Needle bearing assembly machine with functions of needle mounting, grease injection, stamping and flanging

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of needle bearings, in particular to a needle bearing assembly machine with needle mounting, grease injection, stamping and flanging functions, which comprises a bearing mechanism, a needle mounting and pressing mechanism and a stamping and grease injection mechanism, and is characterized in that a first lifting mechanism connected with the upper part of the stamping and grease injection mechanism is arranged on the bearing mechanism; a rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism arranged on the outer ring moving track located under the stamping grease injection mechanism is in butt joint with the stamping grease injection mechanism in a matched mode so as to assist in quantitatively injecting grease into the bearing, stamping and flanging and driving a roller pin to rotate to assist in lubrication, and a second lifting mechanism used for being connected with the upper portion of the pin installing and pressing mechanism is arranged on the bearing mechanism; and an auxiliary needle mounting mechanism arranged on the outer ring moving track under the needle mounting and pressing mechanism is matched and butted with the needle mounting and pressing mechanism and is used for triggering to grab the retainer and assisting in mounting the needle on the retainer. According to the invention, the processes of needle mounting, grease injection and stamping and flanging are integrated into one device, so that continuous automatic operation is realized, and carrying and intervention among the processes are obviously reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of needle roller bearings, and more particularly to a needle roller bearing assembly machine that combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging. Background Technology

[0002] Needle roller bearings are widely used in automotive transmission systems, construction machinery, and other fields due to their compact structure and high load-bearing capacity. Their assembly process requires two core steps: first, precisely installing the needle rollers into the cage and assembling them with the bearing outer ring (needle roller installation); second, injecting lubricating grease into the bearing and stamping and flanging the grooves of the bearing outer ring (grease injection, stamping, and flanging). The precision and coordination of these two steps directly determine the assembly quality and service life of the bearing.

[0003] Currently, most existing needle roller bearing assembly equipment adopts a single-process independent design. The needle loading process relies on a dedicated needle loading machine, while the grease injection and stamping / flanging processes require transferring the semi-finished product to another machine. This separate design not only increases the handling time and cost between processes but also easily leads to collisions and damage to parts during handling, affecting product quality. In addition, the connection between processes often requires additional manual intervention or complex conveyor lines, reducing overall production efficiency and making it difficult to meet the needs of mass production.

[0004] In the grease injection and stamping flanging processes, existing technologies typically employ manual or semi-automatic grease injection methods. The amount of grease injected is difficult to control precisely, which can easily lead to grease waste or uneven lubrication. Existing equipment cannot achieve coordinated operation of needle loading and grease injection stamping flanging, and it is difficult to ensure the uniform distribution of grease on the needle rollers, cages, and the inner wall of the bearing outer ring. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned defects and provide a needle roller bearing assembly machine that combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging.

[0006] In order to overcome the defects in the background technology, the technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a needle roller bearing assembly machine that combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging, including a bearing mechanism, on which an outer ring moving track is horizontally arranged, and an outer ring moving mechanism is arranged on the outer ring moving track for driving the bearing outer ring to move forward gradually along the track by a fixed displacement. A grease injection mechanism is mounted on a support mechanism. The support mechanism is provided with a first lifting mechanism for connecting to the upper part of the grease injection mechanism. A rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism is provided on the outer ring moving track directly below the grease injection mechanism. The rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism cooperates with the grease injection mechanism to assist in quantitative grease injection into the bearing, stamping and flanging, and driving the needle roller to rotate in the outer ring of the bearing for auxiliary lubrication. A needle loading clamping mechanism is mounted on a support mechanism. The support mechanism is equipped with a second lifting mechanism for connecting to the upper part of the needle loading clamping mechanism. An auxiliary needle loading mechanism is mounted on the outer ring moving track directly below the needle loading clamping mechanism. The needle loading clamping mechanism and the auxiliary needle loading mechanism cooperate and dock to trigger the needle loading clamping mechanism to grip the retainer and for the auxiliary needle loading clamping mechanism to load needles onto the retainer.

[0007] Further improvements include the support mechanism comprising vertically distributed vertical plates, with a window in the middle of the vertical plates, an outer ring moving track installed on the bottom surface inside the window, and the outer ring moving track being connected to the vertical plates by reinforcing ribs.

[0008] Further improvements include the outer ring moving mechanism comprising two symmetrically arranged outer ring moving plates on the outer ring moving track and slidingly disposed along the axial direction of the outer ring moving track, and two corresponding outer ring clamping plates installed on the inner side of the outer ring moving plates and placed on the outer ring moving track. Each outer ring moving plate is fixedly mounted with a clamping drive unit, the output end of which is connected to the outer ring clamping plate to drive the outer ring clamping plate to perform opening and closing movements radially along the outer ring moving track. Multiple clamping notches are provided equidistantly on the opposite surfaces of the two outer ring clamping plates along the axial direction of the outer ring moving track. A reciprocating drive unit is provided on the outer ring moving track and is connected to the outer ring moving plate.

