Tie rod assembly tightening device

Abstract

This invention discloses a tie rod assembly tightening device, relating to the field of vehicle engineering technology. In the tie rod assembly tightening device, a drive rotation mechanism is connected to the output end of a lateral drive mounting mechanism, and a tie rod assembly positioning mechanism is connected to the output end of the drive rotation mechanism. The tie rod assembly positioning mechanism includes a hollow mounting rotation body, an outer tie rod control cylinder fixed within the mounting rotation body, and an inner tie rod control sleeve fixed to the mounting rotation body. The mounting rotation body is fixed to the output end of the drive rotation mechanism. The inner tie rod control sleeve is used to hold and position the inner tie rod in the tie rod assembly, and the outer tie rod control cylinder is used to hold and position the outer tie rod assembled with the inner tie rod in the tie rod assembly. After the inner and outer tie rods are assembled and integrally installed on the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism, the inner tie rod can be automatically tightened to the steering gear body on the vehicle under the drive of the lateral drive mounting mechanism and the drive rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for manual assembly of the inner tie rod and reducing manual labor intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle engineering technology, and in particular to a tie rod assembly tightening device. Background Technology

[0002] In the traditional assembly process of automobile steering systems, the inner tie rod is assembled on the steering system body manually, and then the outer tie rod is tightened manually. This manual operation is labor-intensive.

[0003] Therefore, how to reduce the intensity of manual operation during the assembly of tie rod assemblies is a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a tie rod assembly tightening device that can reduce the intensity of manual operation during the assembly of tie rod assemblies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A tie rod assembly tightening device includes a lateral movement drive mounting mechanism, a drive rotation mechanism, and a tie rod assembly positioning mechanism. The drive rotation mechanism is connected to the output end of the lateral movement drive mounting mechanism, and the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism is connected to the output end of the drive rotation mechanism. The tie rod assembly positioning mechanism includes a hollow mounting and rotating body, an outer tie rod control cylinder fixed inside the mounting and rotating body, and an inner tie rod control sleeve fixed to one end of the mounting and rotating body in the lateral direction. The other end of the mounting and rotating body in the lateral direction is fixed to the output end of the drive rotation mechanism. The inner tie rod control sleeve is used to fit and position the inner tie rod in the tie rod assembly, and the outer tie rod control cylinder is used to fit and position the outer tie rod assembled with the inner tie rod in the tie rod assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the side of the mounting rotating body is provided with a main body external pull rod ejection hole communicating with the interior of the mounting rotating body, and the side of the inner pull rod control sleeve is provided with a sleeve external pull rod ejection hole communicating with the interior of the inner pull rod control sleeve. The sleeve external pull rod ejection hole and the main body external pull rod ejection hole are opposite to and communicate with each other in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. The two ends of the sleeve external pull rod ejection hole are provided through in the transverse direction, and the end of the main body external pull rod ejection hole away from the driving rotating mechanism is provided through in the transverse direction.

[0008] Preferably, the inner pull rod control sleeve is inserted laterally into the mounting rotating body; the mounting rotating body is provided with an elastic inner pull rod limiting plunger, which is inserted into the inner pull rod control sleeve in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction to laterally position the inner pull rod control sleeve on the mounting rotating body.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes a tightening process buffer mechanism; the drive rotation mechanism is connected to the transverse drive mounting mechanism through the tightening process buffer mechanism, and the tightening process buffer mechanism can provide buffering in the transverse direction.

[0010] Preferably, the tightening process buffer mechanism includes a buffer connecting plate, a guide structure, a lateral movement connector, and an elastic element; the guide structure is laterally connected to the buffer connecting plate, the buffer connecting plate is connected to the drive rotation mechanism, and the lateral movement connector is connected to the output end of the lateral movement drive mounting mechanism; the elastic element is supported between the lateral movement connector and the buffer connecting plate to provide lateral elasticity.

[0011] Preferably, the guide structure includes a buffer guide shaft, a first connecting plate, and a second connecting plate; the middle part of the buffer guide shaft is laterally connected to the buffer connecting plate, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are located on both sides of the buffer connecting plate in the lateral direction and are both fixed to the buffer guide shaft, the elastic element is disposed between the second connecting plate and the buffer connecting plate, and the lateral movement connector is connected to the second connecting plate.

