A lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for new energy vehicles and its torque detection system

By designing the internal rolling support structure and alternating detection system of the lightweight aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly, the inconsistency and friction problems of the torque detection process of aluminum alloy ball hinge in the prior art are solved, and a more efficient detection effect is achieved.

CN119594105BActive Publication Date: 2025-06-24ZHEJIANG BONA HUACHUANG AUTO PARTS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411739805.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-29
Publication Date
2025-06-24
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When detecting the torque of the aluminum alloy ball hinge of new energy vehicles, the existing technology has the problem that the torque sensor is unfavorable due to load influence, and the detection process is poor, and the secondary clamping assembly is required.

Method used

A lightweight aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly of new energy vehicles is designed, adopting an internal rolling support structure, reducing internal friction through the ball seat and microbeads, and using composite ceramic shell and wire pulling limit to achieve swing and rotation of the ball pin. At the same time, a system that uses an alternate torque detection system for X-axis and Y-axis avoids secondary clamping and improves detection coherence.

Benefits of technology

The internal rolling support structure reduces the friction of the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly, improves the accuracy and consistency of its torque detection, avoids the need for secondary clamping, and improves the detection efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of new energy vehicle manufacturing and detection, and particularly relates to a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for new energy vehicles and its torque detection system. The aluminum alloy ball joint assembly includes a ball shell and a ball pin inserted inside the ball shell. Dust covers are sleeved at both openings of the ball shell, and both ends of the ball pin pass through the two dust covers respectively. A ball seat is inserted between the inside of the ball shell and the outer wall of the ball pin. A plurality of microbeads are embedded in the ball seat, and two composite ceramic shells are symmetrically sleeved outside each microbead. A wire is also wound around the outside of the ball pin and fixedly connected to the composite ceramic shell. The torque detection system includes a detection table, on which two steel frames are provided and two detection branches are respectively arranged inside the two steel frames. The present invention can manufacture a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly with an inner rolling support, alternately perform torque detection along the X-axis and Y-axis, and does not require secondary clamping of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly, realizing an improvement in the coherence of the entire torque detection process.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of manufacturing and testing of new energy vehicles, and specifically relates to a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for new energy vehicles and a torque detection system thereof. Background Art

[0002] As new energy vehicle technology matures, the per capita ownership of new energy vehicles increases year by year. Whether it is new car assembly or old car replacement, there is a very large spare parts market. The use of ball joints in the suspension system of new energy vehicles is very common, especially for transmitting force and torque to the suspension arm, providing angle deviation and rotational freedom. Therefore, a good ball joint is very helpful for improving the automobile suspension system.

[0003] During the rotation of the ball joint, the contact surface will be affected by resistance, which mainly comes from the friction between the contact surfaces, making the rotation less smooth than expected. Before production, it is necessary to test the torque of the swing and rotation of the aluminum alloy ball joint of new energy vehicles in order to select qualified products with reasonable structure and qualified torque.

[0004] When using a torque sensor to detect the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of new energy vehicles, two drive motors are used to simultaneously drive the ball pin and the ball shell to rotate, and the torque on the two rotating shafts is measured. However, the centrifugal force formed by the rotation on one shaft will increase the load on the other shaft, which is not good for the torque sensor. If the two rotating shafts are isolated from each other, separate detection will require secondary clamping of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly, and the continuity of the entire torque detection process is poor. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for new energy vehicles and a torque detection system thereof, which can be made into a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly with an internal rolling support, and perform torque detection alternately along the X-axis and the Y-axis, and there is no need for secondary clamping of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly, thereby improving the continuity of the entire torque detection process.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for new energy vehicles includes a ball shell and a ball pin inserted into the ball shell, dust covers are provided at both openings of the ball shell, two dust covers are respectively passed through the two ends of the ball pin, a ball seat is inserted between the inside of the ball shell and the outer wall of the ball pin, a plurality of micro beads are embedded and installed on the ball seat, two composite ceramic shells are symmetrically provided on the outside of the micro beads, and a wire fixedly connected to the composite ceramic shell is also surrounded on the outside of the ball pin, and when the micro beads are loaded, they push the composite ceramic shell to pull the wire to deform.

