A ball cage retainer and bell housing assembly robot device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of part assembly, and discloses a robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell housing. The application comprises a base box, a rotating disc mechanism for transferring and limiting the bell housing is arranged on the base box, and a material guide frame is arranged on the base box, a pushing mechanism for pushing and adjusting the retainer is arranged in the material guide frame, the pushing mechanism comprises a movable reset pushing frame, so that the pushing work of the retainer is completed, a pushing plate with a reverse pushing force is arranged on the pushing frame, so that the retainer is pushed to rotate and is pressed. The application can realize automatic pairing of the bell housing and the retainer, and after the pairing of the bell housing and the retainer is completed, the retainer is driven to rotate, so that the retainer automatically completes position adjustment of a window, and the retainer can smoothly enter the bell housing to complete automatic installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of parts assembly technology, and in particular to a robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell. Background Technology

[0002] The CV joint, also known as a constant velocity universal joint, is a key component in the automotive transmission system (drive shaft assembly). Its function is to transmit engine power from the transmission to the drive wheels. The CV joint mainly consists of a bell-shaped housing (also known as a spherical housing), a dust cover, and components such as a cage, inner star wheel, and steel balls located inside the bell-shaped housing.

[0003] The assembly process of a ball cage typically involves three main steps: first, assembling the cage and inner star gear; then, installing this sub-assembly into the bell shell; and finally, installing the balls. The assembly of the cage (including the pre-installed inner star gear) with the bell shell is not a simple insertion process. Due to structural limitations, the cage cannot be directly inserted into the bell shell in its normal flat position; it must first be adjusted to an upright position and precisely aligned with its windows (the cage usually has six windows, arranged symmetrically in pairs, resulting in a smaller diameter along the window direction). Only when the cage is upright and the window positions are correctly adjusted can it smoothly enter the bell shell. It is then restored to a parallel position, thus completing the assembly (the assembly principle of the inner star gear and cage is similar).

[0004] Currently, the assembly of the bell-shaped shell and the cage mainly relies on manual operation. Although manual assembly offers some flexibility in real-time adjustment of the cage window position, this traditional method severely restricts the improvement of assembly efficiency and makes it difficult to meet the requirements of modern production for efficiency and consistency. Therefore, developing a dedicated device capable of automated assembly is particularly urgent. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell.

[0006] The present invention is achieved by the following technical solution: a base box, wherein the base box is provided with a turntable mechanism for realizing the transfer and positioning of the bell-shaped shell, and a guide rack for receiving and temporarily storing the retainer;

[0007] The guide frame is equipped with a pushing mechanism for pushing and adjusting the angle of the retainer;

[0008] The pushing mechanism includes a resettable and movable push frame for pushing the cage; the push frame is elastically provided with a pressing plate, which can continuously drive the cage falling into the bell-shaped shell to rotate during the movement, so as to realize the angle adjustment of the cage, and after the angle adjustment is completed, the cage is pressed into the bell-shaped shell by the reverse force.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above solution, the turntable mechanism includes a main shaft rotatably mounted on the base box, and a plurality of annularly distributed positioning sleeves are fixedly arranged on the main shaft. The positioning sleeves are used to position and clamp the bell-shaped shell.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above solution, a motor is fixedly installed inside the base box. The motor is connected to the main shaft and is used to drive the turntable mechanism to rotate.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above solution, an electric push rod is fixedly installed inside the base box. The output end of the electric push rod is fixedly connected to the push frame to realize the linear reciprocating motion of the pushing mechanism.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above solution, a spring is provided on the push frame, and the bottom end of the spring abuts against the top of the push plate, thereby enabling the push plate to have adaptive lifting and lowering capabilities and reverse thrust.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above solution, one side of the push plate is inclined and upturned, so that it can move smoothly above the retainer during the process of pushing the retainer into the bell-shaped shell, thereby pressing down on the retainer and driving it to rotate.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above solution, the bottom of the push plate is provided with a convex ball that cooperates with the retainer window, so that when the push plate pushes the retainer, the convex ball can be embedded in the retainer window to drive the retainer to rotate.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above solution, two rubber strips are provided at the bottom of the push plate to improve the fit with the arc-shaped surface of the cage.