[0012] Preferably, the lateral drive mounting mechanism includes a limiting seat; the first connecting plate is connected to a buffer, and the limiting seat, the buffer, the first connecting plate, and the second connecting plate are arranged in sequence along the lateral direction. When the guide structure approaches the limiting seat in the lateral direction, it can move at most until the buffer abuts against the limiting seat.

[0013] Preferably, the guide structure or the buffer connecting plate is connected to a displacement sensor to detect lateral displacement.

[0014] Preferably, the drive rotation mechanism includes a rotary mounting housing, a drive shaft mounting base, a rotary shaft, a drive shaft, and a transmission mechanism; the rotary mounting housing is fixedly disposed on one side of the drive shaft mounting base, the rotary shaft is rotatably connected to the rotary mounting housing, the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the drive shaft mounting base, the drive shaft can drive the rotary shaft to rotate through the transmission mechanism, and the rotary shaft is fixedly connected to the mounting rotation body to drive the mounting rotation body to rotate.

[0015] Preferably, the transverse drive mounting mechanism includes a slide rail, a transverse guide shaft, a transverse driver, and a transition connecting plate; the drive rotation mechanism is transversely connected to the slide rail, the output end of the transverse driver is connected to the transition connecting plate, the transition connecting plate is transversely sleeved on the transverse guide shaft, and the transition connecting plate constitutes the output end of the transverse drive mounting mechanism.

[0016] The pull rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention includes a transverse drive mounting mechanism, a drive rotation mechanism, and a pull rod assembly positioning mechanism. The drive rotation mechanism is connected to the output end of the transverse drive mounting mechanism, and the pull rod assembly positioning mechanism is connected to the output end of the drive rotation mechanism. The pull rod assembly positioning mechanism includes a hollow mounting rotation body, an outer pull rod control cylinder fixed inside the mounting rotation body, and an inner pull rod control sleeve fixed to one end of the mounting rotation body in the transverse direction. The other end of the mounting rotation body in the transverse direction is fixed to the output end of the drive rotation mechanism. The inner pull rod control sleeve is used to fit and position the inner pull rod in the pull rod assembly, and the outer pull rod control cylinder is used to fit and position the outer pull rod assembled with the inner pull rod in the pull rod assembly.

[0017] The beneficial effects of using this tie rod assembly tightening device are as follows: After the inner tie rod and outer tie rod are assembled and integrally installed on the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism, the inner tie rod can be automatically tightened onto the vehicle steering gear body under the drive of the lateral drive installation mechanism and the drive rotation mechanism. There is no need to manually install the inner tie rod onto the vehicle steering gear body, realizing the automated tightening of the inner tie rod on the vehicle, which can improve assembly efficiency and reduce the intensity of manual operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention, in which the left and right directions correspond to the horizontal direction.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism in a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 The structural diagram of the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism in a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention is a cross-sectional view after the tie rod assembly is assembled.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a tie rod assembly applicable to a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the tightening process buffer mechanism of a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6A top view of the tightening process buffer mechanism of a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 A structural diagram of the drive rotation mechanism of a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the drive rotation mechanism of a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 A structural diagram of the transverse drive mounting mechanism of a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a front view of the drive rotation mechanism of a specific embodiment of the tie rod assembly tightening device provided by the present invention.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] The transverse drive mounting mechanism 1 includes a positioning base plate 101, a mounting plate 102, a slide rail 103, a limit fixing plate 104, a limit seat 105, a driver mounting seat 106, a transverse drive 107, a guide shaft mounting block 108, a transverse guide shaft 109, and a transition connecting plate 110.

[0031] Drive rotation mechanism 2, mounting base plate 201, rotating mounting box 202, drive shaft mounting seat 203, bearing 204, rotating shaft 205, bearing positioning flange 206, transmission gear 207, drive shaft 208, drive flange seat 209, displacement sensor 210.

[0032] Tightening process buffer mechanism 3, buffer connecting plate 301, linear bearing 302, buffer guide shaft 303, second connecting plate 304, first connecting plate 305, floating connector 306, buffer 307, elastic element 308, irregular connecting plate 309, transverse part connector 310, guide structure 311;

[0033] Tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4, mounting rotating body 401, outer tie rod control cylinder 402, positioning flange 403, inner tie rod positioning block 404, inner tie rod limiting block 405, inner tie rod limiting plunger 406, outer tie rod ejection hole of the main body 407, outer tie rod ejection hole of the sleeve 408, inner tie rod control sleeve 409;

[0034] Tie rod assembly 5, inner tie rod 501, outer tie rod 502. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] The core of this invention is to provide a tie rod assembly tightening device, which can reduce the intensity of manual operation during the assembly of tie rod assemblies.

