An automated assembly line for air suspension guide arms

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automotive parts manufacturing technology, and in particular to an automated assembly line for air suspension guide arms. The line includes a base plate with several support columns mounted on it. A U-shaped guide frame is mounted on each support column. A guide frame is slidably mounted inside the guide frame. Wheels are mounted on the inner walls of both sides of the guide frame, contacting the bottom wall of the guide frame. A cantilever unit is mounted on the guide frame for lifting the guide arm. An adjustment frame is also mounted on the base plate, with an adjustment block sliding inside. An assembly unit for mounting bushings onto the guide arm is mounted on the adjustment block. By setting the cantilever unit and drive unit to work in concert, the cantilever cylinder within the cantilever unit can flexibly adjust the height of the cross plate to lift the guide arm. Compared to traditional manual or external equipment handling of multiple guide arms, this method simplifies the handling process, reduces manual labor, significantly improves handling and transfer efficiency, and effectively solves the problems of low efficiency in manual operation and handling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts manufacturing technology, and in particular to an automated assembly line for air suspension guide arms. Background Technology

[0002] The air suspension guide arm is the core force transmission and guidance component of the air suspension system. It is mainly used to connect the vehicle body and the axle, transmit forces and torques and limit wheel trajectory during vehicle operation. Its performance directly affects the vehicle's handling stability, ride comfort and braking safety. It is a key structural component to ensure the reliable operation of the air suspension system.

[0003] To achieve a flexible connection between the guide arm and the vehicle body and axle, reduce vibration transmission, and minimize component wear, bushings (typically made of a composite of an inner metal tube, a rubber layer, and an outer metal tube) must be installed at the mounting holes at both ends of the guide arm before installation. Currently, the handling of the guide arms themselves requires manual labor or external equipment. The handling process for multiple guide arms is quite cumbersome, and the overall process has significant drawbacks: low efficiency in manual operation and handling, long time consumption per process, and the fact that some guide arms are heavy and bulky, requiring relocation between multiple locations to complete the retrieval and bushing installation, making the operation extremely cumbersome. This not only requires multiple workers but also makes it difficult to ensure assembly consistency in mass production, failing to meet the high-efficiency and high-precision requirements of modern automotive parts manufacturing.

[0004] In the prior art, patent CN106078166A discloses a bushing guiding and installing device, which includes initially fixing the suspension workpiece by setting a positioning mechanism, then using a guiding component to provide path guidance for bushing installation, assisting the operator in aligning the bushing with the workpiece mounting hole, and simultaneously using a simple pressure structure (such as a manual or pneumatic pressure head) to complete the press-fitting of the bushing. However, although this technology improves some of the original problems, there are still aspects that need further optimization to better meet actual assembly requirements.

[0005] The aforementioned installation device does not mention how the suspension is hoisted during transport. In actual operation, the suspension must be manually hoisted onto the installation device, and after the bushings are installed, the suspension must be manually removed again. Therefore, the installation of the suspension and the subsequent movement of the bushings require manual transport, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, since the bushing installation directions and installation spacing of different guide arms are different, and the spacing between the longitudinal pressing mechanism and the transverse pressing mechanism of the aforementioned device is not adjustable, it is not possible to install bushings on both sides of the guide arm at the same time, resulting in low applicability in practical application scenarios.

[0006] Therefore, based on the above-stated viewpoints, there is still room for improvement in existing guide arm bushing mounting devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an automated assembly line for air suspension guide arms, comprising a base plate on which several support columns are mounted. A U-shaped cross-section guide frame is mounted on the support columns. A guide frame is slidably mounted inside the guide frame. Wheels that contact the bottom wall of the guide frame are mounted on the inner walls of both sides of the guide frame. A cantilever unit is mounted on the guide frame for hoisting the guide arm.

[0008] An adjustment frame is also installed on the base plate, and an adjustment block slides inside the adjustment frame. An assembly unit for installing the bushing on the guide arm is installed on the adjustment block.

[0009] Preferably, the cantilever unit includes a support frame plate with a U-shaped cross section mounted on the guide frame, a horizontal plate slidably mounted inside the support frame plate, and a structural groove is provided on one side of the support frame plate. An extension plate is provided on one side of the horizontal plate, extending through the structural groove and located outside the support frame plate. A cantilever cylinder with its telescopic end connected to the extension plate is mounted on the guide frame.

[0010] Preferably, a winding wheel is symmetrically slidably installed inside the horizontal plate, and a traction rope is wound on the winding wheel. The bottom of the traction rope is equipped with an installation end for connecting the guide arm.

