Automatic assembling equipment for front fork assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of automatic assembly of front fork assemblies, in particular to automatic assembly equipment for front fork assemblies. The first driving motor drives the loading turntable to rotate and controls the rotation angle, and the rotation axis is the axis L; a loading turntable is arranged in the turntable mechanism, a plurality of mounting positions distributed around an axis L are arranged on the loading turntable, and a fork pipe mounting seat and a positioning pipe mounting seat are arranged in each group of mounting positions; a mounting rod is arranged in the positioning pipe mounting seat; a plurality of stations are arranged in the rack and correspond to the mounting positions one by one, the initial station is a workpiece feeding / taking station and used for vertically mounting the fork pipe on the fork pipe mounting seat, and the positioning pipe is connected into the mounting rod in a sleeving manner; and the loading turntable rotates around the axis L to drive the workpiece to switch stations. According to the automatic assembly equipment, the front fork assembly is highly integrated, and the overall occupied area is far smaller than that of existing automatic assembly equipment for the front fork assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic assembly technology, and in particular to an automatic assembly device for front fork components. Background Technology

[0002] In order to make the equipment design more compact and maintain the complete assembly function of the fork assembly, this application adopts a multi-station rotary assembly architecture. The fork tube and positioning tube need to be pre-installed in the loading turntable. However, the automatic assembly equipment for fork assemblies of this application needs to assemble fork assemblies of different sizes and specifications. Some fork assemblies are too long and difficult to fix, especially the positioning tube. When assembling the positioning tube, it is necessary to insert one end into the other end. This results in the equipment being able to clamp only a small section of the positioning tube. The clamping is not stable, which makes the positioning tube easy to tilt. Consequently, the two ends of the positioning tube are not in the same horizontal position, and it is difficult to fit the parts into the positioning tube.

[0003] In existing technologies, initial guidance is achieved by inserting an installation rod into the positioning tube. However, the installation rod needs to fit tightly against the inner wall of the positioning tube for effective guidance. Different sizes of positioning tubes have different inner diameters, resulting in poor adaptability of the installation rod and difficulty in balancing accuracy and versatility. If the gap is too large, the guidance will be unstable. Furthermore, the installation rod needs to be inserted a long distance into a large-sized positioning tube, and there is a large friction during the insertion process. This makes it laborious and inefficient for workers to install the positioning tube, and uneven force can easily cause the positioning tube to tilt or get stuck. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, the present invention provides an automatic assembly device for front fork components, comprising: a frame and a turntable mechanism; The turntable mechanism includes: a first drive motor and a loading turntable; The first drive motor drives the loading turntable to rotate and controls the rotation angle, with the rotation axis being axis L; The turntable mechanism includes a loading turntable, which has multiple mounting positions distributed around axis L. Each set of mounting positions includes a fork tube mounting seat and a positioning tube mounting seat. The positioning tube mounting base is provided with a mounting rod, and the axis of the mounting rod is vertical. The frame is provided with multiple workstations, and each of the multiple workstations corresponds to a multiple of the installation positions. The starting workstation is the loading / unloading workstation, which is used to vertically install the fork tube onto the fork tube mounting base, and the positioning tube is sleeved in the mounting rod. The loading turntable rotates around the axis L, causing the workpiece to switch workstations.

[0005] Furthermore, the positioning tube mounting base is provided with two coaxial holes, one for mounting the positioning tube and the other for adjusting the threaded hole; The mounting rod is provided with an adjusting thread section with an external thread, and the external thread of the adjusting thread section engages with the internal thread of the adjusting thread hole. The mounting rod is provided with a locking end and a first locking mechanism. The locking end is inserted into the positioning tube, and the first locking mechanism locks the locking end to the inner wall of the positioning tube. After the locking end locks the positioning tube, axial pressure is applied to the positioning tube by rotating the adjusting thread section to the depth of screwing in the adjusting thread hole.

[0006] Furthermore, the mounting rod is a hollow tubular structure, with one end being a locking end and the inner wall of the other end having a locking internal thread; The locking end has multiple through grooves along the axial direction on the tube wall, thereby forming multiple first elastic claw flaps. The inner wall of the first elastic claw flaps forms an inwardly contracting conical surface. The first locking mechanism includes an expansion ball head, a connector, and a locking bolt. The expansion ball head is placed inside the locking end and abuts against the tapered surface. One end of the connector is connected to the expansion ball head, and the other end is connected to the locking bolt. The locking bolt engages with the locking internal thread. When the locking bolt is tightened, it pulls the expansion ball head into the mounting rod through the connector. The expansion ball head squeezes the first elastic claw flap along the conical surface, causing it to expand radially and abut tightly against the inner wall of the positioning tube.

[0007] Furthermore, an adjusting threaded sleeve is fitted over the outside of the mounting rod, the adjusting threaded sleeve is slidably connected to the mounting rod, and the adjusting threaded section is disposed on the adjusting threaded sleeve; The wall surface of the adjusting threaded sleeve is provided with multiple through grooves along the axial direction, thereby forming multiple second elastic claw flaps. The second elastic claw flaps can produce elastic deformation when subjected to radial pressure. A second locking mechanism is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the second elastic claw flap. The second locking mechanism applies radial constraint to the second elastic claw flap, causing it to clamp with the mounting rod.

[0008] Furthermore, the second locking mechanism is configured as a quick-release clamp.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes an unlocking column fixedly installed on the frame, the unlocking column being provided with an unlocking toothed ring; The locking bolt is fixedly connected to a first linkage gear, and the first linkage gear is coaxial with the locking bolt. The unlocking gear ring is coaxial with the loading turntable; The unlocking gear ring is only arranged between the bushing station and the assembly station. During the movement of the positioning tube from the bushing station to the assembly station, the unlocking gear ring meshes with the first linkage gear and loosens the locking bolt.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a locking column fixedly installed on the frame, the locking column being provided with a locking toothed ring; The locking gear ring is coaxial with the loading turntable; The locking gear ring is only arranged between the loading / unloading station and the wear-resistant ring station. During the movement of the positioning tube from the loading / unloading station to the wear-resistant ring station, the unlocking gear ring meshes with the first linkage gear and tightens the locking bolt.