[0037] The tie rod assembly tightening device provided by this invention is a non-standard device. In Embodiment 1, it is applied to the tie rod assembly assembly stage in automotive steering gear assembly, and can achieve the tightening of tie rod assembly 5 as shown in the figure. Figure 4 The outer tie rod 502 and inner tie rod 501, which are assembled as a single unit, are screwed into the steering gear body of the automobile. Of course, in other embodiments, this method can also be applied to the assembly of tie rod assemblies for other vehicle types that use the inner tie rod 501 screwing method.

[0038] In Example 1, please refer to Figures 1 to 10 The tie rod assembly tightening device includes a transverse drive mounting mechanism 1, a drive rotation mechanism 2, and a tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4.

[0039] It should be noted that, for ease of description, the linear movement direction of the output end of the transverse drive mounting mechanism 1 is transverse, and should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Accordingly, transverse movement means movement along the transverse direction.

[0040] The drive rotation mechanism 2 is connected to the output end of the transverse drive mounting mechanism 1, and the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 is connected to the output end of the drive rotation mechanism 2, so that the transverse drive mounting mechanism 1 can drive the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 and the drive rotation mechanism 2 to move laterally, and the drive rotation mechanism 2 can drive the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 to rotate.

[0041] The tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 includes a mounting rotating body 401, an outer tie rod control cylinder 402, and an inner tie rod control sleeve 409. The inner tie rod control sleeve 409 is used to hold and position the inner tie rod 501 in the tie rod assembly 5, and the outer tie rod control cylinder 402 is used to hold and position the outer tie rod 502 assembled on the inner tie rod 501 in the tie rod assembly 5.

[0042] The mounting and rotating body 401 has a hollow structure and can be manufactured by integral welding or component assembly. Specifically, the mounting and rotating body 401 has one end connected to the inner tie rod control sleeve 409 in the transverse direction, which is arranged horizontally through the body.

[0043] The outer tie rod control sleeve 402 is fixed inside the mounting rotating body 401, specifically, it can be installed inside the mounting rotating body 401 near one end of the drive rotating mechanism 2. The inner tie rod control sleeve 409 is fixed to one end of the mounting rotating body 401 in the lateral direction. The other end of the mounting rotating body 401 in the lateral direction is fixed to the output end of the drive rotating mechanism 2. Specifically, the rotation centers of the mounting rotating body 401 and the output end of the drive rotating mechanism 2 are the same. The drive rotating mechanism 2 can drive the mounting rotating body 401 to rotate around its rotation center. After the mounting rotating body 401 is equipped with the tie rod assembly 5, the rotation center of the mounting rotating body 401 can be consistent with the rotation center of the threaded structure of the inner tie rod 501 that connects to the vehicle steering gear body.

[0044] In application, the inner tie rod 501 and outer tie rod 502, which are assembled as a single unit in the tie rod assembly 5, are installed on the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4. The outer tie rod control sleeve 402 limits the outer tie rod 502, and the inner tie rod control sleeve 409 limits the inner tie rod 501, so that the tie rod assembly 5 can move synchronously with the output end of the drive rotation mechanism 2. The lateral movement drive mounting mechanism 1 drives the drive rotation mechanism 2, the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4, and the tie rod assembly 5 to move laterally toward the preset connection structure in the vehicle. After moving to the set position, the drive rotation mechanism 2 is activated, causing the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 and its upper tie rod assembly 5 to rotate, so that the inner tie rod 501 can be threadedly connected to the preset connection structure in the vehicle steering gear body.

