Assembly methods for drive shafts and wheel hub bearings, drive systems and vehicles

Abstract

This invention provides a method for assembling a drive shaft and a wheel hub bearing, a drive system, and a vehicle. The method includes: moving the drive shaft axially toward the wheel hub bearing, and driving at least one of the drive shaft and the wheel hub bearing to rotate around its own central axis, so that the splines on the drive shaft gradually engage with the splines on the wheel hub bearing; during the engagement of the splines on the drive shaft and the wheel hub bearing, using a gauge to detect an assembly distance value, the assembly distance value being the distance between the shaft end face of the drive shaft and the bolt flange face of the wheel hub bearing, the gauge issuing a preset signal when the detected assembly distance value equals a theoretical distance value, the theoretical distance value being obtained by measuring the wheel hub bearing and the drive shaft in a standard engagement state; after the gauge issues the preset signal, using a locking fixture to lock the drive shaft and the wheel hub bearing in the current position. This application effectively solves the problem of low assembly efficiency of wheel hub bearings and drive shafts in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of design technology for assembly methods of drive system components, and more specifically, to an assembly method for a drive shaft and wheel hub bearing, a drive system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] When wheel hub bearings and drive shafts are assembled horizontally, conditions such as steering knuckle obstruction make spline meshing (the end face splines of the wheel hub bearing meshing with the end face splines of the drive shaft) difficult. After assembly, it is impossible to confirm whether the spline teeth mesh as required. Current technology generally uses manual visual inspection to check meshing. However, manual assembly and testing are costly, cannot prevent improper spline assembly, and limit production cycle time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a method for assembling a drive shaft and a hub bearing, a drive system, and a vehicle, in order to solve the problem of low assembly efficiency of hub bearings and drive shafts in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a drive shaft and a hub bearing is provided, comprising: moving the drive shaft axially toward the hub bearing, and driving at least one of the drive shaft and the hub bearing to rotate about its own central axis, so that the splines on the drive shaft gradually engage with the splines on the hub bearing; during the engagement of the splines on the drive shaft and the hub bearing, using a gauge to detect an assembly distance value, the assembly distance value being the distance between the shaft end face of the drive shaft and the bolt flange face of the hub bearing, the gauge being used to issue a preset signal when the detected assembly distance value is equal to a theoretical distance value, the theoretical distance value being obtained by measuring the hub bearing and the drive shaft in a standard engagement state; after the gauge issues the preset signal, using a locking fixture to lock the drive shaft and the hub bearing in the current position.

[0005] Furthermore, before moving the drive shaft axially toward the hub bearing, the method also includes: using a limiting fixture to fix the X-axis and Z-axis degrees of freedom of the drive shaft.

[0006] Furthermore, the fixture includes a mounting part, and before using the fixture to detect the assembly distance value, the method further includes: installing the mounting part of the fixture into the connecting through hole of the wheel hub bearing.

[0007] Furthermore, the fixture also includes a detection unit connected to the mounting unit. The fixture is used to detect the assembly distance value, including: installing the detection end of the detection unit in the connecting through hole and facing the drive shaft, and using the detection end to detect the assembly distance value.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixture also includes a signal generating unit. The detection unit and the signal generating unit are located on opposite sides of the mounting unit along the axial direction. The signal generating unit is connected to the mounting unit. The detection end is a pin, and a pressure sensor is integrated into the detection end. The detection end is electrically connected to the signal generating unit. The pressure sensor is used to send an electrical signal to the signal generating unit when subjected to pressure in a preset direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixture also includes a signal generating unit. The detection unit and the signal generating unit are located on opposite sides of the mounting unit along the axial direction. The signal generating unit is connected to the mounting unit. The detection end is integrated with a laser rangefinder and is electrically connected to the signal generating unit. The laser rangefinder is used to send an electrical signal to the signal generating unit when the detected assembly distance value is equal to the theoretical distance value.

[0010] Furthermore, the signal generating unit includes at least one of a buzzer, a display, and a vibration motor.

[0011] Furthermore, the mounting part is a cylindrical structure, and the side surface of the mounting part is provided with at least one color strip coated with a specific color. The assembly distance value is detected by a gauge, including: during the process of moving the drive shaft axially toward the hub bearing, by observing the relative positional relationship between the color strip and the inner wall of the connecting through hole, to determine whether the assembly distance value is equal to the theoretical distance value.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drive system is provided, including a drive shaft and a hub bearing, wherein the drive shaft and the hub bearing are assembled using the above-described assembly method for drive shafts and hub bearings.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a drive system, wherein the drive system is the drive system described above.