[0011] Furthermore, the adjusting threaded sleeve is provided with a second linkage gear, which, when meshing with the locking gear ring, tightens the adjusting threaded section; When the second linkage gear engages with the unlocking gear ring, the adjusting thread section is loosened.

[0012] Furthermore, one of the workstations is a wear-resistant ring workstation, which is equipped with a wear-resistant ring vibrating feeding plate and a wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism to fit the wear-resistant ring onto the positioning tube. The wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism includes wear-resistant ring grippers, and the wear-resistant ring grippers are provided with at least three wear-resistant ring gripping blocks; The wear-resistant ring clamping block has a wear-resistant ring clamping surface, and after the wear-resistant ring clamping claws open, the wear-resistant ring clamping surface abuts against the inner wall surface of the wear-resistant ring.

[0013] Furthermore, one of the workstations is a spring workstation, equipped with a spring vibrating feeding tray and a spring gripping mechanism to attach the spring to the positioning tube; The spring vibrates the feeding plate, controlling the spring to discharge material in a horizontal posture; The spring gripping mechanism has a spring gripper and a flipping mechanism, and the spring gripper has a first posture and a second posture. In the first posture, the clamping center axis of the spring gripper is parallel to the axis of the spring during discharge; In the second posture, the clamping center axis of the spring gripper is parallel to the axis of the positioning tube; The flipping mechanism switches the spring gripper to either the first or the second posture.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in the fact that it provides a highly integrated automated assembly equipment for fork components, with an overall footprint far smaller than existing automated fork component assembly equipment. Furthermore, the clamping mechanism is adjusted to accommodate the characteristics of each component in the fork component, allowing the use of cylinders to drive the parts and improving the equipment's operating speed. Additionally, a mounting rod is provided at the positioning tube installation location to ensure that even long positioning tubes maintain a vertical posture. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top view (hidden housing) of an automated assembly device for a front fork assembly provided by the present invention. Figure 2 A perspective view of an automatic assembly device for a front fork assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the turntable mechanism provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the wear-resistant ring gripper provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram of the wear-resistant ring gripper provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the spring gripping mechanism provided by the present invention (the spring gripper is in the first posture). Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the flipping mechanism provided by the present invention (the spring gripper is in the second posture). Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the front fork assembly provided by the present invention; Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the positioning tube, positioning tube mounting base, and mounting rod provided by the present invention. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the positioning tube, positioning tube mounting base, and mounting rod provided by the present invention. Figure 11 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the locking end provided by the present invention; Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the mounting rod provided by the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the locking gear ring and the unlocking gear ring provided by the present invention.

[0016] Reference numerals: 1. Frame; 11. Support rail; 2. Turntable mechanism; 21. First drive motor; 22. Loading turntable; 221. Installation position; 2211. Fork tube mounting seat; 2212. Positioning tube mounting seat; 22121. Positioning tube mounting hole; 22122. Adjusting threaded hole; 222. Support structure; 223. Rolling element; 31. Loading / unloading station; 32. Wear-resistant ring station; 321. Wear-resistant ring vibrating feeder; 322. Wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism; 323. Wear-resistant ring gripper; 3231. Wear-resistant ring clamping block; 32311. Wear-resistant ring clamping surface; 32312. First limiting surface; 32313. Second limiting surface; 3232. Transmission clamping block; 3233. Elastic element; 33. Spring station; 331. Spring vibrating feeder; 332. Spring gripping mechanism; 3321. Spring gripper; 3322. Tilting mechanism; 33221. Tilting cylinder; 33222. Tilting base; 33223. Guide rail; 33224. Guide groove; 33225. Tilting slider; 33226. Tilting shaft; 33227. Eccentric shaft; 34. Guide sleeve station; 341. Guide sleeve vibrating feeder; 342. Guide sleeve gripping mechanism; 35. Saddle-shaped pad station; 351. Saddle-shaped pad vibrating feeder; 352. Saddle-shaped pad gripping mechanism; 36. Capping station; 361. Capping vibrating feeder; 362. Capping gripping mechanism; 37. Bushing station; 371. Bushing vibrating feeder; 372. Bushing gripping mechanism; 38. Assembly station; 381. Positioning tube gripping mechanism; 39. Finishing station; 391. Rolling finishing device; 4. Grinding station; 51. Fork tube; 52. Positioning tube; 53. Wear-resistant ring; 54. Spring; 55. Guide sleeve; 56. Saddle pad; 57. Pressure cap; 58. Bushing; 6. Mounting rod; 60. Adjusting threaded sleeve; 601. Second elastic pawl; 602. Second locking mechanism; 603. Second linkage gear; 61. Adjusting threaded section; 62. Locking end; 621. First elastic pawl; 622. Conical surface; 63. First locking mechanism; 631. Expansion ball head; 632. Connector; 633. Locking bolt; 6331. First linkage gear; 64. Locking internal thread; 7. Unlock the column; 71. Unlock the gear ring; 8. Lock the column; 81. Lock the gear ring. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Example 1 Reference Figures 1-8 .

[0019] An automated assembly equipment for front fork components includes: a frame 1 and a turntable mechanism 2; The turntable mechanism 2 includes: a first drive motor 21, which drives the loading turntable 22 to rotate, with the rotation axis being axis L; The turntable mechanism 2 includes a loading turntable 22, which has multiple mounting positions 221 distributed around the rotation axis L. Each set of mounting positions 221 is provided with a fork tube mounting seat 2211 and a positioning tube mounting seat 2212. The positioning tube mounting seat 2212 is provided with a mounting rod 6, and the axis of the mounting rod 6 is vertical. The frame 1 is provided with multiple workstations, and each of the multiple workstations corresponds to a multiple of the installation positions 221. The starting workstation is the loading / unloading workstation 31, which is used to vertically install the fork tube 51 on the fork tube mounting base 2211, and the positioning tube 52 is sleeved in the mounting rod 6. The loading turntable 22 rotates around the axis L, causing the workpiece to switch workstations.