[0008] When the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly is loaded, the ball pin swings or rotates around the midpoint of the ball shell. During this process, the ball seat and micro-ball jointly support the ball pin. The rotation of the micro-ball can reduce the internal friction of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly. The rolling structure surrounds the spherical surface. At the same time, the composite ceramic shell and the wire limit the micro-ball to keep it surrounding the ball pin. The wire deformation can be stretched to further buffer, taking into account friction relief and its own elastic deformation.

[0009] After the ball pin is unloaded of its load, the pull wire itself contracts to link the ball seat and the micro-bead to stick to the ball pin.

[0010] As a preferred solution, a gasket and a plug seat are embedded in an opening of the ball shell, one end face of the gasket extends into the ball shell and contacts the ball seat, and one end face of the plug seat extends out of the ball shell. After the ball pin and the ball seat are placed in the ball shell, the gasket and the plug seat are installed in sequence. The plug seat can be fixed by welding or by threading. While supporting the ball pin, it can tighten the ball seat to prevent the ball seat from detaching from the ball pin.

[0011] As a preferred solution, the two ends of the two dust covers are respectively provided with double clamps and circular clamps, the two double clamps are respectively arranged at the two ends of the ball pin, and the two circular clamps are respectively arranged at the opening of the ball shell and the opening of the plug seat.

[0012] A torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle comprises a detection platform, on which two steel frames and two detection branches respectively arranged inside the two steel frames are arranged, and the two detection branches are respectively arranged along an X-axis and a Y-axis.

[0013] Among them, the two detection branches each include a power motor and a torque sensor coaxially connected to the output end of the power motor, and the bottoms of the two power motors are respectively connected to the inside of two steel frames; a lifting module is also vertically installed inside one of the steel frames, a pneumatic clamp is fixed to the output end of the lifting module, and a pin shaft is axially inserted inside the ball pin.

[0014] In the detection state, first lift the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly to connect the torque sensor on the X-axis to perform swing torque detection. Then, lower the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly, connect the torque sensor on the Y-axis, and perform rotational torque detection. In this way, the test piece is clamped and moved to the two detection branches in turn, and torque detection is performed alternately along the X-axis and Y-axis to avoid interference between the two detection branches, so that the two torque sensors encourage each other and are connected, reducing damage caused by deflection. There is no need to clamp the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for the second time, thereby improving the continuity of the entire torque detection process.

[0015] As a preferred solution, a load-bearing frame is fixed to one side of the steel frame away from the lifting module. The middle of the load-bearing frame is annular, and a rotating shaft is rotatably installed along the axial direction at the annular part. One end of the rotating shaft is coaxially connected to the detection shaft of the adjacent torque sensor, and the other end is fixed with a folded plate. One end of the folded plate extends obliquely upward to the Y-axis and a through hole is opened at this end.

[0016] Wherein, an in-place sensor, a guide tube and a micro cylinder are sequentially fixed on the upper surface of the folded plate along the radial direction of the through hole. The detection end of the in-place sensor is of a concave structure and surrounds the through hole. The cylinder rod of the micro cylinder passes through the guide tube and points to the in-place sensor.

[0017] When the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is lifted, the upper end of the pin shaft passes through the through hole and is detected by the in-place sensor, so that the central axis of the ball shell coincides with the X-axis. At this time, the lifting is stopped, and the micro cylinder is started to extend along the guide tube, and the pin shaft is clamped and locked in cooperation with the through hole. After the in-place detection is completed, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly and the torque sensor are coaxially connected through the rotating shaft, the folded plate and the pin shaft as a bridge, so that the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly can be swung centered around the X-axis for detection, and there is no need to repeatedly calibrate the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly to be centered.

[0018] As a preferred solution, heat insulation plates and arc-shaped clamping plates fixed to the heat insulation plates are bonded to both sides of the pneumatic claw. Air channels are opened inside the two arc-shaped clamping plates. Electric heating sheets are fixed to one side of the two air channels close to the Y-axis. The electric heating sheets are signal-connected to the industrial computer through relays. During the detection process, the electric heating sheets in the air channels are started to heat the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly in the pneumatic claw to the set range, and torque detection is carried out under the heating state, and heat insulation is carried out with the heat insulation plates to protect the pneumatic claw.

