Automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of connecting rod assembly automatic weighing grouping systems, including weighing platform, two lifting type weighing tables being arranged on weighing platform, two lifting tables being arranged on weighing platform and being located between two lifting type weighing tables, mechanical gripper being arranged on weighing platform and controller being electrically connected with lifting type weighing table, lifting table and mechanical gripper, two lifting type weighing tables are weighed once to connecting rod assembly after respectively to connecting rod assembly twice, and mechanical gripper is grouped to connecting rod assembly according to the result of first weighing and the result of second weighing.The connecting rod assembly automatic weighing grouping system disclosed in the present application can realize accurate grouping of connecting rod assembly based on total weight and heavy end weight, can make the consistency of total weight and total amount distribution of a group of connecting rod assemblies higher, to meet the operating conditions of internal combustion engine under high speed operating conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial automation technology, and in particular to an automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] The connecting rod assembly is one of the most important components in a car engine, transmitting the rotational motion of the crankshaft into linear reciprocating motion. Because the connecting rod assembly has an asymmetrical structure, the mass distribution at its large and small ends significantly affects its inertia. If the inertia of connecting rod assemblies within the same internal combustion engine differs considerably, it can lead to increased engine vibration, affecting engine lifespan, efficiency, and other performance indicators, and in severe cases, posing safety hazards.

[0003] The internal combustion engines in gasoline vehicles have a wide speed range, and the negative impact of connecting rod assemblies with unequal mass is still within a controllable range. However, for the internal combustion engines in hybrid vehicles (plug-in hybrids and hybrid electric vehicles), their operating mode has begun to evolve towards a narrow operating condition and a point operating condition. In both of these operating modes, the internal combustion engine is already running at high speed, which puts forward higher requirements for the connecting rod assembly.

[0004] Currently, connecting rod assemblies are mostly grouped by total mass, but this grouping method cannot further distinguish the mass of the large and small ends of the connecting rod assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies, which can accurately group connecting rod assemblies based on total weight and the weight of the large and small ends. This can improve the consistency of the total weight and total quantity distribution of a group of connecting rod assemblies, thus meeting the operating conditions of internal combustion engines under high-speed operation.

[0006] The above-mentioned objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides an automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies, comprising:

[0008] Weighing platform;

[0009] Both lifting weighing platforms are located on the weighing platform;

[0010] Two lifting platforms are located on the weighing platform and are situated between the two lifting weighing platforms;

[0011] A mechanical gripper, mounted on a weighing platform, is used to place both ends of the connecting rod assembly onto two lifting weighing platforms and to remove the connecting rod assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms; and

[0012] The controller connects to the lifting weighing platform, the hoisting platform, and the mechanical gripper.

[0013] Among them, the two lifting weighing platforms simultaneously weigh the connecting rod assembly once and then weigh the connecting rod assembly a second time respectively;

[0014] The mechanical gripper groups the connecting rod assembly based on the results of the first and second weighing.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the lifting weighing platform includes:

[0016] The lifting platform is located on the weighing platform;

[0017] The weighing device is installed on the lifting platform and electrically connected to the controller.

[0018] A limiting plate, hinged to the weighing device, is provided with a slot; and

[0019] The limit switch is located on the weighing device and is configured to limit the swing angle of the limit plate.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the lifting platform includes:

[0021] The reset sleeve is located on the weighing platform;

[0022] The lifting device is located on the weighing platform and inside the reset sleeve;

[0023] The tray is hinged to the lifting end of the elevator; and

[0024] An electromagnet is placed on the working surface of the tray.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the invention, the lifting platform has multiple installation positions on the weighing platform, and the minimum straight-line distance between different installation positions and the same lifting weighing platform is different.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the number of mechanical grippers is two;

[0027] The first mechanical gripper is used to place both ends of the connecting rod assembly onto two lifting weighing platforms respectively;

[0028] The second mechanical gripper is used to remove the linkage assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the mechanical gripper includes:

[0030] The first linear module is located on the weighing platform;

[0031] A second linear module is mounted on the first linear module, and the movement direction of the second linear module is perpendicular to the movement direction of the first linear module; and

[0032] The gripper is located on the second linear module.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the gripper includes:

[0034] The gripping platform is located on the second linear module;

[0035] Both guide pillars are located on the gripping platform;

[0036] Multiple telescopic components are evenly distributed in the first channel on the side of the guide post, and a guide slope is provided in the first channel on the side of the guide post.