[0011] Preferably, the assembly unit includes several mounting slots formed on the base plate, and mounting columns are installed in several mounting slots that correspond to a row, with the top of the mounting columns connected to the bottom of the adjustment frame.

[0012] Extension frames are installed on both sides of the adjusting block, and assembly mechanisms are installed on the extension frames.

[0013] Preferably, an adjusting screw is rotatably inserted inside the adjusting frame. The adjusting screw has symmetrical threads, and the two threads are respectively threaded to the corresponding adjusting blocks.

[0014] An adjustment motor is installed on one side of the adjustment frame, and one end of the adjustment screw rotates through the outer wall of the adjustment frame and connects to the main shaft of the adjustment motor.

[0015] Preferably, each of the two vertical sections of the guide frame is equipped with a drive unit for moving the guide frame. The drive unit includes two drive shafts that are symmetrically rotated and pass through the vertical extension sections on both sides of the guide frame. Two transmission belts are sleeved between the two drive shafts, and the two transmission belts are respectively located in one vertical extension section of the corresponding guide frame.

[0016] A drive motor is installed on one side of the guide frame, and one end of the drive shaft on one side rotates through the outer wall of the guide frame and connects to the main shaft of the drive motor.

[0017] The transmission belt has several drive slots, and the corresponding guide frame has a drive component on its inner top wall for cooperating with the drive slots.

[0018] Preferably, the drive assembly includes tapered plates symmetrically mounted on the top wall of the guide frame, with drive claws hinged together by torsion springs between the tapered plates, and the ends of the drive claws located in one of the drive slots and in contact with its inner wall.

[0019] A limit plate is installed on one side of the drive claw, and a limit screw is threaded through one side of the tapered plate. The outer side of the limit screw contacts one side of the limit plate.

[0020] Preferably, the support frame is further equipped with a sensing component for aligning it with the adjustment frame. The sensing component includes a swing shaft that rotates through the inner wall of the support frame, a swing plate that is mounted on the outside of the swing shaft, and a vision sensor that is mounted on the upper end of the swing plate.

[0021] A swing motor is installed on one side of the support frame plate, and one end of the swing shaft rotates through the outside of the support frame plate and connects to the main shaft of the swing motor.

[0022] Preferably, a positioning plate is installed on one side of the adjustment frame.

[0023] Preferably, the vision sensor also integrates a central control unit, which includes a central control module; The central control module is electrically connected to the sensing module to identify and correct the position of the cantilever unit; The central control module is electrically connected to the conveying module and is used to drive the guide arm to move. The central control module is electrically connected to the cantilever module and is used to drive the guide arm to move. The central control module is electrically connected to the assembly module and is used to control the bushing installation of the guide arm.

[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: I. This invention sets up a cantilever unit and a drive unit to work together. The guide frame moves along the guide frame with the help of wheels under the drive unit. The cantilever cylinder in the cantilever unit can flexibly adjust the height of the cross plate. With the help of the winding wheel and the traction rope, the guide arm can be lifted efficiently. Compared with the traditional manual or external equipment to move multiple guide arms, this method simplifies the handling process, reduces manual input, significantly improves handling and transfer efficiency, and effectively solves the problem of low efficiency of manual operation and handling.

[0025] II. This invention utilizes an adjusting screw within the adjusting frame in conjunction with an adjusting motor. When the adjusting screw rotates, the opposite threads at both ends drive the adjusting blocks on both sides to move synchronously relative to each other or in opposite directions, thereby changing the spacing between the two sets of assembly units. Simultaneously, the extension frames on both sides of the assembly unit are equipped with assembly mechanisms, enabling simultaneous bushing installation on both sides of the guide arm, accommodating different guide arm bushing installation directions and spacing differences.

[0026] Third, through the cooperation of the sensing components and the central control unit, the visual sensor in the sensing components, driven by the swing motor, can identify the positioning plate on the adjustment frame to ensure accurate alignment between the guide frame and the assembly unit; during the descent of the guide arm, it can also monitor the height of the horizontal plate in real time and feed back the signal to the central control unit to control the movement of the cantilever cylinder and the assembly mechanism; in addition, the limit component can brake in time when the guide frame reaches the designated position to prevent deviation. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main body of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cantilever unit of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly unit of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving unit of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving component of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is the present invention. Figure 5 Enlarged view of part of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sensing component of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the control unit in this invention.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a detailed flowchart of the sensing module of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the material loading and unloading process of the cantilever module of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the assembly of the cantilever module of the present invention, which drives the guide arm.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a detailed flowchart of the assembly module of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting component of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a structural schematic diagram of the limiting component of the present invention from another perspective.

[0042] Figure 15 This is the present invention. Figure 14 Enlarged view of part of the structure at point B.