[0020] In the field of automated assembly, achieving a high degree of integration of assembly stations typically requires a turntable structure. This involves setting up multiple mounting positions 221 on a turntable, with all stations arranged around it. The turntable rotates to transport parts from mounting position 221 to the next station for installation of other parts. When using a turntable assembly system, the stations are distributed at angles. For example, with 10 stations, each station would be spaced 36° apart. This reduces the distance between stations, making it difficult for the gripping mechanism to swing horizontally, and almost impossible to use a six-axis robotic arm for gripping. Therefore, the equipment needs a gripping mechanism compatible with the turntable mechanism 2 to achieve part assembly with minimal movement.

[0021] In this application, a turntable mechanism 2 is provided, which includes a loading turntable 22 and a first drive motor 21. The first drive motor 21 is a servo motor, which can accurately control the rotation angle of the loading turntable 22. The axis of rotation of the loading turntable 22 driven by the first drive motor 21 is axis L. The loading turntable 22 is provided with multiple mounting positions 221, and each mounting position 221 is provided with both a fork tube mounting seat 2211 and a positioning tube mounting seat 2212.

[0022] In this application, the fork tube 51 and positioning tube 52 are pre-placed in the fork tube mounting base 2211 and positioning tube mounting base 2212. During the first few assembly stages, other parts are installed in the positioning tube 52, while the fork tube 51 is not involved in the assembly. After the other parts are assembled, the positioning tube 52 and other parts are directly installed in the fork tube 51. This saves on the loading steps and space required for the fork tube 51. The fork tube 51, as the outer shell of the entire fork, is relatively long and prone to interference during movement, requiring significant clearance, which is detrimental to equipment miniaturization. In this application, the fork tube 51 and positioning tube 52 are pre-installed vertically into the loading turntable 22, saving space for the fork tube 51 loading and gripping mechanisms. The fork tube mounting base 2211 has fork tube mounting holes with the same diameter as the fork tube, allowing the fork tube 51 to be directly inserted. The positioning tube mounting base 2212 has positioning tube mounting holes 22121 with the same diameter as the boss of the positioning tube 52. The boss of the positioning tube 52 refers to a cylindrical boss at the end of the positioning tube 52. The positioning tube 52 can be understood as a piston rod, and the boss of the positioning tube 52 is the piston head. The fork tube can be understood as the piston lever.

[0023] An open space is reserved in the equipment as a loading / unloading station 31, where loading and unloading are performed manually. Loading refers to installing the fork tube 51 into the fork tube mounting base 2211 and the positioning tube 52 into the positioning tube mounting base 2212. When unloading, the user lifts the positioning tube 52 to remove the fork assembly and can check whether the fork tube 51 is properly closed to ensure that the fork assembly is not loose.

[0024] Furthermore, the frame 1 is provided with a support slide rail 11, which is a circular track with its center located on the axis L; The loading turntable 22 is fixedly provided with a support structure 222, and the support structure 222 and the support slide rail 11 are abutted by a rolling element 223.

[0025] In many assembly steps, there is a pressing action. The installation position 221 is located around the loading turntable 22, and the distance of the axis L of the installation position 221 is about 0.5 meters. This lever arm is much larger than the lever arm connecting the loading turntable 22 and the shaft of the first drive motor 21. Therefore, when the installation position 221 is subjected to greater pressure, it will tilt, causing the fork tube 51 and the positioning tube 52 in other stations to tilt.

[0026] In this embodiment, a support structure 222 is added to the bottom of the loading turntable 22 to provide support for the edge area of ​​the loading turntable 22, ensuring that the loading turntable 22 will not tilt. Simultaneously, the support structure 222 is provided with rolling elements 223, and the frame 1 is provided with a support slide rail 11. The rolling elements 223 roll along the support slide rail 11, ensuring that the loading turntable 22 can rotate smoothly. Specifically, the support structure 222 can be a cylindrical structure, or multiple support columns fixedly connected to the loading turntable 22, and the rolling elements 223 can be ball bearings or rollers rotatably disposed within the support structure.

[0027] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 This automated equipment shall have at least 9 workstations, in the following order: 1. Loading / Retrieving Station 31: This station is located at the door opening position of frame 1, where loading and retrieving are performed manually.

[0028] 2. The wear-resistant ring station 32 is equipped with a wear-resistant ring vibrating feeder 321 and a wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism 322, which fits the wear-resistant ring 53 onto the positioning tube 52. The vibrating feeder is an auxiliary feeding device for automatic assembly or automatic processing machinery, also known as a vibrating feeder automatic feeder. It can arrange various small products in an orderly manner, adjust the posture of the products to achieve continuous feeding, provide the correct assembly parts for automatic assembly equipment to complete a product, or cooperate with automatic processing machinery to complete product processing. The wear-resistant ring vibrating feeder 321 outputs the wear-resistant ring 53 in a vertical posture (the axis of the wear-resistant ring 53 is vertical). At this time, the axis of the wear-resistant ring 53 is parallel to the axis of the positioning tube 52. The wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism 322 only needs to perform a translational movement to move the wear-resistant ring 53 directly above the positioning tube 52, and then drive the positioning tube 52 to descend to complete the assembly of the wear-resistant ring 53 and the positioning tube 52.

[0029] 3. Spring station 33 is equipped with a spring vibrating feeding plate 331 and a spring gripping mechanism 332, which attaches the spring 54 to the positioning tube 52.

[0030] 4. The guide sleeve station 34 is equipped with a guide sleeve vibrating feed plate 341, which controls the guide sleeve 55 to discharge material in a vertical posture.

