Thrust ball bearing assembling equipment
By designing automated thrust ball bearing assembly equipment, automated production line production of cages and balls was realized, solving the problems of low efficiency of manual feeding and damage during assembly, and improving production efficiency and product quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511444736.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing thrust ball bearing assembly equipment relies on manual feeding, which is labor-intensive, inefficient, and can easily lead to cage damage and substandard ball flexibility during assembly, affecting production efficiency and product yield.
Design a thrust ball bearing assembly equipment, including a swivel seat, a cage loading mechanism, a window alignment mechanism, a ball loading mechanism, and an unloading mechanism. The equipment uses an automated production line to perform position alignment, assembly, and testing of the cage and balls, reducing manual intervention.
It improves the efficiency of feeding, window alignment, assembly and unloading, reduces labor intensity, avoids cage damage and insufficient ball flexibility, and ensures production cycle and product yield.
Smart Images

Figure CN120985331A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of thrust ball bearing manufacturing technology, and in particular to a thrust ball bearing assembly equipment. Background Technology
[0002] A thrust ball bearing includes a cage and multiple steel balls. A central bore is formed in the center of the cage, and multiple windows are formed circumferentially. The steel balls are installed in the windows, corresponding one-to-one with each other.
[0003] The existing thrust ball bearing assembly equipment includes a positioning seat, an assembly mechanism, and multiple ball bearing hoppers. The positioning seat supports the cage. Each ball bearing hopper is connected to the assembly mechanism via a corresponding spring tube. Due to limitations in the cage's manufacturing process, the opening sizes of the front and back windows differ, requiring the balls to be loaded into the windows from the front. Therefore, manual inspection of the cage's front side is necessary before placing it on the positioning seat. The ball bearing hoppers feed balls to the assembly mechanism via their respective spring tubes, and the assembly mechanism simultaneously loads the balls into multiple windows of the same cage.
[0004] The existing technical solutions described above have the following drawbacks: Cage loading relies too heavily on manual labor, resulting in high labor intensity, slow loading efficiency, and hindered production efficiency. Mistakes during assembly can damage the cage, cause blockages in the spring tubes, and lead to substandard ball flexibility after assembly, ultimately reducing production cycle time and product yield. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to improve production cycle and ensure product yield, this application provides a thrust ball bearing assembly device.
[0006] This application provides a thrust ball bearing assembly device, which adopts the following technical solution: A thrust ball bearing assembly device, comprising: frame; The rotating seat is rotatably mounted on the frame, and multiple loading sections are evenly arranged circumferentially on the side wall; each loading section has a loading hole in the middle for accommodating the cage of the thrust ball bearing; each loading section is used to drive the cage from the loading station through the window calibration station, window verification station, assembly station, cage calibration station, ball leakage detection station and rejection station in sequence, and then to the unloading station; The cage feeding mechanism is mounted on the frame and is used to convey cages to the feeding station and to detect whether the back of the cage conveyed to the feeding station is facing upwards. A window correction mechanism, mounted on the frame, is used to adjust the position of the window of the holder in the window correction station; The ball bearing feeding mechanism, mounted on the frame, is used to feed the balls of the thrust ball bearing to the assembly station and load the balls into the window of the cage in the assembly station to form the thrust ball bearing. The unloading mechanism, mounted on the frame, disengages the thrust ball bearing at the unloading station from the loading section.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, each loading unit is used to drive the cage from the loading station through the window alignment station, window verification station, assembly station, cage alignment station, ball leakage detection station, and rejection station, before reaching the unloading station. At the window alignment station, the window position of the cage is aligned. At the window verification station, the window position of the cage is verified. At the assembly station, the cage and balls are assembled. At the cage alignment station, the cage's posture is aligned. At the ball leakage detection station, the thrust ball bearing is checked for ball leakage. At the rejection station, thrust ball bearings with ball leakage are rejected, and at the unloading station, the thrust ball bearing is detached from the loading unit. The cage loading mechanism is used to transport the cage to the loading station and to detect whether the back of the cage transported to the loading station is facing upwards. The window alignment mechanism is used to adjust the position of the cage window at the window alignment station to facilitate the subsequent assembly of the balls and the cage. The ball bearing feeding mechanism delivers the balls for the thrust ball bearing to the assembly station and inserts them into the window of the cage at the assembly station to form the thrust ball bearing. The unloading mechanism removes the thrust ball bearing from the loading section at the unloading station. Overall, this significantly reduces the space occupied by the equipment. The feeding, window alignment, assembly, and unloading processes reduce reliance on manual labor, lower labor intensity, and improve feeding efficiency, window alignment efficiency, assembly efficiency, assembly accuracy, and unloading efficiency, thereby increasing production efficiency. Simultaneously, the cage feeding mechanism replaces manual face-checking, avoiding cage damage, spring tube blockage, and insufficient ball flexibility on the cage caused by face-checking errors, ensuring production cycle time and product yield.
[0008] This application further specifies that the cage feeding mechanism includes: The cage feeding assembly is installed at the top of the frame and is used to transport cages to the feeding station. The first cage detection assembly is installed at the top of the frame and is used to detect whether the back of the cage at the feeding station is facing upwards. The cage rejection assembly is installed on the cage feeding assembly and is used to reject cages with their front faces facing upward at the feeding station. The cage flattening assembly is mounted on the top of the frame and is used to press against the top surface of the cage located in the loading hole.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solutions, the cage loading assembly is used to transport cages to the loading station, replacing or assisting manual cage loading, thus improving loading efficiency and consequently production efficiency. The first cage detection assembly is used to detect whether the back of the cage being transported to the loading station is facing upwards, replacing or assisting manual face recognition, improving face recognition efficiency, reducing the error rate, and preventing cage damage and insufficient ball flexibility caused by face recognition errors. The cage rejection assembly can promptly reject cages with their front facing upwards from the loading station, preventing them from moving to the loading station and thus avoiding cage damage and insufficient ball flexibility. The cage flattening assembly is used to press against the top surface of the cage in the loading hole, preventing the cage axis at the loading station from tilting, ensuring assembly efficiency and accuracy.
[0010] This application further specifies that the cage feeding assembly includes: The first base is installed at the top of the frame, and a feeding channel is formed at the top along the length of the body; The first bracket is installed on top of the first base; The feed bar is vertically mounted on the first support; multiple retainers are lowered one by one along the feed bar into the feeding channel; The first positioning detection sensor is installed on the top of the first base and is used to detect whether the holder has arrived at the feeding channel; A positioning sleeve is fitted onto the bottom end of the feed bar, forming a positioning hole for the retainer to pass through; The pusher plate can be slidably installed in the feeding channel to push the cage to move along the feeding channel; The first linear actuator is mounted on the top of one end of the first base, and its output end is fixedly connected to one end of the pusher plate to drive the pusher plate to move. The second positioning detection sensor is installed on the top of the first base and is used to detect whether the holder has reached below the loading station. The second linear drive, mounted on the bottom of the other end of the first base with its output shaft facing upward, is used to transfer the cage in the feeding channel to the loading hole.
[0011] This application further specifies that the first cage detection assembly includes: The first support rod is set vertically, and its bottom end is fixedly connected to the top of the frame; The first light source is installed in the middle of the first support rod and is located directly above the feeding channel; The first camera is movably mounted on the top of the first support rod in the X and Y directions; The first position adjustment part is installed at the top of the first support rod and is fixedly connected to the first camera to drive the first camera to move. The top of the first base has a discharge channel connected to the loading channel along the width direction; The cage rejection assembly includes: The first feeding pipe is vertically installed on the frame and located below the feeding channel; The first storage box is located below the first discharge pipe; A limiting plate is installed at the top of the first base and is located directly above the loading channel and unloading channel; a detection through hole is formed on the limiting plate; The feeding plate can be slidably installed in the feeding channel to push the face-up retainer in the feeding channel down into the first feeding tube through the feeding channel; The third linear actuator is installed on the top of the first base, and its output end is fixedly connected to one end of the feed plate to drive the feed plate to move. The cage flattening assembly includes: The first guide rail is vertically mounted at the top of the frame; The first lifting seat is slidably mounted on the first guide rail. The first pressing rod is vertically set, with its top end fixedly connected to the first lifting seat. It moves up and down with the first lifting seat, and its bottom end can press against the top surface of the retainer in the loading hole. The fourth linear actuator is mounted on the first guide rail, and its output end is fixedly connected to the first lifting seat, and is used to drive the first lifting seat to move up and down.
[0012] This application further specifies that the window correction mechanism includes: A window alignment assembly, mounted on the top of the frame, is used to adjust the position of the window of the holder at the window alignment station; The second cage detection assembly is installed at the top of the frame and is used to detect whether the cage has reached the window calibration station. The window detection component, mounted on the top of the rack, is used to detect whether the window of the retainer is properly aligned.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the window correction component is used to adjust the position of the window of the retainer at the window correction station, replacing manual adjustment of the retainer's window position, thus improving window correction efficiency and consequently production efficiency. The second retainer detection component is used to detect whether the retainer has reached the window correction station. The window detection component is used to detect whether the retainer's window is correctly corrected, ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of subsequent assembly.
