An automatic wheel rim attachment installation device

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic wheel rim accessory installation device, comprising: a sound-absorbing cotton storage platform, an installation unit, and a conveying mechanism. The sound-absorbing cotton storage platform is used to store sound-absorbing cotton; the installation unit includes a first workbench, a high-definition camera, a valve stem installation assembly, and a sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. The high-definition camera is mounted on the top of the first workbench and is used to determine and calculate the rotation angles of the valve stem installation assembly and the sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. Based on the calculation results, the valve stem installation assembly and the sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly rotate the wheel rim to the corresponding angles to install the valve stem and attach the sound-absorbing cotton, respectively. The conveying mechanism is used to transport the wheel rim to the installation unit for sound-absorbing cotton installation. The sound-absorbing cotton storage platform and the conveying mechanism are located on different sides of the installation unit. This invention replaces purely manual installation with an automatic sound-absorbing cotton installation device, automatically attaching sound-absorbing cotton to the wheel rim while simultaneously installing the valve stem, improving production efficiency and automatically cleaning and preheating the wheel rim when assembly is required.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wheel rim processing technology, and in particular to an automatic wheel rim accessory installation device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the automotive industry, the demand for vehicles is increasing, and the performance requirements are becoming more stringent, especially in terms of quietness and comfort. Currently, common solutions for noise reduction in driving systems involve adding sound-absorbing cotton to prevent resonance and its transmission, thereby reducing noise. The most significant application of this technology is tire sound-absorbing cotton, which involves attaching a layer of sound-absorbing cotton to the inside of the tire for noise reduction. However, with industrial development, this technology has gradually been monopolized by tire manufacturers. To mitigate the profit losses this technology causes for OEMs, a technology of attaching sound-absorbing cotton to the wheel rims has been introduced. This achieves the same effect as attaching it to the tires, and has a significant effect on reducing cavity noise in the 180-250Hz frequency range.

[0003] Applying sound-dampening material to wheel rims differs from applying it to tires. While tires have a relatively flat interior and can be applied manually or using equipment, applying sound-dampening material to wheel rims requires consideration of the rim's contours as required by regulations. Manual application reduces efficiency and effectiveness, and the material may not adhere firmly to the rim, leading to detachment later. Existing manual installation equipment is slow, requiring specialized personnel for handling, wiping, cleaning, and assembly. Furthermore, manual tools lack a pre-heating process for the wheel rim, potentially resulting in weak adhesion after assembly.

[0004] Currently, there are no automated tools or devices for attaching sound-dampening cotton to wheel rims. Furthermore, the common production method for valve stems is manual installation, followed by the assembly of the tire and the tire assembly line; however, this method is relatively inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic rim accessory installation device to solve the problem that the prior art does not have a device that automatically attaches sound-absorbing cotton to the rim and can simultaneously install valve stems, as well as to solve the problem of automatically cleaning and preheating the rim when assembly is required.

[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, the present invention provides an automatic rim accessory installation device, the automatic installation device comprising:

[0007] Sound-absorbing cotton storage platform, used to store sound-absorbing cotton;

[0008] The installation unit includes a first workbench, a high-definition camera, and a sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. The high-definition camera is located on the top of the first workbench and is used to determine and calculate the rotation angle of the sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. The sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly rotates its rim to the calculated angle to install and paste the sound-absorbing cotton.

[0009] A conveying mechanism is used to transport the wheel rim to the mounting unit for the installation of the sound-absorbing cotton;

