Spoke feeding device for drum brake hub

Abstract

The application provides a spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs, which can transport multiple inserts required for producing a spoke of a drum brake hub to a specified position and arrange the inserts according to a predetermined rule, so that a workpiece grabbing part can grab the inserts conveniently; the heating part can heat an iron ring for strengthening structural strength, so that the iron ring can expand due to heat and be easily put into a mold with a corresponding fitting structure; the workpiece grabbing part can grab multiple arranged inserts and iron rings at the same time and put the inserts and the iron ring together into a predetermined position of a spoke mold of a drum brake hub, so that automatic feeding and automatic production of spokes with an iron ring pre-embedded in the middle and inserts pre-embedded at each spoke end can be realized, multiple inserts and iron rings can be put into the mold at one time, the production efficiency is greatly improved, and the device is suitable for large-scale batch production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle parts manufacturing technology, and specifically relates to a wheel spoke feeding device for a drum brake wheel hub. Background Technology

[0002] In the existing technology, the drum brake hubs of electric vehicles and motorcycles are mostly made of aluminum alloy or steel. The former is made of one-piece casting, which is beautiful but expensive, and the edge part may lack strength; the latter is cheaper but has more complicated processes and is not beautiful due to the many welding points.

[0003] Therefore, to solve the problems mentioned above, a new manufacturing process for composite drum brake hubs has emerged. This process involves first preparing steel rims and aluminum alloy spokes separately, then welding them together to form a single drum brake hub. In this process, before casting the spokes, a steel ring for structural strength and several welding inserts are placed in a mold. The aluminum alloy spokes, with the steel ring embedded in the center and inserts embedded at the ends of each spoke, are then cast. The spokes are then welded to the rim using these inserts to form a single drum brake hub. If the steel ring and inserts are placed manually, the large number of parts results in slow speed and a high risk of errors, severely impacting production efficiency and yield. Furthermore, considerable pushing force is required to fit the steel ring into the mold, leading to high worker workload. Therefore, to efficiently and mass-produce drum brake hub spokes using this new process while reducing worker workload, a corresponding automated feeding device is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide an automatic feeding device capable of arranging and placing the iron rings and multiple inserts required for producing drum brake wheel hub spokes into a mold. The invention employs the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention provides a spoke feeding device for a drum brake wheel hub, characterized in that it includes: an insert conveying unit for conveying multiple inserts to a predetermined position and arranging them according to a predetermined rule; a ring feeding unit for providing rings; and a workpiece gripping unit for gripping multiple inserts and the rings, and placing the inserts and the rings into predetermined insert placement positions and ring placement positions in a mold, respectively. The insert conveying unit includes a positioning detection mechanism having multiple insert positioning sensors arranged according to the predetermined rule for detecting whether the multiple inserts gripped simultaneously by the workpiece gripping unit are arranged according to the predetermined rule.

[0006] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the iron ring feeding part includes: an iron ring temporary storage mechanism having at least one cylindrical storage unit, on which the iron ring is temporarily stored; an iron ring lifting mechanism disposed beside the storage unit for lifting the iron ring above the storage unit for gripping by the workpiece gripping part; and a high-frequency heating machine for heating the iron ring, wherein the insert conveying part includes a positioning detection mechanism having a plurality of insert positioning sensors arranged according to the predetermined rule for detecting whether the plurality of inserts gripped simultaneously by the workpiece gripping part are arranged according to the predetermined rule.

[0007] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features: the iron ring temporary storage mechanism has multiple storage units, a turntable and a turntable driving mechanism, the multiple storage units are arranged on the turntable and evenly distributed along the circumference of the turntable, and the iron ring lifting mechanism is arranged next to the turntable.

[0008] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the workpiece gripping part includes: a multi-axis robotic arm; an insert gripping mechanism disposed at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm for simultaneously gripping multiple inserts; and a metal ring gripping mechanism disposed at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm for gripping the metal ring.

[0009] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features: the end of the multi-axis robotic arm is provided with a bracket, the bracket has a bracket disc, the insert gripping mechanism and the iron ring gripping mechanism are disposed on the same surface of the bracket disc, the bracket disc has multiple guide holes in the middle, and the iron ring gripping mechanism includes: multiple gripping ends, which are movably fitted into the multiple guide holes for gripping the inner ring of the iron ring, thereby gripping the iron ring; and a driving mechanism for driving the gripping ends to extend and retract into the guide holes.

[0010] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features: the insert has an L-shaped cross-section and has a welding end and a fitting end that are perpendicular to each other; the insert gripping mechanism includes a plurality of insert grippers for gripping the insert; the plurality of insert grippers are arranged according to the predetermined rules; each insert gripper has a pair of movable clamps; the shape of the pair of clamps matches the welding end.

[0011] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the vibration conveying mechanism includes: a vibratory plate; a mounting platform disposed at the temporary storage position, the central part of which has a receiving groove, the shape of which matches the insert; a material channel, one end of which is close to the vibratory plate and the other end of which is connected to the mounting platform; and an insert limiting assembly disposed between the vibratory plate and the material channel, for picking and limiting the insert that arrives at the position.