[0014] By applying the technical solution of this invention, an inspection tool is used to detect the assembly distance value. This tool emits a preset signal when the detected assembly distance value equals the theoretical distance value, thus providing a set judgment standard for the assembly process of the drive shaft and wheel hub bearing. In other words, it eliminates the need for manual visual inspection of the assembly process. This technical solution effectively solves the problem of low assembly efficiency of wheel hub bearings and drive shafts in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of a first embodiment of the assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the assembly process of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the assembly process of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the assembly method for the drive shaft and hub bearing according to the present invention is shown.

[0021] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0022] 1. Signal generating unit; 2. Mounting unit; 3. Detection end; 4. Shaft end face; 5. Bolt flange face; 6. Connecting through hole; 7. Wheel hub bearing; 8. Universal joint threaded head. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0027] Combination Figure 1 According to a specific embodiment of this application, an assembly method for a drive shaft and a hub bearing is provided, the method comprising:

[0028] S1, move the drive shaft axially toward the hub bearing, and drive at least one of the drive shaft and hub bearing to rotate around its own central axis, so that the spline on the drive shaft gradually engages with the spline on the hub bearing;

[0029] S2, During the meshing process of the spline on the drive shaft and the spline on the wheel hub bearing, the assembly distance value is detected by the inspection tool. The assembly distance value is the distance between the shaft end face of the drive shaft and the bolt flange face of the wheel hub bearing. The inspection tool is used to issue a preset signal when the assembly distance value is detected to be equal to the theoretical distance value. The theoretical distance value is obtained by measuring the wheel hub bearing and drive shaft in the standard meshing state.

[0030] S3. After the fixture issues a preset signal, use a locking fixture to lock the drive shaft and hub bearing in the current position.

[0031] By applying the technical solution of this application, an inspection fixture is used to detect the assembly distance value. The fixture emits a preset signal when the detected assembly distance value equals the theoretical distance value, thus providing a set judgment standard for the assembly process of the drive shaft and wheel hub bearing. This eliminates the need for manual visual inspection of the assembly process. The technical solution of this application effectively solves the problem of low assembly efficiency of wheel hub bearings and drive shafts in the prior art. The specific structure of the inspection fixture in this embodiment is not limited; technicians can design the fixture reasonably according to the actual product situation.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, during the assembly of the drive shaft and hub bearing, their central axes are aligned, and their opposite sides are equipped with mating spline teeth and spline grooves. In practice, the splines must have fully engaged teeth and grooves to meet installation requirements. If there is a misalignment (teeth touching the top of the shaft), it will severely affect the working condition and service life of both components. When the splines do not mesh as required, the assembly distance will be greater than the theoretical distance.

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the diagram also includes a signal generator 1, a mounting section 2, a detection end 3, a shaft end face 4, a bolt flange face 5, a connecting through hole 6, a hub bearing 7, and a universal joint threaded head 8. The signal generator 1, as a signal emitting device, can use any method, such as mechanical ejection or emitting sound or light signals, to prompt the installer to ensure proper assembly. The detection end 3 is a detection mechanism; this part can be of any shape and can use any method, such as contact or laser ranging, to detect whether the theoretical distance value has been reached.

[0034] Furthermore, before moving the drive shaft axially toward the hub bearing, the method also includes: using a limiting fixture to fix the X-axis and Z-axis degrees of freedom of the drive shaft. The X-axis is the radial direction, the Y-axis is the axial direction, and the Z-axis is the height direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the fixture includes a mounting part, and before using the fixture to detect the assembly distance value, the method further includes: installing the mounting part of the fixture into the connecting through hole of the wheel hub bearing.

[0036] The technical solution of this application consists of two main parts: detection and signal transmission. The signals that the signal transmission part can transmit include, but are not limited to, mechanical signals and electronic signals.

[0037] Furthermore, the fixture also includes a detection unit connected to the mounting unit. The fixture is used to detect the assembly distance value, including: installing the detection end of the detection unit in the connecting through hole and facing the drive shaft, and using the detection end to detect the assembly distance value.

[0038] Furthermore, the fixture also includes a signal generating unit. The detection unit and the signal generating unit are located on opposite sides of the mounting unit along the axial direction. The signal generating unit is connected to the mounting unit. The detection end is a pin, and a pressure sensor is integrated into the detection end. The detection end is electrically connected to the signal generating unit. The pressure sensor is used to send an electrical signal to the signal generating unit when subjected to pressure in a preset direction.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the detection end is a pin 3. When the pin 3 touches the front end face of the universal joint thread head 8, the pressure sensor sends an electrical signal.

[0040] Furthermore, the fixture also includes a signal generating unit. The detection unit and the signal generating unit are located on opposite sides of the mounting unit along its axial direction. The signal generating unit is connected to the mounting unit, and the detection end integrates a laser rangefinder. The detection end is electrically connected to the signal generating unit. The laser rangefinder is used to send an electrical signal to the signal generating unit when the detected assembly distance value equals the theoretical distance value. That is to say, the laser rangefinder (not shown in the figure) is used to measure the displacement of the universal joint threaded head 8. Since the universal joint threaded head 8 only moves axially, the displacement is the same at each location within a certain time period. Therefore, the assembly distance value can be detected based on this equivalent displacement.