[0019] As a preferred solution, copper alloy air pipes separated from the electric heating sheets are inserted into the two air channels. The two copper alloy air pipes are communicated with each other. One end of one of the copper alloy air pipes is sequentially communicated with an intake hose and a micro air pump. The micro air pump is installed on the detection table. After heating, the electric heating sheet is turned off, and the micro air pump is started to pump cold air along the two copper alloy air pipes to take away the heat of the air channels and cool down the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly in the middle of the two air channels. Torque detection is carried out under the refrigeration state, and the tail gas can be introduced into the air conditioning system.

[0020] As a preferred solution, a first coupling is sleeved between one end of the rotating shaft and the detection shaft of the adjacent torque sensor. An inclined pull rod is hinged to the outside of the first coupling. The end of the inclined pull rod away from the first coupling is detachably connected to the upper edge of the folded plate.

[0021] As a preferred solution, a second coupling is fixed along the Y-axis at the detection end of one of the in-place sensors. The second coupling is key-connected to the pin shaft. Alloy seat supports and motor seats are also fixed inside both of the steel frames. Both of the alloy seat supports are in a forked shape and sandwich the outside of the two torque sensors. The two motor seats respectively carry two power motors.

[0022] As a preferred solution, threaded sections are provided at the positions of the pin shaft on both sides of the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly. Two limiting rings that clamp the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly from both ends are respectively threadedly installed on the two threaded sections.

[0023] The technical effects achieved by the present invention are as follows:

[0024] The lightweight aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly of the present invention is applied to new energy vehicles. When the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is loaded, the ball pin swings or rotates around the midpoint of the ball shell. During this process, the ball seat and the microbeads jointly support the ball pin. The rotation of the microbeads can reduce the internal friction of the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly. The spherical surface is surrounded by a rolling structure. At the same time, the composite ceramic shell and the wire rope limit the microbeads, and the deformation of the wire rope can be stretched to further buffer, taking into account both friction mitigation and its own elastic deformation, and being suitable for the multi-angle swing of the support node of the suspension arm.

[0025] In the present invention, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is first lifted to connect to the torque sensor on the X-axis for swing torque detection. Then, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is lowered and connected to the torque sensor on the Y-axis for rotational torque detection. In this way, after the test piece is clamped, it is successively moved to the two detection branches, and torque detection is alternately performed along the X-axis and the Y-axis, avoiding interference between the two detection branches, making the two torque sensors encourage and coherent with each other, reducing the damage caused by deflection, and there is no need to re-clamp the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly, realizing the improvement of the coherence of the entire torque detection process.

[0026] When the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly of the present invention is lifted, the upper end of the pin shaft passes through the through hole and is detected by the in-place sensor, so that the central axis of the ball shell coincides with the X-axis. At this time, the lifting is stopped, and the micro cylinder is started to extend along the guide tube, and the pin shaft is clamped and locked in cooperation with the through hole. After the in-place detection is completed, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly and the torque sensor are coaxially connected through the rotating shaft, the folding plate and the pin shaft as a bridge, so that the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly can be centered and swung around the X-axis for detection, without repeatedly calibrating the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly to be centered.

[0027] When performing torque detection on the X-axis and the Y-axis, the present invention can heat or cool the test piece to simulate high temperature or cold environment, increasing the consideration factors for torque detection. The application scenarios of the lightweight aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly for new energy vehicles are made more abundant, and the lightweight aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly for vehicles considers the influence of the outside temperature on the torque. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 It is the front view of the ball seat in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 It is the front view of the microbead in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 It is the front view of the torque detection system in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 It is the front view of the torque detection system in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 It is the figure in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 It is the front view of the torque sensor in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 It is the front view of the pneumatic gripper clamping the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 It is the top view of the pneumatic gripper in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 It is the exploded view of the pin shaft and the limit ring in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 It is the front view of the folded plate in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 It is the system block diagram of the overall control of the torque detection system in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In the drawings, the list of components represented by each reference numeral is as follows:

[0041] 1. Ball shell; 2. Ball pin; 3. Dust cover; 4. Ball seat; 5. Microbeads; 6. Composite ceramic shell; 7. Pull wire; 8. Washer; 9. Plug seat; 10. Double snap ring; 11. Round snap ring; 12. Inspection table; 13. Steel frame; 14. Torque sensor; 15. Power motor; 16. Lifting module; 17. Pneumatic gripper; 18. Pin shaft; 19. Load-bearing frame; 20. Rotating shaft; 21. Folded plate; 22. Through hole; 23. In-place sensor; 24. Guide tube; 25. Micro cylinder; 26. Heat insulation plate; 27. Arc-shaped clamping plate; 28. Air passage; 29. Electric heating sheet; 30. Copper alloy air duct; 31. Intake hose; 32. Micro air pump; 33. First coupling; 34. Diagonal tie rod; 35. Second coupling; 36. Alloy seat support; 37. Motor seat; 38. Thread section; 39. Limit ring. Detailed implementation mode

[0042] In order to make the purpose and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be specifically described below in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the following text only describes one or several specific implementation manners of the present invention, and does not strictly limit the scope of protection specifically claimed by the present invention.