[0014] This application further specifies that the window correction component includes: Mounted base, installed on top of the rack; The second guide rail is vertically mounted on the fixed base; The second lifting seat is slidably mounted on the lower part of the second guide rail; a slot is formed on the second lifting seat; The fifth linear actuator is mounted on the top of the frame, and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the second lifting platform. It is used to drive the second lifting platform to move up and down. Insert plate, used to insert or release from slot to restrict the up and down movement of the second lifting seat or to release the restriction on the second lifting seat; The sixth linear actuator has its output fixedly connected to the plug plate and is used to drive the plug plate to move. The third lifting seat is slidably installed in the middle of the second guide rail, with its bottom end fixedly connected to the top end of the second lifting seat, and moves up and down with the second lifting seat. A rotating shaft, vertically set, is rotatably mounted on the third lifting seat, with its top end used to support the retainer; The first rotary drive is mounted on the third lifting seat. Its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rotary shaft through the first coupling. It is used to drive the rotary shaft to rotate so as to drive the cage to rotate. The fourth lifting seat is slidably mounted on the upper part of the second guide rail; The second pressure rod, with its axis set vertically, is rotatably mounted on the fourth lifting seat. As the fourth lifting seat moves up and down, its bottom end can press against the top surface of the retainer. The seventh linear actuator is mounted on the top of the second guide rail, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fourth lifting seat. It is used to drive the fourth lifting seat to move up and down.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the window position of the retainer can be adjusted instead of manually, thus improving the window calibration efficiency and consequently increasing production efficiency.
[0016] This application further specifies that the second cage detection assembly includes: The second bracket is installed at the top of the rack; The first laser sensor, mounted on the second bracket, is used to detect whether the holder has reached the window calibration position; The window detection component includes: The third bracket is installed at the top of the rack; The second laser sensor, mounted on the third bracket, is used to detect whether the window of the cage is properly aligned.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solutions, the first laser sensor has high detection accuracy and resolution, fast response speed, and the detection process is non-contact with the product, thus preventing damage. It is also highly adaptable and can replace manual labor in repetitive detection tasks. Similarly, the second laser sensor also has high detection accuracy and resolution, fast response speed, and the same non-contact detection process, preventing damage. It is also highly adaptable and can replace manual labor in repetitive detection tasks.
[0018] This application further specifies that the steel ball feeding mechanism includes: The second base is installed on top of the rack; The top plate is installed on the top of the rack and is located above the second base. The third guide rail is horizontally mounted on the top of the second base; The feeding plate can be slidably mounted on the third guide rail in the horizontal direction, and one end has multiple steel ball receiving holes arranged in a circular array. The lead screw is rotatably mounted on the top of the second base; The screw nut is sleeved on the screw rod and fixedly connected to the feeding plate, and is used to drive the feeding plate to move. The second rotary actuator is mounted on the top of the second base, and its output end is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw to drive the lead screw to rotate. The steel ball hopper is installed at the top of the top plate to store steel balls, and its bottom end abuts against the top of the feeding plate. The actuating blade is rotatably installed inside the steel ball hopper to move the steel balls in the hopper into the steel ball receiving hole. The stirring shaft is vertically set and rotatably installed inside the steel ball hopper, with its bottom end fixedly connected to the middle of the agitator blades; The third rotary actuator is installed at the top of the steel ball hopper, and its output end is fixedly connected to the top of the stirring shaft to drive the stirring shaft to rotate. A rotating disk is rotatably mounted on the top plate, with its top end used to support the retainer in the assembly station; the rotating disk has multiple clearance holes arranged in a circular array to avoid steel balls; The ejector shaft, with its axis set vertically, is mounted on the second base in a way that allows it to move up and down. The top of the shaft is equipped with multiple ejector pins arranged in a circular array, which are used to transfer the steel balls in the steel ball receiving hole to the window of the retainer. The eighth linear actuator is mounted on the top of the frame, and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the ejector pin shaft through the second coupling. It is used to drive the ejector pin shaft to move up and down. The fifth lifting seat is slidably installed on one side of the steel ball hopper; The third pressing rod is vertically set, with its top end fixedly connected to the fifth lifting seat. It moves up and down with the fifth lifting seat, and its bottom end can pass through the center hole of the retainer and abut against the top surface of the rotating disk. The ninth linear actuator is installed on the top of the ball hopper, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fifth lifting seat to drive the fifth lifting seat to move up and down. An insert block is used to be inserted between the fifth lifting seat and the ninth linear actuator to restrict the vertical movement of the fifth lifting seat; The tenth linear actuator is installed on the top of the ball bearing hopper, and its output end is fixedly connected to the insert block to drive the insert block to move.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the assembly of the cage and steel balls is completed manually, improving assembly efficiency and accuracy, thereby increasing production efficiency. Compared to using a spring tube to feed steel balls to the assembly mechanism, the number of jamming problems during steel ball feeding is significantly reduced, and troubleshooting time is shorter, ensuring efficient steel ball feeding. Furthermore, the bottom-up feeding method for both the cage and steel balls helps to shorten the assembly gap between them, reducing assembly difficulty and improving assembly accuracy.
[0020] This application further specifies that the feeding mechanism includes: The second feeding pipe is installed vertically on the frame and located below the feeding station; The second storage box is located below the second discharge pipe; The fourth bracket is installed at the top of the rack; The fourth pressure rod, vertically set, is mounted on the fourth bracket and can be moved up and down. It is used to disengage the thrust ball bearing in the unloading position from the loading pile and into the second unloading pipe. The eleventh linear driver is mounted on the fourth bracket, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fourth pressing rod, used to drive the fourth pressing rod to move up and down.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the material feeding task can be completed instead of manually, thus improving the material feeding efficiency and consequently increasing production efficiency.
[0022] This application further includes: The window verification mechanism, mounted on the frame, is used to verify the position of the window of the holder at the window verification station; The cage alignment mechanism, mounted on the frame, is used to align the position of the thrust ball bearing in the cage alignment position. The ball leakage detection mechanism is installed on the frame and is used to detect whether there is ball leakage in the thrust ball bearing at the ball leakage detection station; The rejection mechanism, mounted on the frame, is used to reject thrust ball bearings that have leaked balls when they are in the rejection station.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the window verification mechanism is used to verify the position of the cage window at the window verification station to ensure smooth assembly when the cage reaches the assembly station. The cage alignment mechanism is used to calibrate the position of the thrust ball bearing at the cage alignment station. Before the thrust ball bearing reaches the ball leakage detection station, the position of the thrust ball bearing is corrected by the cage alignment mechanism to ensure that the axis of the thrust ball bearing is vertical, preparing for ball leakage detection and reducing the possibility of misjudgment. The ball leakage detection mechanism is used to detect whether the thrust ball bearing at the ball leakage detection station has a ball leakage problem. The rejection mechanism is used to reject thrust ball bearings with ball leakage problems at the rejection station. When the ball leakage detection mechanism detects a ball leakage problem in the thrust ball bearing, the rejection mechanism rejects the unqualified thrust ball bearing when the thrust ball bearing reaches the rejection station. When the ball leakage detection mechanism detects no ball leakage problem in the thrust ball bearing, the rejection mechanism performs the unloading task when the thrust ball bearing reaches the unloading station.
[0024] In summary, the beneficial technical effects of this application are as follows: 1. Each loading unit is used to move the cage from the loading station, sequentially through the window alignment station, window verification station, assembly station, cage alignment station, ball leakage detection station, and rejection station, to the unloading station. At the window alignment station, the cage window position is aligned. At the window verification station, the cage window position is verified. At the assembly station, the cage and balls are assembled. At the cage alignment station, the cage posture is aligned. At the ball leakage detection station, the thrust ball bearing is checked for leakage. At the rejection station, thrust ball bearings with leakage are rejected, and at the unloading station, the thrust ball bearing is detached from the loading unit. The cage loading mechanism is used to transport the cage to the loading station and to check if the back of the cage transported to the loading station is facing upwards. The window alignment mechanism is used to adjust the position of the cage window at the window alignment station to facilitate the subsequent assembly of the balls and cage. The ball bearing feeding mechanism delivers the balls for the thrust ball bearing to the assembly station and inserts them into the window of the cage at the assembly station to form the thrust ball bearing. The unloading mechanism removes the thrust ball bearing from the loading section at the unloading station. Overall, this significantly reduces the space occupied by the equipment. The feeding, window alignment, assembly, and unloading processes reduce reliance on manual labor, lower labor intensity, and improve feeding efficiency, window alignment efficiency, assembly efficiency, assembly accuracy, and unloading efficiency, thereby increasing production efficiency. Simultaneously, the cage feeding mechanism replaces manual face-checking, avoiding cage damage, spring tube blockage, and insufficient ball flexibility on the cage caused by face-checking errors, ensuring production cycle time and product yield.
[0025] 2. The cage loading assembly is used to transport cages to the loading station, replacing or assisting manual cage loading, thus improving loading efficiency and consequently production efficiency. The first cage detection assembly detects whether the back of the cage being loaded to the loading station is facing upwards, replacing or assisting manual face-checking, improving face-checking efficiency, reducing the error rate, and preventing cage damage and insufficient ball flexibility caused by face-checking errors. The cage rejection assembly promptly rejects cages with their front facing upwards from the loading station, preventing them from moving to the loading station and thus avoiding cage damage and insufficient ball flexibility. The cage flattening assembly presses against the top surface of the cage within the loading hole, preventing the cage axis from tilting at the loading station, ensuring assembly efficiency and accuracy.