[0012] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the cross-section of the insert is L-shaped, and the insert limiting assembly includes: a bracket, one end of which is connected to the output end of the vibratory feeder, and the other end of which is connected to the receiving end of the material channel; a stop bar, disposed on the bracket, for blocking the insert in a non-ideal state; and a guide rod, disposed on the bracket, for guiding the insert.

[0013] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features, wherein the bracket is attached to the side wall of the vibratory feeder, comprising: an open section, one end of which is connected to the output end, one side of which is the side wall of the vibratory feeder, and the other side is an open side; and a guide section, one end of which is connected to the open section, and the other end of which is connected to the material channel, one side of which is the side wall of the vibratory feeder, and the other side has a side baffle; the stop rod is obliquely disposed in the open section, with its end near the open side located downstream in the conveying direction; the insert has a mating end and a welding end that are perpendicular to each other, the extension length of the mating end is greater than the extension length of the welding end, the height of the stop rod is greater than the extension length of the welding end and less than the extension length of the mating end and less than the overall length of the insert; the guide rod extends from the open section to the guide section, and in the guide section, the extension direction of the guide rod is consistent with the extension direction of the guide section.

[0014] The spoke feeding device for drum brake hubs provided by the present invention may also have the following technical features: the insert has a mating end and a welding end that are perpendicular to each other; one end of the guide rod is located at the end of the open section near the output end and is attached to the side wall of the vibratory plate; in the open section, along the conveying direction of the insert, the guide rod gradually approaches the open side; in the guide section, the guide rod is close to the bottom surface and side baffle of the guide section; the distance between the guide rod and the bottom surface of the guide section is greater than the thickness of the mating end and less than the extension length of the welding end; the distance between the guide rod and the side baffle of the guide section is greater than the thickness of the welding end and less than the extension length of the mating end.

[0015] Invention Function and Effect

[0016] According to the present invention, the spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub has an insert conveying section, which can convey multiple inserts required for producing a spoke of a drum brake hub to a designated position and arrange these inserts according to a predetermined rule, thereby facilitating the gripping of the workpiece gripping section; it also has a ring feeding section, which can provide rings for strengthening the structure; and it has a workpiece gripping section, which can simultaneously grip multiple arranged inserts and rings and place the inserts and rings together at a predetermined position in the spoke mold of the drum brake hub, thereby enabling automated feeding and automatic production of spokes with rings pre-embedded in the middle and inserts pre-embedded at the ends of each spoke. Multiple inserts and rings can be placed into the mold at one time, greatly improving production efficiency and making it suitable for large-scale mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the spoke feeding device of the drum brake hub in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the spoke feeding device of the drum brake hub in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the insert conveying section in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the insert conveying unit in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the insert limiting component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the guide section and insert in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the workpiece gripping part in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 These are partial structural diagrams of the workpiece gripping part at different angles in embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the iron ring feeding part in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the iron ring feeding part in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the insert delivery process in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic feeding process in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the insert in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] Drum brake wheel hub spoke feeding device 100; insert conveying section 10; vibrating conveying mechanism 11; vibrating plate 111; output end 111a; material channel 112; placement platform 113; vibration indicator sensor 114; insert limiting assembly 115; bracket 1151; open section 1151a; guide section 1151b; stop bar 1152; guide rod 1153; pre-positioning mechanism 12; rotary table 121; insert placement station 122; rotation indicator sensor 124; positioning detection mechanism 13; frustum 131; insert positioning sensor 132; insert 14. Part transfer mechanism; 141. Insert gripper; 1411. Servo module; 142. Workpiece gripping part; 20. Multi-axis robotic arm; 21. Insert gripping mechanism; 22. Insert gripper; 221. Clamping plate; 2211. Clamping plate drive cylinder; 2212. Support; 24. Support plate body; 241. Iron ring feeding part; 30. Iron ring temporary storage mechanism; 311. Storage unit; 311. Turntable; 312. Iron ring lifting mechanism; 32. Gripping arm; 321. High frequency heating machine; 33. Heating end; 331. Insert; 40. Welding end; 42. Fitting end; 421. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of the present invention easy to understand, the following describes in detail the spoke feeding device of the drum brake hub of the present invention with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0033] <Example>

