A tire tightening sleeve switching device for final assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses a tire tightening sleeve switching device for final assembly, including a workbench, a base in the middle of the workbench, a first through hole on the base, and a limiting structure on one side of the first through hole; a support plate is provided below the workbench, and a first cylinder is connected to the support plate. By using the tire tightening sleeve switching device of this invention, work efficiency is improved, the number of workstations is reduced, and costs are lowered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive tire assembly technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a tire tightening sleeve switching device for tire assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the requirements for the flexibility of automotive production lines are becoming increasingly stringent, with each production line needing to be compatible with multiple vehicle models. The tightening bolts for tires also differ between different vehicle models. Major OEMs' automated tire tightening stations need to be compatible with different sized bolts to enable multiple vehicle models to operate on the same line. To ensure the correct installation of different bolts, currently, a separate robot controls the tightening sleeve. Typically, different bolts are tightened using different robots or two semi-automatic manual tightening devices. However, both of these methods are inefficient and increase the number of workstations, labor costs, and production line planning investment costs.

[0003] Utility model patent with publication number CN220111498U, published on December 1, 2023, discloses a tire fixing device for a tire coating machine, including a support base; two symmetrical fixing seats are fixedly connected to the top of the support base, and each fixing seat is equipped with a sleeve. A spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of one end of the sleeve near the fixing seat, and a clamping roller is equipped at the other end of the movable rod. A groove is opened on the support base, and a first motor is installed on one side of the support base. The output end of the first motor is connected to a bidirectional lead screw, and an arc-shaped clamping plate is fixedly connected to the L-shaped plate. However, this tire fixing device for a tire coating machine cannot solve the technical problems described above. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a tire tightening sleeve switching device for general assembly that improves work efficiency, reduces the number of workstations, and lowers costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] The tire tightening sleeve switching device includes a workbench, a base in the middle of the workbench, a first through hole on the base, and a limiting structure on one side of the first through hole; a support plate is provided below the workbench, and a first cylinder is connected to the support plate.

[0007] The bottom of the workbench is connected to a bracket, the first cylinder is mounted on the bracket, and the piston rod of the first cylinder is connected to the bottom of the support plate.

[0008] The limiting structure includes a stop block located between mounting slots. A turntable is provided in the middle of the base, and the stop block is fixedly connected to the edge of the turntable. A second cylinder is also provided on the worktable. The piston rod of the second cylinder is connected to a push block, and the turntable and the push block are connected by a connecting rod. A limiting groove is provided on the connecting rod, and a limiting rod is provided at the top of the push block, with the limiting rod located in the limiting groove.

[0009] A base plate is provided above the base, and a second through hole is provided on the base plate, which is axially corresponding to the first through hole; a support shaft is connected between the base plate and the base, and the top end of the support shaft has a stepped structure.

[0010] Both the first through hole and the second through hole are evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0011] The base has a rotating shaft in the middle, the turntable is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, the top of the rotating shaft has a limiting flange, the top of the limiting rod has a limiting block, the connecting rod is horizontally arranged, and the bottom end of the limiting flange and the bottom end of the limiting block are both in contact with the upper end face of the connecting rod.

[0012] The bracket is provided with a guide shaft, the top end of which is fixedly connected to the support plate, and the bottom end of which extends out from the bracket. The guide shafts are evenly distributed circumferentially.

[0013] The workbench is provided with mounting brackets at both ends, the mounting brackets are higher than the base, and the top of the mounting brackets is provided with photoelectric detection switches; the mounting brackets have a Z-shaped cross-section and waist-shaped mounting holes are evenly distributed on the mounting brackets.

[0014] The turntable has an extension plate at its end, and the stop block is located on the extension plate. The stop block has bolt holes.

[0015] The workbench is equipped with a positioning bracket, which has an L-shaped structure. The second cylinder is fixed on the positioning bracket, and the top of the positioning bracket is provided with an oblong positioning hole.

[0016] The technical advantages of this invention are as follows: The assembly tire tightening sleeve switching device of this invention uses a first cylinder to raise and lower the tightening sleeve, achieving alignment and installation with the robotic arm; a second cylinder drives the rotation of the stop block, restricting the tightening sleeve in the axial direction, facilitating its separation from the robot. The device has a reasonable structural design and high installation accuracy, ensuring stable posture during sleeve handling and storage, ensuring accurate robotic arm alignment, reducing operational errors, and improving production efficiency. The automatic delivery of this device with the robotic arm enables rapid switching between different tightening sleeves, allowing robots to share the tightening process for tire bolts of different vehicle models. This satisfies the tightening requirements of different tire fixing bolts, facilitating co-production of tires of different models on the same line, improving equipment utilization efficiency, shortening maintenance time, reducing the number of production line stations and occupied area, and lowering personnel, equipment, and investment costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the tire tightening sleeve switching device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of the tire tightening sleeve switching device of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the tire tightening sleeve switching device of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of the tire tightening sleeve switching device of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a front view of a partial structure of the tire tightening sleeve switching device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the components on the workbench of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second cylinder and its associated structure according to the present invention.