[0026] 3. The window alignment component adjusts the position of the window on the retainer at the window alignment station, replacing manual adjustment and improving window alignment efficiency, thereby increasing production efficiency. The second retainer detection component detects whether the retainer has reached the window alignment station. The window detection component detects whether the retainer's window is properly aligned, ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of subsequent assembly.
[0027] 4. The ball bearing feeding mechanism replaces manual labor in assembling the cage and balls, improving assembly efficiency and accuracy, thereby increasing production efficiency. Compared to using a spring tube to feed balls to the assembly mechanism, the number of jamming incidents during ball bearing feeding is significantly reduced, and troubleshooting time is shorter, ensuring efficient ball bearing feeding. Furthermore, the bottom-up feeding method for both the cage and balls helps to shorten the assembly gap between them, reducing assembly difficulty and improving assembly accuracy.
[0028] 5. The window verification mechanism is used to verify the position of the cage window at the window verification station to ensure smooth assembly when the cage reaches the assembly station. The cage alignment mechanism is used to calibrate the position of the thrust ball bearing at the cage alignment station. Before the thrust ball bearing reaches the ball leakage detection station, the cage alignment mechanism calibrates the position of the thrust ball bearing to ensure its axis is vertical, preparing for ball leakage detection and reducing the possibility of misjudgment. The ball leakage detection mechanism is used to detect whether the thrust ball bearing at the ball leakage detection station has a ball leakage problem. The rejection mechanism is used to reject thrust ball bearings with ball leakage problems at the rejection station. When the ball leakage detection mechanism detects a ball leakage problem in the thrust ball bearing, the rejection mechanism rejects the unqualified thrust ball bearing when it reaches the rejection station. When the ball leakage detection mechanism detects no ball leakage problem in the thrust ball bearing, the rejection mechanism performs the unloading task when the thrust ball bearing reaches the unloading station. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to one embodiment; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment from another perspective; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the rotating seat in the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the cage feeding mechanism in the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the window correction mechanism in the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the ball bearing feeding mechanism in the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the steel ball feeding mechanism from another perspective; Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the combined structure of the frame, rotating seat, feeding mechanism, window verification mechanism, cage correction mechanism, ball leakage detection mechanism, and rejection mechanism in the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment shown. Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the combined structure of the rotary seat, window calibration mechanism, and cage correction mechanism in the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment.
[0030] Reference numerals: 110, frame; 120, rotating base; 121, loading section; 1211, loading plate; 12111, loading hole; 1212, elastic element; 122, hollow rotating platform; 130, cage loading mechanism; 131, cage loading assembly; 1311, first base; 1312, first support; 1313, feed bar; 1314, first position detection sensor; 1315, positioning sleeve; 1316, pusher plate; 1317, first linear actuator; 1318, second position detection sensor; 1319, second linear actuator; 132, first cage detection assembly; 1321, first support rod; 1322, first light source; 1323, first camera; 1324, first position. Adjustment section; 133, cage rejection assembly; 1331, first storage box; 1332, limiting plate; 13321, detection through hole; 1333, unloading plate; 1334, third linear actuator; 134, cage flattening assembly; 1341, first guide rail; 1342, first lifting seat; 1343, first pressing rod; 13431, first limiting ring; 1344, fourth linear actuator; 140, window correction mechanism; 141, window correction assembly; 1411, fixed seat; 1412, second guide rail; 1413, second lifting seat; 1414, fifth linear actuator; 14151, insert plate; 14152, sixth linear actuator; 1416, third lifting seat; 1417, rotating shaft; 141 71. Boss; 1418. First rotary actuator; 14181. First coupling; 14191. Fourth lifting seat; 14192. Second pressing rod; 141921. Second limiting ring; 14193. Seventh linear actuator; 142. Second retainer detection assembly; 1421. Second bracket; 1422. First laser sensor; 143. Window detection assembly; 1431. Third bracket; 1432. Second laser sensor; 150. Steel ball feeding mechanism; 1511. Second base; 1512. Top plate; 1513. Third guide rail; 152. Feeding plate; 1521. Steel ball receiving hole; 1531. Lead screw; 1532. Lead nut; 1533. Second rotary actuator; 154. Steel ball hopper; 155. Third rotary actuator; 156. Rotary disk; 1561. Clearance hole; 157. Ejector pin shaft; 1571. Ejector pin; 158. Eighth linear actuator; 1581. Second coupling; 1591. Fifth lifting seat; 1592. Third pressing rod; 1593. Ninth linear actuator; 1594. Insert block; 1595. Tenth linear actuator; 160. Feeding mechanism; 161. Second feeding tube; 162. Second storage box; 163. Fourth bracket; 164. Fourth pressing rod; 165. Eleventh linear actuator; 171. Window calibration mechanism; 1711. Sixth lifting seat; 1712. Insert pin; 1713. Twelfth linear actuator; 172. Cage correction mechanism; 1721. Top flat shaft;1722, Thirteenth Linear Actuator; 180, Leaking Bead Detection Mechanism; 181, Second Support Rod; 182, Second Light Source; 183, Second Camera; 184, Second Position Adjustment Unit; 190, Rejection Mechanism; 191, Third Feeding Pipe; 192, Third Storage Box; 193, Fifth Support; 194, Fifth Pressing Rod; 195, Fourteenth Linear Actuator; 210, Loading Station; 220, Window Correction Station; 230, Window Verification Station; 240, Assembly Station; 250, Cage Correction Station; 260, Leaking Bead Detection Station; 270, Rejection Station; 280, Unloading Station. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-9 This application will be described in further detail.
[0032] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3This application discloses a thrust ball bearing assembly device, including a frame 110, a rotating base 120, a cage loading mechanism 130, a window correction mechanism 140, a ball loading mechanism 150, and a discharge mechanism 160. The frame 110 supports the rotating base 120, the cage loading mechanism 130, the window correction mechanism 140, the ball loading mechanism 150, and the discharge mechanism 160. The rotating base 120 is rotatably mounted on the frame 110, and a plurality of loading portions 121 are evenly arranged circumferentially on its side wall. A loading hole 12111 for accommodating the cage of the thrust ball bearing is formed in the center of each loading portion 121. Each loading unit 121 drives the cage from the loading station 210, sequentially passing through the window alignment station 220, window verification station 230, assembly station 240, cage alignment station 250, ball leakage detection station 260, and rejection station 270, before reaching the unloading station 280. It should be noted that the window position of the cage is corrected at the window alignment station 220. The window position of the cage is verified at the window verification station 230. The cage and balls are assembled at the assembly station 240. The cage's posture is corrected at the cage alignment station 250. The ball leakage detection station 260 detects whether the thrust ball bearing has any ball leakage. The thrust ball bearing with ball leakage is rejected at the rejection station 270, and the thrust ball bearing is detached from the loading unit 121 at the unloading station 280. A cage loading mechanism 130 is mounted on the frame 110 and is used to convey cages to the loading station 210 and to detect whether the back of the cage conveyed to the loading station 210 is facing upwards. A window alignment mechanism 140 is mounted on the frame 110 and is used to adjust the position of the window of the cage at the window alignment station 220 to facilitate the subsequent assembly of the steel balls and the cage. A steel ball loading mechanism 150 is mounted on the frame 110 and is used to convey the steel balls of the thrust ball bearing to the assembly station 240 and to load the steel balls into the window of the cage at the assembly station 240 to form the thrust ball bearing. A unloading mechanism 160 is mounted on the frame 110 and causes the thrust ball bearing at the unloading station 280 to disengage from the loading section 121. Overall, the cage loading mechanism 130, window alignment mechanism 140, steel ball loading mechanism 150, and unloading mechanism 160 are arranged sequentially around the circumference of the rotating seat 120, greatly reducing the space occupied by the equipment. The loading, window alignment, assembly, and unloading processes reduce reliance on manual labor, lower labor intensity, and improve loading efficiency, window alignment efficiency, assembly efficiency, assembly accuracy, and unloading efficiency, thereby increasing production efficiency. Simultaneously, the cage loading mechanism 130 replaces manual face recognition, avoiding cage damage, spring tube blockage, and insufficient steel ball flexibility on the cage caused by face recognition errors, ensuring production cycle time and product yield.
[0033] Preferably, the cage feeding mechanism 130, the window correction mechanism 140, the steel ball feeding mechanism 150, and the unloading mechanism 160 are detachably mounted on the frame 110 to facilitate the disassembly, maintenance, installation, and use of the cage feeding mechanism 130, the window correction mechanism 140, the steel ball feeding mechanism 150, and the unloading mechanism 160.
[0034] Preferably, the rotating base 120 is driven by a hollow rotating platform 122. The hollow rotating platform 122 is equipped with a servo motor, with a circumferential division accuracy of less than 0.01 mm, enabling precise control of the rotation angle of the rotating base 120, ensuring the assembly efficiency and accuracy of the thrust ball bearing. An alarm signal is issued when the torque value is abnormal, and it also has an unloading protection function, extending the service life of the equipment.
[0035] Preferably, six, eight, or ten loading sections 121 are evenly arranged circumferentially on the side wall of the rotating seat 120.
[0036] Preferably, each loading section 121 includes a loading plate 1211 and two elastic members 1212. The loading plate 1211 has a guide hole, a loading hole 12111, and a limiting hole sequentially connected from bottom to top in its center. The guide hole is tapered to guide the retainer from below the loading plate 1211 into the loading hole 12111, preventing damage to the edges of the retainer. The limiting hole is spherical to ensure sufficient strength of the loading plate 1211. The two elastic members 1212 are respectively installed on both sides of the loading plate 1211 to clamp and fix the retainer, ensuring that the retainer does not move spontaneously during transfer and preventing damage to the retainer. It should be noted that each elastic member 1212 can be a tension spring, compression spring, torsion spring, or elastic sheet.