[0034] This embodiment provides a spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub, located next to a die-casting machine. It arranges the iron rings and multiple inserts needed for producing the spokes of the drum brake hub according to a predetermined rule, and simultaneously picks them up and places them into a mold in the die-casting machine. This produces spokes with an iron ring embedded in the center and inserts embedded at the ends of each spoke. These spokes are subsequently welded to a steel rim using these inserts. The structure of the inserts will be briefly described below.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the insert in this embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 13As shown, insert 40 is a metal part with an L-shaped cross-section. One side of the L-shape is a welding end 41 for welding to the rim, and the other side is a fitting end 42 for fitting into the spoke end of the wheel spoke. The extension length of the fitting end 42 is greater than the extension length of the welding end 41. Multiple through holes 421 are provided on the fitting end 42 to allow molten aluminum to flow through during the casting of the wheel spoke, so that after the molten aluminum solidifies, the fitting end 42 can be firmly fitted into the spoke end of the aluminum alloy wheel spoke. Inserts come in various specifications, with differences in size and shape, but all have an L-shaped cross-section.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the spoke feeding device of the drum brake hub in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the spoke feeding device of the drum brake hub in this embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the spoke feeding device 100 for a drum brake hub includes an insert conveying section 10, a workpiece gripping section 20, and a ring feeding section 30. The insert conveying section 10 is used to arrange multiple inserts required for producing one drum brake hub according to a predetermined rule and convey them to a designated position; the workpiece gripping section 20 is used to simultaneously grip the arranged inserts and the ring from the designated position and place the inserts and the ring together into a mold; the ring feeding section 30 is used to heat the ring, making it expand and easier to place into a mold with a corresponding structure.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the insert conveying unit in this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the insert conveying unit in this embodiment.

[0042] like Figure 3-4 As shown, the insert conveying unit 10 includes a vibration conveying mechanism 11, a pre-positioning mechanism 12, a positioning detection mechanism 13, and an insert transfer mechanism 14.

[0043] The vibrating conveyor mechanism 11 is used to arrange multiple disordered inserts 40 neatly and convey them to a predetermined position according to a predetermined orientation. The vibrating conveyor mechanism 11 includes a vibrating plate 111, a feed channel 112, a loading platform 113, a vibration indicator sensor 114, and an insert limiting assembly 115.

[0044] One end of the feed channel 112 is connected to the output end 111a of the vibratory feeder 111, and the other end is connected to the mounting platform 113. The cross-sectional shape of the feed channel 112 is the same as that of the output end 111a, that is, a square frame with an upward opening, and the width of the feed channel 112 matches the width of the insert 40. The feed channel 112 sequentially picks up each insert 40 from the vibratory feeder 111. Under the push of the subsequent output inserts 40 from the vibratory feeder 111, the inserts 40 move sequentially along the feed channel 112 to the mounting platform 113. Since the width of the feed channel 112 is only slightly wider than the width of the insert 40, the insert 40 is conveyed to the mounting platform 113 with a certain orientation under the limiting effect of the feed channel 112.

[0045] An insert limiting component 115 is provided between the output end 111a of the vibratory feeder 111 and the receiving end of the feed channel 112. This component is used to pick up and limit the output insert 40, ensuring that the insert 40 enters the feed channel 112 in an ideal state. Ideally, the overall length direction of the insert 40 is consistent with the extension direction of the feed channel 112, and the mating end 22 is horizontally located below, while the welding end 21 is vertical and faces the same side.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the insert limiting component in this embodiment.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the insert limiting assembly 115 includes a bracket 1151, a stop bar 1152, and a guide bar 1153.

[0048] One end of the bracket 1151 is connected to the output end 111a of the vibratory feeder 111, and the other end is connected to the receiving end of the material channel 112. The bracket 1151 is arc-shaped and fits against the side of the vibratory feeder 111.

[0049] The bracket 1151 includes an arc-shaped open section 1151a and a guide section 1151b. The open section 1151a is a support plate flush with the output end 111a. One side of its width direction is the side wall of the vibratory feeder 111, and the other side is the open side, meaning it is in the open state without a side baffle. A storage box for catching fallen inserts 40 is provided on the open side. The guide section 1151b has a side baffle on the side away from the vibratory feeder 111, which guides the inserts 40.

[0050] The stop bar 1152 is a thin, round metal rod, inclinedly positioned at the open section 1151a. Its end furthest from the vibratory feeder 111 (i.e., the end closest to the open side) is downstream in the conveying direction. The height of the stop bar 1152 relative to the open section 1151a is slightly greater than the extension length of the welded end 41 of the insert 40, but less than the extension length of the mating end 42, and much smaller than the overall length of the insert 40. At the output end 111a, if the length direction of the insert 40 is approximately aligned with the conveying direction, the insert 40 is not obstructed. If the length direction of the insert 40 is approximately vertical (i.e., the insert 40 is "standing" upright under the clamping of the inserts on both sides), the insert 40 is blocked by the stop bar 1152 and, under the pushing force of subsequent inserts 40 and the guiding action of the stop bar 1152, falls into the storage box on one side. If the insert 40 reaches the position of the stop bar 1152 with its mating end 22 vertical, it falls in the same manner. Furthermore, if the length direction of the insert 40 deviates from the conveying direction (i.e., the insert is placed horizontally), the insert 40 will fall back into the vibratory feeder 111 due to the internal structure of the vibratory feeder 111, and will not reach the output end 111a.

