A steel leaf spring assembly equipment and process

Abstract

This invention discloses a steel leaf spring assembly equipment and process, relating to the field of assembly technology. It includes a moving mechanism with a symmetrically arranged lifting mechanism at its bottom, and a pressing device at the bottom of the lifting mechanism. The pressing device includes a lifting block located at the bottom of the moving mechanism, a lifting rod at the bottom of the lifting block, and a grooved pressing block at the bottom of the lifting rod. A driving mechanism is located at the top of one end of the pressing block, and a push head is located at the output end of the driving mechanism. A pressure head for pressing the steel leaf spring is located at the bottom of the push head. The pressure head can reciprocate vertically under the drive of the driving mechanism. A sensing device for controlling the travel of the pressure head is also located at the top of one end of the pressing block. The driving mechanism and the sensing device are both electrically connected to a controller. This novel assembly process can significantly reduce the stress on the rubber bushings during vehicle operation and improve their service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of assembly technology, specifically to a steel leaf spring assembly equipment and process. Background Technology

[0002] Rubber couplings are one of the main methods of connecting leaf springs to the vehicle frame. Existing technology leads to higher stress on the bushings connecting the leaf springs and the frame, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the rubber bushings. This is because vehicles are mostly unloaded, and the leaf spring's posture during vehicle operation differs from its position during assembly and fastening on the production line. This causes significant stress on the rubber bushings, thus reducing their lifespan.

[0003] To extend the service life of the bushing, the connecting pin bolts are usually tightened after the vehicle tires have hit the ground, thus ensuring that the bushing stress is minimized under no-load conditions.

[0004] However, this solution is difficult to implement due to limitations in the production line and vehicle structure. It also presents safety hazards, tightening difficulties, and uneven force on the tightened bolts during operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steel leaf spring assembly equipment and process. This new assembly process can significantly reduce the stress on the rubber bushings during vehicle operation and improve their service life.

[0006] The above-mentioned optimized structure of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a steel leaf spring assembly device, including a moving mechanism, a lifting mechanism symmetrically provided at the bottom of the moving mechanism, the lifting mechanism being movable on a plane, and a pressing device for pressing the steel leaf spring being provided at the bottom of the lifting mechanism, the pressing device being able to move vertically under the action of the lifting mechanism;

[0007] The pressing equipment includes a lifting block located at the bottom of the moving mechanism. The bottom of the lifting block is provided with a lifting rod, and the bottom of the lifting rod is provided with a grooved pressing block. A driving mechanism is provided at the top of one end of the pressing block. A push head is provided at the output end of the driving mechanism. A pressure head is provided at the bottom of the push head to compress a steel leaf spring. The pressure head can reciprocate vertically under the drive of the driving mechanism. A sensing device for controlling the movement stroke of the pressure head is also provided at the top of one end of the pressing block. The driving mechanism and the sensing device are both electrically connected to the controller.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sensing device includes a U-shaped fixing plate fixed to the top of one end of the pressing block, a stroke rod penetrating the top of the pressing block, a switch ring at the top of the stroke rod, and the bottom of the stroke rod being fixedly connected to the bottom of the push head via a connecting plate. The fixing plate is provided with a sensor that senses the switch ring, and the sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0009] In some embodiments, a protective cover is provided around the periphery of the fixing plate to protect the sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism includes a first I-beam and a second I-beam arranged laterally, with moving components symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the first I-beam and the second I-beam, and the lifting mechanism is provided at the bottom of the moving components.

[0011] In some embodiments, the moving component includes longitudinal rails vertically disposed at the bottom of the first I-beam and the second I-beam, two transverse rails vertically disposed at the bottom of the two longitudinal rails, the two transverse rails being slidably connected to the two longitudinal rails by four track trolleys, two connecting rods being disposed between the two transverse rails, and the lifting mechanism being disposed at the bottom of the transverse rails.

[0012] In some embodiments, an L-shaped support plate is provided between the two connecting rods, a first fixing component is fixed on the support plate, a second fixing component is provided on the top of the longitudinal rail near the support plate, and a drag chain is connected between the first fixing component and the second fixing component.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bottom of the two horizontal rails is provided with a horizontal plate, and the two ends of the horizontal plate are fixedly connected to the two ends of one of the horizontal rails with mounting plates. The bottom slide rail of the horizontal rail and the slide rail near the horizontal plate are provided with Z-shaped plates. The horizontal plate is provided with the first fixing component, and the Z-shaped plate is provided with the second fixing component. The drag chain is connected between the first fixing component and the second fixing component.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pressing block includes a first crossbar and a second crossbar arranged in parallel, a longitudinal bar fixed between the first crossbar and the second crossbar, and a pad provided on the side of the longitudinal bar near the first crossbar and the side of the first crossbar near the second crossbar.