[0010] The sound-absorbing cotton storage platform and the conveying mechanism are located on different sides of the installation unit.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit further includes a valve stem mounting assembly, which rotates the rim to a predetermined angle according to information acquired by the high-definition camera to mount the valve stem.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly includes a rolling device, a first cylinder, and a second cylinder. The first cylinder is installed on the top of the first workbench for pressing the rim. The second cylinder is installed on the bottom of the first workbench. The top of the second cylinder is provided with a bushing that engages with the center of the bottom of the rim for lifting and rotating the rim. The rolling device rolls the pasted sound-absorbing cotton.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rolling device is provided with rollers, which deform along the rim.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic installation device is provided with a release paper removal device for the sound-absorbing cotton, which separates the release paper before the sound-absorbing cotton is input.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first workbench is provided with a first conveyor belt workbench for providing support for the conveyor belt.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the valve installation assembly includes a valve installation robotic arm and a slide rail. The slide rail is disposed on the first conveyor belt worktable, and the valve installation robotic arm is disposed on the slide rail. The valve installation robotic arm grasps and installs the valve.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a preset distance is maintained between the sound-absorbing cotton and the valve stem.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, a temperature holding unit is provided in front of the installation unit. The temperature holding unit includes a second workbench and a temperature lamp. The temperature lamp is located on the top of the second workbench to keep the interior of the temperature holding unit at a constant temperature. The second workbench is provided with a second conveyor belt workbench. After the rim is preheated in the temperature holding unit, it is conveyed to the installation unit through the second conveyor belt workbench.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning unit is provided before the temperature holding unit. The cleaning unit includes a slide, a roller and a sponge. The sponge is mounted on the roller and slides to the rim position through the slide. The roller drives the sponge to clean the rim.

[0020] As described above, the automatic rim accessory installation device of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The present invention replaces purely manual installation with an automatic sound-absorbing cotton installation device, preventing the sound-absorbing cotton from deviating from its bonding position and affecting the assembly of the tire and rim. The rollers attached to the device can simultaneously roll the sound-absorbing cotton, squeezing out internal air, making it bond more firmly, and ensuring it is more centrally centered, preventing deviation. It saves time on applying the sound-absorbing cotton to the rim while also accommodating the installation of the valve stem. It is convenient, quick, and improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the automatic rim accessory installation device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a left-side perspective view of the entire automatic rim accessory installation device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a right-side perspective view of the overall automatic rim accessory installation device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional overall view of Embodiment 4 of the automatic rim accessory installation device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 Displayed as Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cleaning unit.

[0026] Component designation explanation

[0027] 1-Conveying mechanism; 101-First conveyor rail; 102-Second conveyor rail; 2-Cleaning unit; 201-First slide rail; 202-Cleaning roller; 203-Sponge; 3-Installation unit; 4-Temperature holding unit; 401-Temperature lamp; 5-Rim; 6-High-definition camera; 7-Valve nozzle mounting robotic arm; 701-Second slide rail; 8-Silent cotton; 801-First roller; 802-Silent cotton storage platform; 9-First cylinder; 10-Second cylinder; 11-Rolling device; 111-Slide rail; 112-Second roller; 12-Motor; 121-Conveyor belt; 13-First workbench; 131-First conveyor belt workbench; 14-Second workbench; 141-Second conveyor belt workbench; 15-Product loading point; 16-Product unloading point. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other. It should also be understood that the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for describing specific implementation schemes and not for limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Test methods in the following embodiments that do not specify specific conditions are generally performed under conventional conditions or according to the conditions recommended by the respective manufacturers.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 5 It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and to facilitate understanding. They are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and therefore have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness or purpose of the invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed herein. Furthermore, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," and "one" used in this specification are merely for clarity and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0030] Example 1, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2This invention provides an automatic rim accessory installation device, including a sound-absorbing cotton storage platform 802, an installation unit 3, and a conveying mechanism 1. The sound-absorbing cotton storage platform 802 is used to store sound-absorbing cotton 8. The installation unit 3 includes a first workbench 13, a high-definition camera 6, and a sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. The high-definition camera 6 is positioned at any location on the top of the first workbench 13. The image data obtained from the high-definition camera 6 is used to determine and calculate the rotation angle of the sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. The sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly rotates the rim to the corresponding angle according to the calculation result to attach the sound-absorbing cotton 8. The conveying mechanism is used to transport the rim 5 to the installation unit 3 for the installation of the sound-absorbing cotton 8. The sound-absorbing cotton storage platform 802 and the conveying mechanism 1 are located on different sides of the installation unit 3. A controller for controlling the operation of the above-mentioned automatic installation device is not shown.