[0025] The following are marked in the diagram: 1. Workbench; 11. Frame; 12. Foot; 13. Tightening sleeve; 2. Base; 21. First through hole; 22. Turntable; 23. Stop block; 24. Extension plate; 25. Bolt hole; 26. Rotating shaft; 27. Limiting flange; 28. Support shaft; 3. First cylinder; 31. Support plate; 32. Bracket; 33. Guide shaft; 34. Reinforcing rib; 4. Second cylinder; 41. Push block; 42. Limiting rod; 43. Limiting groove; 44. Connecting rod; 45. Limiting block; 46. Positioning bracket; 47. Waist-shaped positioning hole; 5. Mounting bracket; 51. Photoelectric detection switch; 52. Waist-shaped mounting hole; 6. Base plate; 61. Second through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the tire tightening sleeve switching device includes a workbench 1, a base 2 in the middle of the workbench 1, a first through hole 21 on the base 2, and a limiting structure on one side of the first through hole 21; a support plate 31 is provided below the workbench 1, and a first cylinder 3 is connected to the support plate 31.

[0028] In the above structure, the workbench 1 is welded from a steel plate and a square frame 11. The frame 11 is welded from square tubes, which has a low manufacturing cost. Four feet 12 are set at the bottom to ensure the flatness of the top table surface and the installation accuracy of each component. The first through hole 21 is used to limit the radial movement of the tightening sleeve to ensure the stability of the tightening sleeve position. The stop block 23 serves as a limiting structure for the tightening sleeve, which can limit the tightening sleeve in the axial direction to further ensure its position stability and ensure that the tightening sleeve can be separated from the robot. The first cylinder 3 can lift the tightening sleeve and align it with the robot arm for installation.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a support 32 is connected to the bottom of the workbench 1. A first cylinder 3 is mounted on the support 32, and the piston rod of the first cylinder 3 is connected to the bottom of the support plate 31. The bottom end of the tightening sleeve passes through the first through hole 21 and overlaps the support plate 31. The first cylinder 3 drives the liftable support plate 31, and the tightening sleeve located on the support plate 31 moves up and down with the support plate 31, raising the tightening sleeve to the required installation height for installation with the robot arm. The support 32 has multiple reinforcing ribs 34 on its side to improve its structural strength.

[0030] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the limiting structure includes a stop block 23 located between the mounting slots. A turntable 22 is provided in the middle of the base 2, and the stop block 23 is fixedly connected to the edge of the turntable 22. A second cylinder 4 is also provided on the worktable 1. The piston rod of the second cylinder 4 is connected to a push block 41, and the turntable 22 is connected to the push block 41 by a connecting rod 44. The connecting rod 44 is provided with a limiting groove 43, and the top of the push block 41 is provided with a limiting rod 42, which is located in the limiting groove 43. The second cylinder 4 drives the piston rod to extend and retract. The piston rod drives the turntable 22 to rotate a certain angle through the push block 41 and the connecting rod 44. The turntable 22 drives all the stop blocks 23 to rotate a certain distance. The stop blocks 23 will cover a certain range of the first through hole 21. When the tightening sleeve is located in the first through hole 21, the stop block 23 forms a locking contact with the quick-connect part of the tightening sleeve, restricting the axial movement of the tightening sleeve and achieving an axial limiting effect, so that the tightening sleeve can be easily separated from the robot. To ensure that the linear motion of the piston rod can drive the connecting rod 44 to rotate, the limiting groove 43 is designed to be waist-shaped and the two are not fixedly connected. The limiting rod 42 can move within the limiting groove 43, thereby limiting the maximum rotation angle of the connecting rod 44. Furthermore, the length of the limiting groove 43 and the rotation angle of the connecting rod 44 are designed to be compatible to avoid the stop block 23 from rotating too much or too little.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, a base plate 6 is provided above the base 2, and a second through hole 61 is provided on the base plate 6, which corresponds axially to the first through hole 21. A support shaft 28 is connected between the base plate 6 and the base 2, and the top end of the support shaft 28 has a stepped structure. The base plate 6 and the through hole limit the tightening sleeve, ensuring that the tightening sleeve is vertical. When the robot switches sleeves, it can quickly align and install with the tightening sleeve, reducing alignment errors and improving work efficiency. The stepped structure at the top end of the support shaft 28 makes the base plate 6 horizontal after installation, ensuring accurate axial alignment between the second through hole 61 and the first through hole 21, and reducing the use of connecting parts.