[0031] The guide sleeve gripping mechanism 342 directly grips the circumferential wall of the guide sleeve 55, displaces it, moves the guide sleeve 55 to directly above the positioning tube 52, and then lowers it so that the guide sleeve 55 is fitted onto the positioning tube 52.

[0032] 5. The saddle pad station 35 is equipped with a saddle pad vibrating feeding plate 351 and a saddle pad gripping mechanism 352, which fits the saddle pad 56 onto the positioning tube 52.

[0033] 6. The capping station 36 is equipped with a capping vibrating feeding plate 361 and a capping gripping mechanism 362, which fits the cap 57 onto the positioning tube 52.

[0034] 7. Bushing station 37 is equipped with a bushing vibrating feeder 371, which controls the bushing 58 to discharge in a vertical position.

[0035] The bushing gripping mechanism 372 directly grips the circumferential wall of the bushing 58, displaces it, moves the bushing 58 to directly above the positioning tube 52, and then lowers it so that the bushing 58 is fitted onto the positioning tube 52.

[0036] 8. Assembly station 38 is equipped with a positioning tube gripping mechanism 381, which inserts the positioning tube 52 into the fork tube 51. After the wear-resistant ring 53, spring 54, guide sleeve 55, saddle pad 56, pressure cap 57, and bushing 58 are all installed on the positioning tube 52, the positioning tube 52 and the fork tube 51 arrive at the assembly station 38. The positioning tube gripping mechanism 381 directly grips the positioning tube 52 and moves it upward, then moves it horizontally until the positioning tube 52 is aligned with the fork tube 51 before lowering it.

[0037] 9. The closing station 39 is equipped with a rolling closing device 391 to reduce the diameter of the top opening of the fork tube 51 and prevent the positioning tube 52 from detaching from the fork tube 51. After the fork assembly is assembled, the rolling closing device 391 shrinks the top opening of the fork tube 51. The closed end of the fork tube 51 is smaller than the diameter of the boss of the positioning tube 52, thereby ensuring that the fork tube 51 and the positioning tube 52 will not separate when the positioning tube 52 is picked up.

[0038] Example 2 Reference Figures 1-12 .

[0039] The positioning tube mounting base 2212 is provided with two coaxial holes, namely a positioning tube mounting hole 22121 and an adjusting threaded hole 22122; The mounting rod 6 is provided with an adjusting thread section 61 with an external thread, and the external thread of the adjusting thread section 61 engages with the internal thread of the adjusting thread hole 22122. The mounting rod 6 is provided with a locking end 62 and a first locking mechanism 63. The locking end 62 is inserted into the positioning tube 52, and the first locking mechanism 63 locks the locking end 62 against the inner wall of the positioning tube 52. After the locking end 62 locks the positioning tube 52, axial pressure is applied to the positioning tube 52 by rotating the adjusting thread section 61 to the depth of screwing in the adjusting thread hole 22122.

[0040] In this application, to achieve greater integration of the equipment, the positioning tube 52 is pre-loaded into the loading turntable 22. However, the automatic fork assembly equipment of this application needs to assemble fork assemblies of different sizes and specifications. Some fork assemblies are quite long and difficult to fix. For the fork tube 51, only the front end of the fork tube 51 needs to be exposed; the parts do not need to be fitted onto the rear end of the fork tube 51. Therefore, the equipment can fix the fork tube 51 at any length. Even if the fork tube 51 is very long, the fork tube mounting base 2211 can keep the fork tube 51 vertical by fixing it near the front end, thus ensuring that the front end and rear end of the fork tube 51 are at the same horizontal level. However, the positioning tube 52 is limited by assembly requirements. The parts must be fitted from the front end to a position very close to the end, such as the wear ring 53. This results in the equipment only being able to clamp a small section of the positioning tube 52, and the clamping is not stable. The small angular displacement of the fixed position is amplified into a large linear displacement of the free end, causing the two ends of the positioning tube 52 to be out of the same horizontal level, making it difficult to fit the parts onto the positioning tube 52.

[0041] In the existing technology, the installation rod 6 is inserted into the positioning tube 52 to achieve initial guidance. However, the installation rod 6 needs to fit tightly against the inner wall of the positioning tube 52 to provide effective guidance. The inner diameter of positioning tubes 52 of different specifications varies, resulting in poor adaptability of the installation rod 6 and difficulty in balancing accuracy and versatility. If the gap is too large, the guidance will be unstable. In addition, the installation rod 6 is inserted a long distance into the large-sized positioning tube 52, and there is a large friction during the insertion process. It is laborious and inefficient for workers to install the positioning tube 52, and the positioning tube 52 is prone to tilting or jamming due to uneven force.

[0042] Therefore, the structure of the mounting rod 6 is improved in this embodiment, referring to... Figure 10 and Figure 11The end of the mounting rod 6 is configured as a locking end 62. The locking end 62 is radially expanded against the inner wall of the positioning tube 52 by the first locking mechanism 63, achieving a fixed connection between the mounting rod 6 and the positioning tube 52. However, this only allows the mounting rod 6 to slide easily within the positioning tube 52; the mounting rod 6 only applies force to the positioning tube 52 at its front end. Furthermore, the positioning rod itself is a slender rod structure, making it difficult to fix it in a vertical position. Therefore, this application further includes an adjustment structure. The positioning tube mounting seat 2212 is provided with a positioning rod mounting hole and an adjustment threaded hole 22122. The positioning rod mounting hole is used to install the positioning tube 52. The adjustment threaded hole 22122 cooperates with the mounting rod 6. Specifically, the mounting rod 6 is provided with an adjustment threaded section 61 with external threads, and the external thread of the adjustment threaded section 61 cooperates with the internal thread of the adjustment threaded hole 22122.