[0045] As can be seen, by using this tie rod assembly tightening device, after the inner tie rod 501 and outer tie rod 502 are assembled and integrally installed on the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4, the inner tie rod 501 can be automatically tightened to the vehicle steering gear body under the drive of the transverse drive installation mechanism 1 and the drive rotation mechanism 2. There is no need to manually install the inner tie rod 501 onto the vehicle steering gear body, realizing the automated tightening of the inner tie rod 501 on the vehicle, which can improve assembly efficiency and reduce the intensity of manual operation.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4, a main body external tie rod ejection hole 407 communicating with the interior of the main body 401 is provided through the side of the mounting rotating body 401, and a sleeve external tie rod ejection hole 408 communicating with the interior of the inner tie rod control sleeve 409 is provided through the side of the inner tie rod control sleeve 409. The sleeve external tie rod ejection hole 408 and the main body external tie rod ejection hole 407 are opposite to and communicate with each other in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. The sleeve external tie rod ejection hole 408 is provided through at both ends in the transverse direction, and the main body external tie rod ejection hole 407 is provided through at the end in the transverse direction away from the drive rotating mechanism 2.

[0047] After the tie rod assembly 5 is tightened onto the vehicle steering gear body, the lateral drive mounting mechanism 1 moves in the opposite direction. The protruding structure on the side of the outer tie rod 502 can be laterally disengaged from the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 through the channel formed by the outer tie rod ejection hole 408 of the sleeve and the outer tie rod ejection hole 407 of the main body. This allows the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 to be easily separated from the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 by lateral movement to eject the material, thus realizing automatic ejection of the tie rod assembly 5 after tightening.

[0048] Furthermore, the inner pull rod control sleeve 409 is laterally inserted into one end of the mounting rotating body 401 to position the inner pull rod control sleeve 409 perpendicular to the lateral direction. The mounting rotating body 401 is provided with a resilient inner pull rod limiting plunger 406, which engages with the inner pull rod control sleeve 409 in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction to laterally position the inner pull rod control sleeve 409 to the mounting rotating body 401. Specifically, the inner pull rod limiting plunger 406 has a spring structure inside. Compared to directly fixing the inner pull rod control sleeve 409 to the mounting rotating body 401 by welding or other methods, the method of positioning with a resilient inner pull rod limiting plunger 406 is more convenient for assembly.

[0049] Specifically, the inner tie rod control sleeve 409 includes an inner tie rod positioning block 404 and an inner tie rod limiting block 405 fixedly connected to each other. The inner tie rod positioning block 404 and the inner tie rod limiting block 405 are arranged in a transverse direction along the direction close to the outer tie rod control cylinder 402. The groove or through hole size in the inner tie rod positioning block 404 and the inner tie rod limiting block 405 can be different to adapt to the shape of different positions on the inner tie rod 501, so as to reliably position the inner tie rod 501 after it is sleeved.

[0050] Additionally, a positioning flange 403 is fixedly mounted on the end face of the rotating body 401, which is laterally away from the driving rotating mechanism 2. Both the rotating body 401 and the positioning flange 403 can be positioned using a stop. A tie rod control sleeve 409 can be connected to the positioning flange 403. Specifically, an inner tie rod limiting plunger 406 is mounted on the positioning flange 403. An inner tie rod positioning block 404 and an inner tie rod limiting block 405 are screwed together as a single unit and then mounted on the positioning flange 403. The inner tie rod limiting plunger 406 limits and fixes the inner tie rod positioning block 404.

[0051] Of course, in other embodiments, the outer tie rod control cylinder 402, the inner tie rod control sleeve 409, and the mounting rotation body 401 can all be assembled from separate plates and fixed with screws. When the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 positions the tie rod assembly 5, the outer tie rod control cylinder 402, the inner tie rod control sleeve 409, and the mounting rotation body 401 in the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 are directly assembled around the tie rod assembly 5. When unloading, the outer tie rod control cylinder 402, the inner tie rod control sleeve 409, and the mounting rotation body 401 can be directly disassembled so that the tie rod assembly 5 is detached from the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the tightening device of the tie rod assembly also includes a tightening process buffer mechanism 3. The drive rotation mechanism 2 is connected to the transverse drive mounting mechanism 1 through the tightening process buffer mechanism 3, which can provide buffering in the lateral direction. The transverse drive mounting mechanism 1 drives the drive rotation mechanism 2 to move laterally through the tightening process buffer mechanism 3, which can improve the stability of the transverse movement of the drive rotation mechanism 2 and reduce the impact on the drive rotation mechanism 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the tightening process buffer mechanism 3 includes a buffer connecting plate 301, a guide structure 311, a lateral movement connector 310, and an elastic element 308. The guide structure 311 is laterally connected to the buffer connecting plate 301. The buffer connecting plate 301 is connected to the drive rotation mechanism 2, so that the drive rotation mechanism 2 can be laterally moved as a whole through the buffer connecting plate 301. The lateral movement connector 310 is connected to the output end of the lateral movement drive mounting mechanism 1. The elastic element 308 is supported between the lateral movement connector 310 and the buffer connecting plate 301 to provide lateral elasticity. After the lateral movement drive mounting mechanism 1 is started, the guide structure 311 is laterally moved through the lateral movement connector 310, and the elastic element 308 is pressed. The elastic element 308 laterally presses the buffer connecting plate 301 to move the buffer connecting plate 301 laterally, and the buffer connecting plate 301 drives the drive rotation mechanism 2 to move laterally as a whole.

