extends out of the second frame. The cage is then placed on the positioning part using a mechanical gripper or manually. After that, the positioning part retracts below the second frame. Then, the ball guide tube begins to guide the ball out of the ball guide ring. The ball guide ring and the limiting cylinder limit the ball. The ball guide ring begins to rotate, driving the ball to move circumferentially and allowing the ball to partially extend into the cage. Finally, the pressing outer sleeve moves downward to complete the automated installation of the ball. The overall structure and workflow are relatively simple, thus effectively reducing costs.
[0006] The present invention can be further configured such that: the press-fit outer sleeve is a cylindrical shape with an opening at the lower end; the press-fit outer sleeve is provided with a guide rod and an elastic element sleeved on the guide rod; the limiting cylinder is slidably sleeved in the press-fit outer sleeve; the guide rod passes through the limiting cylinder to form its guiding sliding; and the elastic element abuts against the inner wall of the press-fit outer sleeve and the limiting cylinder.
[0007] By further designing the press-fit outer sleeve into a cylindrical shape with an opening at the lower end, the limiting cylinder is slidably fitted into the press-fit outer sleeve. A guide rod and an elastic element are installed in the press-fit outer sleeve, allowing the guide rod to guide the sliding of the limiting cylinder. The limiting cylinder is then elastically extended by the elastic element that abuts against the inner wall of the press-fit outer sleeve and the limiting cylinder. During operation, the limiting cylinder can extend first to cooperate with the guide ball bottom ring to limit the steel ball. After the steel ball is in place, the press-fit outer sleeve is pressed down to press the steel ball into the cage.
[0008] The present invention can be further configured such that: a plurality of the guide grooves extend obliquely toward the limiting cylinder, and the lower end of the guide groove is spaced apart from the limiting cylinder, and the space is greater than the diameter of the steel ball; the press-fit outer sleeve includes a press-fit groove surrounding its opening; the cross-section of the press-fit groove is arc-shaped, and the horizontal height of the press-fit groove on the side closer to the inner diameter is smaller than that on the other side.
[0009] With further design, as the steel ball slides down the guide groove that extends inclined towards the limiting cylinder, it will fall into the retainer pocket or abut against the limiting cylinder at intervals between the lower end of the guide groove and the limiting cylinder. Then, when the steel ball is pressed by the pressing groove with an arc-shaped cross-section of the pressing outer sleeve, and the horizontal height of the pressing groove on the side closer to the inner diameter is set smaller than that on the other side, the side of the pressing groove closer to the limiting cylinder can contact the steel ball first, and guide the steel ball to the corresponding position through its own arc surface, making the pressing process more stable.
[0010] The present invention can be further configured such that: the steel ball guiding assembly includes a mounting base connected to the second frame and a transmission gear driven by a motor; the bottom ring of the guiding ball is rotatably mounted on the mounting base, and the bottom ring of the guiding ball is provided with an external tooth portion located at the outer diameter; the external tooth portion meshes with the transmission gear.
[0011] By further configuration, a mounting base and a transmission gear driven by a motor are installed on the second frame, allowing the guide ball base ring to rotate and be mounted on the mounting base. An external tooth is provided on the guide ball base ring, and the external tooth meshes with the transmission gear to form a transmission connection between the guide ball base ring and the transmission gear.
[0012] The present invention can be further configured such that: the mounting base is provided with an annular groove and a ball bearing located in the annular groove; the outer diameter cross-section of the guide ball bottom ring is stepped and forms a first step surface, a second step surface, and a connecting surface connecting the first step surface and the second step surface; the first step surface is inserted into the inner hole of the ball bearing; the connecting surface abuts against the axial end of the inner ring of the ball bearing; the external tooth portion is sleeved on the second step surface; and the external tooth portion meshes with the transmission gear.
[0013] By further designing the mounting base, an annular groove and a ball bearing located within the annular groove are provided. The outer diameter section of the guide ball bearing is set in a stepped shape, forming a first step surface, a second step surface, and a connecting surface. The ball bearing is inserted into the ball bearing through the first step surface, and the connecting surface abuts against the axial end of the inner ring of the ball bearing. This allows the ball bearing in the annular groove to provide rotational support for the guide ball bearing. Finally, the external teeth are located at the second step surface, and the external teeth form a transmission engagement with the transmission gear. This layout is more reasonable and optimizes the structure of the guide ball bearing.
[0014] The present invention can be further configured such that: the second frame is provided with a first cylinder, a second cylinder and a mounting plate; the steel ball guiding assembly and the second cylinder are both mounted on the mounting plate; the first cylinder is used to drive the mounting plate to slide up and down along the second frame; and the ball filling assembly is connected to the mounting plate through the second cylinder and can be driven to extend and retract by the second cylinder.
[0015] By further configuring the second frame, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a mounting plate are installed. The first cylinder drives the mounting plate to move, causing the steel ball guide assembly, the second cylinder, and the ball filling assembly connected to the second cylinder to move downwards. This allows the guide ring in the steel ball guide assembly and the limiting cylinder in the ball filling assembly to move to their corresponding positions, thus limiting the steel balls. After several steel balls are sent into the corresponding positions, the second cylinder starts working, driving the pressing outer sleeve to move downwards and pressing the steel balls into the retainer.