[0043] With the above structure, the user can sleeve the positioning tube 52 around the mounting rod 6 and insert it into the positioning rod mounting hole. Then, the locking end 62 is locked to the inner wall of the positioning tube 52 by the first locking mechanism 63. The mounting rod 6 is then rotated, and the threaded engagement between the adjusting threaded section 61 and the adjusting threaded hole 22122 causes the mounting rod 6 to move axially away from the positioning tube 52. The end of the positioning tube 52 abuts against the bottom surface of the positioning rod mounting hole. Obviously, the positioning tube 52 cannot move, and the locking end 62 is locked to the positioning tube 52, so the locking end 62 also cannot move. As the threaded section 61 moves away from the positioning tube 52, the mounting rod 6 is subjected to a tension parallel to the axis of the adjusting threaded hole 22122. This makes the mounting rod 6 parallel to the adjusting threaded hole 22122, similar to a taut rope, ensuring that both ends of the mounting rod 6 (locking end 62 and adjusting threaded section 61) are in a straight line. The locking end 62 abuts against the inner wall of the positioning tube 52. Since the locking end 62 and the adjusting threaded section 61 are in a straight line, the positioning tube 52 is positioned such that the locking end 62 and the adjusting threaded section 61 are in a straight line.

[0044] It is worth noting that the closer the locking end 62 is to the front end of the positioning tube 52, the less force is required to straighten the positioning tube 52, because the lever arm is the shortest at this time, and a small radial constraint can effectively correct the axial direction of the entire positioning tube 52.

[0045] Meanwhile, the locking end 62 is controlled by the first locking mechanism 63. When the locking end 62 and the inner wall of the positioning tube 52 are not locked, the positioning tube 52 and the mounting rod 6 can slide easily.

[0046] Specifically, the mounting rod 6 is configured as a hollow tubular structure, with one end being a locking end 62. Multiple grooves are provided at the locking end, extending radially through the tube wall to form several first elastic claw flaps 621. The locking end 62 has an internal tapered surface 622. Furthermore, the end of the mounting rod 6 furthest from the locking end 62 is provided with a locking internal thread 64.

[0047] The first locking mechanism 63 includes a connector 632, a locking bolt 633, and an expansion ball head 631. The connector 632 can be connected to a rope or a connecting rod. One end of the connector 632 is connected to the locking bolt 633 and the other end is connected to the expansion ball head 631, so that the locking bolt 633 and the expansion ball head 631 can directly transmit tension.

[0048] An expansion ball head 631 is disposed inside the locking end head 62, and a locking bolt 633 is connected to the locking internal thread 64. The expansion ball head 631 mates with the tapered surface 622 of the locking end head 62. When the locking bolt 633 is tightened, the expansion ball head 631 is pulled into the locking end head 62 by the connecting piece 632. The expansion ball head 631 presses the first elastic claw flap 621 along the tapered surface 622, causing it to open radially and tightly abut against the inner wall of the positioning tube 52, thereby achieving locking. When unlocking, the locking bolt 633 is rotated in the opposite direction, the connecting piece 632 loosens, the first elastic claw flap 621 returns to its original shape, the locking end head 62 disengages from the inner wall of the positioning tube 52, and the mounting rod 6 can slide freely. This structure is easy to operate. In actual operation, only about one turn of the locking bolt 633 is needed to switch between locking and unlocking, thereby quickly installing or removing the positioning tube 52. Furthermore, unlike ordinary fasteners, the rotating locking bolt 633 does not require a large torque to tighten gradually. Instead, it achieves rapid tensioning and release through the cooperation of the connector 632 and the expansion ball head 631. Only a slight rotation is needed to drive the expansion ball head 631 to slide along the conical surface 622. The locking bolt 633 has a grip at the head, allowing users to operate it by hand.

[0049] Example 3 Reference Figures 1-12 .

[0050] An adjusting threaded sleeve 60 is fitted on the outside of the mounting rod 6. The adjusting threaded sleeve 60 is slidably connected to the mounting rod 6, and the adjusting threaded section 61 is disposed on the adjusting threaded sleeve 60. The wall of the adjusting threaded sleeve 60 is provided with multiple through grooves along the axial direction, thereby forming multiple second elastic claw flaps 601. The second elastic claw flaps 601 can produce elastic deformation when subjected to radial pressure. A second locking mechanism 602 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the second elastic claw flap 601. The second locking mechanism 602 applies radial constraint to the second elastic claw flap 601, so that it is clamped to the mounting rod 6.

[0051] The positioning tube 52 comes in various sizes, so the insertion depth of the mounting rod 6 needs to be adjusted according to the different sizes of the positioning tube 52 to ensure that the locking end 62 is always close to the front end of the positioning tube 52. If the adjusting thread section 61 is directly fixed on the mounting rod 6, then when replacing positioning tubes of different sizes, the insertion depth can only be changed by repeatedly turning the mounting rod 6. The length difference between different sizes of positioning tubes 52 can be hundreds of millimeters, while the pitch of the adjusting thread section 61 is only 1mm-2mm, so it would require hundreds of turns to complete the adjustment, making the operation extremely cumbersome.

[0052] In this embodiment, a sliding adjusting threaded sleeve 60 will be used, as shown in the reference. Figure 12 The relative position of the adjusting thread section 61 to the mounting rod 6 is changed by axial movement. The adjusting thread section 61 is set in the adjusting thread sleeve 60 (equivalent to the adjusting thread section 61 and the mounting rod 6 slidingly connected). When it is necessary to change the insertion depth of the mounting rod 6, the relative position of the adjusting thread section 61 and the adjusting thread hole 22122 can be changed, and the mounting rod 6 can be moved directly.

[0053] However, if there is no fixing between the adjusting threaded sleeve 60 and the mounting rod 6, the mounting rod 6 will not be able to move axially when the adjusting threaded sleeve 60 is rotated. Therefore, the adjusting threaded sleeve 60 and the mounting rod 6 need to be fixed relative to each other by the second locking mechanism 602. When it is necessary to adjust the insertion depth, the radial constraint of the second locking mechanism 602 is released, and the second elastic claw flap 601 is relaxed. At this time, the adjusting threaded sleeve 60 can slide freely along the mounting rod 6. After moving to the desired position, the second locking mechanism 602 is relocked. After that, rotating the adjusting threaded sleeve 60 can drive the mounting rod 6 to move axially, thereby applying a pulling force to the mounting rod 6.

