Centrifugal clutch assembling equipment

Abstract

Provided is a centrifugal clutch mounting apparatus which enables the mounting work of a centrifugal clutch to be automated and facilitates the mounting of a spring to a counterweight. Provided is a centrifugal clutch mounting apparatus for mounting a centrifugal clutch in which a weight (W) has been swingably attached to a shaft member (L) formed on a support plate (F), the centrifugal clutch mounting apparatus comprising: a weight mounting means (7) for mounting the weight (W) in a state in which the weight (W) is arranged in a ring shape; and a spring mounting device (9) for mounting a spring (S) on each counterweight (W) mounted on the counterweight mounting device (7). The counterweight mounting means (7) makes it possible to mount the counterweight (W) while positioning the counterweight (W) at a position at which the spring (S) can be mounted in a natural length state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifugal clutch assembling apparatus configured to assemble a centrifugal clutch in which a weight is swingably attached to a shaft member provided on a support plate. Background Art

[0002] A centrifugal clutch to be provided in a vehicle such as a motorcycle generally includes a counterweight swingably attached to a shaft member provided on a support plate and a spring that pushes the counterweight. When the engine of the vehicle rotates and applies centrifugal force to the centrifugal clutch, the counterweight swings outward against the thrust applied by the spring. As a result, the clutch shoe of the counterweight comes into contact with the external member. Therefore, the rotational driving force generated by the engine is allowed to be transmitted to the drive shaft.

[0003] Reference List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-203429 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] However, in the known technology, such a centrifugal clutch is manually assembled by workers, and there is a problem that the work of attaching the spring to the counterweight requires a lot of labor. Specifically, a plurality of counterweights included in the centrifugal clutch are coupled to each other using springs. Therefore, in the manual assembly work performed by the workers, the spring needs to be appropriately expanded and / or contracted, which makes the assembly work troublesome.

[0008] The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and provides a centrifugal clutch assembling apparatus capable of automating the work of assembling a centrifugal clutch and facilitating attachment of a spring to a weight.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] According to the invention described in the first aspect, there is provided a centrifugal clutch assembly device configured to assemble a centrifugal clutch, in which a counterweight can be swingably attached to a shaft member provided on a support plate. The centrifugal clutch assembly device comprises: a counterweight placement device for placing the counterweight in a ring-shaped arrangement; and a spring attachment device, the spring attachment device being configured to attach a spring to the counterweight placed on the counterweight placement device. The counterweight placement device on which the counterweight is placed can position the counterweight so that the spring is at an equilibrium length when attached to the counterweight.

[0011] According to the invention described in the second aspect, in the centrifugal clutch assembly equipment according to the first aspect, the spring attachment device includes: a movable member, the movable member having a accommodating portion capable of accommodating the spring at the balance length; and a pressing device, the pressing device being configured to attach the spring to the counterweight by pressing the spring maintained at the balance length into the counterweight when the accommodating portion accommodating the spring is located above the counterweight placed on the counterweight placing device.

[0012] According to the invention described in the third aspect, in the centrifugal clutch assembly device described in the second aspect, the movable member has the accommodating portion at each of the two ends of the movable member, and is capable of moving the accommodating portion alternately between one position and another position, at which the spring at the balance length will be accommodated by the accommodating portion, and at the other position, the spring at the balance length accommodated by the accommodating portion will be attached to the counterweight.

[0013] According to the invention described in the fourth aspect, the centrifugal clutch assembly device according to the first aspect further includes a spring attachment turntable, the counterweight placement device is arranged on the spring attachment turntable, and the counterweight placement device is a plurality of counterweight placement devices. In addition, as the spring attachment turntable rotates, the counterweight placement device can be moved sequentially between a placement position where the counterweight is placed, an attachment position where the spring is attached by the spring attachment device, and a delivery position where the counterweight attached with the spring is delivered.

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 5, the centrifugal clutch assembling apparatus described in claim 1 further includes a weight attachment section configured to attach the weight having the spring attached by the spring attachment device to the shaft member provided on the support plate.

[0015] Beneficial Effects

[0016] According to the invention described in the first aspect, the device includes: a counterweight placement device, the counterweight placement device is used to place the counterweight in a ring-shaped arrangement; and a spring attachment device, which is configured to attach the spring to the counterweight placed on the counterweight placement device. In addition, the counterweight placement device with the counterweight placed can position the counterweight so that the spring is at a balanced length when attached to the counterweight. Such a configuration can automate the work of assembling the centrifugal clutch and also facilitate the attachment of the spring to the counterweight.

[0017] According to the invention described in the second aspect, the spring attachment device includes: a movable member having a housing capable of housing a spring at a balanced length; and a pressing device configured to attach the spring to the counterweight by pressing the spring held at the balanced length into the counterweight when the housing housing the spring is located above the counterweight placed on the counterweight placing device. Such a configuration ensures that the spring is attached to the counterweight.

[0018] According to the invention described in the third aspect, the movable member has a receiving portion at each of its two ends, and the receiving portion can be moved alternately between a position where the spring at the equilibrium length is received by the receiving portion and another position where the spring at the equilibrium length received by the receiving portion is attached to the counterweight. Such a configuration enables the spring to be quickly attached to the counterweight and shortens the spring-attaching tact time.