[0037] The driving component is located on the guide post and is configured to drive the telescopic component to extend out from the first channel on the side of the guide post, and the telescopic component retracts back into the first channel on the side of the guide post by its own gravity.

[0038] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the driving element includes:

[0039] The drive cylinder is mounted on the guide post;

[0040] The sliding shaft has its first end connected to the piston of the drive cylinder, and its second end extending into the guide post.

[0041] The piston, located in the second channel inside the guide post and connected to the second end of the sliding shaft, is used to push the telescopic component out from the first channel on the side of the guide post.

[0042] In one possible implementation of the present invention, the gripping table includes a rotating assembly disposed on a second linear module and a gripping disk disposed on the rotating assembly;

[0043] Both guide posts are located on the gripping disk;

[0044] Based on the results of the first and second weighings, the rotating group removes the weighed connecting rod assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms and adjusts its angle. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a front view of an automatic weighing and grouping system provided by the present invention, with the mechanical gripper omitted from the figure.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a top view of an automatic weighing and grouping system provided by the present invention.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a connecting rod assembly provided by the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a single-step weighing method provided by the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a first and second weighing provided by the present invention.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a second weighing process provided by the present invention.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a lifting weighing platform provided by the present invention.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the shape of the slot on a limiting plate provided by the present invention.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of a lifting platform provided by the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of a mechanical gripper provided by the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of a gripper provided by the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of telescopic components on a guide column provided by the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13 This is a structural schematic diagram of a gripping platform with a rotating function provided by the present invention.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the control principle of a controller provided by the present invention.

[0059] In the diagram, 1 is the weighing platform, 2 is the lifting weighing platform, 4 is the lifting platform, 5 is the mechanical gripper, 6 is the controller, 21 is the lifting platform, 22 is the weighing device, 23 is the limit plate, 231 is the slot, 24 is the limit, 41 is the reset sleeve, 42 is the lifting device, 43 is the pallet, 44 is the electromagnet, 51 is the first linear module, 52 is the second linear module, 53 is the gripper, 531 is the gripping platform, 532 is the guide column, 533 is the telescopic component, 534 is the driving component, 5311 is the rotating group, 5312 is the gripping disc, 5341 is the driving cylinder, 5342 is the sliding shaft, and 5343 is the piston. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] This invention discloses an automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies, mainly composed of a weighing platform 1, a lifting weighing platform 2, a hoisting platform 4, a mechanical gripper 5, and a controller 6, etc. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2The weighing platform 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, and there are two lifting weighing platforms 2, which are fixedly installed on the weighing platform 1.

[0062] There are also two lifting platforms 4, both of which are fixed on the weighing platform 1 and located between the two lifting weighing platforms 2.

[0063] The mechanical gripper 5 is mounted on the weighing platform 1 and is used to place both ends of the connecting rod assembly on the two lifting weighing platforms 2 respectively and to remove the connecting rod assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms 2.

[0064] The controller 6 is electrically connected to the lifting weighing platform 2, the lifting platform 4, and the mechanical gripper 5. It is used to perform primary and secondary weighing of the connecting rod assembly and to group the connecting rod assemblies based on the results of these two weighings. The specific weighing process is as follows:

[0065] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The mechanical gripper 5 first grabs a connecting rod assembly and moves it above the two lifting weighing platforms 2. At this time, the lifting weighing platforms 2 rise and support the connecting rod assembly. Thus, the mechanical gripper 5 disengages from the connecting rod assembly.

[0066] Two lifting weighing platforms 2 simultaneously weigh the connecting rod assembly; this process constitutes one weighing operation.

[0067] After the first weighing is completed, a second weighing of the connecting rod assembly begins. During the second weighing, two lifting weighing platforms 2 weigh the connecting rod assembly separately. The specific process is as follows:

[0068] The first of the two lifting platforms 4 rises, supporting the connecting rod assembly. Then, the first of the two lifting weighing platforms 2 remains stationary, while the second lifting weighing platform 2 descends until it disengages from the connecting rod assembly.