[0015] In some embodiments, start / stop buttons are provided on both sides of the longitudinal bar, and an emergency stop button is provided on the side of the longitudinal bar away from the first crossbar.

[0016] An assembly process for a steel leaf spring assembly equipment includes the following steps;

[0017] Step 1: Use 3D analysis software to simulate and calculate the height L2 between the center of the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam of the frame when the vehicle is unloaded.

[0018] Step 2: Based on the installation position of the sensor set according to L2, control the descent height of the pressure head;

[0019] Step 3: After the leaf spring is connected to the frame, insert the front and rear pins and pre-tighten them. Use a pressing device to press the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam to the calculated height L2.

[0020] Step 4: Tighten the front and rear pins and measure the force according to the design requirements.

[0021] The above-described technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0022] 1. By using press-fitting equipment to simulate the unloaded state of vehicles on the production line, the stress on the bushings of the vehicles leaving the factory is made consistent with the stress on the bushings when the vehicles are unloaded, thereby improving the stress on the bushings and extending their service life.

[0023] 2. The assembly process provided by this invention adjusts the tightening process of connecting the leaf spring to the frame to before the frame flipping process, reducing the working time of the tightening process, improving the efficiency of the production line, and is ergonomically sound and highly operable.

[0024] 3. The assembly process provided by this invention can be used for various connection methods between leaf springs and vehicle frames, with wide applicability and strong interchangeability. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, 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 some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is the left view of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the pressing equipment and sensing device of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Moving mechanism; 11. First I-beam; 12. Second I-beam; 13. Longitudinal rail; 14. Transverse rail; 15. Rail trolley; 16. Connecting rod; 17. Support plate; 18. Cable chain; 19. Mounting plate; 2. Pressing equipment; 21. Lifting block; 22. Lifting rod; 23. Pressing block; 24. Drive mechanism; 25. Push head; 26. Press head; 3. Lifting mechanism; 4. Sensing device; 41. Fixed plate; 42. Travel rod; 43. Connecting plate; 44. Switch ring; 5. Controller; 6. Protective cover; 7. Pad plate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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 limitations on this invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] refer to Figure 1-6A leaf spring assembly device includes a moving mechanism 1, with a lifting mechanism 3 symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the moving mechanism 1. The lifting mechanism 3 can be a balance crane and can move on a plane. At the bottom of the lifting mechanism 3, there is a pressing device 2 for pressing the leaf spring, which can compress the leaf spring to deform it and adjust the distance between the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam to simulate the distance between the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam under the vehicle's unloaded state. The pressing device 2 can move vertically under the action of the lifting mechanism 3. Through the cooperation of the moving mechanism and the lifting mechanism 3, the pressing device 2 is moved to the pressing position on the vehicle to be pressed, thus simulating the vehicle's unloaded state.

[0038] The pressing equipment 2 includes a lifting block 21 located at the bottom of the moving mechanism 1. The bottom of the lifting block 21 is provided with a lifting rod 22, and the bottom of the lifting rod 22 is provided with a grooved pressing block 23. The pressing block 23 includes a first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar arranged in parallel. A longitudinal bar is fixed between the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar. A pad 7 is provided on the side of the longitudinal bar near the first horizontal bar and the side of the first horizontal bar near the second horizontal bar. This can prevent the frame from directly contacting the pressing equipment 2 during pressing, thereby protecting the frame. Start and stop buttons are provided on both sides of the longitudinal bar to facilitate the operation of the pressing equipment 2. An emergency stop button is provided on the side of the longitudinal bar away from the first horizontal bar to stop the operation in time in case of an emergency and prevent further accidents. A handrail is also provided on the longitudinal bar to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the pressing equipment 2 during pressing.