[0019] According to the invention described in the fourth aspect, as the spring attachment turntable rotates, the counterweight placement device can be moved sequentially between a placement position where the counterweight is placed on the counterweight placement device, an attachment position where the spring is attached to the counterweight by the spring attachment device, and a delivery position where the counterweight with the spring attached is delivered. Such a configuration enables the spring to be smoothly and quickly attached to the counterweight using the spring attachment turntable.

[0020] According to the invention described in the fifth aspect, the device includes a counterweight attachment section configured to attach a counterweight having a spring attached thereto by a spring attachment device to a shaft member provided on a support plate. Such a configuration can automate not only the work of attaching the spring but also the work of attaching the counterweight having the spring attached thereto to the support plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] [ Figure 1 ] is a diagram outlining the overall structure of a centrifugal clutch assembly device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [ Figure 2 ] is a diagram showing the weight classification section of the centrifugal clutch assembly equipment.

[0023] [ Figure 3 ] is a plan view of the counterweight classification section, showing the positional relationship between the measuring device and the counterweight conveying device.

[0024] [ Figure 4 ] is a side view of the counterweight classification section, showing the positional relationship between the measuring device and the counterweight conveying device.

[0025] [ Figure 5] is a side view of the counterweight classification section, showing the positional relationship between the measuring device and the counterweight conveying device.

[0026] [ Figure 6 ] is a diagram showing the spring attachment section of a centrifugal clutch assembly device.

[0027] [ Figure 7 ] is a stereoscopic view of a counterweight placement device and a spring attachment turntable included in a spring attachment section.

[0028] [ Figure 8 ] is a plan view of the movable component included in the spring attachment section.

[0029] [ Fig. 9 ] is a stereoscopic view of the spring attachment section showing the position where the spring is to be supplied.

[0030] [ Fig.10 ] is a stereoscopic view of the spring attachment section showing the location where the spring is to be attached.

[0031] [ Fig.11 ] is a stereoscopic view of the counterweight in a state of being placed on the spring attachment section (a state before the spring is attached to the counterweight).

[0032] [ Fig.12 ] is a stereoscopic view of the counterweight in a state of being placed on the spring attachment section (a state after the spring is attached to the counterweight).

[0033] [ Fig.13 ] is a stereoscopic view of a transmission device arranged between a spring attachment section and a counterweight attachment section included in a centrifugal clutch assembly device.

[0034] [ Fig.14 ] is a stereoscopic view of a support plate attachment section, a counterweight attachment section and a side plate attachment section included in a centrifugal clutch assembly device.

[0035] [ Fig.15 ] is a stereoscopic view of the support plate attachment section of the centrifugal clutch assembly equipment.

[0036] [ Fig.16 ] is a stereoscopic view of a retaining device and an axis member supplying device included in a support plate attachment section.

[0037] [ Fig.17 ] is a stereoscopic view of a retaining device, an axis member supplying device and a negative pressure generating device included in a support plate attachment section.

[0038] [ Fig.18 ] is a stereoscopic view of the counterweight attachment section of the centrifugal clutch assembly equipment.

[0039] [ Fig.19 ] is a stereoscopic view of the side plate attachment section of the centrifugal clutch assembly equipment.

[0040] [ Fig. 20 ] is a stereoscopic view of a shaft member and a damper attached to a support plate via a support plate attachment section of a centrifugal clutch assembly apparatus.

[0041] [ Fig.21 ] is a stereoscopic view of a centrifugal clutch (side plate side) assembled by a centrifugal clutch assembly machine.

[0042] [ Fig. 22 ] is a stereoscopic view of a centrifugal clutch (support plate side) assembled by a centrifugal clutch assembly device.

[0043] [ Fig.23 ] is an exploded perspective view of a centrifugal clutch assembled by a centrifugal clutch assembly machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The centrifugal clutch assembling apparatus according to the present embodiment is an apparatus configured to assemble a centrifugal clutch in which, as Figure 21 to Figure 23 As shown, the weight W is swingably attached to a shaft member L provided on a support plate F. Figure 1 As shown, the centrifugal clutch assembly device includes a weight classification section A, a spring attachment section B, a support plate attachment section C, a weight attachment section D and a side plate attachment section E.

[0046] like Figures 21 to 23 As shown, the centrifugal clutch suitable for the present embodiment includes: a support plate F, on which a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) shaft members L are arranged; a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) counterweights W, which are arranged so that the corresponding shaft members L on the support plate F extend through the counterweights W; a spring S, which is arranged in a manner to connect adjacent counterweights W among the counterweights W; a damper b, which is attached to a protrusion Fb of the support plate F; a side plate G, which is attached to the distal end of the shaft member L; and an E-shaped ring e, which prevents the counterweight W on the shaft member L from falling off.

[0047] The support plate F is a metal annular member having a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) insertion holes Fa and a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) protrusions Fb, both of which are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. The shaft member L is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole Fa and fixed there by crimping. The damper b is attached to the corresponding protrusion Fb. The shaft member L is an axial member having a flange La at a predetermined position thereof. The damper b is made of a rubber material or an elastic material formed into a cylinder.