[0032] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 61 are both evenly distributed circumferentially. The number of tightening sleeves is the same as the number of bolts on the tire. The number of through holes is set according to the specifications of the number of tightening sleeves. The number of stops 23 is the same as the number of first through holes 21. The number of stops 23 is conventionally set to five.

[0033] like Figure 7As shown, a rotating shaft 26 is provided in the middle of the base 2, and a turntable 22 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 26. A limiting flange 27 is provided at the top of the rotating shaft 26, and a limiting block 45 is provided at the top of the limiting rod 42. The connecting rod 44 is horizontally arranged, and the bottom ends of the limiting flange 27 and the limiting block 45 are both in contact with the upper end face of the connecting rod 44. The turntable 22 rotates around the rotating shaft 26 to drive the stop block 23 to rotate. The limiting flange 27 and the limiting block 45 respectively play a vertical limiting role at both ends of the connecting rod 44, so that the connecting rod 44 will not come out, ensuring the stability of the horizontal posture of the connecting rod 44, and thus ensuring the rotation accuracy of the stop block 23.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 32 ​​is provided with a guide shaft 33. The top end of the guide shaft 33 is fixedly connected to the support plate 31, and the bottom end of the guide shaft 33 extends out of the bracket 32. The guide shafts 33 are evenly distributed circumferentially. The above-mentioned multiple guide seats provide support and guidance for the support plate 31, and are used to ensure the horizontal stability of the support plate 31.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the workbench 1 has mounting brackets 5 at both ends, which are higher than the base 2. A photoelectric detection switch 51 is mounted on the top of the mounting bracket 5. The mounting bracket 5 has a Z-shaped cross-section and evenly distributed waist-shaped mounting holes 52. The mounting brackets 5 are located on both sides of the base 2, and the photoelectric detection switches 51 are staggered on the mounting brackets 5, meaning each photoelectric detection switch 51 corresponds to a tightening sleeve in a first through hole 21. To ensure unobstructed detection area of ​​the photoelectric detection switch 51, the top of the mounting bracket 5 is designed to be higher than the base 2. When the tightening sleeve is placed, the photoelectric detection switch 51 can detect the tightening sleeve and send a signal to the control system, allowing for the next operation. The Z-shaped mounting bracket 5 ensures the installation accuracy of the photoelectric detection switch 51, and the multiple waist-shaped mounting holes 52 on the mounting bracket 5 facilitate position adjustment of the photoelectric detection switch 51, improving versatility.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, the turntable 22 has an extension plate 24 at its end, and a stop block 23 is provided on the extension plate 24. The stop block 23 has bolt holes 25. Each stop block 23 has two bolt holes 25 and is fixed to the extension plate 24 with two bolts. The extension plate 24 has the same size as the stop block 23. If the stop block 23 is damaged, it can be quickly disassembled by bolts for maintenance and replacement, ensuring the normal use of the whole device.

[0037] like Figure 7As shown, a positioning bracket 46 is provided on the worktable 1. The positioning bracket 46 has an L-shaped structure, and the second cylinder 4 is fixed on the positioning bracket 46. The top of the positioning bracket 46 has an oblong positioning hole 47. Since the second cylinder 4 is set in a horizontal position, designing the positioning bracket 46 as an L-shape helps to ensure that the second cylinder 4 has high installation accuracy, thereby ensuring the stable movement of the piston rod and connecting rod 44. Furthermore, the positioning hole at the bottom of the positioning bracket 46 is designed as an oblong hole, which facilitates the adjustment of the installation position of the second cylinder 4.

[0038] The tire tightening sleeve switching device is used in parallel. If two devices are installed, one for storing and replacing tightening sleeves, the other for sharing the robotic arm, reducing workstation area, and lowering production line investment. The workflow is as follows: When the production line produces two different types of tires (i.e., tires equipped with different fixing bolts), the vehicle's VIN code is sent to the automatic tire station PLC control system two stations ahead via the slide conveyor. The VIN code is analyzed by the MES to determine the vehicle model and the required replacement. The PLC sends control commands to the automatic station tightening robot. Upon receiving the commands, the robot controls its gripper to move to the sleeve switching device to automatically replace the required sleeve. By changing different tightening sleeves, the robot achieves flexible co-line production of different vehicle models.