[0039] The top of one end of the pressing block 23 is equipped with a drive mechanism 24, which can be a hydraulic cylinder drive system to provide high-intensity pressure to meet the pressure requirements of the vehicle under no-load conditions. The drive mechanism 24 can be fixed on the first crossbar. The output end of the drive mechanism 24 is equipped with a push head 25, which can pass through the first crossbar. The bottom of the push head 25 is equipped with a pressure head 26 for compressing the leaf spring. The pressure head 26 can be a nylon pressure head, which can ensure the hardness of the pressure head while avoiding damage to the leaf spring. The pressure head 26 can reciprocate vertically under the drive of the drive mechanism 24, which can compress the leaf spring to deform it, so that the distance between the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam reaches the distance of the vehicle under no-load conditions, thereby simulating the vehicle under no-load conditions. The top of one end of the pressing block 23 is also equipped with a sensing device 4 for controlling the movement stroke of the pressure head 26. The drive mechanism 24 and the sensing device 4 are both electrically connected to the controller 5, which controls the rise, fall and movement distance of the pressure head 26.

[0040] The sensing device 4 includes a U-shaped fixing plate 41 fixed to the top of one end of the pressing block 23, and a stroke rod 42 penetrating the top of the pressing block 23. A switch ring 44 is provided at the top of the stroke rod 42, and the bottom of the stroke rod 42 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the push head 25 through a connecting plate 43, so that the movement distance of the push head 25 and the stroke rod 42 are the same. The descent height of the push head 25 is controlled by the stroke rod 42. The fixing plate 41 is provided with a sensor for sensing the switch ring 44. The sensor is electrically connected to the controller 5. When the sensor senses the switch ring 44, the sensor feeds back a signal to the controller 5. The controller 5 controls the output shaft of the drive mechanism 24 to stop descending, so that the pressing head 26 compresses the steel leaf spring to deform to the set position. A protective cover 6 for protecting the sensor is provided around the fixing plate 41. It can be groove-shaped or arc-shaped, which can protect the sensor during the pressing process.

[0041] The moving mechanism 1 includes a first I-beam 11 and a second I-beam 12 arranged horizontally. The bottom of the first I-beam 11 and the second I-beam 12 are symmetrically provided with moving components. The bottom of the moving components is provided with a lifting mechanism 3. The lifting mechanism 3 can move any point on the plane under the drive of the moving components.

[0042] The moving component includes longitudinal rails 13 vertically arranged at the bottom of the first I-beam 11 and the second I-beam 12. Two transverse rails 14 are vertically arranged at the bottom of the two longitudinal rails 13. The two transverse rails 14 and the two longitudinal rails 13 are slidably connected by four track trolleys 15. Each track trolley 15 includes an I-beam block that can move on the top track of the transverse rail 14. Rollers that roll on the bottom track of the longitudinal rails 13 are fixed on the top of the I-beam block. The two transverse rails 14 are moved on the two longitudinal rails 13 by the track trolleys 15. Two connecting rods 16 are arranged between the two transverse rails 14. A lifting mechanism 3 is provided at the bottom of the transverse rails 14. The movement of the transverse rails 14 on the longitudinal rails 13 can drive the lifting mechanism 3 to move relative to the longitudinal rails 13.

[0043] An L-shaped support plate 17 is provided between the two connecting rods 16. Triangular reinforcing plates are provided on both sides of the support plate 17 to improve the connection strength between the two side plates of the support plate 17, thereby improving the overall fixing strength of the support plate 17. A first fixing component is fixed on the support plate 17, and a second fixing component is provided at the top of the longitudinal rail 13 near the support plate 17. A drag chain 18 is connected between the first fixing component and the second fixing component, allowing passage.

[0044] The bottom of the two horizontal rails 14 is provided with a horizontal plate, which can be set on the outside of the two horizontal rails 14. The two ends of the horizontal plate are fixedly connected to the two ends of the horizontal rail 14 with mounting plates 19. The bottom slide rail of the horizontal rail 14 and the slide rail near the horizontal plate are provided with Z-shaped plates. The Z-shaped plates can slide simultaneously in the bottom slide rail of the horizontal rail 14 and the slide rail near the horizontal plate. Triangular plates can be provided between the two side plates of the Z-shaped plates to enhance the fixing strength of the Z-shaped plates. The horizontal plate is provided with a first fixing component, and the Z-shaped plate is provided with a second fixing component. The first fixing component and the second fixing component are connected by a drag chain 18.

[0045] An assembly process for a steel leaf spring assembly equipment includes the following steps;

[0046] Step 1: Use 3D analysis software to simulate and calculate the height L2 between the center of the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam of the frame when the vehicle is unloaded.