[0048] The weights W are each a metal member having a predetermined weight measurement. Each weight W has: a clutch shoe Wa forming an outer peripheral surface; an insertion hole Wb through which a corresponding one of the shaft members L extends; and a receiving recess Wc each receiving an end Sa of a corresponding one of the springs S. A plurality of (three in the present embodiment) weights W are annularly arranged and are arranged in a manner capable of swinging around the corresponding shaft members L extending through the corresponding insertion holes Wb.

[0049] The springs S are all coil springs. One end Sa and the other end Sa of each spring S are inserted into and thus attached to corresponding receiving recesses Wc of adjacent counterweights W in the counterweight W. When the counterweight W swings outward under the action of centrifugal force, the spring S applies a thrust toward the corresponding initial position of the counterweight W. When the centrifugal force decreases, the thrust of the spring S causes the counterweight W to swing inward. When the counterweight W is in the corresponding initial position, the counterweight W contacts the corresponding damper b. When the counterweight W swings outward, the damper b is used to limit the swing of the counterweight W. When the counterweight W swings inward, the counterweight W contacts the damper b so that the counterweight W can be buffered by the damper b.

[0050] The side plate G is a metal annular member disposed opposite to the support plate F. The side plate G has an insertion hole Ga that allows the distal end of the corresponding shaft member L to extend therethrough. The weight W is disposed between the support plate F and the side plate G in a manner capable of swinging around the corresponding shaft member L. In addition, an E-shaped ring e is attached to the distal end of the corresponding shaft member L to prevent the weight W from falling off.

[0051] With the above-mentioned centrifugal clutch installed in a vehicle, when the engine rotates and applies centrifugal force to the centrifugal clutch, the counterweight W swings outward against the thrust applied by the spring S. Therefore, the clutch shoe Wa comes into contact with an external member not shown. Therefore, the driving force generated by the engine is allowed to be transmitted to the drive shaft. When the engine slows down its rotation and reduces the centrifugal force, the thrust of the spring S causes the counterweight W to swing inward. Therefore, the clutch shoe Wa moves away from the external member. Therefore, the transmission of the driving force of the engine to the drive shaft is disabled.

[0052] The centrifugal clutch is assembled in due order by the centrifugal clutch assembly apparatus according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the centrifugal clutch assembly device of the present invention includes: a counterweight classification section A, which is configured to classify the counterweight W; a spring attachment section B, which is configured to attach the spring S to the counterweight W; a support plate attachment section C, which is configured to attach the shaft member L to the support plate F; a counterweight attachment section D, which is configured to attach the counterweight W to the support plate F; and a side plate attachment section E, which is configured to attach the side plate G.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the counterweight sorting section A includes: a first conveyor 1, which is used as a counterweight conveying device; a measuring device 2, which is arranged at the terminal side of the first conveyor 1; a second conveyor 3, which has a starting end positioned adjacent to the measuring device 2 and extends basically parallel to the first conveyor 1; a accommodating device 4, which includes a plurality of (ten in the present embodiment) accommodating channels 4a; a counterweight delivery device 5, which is capable of delivering the counterweight W accommodated in the accommodating channel 4a of the accommodating device 4; and a control unit J.

[0054] The first conveyor 1 (weight conveyor) is a roller conveyor capable of sequentially conveying the weight W. The first conveyor 1 is capable of Figure 2 The first conveyor 1 receives each weight W at the starting end on the left, transmits the received weight W to its terminal on the right side of the figure, and delivers the weight W to the measuring device 2. The measuring device 2 is a weighing device configured to measure the weight of the weight W received from the first conveyor 1 in sequence. Figure 3 As shown, the measuring device 2 is located between the end of the first conveyor 1 and the start of the second conveyor 3.

[0055] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the measuring device 2 has a placement surface 2a on which each counterweight W will be placed for weighing. The placement surface 2a is set at approximately the same height as the placement surface 1a, where the counterweight W will be placed on the first conveyor 1, and the placement surface 3a, where the counterweight W will be placed on the second conveyor 3. In addition, as shown in the figure, the present embodiment adopts a counterweight transfer device 6, which is configured to transfer the counterweight W from the first conveyor 1 (counterweight transfer device) to the placement surface 2a of the measuring device 2.

[0056] The counterweight transfer device 6 is movable above and between the terminal end of the first conveyor 1 and the placement surface 2a of the measuring device 2. The counterweight transfer device 6 has a receiving recess 6a in which the counterweight W to be transferred can be received. When the counterweight W reaches the terminal end of the first conveyor 1, the counterweight transfer device 6 is lowered to receive the counterweight W in the receiving recess 6a (see FIG. Figure 4), then undergoes a translational movement from the terminal end of the first conveyor 1 to the measuring device 2 (see Figure 5 ). Thus, the weight W is caused to slide from the placement surface 1 a of the first conveyor 1 to the placement surface 2 a of the measuring device 2 .