[0051] The guide rod 1153 is also a thin, round metal rod that picks up and guides the output insert 40, ensuring it moves in an ideal state to the receiving end of the feed channel 112. For example... Figure 3 As shown, guide rod 1153 is mounted on bracket 1151 and extends to the receiving end of feed channel 112. Specifically, guide rod 1153 is positioned at a height close to the bottom surface of bracket 1151, which is slightly greater than the thickness of insert 40 and less than the extension length of welded end 41. The overall curvature of guide rod 1153 is approximately the same as the overall curvature of bracket 1151. At the connection between open section 1151a and output end 111a, one end of guide rod 1153 is fixed to the outer wall of vibratory feeder 111, and along the conveying direction, guide rod 1153 gradually approaches the open side of open section 1151a. In guide section 1151b, guide rod 1152 is always close to the side with side baffle. The distance between guide rod 1152 and side baffle is slightly greater than the thickness of welded end 41 and less than the extension length of fitting end 42.

[0052] Therefore, when an insert 40 arrives at one end of the open section 1151a in a horizontal state, but its vertical welded end 41 faces inward toward the vibratory feeder 111 (i.e., a non-ideal state), under the guidance of the guide rod 1153, the insert 40 is gradually pushed toward the open side. Since its mating end 42 also extends toward the open side, when the insert 40 reaches the middle of the open section 1151a, its overall center of gravity is located outside the open section 1151a, and it falls off from the open side. However, when the insert 40 arrives in a horizontal state, and its welded end 41 faces outward toward the vibratory feeder 111 (i.e., an ideal state), under the guidance of the guide rod 1153, the insert 40 is also gradually pushed toward the open side. However, since its mating end 42 extends toward the vibratory feeder 111, the overall center of gravity of the insert 40 remains in the open section 1151a, and it is thus pushed to the guide section 1151b. It is worth noting that even in an ideal state, insert 40 has a certain probability of falling off from the open side, but the probability is small and does not affect the overall operation.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the guide section and insert in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, in the guide section 1151b, the insert 40 is engaged between the guide rod 1153, the bottom plate of the guide section 1151b and the side baffle, thereby maintaining its mating end 42 horizontally placed on the bottom plate and its welding end 41 vertically facing the same side (i.e. ideal state) as it is conveyed to the material channel 112, and then conveyed to the placement table 113 via the material channel 112.

[0055] The stage 113 has a receiving groove that matches the shape of the insert 40, so that the insert 40 can be received from the feed channel 112.

[0056] The pre-positioning mechanism 12 is used to pre-position multiple inserts 40 required for producing one spoke, arranging them according to a predetermined rule, so that the robot arm can simultaneously grasp these inserts 40 and perform subsequent production processes. In this embodiment, a total of 6 inserts 40 are required to produce one spoke. The distribution of the 5 inserts 40 corresponds to the 6 spoke ends of the spoke, and the mating end 42 of each insert 40 is placed horizontally, while the welding end 41 is placed vertically outward.

[0057] The pre-positioning mechanism 12 includes a rotary table 121, multiple insert placement stations 122, a turntable drive assembly (not shown), and a rotation indicator sensor 124. The rotary table 121 is circular and disc-shaped. The multiple insert placement stations 122 are fixedly mounted on the rotary table 121 and arranged according to the predetermined rules mentioned above, that is, the distribution of the multiple insert placement stations 122 also corresponds to the ends of multiple spokes of a wheel. The turntable drive assembly is connected to the rotary table 121 and can drive the rotary table 121 to rotate, thereby rotating the multiple insert placement stations 122, so that one of the insert placement stations 122 faces the mounting platform 113. The insert placement station 122 has a groove in the middle that matches the shape of the insert 40, which enables the insert 40 placed on the station to maintain its orientation.

[0058] The insert transfer mechanism 14 picks up an insert 40 from the mounting stage 113 and transfers it, maintaining its orientation, to the insert placement station 122 facing the mounting stage 113. The insert transfer mechanism 14 includes an insert gripper 141 and a servo module 142. The servo module 142 is an L-shaped servo module, and the insert gripper 141 is mounted on the end of the servo module 142. The insert gripper 141 has two plate-shaped gripping ends 1411 and a gripping drive mechanism (not shown). Driven by the gripping drive mechanism, the two gripping ends 1411 can open and close. In the closed state, the distance between the two gripping ends 1411 is approximately equal to the distance between two adjacent through holes 221 on the insert 40. Therefore, the insert gripper 141 can move to the mounting platform 113, so that its two gripping ends 1411 pass through two of the through holes 221 of the insert 40 respectively and open to the sides, thereby gripping the insert 40.

[0059] The vibration indicator sensor 114 is positioned next to and slightly above the mounting platform 113, i.e. Figure 1 At position B1, the insert gripper 141 passing through that position is used to sense the vibration. In this embodiment, the vibration indicator sensor 114 is a photoelectric sensor, which is mounted next to the mounting platform 113 via a bracket.

[0060] The rotation indicator sensor 124 is positioned next to the insert placement station 122, which is directly opposite the mounting stage 113 and slightly higher than the rotary table 121. Figure 1 At position B2, the insert gripper 141 is used to sense the movement of the insert gripper 141. In this embodiment, the rotation indicator sensor 124 is also a photoelectric sensor, which is similarly mounted next to the rotary table 121 via a bracket.