[0054] The second locking mechanism can be a clamp structure, preferably a quick-release clamp structure, which quickly locks or releases the second elastic claw flap 601 via a handle. The size of the positioning tube 52 is not continuously changed but is based on customer order requirements. Therefore, after one replacement, the same specification can be used for a long time. Thus, manual operation can meet the usage requirements, and the quick-release clamp structure is stable and reliable.

[0055] Example 4 Reference Figures 1-13 .

[0056] It also includes an unlocking linkage column 7 fixedly installed on the frame 1, and the unlocking column 7 is provided with an unlocking toothed ring 71; The locking bolt 633 is fixedly connected to a first linkage gear 6331, and the first linkage gear 6331 is coaxial with the locking bolt 633. The unlocking gear ring 71 is coaxial with the loading turntable 22; The unlocking gear ring 71 is only arranged between the bushing station 37 and the assembly station 38. During the movement of the positioning tube 52 from the bushing station 37 to the assembly station 38, the unlocking gear ring 71 meshes with the first linkage gear 6331 and loosens the locking bolt 633.

[0057] The automatic assembly equipment of this application assembles not only the positioning tube 52, but the entire fork assembly. After the assembly between the bushing 58 and the positioning tube 52 is completed at the bushing station 37, the assembly process of the positioning tube 52 is completed. Then, the positioning tube 52 needs to be removed and installed in the fork tube 51. At this time, the mounting rod 6 locks the positioning tube 52 in the positioning tube mounting seat 2212, so the lock needs to be released first.

[0058] By fixing an unlocking column 7 in the frame 1, and installing an unlocking gear ring 71 in the unlocking column 7, when the loading turntable 22 drives the positioning tube 52 to rotate from the bushing station 37 to the assembly station 38, the first linkage gear 6331 automatically engages with the unlocking gear ring 71, driving the locking bolt 633 to rotate and loosen, thereby releasing the locking of the mounting rod 6 to the positioning tube 52. This process requires no manual intervention, achieving synchronous linkage between station switching and unlocking actions, and eliminates the need for additional power devices. The first drive motor 21 is used to unlock the mounting rods 6 in multiple installation positions 221, saving the cost of multiple drive devices, simplifying the equipment control circuit, improving equipment efficiency, and reducing the system failure rate.

[0059] The automatic unlocking design achieved by unlocking the gear ring 71 suggests that a locking column 8 could be installed between the loading / unloading station 31 and the wear ring station 32, with a locking gear ring 81 mounted on it. When the positioning tube 52 rotates from the loading / unloading station 31 to the wear ring station 32, the locking gear ring 81 meshes with the first linkage gear 6331, driving the locking bolt 633 to automatically tighten, thereby firmly locking the positioning tube 52 onto the positioning tube mounting seat 2212, achieving synchronous clamping. This further simplifies the operator's work steps and ensures that the operator will not miss the locking process, avoiding assembly failure or equipment damage due to human negligence, as well as inconsistent locking force due to difficulty in controlling the number of turns of manual tightening. A corresponding adjusting threaded sleeve 60 can be equipped with a second linkage gear 603. When the second linkage gear 603 meshes with the locking gear ring 81, it tightens the adjusting thread section 61. When the second linkage gear 603 engages with the unlocking gear ring 71, the adjusting thread section 61 is loosened.

[0060] The symmetrical arrangement of the locking gear ring 81 and the unlocking gear ring 71 creates a closed-loop action logic, forming a complete cycle of "locking-unlocking-relocking". Without adding an additional power source and circuit control, automatic locking and unlocking between each station is achieved through mechanical linkage, reducing manual intervention and greatly improving the stability and reliability of the assembly cycle during equipment operation.

[0061] Example 5 Reference Figure 1 - Figure 8 .

[0062] The wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism 322 includes wear-resistant ring grippers 323, and the wear-resistant ring grippers 323 are provided with at least three wear-resistant ring clamping blocks 3231; The wear-resistant ring clamping block 3231 has a wear-resistant ring clamping surface 32311.

[0063] Reference Figure 8 The positioning tube 52 can be likened to a piston rod, and the fork tube 51 to a piston lever. The end of the positioning tube 52 has a boss, and the circumferential wall of this boss has an annular groove. A wear-resistant ring 53 is installed in this annular groove (similar to an O-ring). The outer wall of the wear-resistant ring 53 rubs against the inner wall of the fork tube 51. The wear-resistant ring 53 is not a continuous annular structure but has an opening, allowing it to expand. The wear-resistant ring 53 needs to fit into the annular groove of the boss in the positioning tube 52. Therefore, the wear-resistant ring 53 needs to expand through the opening and pass through the circumferential wall of the boss to enter the annular groove. This means that the tooling fixture for the wear-resistant ring 53 cannot directly clamp its outer circumferential surface. Otherwise, the wear-resistant ring 53 will not expand and will not be able to pass through the circumferential wall of the boss in the positioning tube 52.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this application, the wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism 322 has wear-resistant ring grippers 323. The wear-resistant ring grippers 323 are provided with at least three wear-resistant ring clamping blocks 3231. The wear-resistant ring clamping blocks 3231 are inserted into the inner ring of the wear-resistant ring 53. Then, the three wear-resistant ring clamping blocks 3231 move away from the clamping center axis and grip the wear-resistant ring 53 by expansion.