[0069] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 At this point, the first lifting platform 4 continues to rise, causing the connecting rod assembly to tilt. The weight of the first lifting weighing platform 2 is recorded. This process is called secondary weighing. The weighing process of the second lifting weighing platform 2 is the same as the above process, and will not be described again here.

[0070] At this point, we will have three weights: M1, M2, and M3. M1 represents the total weight of the connecting rod assembly, M2 represents the weight of the larger end of the connecting rod assembly, and M3 represents the weight of the smaller end of the connecting rod assembly. The connecting rod assembly is grouped once using M1, and then grouped a second time using M2 and M3.

[0071] For example, the total weight range of the connecting rod assembly is grouped in 50g increments, such as 501g-550g, 551g-600g, and so on. This is the weight reference used for the first grouping. In the second grouping, for example, if the weight range of the large end and the weight range of the small end are both grouped in 10g increments, then taking the 501g-550g group as an example, it can be further subdivided into multiple groups.

[0072] The mechanical gripper 5 groups the connecting rod assembly based on the results of the first and second weighing. Specifically, after the two weighings are completed, the mechanical gripper 5 picks up the connecting rod assembly and places it in the subsequent process. For example, the mechanical gripper 5 can be manually grouped later; or a temporary inkjet printer can be deployed to spray grouping marks on the connecting rod assembly.

[0073] Please see Figure 7 The lifting weighing platform 2 consists of a lifting platform 21, a weighing device 22, a limiting plate 23, a slot 231, and a limit 24. The lifting platform 21 is mounted on the weighing platform 1 and can move vertically (raise and lower). The weighing device 22 is mounted on the lifting platform 21 and can rise and fall vertically. A limiting plate 23 is also hinged to the weighing device 22. The function of the limiting plate 23 is to contact the large or small end of the connecting rod assembly and swing as the connecting rod assembly tilts.

[0074] Please see Figure 8 The limiting plate 23 is provided with a slot 231, which can contact multiple sides of the connecting rod assembly, so that the relative position of the limiting plate 23 and the connecting rod assembly remains unchanged when the limiting plate 23 swings with the tilt of the connecting rod assembly.

[0075] The weighing device 22 is also provided with a limit 24. The function of the limit 24 is to limit the swing angle of the limit plate 23, so that the limit plate 23 can only swing within the required range. Specifically, the limit 24 can keep the limit plate 23 on the weighing device 22 horizontal, because the connecting rod assembly needs to be placed on the limit plate 23. When the limit plate 23 swings, the end away from the weighing device 22 can only swing away from the weighing platform 1.

[0076] After the connecting rod assembly disengages from the limiting plate 23, the limiting plate 23 resets under its own weight.

[0077] The weighing device 22 is electrically connected to the controller 6 and is used to send the measured data to the controller 6.

[0078] Please see Figure 9The lifting platform 4 is composed of a reset sleeve 41, a lifter 42, a tray 43 and an electromagnet 44. The reset sleeve 41 is fixed on the weighing platform 1. The lifter 42 is installed on the weighing platform 1 and located inside the reset sleeve 41. The lifting end of the lifter 42 can extend out from the reset sleeve 41 and retract into the reset sleeve 41.

[0079] A tray 43 is hinged to the lifting end of the lifting device 42. An electromagnet 44 is provided on the working surface of the tray 43. The function of the electromagnet 44 is to attract the connecting rod assembly so that the tray 43 can tilt synchronously when the connecting rod assembly tilts. It also prevents the connecting rod assembly and the tray 43 from moving relative to each other after they come into contact.

[0080] During the first weighing, the tray 43 is located inside the reset sleeve 41; during the second weighing, the two lifting weighing platforms 2 first descend to a position close to the reset sleeve 41. At this time, the lifting device 42 pushes the tray 43 out of the reset sleeve 41, and the electromagnet 44 is energized and attracted to the connecting rod assembly, and then the second weighing is performed.

[0081] The lifting platform 4 has multiple installation positions on the weighing platform 1. The minimum straight-line distance between different installation positions and the same lifting weighing platform 2 is different. This is mainly to accommodate different specifications of connecting rod assemblies. Because the mass of the big end and small end of different specifications of connecting rod assemblies is not the same, it is necessary to adjust the support position (the position of the lifting platform 4 on the weighing platform 1) to ensure that the connecting rod assembly can automatically tilt under its own weight when performing secondary weighing.