[0061] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the movement trajectory of the insert gripper 141 is as follows: after gripping the insert 40 on the mounting platform 113, it rises a certain distance, then moves horizontally to the insert placement station 122 directly opposite the mounting platform 113, descends a certain distance, and then releases the insert 40. Therefore, the arrangement of the vibration indicator sensor 114 and the rotation indicator sensor 124 does not affect the movement of the insert gripper 141.

[0062] Under the control of the industrial control computer, the insert transfer mechanism 14 and the vibration conveying mechanism 11 work together. The insert transfer mechanism 14 removes the insert from the mounting platform 113. At this time, the vibration indicator sensor 114 senses the passing insert gripper 141 and generates a corresponding signal. The industrial control computer then controls the vibratory feeder 111 to vibrate, thereby conveying the next insert 40 to the mounting platform 113.

[0063] Under the control of the industrial control computer, the insert transfer mechanism 14 also works in conjunction with the pre-positioning mechanism 112 to sequentially place all the inserts 40 required for producing one wheel spoke onto the respective insert placement stations 122. Specifically, the insert transfer mechanism 14 places an insert 40 onto the insert placement station 122 facing the mounting table 113. At this time, the rotation indicator sensor 124 senses the insert gripper 141 and generates a corresponding signal. The industrial control computer then controls the rotation mechanism to rotate the rotary table 121 by a predetermined angle, so that the next insert placement station 122 faces the mounting table 113, ready to pick up the next insert 40.

[0064] The positioning detection mechanism 13 is used to detect whether there are any missing parts among the multiple inserts 40 simultaneously gripped by the workpiece gripping part 20. It includes a frustum 131 and multiple insert positioning sensors 132 disposed on the frustum 131. The multiple insert positioning sensors 132 are also arranged according to a predetermined rule, that is, their arrangement is consistent with the arrangement of the multiple insert placement stations 122. In this embodiment, the insert positioning sensors 132 are microswitches.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the workpiece gripping part in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the workpiece gripping part at different angles in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] like Figure 2 , Figure 7-8 As shown, the workpiece gripping unit 20 includes a multi-axis robotic arm 21, an insert gripping mechanism 22, and a ring gripping mechanism (not shown in the figure). A bracket 24 is mounted at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm 21. This bracket 24 has a bracket disc 241, and the insert gripping mechanism 22 and the ring gripping mechanism are disposed on the same surface of the bracket disc 241. In this embodiment, the multi-axis robotic arm 21 is a six-axis robotic arm with six degrees of freedom.

[0068] The insert gripping mechanism 22 is used to simultaneously grip multiple inserts 40 arranged by the pre-positioning mechanism 12 and place them into predetermined insert placement positions in the mold, the insert placement positions corresponding to the ends of each spoke. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the insert gripping mechanism 22 has multiple insert grippers 221 disposed on one side of the support plate 241, and the arrangement of the multiple insert grippers 221 is consistent with the arrangement of the multiple insert placement stations 122. Each insert gripper 221 has a pair of clamping plates 2211 and a clamping plate driving cylinder 2212 for driving the pair of clamping plates 2211 to open and close. The clamping plates 2211 are arc-shaped sheet-like parts, and their curvature matches the welding end 41 of the insert 40, so they can clamp the welding end 41 and always keep the insert 40 facing the mold. In this embodiment, the mold is a split mold with an upper mold and a lower mold. When the insert 40 is placed, the mold is in the open state. The multi-axis robotic arm 21 moves the insert gripping mechanism 22 between the open upper mold and the lower mold and rotates its end so that the insert gripping mechanism 22 faces the lower mold (i.e., rotates until the surface of the support 24 is consistent with the surface of the lower mold), and then places multiple inserts 40.

[0069] Furthermore, before placing the insert into the mold, the insert gripping mechanism 22 can move to the positioning detection mechanism 13, align its multiple insert grippers 221 with each insert positioning sensor 132, and press them down. If an insert 40 is gripped at this time, the lower end of the insert 40 will touch the spring above the micro switch, generating a corresponding signal, thereby detecting whether any of the simultaneously gripped inserts 40 are missing. After detecting a missing insert, the insert gripping mechanism 22 can release all gripped inserts 40 and re-grip them from the pre-positioning mechanism 12.

[0070] also, Figure 7-8 This is only a schematic diagram. In reality, corresponding to the position and number of insert placement stations 122, the insert gripping mechanism 22 should have 6 insert grippers 221 evenly distributed around the circumference of the support plate 241.

[0071] The iron ring gripping mechanism is used to grip the iron ring and place it and multiple inserts 40 together into the mold. The iron ring is placed in a predetermined iron ring placement position in the mold, namely the middle of the lower mold. The iron ring gripping mechanism is located in the middle of the support plate 241 and includes multiple cylindrical gripping ends and corresponding drive cylinders. The multiple gripping ends are movably fitted into four guide holes 2411 in the middle of the support plate 241. Driven by the drive cylinders, the gripping ends can extend outward from the guide holes 2411 to lock the inner ring of the iron ring and grip it. Driven by the drive cylinders, the gripping ends can retract into the guide holes 2411 to release the gripped iron ring. In addition, the gripping ends are covered with a rubber cushioning layer.