[0065] Furthermore, the wear-resistant ring clamping block 3231 has three functional surfaces: a wear-resistant ring clamping surface 32311, a first limiting surface 32312, and a second limiting surface 32313. The wear-resistant ring clamping surface 32311 serves as the surface that abuts against the inner wall of the wear-resistant ring 53. The first limiting surface 32312 protrudes from the wear-resistant ring clamping surface 32311 in a direction away from the clamping center. After the wear-resistant ring clamping block 32311 is inserted into the wear-resistant ring 53, the first limiting surface 32312 abuts against the upper end surface of the wear-resistant ring 53, thereby controlling the relative position of the wear-resistant ring 53 and the wear-resistant ring clamping block 3231. The second limiting surface 32313 protrudes from the surface near the clamping center. When the second limiting surface 32313 descends towards the boss position of the positioning tube 52, it abuts against the upper end face of the boss of the positioning tube 52, thereby determining the relative position of the wear-resistant ring clamping block 3231 and the positioning tube 52. The relative position of the wear-resistant ring 53 and the wear-resistant ring clamping block 3231 is determined by the first limiting surface 32312. Thus, it is only necessary to control the relative distance between the first limiting surface 32312 and the second limiting surface 32313 during processing to determine the relative distance between the wear-resistant ring 53 and the positioning tube 52, thereby ensuring that the wear-resistant ring 53 can be accurately installed in the annular groove of the positioning tube 52.

[0066] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism in the wear-resistant ring gripper 323 has a plurality of transmission grippers 3232 corresponding one-to-one with the wear-resistant ring grippers 3231, and the transmission grippers 3232 are directly driven by the cylinder. The wear-resistant ring clamp 3231 is connected to the transmission clamp 3232, and the wear-resistant ring clamp 3231 directly contacts the wear-resistant ring 53; The wear-resistant ring clamping block 3231 is slidably connected to the transmission clamping block 3232 in the vertical direction and is provided with an elastic element 3233. When the first limiting surface 32312 or the second limiting surface 32313 is blocked, the wear-resistant ring clamping block 3231 compresses the elastic element 3233.

[0067] The deformation space of the elastic element 3233 reduces the positioning difficulty of the limiting surface and the part, so that the wear ring gripping mechanism 322 can use a cylinder to control the up and down displacement, without the need for precise control of the displacement stroke, resulting in lower cost and faster operation speed.

[0068] Example 6 Reference Figure 1 as well as Figures 6-8 .

[0069] The springs 54 used in the fork assembly are compression springs. When the circumferential walls of two compression springs 54 are pressed together, the springs 54 will insert into the gaps between adjacent springs 54, causing them to become entangled. To address this, the spring vibration feeder 331 of this application feeds the springs 54 in a horizontal position, allowing the ends of the springs 54 to abut against each other along their length, thus preventing the springs 54 from becoming entangled. While this effectively prevents the springs 54 from becoming entangled, it results in the axis of the spring 54 being non-parallel to the axis of the positioning tube 52. Therefore, the spring gripping mechanism 332 not only needs to be able to translate but also needs to be able to flip the springs 54 so that they are in a vertical position before they can be fitted onto the positioning tube 52.

[0070] In this embodiment, the spring gripping mechanism 332 is provided with not only a spring gripper 3321, but also a flipping mechanism 3322.

[0071] It has a first posture and a second posture; In the first posture, the clamping center axis of the spring gripper 3321 is parallel to the axis of the spring 54 when it is discharging. In the second posture, the clamping center axis of the spring gripper 3321 is parallel to the axis of the positioning tube 52; The flipping mechanism 3322 switches the spring gripper 3321 to either the first or the second posture.

[0072] First, it is certain that for the flipping mechanism 3322, the spring 54 must be completely removed from the discharge position of the spring vibrating feed plate 331 before flipping can proceed, ensuring there is no interference. In automated equipment, linear drive components can be either servo motors or cylinders. Servo motors can achieve precise control of displacement distance, but they are more expensive and slower. Cylinders, on the other hand, have extremely fast operating speeds and are cheaper, but they can only be at the furthest or closest end, not in the middle. The flipping spring 54 needs to move at least twice in the horizontal direction, which obviously cannot be achieved by a single cylinder; an additional cylinder is required. In this embodiment, the additional cylinder serves as the flipping cylinder 33221 of the flipping mechanism 3322.

[0073] The flipping mechanism 3322 includes a flipping cylinder 33221, a flipping base 33222, a flipping slider 33225, and a flipping shaft 33226; The flipping base 33222 is provided with a guide rail 33223 and a guide groove 33224; the extension direction of the guide rail 33223 is parallel to the horizontal displacement direction of the spring gripper 3321; The flip slider 33225 is slidably connected to the guide rail 33223; The tilting cylinder 33221 is fixedly connected to the tilting base 33222 and drives the tilting slider 33225 to move. The flipping shaft 33226 is rotatably connected to the flipping slider 33225, and the spring gripper 3321 is fixedly connected to the flipping shaft 33226; The flipping shaft 33226 is provided with an eccentric shaft 33227, the eccentric shaft 33227 is not coaxial with the rotation axis of the flipping shaft 33226, and the eccentric shaft 33227 slides along the guide groove 33224. The guide groove 33224 is divided into three sections: a limiting section, a transition section, and a flipping section. The guiding direction of the limiting segment is parallel to the guiding track 33223; the guiding direction of the flipping segment, and the transition segment smoothly connects the limiting segment and the flipping segment.

[0074] Specifically, the guide path of the guide chute 33224 is L-shaped. After the eccentric shaft 33227 slides along the guide chute 33224 to the corner position (i.e., the transition section), it drives the flipping shaft 33226 and the spring gripper 3321 to rotate. In other words, the flipping cylinder 33221 provides power to the spring gripper 3321 in two directions. First, it drives the spring gripper 3321 to move horizontally (i.e., it drives the spring 54 away from the discharge position of the spring vibrating feed plate 331), and then it drives the spring gripper 3321 to flip (flipping the spring 54 to a vertical position). Through the various transmission components of the flipping mechanism 3322, the spring gripping mechanism 332 can simultaneously separate the spring 54 from the discharge port and flip the spring 54's position using a single cylinder, eliminating the need for an additional rotary servo motor, simplifying the equipment complexity and improving the operating speed.

[0075] Example 7 Reference Figure 1 There are multiple saddle-shaped pad stations 35, and each saddle-shaped pad station 35 corresponds to one of the installation positions 221.