[0054] The guide structure 311 ensures the elastic buffering direction of the tightening process buffer mechanism 3, ensuring that the tightening process buffer mechanism 3 can drive the drive rotation mechanism 2 to move laterally. Of course, in other embodiments, the tightening process buffer mechanism 3 can also be configured such that both ends are directly connected to the output end of the lateral movement drive mounting mechanism 1 and the buffer spring of the drive rotation mechanism 2.

[0055] Further, the guide structure 311 includes a buffer guide shaft 303, a first connecting plate 305, and a second connecting plate 304. The middle part of the buffer guide shaft 303 is laterally connected to the buffer connecting plate 301. The first connecting plate 305 and the second connecting plate 304 are located on both sides of the buffer connecting plate 301 in the lateral direction and are both fixed to the buffer guide shaft 303. An elastic element 308 is disposed between the second connecting plate 304 and the buffer connecting plate 301. Preferably, the elastic element 308 is a spring sleeved on the buffer guide shaft 303. The lateral movement connector 310 is connected to the second connecting plate 304. The lateral engagement and limiting of the first connecting plate 305 and the second connecting plate 304 can prevent the buffer guide shaft 303 from laterally disengaging from the buffer connecting plate 301.

[0056] Preferably, two buffer guide shafts 303 are provided, and a linear bearing 302 is installed in each of the two positioning holes of the buffer connecting plate 301. The two buffer guide shafts 303 are respectively connected to the holes of the two linear bearings 302. The two end faces of each buffer guide shaft 303 are respectively installed on the first connecting plate 305 and the second connecting plate 304. The two buffer guide shafts 303, the first connecting plate 305, and the second connecting plate 304 form a closed structure.

[0057] Furthermore, the lateral drive mounting mechanism 1 includes a limiting seat 105. A buffer 307 is connected to a first connecting plate 305. The limiting seat 105, buffer 307, first connecting plate 305, and second connecting plate 304 are arranged sequentially in the lateral direction. As the guide structure 311 approaches the limiting seat 105 in the lateral direction, it can move at most until the buffer 307 abuts against the limiting seat 105. Specifically, the buffer 307 and the limiting seat 105 limit each other in the lateral direction, in the direction in which the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 approaches the vehicle to tighten the inner tie rod 501, so as to avoid the inner tie rod 501 from excessively extending into the vehicle and causing impact damage. By using the buffer 307 and the limiting seat 105 to limit each other, excessive relative movement between components can be avoided, while also preventing impact damage between components.

[0058] Furthermore, the first connecting plate 305 is connected to the displacement sensor 210 to detect lateral displacement as needed. Specifically, the first connecting plate 305 is fixedly connected to the irregularly shaped connecting plate 309, which is connected to the measuring rod of the displacement sensor 210, enabling the detection of the position during the tightening process. With the help of the displacement sensor 210, the tightening position can be monitored, improving the stability of assembled products and the consistency of product performance.

[0059] Additionally, the lateral movement connector 310 includes a floating connector 306, which is mounted on the second connecting plate 304 and connected to the output end of the lateral movement drive mounting mechanism 1. Of course, in other embodiments, the displacement sensor 210 may also be connected to other structures in the guide structure 311 or to the buffer connecting plate 301.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the drive rotation mechanism 2 includes a rotary mounting housing 202, a drive shaft mounting base 203, a rotating shaft 205, a drive shaft 208, and a transmission mechanism.