[0009] Further improvements include adopting a V-shaped structure, an isosceles trapezoidal structure, or an arc-shaped structure that fits the outer ring of the bearing for the clamping notch.

[0010] Further improvements include the following: the grease injection mechanism includes a stamping column, the lower end of which has a stamping flange groove matching the outer ring contour of the bearing; an axial channel is axially extending through the interior of the stamping column; a ring-shaped grease-injection cavity is coaxially formed inside the stamping column; a piston that precisely fits the cavity wall is installed inside the grease-injection cavity; the lower end of the grease-injection cavity is connected to the stamping flange groove through a grease supply channel, and the upper end is connected to the outside through an air passage; an air supply connector is provided at the outlet of the air passage; and a grease injection connector connected to the grease-injection cavity is provided on the side wall of the stamping column.

[0011] Further improvements include connecting the top of the stamped column to one end of the T-shaped guide post, slidably connecting the other end of the T-shaped guide post to the connecting seat, and installing a force sensor on the lower surface of the connecting seat.

[0012] Further improvements include the rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism comprising a rotary lifting unit and a rotary auxiliary column. The rotary auxiliary column is vertically positioned above the rotary lifting unit to drive the rotary auxiliary column to move up and down and rotate. The top of the rotary auxiliary column has a hemispherical structure. A through guide hole is provided at the corresponding position of the outer ring moving track and the rotary auxiliary column. After passing through the guide hole, the rotary auxiliary column is precisely embedded in the matching groove opened on the bottom surface of the stamping flange groove.

[0013] Further improvements include the needle clamping mechanism comprising a vertically arranged pressure cylinder, a movable column coaxially arranged within the pressure cylinder, and two needle feeding units symmetrically arranged on the sides of the pressure cylinder. The upper end of the pressure cylinder is a closed end plate, and the lower end is an open port. A limiting cylinder is coaxially arranged at the upper end of the movable column, and the limiting cylinder axially passes through the closed end plate at the upper end of the pressure cylinder. The limiting cylinder has annular flanges at both ends with a diameter larger than the cylinder body. A pressure spring is sleeved on the outside of the limiting cylinder, and the pressure spring is located inside the pressure cylinder. The upper end abuts against the inner side of the closed end plate of the pressure cylinder, and the lower end abuts against the top surface of the moving column. Multiple arc-shaped grooves are equidistantly opened along the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the moving column. A receiving groove is opened on the bottom surface of each arc-shaped groove. A clamping block is adapted to be installed in the receiving groove. A moving cavity is opened along the axial direction inside the moving column. A rectangular counterweight column is adapted to be installed in the moving cavity. The upper part of the moving cavity is connected to the central air cavity. The central air cavity is connected to the receiving groove through a connecting hole. An electric venting valve is installed on the moving column to allow air to enter and exit the central air cavity.