[0039] When the robot stores the tightening sleeve, it first moves the sleeve to the top of the device. The control system allows the robot to rotate the sleeve and insert it into the two through holes. Simultaneously, the robot and sleeve provide feedback torque. The photoelectric detection switch 51 detects that the tightening sleeve is in place and transmits a signal to the control system. The control system then controls the first cylinder 3 to start lifting, and the second cylinder 4 to start rotating the stop block 23, thus restricting the axial movement of the sleeve quick-connect ring. After the robot rotates and resets, the sleeve automatically falls off. When the robot picks up the tightening sleeve, it moves to the top of another sleeve switching device. The first cylinder 3 starts lifting the support plate 31. After the tightening sleeve is lifted, it presses the sleeve against the robot. The robot rotates and connects with the new sleeve. After completing the sleeve switching, the robot can re-enter the tire tightening operation.

[0040] This tire tightening sleeve switching device uses a first cylinder 3 to raise and lower the tightening sleeve, enabling alignment and installation with the robotic arm. A second cylinder 4 drives the rotation of a stop block 23, restricting the tightening sleeve's axial movement and facilitating its separation from the robot. The device features a rational design and high installation precision, ensuring stable posture during sleeve handling and storage, accurate robotic arm alignment, reduced operational errors, and increased production efficiency. The automatic delivery of this device with the robotic arm allows for rapid switching between different tightening sleeves, enabling shared robotic operation for tire bolt tightening processes on different vehicle models. This facilitates the co-production of tires for different models on the same line, improving equipment utilization, shortening maintenance time, reducing the number of production line stations and floor space required, and lowering personnel, equipment, and investment costs.

[0041] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tire tightening sleeve switching device for final assembly, characterized in that: The system includes a workbench (1), a base (2) in the middle of the workbench (1), a first through hole (21) on the base (2), and a limiting structure on one side of the first through hole (21); a support plate (31) is provided below the workbench (1), and a first cylinder (3) is connected to the support plate (31); a bracket (32) is connected to the bottom of the workbench (1), the first cylinder (3) is mounted on the bracket (32), and the piston rod of the first cylinder (3) is connected to the bottom of the support plate (31); the limiting structure includes a stop ( 23), the stop block (23) is located between the mounting slots, the base (2) is provided with a turntable (22) in the middle, the stop block (23) is fixedly connected to the edge of the turntable (22), the worktable (1) is also provided with a second cylinder (4), the piston rod of the second cylinder (4) is connected to a push block (41), the turntable (22) and the push block (41) are connected by a connecting rod (44); the connecting rod (44) is provided with a limiting groove (43), the top of the push block (41) is provided with a limiting rod (42), the limiting rod (42) is located in the limiting groove ( 43) Inside; A base plate (6) is provided above the base (2), and a second through hole (61) is provided on the base plate (6), the through hole being axially corresponding to the first through hole (21); A support shaft (28) is connected between the base plate (6) and the base (2), and the top of the support shaft (28) is a stepped structure; The first through hole (21) and the second through hole (61) are evenly distributed along the circumference; A rotating shaft (26) is provided in the middle of the base (2), and the turntable (22) is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (26), and the top of the rotating shaft (26) is provided with The limiting flange (27) has a limiting block (45) at the top of the limiting rod (42), the connecting rod (44) is horizontally arranged, and the bottom end of the limiting flange (27) and the bottom end of the limiting block (45) are both attached to the upper end face of the connecting rod (44); the workbench (1) has mounting brackets (5) at both ends, the mounting brackets (5) are higher than the base (2), and the top of the mounting brackets (5) is equipped with a photoelectric detection switch (51); the mounting brackets (5) have a Z-shaped cross-section, and waist-shaped mounting holes (52) are evenly distributed on the mounting brackets (5).

2. The tire tightening sleeve switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (32) is provided with a guide shaft (33), the top end of the guide shaft (33) is fixedly connected to the support plate (31), the bottom end of the guide shaft (33) extends out from the bracket (32), and the guide shaft (33) is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction.

3. The tire tightening sleeve switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turntable (22) has an extension plate (24) at its end, and the stop block (23) is provided on the extension plate (24). The stop block (23) has bolt holes (25).

4. The tire tightening sleeve switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The workbench (1) is provided with a positioning bracket (46), which is an L-shaped structure. The second cylinder (4) is fixed on the positioning bracket (46), and the top of the positioning bracket (46) is provided with a waist-shaped positioning hole (47).

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