[0043] In the diagram, 1. Base plate; 10. Support column; 11. Guide frame; 12. Guide frame; 13. Wheel; 14. Adjusting frame; 15. Adjusting block; 2. Cantilever unit; 20. Support frame plate; 21. Horizontal plate; 22. Structural groove; 23. Extension plate; 24. Cantilever cylinder; 25. Traction rope; 26. Mounting end; 3. Assembly unit; 30. Mounting groove; 31. Mounting column; 32. Extension frame; 33. Assembly mechanism; 34. Adjusting screw; 35. Adjusting motor; 4. Drive. Unit; 40, drive shaft; 41, transmission belt; 42, drive motor; 43, drive groove; 5, drive assembly; 50, tapered plate; 51, drive claw; 52, limit plate; 53, limit screw; 6, sensing assembly; 60, swing shaft; 61, swing plate; 62, vision sensor; 63, swing motor; 64, positioning plate; 7, limit assembly; 70, transmission shaft; 71, support block; 72, driven shaft; 73, through groove; 74, drive ring; 75, friction plate. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following combination Figures 1 to 15 The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0045] This application discloses an automated assembly line for air suspension guide arms, which is used in the process of assembling bushings at the mounting holes at both ends of the air suspension guide arms. It can realize the automatic transfer of guide arms and the efficient and precise installation of bushings. Furthermore, this application can also adapt to the assembly requirements of guide arms of different specifications, thus improving applicability.

[0046] Example 1: Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the assembly includes a base plate 1, support columns 10, guide frame 11, guide frame 12, wheels 13, cantilever unit 2, adjusting frame 14, adjusting block 15, and assembly unit 3. Several support columns 10 are installed on the base plate 1, and a U-shaped cross-section guide frame 11 is installed on the several support columns 10. The support columns 10 are used to support the guide frame 11. The guide frame 12 is slidably installed inside the guide frame 11. Wheels 13 that contact the inner bottom wall of the guide frame 11 are installed on the inner walls of both sides of the guide frame 12. A cantilever unit 2 is installed on the guide frame 12 for hoisting the guide arm. When the guide frame 12 is driven by an external force, it can move along the extension of the guide frame 11 through the wheels 13. In actual use, several guide frames 12 can be installed on the guide frame 11, that is, multiple cantilever units 2 can hoist multiple guide arms.

[0047] An adjustment frame 14 is also installed on the base plate 1. An adjustment block 15 slides inside the adjustment frame 14. An assembly unit 3 for installing the bushing on the guide arm is installed on the adjustment block 15. That is, depending on the width of the guide arm and the spacing of the bushing installation, the adjustment block 15 can be driven to move within the adjustment frame 14 to change the spacing between the two sets of assembly units 3, so that the cantilever unit 2 can place the guide arm between the assembly units 3 for bushing installation.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, this is the cantilever unit 2 used for hoisting the guide arm. Specifically, the cantilever unit 2 includes a support frame plate 20, a horizontal plate 21, a structural groove 22, an extension plate 23, a cantilever cylinder 24, a traction rope 25, and an installation end 26. The support frame plate 20, with a U-shaped cross section, is installed on the guide frame 12. The horizontal plate 21 is slidably installed inside the support frame plate 20, and a structural groove 22 is provided on one side of the support frame plate 20. An extension plate 23 is provided on one side of the horizontal plate 21, extending out of the structural groove 22 and located outside the support frame plate 20. The guide frame 12 is equipped with a cantilever cylinder 24 whose telescopic end is connected to the extension plate 23. That is, the guide frame 12 can move the horizontal plate 21 through the support frame plate 20, and the cantilever cylinder 24 can move the horizontal plate 21 up and down within the support frame plate 20 through the extension plate 23.

[0049] A winding wheel (not shown in the figure) is symmetrically slidably installed inside the horizontal plate 21. A traction rope 25 is wound on the winding wheel. An installation end 26 is installed at the bottom of the traction rope 25 for connecting the guide arm. In actual use, the distance of the winding wheel in the horizontal plate 21 is adjusted according to the width of the guide arm. Then, the two installation ends 26 are used to install and limit the two sides of the guide arm respectively. The installation ends 26 can be selected by inserting pins or bolts to fix the lifting point on the guide arm, so that the traction rope 25 can lift the guide arm through the installation end 26. Then, the guide arm is moved to the next process through the guide frame 12.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 As shown, this is the assembly unit 3 used to install the bushing on the guide arm. Specifically, the assembly unit 3 includes a mounting slot 30, a mounting post 31, an extension frame 32, an assembly mechanism 33, an adjusting screw 34, and an adjusting motor 35. Several mounting slots 30 are opened at the upper end of the base plate 1, and mounting posts 31 are installed in several corresponding rows of mounting slots 30. The top of the mounting post 31 is connected to the bottom of the adjusting frame 14. The mounting post 31 is used to support the adjusting frame 14. In other words, according to actual usage requirements, the mounting post 31 can be installed in different mounting slots 30 to change the corresponding position of the adjusting frame 14 and the guide frame 11, and adapt to guide arms of different sizes.