[0043] Embodiment 1:

[0044] As Figures 1 - 3 shown, a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for new energy vehicles is applied to the suspension arm of new energy vehicles, and includes a ball shell 1 and a ball pin 2 inserted inside the ball shell 1. Both the ball shell 1 and the ball pin 2 are made of aluminum alloy material, which can reduce the weight of the ball joint assembly and make it lightweight. Dust covers 3 are sleeved at both openings of the ball shell 1, and both ends of the ball pin 2 pass through the two dust covers 3 respectively. A ball seat 4 is inserted between the inside of the ball shell 1 and the outer wall of the ball pin 2. The ball seat 4 can be made of wear-resistant rubber material, and a plurality of microbeads 5 are embedded and installed on the ball seat 4. The microbeads 5 can be made of hollow glass ball material and do not oxidize when exposed to air. Two composite ceramic shells 6 are symmetrically sleeved outside the microbeads 5. The composite ceramic shells 6 can be made of zirconia wear-resistant ceramic material. A pull wire 7 fixedly connected to the composite ceramic shell 6 is also wound around the outside of the ball pin 2. The pull wire 7 can be made of polyurethane belt line. When the microbeads 5 are loaded, they push the composite ceramic shell 6 to pull the pull wire 7 to deform.

[0045] Furthermore, as Figure 2 shown, the number of microbeads 5 is set to six. While surrounding the ball pin 2 for support, they maintain a large interval from each other and do not significantly occupy the space of the ball seat 4, which is convenient for the ball seat 4 to maintain good structural integrity.

[0046] Still further, as Figure 3 shown, the number of microbeads 5 is set to thirty-six, dividing the waist of the ball seat 4 into thirty-six zones to more carefully support the ball pin 2.

[0047] Among them, both end faces of the ball pin 2 are hobbed, with forty teeth, and are nitrided to optimize their hardness. Before assembly, the surface of the ball pin 2 is evenly coated with lithium-based lubricating oil.

[0048] During use, the transmission rod passes through the middle hole of the ball pin 2 and is fixed to the suspension system of the new energy vehicle by a nut. When loaded, the ball pin 2 swings or rotates around the midpoint of the ball shell 1. During this process, the ball seat 4 and the microbeads 5 jointly support the ball pin 2. The rotation of the microbeads 5 can reduce the internal friction of the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly. The microbeads 5 surround the spherical surface through a rolling structure. At the same time, the composite ceramic shell 6 and the wire 7 limit the microbeads 5, and the wire 7 can be stretched to deform for further buffering, taking into account both friction reduction and its own elastic deformation, which is suitable for the multi-angle swing of the support node of the suspension arm.

[0049] Refer to the appendix Figure 1 As shown, a washer 8 and a plug seat 9 are also embedded at one opening of the ball shell 1. One end face of the washer 8 extends into the ball shell 1 to contact the ball seat 4, and one end face of the plug seat 9 extends out of the ball shell 1. After the ball pin 2 and the ball seat 4 are both placed in the ball shell 1, the washer 8 and the plug seat 9 are installed in sequence. The plug seat 9 can be fixed by welding or by threading. While supporting the ball pin 2, it can press tightly against the ball seat 4 to prevent the ball seat 4 from detaching from the ball pin 2.

[0050] Refer to the appendix Figure 1 As shown, double snap rings 10 and round snap rings 11 are sleeved at both ends of the two dust covers 3 respectively. The two double snap rings 10 are respectively arranged at both ends of the ball pin 2, and the two round snap rings 11 are respectively arranged at the openings of the ball shell 1 and the plug seat 9. And lithium-based lubricating oil is filled in the neck of the ball pin 2. The two ends of the dust covers 3 are respectively constrained by the double snap rings 10 and the round snap rings 11, so that the two dust covers 3 respectively cover the two openings of the ball shell 1.