[0031] Specifically, the conveying mechanism 1 includes a conveyor roller (or conveyor belt), which is driven by a cylinder (not shown) to convey the rim. The sound-absorbing cotton mounting assembly includes a rolling device 11, a first cylinder 9, and a second cylinder 10. Two conformal-shaped second rollers 112 are provided at the end of the sound-absorbing cotton rolling device 11. The second rollers 112 are malleable rollers (e.g., extrusion rollers). Because the rim 5 has a certain curve, the head of the second roller 112 has a certain elasticity and can change shape according to the curve of the rim 5. The first cylinder 9 is located at the top of the first worktable 13, and the second cylinder 10 is located at the bottom. The first cylinder 9 is located above the first conveyor belt worktable 131, and the second cylinder 10 is located below the first conveyor belt worktable 131. The first conveyor belt workbench 131 is connected to the first workbench 13 by screws or welding. The first conveyor belt workbench 131 drives the conveyor belt 121 through the motor 12, providing power for the conveyor belt 121 to transport the rim 5, which facilitates the assembly between the rim 5 and the sound-absorbing cotton 8.

[0032] The conveyor mechanism 1 transfers the rim 5 to the first conveyor belt worktable 131. A bushing on the second cylinder 10 engages with the center hole of the rim 5 to lift it. A high-definition camera 6 captures and calculates the conveying position of the rim 5 and the lifting position of the second cylinder 10. The captured image signal is transmitted to a controller (not shown). The controller calculates and determines the position, then directs a motor (not shown) to drive the second cylinder 10 to the center hole position of the rim 5. The second cylinder 10 lifts the rim 5, and then the first cylinder 9 above the first conveyor belt worktable 131 presses it down. The high-definition camera 6 takes an image, and the control system compares and determines the current installation position of the sound-absorbing cotton on the rim 5. The control system then initiates the sound-absorbing cotton installation procedure. The sound-absorbing cotton 8 has release paper on its back, and a rolling rail at the first roller 801 can peel off the release paper via a cylinder (not shown). While the first roller 801 continues to rotate and convey the rim forward, the sound-absorbing cotton 8, after the release paper has been peeled off, is adhered to the rim 5, and the adhesion process begins. The second cylinder 10 drives the rim 5 to rotate and adhere the sound-absorbing cotton 8. After adhesion, the rolling device 11 advances to the rolling position via the slide rail 111 according to a preset program. The second cylinder 10 drives the rim 5 to rotate, and the second roller 112 at the end of the rolling device 11 rotates to roll the sound-absorbing cotton 8. After the sound-absorbing cotton 8 is adhered, the first cylinder 9 and the second cylinder 10 release the rim 5, and the rim 5 is conveyed to the next step via the conveying mechanism 1 for tire and rim assembly.

[0033] Example 2, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 Based on Embodiment 1, a valve stem mounting assembly is added. The valve stem mounting assembly includes a valve stem mounting robotic arm 7, a second slide rail 701, and a cylinder (not shown). The second slide rail 701 is used to mount the valve stem (not shown) and is mounted on the first conveyor belt worktable 131. The valve stem mounting robotic arm 7 is slidably mounted on the second slide rail 701. A high-definition camera 6 captures images of the rim 5 and determines the wheel type, then sets the movement position based on the wheel type. The second slide rail 701 can adjust its movement according to the rim size, pre-set according to the rim size, and automatically slides to the corresponding position, moving away from or closer to the rim.

[0034] During operation, the high-definition camera 6 on the top of the first workbench 13 takes pictures and the control system determines and compares them to confirm the current position of the valve. The valve is then rotated by a certain angle to the valve installation position on the rim 5. At this time, the valve installation robotic arm 7 installs the pre-grabbed valve. Then, the rim is rotated 180° by the cylinder to move the valve to the installation position of the sound-absorbing cotton 8. The control system starts the sound-absorbing cotton installation program, removes the release paper on the back of the sound-absorbing cotton 8, and begins to stick it at a preset distance from the valve.