[0051] Extension frames 32 are installed on both sides of the adjusting block 15. Assembly mechanisms 33 are installed on the extension frames 32. The traction rope 25 can suspend the guide arm between the two sets of extension frames 32. Then, the cantilever cylinder 24 drives the horizontal plate 21 to descend, so that the guide arm falls and is located between the two sets of assembly mechanisms 33. The assembly mechanism 33 is existing technology. Its main function is similar to the pushing of the cylinder. It places the bushing in front of the mounting hole of the guide arm. The bushing is pressed into the mounting hole of the guide arm by the telescopic end of the assembly mechanism 33 to complete the installation on one side. In actual use, the two sets of assembly mechanisms 33 can be operated at the same time to realize the synchronous installation of the bushings on both sides of the guide arm.

[0052] An adjusting screw 34 is rotatably inserted inside the adjusting frame 14. The adjusting screw 34 has symmetrical threads, and the two threads are respectively threaded to the corresponding adjusting blocks 15. An adjusting motor 35 is installed on one side of the adjusting frame 14. One end of the adjusting screw 34 rotatably passes through the outer wall of the adjusting frame 14 and is connected to the main shaft of the adjusting motor 35. The adjusting motor 35 can drive the adjusting screw 34 to rotate. The adjusting screw 34 drives the adjusting blocks 15 on both sides to move synchronously in opposite directions under the limit of the guide frame 11, so as to adapt to guide arms of different lengths.

[0053] Reference Figure 4 As shown, drive units 4 for moving guide frames 12 are installed in both vertical sections of the guide frame 11. Specifically, the drive unit 4 includes a drive shaft 40, a transmission belt 41, a drive motor 42, a drive groove 43, and a drive assembly 5. The two drive shafts 40 are symmetrically rotated and passed through the vertical extension sections on both sides of the guide frame 11. Two transmission belts 41 are sleeved between the two drive shafts 40, and the two transmission belts 41 are respectively located in one vertical extension section of the corresponding guide frame 11. A drive motor 42 is installed on one side of the guide frame 11, and one end of the drive shaft 40 on one side rotates through the outer wall of the guide frame 11 and connects to the main shaft of the drive motor 42. Several drive grooves 43 are opened on the transmission belts 41, and drive assemblies 5 for cooperating with the drive grooves 43 are provided on the inner top wall of the corresponding guide frame 12.

[0054] The main shaft of the drive motor 42 drives the drive shaft 40 on one side to rotate. The drive shaft 40 on one side can drive the drive shaft 70 on the other side to rotate through the transmission belt 41. During this period, the transmission belt 41 can drive the drive groove 43 on its outer side to move synchronously. The drive assembly 5 is located in one of the drive grooves 43. That is, the inner wall of the drive groove 43 drives the guide frame 12 to move on the guide frame 11 through contact with the drive assembly 5.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the drive assembly 5 is used to cooperate with the drive groove 43. Specifically, the drive assembly 5 includes a conical plate 50, a drive claw 51, a limiting plate 52 and a limiting screw 53. Two conical plates 50 are symmetrically installed on the inner top wall of the guide frame 12. The conical plates 50 are connected to the drive claw 51 by a torsion spring. The end of the drive claw 51 is located in one of the drive grooves 43 and contacts its inner wall. A limiting plate 52 is installed on one side of the drive claw 51, and a limiting screw 53 is threaded through one side of the tapered plate 50. The outer side of the limiting screw 53 is in contact with one side of the limiting plate 52.

[0056] In other words, during the specific implementation process, when the drive groove 43 moves with the transmission belt 41, it can contact the drive claw 51 through its inner wall. At this time, the force on the drive claw 51 is directed towards the limiting screw 53. Since the drive claw 51 is limited by the limiting screw 53 and cannot rotate, the pushing force on the drive claw 51 can be transmitted to the guide frame 12 through the conical plate 50, so that the guide frame 12 can move synchronously with the movement of the transmission belt 41. When the guide frame 12 moves to the end of one side of the transmission belt 41, the drive claw 51 contacts the inner wall of the other side of the corresponding drive groove 43. At this time, the force on the drive claw 51 is opposite and swings between the conical plates 50 in the opposite direction to the limiting screw 53, so that the drive claw 51 disengages from the corresponding drive groove 43. Finally, the guide frame 12 can move at the bent end of the guide frame 11 by inertia until it encounters the transmission belt 41 on the other side.