[0051] The working principle of the present invention is: the ball pin 2 swings or rotates around the midpoint of the ball shell 1. During this process, the ball seat 4 and the microbeads 5 jointly support the ball pin 2. The rotation of the microbeads 5 can reduce the internal friction of the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly. The microbeads 5 surround the spherical surface through a rolling structure. At the same time, the composite ceramic shell 6 and the wire 7 limit the microbeads 5, and the wire 7 can be stretched to deform for further buffering, taking into account both friction reduction and its own elastic deformation.

[0052] Embodiment 2:

[0053] In order to find out the defects in the product design, it is very necessary to detect the torque of the swing and self-rotation of the aluminum alloy ball hinge of the new energy vehicle before production, so as to screen out qualified products with reasonable structure and qualified torque. Or eliminate defective products during the production process after production to prevent defective parts from flowing into the market.

[0054] Such as Figures 4 - 12As shown in the figure, a torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle includes a detection table 12. There are two steel frames 13 arranged on the detection table 12 and two detection branches respectively arranged inside the two steel frames 13. The two detection branches are arranged along the X-axis and the Y-axis respectively. An industrial computer is placed outside the detection table 12, which is used to control the entire torque detection system and receive detection signals.

[0055] Among them, both detection branches include a power motor 15 and a torque sensor 14 coaxially connected to the output end of the power motor 15. The torque sensor 14 can be a non-contact dynamic torque sensor of the NJL-305 model, and the power motor 15 can be a three-phase asynchronous motor. The output ends of the two power motors 15 are fixedly connected to the power input ends of the torque sensors 14 through coaxial snap rings, and the bottoms of the two power motors 15 are respectively connected to the interiors of the two steel frames 13. Inside one of the steel frames 13, a lifting module 16 is also vertically installed. The lifting module 16 can be a Tianyouda module of the YDG12-OS-P400-L10-50-L3 model. A pneumatic gripper 17 is fixed to the output end of the lifting module 16, and a pin 18 is axially inserted into the ball pin 2.

[0056] Furthermore, the pneumatic gripper 17 is centered relative to the Y-axis and can be lifted and lowered along the Y-axis under the drive of the lifting module 16. The pneumatic gripper 17 is provided with two symmetric arc-shaped grippers, which can closely adhere to the outer arc surface of the ball shell 1 after being closed.

[0057] Still further, the detection ends of the two torque sensors 14 both point to the intersection point of the X-axis and the Y-axis, leaving enough space for the movement of the pneumatic gripper 17 and the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly, or having sufficient space for clamping the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly by an industrial manipulator.

[0058] With the above structure, its working principle is as follows: First, the pneumatic gripper 17 is opened, and the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly is placed by an industrial manipulator, then the ball shell 1 is clamped, and then the lifting module 16 is started to lift the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly along the Y-axis until the pin 18 is connected to the torque sensor 14 on the X-axis. The adjacent power motor 15 is started to swing the ball pin 2 around the X-axis. Within the range of plus or minus fifteen degrees, the detection signal of the torque sensor 14 is transmitted to the industrial computer for recording through a signal converter.

[0059] Then, the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly is lowered, so that the pin 18 is connected to the torque sensor 14 on the Y-axis, and the adjacent power motor 15 is started to rotate the ball pin 2 around the Y-axis. The detection signal of the torque sensor 14 is transmitted to the industrial computer for recording through a signal converter.

[0060] In this way, after the test piece is clamped, it is sequentially transferred to two detection branches, and torque detection is alternately performed along the X-axis and Y-axis, avoiding interference between the two detection branches, making the two torque sensors 14 encourage and connect with each other, reducing the damage caused by deflection, and eliminating the need for secondary clamping of the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly, thereby improving the coherence of the entire torque detection process.

[0061] Refer to the appendix Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown in the figure, on one side of a steel frame 13 far from the lifting module 16, a load-bearing frame 19 is welded. The middle of the load-bearing frame 19 is annular, and a rotating shaft 20 is rotatably installed along the axial direction at this annular part. One end of the rotating shaft 20 is coaxially connected to the detection shaft of the adjacent torque sensor 14, and the other end is fixed with a folded plate 21. One end of the folded plate 21 extends obliquely upward to the Y-axis, and a through hole 22 is opened at this end.