[0041] Furthermore, the signal generating unit includes at least one of a buzzer, a display, and a vibration motor.

[0042] Furthermore, the mounting part has a cylindrical structure, and its side surface is provided with at least one color strip coated with a specific color. The assembly distance value is checked using a gauge, including: during the axial movement of the drive shaft towards the hub bearing, by observing the relative positional relationship between the color strip and the inner wall of the connecting through hole, determining whether the assembly distance value is equal to the theoretical distance value. For example, along... Figure 4 From left to right, the side surfaces of the mounting parts are coated with red and green stripes respectively, and their positions are pre-designed. When the boundary line of the red and green stripes is exposed outside the inner wall of the connecting through hole, it is confirmed that both are installed in place.

[0043] like Figure 5 A flowchart of an assembly method according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 5 The first standard value is the assembly distance value. In fact, the present application does not restrict the specific structural form of the inspection fixture, but only ensures that it can effectively detect the assembly distance value. It can be detected by directly detecting the assembly distance value, or by indirectly detecting it through the movement of other points.

[0044] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, a drive system is provided, including a drive shaft and a hub bearing, wherein the drive shaft and the hub bearing are assembled using the above-described assembly method for drive shafts and hub bearings.

[0045] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including a drive system, wherein the drive system is the drive system described above.

[0046] As can be seen from the above description, the above embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects: solve the problem of difficulty in detecting end face spline meshing during the assembly process of the end face spline drive shaft, the problem of unreasonable assembly method of horizontal assembly, and the damage and cost loss of dynamic inspection parts caused by spline teeth not meshing in place as required.

[0047] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a drive shaft and a hub bearing, characterized in that, include: The drive shaft is moved axially toward the hub bearing, and at least one of the drive shaft and the hub bearing is driven to rotate around its own central axis, so that the splines on the drive shaft gradually engage with the splines on the hub bearing; During the engagement of the spline on the drive shaft and the spline on the hub bearing, a gauge is used to detect the assembly distance value, which is the distance between the shaft end face of the drive shaft and the bolt flange face of the hub bearing. The gauge is used to issue a preset signal when the assembly distance value is detected to be equal to the theoretical distance value, which is obtained by measuring the hub bearing and the drive shaft in a standard engagement state. After the fixture issues the preset signal, a locking fixture is used to lock the drive shaft and the wheel hub bearing in the current position.

2. The assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before moving the drive shaft axially toward the hub bearing, the method further includes: The X-axis and Z-axis degrees of freedom of the drive shaft are fixed using a limiting fixture.

3. The assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixture includes a mounting part, and before using the fixture to detect the assembly distance value, the method further includes: The mounting part of the inspection tool is installed in the connecting through hole of the wheel hub bearing.

4. The assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixture further includes a detection unit connected to the mounting unit, which is used to detect assembly distance values, including: The detection end of the detection unit is installed in the connecting through hole and oriented toward the drive shaft, and the assembly distance value is detected by the detection end.

5. The assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixture also includes a signal generating unit. The detection unit and the signal generating unit are located on opposite sides of the mounting unit along the axial direction. The signal generating unit is connected to the mounting unit. The detection end is a pin. The detection end integrates a pressure sensor. The detection end is electrically connected to the signal generating unit. The pressure sensor is used to send an electrical signal to the signal generating unit when subjected to pressure in a preset direction.

6. The assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixture also includes a signal generating unit. The detection unit and the signal generating unit are located on opposite sides of the mounting unit along the axial direction. The signal generating unit is connected to the mounting unit. The detection end integrates a laser rangefinder. The detection end is electrically connected to the signal generating unit. The laser rangefinder is used to send an electrical signal to the signal generating unit when it detects that the assembly distance value is equal to the theoretical distance value.

7. The assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The signal generating unit includes at least one of a buzzer, a display, and a vibration motor.

8. The assembly method of the drive shaft and hub bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting part is a cylindrical structure, and its side surface is provided with at least one color strip coated with a specific color. The assembly distance value is detected using the inspection tool, including: During the process of moving the drive shaft axially toward the hub bearing, the relative positional relationship between the color strip and the inner wall of the connecting through hole is observed to determine whether the assembly distance value is equal to the theoretical distance value.

9. A drive system comprising a drive shaft and a hub bearing, characterized in that, The drive shaft and hub bearing are assembled using the assembly method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, comprising a drive system, characterized in that, The driving system is the driving system described in claim 9.

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