[0057] The drive pawl 51 can then enter the drive groove 43 on the other side of the transmission belt 41. The torsion spring that cooperates with the drive pawl 51 is used to allow the drive pawl 51 to immediately return to the vertical state when it is not swinging under force, so that the outer side of the drive pawl 51 can cooperate with the inner side wall of the drive groove 43, thereby allowing the guide frame 12 to be driven to move. After the guide frame 12 indirectly drives the guide arm to correspond with the assembly unit 3 through the cantilever unit 2, the drive motor 42 stops driving the transmission belt 41, so that the cantilever unit 2 can stop moving.

[0058] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, a sensing assembly 6 for aligning the support frame 20 with the adjustment frame 14 is also installed inside the support frame 20. Specifically, the sensing assembly 6 includes a swing shaft 60, a swing plate 61, a vision sensor 62, a swing motor 63, and a positioning plate 64. The swing shaft 60 is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the support frame 20, and the swing plate 61 is mounted on the outer side of the swing shaft 60. The vision sensor 62 is mounted on the upper end of the swing plate 61. The swing motor 63 is mounted on one side of the support frame 20, and one end of the swing shaft 60 rotatably passes through the outer side of the support frame 20 and connects to the main shaft of the swing motor 63. The positioning plate 64 is mounted on one side of the adjustment frame 14. The swing motor 63 drives the swing shaft 60 to rotate. The swing shaft 60 can drive the vision sensor 62 to swing along its axis through the swing plate 61. In the initial case, the swing shaft 60 drives the sensor to swing 90 degrees with the upper and lower extensions of the support frame plate 20 as the reference. When the guide frame 12 moves to correspond with the adjustment frame 14, the vision sensor 62 detects the positioning plate 64 on the adjustment frame 14. At this time, the drive motor 42 immediately stops rotating so that the guide frame 12 no longer moves. Then, the vision sensor 62 is driven by the swing shaft 60 to rotate 90 degrees in the opposite direction so that the vision sensor 62 faces the horizontal plate 21. The horizontal plate 21 is then driven to descend by the cantilever cylinder 24. During this process, the vision sensor 62 identifies the descent height of the horizontal plate 21. When the horizontal plate 21 drives the guide arm to correspond with the assembly mechanism 33, that is, when the descent height of the horizontal plate 21 reaches the target, the vision sensor 62 feeds a signal to stop the cantilever cylinder 24 from descending.

[0059] The vision sensor 62 is preferably a Keyence IV2 series intelligent vision sensor (such as model IV2200MA). This sensor has high-precision positioning capabilities and can accurately identify the positional features of the positioning plate 64 on the adjustment frame 14, ensuring that the cantilever unit 2 and the assembly unit 3 are precisely aligned, meeting the positioning requirements for guide arm hoisting and bushing assembly; it supports real-time capture of dynamic objects and can synchronously monitor height changes during the descent of the horizontal plate 21, and can promptly transmit a height compliance signal to the central control unit to control the cantilever cylinder 24 to stop its operation; moreover, its protection level meets the standards for use in industrial environments, and can withstand the dust, oil, and other environments that may exist in assembly line operations, making it suitable for long-term stable operation in automated production.

[0060] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the vision sensor 62 also integrates a central control unit, which includes a central control module.

[0061] The central control module is electrically connected to the sensing module and is used to identify and correct the position of the cantilever unit 2.

[0062] Specifically, the sensing module can be electrically controlled to rotate the swing motor 63, and the swing motor 63 controls the rotating shaft to drive the vision sensor 62 to swing, which corresponds to the positioning plate 64 and the horizontal plate 21 respectively.

[0063] The central control module is electrically connected to the conveying module and is used to drive the guide arm to move.

[0064] Specifically, the conveying module is used to control the rotation and stop of the electric drive motor 42. When the guide arm needs to move, the drive motor 42 is started to drive the transmission belt 41 to move. When the sensing module detects that the guide arm has moved to the position corresponding to the assembly unit 3, the drive motor 42 is controlled to stop rotating.

[0065] The central control module is electrically connected to the cantilever module and is used to drive the guide arm to move.

[0066] Specifically, during the installation of the guide arm, the cylinder drives the horizontal plate 21 to descend, so that the installation end 26 can contact the guide arm. After the installation is completed, the cylinder drives the guide arm to rise through the horizontal plate 21.