[0062] Among them, refer to the appendix Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the figure, on the upper surface of the folded plate 21, an in-place sensor 23, a guide tube 24, and a micro cylinder 25 are sequentially fixed along the radial direction of the through hole 22. The in-place sensor 23 can be an infrared photoelectric sensor of the XC-2020 model, and the micro cylinder 25 can be a mini cylinder of the SDA model. The detection end of the in-place sensor 23 has a concave structure and surrounds the through hole 22. The cylinder rod of the micro cylinder 25 passes through the guide tube 24 and points to the in-place sensor 23.

[0063] The micro cylinder 25 is connected to the lower computer through a relay signal. Both the lower computer and the in-place sensor 23 are signal-connected to the industrial computer, and the detection signal of the in-place sensor 23 is transmitted through a signal converter.

[0064] Furthermore, the load-bearing frame 19 has a triangular structure, which can stably support the rotating shaft 20 and enable the rotating shaft 20 to rotate along the X-axis.

[0065] With the above structure, its working principle is as follows: When the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is lifted, the upper end of the pin shaft 18 passes through the through hole 22 and is detected by the in-place sensor 23, so that the central axis of the ball shell 1 coincides with the X-axis. At this time, the lifting stops, and the micro cylinder 25 is started to extend along the guide tube 24 to cooperate with the through hole 22 to clamp the pin shaft 18 for locking. After the in-place detection is completed, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly and the torque sensor 14 are coaxially connected through the rotating shaft 20, the folded plate 21, and the pin shaft 18 as a bridge. In this way, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly can be centered and swung around the X-axis for detection without repeatedly calibrating the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly to be centered.

[0066] Refer to the appendix Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 12Both sides of the pneumatic clamp 17 are bonded with a heat insulation plate 26 and an arc-shaped clamp 27 fixed to the heat insulation plate 26. The heat insulation plate 26 can be made of perlite. Air channels 28 are opened inside the two arc-shaped clamps 27. Electric heating plates 29 are fixed on one side of the two air channels 28 close to the Y axis. The electric heating plates 29 are connected to the industrial computer through relay signals. During the detection process, the electric heating plates 29 in the air channels 28 are started to heat the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly in the pneumatic clamp 17 to the set range. Torque detection is performed in the heated state, and the heat insulation plate 26 is used for heat insulation to protect the pneumatic clamp 17.

[0067] As an option, the temperature of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly can be monitored in real time by a temperature sensor and displayed on an industrial computer for monitoring. The temperature sensor is a prior art and is not shown in the figure. It can resist the ball shell 1 to avoid obstruction of the ball pin 2.

[0068] See attached Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 , copper alloy air ducts 30 separated from the electric heating plate 29 are inserted inside the two air channels 28, and the two copper alloy air ducts 30 are connected through a bellows. One of the ports of the copper alloy air duct 30 is connected with an air intake hose 31 and a micro air pump 32 in sequence. The micro air pump 32 is connected to an industrial computer through a relay signal. The micro air pump 32 is installed on the test bench 12. After heating, the electric heating plate 29 is turned off, and the micro air pump 32 is started to pump cold air along the two copper alloy air ducts 30 to take away the heat of the air channel 28 and cool down the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly between the two air channels 28. Torque detection is performed in the cooling state, and the exhaust gas can be passed into the air conditioning system.

[0069] See attached Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 11 A first coupling 33 is sleeved between one end of the rotating shaft 20 and the detection shaft of the adjacent torque sensor 14. A diagonal rod 34 is hinged on the outer side of the first coupling 33. One end of the diagonal rod 34 away from the first coupling 33 is detachably connected to the upper edge of the folding plate 21, such as a bolt connection, or a buckle connection, etc. In this embodiment, a pin connection is preferably used, which can be selected while supporting.

[0070] Through the above structure, the rotating shaft 20, the folding plate 21, the first coupling 33 and the inclined rod 34 form a triangular stable structure, and the stability of the bridge is higher.

[0071] See attached Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7, a detection end of a position sensor 23 is fixed with a second coupling 35 along the Y-axis. The second coupling 35 is key-connected to the pin shaft 18. Inside both steel frames 13, an alloy seat support 36 and a motor seat 37 are also fixed by bolts. Both alloy seat supports 36 are in a forked shape and sandwich the outside of the two torque sensors 14, and screws are used to reinforce the torque sensors 14. The two motor seats 37 respectively carry two power motors 15 by bolts and are supported by the alloy seat support 36 and the motor seat 37 to improve the stability of the on-line detection of the two detection branches. When placing the test piece to be inspected, the key of the pin shaft 18 is vertically aligned with the keyway of the second coupling 35. The test piece in the limit die can be clamped at a specified angle by an industrial manipulator and sent into the pneumatic gripper 17 according to the set orientation.