[0014] Further improvements include the auxiliary needle loading mechanism comprising a rotary lifting unit two and a rectangular column. The rectangular column is vertically positioned above the rotary lifting unit two. A rectangular guide hole is provided at the position of the outer ring moving track corresponding to the rectangular column. The top of the rectangular column passes through the rectangular guide hole and engages with the mating groove at the bottom of the rectangular counterweight column inside the bearing outer ring.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This design integrates the three major processes of needle loading, grease injection, and stamping and flanging into one machine, realizing continuous automated operation, significantly reducing the handling and manual intervention between processes, improving production efficiency, reducing costs and the risk of collisions; the needle loading clamping mechanism and the auxiliary needle loading mechanism work together to grasp the cage and load the needles on the cage, ensuring the installation accuracy of the needle rollers, and improving the overall bearing assembly quality and consistency; the rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism and the stamping and grease injection mechanism work together to inject grease into the bearing and stamp and flanging as well as provide auxiliary lubrication; the auxiliary grease is evenly distributed on the needle rollers, cage, and inner wall of the outer ring, improving the lubrication effect; the stamping and flanging process is closely connected with the grease injection process to avoid grease overflow and ensure complete encapsulation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is the front view in this invention; Figure 2 This is a sectional view of the docking of the needle loading clamping mechanism and the auxiliary needle loading mechanism; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of A in the middle; Figure 4 This is the rear view in this invention; Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of the docking of the stamping grease injection mechanism and the rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of B in the image; Figure 7 This is a top view of the outer ring moving mechanism in this invention; In the figure, 1-bearing mechanism, 2-outer ring moving mechanism, 3-first lifting mechanism, 4-pressing grease injection mechanism, 5-outer ring moving track, 6-rotation lifting auxiliary mechanism, 7-needle loading and clamping mechanism, 8-second lifting mechanism, 9-auxiliary needle loading mechanism; 101-Vertical plate, 102-Window, 103-Reinforcing rib; 201-Reciprocating drive unit, 202-Outer ring moving plate, 203-Clamping drive unit, 204-Clamping notch, 205-Outer ring clamping plate; 401-Grease injection connector, 402-Stamped column, 403-Air passage, 404-Air supply connector, 405-Connecting seat, 406-T-shaped guide post, 407-Force sensor, 408-Piston, 409-Grease injection cavity, 410-Stamped flange groove, 411-Axial channel, 412-Matching groove, 413-Grease delivery channel; 601-Rotary lifting unit one, 602-Rotary auxiliary column; 701-Needle feeding unit, 702-Moving column, 703-Pressure spring, 704-Limiting cylinder, 705-Electric venting valve, 706-Pressure cylinder, 707-Arc groove, 708-Moving cavity, 709-Receiving groove, 710-Rectangular counterweight column, 711-Central air cavity, 712-Connecting hole, 713-Docking groove, 714-Clamping block; 901 - Rotary lifting unit two, 902 - Rectangular column. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 A needle roller bearing assembly machine that combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging includes a bearing mechanism 1, which serves as the overall support base of the equipment. An outer ring moving track 5 is horizontally arranged on the outer ring moving track 5. An outer ring moving mechanism 2 is configured on the outer ring moving track 5 to drive the outer ring of the bearing to move forward gradually along the track by a fixed displacement, so as to ensure that the outer ring can be accurately delivered to the subsequent stamping and grease injection station and needle loading station each time. A grease injection mechanism 4 is mounted on a support mechanism 1. The support mechanism 1 is provided with a first lifting mechanism 3 for connecting to the upper part of the grease injection mechanism 4, which is used to drive the grease injection mechanism 4 to move up and down to perform grease injection and flange stamping on the outer ring of the bearing. A rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism 6 is provided on the outer ring moving track 5 located directly below the grease injection mechanism 4. The rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism 6 is engaged with the grease injection mechanism 4 to assist in quantitative grease injection into the bearing and grease injection and flange stamping, as well as to drive the needle rollers to rotate inside the outer ring of the bearing to assist in lubrication, so that the grease is evenly coated on the surface of the needle rollers, the surface of the cage, and the inner wall of the outer ring of the bearing. A needle clamping mechanism 7 is mounted on a support mechanism 1. The support mechanism 1 is provided with a second lifting mechanism 8 for connecting to the upper part of the needle clamping mechanism 7 to drive the needle clamping mechanism 7 to move up and down. This mechanism is used to clamp the outer ring of the bearing, grip the cage, and after the needle rollers are installed on the cage, send the entire assembly into the outer ring of the bearing. An auxiliary needle clamping mechanism 9 is provided on the outer ring moving track 5 located directly below the needle clamping mechanism 7. The needle clamping mechanism 7 and the auxiliary needle clamping mechanism 9 cooperate and dock to trigger the needle clamping mechanism 7 to grip the cage and for the auxiliary needle clamping mechanism 7 to install needles on the cage.

[0020] For specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 4The bearing mechanism 1 includes vertically distributed vertical plates 101. A window 102 is provided in the middle of the vertical plate 101. An outer ring moving track 5 is installed on the bottom surface of the window 102. The outer ring of the bearing can pass smoothly through the window along this track. To enhance rigid support, the outer ring moving track 5 is connected to the vertical plate 101 by a reinforcing rib 103. This structure can effectively suppress track deformation and ensure the stability of the outer ring of the bearing during transmission and processing. Each functional unit is located on both sides of the vertical plate: the first lifting mechanism 3, the stamping grease injection mechanism 4, and the rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism 6 are located on one side of the vertical plate 101; while the second lifting mechanism 8, the needle clamping mechanism 7, and the auxiliary needle clamping mechanism 9 are located on the other side. In a further embodiment, as an integrated design, an integrated flow channel can also be processed inside the vertical plate 101 to neatly arrange the air or oil pipelines required by the first lifting mechanism 3 and the second lifting mechanism 8.