[0072] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the iron ring feeding section in this embodiment.

[0073] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the iron ring feeding section in this embodiment.

[0074] like Figure 9-10 As shown, the iron ring feeding section 30 includes an iron ring temporary storage mechanism 31, an iron ring lifting mechanism 32, and a high-frequency heating machine 33.

[0075] The iron ring temporary storage mechanism 31 is used to temporarily store multiple pre-prepared iron rings. It includes a turntable 312, a turntable drive mechanism (not shown in the figure), and multiple storage units 311 disposed on the turntable 312. Each storage unit 311 is assembled from multiple iron rods and fixing components, and is cylindrical in shape, with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the iron rings. The iron rings are stacked and temporarily stored on the storage unit 311. The turntable 312 rotates one storage unit 311 to the iron ring lifting mechanism 32, thereby allowing the iron rings mounted on that storage unit 311 to be retrieved sequentially.

[0076] The iron ring lifting mechanism 32 is used to lift the uppermost iron ring of the adjacent storage unit 311 upwards for the workpiece gripping part 20 to grip. Specifically, the iron ring lifting mechanism 32 has a pair of gripping arms 321, the distance between the pair of gripping arms 321 being slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the iron ring, thus able to hold the two sides of the iron ring and lift it upwards. During gripping, the multiple gripping ends of the iron ring gripping mechanism are located directly above the storage unit 311 next to the iron ring lifting mechanism 32, and all gripping ends extend from the guide hole 2411. Therefore, when the iron ring lifting mechanism 32 lifts the uppermost iron ring above the storage unit 311, the iron ring leaves the storage unit 311 and is fitted onto the multiple gripping ends. Subsequently, the workpiece gripping part 20 moves the gripped iron ring to the high-frequency heating machine 33 for heating.

[0077] The high-frequency heating machine 33 is used to heat the iron ring, causing it to expand and thus making it easier to place into a mold with a corresponding fitting structure. The high-frequency heating machine 33 has a heating end 331, which is an electrically heated metal rod wound into a ring shape. The workpiece gripping part 20 moves the iron ring to the heating end 331 for heating.

[0078] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the insert delivery process in this embodiment.

[0079] like Figure 11 As shown, based on the aforementioned drum brake hub spoke feeding device 100, the specific workflow for insert feeding of the drum brake hub spokes during production includes the following steps:

[0080] Step S1-1a: Set k=0, that is, start counting, and k inserts have been placed so far (40).

[0081] Step S1-1: The insert transfer mechanism 14 picks up an insert 40 from the mounting stage 113;

[0082] In steps S1-2, the vibration indicator sensor 114 senses the insert gripper 141, and the vibration conveying mechanism 11 vibrates and outputs the next insert 40 to the mounting stage 113.

[0083] In steps S1-3, the insert transfer mechanism 14 places the insert 40 onto the insert placement station 122 facing the placement stage 113.

[0084] Step S1-3a, set k = k + 1;

[0085] Steps S1-4: Rotation indicator sensor 124 senses insert gripper 141, and rotary table 121 rotates by a predetermined angle so that the next empty insert placement station 122 faces the placement stage 113.

[0086] Step S1-5: Determine whether k = N, i.e. whether all inserts 40 have been placed. If yes, enter the end state; if no, return to step S1-1a.

[0087] For ease of description, steps S1-1a to S1-5 are performed sequentially in the above steps. In fact, it can be understood that steps S1-2 and S1-3 can be performed simultaneously to further improve efficiency.

[0088] After the above steps, all insert placement stations 122 will have inserts 40 placed on them, and the workpiece gripping unit 20 can simultaneously grip all inserts 40 from the pre-positioning mechanism 12. After the inserts 40 are gripped, the above steps are repeated to arrange and place all the inserts 40 required to produce the spokes of a disc brake wheel hub.

[0089] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the automatic feeding process in this embodiment.

[0090] like Figure 12 As shown, the workflow for automatically feeding the spokes of drum brake hubs during production includes the following steps:

[0091] Step S2-1: The insert gripping mechanism 22 simultaneously grips multiple inserts 40 from the prepositioning mechanism 12;

[0092] Step S2-2: The insert gripping mechanism 22 moves to the positioning detection mechanism 13 and presses down to perform detection;

[0093] Step S2-3: Determine whether there is any missing insert based on the detection result of the positioning detection mechanism 13. If the determination is yes, proceed to step S2-4; if the determination is no, proceed to step S2-5.

[0094] In step S2-4, if there are missing inserts, the insert gripping mechanism 22 moves to the predetermined insert disposal position and releases all inserts 40, then returns to step S2-1.

[0095] Step S2-5: With no missing inserts, the iron ring gripping mechanism moves to the iron ring temporary storage mechanism 31 and cooperates with the iron ring lifting mechanism 32 to grip an iron ring.

[0096] Steps S2-6: The iron ring gripping mechanism moves the gripped iron ring to the high-frequency heating machine 33 for a predetermined heating time.