[0061] A rotary mounting housing 202 is fixedly mounted on one side of a drive shaft mounting base 203. A rotary shaft 205 is rotatably connected to the rotary mounting housing 202. Preferably, three bearings 204 are mounted on the inner stepped holes of the rotary mounting housing 202, and the rotary shaft 205 is mounted on the inner holes of the bearings 204. Two bearing positioning flanges 206 are mounted on the two end faces of the rotary mounting housing 202 for positioning the bearings 204. A drive shaft 208 is rotatably connected to the drive shaft mounting base 203; specifically, the drive shaft 208 is mounted on the inner hole of the drive shaft mounting base 203.

[0062] The drive shaft 208 can be connected to a transmission mechanism to drive the rotating shaft 205 to rotate. The rotating shaft 205 is fixedly connected to the rotating body 401 to drive the rotating body 401 to rotate. The output end of the rotating mechanism 2 is the rotating shaft 205. Specifically, the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 can be positioned by a stop and oriented by a standard key to the rotating shaft 205 to follow its rotation. Specifically, the transmission mechanism includes two transmission gears 207 respectively connected to the rotating shaft 205 and the drive shaft 208. The rotating shaft 205 rotates under the drive of the drive shaft 208 through the transmission of the two transmission gears 207. Since the drive shaft 208 can drive the rotating shaft 205 through the transmission mechanism, the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 205 can be easily controlled depending on the selection of the transmission mechanism.

[0063] Additionally, the drive rotation mechanism 2 also includes a drive flange seat 209, which is separately mounted on the side of the drive shaft mounting base 203. The drive flange seat 209 is used to connect to an external drive rotation power source. Furthermore, both the rotation shaft 205 and the drive shaft 208 extend laterally and are arranged side-by-side perpendicular to the lateral direction, with their ends on the same lateral direction (…). Figure 8 The drive assembly consisting of the rotating shaft 205, the transmission mechanism, and the drive shaft 208 (located on the left side) is generally U-shaped. The input end of this drive assembly, which connects to the drive source, and the output end, which connects to the load, are both located on the same side of this drive assembly. Figure 8(Right side of the middle), at this time, the drive rotation mechanism 2 constitutes a folding drive rotation mechanism. Compared with the implementation where the rotation shaft 205 and drive shaft 208 are arranged in the horizontal direction, it can save the space occupied in the horizontal direction and make the equipment structure compact.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the transverse drive mounting mechanism 1 includes a slide rail 103, a transverse guide shaft 109, a transverse driver 107, and a transition connecting plate 110.

[0065] The drive rotation mechanism 2 is laterally connected to the slide rail 103. Specifically, the main body of the drive rotation mechanism 2 includes a rotary mounting housing 202, a drive shaft mounting base 203, and a mounting base plate 201 fixed to the rotary mounting housing 202. The mounting base plate 201 is slidably connected to the slide rail 103, and the output end of the drive rotation mechanism 2 can rotate relative to its main body. In addition, the buffer connecting plate 301 in the tightening process buffer mechanism 3 can be set as an L-shaped plate, with its structure on one side of the bend fixedly connected to the mounting base plate 201, and the other side used to connect to the buffer guide shaft 303.

[0066] The output end of the transverse drive 107 is connected to the transition connecting plate 110. The transverse drive 107 can be a cylinder or a linear motor. The transition connecting plate 110 is transversely sleeved on the transverse guide shaft 109, and the transition connecting plate 110 constitutes the output end of the transverse drive mounting mechanism 1.

[0067] Based on the lateral guiding effect of the transverse guide shaft 109 on the transition connecting plate 110 and the lateral guiding effect of the slide rail 103 on the drive rotation mechanism 2, the stable transverse movement of the drive rotation mechanism 2 can be ensured.

[0068] In addition, the transverse drive mounting mechanism 1 also includes a positioning base plate 101, a limiting fixing plate 104, guide shaft mounting blocks 108, and mounting uprights 102. Two mounting uprights 102 are fixed above the positioning base plate 101, and two slide rails 103 are respectively mounted on the top of the two mounting uprights 102. The limiting fixing plate 104 is mounted on the transverse end face of the two mounting uprights 102, a limiting seat 105 is mounted on the limiting fixing plate 104, a driver mounting seat 106 is mounted below the positioning base plate 101, and a transverse drive 107 is mounted on the driver mounting seat 106. Four guide shaft mounting blocks 108 are fixed below the positioning base plate 101, and one transverse guide shaft 109 is fixed between every two guide shaft mounting blocks 108. The lower end of the transition connecting plate 110 is connected to the transverse drive 107. There are two holes on the transition connecting plate 110 that cooperate with the transverse guide shaft 109 to be limited to lateral movement. Under the drive of the transverse drive 107, the transition connecting plate 110 can move on the transverse guide shaft 109.