[0035] Example 3, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 Based on Embodiment 1, a temperature holding unit 4 is added. The temperature holding unit 4 includes a second workbench 14 and a temperature lamp 401. The temperature lamp 401 is positioned on top of the second workbench 14 to maintain a constant temperature inside the temperature holding unit 4. The second workbench 14 is equipped with a second conveyor belt workbench 141. After the wheel rim 5 is preheated in the temperature holding unit 4, it is conveyed to the installation unit 3 via the second conveyor belt workbench 141. Specifically, the sound-absorbing cotton 8 is placed on the sound-absorbing cotton storage platform 802. The conveying mechanism 1 includes a first conveyor rail 101 and a second conveyor rail 102. The wheel rim 5 is conveyed into the first workbench 13 via the rail 101. The first workbench 13 is equipped with a first conveyor belt workbench 131 inside. The temperature lamp 401 is installed on the top of the first workbench to provide a constant temperature, ensuring that the operating space of the first workbench 13 is maintained at a certain temperature. For example, the temperature is set at 50°C and the heating time is 2 minutes to preheat the wheel rim 5. Temperature lamp 401 can adjust the temperature of the wheel rim 5 to any suitable temperature for bonding the sound-absorbing cotton 8 before bonding, ensuring the bonding effect. The preheated wheel rim 5 is conveyed into the first worktable 13 via conveyor mechanism 1 for bonding and installation of the sound-absorbing cotton 8. It should be noted that temperature lamp 401 can be set according to the production line conditions and ambient temperature, and its power and preheating time can be adjusted.

[0036] Example 4, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Based on Embodiment 3, a cleaning unit 2 is added, which is positioned before the temperature holding unit 4. The wheel rim 5 is conveyed from the product loading point 15 into the cleaning unit 2 via the conveying mechanism 1. A cleaning device is installed on the work platform to clean and wipe the wheel rim 5. The cleaning unit 2 includes a first slide rail 201, cleaning rollers 202, and a sponge 203. The sponge 203 is mounted on the two cleaning rollers 202. A cylinder (not shown) drives the first slide rail 201 to slide to the position of the wheel rim 5, and the cleaning rollers 202 drive the sponge 203 to clean the wheel rim 5. After cleaning, the wheel rim 5 is conveyed to the temperature holding unit 4 via the conveying mechanism 1. If temperature holding is not required, the temperature holding unit 4 can be removed, and the wheel rim 5 can be directly conveyed to the installation unit 3. After the sound-absorbing cotton and valve stem are installed, the wheel rim 5 flows out from the product unloading point 16.

[0037] Example 5, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 Alternatively, the temperature holding unit 4 and the cleaning unit 2 in embodiment four can be placed in the same workbench, and the temperature lamp 401 can be turned on after the rim 5 is cleaned.

[0038] Example 6, please refer to Figures 1 to 5 In any one of the above embodiments one to five, the conveying of the rim 5 can be used for gripping and delivery by the robotic arm gripper.

[0039] As can be seen from the above, the applicability of this invention is very high. Before attaching the sound-absorbing cotton 8 to the rim 5, it can be determined whether a temperature holding unit 4 is needed to preheat the rim 5 based on actual needs such as the ambient temperature. The temperature lamp 401 can be placed at any position above the temperature holding unit 4 to ensure better adhesion between the sound-absorbing cotton 8 and the rim 5 during assembly. Each part can be adjusted in terms of steps and position between components or units according to the actual production situation. Each workbench can be a closed dust-proof space or a semi-closed space. The sound-absorbing cotton 8 is attached by two rollers driven by a motor, which pulls the sound-absorbing cotton 8 up and moves it forward, separating the release paper as it moves, saving time in production. Then the rollers deliver the sound-absorbing cotton 8 with the release paper removed to the rim 5. The rolling device 11 is equipped with a mechanism that can simultaneously rotate the rim 5 at an angle based on photographic comparison to ensure the starting position for adding the sound-absorbing cotton 8. This allows for application from the designated position, and the cotton 8 can be pressed down while being applied to ensure both adhesion and positional accuracy. The rotation of the rim 5 also ensures the accurate assembly of the valve stem. From incoming materials to final product, the entire process is automated, requiring no manual intervention, significantly saving manpower and improving efficiency.