[0076] Different specifications of front fork shock absorbers not only differ in size but also in other performance aspects, resulting in variations in the number of saddle pads 56 installed internally. Therefore, this application provides multiple saddle pad stations 35, such as three, to accommodate different specifications of front fork shock absorbers. If a front fork shock absorber requires only one saddle pad 56, then only one saddle pad station 35 is activated for assembling the saddle pad 56.

[0077] Example 8 A polishing station 4 is provided between the finishing station 39 and the loading / unloading station 31 for polishing burrs at the finishing position.

[0078] Furthermore, the grinding station 4 is equipped with a dust extraction device to prevent dust from damaging the equipment and affecting the accuracy of the positioning plane.

Claims

1. An automated assembly device for front fork components, characterized in that, include: Frame, turntable mechanism; The turntable mechanism includes: a first drive motor and a loading turntable; The first drive motor drives the loading turntable to rotate and controls the rotation angle, with the rotation axis being axis L; The turntable mechanism includes a loading turntable, which has multiple mounting positions distributed around axis L. Each set of mounting positions includes a fork tube mounting seat and a positioning tube mounting seat. The positioning tube mounting base is provided with a mounting rod, and the axis of the mounting rod is vertical. The frame is provided with multiple workstations, and each of the multiple workstations corresponds to a multiple of the installation positions. The starting workstation is the loading / unloading workstation, which is used to vertically install the fork tube onto the fork tube mounting base, and the positioning tube is sleeved in the mounting rod. The loading turntable rotates around the axis L, causing the workpiece to switch workstations.

2. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning tube mounting base is provided with two coaxial holes, one for mounting the positioning tube and the other for adjusting the threaded hole; The positioning rod mounting hole is provided with a mounting rod, and the mounting rod is provided with an adjusting thread section with an external thread, the external thread of the adjusting thread section engaging with the internal thread of the adjusting thread hole; The mounting rod is provided with a locking end and a first locking mechanism. The locking end is inserted into the positioning tube, and the first locking mechanism locks the locking end to the inner wall of the positioning tube. After the locking end locks the positioning tube, axial pressure is applied to the positioning tube by rotating the adjusting thread section to the depth of screwing in the adjusting thread hole.

3. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting rod is a hollow tubular structure, with one end being a locking end and the inner wall of the other end having a locking internal thread; The locking end has multiple through grooves along the axial direction on the tube wall, thereby forming multiple first elastic claw flaps. The inner wall of the first elastic claw flaps forms an inwardly contracting conical surface. The first locking mechanism includes an expansion ball head, a connector, and a locking bolt. The expansion ball head is placed inside the locking end and abuts against the tapered surface. One end of the connector is connected to the expansion ball head, and the other end is connected to the locking bolt. The locking bolt engages with the locking internal thread. When the locking bolt is tightened, it pulls the expansion ball head into the mounting rod through the connector. The expansion ball head squeezes the first elastic claw flap along the conical surface, causing it to expand radially and abut tightly against the inner wall of the positioning tube.

4. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, An adjusting threaded sleeve is fitted over the outside of the mounting rod. The adjusting threaded sleeve is slidably connected to the mounting rod, and the adjusting thread section is disposed on the adjusting threaded sleeve. The wall surface of the adjusting threaded sleeve is provided with multiple through grooves along the axial direction, thereby forming multiple second elastic claw flaps. The second elastic claw flaps can produce elastic deformation when subjected to radial pressure. A second locking mechanism is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the second elastic claw flap. The second locking mechanism applies radial constraint to the second elastic claw flap, causing it to clamp with the mounting rod.

5. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second locking mechanism is configured as a quick-release clamp.

6. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an unlocking column fixedly installed on the frame, the unlocking column being provided with an unlocking toothed ring; The locking bolt is fixedly connected to a first linkage gear, and the first linkage gear is coaxial with the locking bolt. The unlocking gear ring is coaxial with the loading turntable; The unlocking gear ring is only arranged between the bushing station and the assembly station. During the movement of the positioning tube from the bushing station to the assembly station, the unlocking gear ring meshes with the first linkage gear and loosens the locking bolt.

7. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a locking column fixedly installed on the frame, the locking column being provided with a locking toothed ring; The locking gear ring is coaxial with the loading turntable; The locking gear ring is only arranged between the loading / unloading station and the wear-resistant ring station. During the movement of the positioning tube from the loading / unloading station to the wear-resistant ring station, the unlocking gear ring meshes with the first linkage gear and tightens the locking bolt.

8. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adjusting threaded sleeve is provided with a second linkage gear. When the second linkage gear meshes with the locking gear ring, the adjusting threaded section is tightened. When the second linkage gear engages with the unlocking gear ring, the adjusting thread section is loosened.

9. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the workstations is a wear-resistant ring workstation, which is equipped with a wear-resistant ring vibrating feeding plate and a wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism to fit the wear-resistant ring onto the positioning tube; The wear-resistant ring gripping mechanism includes wear-resistant ring grippers, and the wear-resistant ring grippers are provided with at least three wear-resistant ring gripping blocks; The wear-resistant ring clamping block has a wear-resistant ring clamping surface, and after the wear-resistant ring clamping claws open, the wear-resistant ring clamping surface abuts against the inner wall surface of the wear-resistant ring.

10. The automatic assembly equipment for a front fork assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the workstations is a spring workstation, which is equipped with a spring vibrating feeding tray and a spring gripping mechanism to attach the spring to the positioning tube; The spring vibrates the feeding plate, controlling the spring to discharge material in a horizontal posture; The spring gripping mechanism has a spring gripper and a flipping mechanism, and the spring gripper has a first posture and a second posture. In the first posture, the clamping center axis of the spring gripper is parallel to the axis of the spring during discharge; In the second posture, the clamping center axis of the spring gripper is parallel to the axis of the positioning tube; The flipping mechanism switches the spring gripper to either the first or the second posture.

Images