[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the cage feeding mechanism 130 includes a cage feeding assembly 131, a first cage detection assembly 132, a cage rejection assembly 133, and a cage flattening assembly 134. The cage feeding assembly 131 is mounted on the top of the frame 110 and is used to convey cages to the feeding station 210, replacing or assisting manual cage feeding, thus improving feeding efficiency and consequently production efficiency. The first cage detection assembly 132 is mounted on the top of the frame 110 and is used to detect whether the back side of the cage conveyed to the feeding station 210 is facing upwards, replacing or assisting manual face recognition, thus improving face recognition efficiency, reducing face recognition error rate, and preventing cage damage and insufficient ball flexibility on the cage caused by face recognition errors. The cage rejection assembly 133 is installed on the cage loading assembly 131 and can promptly reject cages with their faces facing upwards from the loading station 210, preventing cages with their faces facing upwards from moving to the loading station 210, thereby avoiding damage to the cage and insufficient flexibility of the steel balls on the cage. The cage flattening assembly 134 is installed at the top of the frame 110 and is used to press against the top surface of the cage in the loading hole 12111, preventing the axis of the cage in the loading station 210 from tilting, ensuring assembly efficiency and assembly accuracy.
[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the cage feeding assembly 131 includes a first base 1311, a first support 1312, a feed bar 1313, a first positioning detection sensor 1314, a positioning sleeve 1315, a pusher plate 1316, a first linear actuator 1317, a second positioning detection sensor 1318, and a second linear actuator 1319. The first base 1311 is fixedly mounted on the top of the frame 110, with one end facing the feeding station 210, and a feeding channel is formed along the length of the top. The first support 1312 is mounted on one side of the top of the first base 1311. The feed bar 1313 is vertically mounted on the first support 1312. Multiple cages are threaded onto the feed bar 1313. The multiple cages fall one by one along the feed bar 1313 into the feeding channel. The first positioning detection sensor 1314 is mounted on the top of the first base 1311 and is used to detect whether the cage has reached the feeding channel. A positioning sleeve 1315 is fitted onto the bottom end of the feed bar 1313, forming a positioning hole for the retainer to pass through, thus constraining the direction of movement of the retainer as it moves down the feed bar 1313. A pusher plate 1316 is slidably mounted in the feed channel to push the retainer along the feed channel to the feed station 210. A first linear actuator 1317 is mounted on the top of one end of the first base 1311, with its output end fixedly connected to one end of the pusher plate 1316, to drive the pusher plate 1316 to move, thereby pushing the retainer along the feed channel to the feed station 210. A second position detection sensor 1318 is mounted on the top of the first base 1311 to detect whether the retainer has reached below the feed station 210. A second linear actuator 1319 is mounted on the bottom of the other end of the first base 1311, with its output shaft facing upwards, to transfer the retainer in the feed channel into the loading hole 12111.
[0039] The working process of the cage loading assembly 131 is as follows: Multiple cages are threaded onto the feed bar 1313, and the cages fall one by one into the loading channel along the feed bar 1313. During the downward movement of the cages along the feed bar 1313, the movement direction of the cages is constrained by the positioning sleeve 1315. When the first positioning detection sensor 1314 detects that the cage has arrived in the loading channel, the first linear actuator 1317 drives the pusher plate 1316 to move, thereby pushing the cages along the loading channel to the loading station 210. When the second positioning detection sensor 1318 detects that the cages have arrived below the loading station 210, the second linear actuator 1319 transfers the cages in the loading channel to the loading hole 12111 of the loading part 121 at the loading station 210. It should be noted that the work of threading multiple cages onto the feed bar 1313 is completed by the feed bar loading machine, and one feed bar loading machine can supply two thrust ball bearing assembly machines. The bar feeder and the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment use the same size bar 1313. The bar feeder 1313 is manually transferred to the cage feeding assembly 131. Each bar feeder 1313 is fitted with 200-600 cages.
[0040] Preferably, a counterweight ring is fitted on the top of the feed bar 1313. When the number of retainers on the feed bar 1313 is small and the weight is light, the counterweight ring helps the retainers to fall smoothly into the feeding channel, thereby ensuring feeding efficiency.
[0041] Preferably, the first positioning detection sensor 1314 and the second positioning detection sensor 1318 are laser sensors, which have high detection accuracy and resolution, fast response speed, no contact with the product during the detection process, will not damage the product, and have strong adaptability.
[0042] Preferably, the end of the pusher plate 1316 away from the first linear driver 1317 is formed with a support groove for supporting the retainer, so as to smoothly push the retainer.
[0043] Preferably, the first linear actuator 1317 and the second linear actuator 1319 are cylinders or hydraulic cylinders, which can precisely control the amplitude of movement by precisely controlling the input and output of the working medium.
[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the first retainer detection assembly 132 includes a first support rod 1321, a first light source 1322, a first camera 1323, and a first position adjustment part 1324. The axis of the first support rod 1321 is vertically arranged, and its bottom end is fixedly connected to the top end of the frame 110. The first light source 1322 is installed in the middle of the first support rod 1321 and is located directly above the feeding channel to compensate for light and improve detection accuracy. The first camera 1323 is movably installed at the top end of the first support rod 1321 in the X and Y directions to acquire images of the top surface of the retainer, so as to determine whether the back of the retainer is facing upwards. The first position adjustment part 1324 is installed at the top end of the first support rod 1321 and is fixedly connected to the first camera 1323 to drive the first camera 1323 to move. Overall, replacing manual face recognition improves recognition efficiency, reduces recognition error rate, and avoids damage to the retainer and insufficient flexibility of the steel balls on the retainer caused by recognition errors. A discharge channel connected to the loading channel is formed along the width direction at the top of the first base 1311. The retainer rejection assembly 133 includes a first discharge pipe (not shown), a first storage box 1331, a limiting plate 1332, and a third linear actuator 1334. The first discharge pipe is vertically mounted on the frame 110 and located below the discharge channel. The first storage box 1331 is located below the first discharge pipe and is used to store and recycle retainers. The limiting plate 1332 is fixedly mounted on the top of the first base 1311 and located directly above the loading and discharging channels. When the retainer is transferred from the loading channel to the discharging channel, the limiting plate 1332 restricts the vertical movement of the retainer. A detection through-hole 13321 is formed on the limiting plate 1332, through which the camera acquires an image of the top surface of the retainer. A feed plate 1333 is slidably mounted within the feed channel, used to push the retainer facing upwards in the loading channel down into the first feed tube. A third linear actuator 1334 is mounted on the top of the first base 1311, with its output end fixedly connected to one end of the feed plate 1333, used to drive the feed plate 1333 to move. When the camera detects that the retainer is facing upwards, the third linear actuator 1334 drives the feed plate 1333 to slide along the feed channel, transferring the retainer facing upwards in the loading channel to the feed channel. Afterwards, the retainer facing upwards falls into the first storage box 1331 via the first feed tube. The retainer flattening assembly 134 includes a first guide rail 1341, a first lifting seat 1342, a first pressing rod 1343, and a fourth linear actuator 1344. The first guide rail 1341 is vertically mounted on the top of the frame 110. The first lifting seat 1342 is slidably mounted on the first guide rail 1341.The first pressing rod 1343 is vertically arranged, with its top end fixedly connected to the first lifting seat 1342. It moves up and down with the first lifting seat 1342, and its bottom end presses against the top surface of the retainer inside the loading hole 12111. The fourth linear actuator 1344 is mounted on the first guide rail 1341, with its output end fixedly connected to the first lifting seat 1342, and is used to drive the first lifting seat 1342 to move up and down. While the second linear actuator 1319 drives the retainer in the loading channel to move upward, the fourth linear actuator 1344 drives the first lifting seat 1342 to move downward, thereby causing the first pressing rod 1343 to move downward. The first pressing rod 1343 and the second linear actuator 1319 cooperate to ensure that the axis does not tilt when the retainer abuts against the loading hole 12111 of the loading section 121 at the loading station 210.
[0045] Preferably, the first light source 1322 is a ring light source, which provides better light supplementation.
[0046] Preferably, the first camera 1323 is a charge-coupled device camera, which has high imaging accuracy, strong detection capability, and high working stability, and can replace manual labor to complete repetitive detection work.
[0047] Preferably, the first position adjustment unit 1324 includes a first support base, a first movable base, a second movable base, a second support base, a first electric push rod, and a second electric push rod. The first support base is fixed to the top end of the first support rod 1321. The first movable base is movably mounted on the top end of the first support base in the X direction. The second movable base is movably mounted on the top end of the first movable base in the Y direction and moves with the first movable base in the X direction. The top end of the second support base is fixedly connected to one side of the second movable base, and the bottom end is fixedly connected to the first camera 1323. The first electric push rod is fixed to the first support base, and its output end is fixedly connected to the first movable base, for driving the first movable base to move in the X direction, thereby driving the second movable base, the second support base, and the first camera 1323 to move in the X direction. The second electric push rod is fixed to the first movable base, and its output end is fixedly connected to the second movable base, for driving the second movable base to move in the Y direction, thereby driving the second support base and the first camera 1323 to move in the Y direction.