[0082] In some examples, the number of mechanical grippers 5 is two. The first mechanical gripper 5 is used to place the two ends of the connecting rod assembly on the two lifting weighing platforms 2 respectively, and the second mechanical gripper 5 is used to remove the connecting rod assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms 2.

[0083] The two mechanical grippers 5 can be seen as responsible for the first and second halves of the weighing process, respectively. This increases the weighing speed of the connecting rod assembly because the first and second halves of the weighing process can overlap in time. For example, the connecting rod assembly that has completed two weighings can be removed from the lifting weighing platform 2. After removal, the next connecting rod assembly that needs to be weighed can be placed on the lifting weighing platform 2.

[0084] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 10 The mechanical gripper 5 consists of a first linear module 51, a second linear module 52, and a gripper 53. The first linear module 51 is mounted on the weighing platform 1, and the second linear module 52 is mounted on the first linear module 51. The two linear modules move in perpendicular directions. Specifically, the first linear module 51 is responsible for moving in the horizontal direction, and the second linear module 52 is responsible for moving in the vertical direction.

[0085] The gripper 53 is mounted on the second linear module 52 and can move simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions under the influence of the first linear module 51 and the second linear module 52. (See also...) Figure 11 The gripper 53 consists of a gripping table 531, guide posts 532, telescopic components 533, and a driving component 534. Specifically, the gripping table 531 is installed on the second linear module 52. There are two guide posts 532, both of which are installed on the gripping table 531. The function of the guide posts 532 is to extend into the holes at both ends of the connecting rod assembly.

[0086] Each guide post 532 is equipped with multiple telescopic components 533, such as Figure 12 As shown, these telescopic components 533 are evenly arranged along the axis of the guide post 532 and are respectively located in the first channel on the side of the guide post 532. Furthermore, the first channel on the side of the guide post 532 is provided with a guide ramp, the function of which is to drive the telescopic components 533 to extend from the side of the guide post 532.

[0087] The driving component 534 is installed on the guide post 532. The function of the driving component 534 is to drive the telescopic component 533 to extend out from the first channel on the side of the guide post 532. The telescopic component 533 extending out from the first channel on the side of the guide post 532 retracts back into the first channel on the side of the guide post 532 by its own gravity.

[0088] Please see Figure 11 The drive component 534 consists of a drive cylinder 5341, a sliding shaft 5342, and a piston 5343. The drive cylinder 5341 is fixed on the guide post 532, and the piston 5343 is located in the second channel inside the guide post 532. The first end of the sliding shaft 5342 is connected to the piston of the drive cylinder 5341, and the second end extends into the guide post 532 and is connected to the second end of the sliding shaft 5342.

[0089] The drive cylinder 5341 can pull the piston 5343 to move via the slide shaft 5342. When the piston 5343 moves toward the drive cylinder 5341, it can apply a thrust to the telescopic member 533, causing a part of the telescopic member 533 to extend out from the first channel on the side of the guide post 532.

[0090] As mentioned earlier, the mechanical gripper 5 groups the linkage assembly based on the results of the first and second weighing. In addition to the two methods described above, different placement angles can also be used, as follows:

[0091] Please see Figure 13The gripping table 531 is divided into two parts: a rotating assembly 5311 installed on the second linear module 52 and a gripping disk 5312 installed on the rotating assembly 5311. The function of the rotating assembly 5311 is to drive the gripping disk 5312 to rotate on the horizontal plane.

[0092] Both guide columns 532 are mounted on the gripping plate 5312. The rotating group 5311 removes the weighed linkage assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms 2 and adjusts the angle based on the first and second weighing results.

[0093] The distance is explained as follows: with each step in 10°, a total of 36 positions can be provided, which means that 36 groups can be provided. The connecting rod assembly (the large and small ends also indicate the direction) is placed at the appropriate angle to correspond to different groups. In this way, only one conveyor belt needs to be arranged at the end of the weighing platform 1.