[0067] The cantilever module is used to operate the electrically controlled cantilever cylinder 24. When the sensing module detects that the guide frame 12 has corresponded with the assembly unit 3, the cantilever cylinder 24 is activated to drive the guide arm to move between the assembly units 3. After the assembly is completed, the cantilever cylinder 24 drives the horizontal plate 21 to return to its position, and then the guide frame 12 is moved to the next process through the transmission module.

[0068] The central control module is electrically connected to the assembly module and is used to control the bushing installation of the guide arm.

[0069] The assembly module is used to operate the electronically controlled assembly mechanism 33. After receiving the information from the sensor module that the horizontal plate 21 has descended to the correct position, the assembly module drives the corresponding assembly mechanism 33 to install the bushing onto the guide arm. All of the above information is identified by the sensor module, and the central control module processes the information fed back by the sensor module to drive the corresponding module to operate.

[0070] First, the cantilever module controls the cantilever unit 2 to install and fix the guide arm. Then, the conveying module controls the drive unit 4 to move the cantilever unit 2. When the sensing module detects that the cantilever unit 2 corresponds to the assembly unit 3 through the sensing component 6, the conveying module controls the drive unit 4 to stop running. The cantilever module controls the cantilever unit 2 to place the guide arm on the assembly unit 3, and the assembly module controls the assembly unit 3 to perform the bushing assembly operation. After the assembly is completed, the cantilever module controls the cantilever unit 2 to pick up the guide arm again, and the conveying module then controls the drive unit 4 to move it. After that, the cantilever module controls the cantilever unit 2 to lower the installed guide arm, and then the cantilever module controls the cantilever unit 2 to install a new guide arm to continue the above steps.

[0071] Example 2: Refer to Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, based on Embodiment 1, to prevent the guide frame 12 from moving a certain distance in the moving direction after the drive motor 42 stops, causing the cantilever unit 2 and the assembly unit 3 to shift, a limiting component 7 is installed in the support frame plate 20 and the guide frame 12. Specifically, the limiting component 7 includes a drive shaft 70, a support block 71, a driven shaft 72, a through groove 73, a drive ring 74, and a friction plate 75. The drive shaft 70 is rotatably mounted on the inner walls of both sides of the support frame plate 20, and the drive shaft 70 is connected to the swing shaft 60 by a belt. The transmission method is as follows: a support block 71 is installed on the inner bottom wall of the support frame plate 20. A driven shaft 72 is rotatably installed between the support blocks 71 and connected to the transmission shaft 70 through a bevel gear transmission. The extension direction of the driven shaft 72 is consistent with that of the limiting screw 53. A through groove 73 is opened between the support frame plate 20 and the guide frame 12. A drive ring 74 is rotatably installed on one side of the tapered plate 50, which is in keyway cooperation with the outer side of the limiting screw 53. The drive ring 74 is connected to the driven shaft 72 through the through groove 73 through a belt transmission.

[0072] A friction plate 75 is threadedly fitted on the outer side of the limiting screw 53, and the outer side of the friction plate 75 contacts the inner wall of the guide frame 12, with one side of the friction plate 75 corresponding to the wheel 13.

[0073] The swing shaft 60 can drive the transmission shaft 70 to rotate synchronously via belt drive, so that the transmission shaft 70 can drive the driven shaft 72 to rotate via bevel gear drive. The driven shaft 72 drives the limiting screw 53 to rotate on the conical plate 50 via belt drive and drive ring 74. When the swing motor 63 drives the vision sensor 62 to move towards the positioning plate 64, the limiting screw 53 contacts the limiting plate 52. That is, at this time, the drive groove 43 can drive the guide frame 12 to move via the drive claw 51. When the vision sensor... When the device 62 detects that it corresponds to the positioning plate 64, the swing shaft 60 drives the vision sensor 62 to rotate 90 degrees in the opposite direction to correspond to the horizontal plate 21. At this time, the limit screw 53 can be driven to rotate synchronously and move on the conical plate 50 in a direction away from the limit plate 52, so that the limit screw 53 no longer corresponds to the drive claw 51. Then the drive groove 43 can no longer drive the guide frame 12 to move. At this time, the friction plate 75 is driven to contact the side of the wheel 13 on one side, generating a braking effect on the wheel 13, so that the guide frame 12 stops.

[0074] Therefore, in actual operation, the position between multiple guide frames 12 can be dynamically adjusted by the braking of the wheel 13 by the friction plate 75 and the cooperation between the drive pawl 51 and the drive groove 43.

[0075] During operation: First, material preparation; according to the size of the guide arm to be assembled, the central control unit controls the adjustment motor 35 to start, driving the adjustment screw 34 to rotate, so that the two adjustment blocks 15 in the adjustment frame 14 move synchronously, adjusting the distance between the two sets of assembly units 3 to ensure that the installation requirements of the guide arm are met; at the same time, the mounting column 31 is fixed in the corresponding mounting groove 30 on the base plate 1 to ensure the relative position of the adjustment frame 14 and the guide frame 11 is accurate.