[0048] Preferably, the third linear actuator 1334 and the fourth linear actuator 1344 are cylinders or hydraulic cylinders, which can precisely control the amplitude of movement by precisely controlling the input and output of the working medium.
[0049] Preferably, a first limiting ring 13431 is formed at the bottom end of the first pressing rod 1343. When the bottom end of the first pressing rod 1343 is inserted into the center hole of the retainer, the bottom end face of the first limiting ring 13431 presses against the top surface of the retainer, providing a good flattening effect. Moreover, when the first pressing rod 1343 moves upward to reset, it drives the retainer to move upward, and with the help of the two elastic members 1212 of the loading part 121, the retainer is stably retained in the loading hole 12111, and will not fall down spontaneously.
[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the window correction mechanism 140 includes a window correction component 141, a second retainer detection component 142, and a window detection component 143. The window correction component 141 is mounted on the top of the frame 110 and is used to adjust the position of the window of the retainer at the window correction station 220, replacing manual adjustment of the retainer's window position, thus improving window correction efficiency and consequently production efficiency. The second retainer detection component 142 is mounted on the top of the frame 110 and is used to detect whether the retainer has reached the window correction station 220. The window detection component 143 is mounted on the top of the frame 110 and is used to detect whether the window of the retainer is correctly corrected, ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of subsequent assembly.
[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5In one embodiment, the window correction assembly 141 includes a fixed base 1411, a second guide rail 1412, a second lifting base 1413, a fifth linear actuator 1414, a insert plate 14151, a sixth linear actuator 14152, a third lifting base 1416, a rotating shaft 1417, a first rotary actuator 1418, a fourth lifting base 14191, a second pressing rod 14192, and a seventh linear actuator 14193. The fixed base 1411 is mounted on the top of the frame 110. The second guide rail 1412 is vertically mounted on the fixed base 1411. The second lifting base 1413 is slidably mounted on the lower part of the second guide rail 1412. A slot is formed in the second lifting base 1413. The fifth linear actuator 1414 is mounted on the top of the frame 110, and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the second lifting base 1413 for driving the second lifting base 1413 to move up and down. Insert plate 14151 is used to insert into or disengage from slot to restrict or release the vertical movement of the second lifting seat 1413. The output end of the sixth linear actuator 14152 is fixedly connected to the insert plate 14151 and is used to drive the insert plate 14151 to move. The third lifting seat 1416 is slidably mounted on the middle of the second guide rail 1412, and its bottom end is fixedly connected to the top end of the second lifting seat 1413, moving up and down with the second lifting seat 1413. The rotating shaft 1417 is vertically arranged and rotatably mounted on the third lifting seat 1416, with its top end used to support the retainer. The first rotary actuator 1418 is mounted on the third lifting seat 1416, and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rotating shaft 1417 through the first coupling 14181, used to drive the rotating shaft 1417 to rotate, thereby rotating the retainer and completing the task of adjusting the window position of the retainer. The fourth lifting seat 14191 is slidably mounted on the upper part of the second guide rail 1412. The axis of the second pressing rod 14192 is vertically set and rotatably mounted on the fourth lifting seat 14191. As the fourth lifting seat 14191 moves up and down, its bottom end can press against the top surface of the retainer. The seventh linear actuator 14193 is mounted on the top of the second guide rail 1412, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fourth lifting seat 14191, used to drive the fourth lifting seat 14191 to move up and down.
[0052] The operation of the window alignment assembly 141 is as follows: When the holder moves to the window alignment station 220 with the loading unit 121, firstly, the fifth linear actuator 1414 drives the second lifting seat 1413 to move upward, thereby driving the third lifting seat 1416, the first rotary actuator 1418, and the rotary shaft 1417 to move upward, so that the top end of the rotary shaft 1417 abuts against the bottom surface of the holder at the window alignment station 220. Then, the seventh linear actuator 14193 drives the fourth lifting seat 14191 to move downward, thereby driving the second pressing rod 14192 to move downward, so that the bottom end of the second pressing rod 14192 presses against the top surface of the holder at the window alignment station 220. Next, the fifth linear actuator 1414 drives the second lifting seat 1413 to move downward, thereby causing the third lifting seat 1416, the first rotary actuator 1418, and the rotary shaft 1417 to move downward. Simultaneously, the seventh linear actuator 14193 drives the fourth lifting seat 14191 to continue moving downward, thereby causing the second pressing rod 14192 to continue moving downward. This causes the retainer at the window correction position 220 to move downward from top to bottom, gradually disengaging from the loading hole 12111 of the loading section 121. Afterward, the sixth linear actuator 14152 drives the insert plate 14151 to move, inserting it into the slot of the second lifting seat 1413 to restrict the vertical movement of the second lifting seat 1413, thus stabilizing the plane containing the retainer. Next, the first rotary actuator 1418 drives the rotary shaft 1417 to rotate, thereby rotating the retainer located at the top of the rotary shaft 1417 to adjust the position of the retainer's window. The second pressing rod 14192 rotates with the rotary shaft 1417. The second pressing rod 14192 prevents the retainer from translating during rotation. After the retainer's window position is adjusted, the sixth linear actuator 14152 drives the insert plate 14151 to move, disengaging the insert plate 14151 from the slot of the second lifting seat 1413, thus releasing the restriction on the second lifting seat 1413. Subsequently, the fifth linear actuator 1414 drives the second lifting seat 1413 to move upward, thereby causing the third lifting seat 1416, the first rotary actuator 1418, and the rotating shaft 1417 to move upward. Simultaneously, the seventh linear actuator 14193 drives the fourth lifting seat 14191 to move upward, thereby causing the second pressing rod 14192 to move upward, causing the retainer to move from bottom to top and gradually into the loading hole 12111 of the loading section 121. Next, the seventh linear actuator 14193 drives the fourth lifting seat 14191 to continue moving upward, thereby causing the second pressing rod 14192 to continue moving upward, causing the second pressing rod 14192 to disengage from the retainer. Then, the fifth linear actuator 1414 drives the second lifting seat 1413 to move downward, thereby causing the third lifting seat 1416, the first rotary actuator 1418, and the rotating shaft 1417 to move downward, causing the rotating shaft 1417 to disengage from the retainer.Overall, replacing manual adjustment of the window position of the retainer improves window calibration efficiency, thereby increasing production efficiency.
[0053] Preferably, the fifth linear actuator 1414, the sixth linear actuator 14152 and the seventh linear actuator 14193 are cylinders or hydraulic cylinders, which can precisely control the amplitude of movement by precisely controlling the input and output of the working medium.
[0054] Preferably, the first rotary driver 1418 is a servo motor, which has high control precision, thereby ensuring the accuracy of window position adjustment.
[0055] Preferably, a boss 14171 supporting the retainer is formed at the top of the rotating shaft 1417, and a second limiting ring 141921 is formed at the bottom of the second pressing rod 14192. Compared to providing a protrusion at the top of the rotating shaft 1417 for inserting into the center hole of the retainer, the form of a pressing platform at the bottom of the second pressing rod 14192 allows the bottom end of the second limiting ring 141921 to press against the top surface of the retainer when the bottom end of the second pressing rod 14192 is inserted into the center hole of the retainer at the top of the boss 14171. This solves the problem that the bottom end of the second pressing rod 14192 cannot make good contact with the top surface of the retainer due to accumulated machining deviations, resulting in a better flattening effect and effectively preventing translation during the rotation of the retainer. The second pressing rod 14192 is first disengaged from the retainer, and then the boss 14171 is disengaged from the retainer. The second pressure rod 14192 drives the retainer to move upward. With the help of the two elastic elements 1212 of the loading part 121, the retainer is stably retained in the loading hole 12111 and will not fall down on its own. This solves the problem that the protrusion of the rotating shaft 1417 caused by the cumulative machining deviation will cause the retainer to move downward.
[0056] Reference Figure 3In one embodiment, the second retainer detection assembly 142 includes a second bracket 1421 and a first laser sensor 1422. The second bracket 1421 is mounted on the top of the frame 110. The first laser sensor 1422 is mounted on the second bracket 1421 and is used to detect whether the retainer has reached the window correction station 220 before window adjustment, and to detect whether the retainer has reached the window correction station 220 after window adjustment. The first laser sensor 1422 has high detection accuracy and resolution, fast response speed, and the detection process is non-contact with the product, will not damage the product, has strong adaptability, and can replace manual labor to complete repetitive detection work. The window detection assembly 143 includes a third bracket 1431 and a second laser sensor 1432. The third bracket 1431 is mounted on the top of the frame 110. The second laser sensor 1432 is mounted on the third bracket 1431 and is used to detect whether the window of the retainer is properly corrected. The second laser sensor 1432 has high detection accuracy and resolution, fast response speed, and no contact with the product during the detection process, so it will not damage the product. It is highly adaptable and can replace manual labor to complete repetitive detection work.