[0072] Refer to the appendix Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 , threaded segments 38 are provided at the positions of the pin shaft 18 on both sides of the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly. Two limit rings 39 that clamp the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly from both ends are respectively threadedly installed on the two threaded segments 38. After the pin shaft 18 is inserted into the ball pin 2, the threaded segments 38 are exposed from both sides, and then the two limit rings 39 are installed and tightened to lock the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly, and it is placed in the limit die with a limit groove for standby, so that the key of the pin shaft 18 falls into the limit groove and is set at a specified angle.

[0073] The working principle of the present invention is as follows: First, the pneumatic gripper 17 is opened, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is placed by an industrial manipulator, then the ball shell 1 is clamped, and then the lifting module 16 is started to lift the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly along the Y-axis.

[0074] When the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is lifted, the upper end of the pin shaft 18 passes through the through hole 22 and is detected by the position sensor 23, so that the central axis of the ball shell 1 coincides with the X-axis. At this time, the lifting is stopped, and the micro cylinder 25 is started to extend along the guide tube 24 to cooperate with the through hole 22 to clamp the pin shaft 18 for locking. After the position detection is completed, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly and the torque sensor 14 are coaxially connected through the rotating shaft 20, the folded plate 21 and the pin shaft 18 as a bridge. In this way, when the adjacent power motor 15 is started to swing the ball pin 2 around the X-axis, within a range of plus or minus fifteen degrees, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly can be centered and swung around the X-axis for detection, without repeatedly calibrating the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly to be centered. The detection signal of the torque sensor 14 is transmitted to the industrial computer for recording through the signal converter.

[0075] Then, the aluminum alloy ball hinge assembly is lowered, the pin shaft 18 is connected to the torque sensor 14 on the Y-axis, and the adjacent power motor 15 is started to rotate the ball pin 2 around the Y-axis. The detection signal of the torque sensor 14 is transmitted to the industrial computer for recording through the signal converter.

[0076] In this way, after the sample to be inspected is clamped, it is successively transferred to two detection branches, and torque detection is alternately performed along the X-axis and Y-axis, avoiding interference between the two detection branches, making the two torque sensors 14 encourage and be coherent with each other, reducing the damage caused by deflection, and eliminating the need for secondary clamping of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly, thereby improving the coherence of the entire torque detection process.

[0077] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and refinements can be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention. The structures, devices, and operation methods not specifically described and explained in the present invention are implemented according to the conventional means in the art without special description and limitation.

Claims

1. A lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for a new energy vehicle, comprising a ball shell (1) and a ball pin (2) inserted into the ball shell (1), wherein both openings of the ball shell (1) are sleeved with dust covers (3), and two ends of the ball pin (2) are respectively passed through two dust covers (3), characterized in that: A ball seat (4) is inserted between the interior of the ball shell (1) and the outer wall of the ball pin (2), a plurality of micro beads (5) are embedded and mounted on the ball seat (4), two composite ceramic shells (6) are symmetrically sleeved on the outside of the micro beads (5), a wire (7) fixedly connected to the composite ceramic shell (6) is also surrounded on the outside of the ball pin (2), and when the micro beads (5) are loaded, they push the composite ceramic shell (6) to pull the wire (7) to deform, and a gasket (8) and a plug seat (9) are also embedded in an opening of the ball shell (1), one end face of the gasket (8) extends into the ball shell (1) to contact the ball seat (4), and one end face of the plug seat (9) extends out of the ball shell (1); When the ball pin (2) is loaded, the ball pin (2) swings or rotates around the midpoint of the spherical shell (1), and the ball seat (4) and the micro-ball (5) surround and support the ball pin (2), so that the rolling structure surrounds the spherical surface, and the rotation of the micro-ball (5) is used to reduce the internal friction of the spherical shell (1); The microbead (5) is limited by the composite ceramic shell (6) and the tie wire (7), and maintains a state of surrounding the ball pin (2); After the ball pin (2) is relieved of its load, the pull wire (7) contracts itself to link the ball seat (4) and the micro-bead (5) to stick to the ball pin (2).