[0076] The second step is the hoisting of the guide arm. The cantilever cylinder 24 of the cantilever unit 2 is activated, which drives the horizontal plate 21 to descend within the support frame plate 20 through the extension plate 23. The operator or auxiliary equipment connects and fixes the lifting point of the guide arm to the mounting end 26 below the horizontal plate 21 (such as inserting a pin or tightening a bolt). Subsequently, the winding wheel inside the horizontal plate 21 adjusts the spacing according to the width of the guide arm, and the traction rope 25 is tightened to lift the guide arm smoothly. The cantilever cylinder 24 retracts and drives the horizontal plate 21 to rise, so that the guide arm is removed from the initial placement surface.

[0077] The third step is the transfer of the guide frame 12. The drive motor 42 of the drive unit 4 starts and drives the transmission belt 41 through the drive shaft 40. The drive groove 43 on the transmission belt 41 cooperates with the drive component 5 in the guide frame 12 (the drive claw 51 is embedded in the drive groove 43 and limited by the limiting screw 53), driving the guide frame 12 to move along the guide frame 11 through the wheel 13. At this time, the swing motor 63 of the sensing component 6 drives the swing shaft 60 to rotate, so that the vision sensor 62 faces the adjustment frame 14 and detects the positioning plate 64 on the adjustment frame 14 in real time to ensure that the movement trajectory of the guide frame 12 is accurate.

[0078] The fourth step is alignment and fixation. When the vision sensor 62 detects the positioning plate 64 and determines that the guide frame 12 has moved directly above the assembly unit 3, the central control unit controls the drive motor 42 to stop running. At the same time, the swing motor 63 drives the vision sensor 62 to rotate 90 degrees in the opposite direction, towards the horizontal plate 21, to monitor the descent height of the horizontal plate 21. The limit component 7 is activated, and the swing shaft 60 drives the limit screw 53 to rotate through the transmission belt 41, moving it away from the drive claw 51. The drive claw 51 disengages from the drive groove 43, and the friction plate 75 contacts the side of the wheel 13 to generate a braking effect, thus accurately fixing the guide frame 12.

[0079] Fifth step, bushing synchronous assembly; the cantilever cylinder 24 extends again, driving the cross plate 21 to descend, so that the guide arm falls between the extension frames 32 of the two assembly units 3; after the vision sensor 62 detects that the guide arm is aligned with the assembly mechanism 33, it sends a feedback signal to the central control unit, and the cantilever cylinder 24 stops moving; the assembly module starts, and the two assembly mechanisms 33 operate simultaneously, pushing the bushing to the mounting holes at both ends of the guide arm and pressing it into place, completing the synchronous installation of the bushings on both sides.

[0080] Step 6, unloading and circulation; after the bushing is assembled, the cantilever cylinder 24 retracts, causing the horizontal plate 21 to rise and lift the guide arm; the limit component 7 resets, the friction plate 75 disengages from the wheel 13, and the drive claw 51 returns to the vertical state under the action of the torsion spring, re-embedding into the drive groove 43 of the transmission belt 41; the drive motor 42 starts again, and the guide frame 12 drives the assembled guide arm to move along the guide frame 11 to the unloading area, the cantilever cylinder 24 descends to place the guide arm in the designated position, and the mounting end 26 is released from fixation; finally, the guide frame 12 returns to the loading area under the action of the drive unit 4, preparing for the assembly process of the next guide arm, realizing automated cyclic operation.

[0081] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and not restrictive.