[0057] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7In one embodiment, the steel ball feeding mechanism 150 includes a second base 1511, a top plate 1512, a third guide rail 1513, a feeding plate 152, a lead screw 1531, a lead screw nut 1532, a second rotary driver 1533, a steel ball hopper 154, a stirring blade (not shown), a stirring shaft (not shown), a third rotary driver 155, a rotating disk 156, a ejector pin shaft 157, an eighth linear driver 158, a fifth lifting seat 1591, a third pressing rod 1592, a ninth linear driver 1593, an insert block 1594, and a tenth linear driver 1595. The second base 1511 is fixedly mounted on the top of the frame 110. The top plate 1512 is mounted on the top of the frame 110 via support legs and is located above the second base 1511. The third guide rail 1513 is horizontally mounted on the top of the second base 1511. The feeding plate 152 is slidably mounted on the third guide rail 1513 in a horizontal direction, and one end has multiple steel ball receiving holes 1521 arranged in a circular array. The lead screw 1531 is rotatably mounted on the top of the second base 1511. The lead screw nut 1532 is sleeved on the lead screw 1531 and fixedly connected to the feeding plate 152, used to drive the feeding plate 152 to move. The second rotary actuator 1533 is mounted on the top of the second base 1511, and its output end is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw 1531, used to drive the lead screw 1531 to rotate, so that the lead screw nut 1532 moves along the axial direction of the lead screw 1531, thereby driving the feeding plate 152 to move along the axial direction of the lead screw 1531. The steel ball hopper 154 is mounted on the top of the top plate 1512 and is used to store steel balls. It should be noted that the bottom of the steel ball hopper 154 is an open structure. The bottom end of the ball bearing hopper 154 abuts against the top end of the feeding plate 152, thereby sealing the bottom end of the ball bearing hopper 154. A rotatable agitator is rotatably mounted inside the ball bearing hopper 154 to move the ball bearings into the ball bearing receiving hole 1521. A vertically positioned stirring shaft is rotatably mounted inside the ball bearing hopper 154, with its bottom end fixedly connected to the middle of the agitator, for driving the agitator to rotate. A third rotary actuator 155 is mounted on the top end of the ball bearing hopper 154, with its output end fixedly connected to the top end of the stirring shaft, for driving the stirring shaft to rotate. A rotary disk 156 is rotatably mounted on the top plate 1512, with its top end supporting the retainer at the assembly station 240. The rotary disk 156 has multiple circularly arranged clearance holes 1561 for avoiding the ball bearings. The ejector shaft 157 is vertically oriented and is mounted on the second base 1511, allowing it to move up and down. Multiple ejector pins 1571 arranged in a circular array are located at its top, used to transfer steel balls from the steel ball receiving hole 1521 to the window of the cage. The eighth linear actuator 158 is mounted on the top of the frame 110, and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the ejector shaft 157 via a second coupling 1581, used to drive the ejector shaft 157 to move up and down.The fifth lifting seat 1591 is slidably mounted on one side of the ball bearing hopper 154. The third pressing rod 1592 has a vertically oriented axis, its top end is fixedly connected to the fifth lifting seat 1591, and moves up and down with the fifth lifting seat 1591. Its bottom end can pass through the central hole of the retainer and abut against the top surface of the rotating disk 156. The ninth linear actuator 1593 is mounted on the top of the ball bearing hopper 154, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fifth lifting seat 1591, used to drive the fifth lifting seat 1591 to move up and down. The insert block 1594 is used to insert between the fifth lifting seat 1591 and the ninth linear actuator 1593 to restrict the up and down movement of the fifth lifting seat 1591. The tenth linear actuator 1595 is mounted on the top of the ball bearing hopper 154, and its output end is fixedly connected to the insert block 1594, used to drive the insert block 1594 to move.
[0058] The working process of the steel ball feeding mechanism 150 is as follows: When the retainer moves to the assembly station 240 with the loading part 121, the retainer is located above the rotary disk 156. First, the third rotary drive 155 drives the stirring shaft to rotate, thereby driving the agitator blades to rotate, which in turn causes the steel ball hopper 154 to roll into the steel ball receiving hole 1521 on the feeding plate 152. Then, the second rotary drive 1533 drives the lead screw 1531 to rotate, so that the lead screw nut 1532 moves along the axial direction of the lead screw 1531, thereby causing the feeding plate 152 to slide along the third guide rail 1513. During the movement of the feeding plate 152 along the third guide rail 1513, the bottom end of the steel ball hopper 154 can be sealed. When multiple steel balls move with the feed plate 152 to directly below the rotary disk 156, the second rotary driver 1533 stops operating, and the ninth linear driver 1593 drives the fifth lifting seat 1591 downward to move the third pressing rod 1592 downward, so that the bottom end of the third pressing rod 1592 passes through the center hole of the retainer and abuts against the top surface of the rotary disk 156. Next, the tenth linear driver 1595 drives the insert block 1594 to move, so that the insert block 1594 abuts between the fifth lifting seat 1591 and the ninth linear driver 1593. When steel balls are loaded into the retainer, the insert block 1594 can prevent the fifth lifting seat 1591 from moving upward, thereby preventing the third pressing rod 1592 from moving upward, thus limiting the upward movement of the rotary disk 156 and the loading part 121, ensuring assembly accuracy. Then, the eighth linear actuator 158 drives the ejector pin shaft 157 to move upward, and multiple ejector pins 1571 simultaneously pass through the ball receiving hole 1521 on the feed plate 152 and the clearance hole 1561 on the rotary disk 156, so that multiple balls are simultaneously loaded into the corresponding windows on the same cage. Overall, this replaces manual assembly of the cage and balls, improving assembly efficiency and accuracy, and thus increasing production efficiency. Compared with the method of using a spring tube to feed balls to the assembly mechanism, the problem of ball jamming during feeding is greatly reduced, the time spent troubleshooting is shorter, and the efficiency of ball feeding is guaranteed. At the same time, both the cage and the balls adopt a bottom-up feeding method, which helps to shorten the assembly gap between the cage and the balls, reduce assembly difficulty, and improve assembly accuracy.
[0059] Preferably, the second rotary driver 1533 and the third rotary driver 155 are servo motors, which ensure the feeding accuracy of the steel balls.
[0060] Preferably, the ejector pin 1571 of the ejector pin shaft 157 is a MISUMI straight rod type guide pin, which is detachably connected to the ejector pin shaft 157 by screw connection, so as to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the ejector pin 1571. Compared with the use of EDM adhesive bonding, the connection stability is improved, ensuring that the end faces of multiple ejector pins 1571 are in the same plane, reducing the connection difficulty and cost.
[0061] Preferably, the eighth linear actuator 158, the ninth linear actuator 1593, and the tenth linear actuator 1595 are pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, which can precisely control the amplitude of movement by precisely controlling the input and output of the working medium. It should be noted that the cylinder diameter selection of the ninth linear actuator 1593 only needs to consider the weight of the third pressing rod 1592 and the loading part 121, without considering the rebound force of the eighth linear actuator 158.
[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the unloading mechanism 160 includes a second unloading pipe 161, a second storage box 162, a fourth bracket 163, a fourth pressing rod 164, and an eleventh linear actuator 165. The second unloading pipe 161 is vertically mounted on the frame 110 and located below the unloading station 280. The second storage box 162 is disposed below the second unloading pipe 161 and is used to store thrust ball bearings. The fourth bracket 163 is mounted on the top of the frame 110. The axis of the fourth pressing rod 164 is vertically arranged and is mounted on the fourth bracket 163 movably, for disengaging the thrust ball bearing at the unloading station 280 from the loading part 121 and allowing it to fall into the second unloading pipe 161. The eleventh linear actuator 165 is mounted on the fourth bracket 163, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fourth pressing rod 164, for driving the fourth pressing rod 164 to move up and down. In this way, it can replace manual labor to complete the material feeding task, improve material feeding efficiency, and thus improve production efficiency.
[0063] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9In one embodiment, the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment further includes a window verification mechanism 171, a cage correction mechanism 172, a ball leakage detection mechanism 180, a rejection mechanism 190, a programmable logic controller, and a housing. The window verification mechanism 171, mounted on the frame 110, is used to verify the position of the cage window at the window verification station 230 to ensure smooth assembly when the cage reaches the assembly station 240. The cage correction mechanism 172, mounted on the frame 110, is used to correct the position of the thrust ball bearing at the cage correction station 250. Before the thrust ball bearing reaches the ball leakage detection station 260, the position of the thrust ball bearing is corrected by the cage correction mechanism 172 to ensure that the axis of the thrust ball bearing is vertical, preparing for ball leakage detection and reducing the possibility of misjudgment. The ball leakage detection mechanism 180, mounted on the frame 110, is used to detect whether the thrust ball bearing at the ball leakage detection station 260 has any ball leakage. The rejection mechanism 190 is mounted on the frame 110 and is used to reject thrust ball bearings that have leakage issues at the rejection station 270. When the leakage detection mechanism 180 detects leakage in the thrust ball bearing, the bearing is brought to the rejection station 270, where the rejection mechanism 190 rejects the defective bearing. When the leakage detection mechanism 180 detects no leakage in the thrust ball bearing, the bearing is brought to the unloading station 280, where the unloading mechanism 160 performs the unloading task. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is mounted on the frame 110 and is connected to the hollow rotary platform 122, the cage feeding mechanism 130, the window correction mechanism 140, the steel ball feeding mechanism 150, the unloading mechanism 160, the window verification mechanism 171, the cage correction mechanism 172, the leak detection mechanism 180, and the rejection mechanism 190. The PLC receives detection signals and controls the hollow rotary platform 122, the cage feeding mechanism 130, the window correction mechanism 140, the steel ball feeding mechanism 150, the unloading mechanism 160, the window verification mechanism 171, the cage correction mechanism 172, the leak detection mechanism 180, and the rejection mechanism 190 according to the received detection signals. The housing is mounted on top of the frame 110 and covers the rotating base 120, hollow rotating platform 122, cage loading mechanism 130, window correction mechanism 140, ball loading mechanism 150, unloading mechanism 160, window verification mechanism 171, cage correction mechanism 172, ball leakage detection mechanism 180, and rejection mechanism 190 to isolate them from the external environment and reduce external interference. The housing can be made of transparent material to facilitate manual observation of the thrust ball bearing assembly equipment's operating status. Overall, the system has a high degree of automation and high production efficiency, with the production time for a single thrust ball bearing being only 2-3 seconds, and it occupies a small space.