[0094] Please see Figure 14 The controller 6 mentioned earlier can be a variable constant logic controller, such as a PLC. The electrical components in the weighing platform 1 are the motor and the weighing device 22. The motor is electrically connected to a control terminal of the controller 6 through a control circuit, and the weighing device 22 is electrically connected to a signal input terminal of the controller 6 through a communication line. The electrical components in the lifting platform 4 and the mechanical gripper 5 are all motors or components with the same motor control principle. These electrical components are all electrically connected to a control terminal of the controller 6 through matching control circuits.

[0095] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies, characterized in that, include: Weighing platform (1); Two lifting weighing platforms (2) are both located on the weighing platform (1); Two lifting platforms (4) are set on the weighing platform (1) and are both located between two lifting weighing platforms (2); Mechanical gripper (5), located on weighing platform (1), is used to place the two ends of the connecting rod assembly on two lifting weighing platforms (2) respectively and to remove the connecting rod assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms (2); The controller (6) is electrically connected to the lifting weighing platform (2), the lifting platform (4), and the mechanical gripper (5); in, One weighing is performed on two lifting weighing platforms (2) simultaneously to weigh the connecting rod assembly; The secondary weighing is performed by two lifting weighing platforms (2) to weigh the connecting rod assembly respectively. The weighing process of one lifting weighing platform (2) to weigh the connecting rod assembly is as follows: the first lifting platform (4) of the two lifting platforms (4) is raised to support the connecting rod assembly. Then, the first lifting weighing platform (2) of the two lifting weighing platforms (2) remains stationary, and the second lifting weighing platform (2) is lowered until it is no longer in contact with the connecting rod assembly. The mechanical gripper (5) groups the connecting rod assembly according to the first and second weighing results.

2. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting weighing platform (2) includes: The lifting platform (21) is located on the weighing platform (1); The weighing device (22) is installed on the lifting platform (21) and electrically connected to the controller (6); A limiting plate (23) is hinged to the weighing device (22), and the limiting plate (23) is provided with a slot (231); and A limit (24) is provided on the weighing device (22), and the limit (24) is configured to limit the swing angle of the limit plate (23).

3. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting platform (4) includes: The reset sleeve (41) is located on the weighing platform (1); The lifting device (42) is located on the weighing platform (1) and inside the reset sleeve (41); The tray (43) is hinged to the lifting end of the lifter (42); and An electromagnet (44) is placed on the working surface of the tray (43).

4. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The lifting platform (4) has multiple installation positions on the weighing platform (1), and the minimum straight-line distance between different installation positions and the same lifting weighing platform (2) is different.

5. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of mechanical grippers (5) is two; The first mechanical gripper (5) is used to place the two ends of the connecting rod assembly on the two lifting weighing platforms (2); The second mechanical gripper (5) is used to remove the linkage assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms (2).

6. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The mechanical gripper (5) includes: The first linear module (51) is installed on the weighing platform (1); The second linear module (52) is mounted on the first linear module (51), and the movement direction of the second linear module (52) is perpendicular to the movement direction of the first linear module (51); and The gripper (53) is located on the second linear module (52).

7. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gripper (53) includes: The gripping stage (531) is located on the second linear module (52); Two guide posts (532) are both located on the gripping table (531); Multiple telescopic components (533) are evenly distributed in the first channel on the side of the guide post (532), and a guide slope is provided in the first channel on the side of the guide post (532); A drive member (534) is provided on a guide post (532). The drive member (534) is configured to drive a telescopic member (533) to extend out from the first channel on the side of the guide post (532). The telescopic member (533) retracts into the first channel on the side of the guide post (532) by its own gravity.

8. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive unit (534) includes: The drive cylinder (5341) is mounted on the guide post (532); The sliding shaft (5342) has its first end connected to the piston of the drive cylinder (5341), and its second end extending into the guide post (532); The piston (5343) is located in the second channel inside the guide post (532) and connected to the second end of the slide shaft (5342). The piston (5343) is used to push the telescopic member (533) out of the first channel on the side of the guide post (532).

9. The automatic weighing and grouping system for connecting rod assemblies according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The gripping table (531) includes a rotating assembly (5311) on the second linear module (52) and a gripping disk (5312) on the rotating assembly (5311). Both guide posts (532) are located on the gripping disk (5312); The rotating group (5311) removes the weighed connecting rod assembly from the two lifting weighing platforms (2) and adjusts the angle based on the first and second weighing results.

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