[0082] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm, comprising a base plate (1) on which a plurality of support columns (10) are mounted, characterized in that: A guide frame (11) with a U-shaped cross section is installed on several support columns (10). A guide frame (12) is slidably installed inside the guide frame (11). Wheels (13) that contact the bottom wall of the guide frame (11) are installed on the inner walls of both sides of the guide frame (12). A cantilever unit (2) is installed on the guide frame (12) for hoisting the guide arm. An adjustment frame (14) is also installed on the base plate (1), and an adjustment block (15) slides inside the adjustment frame (14). An assembly unit (3) for installing the bushing on the guide arm is installed on the adjustment block (15). The cantilever unit (2) includes a support frame plate (20) mounted on the guide frame (12) and having a U-shaped cross section; The drive assembly (5) includes tapered plates (50) symmetrically mounted on the inner top wall of the guide frame (12). The tapered plates (50) are connected together by a torsion spring to drive claws (51). The end of the drive claw (51) is located in one of the drive grooves (43) and contacts its inner wall. A limiting plate (52) is installed on one side of the drive claw (51), and a limiting screw (53) is threaded through one side of the tapered plate (50). The outer side of the limiting screw (53) is in contact with one side of the limiting plate (52). The limiting assembly (7) includes a drive shaft (70), a support block (71), a driven shaft (72), a through groove (73), a drive ring (74), and a friction plate (75). The drive shaft (70) is rotatably mounted on the inner walls of both sides of the support frame plate (20). The drive shaft (70) is connected to the swing shaft (60) by a belt drive. The support block (71) is mounted on the inner bottom wall of the support frame plate (20). The support blocks (71) are rotatably mounted with respect to the drive shaft (70). The driven shaft (72) is connected to the limit screw (53) by bevel gear transmission. The extension direction of the driven shaft (72) is consistent with that of the limit screw (53). The support frame plate (20) and the guide frame (12) are provided with a through groove (73). A drive ring (74) that is keyed to the outside of the limit screw (53) is rotatably installed on one side of the tapered plate (50). The drive ring (74) is connected to the driven shaft (72) by belt transmission through the through groove (73). The outer side of the limiting screw (53) is also threaded with a friction plate (75), and the outer side of the friction plate (75) is in contact with the inner wall of the guide frame (12), and one side of the friction plate (75) corresponds to the wheel (13).

2. The automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: A horizontal plate (21) is slidably installed inside the support frame plate (20), and a structural groove (22) is provided on one side of the support frame plate (20). An extension plate (23) is provided on one side of the horizontal plate (21) that passes through the structural groove (22) and is located outside the support frame plate (20). A cantilever cylinder (24) with its telescopic end connected to the extension plate (23) is installed on the guide frame (12).

3. The automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 2, characterized in that: A winding wheel is symmetrically slidably installed inside the horizontal plate (21), and a traction rope (25) is wound on the winding wheel. An installation end (26) is installed at the bottom of the traction rope (25) for connecting the guide arm.

4. The automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The assembly unit (3) includes several mounting slots (30) opened on the base plate (1), and mounting posts (31) are installed in several corresponding mounting slots (30). The top of the mounting posts (31) is connected to the bottom of the adjustment frame (14). An extension frame (32) is installed on both sides of the adjustment block (15), and an assembly mechanism (33) is installed on the extension frame (32).

5. An automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 4, characterized in that: An adjusting screw (34) is also rotatably inserted inside the adjusting frame (14). The adjusting screw (34) is symmetrically threaded, and the two threads are respectively threaded to the corresponding adjusting blocks (15). An adjustment motor (35) is installed on one side of the adjustment frame (14), and one end of the adjustment screw (34) rotates through the outer wall of the adjustment frame (14) and connects to the main shaft of the adjustment motor (35).

6. An automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide frame (11) is equipped with two vertical sections, each with a drive unit (4) for moving the guide frame (12). The drive unit (4) includes two drive shafts (40) that are symmetrically rotated and pass through the vertical extension sections on both sides of the guide frame (11). Two transmission belts (41) are sleeved between the two drive shafts (40), and the two transmission belts (41) are respectively located in one vertical extension section of the corresponding guide frame (11). A drive motor (42) is installed on one side of the guide frame (11), and one end of the drive shaft (40) on one side rotates through the outer wall of the guide frame (11) and connects to the main shaft of the drive motor (42); The transmission belt (41) has several drive grooves (43), and the inner top wall of the guide frame (12) is provided with drive components (5) for cooperating with the drive grooves (43).

7. An automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame plate (20) is also equipped with a sensing component (6) for aligning it with the adjustment frame (14). The sensing component (6) includes a swing shaft (60) that rotates through the inner wall of the support frame plate (20). A swing plate (61) is installed on the outside of the swing shaft (60). A vision sensor (62) is installed on the upper end of the swing plate (61). A swing motor (63) is installed on one side of the support frame plate (20), and one end of the swing shaft (60) rotates through the outside of the support frame plate (20) and connects to the main shaft of the swing motor (63).

8. An automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning plate (64) is installed on one side of the adjustment frame (14).

9. An automated assembly line for an air suspension guide arm according to claim 7, characterized in that: The vision sensor (62) also integrates a central control unit, which includes a central control module; The central control module is electrically connected to the sensing module to identify and correct the position of the cantilever unit (2); The central control module is electrically connected to the conveying module and is used to drive the guide arm to move. The central control module is electrically connected to the cantilever unit (2) and is used to drive the guide arm to move; The central control module is electrically connected to the assembly module and is used to control the bushing installation of the guide arm.

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