[0057] In short, the weight transfer device 6 according to the present embodiment can transfer the weight W by sliding the weight W on the placement surface 1a of the first conveyor 1 onto the placement surface 2a of the measuring device 2, so as to allow the measuring device 2 to weigh the weight W. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the weight W weighed by the measuring device 2 is then pushed by the weight transfer device 6 , undergoes a translational movement from the terminal end of the first conveyor 1 to the measuring device 2 , and thus slides onto the starting end of the second conveyor 3 .

[0058] The second conveyor 3 is a roller conveyor capable of sequentially conveying the weight W weighed by the measuring device 2. Figure 2 The second conveyor 3 sequentially conveys the weights W from the starting end on the right side of the conveyor 3 toward the terminal end on the left side thereof. The second conveyor 3 is provided with a plurality of discharge devices g configured to selectively push and discharge those weights W having a predetermined weight measurement. The discharge devices g are arranged to correspond to the receiving channels 4a of the receiving device 4 and are configured to be selectively activated under the control of the control unit J.

[0059] The control unit J is a computer or the like including a memory, a microcomputer, etc. The control unit J is connected to the measuring device 2 so as to be able to receive a signal related to the weight measurement of the counterweight W obtained by the measuring device 2. In addition, the control unit J is configured to selectively activate any one of the discharge devices g in response to the signal related to the weight measurement of the counterweight W, so that those counterweights W of the same weight measurement are discharged into the same accommodation channel 4a.

[0060] For example, the permissible weight measurements of the counterweight W are grouped into different measurement ranges between an upper limit and a lower limit, and those counterweights W having a weight measurement within each range are predefined as counterweights W of the same weight measurement. In the present embodiment, the permissible weight measurements are grouped into an equal number of ten ranges between an upper limit and a lower limit, and those counterweights W having a weight measurement within each range are determined by the control unit J as counterweights W of the same weight measurement.

[0061] While the weights W weighed by the measuring device 2 are being sequentially conveyed by the second conveyor 3, the control unit J controls the discharge device g to selectively start so that those weights W of the same weight measurement are discharged into the same accommodation channel 4a. Those weights W outside the range of the allowable weight measurement are discharged into the conveying path m by the discharge device g located upstream of the accommodation device 4 so as not to be accommodated by the accommodation device 4.

[0062] The accommodating device 4 is intended to accommodate the counterweight W weighed and sorted into groups of the same weight measurement by the measuring device 2, and includes a plurality of (ten in the present embodiment) accommodating channels 4a in which the counterweight W sorted into groups of the same weight measurement will be accommodated. The accommodating channels 4a are roller conveyors independent of each other, and are each capable of conveying the counterweight W. The counterweight W selectively discharged by the discharging device g can be conveyed toward the counterweight delivery device 5 through the accommodating channels 4a.

[0063] The weight delivery device 5 is located at the terminal side of the accommodating channel 4a ( Figure 2 If the number of weights W classified into any group of the same weight measurement and accommodated by the accommodation device 4 (i.e., the number of weights W accommodated in any accommodation channel 4a) reaches a predetermined value (the number of weights W to be set in the centrifugal clutch in the present embodiment, i.e., three), the weight delivery device 5 delivers the predetermined number of weights W from the accommodation device 4 to the spring attachment section B. The weight delivery device 5 according to the present embodiment is configured to Fig.11 A predetermined number (three) of weights W are delivered in the state of the annular arrangement shown.

[0064] The spring attachment section B is a device configured to attach the spring S to the weight W delivered by the weight delivery device 5 in a state of annular arrangement. Figure 6 As shown, the spring attachment section B includes a counterweight placement device 7, a spring attachment turntable 8 and a spring attachment device 9. Figure 7 As shown, the weight placement devices 7 each include a placement portion 7a on which three corresponding weights W are to be placed and a drive source 7b, which is a motor or the like configured to move the placement portions 7a toward or away from each other. The weight placement devices 7 are a plurality of (four in this embodiment) weight placement devices 7 arranged on the periphery of a specific circle defined on the spring-attached turntable 8.

[0065] The spring attachment turntable 8 can be rotated around the pivot 8a by a motor or the like not shown. With the rotation of the spring attachment turntable 8, the counterweight placement device 7 can be sequentially transferred between the placement position P1, the moving position P2, the attachment position P3 and the delivery position P4. The placement position P1 is a position where the counterweight W delivered by the counterweight delivery device 5 is to be placed on the corresponding placement portion 7a. The moving position P2 is a position where the placement portions 7a are moved toward each other with the activation of the driving source 7b.

[0066] When the placement portions 7a move toward each other at the movement position P2 (so that the radial distance therebetween decreases), the annularly arranged weights W are arranged as shown in FIG. Fig.11 This arrangement allows the end Sa of each spring S, which is resting at the equilibrium length, to be inserted into the corresponding receiving recess Wc of the adjacent weight in the counterweight W (see Fig.12 ). When the placement portion 7 a and the weight W are moved to the attachment position P3 , the spring S is attached to the weight W through the spring attachment device 9 .