[0021] For specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 The outer ring moving mechanism 2 includes two outer ring moving plates 202 symmetrically arranged on the outer ring moving track 5 and slidingly disposed along the axial direction of the outer ring moving track 5, and two outer ring clamping plates 205 correspondingly installed on the inner side of the outer ring moving plates 202 and placed on the outer ring moving track 5. Each outer ring moving plate 202 is fixedly mounted with a clamping drive unit 203 (which can be a miniature cylinder or an electric push rod). The output end of the clamping drive unit 203 is connected to the outer ring clamping plate 205 respectively, and is used to drive the outer ring clamping plate 205 to perform opening and closing movements (i.e., moving closer to or away from the center of the track) along the radial direction of the outer ring moving track 5. The two outer ring clamping plates 205 have equidistant openings on their opposite surfaces along the axial direction of the outer ring moving track 5. Multiple clamping notches 204 are provided. When the clamping drive unit 203 drives the two outer ring clamping plates 205 to move towards each other, the outer rings of the bearings are engaged in the clamping notches 204, achieving synchronous positioning and clamping of multiple bearing outer rings (preventing the outer rings from shifting during movement). When the clamping drive unit 203 drives the two outer ring clamping plates 205 to move in opposite directions, the notches separate from the outer rings, releasing the clamping state. A reciprocating drive unit 201 is provided on the outer ring moving track 5. The reciprocating drive unit 201 is connected to the outer ring moving plate 202 and is used to drive the outer ring moving plate 202 to perform intermittent reciprocating motion along the axial direction of the outer ring moving track 5. Through this structural design, the precise, synchronous, and intermittent conveying of multiple bearing outer rings along the track is achieved.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the clamping notch 204 preferably has the following three structures, each adapted to different scenario requirements: V-shaped structure: It can adaptively fit bearing outer rings of different diameters through the inclined surface, and use the self-locking property of the inclined surface to prevent axial sliding of the outer ring, which is suitable for the generalized production of outer rings of multiple specifications; Isosceles trapezoidal structure: Its planar contact characteristics can increase the contact area with the outer ring, especially suitable for bearing outer rings with steps, which can simultaneously limit the radial offset and circumferential rotation of the outer ring, and the clamping stability is better; Arc-shaped structure that fits the bearing outer ring: The inner arc radius is completely matched with the outer circle radius of the target bearing outer ring, which can achieve full arc fitting of the outer circle of the outer ring, avoiding indentation or deformation of the outer ring surface during clamping, and is suitable for clamping bearing outer rings with high surface precision requirements.

[0023] For specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The grease injection mechanism 4 includes a stamping column 402. A stamping flange groove 410, matching the contour of the bearing outer ring, is formed at the center of the lower end of the stamping column 402. This groove accommodates the bearing outer ring during stamping and flanges the edge of the outer ring groove. An axial channel 411 is axially extending through the interior of the stamping column 402. The upper end of the axial channel 411 is connected to the atmosphere, and the lower end is connected to the interior of the stamping flange groove 410. This allows for balancing the air pressure within the groove during stamping. A ring-shaped grease-receiving cavity 409 is coaxially formed inside the stamping column 402. A piston 408, precisely fitted to the cavity wall, is installed within the grease-receiving cavity 409. The piston 408 can reciprocate along the axial direction of the cavity. The lower end of the grease-receiving cavity 409 is connected to the stamping flange groove 410 via a grease delivery channel 413, and the upper end is connected to the air delivery channel 410 via a grease delivery channel 414. The air passage 403 is connected to the outside. An air supply connector 404 is provided at the outlet of the air passage 403. The air supply connector 404 is connected to an external air pressure control system through a pipeline. It can drive the piston 408 to move downward, squeezing the grease in the grease filling cavity 409 into the stamping flange groove 410 through the grease delivery channel 413. The side wall of the stamping column 402 is provided with a grease injection connector 401 that communicates with the grease filling cavity 409. The grease injection connector 401 is connected to an external quantitative grease injection device through a high-pressure oil pipe, which can replenish a preset amount of grease into the cavity. The stamping column 402 is connected to the rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism 6. The grease delivery channel 413 can inject grease into the outer ring of the bearing. At this time, the rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism 6 drives the needle roller to rotate, and with the flow of grease, the needle roller surface, the cage surface and the inner wall of the outer ring are evenly covered.

[0024] When the first lifting mechanism 3 drives the stamping column 402 to continue to descend and stamp the outer ring of the bearing, the outer ring flange will precisely block the outlet of the grease channel 413. At this time, the external grease injection device injects new grease into the grease receiving cavity 409 through the grease injection joint 401, pushing the piston 408 to float to the highest position of the cavity. At the same time, the grease injected into the bearing can cool down the heated outer ring of the bearing after stamping and flange through heat conduction, so as to avoid the high temperature affecting the performance of the grease.