[0097] In steps S2-7, the workpiece gripping unit 20 moves the insert gripping mechanism 22 and the iron ring gripping mechanism into the open mold and faces the lower mold, and simultaneously puts multiple inserts 40 and the iron ring in the middle into the lower mold.

[0098] In steps S2-8, the workpiece gripping unit 20 moves the insert gripping mechanism 22 and the iron ring gripping mechanism outside the die-casting machine, and then enters the end state.

[0099] After the above steps, the automatic feeding of the wheel spokes is completed. The iron ring in the middle and multiple inserts 40 are pre-placed in the mold. After the workpiece gripper 20 is withdrawn from the die casting machine, the casting can begin to form a wheel spoke with an iron ring pre-embedded in the middle and inserts 40 pre-embedded at the ends of each spoke.

[0100] Functions and effects of the embodiments

[0101] According to the drum brake hub spoke feeding device 100 provided in this embodiment, since it has an insert conveying section 10, it can convey multiple inserts required for producing a drum brake hub spoke to a designated position and arrange these inserts according to a predetermined rule, thereby facilitating the workpiece gripping section 20 to grip them. Since it has an iron ring feeding section 30, it can provide iron rings for strengthening the structural strength and heat them to make them expand due to heat, making them easier to put into a mold with a corresponding fitting structure. Since it has a workpiece gripping section 20, it can simultaneously grip multiple arranged inserts and iron rings and place the inserts and iron rings together in a predetermined position in the drum brake hub spoke mold, thereby enabling automated feeding and automatic production of spokes with iron rings pre-embedded in the middle and inserts pre-embedded at the ends of each spoke. Multiple inserts and iron rings can be put into the mold at one time, which greatly improves production efficiency and is suitable for large-scale mass production.

[0102] Furthermore, the insert conveying unit 10 includes a vibration conveying mechanism 11, a prepositioning mechanism 12 with multiple insert placement stations 121, and an insert transfer mechanism 14. Therefore, multiple disordered inserts 40 can be arranged neatly and output one by one through vibration, and then picked up and placed on each insert placement station 121. At this time, the multiple inserts 40 required to produce a disc brake wheel hub are arranged in place, and can be picked up and placed into the mold by the workpiece gripping unit 20 at the same time. Specifically, the vibratory conveying mechanism 11 has an insert limiting assembly 115, which includes a bracket 1151 attached to the side wall of the vibratory plate 111, a stop bar 1152 inclinedly disposed in the open section 1151a of the bracket 1151, and a guide bar 1153 extending along the bracket 1151. The guide bar 1153 is inclinedly disposed in the open section 1151a, with one end attached to the side wall of the vibratory plate 111 and the other end close to the open side. Therefore, the stop bar 1152 can block the insert 40 in a non-horizontal state, and the guide bar 1153 can further pick up the insert 40 in a horizontal state but whose welding end 22 is not on the designated side, causing it to fall off. It can also guide the L-shaped insert 40 in an ideal state, keeping it in an ideal state as it moves to the feed channel 112, and then moves to the loading table 113 via the feed channel 112. Both the stop bar 1152 and the guide bar 1153 are simple circular thin rods. Their height and position at the bracket 1151 are set according to the structure of the insert 40. That is, this embodiment cleverly designs an insert limiting component 115 that can pick out the insert 40 in an ideal state and maintain the ideal state during transport, based on the structure of the insert 40. Moreover, the insert limiting component 115 has a simple structure, is easy to deploy, and has low cost.

[0103] Furthermore, the workpiece gripping unit 20 includes a multi-axis robotic arm 21 and an insert gripping mechanism 22 and a ring gripping mechanism with their ends facing the same side. The insert gripping mechanism 22 has multiple insert grippers 221 arranged according to a predetermined rule, the shape of which matches the welding end 41 of the insert 40, so it can grip multiple arranged inserts 40 simultaneously. The ring gripping mechanism has multiple cylindrical gripping ends, so it can be embedded into the inner ring of the ring to grip it. Then, the ring and multiple inserts can be placed into the open mold at one time, which is highly efficient and automated. In addition, after the workpiece gripping unit 20 grips multiple outer inserts 40, it can also move to the positioning detection mechanism 13 for detection to determine whether there are any missing inserts 40. If there are any missing inserts, all inserts 40 are released and re-gripped from the pre-positioning mechanism 12, thereby avoiding missing inserts in the final product and ensuring the quality of the final product.

[0104] Furthermore, the iron ring feeding unit 30 includes an iron ring temporary storage mechanism 31, an iron ring lifting mechanism 32, and a high-frequency heater 33. The iron ring temporary storage mechanism 31 has multiple cylindrical storage units 311 arranged on a turntable, thus enabling the storage of multiple pre-prepared iron rings on the storage units 311, and the removal of one of them by rotating it to the iron ring lifting mechanism 32. The iron ring lifting mechanism 32, in conjunction with the iron ring gripping mechanism, sequentially removes the iron rings from the storage units 311 and moves them to the high-frequency heater 33 for heating. Therefore, the iron rings can be automatically heated, causing them to expand and making them easier to place into molds with corresponding fitting structures, all without manual intervention, resulting in a high degree of automation.