[0040] In summary, the rolling device of this invention can simultaneously apply and press, shortening the production cycle. From incoming materials to the final product, the entire process is automated, requiring no manual intervention, significantly saving manpower and improving efficiency. The release paper can be separated before the sound-absorbing cotton is fed in, saving time on release paper removal during production. The automatic sound-absorbing cotton installation device can also rotate the rim at an angle based on photographic comparison, ensuring the starting point for adding the sound-absorbing cotton. This ensures accurate application and placement, and the rim rotation also ensures accurate valve assembly. Therefore, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of existing technologies and has high industrial application value.

[0041] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic installation device for wheel rim accessories, characterized in that, The automatic installation device includes: Sound-absorbing cotton storage platform, used to store sound-absorbing cotton; The installation unit includes a first workbench, a high-definition camera, and a sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. The high-definition camera is located on the top of the first workbench and is used to determine and calculate the rotation angle of the sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly. The sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly rotates its rim to the calculated angle to install and paste the sound-absorbing cotton. A conveying mechanism is used to transport the wheel rim to the mounting unit for the installation of the sound-absorbing cotton; The sound-absorbing cotton storage platform and the conveying mechanism are located on different sides of the installation unit; The sound-absorbing cotton installation assembly includes a rolling device, a first cylinder, and a second cylinder. The first cylinder is installed on the top of the first workbench and is used to press the rim. The second cylinder is installed on the bottom of the first workbench. The top of the second cylinder is provided with a bushing that cooperates with the center of the bottom of the rim and is used to lift and rotate the rim. The rolling device rolls the pasted sound-absorbing cotton. The conveyor mechanism transfers the wheel rim to the first conveyor belt worktable of the first worktable. The second cylinder is equipped with a bushing that mates with the center hole of the wheel rim to lift the wheel rim. The conveying position of the wheel rim and the lifting position of the second cylinder are captured and calculated by a high-definition camera. The captured photo signal is calculated and judged by the control system, which moves the second cylinder to the position of the center hole of the wheel rim. The second cylinder lifts the wheel rim, and then the first cylinder above the first conveyor belt worktable presses it down. The high-definition camera takes a picture, and the control system judges and compares the result to confirm the current installation position of the sound-absorbing cotton on the wheel rim.

2. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting unit also includes a valve stem mounting assembly, which rotates the rim to a predetermined angle based on information acquired by the high-definition camera to mount the valve stem.

3. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rolling device is equipped with rollers, which deform as the rim moves.

4. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic installation device is equipped with a release paper removal device for the sound-absorbing cotton, which separates the release paper before the sound-absorbing cotton is input.

5. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first workbench is equipped with a first conveyor belt workbench, which is used to provide support for the conveyor belt.

6. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The valve installation assembly includes a valve installation robotic arm and a slide rail. The slide rail is set on the first conveyor belt worktable, and the valve installation robotic arm is set on the slide rail. The valve installation robotic arm grasps and installs the valve.

7. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A preset distance is maintained between the sound-absorbing cotton and the valve stem.

8. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature holding unit is provided in front of the installation unit. The temperature holding unit includes a second workbench and a temperature lamp. The temperature lamp is located on the top of the second workbench to keep the temperature inside the temperature holding unit constant. The second workbench is provided with a second conveyor belt workbench. After the rim is preheated in the temperature holding unit, it is conveyed to the installation unit through the second conveyor belt workbench.

9. The automatic rim accessory installation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A cleaning unit is provided before the temperature holding unit. The cleaning unit includes a slide, a roller and a sponge. The sponge is installed on the roller and slides to the rim position through the slide. The roller drives the sponge to clean the rim.

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