[0067] The spring attaching device 9 is configured to attach the spring S to the weight W placed on the placement portion 7a of one of the weight placing devices 7 at the attachment position P3 in the weight placing device 7. Figure 6 As shown, the spring attachment device 9 includes: a movable member 10, which can rotate around a pivot 10a; a receiving portion 11, which is arranged at two corresponding ends of the movable member 10; a spring supply device 12, which is configured to supply a spring S; and a pressing device 13, which is configured to press the spring S into the counterweight W.

[0068] As a motor (not shown) or the like is activated, the movable member 10 can rotate about the pivot 10a. Figure 8 As shown, the movable member 10 has a receiving portion 11 at its two corresponding ends. The receiving portion 11 can rotate around a corresponding pivot 11b, and each has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) receiving holes 11a arranged on the same circumference. The receiving holes 11a are holes shaped in accordance with the spring S at the balanced length, so that the spring S at the balanced length supplied from the spring supply device 12 can be received and retained therein.

[0069] As the movable member rotates about the pivot 10a, the receiving portion 11 can be in a position P5 (see Figure 6 and Fig. 9 ) and another position P6 (see Figure 6 and Fig.10 ). At one position P5, the spring S at the equilibrium length will be accommodated by the accommodation portion 11. At another position P6, the spring S at the equilibrium length accommodated by the accommodation portion 11 will be attached to the counterweight W. Note that the spring S at the equilibrium length refers to the spring S in a state of neither compression nor expansion.

[0070] The spring supply device 12 is located near a position P5 and as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The configuration shown is to supply springs S individually one by one and insert the springs S sequentially into the receiving holes 11a of the receiving portion 11 rotating about the pivot 11b. The springs S received in the receiving holes 11a are held at a balanced length with their ends Sa facing downward.

[0071] The pressing device 13 is located near another position P6. When the accommodation portion 11 accommodating the spring S is located above the counterweight W placed on the counterweight placement device 7 (i.e., the counterweight W placed on one of the counterweight placement devices 7 at the attachment position P3), the pressing device 13 presses the spring S into the counterweight W while keeping the spring S at the equilibrium length. Therefore, the spring S is attached to the counterweight W.

[0072] Specifically, Fig.10 As shown, the pressing device 13 includes a plurality of pressing portions 13a arranged corresponding to the receiving holes 11a. The pressing portions 13a are configured to be lowered to press the spring S in the receiving hole 11a downward and lower it so that the end Sa of the spring S is inserted into and attached to the receiving recess Wc of the weight W, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 shown.

[0073] As the spring attachment turntable 8 further rotates, the weight W having the spring S attached thereto by the pressing device 13 and the weight placement device 7 having the weight W placed thereon move to the delivery position P4, and the weight W having the spring S attached thereto is delivered from the delivery position P4 by the transfer device 14. Fig.13 As shown, the transfer device 14 includes a gripper 14a configured to grip three weights W having springs S attached thereto and a mover 14b configured to move the gripper 14a gripping the weights W to the weight attachment section D by sliding along a slide rail 14c.

[0074] The support plate attachment section C is an attachment device configured to attach the shaft member L and the damper b to the support plate F. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the support plate attachment section C includes a shaft member attachment turntable 15 that can rotate about its center position and a holding device 16 that can hold the shaft member L, the damper b, and the support plate F. The holding device 16 is a clamp on which the shaft member L, the damper b, and the support plate F are to be placed. Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the retaining devices 16 each have: a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) retaining holes 16a for retaining the shaft member L inserted therein; and a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) recesses 16b for retaining the damper b.

[0075] The shaft member attachment turntable 15 is a disc-shaped member on which a plurality of holding devices 16 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. With the shaft member attachment turntable 15 rotated by a motor or the like not shown, the holding devices 16 can be sequentially moved between the shaft member supply position Pa1, the damper supply position Pa2, the support plate attachment position Pa3, the crimping position Pa4, the inspection position Pa5, and the delivery position Pa6. The shaft member supply position Pa1 is a position where the shaft member L is to be supplied from the shaft member supply device 17 and held by the holding device 16. The shaft member supply device 17 is capable of supplying the shaft member L to the holding device 16 and is located at the shaft member supply position Pa1.

[0076] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the shaft member supply device 17 according to the present embodiment includes: a suction transfer device 17a configured to transfer the shaft member L to the holding hole 16a of the holding device 16 while attracting the shaft member L; and a negative pressure generating device 18 capable of generating negative pressure in the holding hole 16a of the holding device 16. Fig.16 As shown, the attraction transmission devices 17a are each an attraction pad or the like capable of attracting a flange La provided at the upper end of the shaft member L. The attraction transmission devices 17a are supported by the support portion 17b.

[0077] The support portion 17b supports a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) attraction transfer devices 17a and can move along the slide rail 17c. With the activation of a driving source not shown, the support portion 17b can move between a reserve portion (not shown) containing a plurality of shaft members L and the shaft member supply position Pa1. The attraction transfer device 17a attracts the shaft member L at the reserve portion, and then the shaft member L is transferred to the shaft member supply position Pa1. That is, the shaft member L is transferred to the shaft member supply position Pa1, and at the same time, it is attracted by the corresponding attraction transfer device 17a at its flange La. Therefore, the shaft member L is positioned above the corresponding retaining hole 16a of the retaining device 16.