[0105] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate specific implementations of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the scope of the description of the above embodiments.

[0106] In the above embodiments, only one specific shape of the insert 40 is shown as an example. In fact, other inserts with an L-shaped cross section and at least two through holes can be transported and placed using the spoke feeding device 100 of the drum brake hub of the embodiment.

Claims

1. A spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub, characterized in that, include: An insert conveying unit is used to convey multiple inserts to a predetermined position and arrange them according to a predetermined rule; Iron ring feeding section, used to supply iron rings; as well as The workpiece gripping part is used to grip multiple inserts and the iron ring, and place the inserts and the iron ring into predetermined insert placement positions and iron ring placement positions in the mold, respectively. The insert delivery unit includes: A vibrating conveying mechanism is used to arrange multiple disordered inserts neatly and convey them to a predetermined position according to a predetermined orientation; Pre-positioning mechanism for pre-positioning multiple inserts required for producing one spoke, arranging them according to the predetermined rules; and The positioning detection mechanism has multiple insert positioning sensors arranged according to the predetermined rules, used to detect whether the multiple inserts simultaneously gripped by the workpiece gripping part are arranged according to the predetermined rules. The vibration conveying mechanism includes: Vibratory feeder; A platform is set at a predetermined temporary storage position, and has a receiving groove in its middle, the shape of which matches the insert; The feed channel has one end near the vibratory feeder and the other end connected to the mounting platform; and An insert limiting assembly is disposed between the vibratory feeder and the feed channel, and is used to pick up and limit the inserts that have reached the position. The insert has an L-shaped cross-section. The insert limiting component includes: The bracket is connected at one end to the output end of the vibratory feeder and at the other end to the receiving end of the material channel. A stop bar, disposed on the bracket, is used to block the insert from being in a non-ideal state; and A guide rod, disposed on the bracket, is used to guide the insert; The bracket is attached to the side wall of the vibratory feeder and includes: An open section, one end of which is connected to the output end, has one side forming the sidewall of the vibratory feeder, and the other side being an open side; and The guide section is connected at one end to the open section and at the other end to the material channel. One side of it is the sidewall of the vibratory feeder, and the other side has a side baffle. The stop bar is inclinedly disposed in the open section, with one end near the open side located downstream in the conveying direction. The insert has a mating end and a welding end that are perpendicular to each other, wherein the extension length of the mating end is greater than the extension length of the welding end. The height of the stop bar is greater than the extension length of the welded end, but less than the extension length of the mating end, and less than the overall length of the insert. The guide rod extends from the open section to the guide section, and in the guide section, the extension direction of the guide rod is consistent with the extension direction of the guide section.

2. The spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The iron ring feeding section includes: A temporary storage mechanism for iron rings has at least one cylindrical storage unit, on which the iron rings are fitted for temporary storage. A metal ring lifting mechanism, located beside the storage unit, is used to lift the metal ring above the storage unit for gripping by the workpiece gripping unit; and A high-frequency heating machine is used to heat the iron ring.

3. The spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub according to claim 2, characterized in that: in, The iron ring temporary storage mechanism has the following features: Turntable; A turntable drive mechanism for driving the turntable to rotate; and Multiple storage units are disposed on the turntable and evenly distributed along the circumference of the turntable, and the iron ring lifting mechanism is disposed beside the turntable.

4. The spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub according to claim 2, Its features are: The workpiece gripping part includes: Multi-axis robotic arm; An insert gripping mechanism, disposed at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm, is used to simultaneously grip multiple inserts; and A metal ring gripping mechanism is located at the end of the multi-axis robotic arm and is used to grip the metal ring.

5. The spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub according to claim 4, characterized in that: in, The multi-axis robotic arm is equipped with a support at its end, which has a support plate. The insert gripping mechanism and the iron ring gripping mechanism are disposed on the same surface of the support plate. The support plate has multiple guide holes in the middle. The iron ring gripping mechanism includes: Multiple gripping ends are movably fitted into multiple guide holes for engaging the inner ring of the iron ring, thereby gripping the iron ring; and A drive mechanism is used to drive the gripping end to extend and retract into the guide hole.

6. The spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insert gripping mechanism includes multiple insert grippers for gripping the insert, and the multiple insert grippers are arranged according to the predetermined rules. Each of the insert grippers has a pair of movable clamps, the shape of which matches the welded end.

7. The spoke feeding device for a drum brake hub according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the guide rod is located at the end of the open section near the output end and is attached to the side wall of the vibratory plate. In the open section, along the conveying direction of the insert, the guide rod gradually moves closer to the open side. In the guide section, the guide rod is located near the bottom surface and side baffle of the guide section. The distance between the guide rod and the bottom surface of the guide segment is greater than the thickness of the mating end and less than the extension length of the welding end. The distance between the guide rod and the side baffle of the guide section is greater than the thickness of the welded end and less than the extension length of the mating end.

Images