[0025] In a further embodiment, to ensure flanging accuracy by real-time detection of the stamping force during the stamping process, the top of the stamping column 402 is connected to one end of the T-shaped guide post 406, and the other end of the T-shaped guide post 406 is slidably connected to the connecting seat 405. The connecting seat 405 moves freely along the axial direction of the T-shaped guide post 406, and a force sensor 407 is installed on the lower surface of the connecting seat 405. The sensing surface of the force sensor 407 is opposite to the top of the stamping column 402. The connecting seat 405 is connected to the output end of the first lifting mechanism 3, forming a force transmission carrier. In the non-stamping state, due to the stamping column... Under its own weight, the T-shaped guide post 406 moves downward as a whole, and the top of the stamping column 402 maintains a certain distance from the sensing surface of the force sensor 407, so the force sensor 407 has no signal output. When the stamping step is performed, the first lifting mechanism 3 drives the connecting seat 405 to move downward, and the force sensor 407 moves downward and contacts the top of the stamping column 402. At this time, the driving force of the first lifting mechanism 3 is transmitted to the stamping column 402 through the connecting seat 405 and the force sensor 407. The force sensor 407 detects and outputs the stamping force value in real time to ensure that the stamping flanging force meets the preset parameters.

[0026] In a specific embodiment, the rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism 6 includes a rotary lifting unit 601 integrating rotation and lifting functions and a rotary auxiliary column 602. The rotary auxiliary column 602 is vertically arranged on the upper part of the rotary lifting unit 601 to drive the rotary auxiliary column 602 to move up and down and rotate. The top of the rotary auxiliary column 602 has a hemispherical structure, which can reduce the contact stress with the needle roller during insertion. The outer ring moving track 5 has a through guide hole at the corresponding position of the rotary auxiliary column 602. After passing through the guide hole, the rotary auxiliary column 602 is precisely embedded in the matching groove 412 opened on the bottom surface of the stamping flange groove 410. During operation, the rotary lifting unit... First, the rotating auxiliary column 602 is driven to rotate while slowly rising. The top hemispherical structure, through spherical guidance, can adaptively push apart the needle rollers, ensuring that the rotating auxiliary column 602 is smoothly inserted between the needle rollers. After insertion, the cylindrical surface of the rotating auxiliary column 602, the outer ring of the bearing, and the inner wall of the stamping flanging groove 410 form a sealed space, effectively limiting grease leakage and ensuring that the output grease can completely enter the gap between the needle rollers, the cage, and the outer ring of the bearing. After the stamping flanging is completed, the rotating lifting unit 601 drives the rotating auxiliary column 602 to rotate and slowly descend, driving the needle rollers to rotate synchronously through friction, so that the grease is evenly attached to each contact surface until it is pushed out of the bearing.

[0027] For specific embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The needle clamping mechanism 7 includes a vertically arranged pressure cylinder 706, a movable column 702 coaxially arranged inside the pressure cylinder 706, and two needle feeding units 701 symmetrically arranged on the sides of the pressure cylinder 706. The upper end of the pressure cylinder 706 is a closed end plate, and the lower end is an open port. A limiting cylinder 704 is coaxially arranged on the upper end of the movable column 702, and the limiting cylinder 704 axially passes through the closed end plate at the upper end of the pressure cylinder 706. The two ends of the limiting cylinder 704 are constructed with annular flanges with a diameter larger than the cylinder body. This structure of the limiting cylinder 704 guides and limits the movement of the movable column 702. A pressure spring 703 is sleeved on the outside of the limiting cylinder 704, and the pressure spring 703 is located inside the pressure cylinder 706. The upper end of the pressure spring 703 abuts against the inner side of the closed end plate of the pressure cylinder 706, and the lower end abuts against... The top surface of the movable column 702 is used to provide downward preload to the movable column 702. The lower outer circumferential surface of the movable column 702 has multiple arc-shaped grooves 707 (the number of grooves is the same as the number of needle rollers) equidistantly arranged along the axial direction for temporary positioning of the needle rollers to be installed. Each arc-shaped groove 707 has a receiving groove 709 on its bottom surface. A clamping block 714 is adapted to be installed in the receiving groove 709. The movable column 702 has a movable cavity 708 arranged along the axial direction inside. A rectangular counterweight column 710 is adapted to be installed in the movable cavity 708. The upper part of the movable cavity 708 is connected to the central air cavity 711. The central air cavity 711 is connected to the receiving groove 709 through the connecting hole 712 to form an air pressure transmission channel. An electric venting valve 705 is installed on the movable column 702 to allow air to enter and exit the central air cavity 711.