[0078] The negative pressure generating device 18 is a negative pressure pump or the like that can generate negative pressure in the holding hole 16a of the holding device 16. Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the negative pressure generating device 18 is connected to the chamber portion 19 through a hose h. The chamber portion 19 is a hollow cylindrical member and is provided with a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) connecting pipes 19a which communicate with the space inside the chamber portion 19 and protrude from the chamber portion 19. When the holding device 16 moves to the shaft member supply position Pa1, the connecting pipe 19a is set to be continuous with the bottom of the corresponding holding hole 16a.

[0079] Therefore, when the shaft member L attracted to the attraction transfer device 17a is transferred to a position above the corresponding holding hole 16a, the negative pressure generating device 18 is activated to generate negative pressure in the holding hole 16a through the chamber portion 19 and the connecting pipe 19a. Fig.16 As shown, the shaft member L whose upper end is relatively loosely supported by suction is pulled by the negative pressure generated in the holding hole 16a, and is inserted into the holding hole 16a to be held. Note that the suction transmission device 17a may be connected to a negative pressure generating device different from the negative pressure generating device 18 so as to use negative pressure when the shaft member L is attracted, or may be connected to the negative pressure generating device 18 so as to use negative pressure when the shaft member L is attracted.

[0080] At the damper supply position Pa2, a supply device (not shown) configured to supply the annular damper b to the corresponding recess 16b of the holding device 16 is provided. At the support plate attachment position Pa3, a supply device (not shown) configured to supply the support plate F to the holding device 16 is provided. In the case where the support plate F is supplied to the holding device 16 by this device, the shaft member L held in the holding hole 16a is inserted into the insertion hole Fa of the support plate F, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the damper b fitted in the recess 16b is fitted to the corresponding protrusion Fb of the support plate F.

[0081] A crimping device (not shown) configured to fix the upper end of the shaft member L inserted into the insertion hole Fa to the support plate F by crimping is provided at the crimping position Pa4. An inspection device (not shown) configured to inspect whether the crimping state is good is provided at the inspection position Pa5. The support plate F to which the shaft member L is crimped as described above is then moved to the delivery position Pa6 and delivered from the delivery position Pa6 by the flip delivery device 20.

[0082] like Fig.14 As shown, the flip delivery device 20 is located between the delivery position Pa6 of the support plate attachment section C and the receiving position Pb1 of the counterweight attachment section D. The flip delivery device 20 includes a pair of grab arms 20a configured to grab the support plate F. When the support plate F having the shaft member L fixed thereto reaches the delivery position Pa6, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the support plate F is grasped by the grasping arm 20a, and the grasping arm 20a rotates around the rotation axis 20b. Fig.18 As shown, the support plate F grasped by the grasping arm 20a is turned over and received at the receiving position Pb1 of the counterweight attachment section D.

[0083] The counterweight attachment section D is an attachment device that is positioned to be compatible with the Fig.13The spring attachment section B shown is adjacent to and is also positioned to be aligned with the spring attachment section B shown in FIG. Fig.14 The support plate attachment section C is shown adjacent. The counterweight attachment section D includes: a counterweight attachment turntable 21 rotatable about its center; and a plurality of clamps 22 arranged side by side in the peripheral direction of the counterweight attachment turntable 21 .

[0084] The counterweight attachment turntable 21 enables the clamp 22 to move sequentially between a receiving position Pb1, an attachment position Pb2, an adjustment position Pb3 and a delivery position Pb4. At the receiving position Pb1, a support plate F (a support plate F having an axis member L fixed thereto) delivered from the support plate attachment section C will be received; at the attachment position Pb2, a counterweight W delivered from the spring attachment section B will be received and attached to the support plate F; at the adjustment position Pb3, the positions of a plurality of counterweights W will be adjusted; and the support plate F with the counterweight W attached will be delivered from the delivery position Pb4.

[0085] The receiving position Pb1 is a position where the support plate F having the shaft member L and the damper b attached thereto by the support plate attachment section C is received by flipping the delivery device 20. The support plate F thus received is then moved to the attachment position Pb2 as the weight attachment turntable 21 rotates. That is, the support plate F received at the receiving position Pb1 is at the distal end of the shaft member L as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 The device is held by the clamp 22 in the state shown pointing upward, and is transferred to the attachment position Pb2.

[0086] At the attachment position Pb2, the weight W having the spring S attached thereto and delivered therefrom through the spring attachment section B is received so that the shaft member L is inserted into the insertion hole Wb of the corresponding weight W, whereby the weight W is swingably attached. At the adjustment position Pb3, the relative positions of the three weights W placed on the jig 22 are adjustable. For example, the weight W placed in a manner not to interfere with the damper b can be moved to an initial position where the weight W contacts the damper b.

[0087] Then, the support plate F with the weight W attached thereto at a predetermined position thereof moves to the delivery position Pb4 and is delivered by the delivery device 23. Fig.14 and Fig.18 As shown, the delivery device 23 includes a plurality of grab arms 23a provided at positions corresponding to the counterweight W. Using the grab arms 23a, the delivery device 23 is able to grab the support plate F and the counterweight W at the delivery position Pb4 of the counterweight attachment section D and deliver the support plate F and the counterweight W to the receiving position Pc1 defined in the side plate attachment section E.