[0016] The present invention can be further configured such that: the positioning part on the base plate is provided with a protruding post, and the upper end of the protruding post is shaped like a frustum.
[0017] By further designing the positioning part, a convex post with a frustum-shaped upper end is provided, which can guide the cage through the inclined surface of the frustum, facilitating the installation of the cage.
[0018] The present invention can be further configured such that: the limiting cylinder includes an abutting ring surface located at the lower end, the cross section of the abutting ring surface is arranged in an oblique shape, and the abutting ring surface can fit against the outer peripheral wall of the upper end of the protrusion.
[0019] With further design, the limiting cylinder can be fitted with the obliquely shaped abutment ring and the truncated cone-shaped upper end of the protruding column, thus limiting and guiding the limiting cylinder. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA;
[0023] Figure 4 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 An enlarged view of part a;
[0024] Figure 5 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Enlarged view of section b;
[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fit between the guide ball base ring and the transmission gear in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fit between the press-fit outer sleeve and the limiting sleeve in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] The components include: a first frame 1; a second frame 2; a first cylinder 21; a second cylinder 22; a mounting plate 23; a cage conveying assembly 3; a base plate 31; a positioning part 311; a protruding column 312; a steel ball guiding assembly 4; a ball guide tube 41; a ball guide bottom ring 42; a guiding surface 421; a guide groove 422; an external tooth part 423; a first step surface 424; a second step surface 425; a connecting surface 426; a mounting base 43; an annular groove 431; a transmission gear 44; a ball bearing 45; a ball filling assembly 5; a limiting cylinder 51; an abutting annular surface 511; a press-fit outer sleeve 52; a guide rod 521; an elastic element 522; and a press-fit groove 523. Detailed Implementation
[0028] Examples of embodiments of the steel ball filling device of the present invention Figure 1-7The structure includes a first frame 1 and a second frame 2. The first frame 1 is equipped with a cage conveying assembly 3. The second frame 2 extends vertically and is equipped with a steel ball guiding assembly 4 and a ball filling assembly 5. The cage conveying assembly 3 includes a base plate 31 that can extend and retract laterally along the first frame 1. The base plate 31 has a positioning part 311 for placing the cage. The steel ball guiding assembly 4 includes a ball guide tube 41 for conveying steel balls and a ball guide bottom ring 42. The ball guide bottom ring 42 is rotatable and includes a guide surface 421 that gradually decreases in size towards the first frame 1 and guide grooves 422 spaced apart on the guide surface 421. The outlet of the ball guide tube 41 is aligned with the guide surface 421. The base plate 31 can drive the positioning part 311 to extend or retract below the second frame 2. The ball filling assembly... Component 5 includes a limiting cylinder 51 and a pressing sleeve 52. The limiting cylinder 51 is used to cooperate with the ball guide bottom ring 42 to form a radial limit on the steel ball. The limiting cylinder 51 can elastically extend forward relative to the pressing sleeve 52 toward the first frame 1. The limiting cylinder 51 and the pressing sleeve 52 can be driven by a cylinder to extend and retract vertically. The lower end of the pressing sleeve 52 is aligned with the pocket of the retainer. The overall process is as follows: by extending the base plate forward, the positioning part on the base plate extends out of the second frame. Then, the retainer is placed on the positioning part by a mechanical claw or manually. After that, the positioning part retracts below the second frame. Then, the ball guide tube starts to guide the ball out of the ball guide bottom ring. The ball guide bottom ring and the limiting cylinder form a limit on the steel ball. The ball guide bottom ring starts to rotate, driving the steel ball to move circumferentially and allowing the steel ball to partially extend into the space of the retainer. Finally, the pressing sleeve moves downward to complete the automated installation of the steel ball.
[0029] The press-fit outer sleeve 52 is a cylindrical shape with an opening at the lower end. The press-fit outer sleeve 52 is provided with a guide rod 521 and an elastic element 522 sleeved on the guide rod 521. The limiting cylinder 51 is slidably sleeved in the press-fit outer sleeve 52. The guide rod 521 passes through the limiting cylinder 51 to form its guiding sliding. The elastic element 522 abuts against the inner wall of the press-fit outer sleeve 52 and the limiting cylinder 51.
[0030] Several guide grooves 422 are inclinedly extended toward the limiting cylinder 51, and the lower end of the guide groove 422 is spaced apart from the limiting cylinder 51, and the space is larger than the diameter of the steel ball. The press-fit outer sleeve 52 includes a press-fit groove 523 surrounding its opening. The cross-section of the press-fit groove 523 is arc-shaped, and the horizontal height of the press-fit groove 523 on the side closer to the inner diameter is smaller than that on the other side.
[0031] The steel ball guide assembly 4 includes a mounting base 43 connected to the second frame 2 and a transmission gear 44 driven by a motor. The guide ball bottom ring 42 is rotatably mounted on the mounting base 43, and the guide ball bottom ring 42 is provided with an external toothed portion 423 located at the outer diameter. The external toothed portion 423 meshes with the transmission gear 44.