[0028] During operation, the auxiliary needle loading mechanism 9 inserts into the moving cavity 708 and docks with the rectangular counterweight column 710, pushing the rectangular counterweight column 710 upward. During the upward movement of the rectangular counterweight column 710, the air in the moving cavity 708 is compressed. The gas enters the receiving groove 709 through the central air chamber 711 and the connecting hole 712, pushing the clamping block 714 to extend radially and accurately insert into the window on the cage, thus achieving positioning and gripping of the cage. At the same time, the auxiliary needle loading mechanism 9 drives the moving column 702 to rotate, so that the cage with the needles to be loaded rotates synchronously with the moving column 702. With the pushing action of the needle feeding unit 701, it is ensured that the needles are accurately fed into the window of the cage one by one. After the needle loading is completed, the needles push the clamping block 714 into the receiving groove 709, and the cage full of needles will fall into the outer ring of the bearing.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the auxiliary needle loading mechanism 9 includes a rotary lifting unit 901 integrating rotation and lifting functions and a rectangular column 902. The rectangular column 902 is vertically arranged above the rotary lifting unit 901 and is used to drive the rectangular column 902 to move up and down and rotate. The top of the rectangular column 902 is engaged with the docking groove 713 opened at the bottom of the rectangular counterweight column 710 to ensure that there is no relative slippage after the two are engaged, and the rotational torque and axial thrust can be stably transmitted. The outer ring moving track 5 is provided with a rectangular guide through hole at the position corresponding to the rectangular column 902, and the rectangular column 902 passes through the rectangular guide through hole and is inserted into the bearing.

[0030] During operation, the rectangular column 902 passes through the rectangular guide hole and the outer ring of the bearing in sequence, and then axially enters the moving cavity 708. The top of the rectangular column 902 is inserted into the docking groove 713 at the bottom of the rectangular counterweight column 710. As the rectangular column 902 continues to push upward, it drives the rectangular counterweight column 710 to rise to its highest point in the moving cavity 708, pushing the moving column 702 to overcome the preload of the pressure spring 703 and move upward until the arc-shaped groove 707 at the lower end of the moving column 702 is aligned with the output end of the needle feeding unit 701 (i.e., the needle loading station). Then, the lifting unit rotates. Unit 2 (901) drives the rectangular column 902 to rotate, which in turn drives the rectangular counterweight column 710 and the moving column 702 to rotate synchronously. In conjunction with the needle feeding unit 701's needle-by-needle pushing action, the needle rollers are precisely embedded in the arc-shaped groove 707 of the moving column 702 and are also loaded into the window of the cage. At this time, the cage is fully loaded with needle rollers, thus completing the needle roller installation. After the needle loading is completed, the cage fully loaded with needle rollers falls into the outer ring of the bearing under the action of gravity. At this time, the rotary lifting unit 2 (901) drives the rectangular column 902 to move downward until it is disengaged from the moving cavity 708 and the outer ring of the bearing.

[0031] Working principle: Needle loading station: Station preparation, outer ring moving mechanism 2 drives multiple bearing outer rings to be accurately transported to the needle loading station along outer ring moving track 5; at the same time, external robotic arm (positioning error ≤0.5mm) places the cage one by one inside the bearing outer ring located at the needle loading station to ensure that the cage and the outer ring are coaxial; The second lifting mechanism 8 drives the needle loading and pressing mechanism 7 to move downward as a whole. At this time, under the combined action of its own weight and the pressure spring 703, the lower end of the moving column 702 extends out from the open port of the pressure cylinder 706. During the downward movement, the moving column 702 first inserts into the inner hole of the cage and abuts against the inner bottom surface of the outer ring of the bearing to achieve initial positioning. The needle loading and pressing mechanism 7 continues to move downward until the lower port of the pressure cylinder 706 is aligned with the upper port of the outer ring of the bearing, thereby pressing the outer ring of the bearing through the pressure cylinder 706 and fixing the position of the outer ring. The rotating lifting unit 901 drives the rectangular column 902 to rise. The rectangular column 902 passes through the rectangular guide hole on the outer ring moving track 5 and the outer ring of the bearing in sequence, and finally enters the moving cavity 708 in the moving column 702 axially. The top of the rectangular column 902 precisely matches the docking groove 713 at the bottom of the rectangular counterweight column 710. The rectangular column 902 continues to push the rectangular counterweight column 710 upward until the counterweight column moves to the highest position in the moving cavity 708. During this process, the rectangular counterweight column 710 compresses the air in the moving cavity 708, causing the air pressure in the cavity to rise. The air enters the receiving groove 709 in sequence through the central air cavity 711 and the connecting hole 712, pushing the clamping block 714 to extend radially and precisely embed into the window of the cage, realizing stable gripping of the cage. The rectangular column 902 continues to rise, causing the movable column 702 to move upward synchronously, compressing the pressure spring 703 until the arc-shaped groove 707 at the lower end of the movable column 702 (matching the needle roller) aligns with the output end of the needle feeding unit 701 (i.e., the position to be loaded with needles). The vibratory feeder mechanism continuously supplies needle rollers into the needle feeding unit 701. The electric air release valve 705 opens in advance, depressurizing the central air chamber 711 to reserve space for the clamping block 714 to retract. The needle feeding unit 701 pushes the needle rollers one by one into the window of the cage. At the same time, the rotating lifting unit 901 drives the rectangular column 902, the rectangular counterweight column 710, and the movable column 702 to rotate synchronously, thereby rotating the cage window. The needles are aligned with the needle feeding unit in sequence to complete the installation of all the needles. During the insertion process, the outer wall of the needles presses against the clamping block 714, pushing the clamping block 714 back into the receiving groove 709 one by one, releasing the grip on the cage. After the cage is loaded with needles, the cage, fully loaded with needles, slides off the moving column 702 into the outer ring of the bearing under its own gravity. Then, the second lifting mechanism 8 drives the needle loading and clamping mechanism 7 to rise and reset, and the rotating lifting unit 2 901 drives the rectangular column 902 to move down and disengage from the moving cavity 708 and the outer ring of the bearing. The outer ring moving mechanism 2 is started again to transport the outer ring of the bearing, which is loaded with needles and the cage, to the next process - the stamping and grease injection station. Stamping grease injection station: The first lifting mechanism 3 drives the stamping grease injection mechanism 4 to move downward, so that the outer ring of the bearing is embedded in the stamping flanging groove 410 at the lower end of the stamping column 402; the stamping column 402 applies pre-pressure to the outer ring of the bearing to fix the position of the outer ring; the rotating lifting unit 601 drives the rotating auxiliary column 602 to rotate and rise at the same time. The rotating auxiliary column 602 passes through the guide through hole on the outer ring moving track 5 and passes out from the middle of the needle roller of the cage until the top of the rotating auxiliary column 602 is embedded in the matching groove 412 in the stamping flanging groove 410. At this time, the rotating auxiliary column 602 plays a radial limiting role on the needle roller, preventing the needle roller from falling out of the cage window during the grease injection and flanging process, and restricting the grease injection space, so that the grease can enter the outer ring of the bearing better.