[0088] The side plate attachment section E is an attachment device used in the final process of attaching the side plate G to obtain a centrifugal clutch. Fig.14 and Fig.19As shown, the side panel attachment section E is positioned adjacent to the counterweight attachment section D, and includes a side panel attachment turntable 24 rotatable about its center, a pushing device 25 , a delivery conveyor 26 , and a plurality of clamps 27 arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the side panel attachment turntable 24 .

[0089] like Fig.19 As shown, the side plate attachment turntable 24 enables the clamp 27 to move sequentially between the following positions: a receiving position Pc1, at which the support plate F delivered from the counterweight attachment section D (the support plate F having the counterweight W attached thereto) will be received; an attachment position Pc2, at which the side plate G will be supplied and attached to the support plate F; an anti-falling position Pc3, at which the E-ring e will be attached to the shaft member L to prevent the side plate G from falling off; an inspection position Pc4, at which the attachment state of the E-ring e will be inspected; and a delivery position Pc5, from which the centrifugal clutch obtained as a product will be delivered.

[0090] The receiving position Pc1 is a position where the support plate F having the weight W attached thereto through the weight attaching section D and delivered by the delivery device 23 is to be received. The support plate F thus received is then moved to the attachment position Pc2 with the rotation of the side plate attaching turntable 24. At the attachment position Pc2, the side plate G is supplied to be attached so that the shaft member L fixed to the support plate F is inserted into the insertion hole Ga of the side plate G.

[0091] At the anti-dropping position Pc3, an anti-dropping device (not shown) is provided, which is configured to fit the E-ring e to the distal end of the corresponding shaft member L inserted into the insertion hole Ga, thereby preventing the side plate G from falling off. In the case where the E-ring e is fitted by the anti-dropping device for preventing the side plate G from falling off, a centrifugal clutch is obtained as a product. Then, with the rotation of the side plate attachment turntable 24, the centrifugal clutch thus obtained at the anti-dropping position Pc3 with the E-ring e attached thereto and the weight W attached to the support plate F and the side plate G moves to the inspection position Pc4, and the attachment state of the E-ring e (presence / absence of the E-ring, correctness of the orientation and front / rear side of the E-ring, etc.) is inspected.

[0092] The centrifugal clutch inspected at the inspection position Pc4 is then moved to the delivery position Pc5 as the side plate attachment turntable 24 is further rotated, and the pushing device 25 is activated to push the centrifugal clutch at the delivery position Pc5 into the delivery conveyor 26. Thus, such centrifugal clutches are sequentially conveyed. The above series of processes enables automatic assembly of centrifugal clutches as final products.

[0093] The centrifugal clutch assembling apparatus according to the present embodiment enables automatic sorting of the counterweight W through the counterweight sorting section A, automatic attachment of the spring S through the spring attaching section B, automatic attachment of the shaft member L to the support plate F through the support plate attaching section C, automatic attachment of the counterweight W to the shaft member L on the support plate F through the counterweight attaching section D, and automatic attachment of the side plate G through the side plate attaching section E. Therefore, the apparatus enables automatic manufacture of a centrifugal clutch.

[0094] In particular, the present embodiment employs the weight placement device 7 on which the weight W is to be placed in a state of annular arrangement, and the spring attachment device 9 configured to attach the spring S to the weight W placed on the weight placement device 7. Furthermore, the weight placement device 7 on which the weight W is placed can position the weight W so that the spring S is at a balanced length when attached to the weight W. This configuration can automate the work of assembling the centrifugal clutch, and also facilitates the attachment of the spring S to the weight W.

[0095] The spring attaching device 9 according to the present embodiment includes: a movable member 10 having an accommodation portion 11 capable of accommodating the spring S at the equilibrium length; and a pressing device 13 configured to attach the spring S held at the equilibrium length to the counterweight W by pressing the spring S into the counterweight W when one of the accommodation portions 11 accommodating the spring S is located above the counterweight W placed on the counterweight placing device 7. This configuration ensures that the spring S is attached to the counterweight W.

[0096] The movable member 10 according to the present embodiment has the accommodation portion 11 at both respective ends thereof, and enables the accommodation portion 11 to be alternately moved between a position P5 at which the spring S at the equilibrium length is accommodated by the accommodation portion 11 and another position P6 at which the spring S at the equilibrium length accommodated by the accommodation portion 11 is attached to the weight W. This configuration enables the spring S to be quickly attached to the weight W and shortens the spring engagement time.

[0097] With the rotation of the spring attachment turntable 8, the counterweight placement device 7 according to the present embodiment can be sequentially moved between the placement position P1, the attachment position P3, and the delivery position P4. At the placement position P1, the counterweight W will be placed on the counterweight placement device 7, at the attachment position P3, the spring S will be attached to the counterweight W by the spring attachment device 9, and the counterweight W attached with the spring S will be delivered from the delivery position P4. This configuration makes it possible to smoothly and quickly attach the spring S to the counterweight W by using the spring attachment turntable 8.