[0064] Preferably, the window calibration mechanism 171, the retainer calibration mechanism 172, the leak detection mechanism 180, the rejection mechanism 190, and the housing are detachably mounted on the frame 110 to facilitate the disassembly, maintenance, installation, and use of the window calibration mechanism 171, the retainer calibration mechanism 172, the leak detection mechanism 180, the rejection mechanism 190, and the housing.
[0065] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9In one embodiment, the window calibration mechanism 171 includes a sixth lifting seat 1711, two pins 1712, and a twelfth linear actuator 1713. The sixth lifting seat 1711 is movably mounted on the top of the frame 110. The two pins 1712 are respectively mounted on the top of the sixth lifting seat 1711 and move up and down with the sixth lifting seat 1711 to insert into two windows of the retainer. The output end of the twelfth linear actuator 1713 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the sixth lifting seat 1711 to drive the sixth lifting seat 1711 to move up and down. The retainer calibration mechanism 172 includes a top flat shaft 1721 and a thirteenth linear actuator 1722. The top flat shaft 1721 is movably mounted on the top of the frame 110, and its top end can abut against the bottom end of the thrust ball bearing at the retainer calibration station 250 to make the axis of the thrust ball bearing vertical. The ball leakage detection mechanism 180 is positioned below the ball leakage detection station 260. It detects whether the thrust ball bearing is leaking balls from below, which, compared to detection from above, matches the bottom-up feeding method of the cage and steel balls, improving detection accuracy. The ball leakage detection mechanism 180 includes a second support rod 181, a second light source 182, a second camera 183, and a second position adjustment part 184. The axis of the second support rod 181 is vertically oriented, and its top end is fixedly connected to the top end of the frame 110. The second light source 182 is installed in the middle of the second support rod 181 and directly below the ball leakage detection station 260 to compensate for light and improve detection accuracy. The second camera 183 is movable along the X and Y directions and is mounted at the bottom end of the second support rod 181 to acquire images of the bottom surface of the thrust ball bearing to determine if there is a leaking window. The second position adjustment unit 184 is installed at the bottom end of the second support rod 181 and is fixedly connected to the second camera 183, used to drive the second camera 183 to move. Overall, it replaces manual work in the ball leakage detection, improving detection efficiency and reducing the detection error rate. The rejection mechanism 190 includes a third feeding pipe 191, a third storage box 192, a fifth bracket 193, a fifth pressing rod 194, and a fourteenth linear actuator 195. The third feeding pipe 191 is vertically installed on the frame 110 and located below the rejection station 270. The third storage box 192 is located below the third feeding pipe 191 and is used to store defective thrust ball bearings. The fifth bracket 193 is installed at the top of the frame 110. The axis of the fifth pressing rod 194 is vertically set and is movably installed on the fifth bracket 193, used to disengage the thrust ball bearing at the rejection station 270 from the loading part 121 and fall into the third feeding pipe 191. The fourteenth linear actuator 195 is mounted on the fifth bracket 193, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fifth pressing rod 194, used to drive the fifth pressing rod 194 to move up and down. In this way, it can replace manual labor in the task of rejecting defective products, improving rejection efficiency and thus increasing production efficiency.
[0066] Preferably, the twelfth linear actuator 1713, the thirteenth linear actuator 1722 and the fourteenth linear actuator 195 are cylinders or hydraulic cylinders, which can precisely control the amplitude of movement by precisely controlling the input and output of the working medium.
[0067] Preferably, the second light source 182 is a ring light source, which provides better light supplementation.
[0068] Preferably, the second camera 183 is a charge-coupled device camera, which has high imaging accuracy, strong detection capability, and high working stability, and can replace manual labor to complete repetitive detection work.
[0069] Preferably, the first position adjustment unit 1324 includes a third support base, a third movable base, a fourth movable base, a fourth support base, a third electric push rod, and a fourth electric push rod. The third support base is fixed to the bottom end of the second support rod 181. The third movable base is movably mounted on the bottom end of the third support base in the X direction. The fourth movable base is movably mounted on the bottom end of the third movable base in the Y direction and moves with the third movable base in the X direction. The bottom end of the fourth support base is fixedly connected to one side of the fourth movable base, and the top end is fixedly connected to the second camera 183. The third electric push rod is fixed to the third support base, and its output end is fixedly connected to the third movable base, for driving the third movable base to move in the X direction, thereby driving the fourth movable base, the fourth support base, and the second camera 183 to move in the X direction. The fourth electric push rod is fixed to the third movable base, and its output end is fixedly connected to the fourth movable base, for driving the fourth movable base to move in the Y direction, thereby driving the fourth support base and the second camera 183 to move in the Y direction.
[0070] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: The window position of the cage is corrected at the window correction station 220. The window position of the cage is verified at the window verification station 230. The cage and steel balls are assembled at the assembly station 240. The cage posture is corrected at the cage correction station 250. The leakage ball detection station 260 detects whether the thrust ball bearing has leakage. The thrust ball bearing with leakage is removed at the rejection station 270, and the thrust ball bearing is detached from the loading part 121 at the unloading station 280. The cage loading mechanism 130 is used to transport the cage to the loading station 210 and to detect whether the back side of the cage transported to the loading station 210 is facing upwards. The window correction mechanism 140 is used to adjust the position of the window of the cage at the window correction station 220 to facilitate the subsequent assembly of the steel balls and the cage. The ball bearing feeding mechanism 150 feeds the balls of the thrust ball bearing to the assembly station 240 and loads them into the window of the cage at the assembly station 240 to form the thrust ball bearing. The window verification mechanism 171 verifies the position of the cage window at the window verification station 230 to ensure smooth assembly when the cage reaches the assembly station 240. The cage alignment mechanism 172 aligns the position of the thrust ball bearing at the cage alignment station 250. Before the thrust ball bearing reaches the ball leakage detection station 260, the cage alignment mechanism 172 aligns the position of the thrust ball bearing to ensure its axis is vertical, preparing for ball leakage detection and reducing the possibility of misjudgment. The ball leakage detection mechanism 180 detects whether the thrust ball bearing at the ball leakage detection station 260 has a ball leakage problem. The rejection mechanism 190 rejects thrust ball bearings with ball leakage problems at the rejection station 270. When the ball leakage detection mechanism 180 detects a ball leakage in the thrust ball bearing, the bearing is moved to the rejection station 270, where the rejection mechanism 190 removes the defective bearing. When the ball leakage detection mechanism 180 detects no ball leakage, the bearing is moved to the unloading station 280, where the unloading mechanism 160 performs the unloading task. Overall, this significantly reduces the space occupied by the equipment. The loading, window correction, assembly, and unloading processes reduce reliance on manual labor, lower labor intensity, and improve loading efficiency, window correction efficiency, assembly efficiency, assembly accuracy, and unloading efficiency, thereby increasing production efficiency. Simultaneously, the cage loading mechanism 130 replaces manual verification, preventing cage damage, spring tube blockage, and insufficient ball flexibility on the cage due to verification errors, ensuring production cycle time and product yield.
[0071] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A thrust ball bearing assembly device, characterized in that, include: Rack (110); A rotating seat (120) is rotatably mounted on the frame (110), and a plurality of loading parts (121) are evenly arranged circumferentially on the side wall; each loading part (121) has a loading hole (12111) in the middle for accommodating the cage of the thrust ball bearing; each loading part (121) is used to drive the cage from the loading station (210) through the window correction station (220), the window inspection station (230), the assembly station (240), the cage correction station (250), the ball leakage detection station (260) and the rejection station (270) in sequence, and then to the unloading station (280); A cage feeding mechanism (130) is installed on the frame (110) for conveying the cage to the feeding station (210) and for detecting whether the back side of the cage conveyed to the feeding station (210) is facing up; A window correction mechanism (140) is mounted on the frame (110) for adjusting the position of the window of the holder at the window correction station (220); A ball bearing feeding mechanism (150) is installed on the frame (110) for feeding the ball bearing of the thrust ball bearing to the assembly station (240) and loading the ball bearing into the window of the cage in the assembly station (240) to form the thrust ball bearing. The unloading mechanism (160) is mounted on the frame (110) to disengage the thrust ball bearing at the unloading station (280) from the loading part (121).
2. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cage feeding mechanism (130) includes: A cage feeding assembly (131) is installed at the top of the frame (110) for feeding the cage to the feeding station (210); The first retainer detection assembly (132) is installed on the top of the frame (110) and is used to detect whether the back of the retainer being conveyed to the loading station (210) is facing upward; A cage rejection assembly (133) is mounted on the cage loading assembly (131) for rejecting cages with their front faces facing upwards that are being transported to the loading station (210). A cage flattening assembly (134) is mounted on the top of the frame (110) to press against the top surface of the cage located in the loading hole (12111).
3. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cage feeding assembly (131) includes: The first base (1311) is installed at the top of the frame (110), and a feeding channel is formed at the top along the length of the body; The first bracket (1312) is installed on the top of the first base (1311); A feed bar (1313) is vertically mounted on the first bracket (1312); multiple retainers are lowered one by one along the feed bar (1313) into the feeding channel; The first positioning detection sensor (1314) is installed on the top of the first base (1311) and is used to detect whether the holder has arrived at the feeding channel; A positioning sleeve (1315) is fitted onto the bottom end of the feed bar (1313) and has a positioning hole through which the retainer passes. A pusher plate (1316) is slidably installed in the feeding channel to push the retainer to move along the feeding channel; The first linear actuator (1317) is mounted on the top of one end of the first base (1311), and its output end is fixedly connected to one end of the pusher plate (1316) for driving the pusher plate (1316) to move. The second positioning detection sensor (1318) is installed on the top of the first base (1311) and is used to detect whether the holder has reached below the loading station (210); The second linear actuator (1319) is installed at the bottom of the other end of the first base (1311), with its output shaft facing upward, for transferring the cage in the feeding channel into the loading hole (12111).
4. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cage detection assembly (132) includes: The first support rod (1321) is vertically set and its bottom end is fixedly connected to the top end of the frame (110); The first light source (1322) is installed in the middle of the first support rod (1321) and is located directly above the feeding channel; The first camera (1323) is movably mounted on the top of the first support rod (1321) in the X and Y directions; The first position adjustment part (1324) is installed on the top of the first support rod (1321) and fixedly connected to the first camera (1323) for driving the first camera (1323) to move. The top of the first base (1311) has a discharge channel connected to the loading channel along the width direction; The cage rejection assembly (133) includes: The first feeding pipe is vertically installed on the frame (110) and located below the feeding channel; The first storage box (1331) is located below the first discharge pipe; A limiting plate (1332) is installed on the top of the first base (1311) and is located directly above the loading channel and the unloading channel; a detection through hole (13321) is formed on the limiting plate (1332); The feeding plate (1333) can be slidably installed in the feeding channel along the feeding channel, and is used to push the cage facing upward in the feeding channel to fall into the first feeding tube through the feeding channel; The third linear actuator (1334) is installed on the top of the first base (1311), and its output end is fixedly connected to one end of the feed plate (1333) to drive the feed plate (1333) to move. The cage flattening assembly (134) includes: The first guide rail (1341) is vertically mounted on the top of the frame (110); The first lifting seat (1342) is slidably mounted on the first guide rail (1341); The first pressing rod (1343) is vertically set, with its top end fixedly connected to the first lifting seat (1342). It moves up and down with the first lifting seat (1342), and its bottom end can press against the top surface of the retainer in the loading hole (12111). The fourth linear actuator (1344) is mounted on the first guide rail (1341), and its output end is fixedly connected to the first lifting seat (1342) for driving the first lifting seat (1342) to move up and down.
5. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The window correction mechanism (140) includes: A window correction assembly (141) is mounted on the top of the frame (110) for adjusting the position of the window of the holder at the window correction station (220); The second retainer detection assembly (142) is installed at the top of the frame (110) and is used to detect whether the retainer has reached the window correction station (220); A window detection component (143) is installed on the top of the frame (110) for detecting whether the window of the retainer is properly aligned.
6. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The window correction component (141) includes: A mounting base (1411) is installed on the top of the frame (110); The second guide rail (1412) is vertically mounted on the fixed base (1411); The second lifting seat (1413) is slidably mounted on the lower part of the second guide rail (1412); a slot is formed on the second lifting seat (1413); The fifth linear actuator (1414) is mounted on the top of the frame (110), and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the second lifting seat (1413) for driving the second lifting seat (1413) to move up and down. Insert plate (14151) for inserting into or disengaging from the slot to restrict the up and down movement of the second lifting seat (1413) or to release the restriction on the second lifting seat (1413); The sixth linear actuator (14152) has its output end fixedly connected to the insert plate (14151) and is used to drive the insert plate (14151) to move. The third lifting seat (1416) is slidably mounted on the middle of the second guide rail (1412), and its bottom end is fixedly connected to the top end of the second lifting seat (1413), and moves up and down with the second lifting seat (1413). A rotating shaft (1417) is vertically arranged and rotatably mounted on the third lifting seat (1416), with its top end used to support the retainer; The first rotary drive (1418) is mounted on the third lifting seat (1416), and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rotary shaft (1417) through the first coupling (14181) to drive the rotary shaft (1417) to rotate, thereby driving the cage to rotate. The fourth lifting seat (14191) is slidably mounted on the upper part of the second guide rail (1412); The second pressing rod (14192) is vertically oriented and rotatably mounted on the fourth lifting seat (14191). It moves up and down with the fourth lifting seat (14191) and its bottom end can press against the top surface of the retainer. The seventh linear actuator (14193) is mounted on the top of the second guide rail (1412), and its output end is fixedly connected to the fourth lifting seat (14191) for driving the fourth lifting seat (14191) to move up and down.
7. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second cage detection assembly (142) includes: The second bracket (1421) is installed at the top of the frame (110); A first laser sensor (1422) is mounted on the second bracket (1421) for detecting whether the holder has reached the window calibration station (220); The window detection component (143) includes: The third bracket (1431) is installed at the top of the frame (110); The second laser sensor (1432), mounted on the third bracket (1431), is used to detect whether the window of the retainer is properly aligned.
8. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steel ball feeding mechanism (150) includes: The second base (1511) is mounted on top of the frame (110); The top plate (1512) is mounted on the top of the frame (110) and is located above the second base (1511); The third guide rail (1513) is horizontally mounted on the top of the second base (1511); The feeding plate (152) can be slidably mounted on the third guide rail (1513) in the horizontal direction, and one end has a plurality of steel ball receiving holes (1521) arranged in a circular array; A lead screw (1531) is rotatably mounted on the top of the second base (1511); The lead screw (1532) is sleeved on the lead screw (1531) and fixedly connected to the feed plate (152) to drive the feed plate (152) to move. The second rotary actuator (1533) is mounted on the top of the second base (1511), and its output end is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw (1531) for driving the lead screw (1531) to rotate. A steel ball hopper (154) is installed at the top of the top plate (1512) for storing steel balls, and its bottom end abuts against the top of the feeding plate (152). The actuating blade is rotatably installed in the steel ball hopper (154) to move the steel balls in the steel ball hopper (154) into the steel ball receiving hole (1521); The stirring shaft is vertically set and rotatably installed in the steel ball hopper (154), with its bottom end fixedly connected to the middle of the agitator blade; The third rotary actuator (155) is installed at the top of the steel ball hopper (154), and its output end is fixedly connected to the top of the stirring shaft to drive the stirring shaft to rotate. A rotating disk (156) is rotatably mounted on the top plate (1512), and the top end is used to support the retainer at the assembly station (240); the rotating disk (156) has a plurality of clearance holes (1561) arranged in a circular array to avoid the steel balls. The ejector pin shaft (157) is vertically set and can be moved up and down on the second base (1511). The top end is provided with a plurality of ejector pins (1571) arranged in a circular array, which are used to transfer the steel ball in the steel ball receiving hole (1521) to the window of the retainer. The eighth linear actuator (158) is mounted on the top of the frame (110), and its output end is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the ejector shaft (157) through the second coupling (1581) to drive the ejector shaft (157) to move up and down. The fifth lifting seat (1591) is slidably installed on one side of the steel ball hopper (154); The third pressing rod (1592) is vertically set, and its top end is fixedly connected to the fifth lifting seat (1591). It moves up and down with the fifth lifting seat (1591), and its bottom end can pass through the center hole of the retainer and abut against the top surface of the rotating disk (156). The ninth linear actuator (1593) is installed on the top of the steel ball hopper (154), and its output end is fixedly connected to the fifth lifting seat (1591) for driving the fifth lifting seat (1591) to move up and down. Insert (1594) is used to insert between the fifth lifting seat (1591) and the ninth linear actuator (1593) to restrict the up and down movement of the fifth lifting seat (1591); The tenth linear actuator (1595) is installed on the top of the ball bearing hopper (154), and its output end is fixedly connected to the insert block (1594) to drive the insert block (1594) to move.
9. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism (160) includes: The second feeding pipe (161) is vertically installed on the frame (110) and located below the feeding station (280); The second storage box (162) is located below the second discharge pipe (161); The fourth bracket (163) is installed at the top of the frame (110); The fourth pressure rod (164) is vertically set and can be moved up and down on the fourth bracket (163) to make the thrust ball bearing in the unloading station (280) disengage from the loading part (121) and fall into the second unloading pipe (161); The eleventh linear driver (165) is mounted on the fourth bracket (163), and its output end is fixedly connected to the fourth pressing rod (164) for driving the fourth pressing rod (164) to move up and down.
10. The thrust ball bearing assembly equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A window verification mechanism (171) is installed on the frame (110) and is used to verify the position of the window of the holder at the window verification station (230); A cage alignment mechanism (172) is mounted on the frame (110) and is used to align the position of the thrust ball bearing at the cage alignment position (250). A ball leakage detection mechanism (180) is installed on the frame (110) and is used to detect whether the thrust ball bearing at the ball leakage detection station (260) has a ball leakage problem. The rejection mechanism (190), mounted on the frame (110), is used to reject the thrust ball bearing that has a ball leakage condition at the rejection station (270).