[0032] An external air pressure control system injects air into the grease-filling cavity 409 through the air supply connector 404, thereby pushing the piston 408 to move downwards and pushing the grease in the cavity to be injected into the outer ring of the bearing through the grease delivery channel 413. The grease filling amount is 30-50% of the free space inside the bearing. After the grease injection is completed, the first lifting mechanism 3 drives the stamping column 402 to continue to move downwards. Through the inner wall structure of the stamping and flanging groove 410, the upper end of the outer ring of the bearing is stamped and flanged. The flanging process will completely wrap the injected grease inside the bearing. After the flanging is completed, the flanged part of the outer ring of the bearing blocks the outlet of the grease delivery channel 413. At this time, the external grease injection equipment replenishes grease into the grease-filling cavity 409 through the grease injection connector 401, causing the piston 408 to float up, preparing for the next grease injection. Finally, the first lifting mechanism 3 drives the stamping column 402 to rise and reset; the rotary lifting unit 601 drives the rotary auxiliary column 602 to rotate and move downward, disengaging from the bearing. Due to the friction between the outer wall of the rotary auxiliary column 602 and the needle roller, the needle roller will rotate slightly, so that the grease is evenly attached to the surface of the needle roller, the surface of the cage and the inner wall of the bearing outer ring. Finally, the outer ring moving mechanism 2 transports the assembled bearing outer ring to the unloading station, completing a single assembly cycle. Repeating the above steps achieves continuous operation.

[0033] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A needle roller bearing assembly machine that combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging, comprising a bearing mechanism (1) on which an outer ring moving track (5) is horizontally arranged, and an outer ring moving mechanism (2) is arranged on the outer ring moving track (5) for driving the outer ring of the bearing to move forward gradually along the track by a fixed displacement, characterized in that: A grease injection mechanism (4) is installed on a support mechanism (1). The support mechanism (1) is provided with a first lifting mechanism (3) for connecting to the upper part of the grease injection mechanism (4). A rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism (6) is provided on the outer ring moving track (5) located directly below the grease injection mechanism (4). The rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism (6) is engaged with the grease injection mechanism (4) to assist in quantitative grease injection into the bearing and stamping and flanging, as well as driving the needle roller to rotate in the outer ring of the bearing for auxiliary lubrication. The needle clamping mechanism (7) is mounted on the support mechanism (1). The support mechanism (1) is provided with a second lifting mechanism (8) for connecting to the upper part of the needle clamping mechanism (7). An auxiliary needle clamping mechanism (9) is provided on the outer ring moving track (5) located directly below the needle clamping mechanism (7). The needle clamping mechanism (7) and the auxiliary needle clamping mechanism (9) cooperate and dock to trigger the needle clamping mechanism (7) to grip the retainer and for the auxiliary needle clamping mechanism (7) to clamp needles on the retainer.

2. The needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting mechanism (1) includes vertically distributed vertical plates (101), with a window (102) in the middle of the vertical plate (101). An outer ring moving track (5) is installed on the bottom surface of the window (102), and the outer ring moving track (5) is connected to the vertical plate (101) by a reinforcing rib (103).