[0047] Step 2: Based on the L2 setting, determine the sensor's installation position and control the descent height of the pressure head 26;

[0048] Step 3: After the leaf spring is connected to the frame, insert the front and rear pins and pre-tighten them. Use a pressing device to press the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam to the calculated height L2.

[0049] Step 4: Tighten the front and rear pins and measure the force according to the design requirements.

[0050] In specific work, the free arc height H0 of the leaf spring under free placement is measured, the rear axle spring load mass and load are calculated, and the spring load mass of the leaf spring on one side is calculated. Through 3D software load simulation analysis, the unloaded free arc height H01 of the leaf spring under compression in the unloaded static state is calculated.

[0051] The difference in free arc height between the free state and the unloaded state of the leaf spring was calculated. △ H = H0 - H01, simulating the deformation and compression state of the leaf spring under no-load conditions. A specific point k1 on the frame and the center point of curvature of the leaf spring K2 are selected. Combined with the 3D model of the whole vehicle, the distance L1 between these two feature points is measured.

[0052] The distance between a specific point k1 on the frame and the center of curvature of the leaf spring K2 under simulated no-load conditions is L2 = L1 - ΔH.

[0053] According to the installation position of the sensor set according to L2, the descent height of the pressure head 26 is controlled; after the leaf spring is connected to the frame, the front and rear pins are inserted and pre-tightened, and the pressing equipment 2 is lowered to the predetermined height through the lifting mechanism 3. The pressing block 23 is moved to the pressing position between the vehicle longitudinal beam and the leaf spring through the moving mechanism 1, so that the second crossbar is attached to the pressing point at the bottom of the longitudinal beam. Press the controller 5, and the drive mechanism 24 starts to start. The push head 25 is pressed down through the output shaft. The pressure head 26 is pressed and deformed by the push head 25 until the sensor senses the switch ring 44. The sensor feeds back the signal to the controller 5. The controller 5 controls the drive mechanism 24 to stop moving, so that the distance between the leaf spring and the longitudinal beam is L2. Tighten the front and rear pins and measure the force according to the design requirements.

[0054] After pressing is completed, press the controller 5 to start the drive mechanism 24, which separates the pressing head 26 from the leaf spring. The pressing head 26 rises and resets, separating the pressing equipment from the frame. Under the combined action of the moving mechanism 1 and the lifting mechanism 3, the pressing equipment is reset to prepare for the next pressing.