[0069] The tie rod assembly tightening device in this embodiment is used for the fully automatic tie rod assembly tightening process in automotive steering gear assembly. It includes a lateral drive mounting mechanism 1, a drive rotation mechanism 2, a tightening process buffer mechanism 3, and a tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4. The drive rotation mechanism 2 is mounted on the lateral drive mounting mechanism 1; the tightening process buffer mechanism 3 is mounted on the bottom surface of the drive rotation mechanism 2 and is connected to the transition connecting plate 110 on the lateral drive mounting mechanism 1 via a floating connector 306; the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 is mounted on the drive rotation mechanism 2 and can rotate with the rotation shaft 205 to ensure that the rotation center is consistent.

[0070] The working principle of the tie rod assembly tightening device includes: the tie rod assembly 5 can be manually installed into the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4. After manual loading, the operator's hand can be removed from the workpiece. Then, the lateral movement driver 107 is activated, driving the tightening process buffer mechanism 3 to move laterally. The driving force is transmitted to the drive rotation mechanism 2 through the spring inside the tightening process buffer mechanism 3, enabling the drive rotation mechanism 2 to move closer to the inner tie rod 501 on the lateral movement drive mounting mechanism 1. After the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 automatically moves laterally to the set position, the drive rotation mechanism 2 is activated again, automatically rotating to tighten the tie rod assembly 5 onto the vehicle's steering gear body. Simultaneously, the displacement sensor automatically detects the displacement change during the tightening process. After tightening, the lateral movement driver 107 moves in the opposite direction, causing the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 to automatically retract to the set position.

[0071] The tie rod assembly tightening device in this embodiment can automatically tighten the tie rod assembly 5 into place with a single manual feeding. It monitors the displacement value during the tightening process and automatically disengages the tie rod assembly 5 from the tie rod assembly positioning mechanism 4 after tightening. This achieves automatic assembly of the steering gear tie rod portion, automatic detection of the tightening process position, and automatic unloading of the tie rod assembly 5 on the same machine. It realizes fully automated tightening of the tie rod assembly 5, facilitating manual operation and reducing the intensity of manual labor. It also improves the stability of product performance data and overcomes the defects of traditional assembly and tightening processes. The device features a novel structure and stable tightening assembly. While saving processes, it also ensures the assembly quality of the production.

[0072] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixing" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as "connecting" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple," "multiple roots," and "multiple groups" mean two or more.

[0073] The terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0074] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0075] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0076] The tightening device for the tie rod assembly provided by this invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A drag link assembly tightening device characterized by, It comprises a horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1), a driving rotation mechanism (2) and a pull rod assembly positioning mechanism (4), the driving rotation mechanism (2) is connected to the output end of the horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1), and the pull rod assembly positioning mechanism (4) is connected to the output end of the driving rotation mechanism (2); The pull rod assembly positioning mechanism (4) comprises a hollow installation rotation main body (401), an outer pull rod control cylinder (402) fixed in the installation rotation main body (401) and an inner pull rod control sleeve (409) fixed to one end of the installation rotation main body (401) in the transverse direction, the other end of the installation rotation main body (401) is fixed to the output end of the driving rotation mechanism (2), the inner pull rod control sleeve (409) is used for sleeving and positioning the inner pull rod (501) in the pull rod assembly (5), and the outer pull rod control cylinder (402) is used for sleeving and positioning the outer pull rod (502) in the pull rod assembly (5) and assembled to the inner pull rod (501); after the inner pull rod (501) and the outer pull rod (502) are assembled and integrally installed on the pull rod assembly positioning mechanism (4), the inner pull rod (501) can be automatically tightened to the vehicle steering gear main body under the driving of the horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1) and the driving rotation mechanism (2). The inner pull rod control sleeve (409) is inserted into the installation rotation main body (401) in the transverse direction, the installation rotation main body (401) is provided with an elastic inner pull rod limiting plunger (406), the inner pull rod limiting plunger (406) is clamped into the inner pull rod control sleeve (409) in the direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, so as to position the inner pull rod control sleeve (409) in the installation rotation main body (401) in the transverse direction, the inner pull rod control sleeve (409) comprises an inner pull rod positioning block (404) and an inner pull rod limiting block (405) which are fixedly connected and arranged in sequence along the transverse direction and close to the outer pull rod control cylinder (402), and the recesses or through holes in the inner pull rod positioning block (404) and the inner pull rod limiting block (405) are different in size and can be respectively matched with the shapes of different positions on the inner pull rod (501).

2. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 1, wherein, The side surface of the installation rotation main body (401) is provided with a main body outer pull rod material returning hole (407) which communicates with the inside of the installation rotation main body (401), the side surface of the inner pull rod control sleeve (409) is provided with a sleeve body outer pull rod material returning hole (408) which communicates with the inside of the inner pull rod control sleeve (409), the sleeve body outer pull rod material returning hole (408) is opposite to and communicates with the main body outer pull rod material returning hole (407) along the direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the sleeve body outer pull rod material returning hole (408) is provided with through holes at both ends in the transverse direction, and the main body outer pull rod material returning hole (407) is provided with a through hole at the end away from the driving rotation mechanism (2) in the transverse direction.

3. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tightening process buffering mechanism (3) is connected to the horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1) through the driving rotation mechanism (2), and can be buffered in the horizontal direction.

4. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 3, wherein, The tightening process buffering mechanism (3) comprises a buffering connecting plate (301), a guide structure (311), a horizontal movement part connecting piece (310) and an elastic piece (308). The guide structure (311) is connected to the buffering connecting plate (301) in the horizontal direction, the buffering connecting plate (301) is connected to the driving rotation mechanism (2), the horizontal movement part connecting piece (310) is connected to the output end of the horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1), and the elastic piece (308) is supported between the horizontal movement part connecting piece (310) and the buffering connecting plate (301) to provide horizontal elastic force.

5. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 4, wherein, The guide structure (311) comprises a buffering guide shaft (303), a first connecting plate (305) and a second connecting plate (304). The middle part of the buffering guide shaft (303) is connected to the buffering connecting plate (301) in the horizontal direction, the first connecting plate (305) and the second connecting plate (304) are arranged on both sides of the buffering connecting plate (301) in the horizontal direction and are fixed to the buffering guide shaft (303), the elastic piece (308) is arranged between the second connecting plate (304) and the buffering connecting plate (301), and the horizontal movement part connecting piece (310) is connected to the second connecting plate (304).

6. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 5, wherein, The horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1) comprises a limiting seat (105), the first connecting plate (305) is connected with a buffer (307), and the limiting seat (105), the buffer (307), the first connecting plate (305) and the second connecting plate (304) are arranged in the horizontal direction in sequence. In the process that the guide structure (311) moves in the horizontal direction and approaches the limiting seat (105), at most, the buffer (307) can abut against the limiting seat (105).

7. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 4, wherein, The guide structure (311) or the buffering connecting plate (301) is connected with a displacement sensor (210) to detect the horizontal displacement.

8. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The driving rotation mechanism (2) comprises a rotation installation box body (202), a driving shaft installation seat (203), a rotation shaft (205), a driving shaft (208) and a transmission mechanism. The rotation installation box body (202) is fixedly arranged on one side of the driving shaft installation seat (203), the rotation shaft (205) is rotationally connected to the rotation installation box body (202), the driving shaft (208) is rotationally connected to the driving shaft installation seat (203), the driving shaft (208) can drive the rotation shaft (205) to rotate through the transmission mechanism, and the rotation shaft (205) is fixedly connected to the installation rotation main body (401) to drive the installation rotation main body (401) to rotate.

9. The tie rod assembly tightening device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1) comprises a slide rail (103), a horizontal movement guide shaft (109), a horizontal movement driver (107) and a transition connecting plate (110); the driving rotation mechanism (2) is horizontally movably connected to the slide rail (103), an output end of the horizontal movement driver (107) is connected to the transition connecting plate (110), the transition connecting plate (110) is horizontally movably sleeved on the horizontal movement guide shaft (109), and the transition connecting plate (110) constitutes an output end of the horizontal movement driving installation mechanism (1).

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