3. The needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer ring moving mechanism (2) includes two outer ring moving plates (202) symmetrically arranged on the outer ring moving track (5) and slidably arranged along the axial direction of the outer ring moving track (5), and two outer ring clamping plates (205) correspondingly installed on the inner side of the outer ring moving plates (202) and placed on the outer ring moving track (5). Each outer ring moving plate (202) is fixedly installed with a clamping drive unit (203). The output end of the clamping drive unit (203) is connected to the outer ring clamping plate (205) respectively, and is used to drive the outer ring clamping plate (205) to open and close along the radial direction of the outer ring moving track (5). Multiple clamping notches (204) are equidistantly opened on the opposite surface of the two outer ring clamping plates (205) along the axial direction of the outer ring moving track (5). A reciprocating drive unit (201) is provided on the outer ring moving track (5), and the reciprocating drive unit (201) is connected to the outer ring moving plate (202).

4. The needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 3, which combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging, is characterized in that: The clamping notch (204) adopts a V-shaped structure, an isosceles trapezoidal structure, or an arc-shaped structure that fits the outer ring of the bearing.

5. The needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The stamping grease injection mechanism (4) includes a stamping column (402), a stamping flange groove (410) matching the outer ring contour of the bearing is opened at the center of the lower end of the stamping column (402), an axial channel (411) is opened through the interior of the stamping column (402), and a ring-shaped grease injection cavity (409) is opened coaxially inside the stamping column (402). A piston (408) that fits precisely with the cavity wall is provided in the grease injection cavity (409). The lower end of the grease injection cavity (409) is connected to the stamping flange groove (410) through the grease supply channel (413), and the upper end is connected to the outside through the air passage (403). An air supply connector (404) is provided at the outlet position of the air passage (403). A grease injection connector (401) connected to the grease injection cavity (409) is provided on the side wall of the stamping column (402).

6. The needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 5, which combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging, is characterized in that: The top of the stamped column (402) is connected to one end of the T-shaped guide column (406), and the other end of the T-shaped guide column (406) is slidably connected to the connecting seat (405). A force sensor (407) is installed on the lower surface of the connecting seat (405).

7. The needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 5, which combines needle loading and grease injection stamping and flanging, is characterized in that: The rotary lifting auxiliary mechanism (6) includes a rotary lifting unit (601) and a rotary auxiliary column (602). The rotary auxiliary column (602) is vertically arranged on the upper part of the rotary lifting unit (601) to drive the rotary auxiliary column (602) to move up and down and rotate. The top of the rotary auxiliary column (602) is a hemispherical structure. The outer ring moving track (5) and the rotary auxiliary column (602) are provided with through guide holes at corresponding positions. After passing through the guide holes, the rotary auxiliary column (602) is precisely embedded in the matching groove (412) opened on the bottom surface of the stamping flange groove (410).

8. The needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The needle clamping mechanism (7) includes a vertically arranged pressure cylinder (706), a moving column (702) coaxially arranged inside the pressure cylinder (706), and two needle feeding units (701) symmetrically arranged on the sides of the pressure cylinder (706). The upper end of the pressure cylinder (706) is a closed end plate, and the lower end is an open port. A limiting cylinder (704) is coaxially arranged on the upper end of the moving column (702). The limiting cylinder (704) passes axially through the closed end plate at the upper end of the pressure cylinder (706). The two ends of the limiting cylinder (704) are constructed with annular flanges with a diameter larger than the cylinder body. A pressure spring (703) is sleeved on the outside of the limiting cylinder (704). The pressure spring (703) is located inside the pressure cylinder (706), and the upper end of the pressure spring (703) abuts against the closed end of the pressure cylinder (706). The inner side and lower end of the plate abut against the top surface of the movable column (702). Multiple arc-shaped grooves (707) are equidistantly provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the movable column (702) along the axial direction. A receiving groove (709) is provided on the bottom surface of each arc-shaped groove (707). A clamping block (714) is adapted to be installed in the receiving groove (709). A movable cavity (708) is provided in the movable column (702) along the axial direction. A rectangular counterweight column (710) is adapted to be installed in the movable cavity (708). The upper part of the movable cavity (708) is connected to the central air cavity (711). The central air cavity (711) is connected to the receiving groove (709) through the connecting hole (712). An electric venting valve (705) for venting air into and out of the central air cavity (711) is installed on the movable column (702).

9. A needle roller bearing assembly machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The auxiliary needle loading mechanism (9) includes a rotary lifting unit (901) and a rectangular column (902). The rectangular column (902) is vertically positioned above the rotary lifting unit (901). The outer ring moving track (5) has a rectangular guide hole at the position corresponding to the rectangular column (902). The top of the rectangular column (902) passes through the rectangular guide hole and engages with the docking groove (713) at the bottom of the rectangular counterweight column (710) inside the bearing outer ring.

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