2. The lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for new energy vehicles according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The two ends of the two dust covers (3) are respectively sleeved with a double clamping ring (10) and a circular clamping ring (11); the two double clamping rings (10) are respectively arranged at the two ends of the ball pin (2); and the two circular clamping rings (11) are respectively arranged at the opening of the ball shell (1) and the opening of the plug seat (9).

3. A torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle, characterized in that: A lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly for a new energy vehicle applied to any one of claims 1-2, comprising a test bench (12), wherein the test bench (12) is provided with two steel frames (13) and two test branches respectively arranged inside the two steel frames (13), wherein the two test branches are respectively arranged along the X-axis and the Y-axis; The two detection branches each comprise a power motor (15) and a torque sensor (14) coaxially connected to the output end of the power motor (15); the bottoms of the two power motors (15) are respectively connected to the inside of two steel frames (13); a lifting module (16) is vertically installed inside one of the steel frames (13); a pneumatic clamp (17) is fixed to the output end of the lifting module (16); and a pin shaft (18) is axially inserted inside the ball pin (2); The lifting module (16) lifts the pin shaft (18) to connect to the torque sensor (14) on the X-axis, and swings the detection ball pin (2) around the X-axis; The lifting module (16) lowers the pin shaft (18) to connect to the torque sensor (14) on the Y axis, and rotates the ball pin (2) around the Y axis to separate the detection actions of the X axis and the Y axis; The pin shaft (18) links the X-axis and the Y-axis and is coaxial with the two rotation axes of the ball pin (2) to calibrate the center of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly.

4. The torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle according to claim 3 is characterized in that: A load-bearing frame (19) is fixed to one side of a steel frame (13) away from the lifting module (16); the middle of the load-bearing frame (19) is annular and a rotating shaft (20) is axially rotatably mounted on the annular portion; one end of the rotating shaft (20) is coaxially connected to a detection shaft of an adjacent torque sensor (14); and the other end is fixed to a folding plate (21); one end of the folding plate (21) extends obliquely upward to the Y axis and a through hole (22) is formed at the one end; The upper surface of the folding plate (21) is fixed with an in-position sensor (23), a guide tube (24) and a micro cylinder (25) in sequence along the radial direction of the through hole (22); the detection end of the in-position sensor (23) is in a concave structure and surrounds the through hole (22); the cylinder rod of the micro cylinder (25) passes through the guide tube (24) and points to the in-position sensor (23).

5. The torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle according to claim 3 is characterized in that: Both sides of the pneumatic clamp (17) are bonded with a heat insulation plate (26) and an arc-shaped clamp (27) fixed to the heat insulation plate (26); air passages (28) are provided inside the two arc-shaped clamps (27); and electric heating plates (29) are fixed on one side of the two air passages (28) close to the Y axis.

6. The torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle according to claim 5 is characterized in that: A copper alloy air duct (30) separated from the electric heating plate (29) is inserted into the interior of each of the two air passages (28); the two copper alloy air ducts (30) are connected to each other; a port of one of the copper alloy air ducts (30) is connected in sequence to an air intake hose (31) and a micro air pump (32); the micro air pump (32) is mounted on the test bench (12).

7. The torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle according to claim 4 is characterized in that: A first coupling (33) is sleeved between one end of the rotating shaft (20) and a detection shaft of an adjacent torque sensor (14), an oblique tie rod (34) is hingedly connected to the outside of the first coupling (33), and one end of the oblique tie rod (34) away from the first coupling (33) is detachably connected to the upper edge of the folding plate (21).

8. The torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle according to claim 4 is characterized in that: A second coupling (35) is fixed along the Y-axis at the detection end of one of the in-position sensors (23); the second coupling (35) is key-connected to the pin shaft (18); an alloy seat bracket (36) and a motor seat (37) are also fixed inside the two steel frames (13); the two alloy seat brackets (36) are forked and clamped outside the two torque sensors (14); and the two motor seats (37) respectively carry two power motors (15).

9. The torque detection system for a lightweight aluminum alloy ball joint assembly of a new energy vehicle according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The pin shaft (18) is provided with threaded sections (38) at positions on both sides of the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly, and two limit rings (39) for clamping the aluminum alloy ball joint assembly from both ends are respectively threadedly mounted on the two threaded sections (38).

Citation Information

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