[0055] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steel plate spring assembly process, the assembly equipment comprising a moving mechanism (1), which is symmetrically provided at the bottom with a lifting mechanism (3) capable of moving on a plane, and is provided at the bottom with a press-fitting equipment (2) capable of moving in the vertical direction under the action of the lifting mechanism (3) to press the steel plate spring; the press-fitting equipment (2) comprises a hoisting block (21) provided at the bottom of the moving mechanism (1), the hoisting block (21) is provided at the bottom with a hoisting rod (22), the hoisting rod (22) is provided at the bottom with a slot-shaped press-fitting block (23), one end of the press-fitting block (23) is provided at the top with a driving mechanism (24), the output end of the driving mechanism (24) is provided with a push head (25), the push head (25) is provided at the bottom with a pressure head (26) for pressing the steel plate spring, the pressure head (26) is capable of reciprocating in the vertical direction under the drive of the driving mechanism (24), and the press-fitting block (23) is further provided at one end of the top with a sensing device (4) for controlling the moving stroke of the pressure head (26), and the driving mechanism (24) and the sensing device (4) are electrically connected with a controller (5); the sensing device (4) comprises a U-shaped fixed plate (41) fixed at one end of the top of the press-fitting block (23) and a stroke rod (42) penetrating through the top of the press-fitting block (23), the stroke rod (42) is provided at the top with a switch ring (44), the stroke rod (42) is fixedly connected at the bottom with the bottom of the push head (25) through a connecting plate (43), and the fixed plate (41) is provided with a sensor for sensing the switch ring (44), and the sensor is electrically connected with the controller (5); characterized in that comprising the following steps; Step one: through 3D analysis software data simulation calculation, the height L2 between the center of the steel plate spring and the longitudinal beam of the vehicle frame under the empty state of the vehicle is obtained; Step two: according to L2, the installation position of the sensor is set, and the descending height of the pressure head (26) is controlled; Step three: after the steel plate spring is connected with the vehicle frame, the front and rear pin shafts are inserted and pre-tightened, and the press-fitting equipment (2) is used to press the distance between the steel plate spring and the longitudinal beam to the calculated height L2; Step four: tighten the front and rear pin shafts and measure the force according to the design requirements; In specific work, the free arc height H0 of the steel plate spring under free placement is measured, the rear axle spring load mass and load are calculated, the spring load mass of the single-sided steel plate spring is calculated, the free arc height H01 of the steel plate spring under the load compression in the empty and static state is calculated through 3D software load simulation analysis, the free arc height difference △H between the free state and the empty state of the steel plate spring is calculated, the deformation compression state of the steel plate spring under the empty state is simulated, a specific point k1 of the vehicle frame and a curvature center point K2 of the steel plate spring are selected, and the distance L1 between the two characteristic points is measured in combination with the 3D digital model of the vehicle; the distance L2 between the specific point k1 of the vehicle frame and the curvature center point K2 of the steel plate spring under the empty state is simulated as L2=L1-△H. ​ According to the installation position of the inductor, the control of the pressure head (26) is lowered; after the steel plate spring is connected with the frame, the front and rear pin shafts are inserted and pre-tightened, the pressure equipment (2) is lowered to a predetermined height through the lifting mechanism (3), the pressure block (23) is moved to the pressure equipment position of the vehicle longitudinal beam and the steel plate spring through the moving mechanism (1), the second cross bar is attached to the longitudinal beam bottom pressure equipment point, the controller (5) is pressed, the driving mechanism (24) starts to start, the push head (25) is pressed downward through the output shaft, the pressure head (26) is pressed under the action of the push head (25) to deform the steel plate spring, until the inductor senses the switch ring (44), the inductor feeds back the signal to the controller (5), the controller (5) controls the driving mechanism (24) to stop moving, so that the distance between the steel plate spring and the longitudinal beam is L2, the front and rear pin shafts are tightened and the force is measured according to the design requirements.

2. A process for assembling a steel plate spring as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The fixed plate (41) is provided with a protective cover (6) for protecting the inductor.

3. A process for assembling a steel plate spring as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The moving mechanism (1) comprises a first I-shaped steel (11) and a second I-shaped steel (12) arranged transversely, and the bottom of the first I-shaped steel (11) and the second I-shaped steel (12) is symmetrically provided with a moving assembly, and the bottom of the moving assembly is provided with the lifting mechanism (3).

4. A process for assembling a steel plate spring as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The moving assembly comprises a longitudinal rail (13) vertically arranged at the bottom of the first I-shaped steel (11) and the second I-shaped steel (12), two transverse rails (14) vertically arranged at the bottom of the two longitudinal rails (13), four track pulleys (15) slidably connected between the two transverse rails (14) and the two longitudinal rails (13), two connecting rods (16) arranged between the two transverse rails (14), and the lifting mechanism (3) arranged at the bottom of the transverse rail (14).

5. A leaf spring assembly process as claimed in claim 4, wherein: L-shaped support plates (17) are arranged between the two connecting rods (16), the first fixing assembly is fixed on the support plate (17), the second fixing assembly is arranged at the top of the longitudinal rail (13) close to the support plate (17), and the drag chain (18) is connected between the first fixing assembly and the second fixing assembly.

6. A leaf spring assembly process as claimed in claim 5, wherein: Two transverse plates are arranged at the bottom of the two transverse rails (14), mounting plates (19) are fixedly connected to the two ends of one of the two transverse rails (14) at the two ends of the transverse plate, Z-shaped plates are arranged in the sliding rails at the bottom of the transverse rail (14) and close to the sliding rail on one side of the transverse plate, the first fixing assembly is arranged on the transverse plate, the second fixing assembly is arranged on the Z-shaped plate, and the drag chain (18) is connected between the first fixing assembly and the second fixing assembly.

7. A process for assembling a steel plate spring as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The pressure block (23) comprises a first cross bar and a second cross bar arranged in parallel, a longitudinal rod is fixed between the first cross bar and the second cross bar, and a spacer plate (7) is arranged on one side of the longitudinal rod close to the first cross bar and one side of the first cross bar close to the second cross bar.

8. A leaf spring assembly process according to claim 7, wherein: Start-stop buttons are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal rod, and an emergency stop button is arranged on the side of the longitudinal rod away from the first cross bar.

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