[0098] Furthermore, a weight attaching section D is employed which is configured to attach a weight W having a spring S attached thereto by a spring attaching device 9 to a shaft member L provided on a support plate F. This configuration can automate not only the work of attaching the spring S but also the work of attaching the weight W having the spring S attached thereto to the support plate F.

[0099] Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an assembly device that does not include the spring attachment turntable 8 is also applicable. As another alternative, any device other than the movable member 10 having the accommodation portion 11 or the pressing device 13 may be used to attach the spring S to the counterweight W.

[0100] Although the above-described embodiment enables not only the spring S but also the counterweight W to be automatically attached through the counterweight sorting section A, the shaft member L to be automatically attached to the support plate F through the support plate attachment section C, the counterweight W to be automatically attached to the shaft member L on the support plate F through the counterweight attachment section D, and the side plate G to be automatically attached through the side plate attachment section E, any of the aforementioned processes may be performed manually.

[0101] Industrial Applicability

[0102] The present invention is also applicable to any centrifugal clutch assembly equipment having a different appearance, additional functions, etc., as long as the equipment is within the spirit of the present invention.

[0103] Reference numerals list

[0104] 1. The first conveyor (counterweight conveyor)

[0105] 2. Measuring device

[0106] 3. Second Transmitter

[0107] 4. Accommodation device

[0108] 4a. Accommodation channel

[0109] 5. Counterweight delivery device

[0110] 6. Counterweight transfer device

[0111] 7. Counterweight placement device

[0112] 7a. Placement

[0113] 7b. Driving source

[0114] 8. Spring-attached turntable

[0115] 8a. Pivot

[0116] 9. Spring attachment device

[0117] 10. Active components

[0118] 10a. Pivot

[0119] 11. Accommodation

[0120] 11a. Accommodation hole

[0121] 11b. Pivot

[0122] 12. Spring supply device

[0123] 13. Pressing device

[0124] 13a. Pressing part

[0125] 14. Transfer device

[0126] 14a. Grasping unit

[0127] 14b. Movers

[0128] 14c. Slide rail

[0129] 15. Shaft member attached to turntable

[0130] 16. Holding device

[0131] 16a. Keeping hole

[0132] 16b, concave part

[0133] 17. Shaft component supply device

[0134] 17a. Attraction and transfer device

[0135] 17b. Supporting part

[0136] 17c. Slide rail

[0137] 18. Negative pressure generating device

[0138] 19. Chamber

[0139] 20. Flip delivery device

[0140] 20a. Grabbing arm

[0141] 20b. Rotation axis

[0142] 21. Counterweight Attachment Turntable

[0143] 22. Fixture

[0144] 23. Delivery device

[0145] 23a. Grabbing arm

[0146] 24. Side plate attached to turntable

[0147] 25. Propulsion device

[0148] 26. Delivery Teleporter

[0149] 27. Fixture

[0150] A. Counterweight classification section

[0151] B. Spring Attachment Section

[0152] C. Support plate attachment section

[0153] D. Counterweight attachment section

[0154] E. Side panel attachment section

[0155] W. Counterweight

[0156] Wa, clutch bearing

[0157] Wb, Insertion hole

[0158] Wc, receiving recess

[0159] S. Spring

[0160] L, shaft component

[0161] F. Support plate

[0162] Fa, Insertion hole

[0163] Fb, protrusion

[0164] G. Side panels

[0165] e. E-shaped ring

[0166] b. Damper

[0167] J. Control Unit

Claims

1. A centrifugal clutch assembly apparatus configured to assemble a centrifugal clutch in which a counterweight is swingably attached to a shaft member provided on a support plate, the centrifugal clutch assembly apparatus comprising: A counterweight placement device, wherein the counterweight placement device is used to place the counterweight in a ring-shaped arrangement; as well as a spring attachment device configured to attach a spring to the weight placed on the weight placement device, The counterweight placement device on which the counterweight is placed can position the counterweight so that the springs are all at a balanced length when attached to the counterweight.

2. The centrifugal clutch assembly device according to claim 1, in, The spring attachment device comprises: a movable member having a receiving portion capable of receiving the spring at the equilibrium length; and A pressing device configured to attach the spring to the counterweight by pressing the spring held at the equilibrium length into the counterweight when the accommodation portion accommodating the spring is located above the counterweight placed on the counterweight placing device.

3. The centrifugal clutch assembly apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The movable member has the receiving portion at each of its two ends, and is capable of moving the receiving portion alternately between a position in which the spring at the equilibrium length is received by the receiving portion and another position in which the spring at the equilibrium length received by the receiving portion is attached to the counterweight.

4. The centrifugal clutch assembly device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring attachment turntable, the counterweight placement device being arranged on the spring attachment turntable, the counterweight placement device being a plurality of counterweight placement devices, wherein: As the spring attachment turntable rotates, the counterweight placement device can sequentially move between a placement position where the counterweight is placed on the counterweight placement device, an attachment position where the spring is attached to the counterweight by the spring attachment device, and a delivery position where the counterweight with the spring attached is delivered.

5. The centrifugal clutch assembly apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a weight attachment section configured to attach the weight having the spring attached by the spring attachment device to the shaft member disposed on the support plate.

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