[0032] The mounting base 43 is provided with an annular groove 431 and a ball bearing 45 located in the annular groove 431. The outer diameter cross-section of the guide ball bottom ring 42 is stepped and forms a first step surface 424, a second step surface 425, and a connecting surface 426 connecting the first step surface 424 and the second step surface 425. The first step surface 424 is inserted into the inner hole of the ball bearing, and the connecting surface 426 abuts against the axial end of the inner ring of the ball bearing 45. The external tooth part 423 is sleeved on the second step surface 425, and the external tooth part 423 meshes with the transmission gear 44.
[0033] The second frame 2 is equipped with a first cylinder 21, a second cylinder 22 and a mounting plate 23. The steel ball guiding assembly 4 and the second cylinder 22 are both mounted on the mounting plate 23. The first cylinder 21 is used to drive the mounting plate 23 to slide up and down along the second frame 2. The ball filling assembly 5 is connected to the mounting plate 23 through the second cylinder 22 and can be driven to extend and retract by the second cylinder 22.
[0034] The positioning part on the base plate 31 is provided with a protruding post 312, and the upper end of the protruding post 312 is shaped like a frustum.
[0035] The limiting cylinder 51 includes an abutting ring surface 511 located at the lower end. The cross-section of the abutting ring surface 511 is arranged in an oblique shape. The abutting ring surface 511 can fit against the outer peripheral wall of the upper end of the protrusion 312.
[0036] The above examples are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention are all included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A steel ball filling device, comprising a guide tube for conveying steel balls, characterized in that: The device includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame is equipped with a cage conveying assembly, and the second frame extends vertically and is equipped with a steel ball guiding assembly and a ball filling assembly. The cage conveying assembly includes a base plate that can extend and retract laterally along the first frame. The base plate is equipped with a positioning part for placing the cage. The steel ball guiding assembly includes a guide ball bottom ring that is rotatable. The guide ball bottom ring includes a guide surface that gradually decreases in size towards the first frame and guide grooves that are spaced apart on the guide surface. The outlet of the guide ball tube is aligned with the guide surface. The base plate can drive the positioning part to extend or retract to the lower part of the second frame. The ball filling assembly includes a limiting cylinder and a pressing outer sleeve. The limiting cylinder is used to cooperate with the guide ball bottom ring to form a radial limit on the steel ball, and the limiting cylinder can elastically extend forward relative to the pressing outer sleeve towards the first frame. The limiting cylinder and the pressing outer sleeve can be driven by a cylinder to extend and retract vertically, and the lower end of the pressing outer sleeve is aligned with the pocket of the cage.
2. The steel ball filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The press-fit outer sleeve is a cylindrical shape with an opening at the lower end. A guide rod and an elastic element sleeved on the guide rod are provided in the press-fit outer sleeve. The limiting cylinder is slidably sleeved in the press-fit outer sleeve. The guide rod passes through the limiting cylinder to form its guiding sliding. The elastic element abuts against the inner wall of the press-fit outer sleeve and the limiting cylinder.
3. The steel ball filling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Several of the aforementioned guide grooves extend obliquely toward the limiting cylinder, and the lower end of the guide groove is spaced apart from the limiting cylinder, and the space is greater than the diameter of the steel ball. The press-fit outer sleeve includes a press-fit groove surrounding its opening. The cross-section of the press-fit groove is arc-shaped, and the horizontal height of the press-fit groove on the side closer to the inner diameter is smaller than that on the other side.
4. The steel ball filling device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The steel ball guiding assembly includes a mounting base connected to the second frame and a transmission gear driven by a motor. The bottom ring of the guide ball is rotatably mounted on the mounting base, and the bottom ring of the guide ball is provided with an external toothed portion located at the outer diameter. The external toothed portion meshes with the transmission gear.
5. The steel ball filling device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting base is provided with an annular groove and a ball bearing located in the annular groove. The outer diameter cross-section of the guide ball bottom ring is stepped and forms a first step surface, a second step surface, and a connecting surface connecting the first step surface and the second step surface. The first step surface is inserted into the inner hole of the ball bearing, and the connecting surface abuts against the axial end of the inner ring of the ball bearing. The external tooth part is sleeved on the second step surface, and the external tooth part meshes with the transmission gear.
6. The steel ball filling device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 5, characterized in that: The second frame is equipped with a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a mounting plate. The steel ball guiding assembly and the second cylinder are both mounted on the mounting plate. The first cylinder is used to drive the mounting plate to slide up and down along the second frame. The ball filling assembly is connected to the mounting plate through the second cylinder and can be driven to extend and retract by the second cylinder.
7. The steel ball filling device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 5, characterized in that: The positioning part on the base plate is provided with a protruding post, and the upper end of the protruding post is shaped like a frustum.
8. The steel ball filling device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The limiting cylinder includes an abutting ring surface at the lower end, the cross-section of which is arranged in an oblique shape, and the abutting ring surface can fit against the outer peripheral wall of the upper end of the protrusion.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Full-automatic press-mounting machine for steel balls
CN202348995U
Tool for quickly assembling steel balls
CN209838985U