[0016] As a further improvement to the above solution, the pusher is also provided with an adjustment frame, which can drive the bell-shaped shell to rotate using the external spline structure on the bell-shaped shell; the adjustment frame includes a rack and a limiting strip.

[0017] As a further improvement to the above solution, the top of the base box is provided with an annular guide rail, which is used to limit and support the bottom of the bell-shaped shell during the assembly process.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] The pushing mechanism, consisting of a pusher and a pusher plate, along with a turntable mechanism that can transfer and limit the bell-shaped shell, enables automatic pairing of the bell-shaped shell and the retainer. After pairing, the retainer is rotated to automatically adjust the position of the window, allowing the retainer to smoothly enter the bell-shaped shell. Compared to manual assembly, this saves manpower and improves assembly efficiency.

[0020] By installing a spring between the push plate and the push frame, the push plate has a counter-pushing force. This force applies to the cage while it rotates, reducing the chance of the cage getting stuck. This allows the cage to immediately enter the bell-shaped housing after rotating to the appropriate angle, avoiding missing the entry opportunity and ensuring a high success rate for cage assembly. Furthermore, by installing a convex ball at the bottom of the push plate, if the cage gets stuck and difficult to rotate, the convex ball can drive the cage to rotate through a window on the cage, ensuring that the cage can be installed smoothly.

[0021] By installing an adjustment frame consisting of a rack and a limit bar on the pusher, the bell-shaped shell can be rotated while the pusher mechanism pushes the retainer to rotate, thereby enabling the two to match better. Through mutual adjustment, the retainer can enter the bell-shaped shell more smoothly to complete the installation, ensuring a high success rate of installation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front-view view of the robot device for assembling the ball cage cage and bell shell according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the robot device for assembling the ball cage cage and bell shell according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a first cross-sectional view of the robot device for assembling the ball cage cage and bell shell according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a second cross-sectional view of the robot device for assembling the ball cage cage and bell shell according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a demonstration diagram of the robot device for assembling the ball cage cage and bell shell according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a disassembled diagram showing the pusher frame and the push plate;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a disassembled diagram showing the push frame and adjustment frame.

[0029] Explanation of key symbols:

[0030] 1. Base box; 2. Motor; 3. Spindle; 4. Positioning sleeve; 41. Inner cylinder; 5. Electric push rod; 6. Guide frame; 7. Push frame; 8. Push plate; 9. Spring; 10. Rubber strip; 11. Convex ball; 12. Rack; 13. Limiting strip; 14. Circular guide rail; 15. Discharge port. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Please combine Figures 1 to 7 A ball cage retainer and bell shell assembly robot device includes: a base box 1, a turntable mechanism for transferring and limiting the bell shell and a guide frame 6 on the base box 1, a feeding hopper on the top of the guide frame 6 and a drain at the bottom so that the retainer can enter the bell shell through the drain, a pushing mechanism for pushing and adjusting the retainer is provided inside the guide frame 6, and a discharge port 15 is provided on one side of the base box 1 so that the bell shell after the retainer is installed can automatically fall off the turntable mechanism and be discharged when it is transferred to the discharge port 15;

[0033] The pushing mechanism includes a movable and resetting pusher frame 7. An electric push rod 5 is fixedly installed on the top inner wall of the base box 1. The output rod of the electric push rod 5 is fixedly connected to the pusher frame 7, thereby realizing the parallel movement of the pushing mechanism and completing the pushing work of the cage. A slide rod is also provided in the base box 1. The slide rod passes through the bottom part of the pusher frame 7 and is slidably connected to it. This, together with the electric push rod 5, ensures the stability of the entire pusher frame 7. A push plate 8 with a counter-thrust force is provided on the pusher frame 7, which is used to push the cage to rotate and press the cage. A spring 9 is provided on the pusher frame 7. The bottom end of the spring 9 abuts against the top of the push plate 8. A groove is provided on the pusher frame 7. The top end of the spring 9 extends into the groove and abuts against the inner wall of the groove, thereby allowing the push plate 8 to rise and fall adaptively and have a counter-thrust force. The pusher 7 has four telescopic rods arranged in a rectangle, all of which are fixedly connected to the push plate 8 to ensure the stability of the push plate 8. One side of the push plate 8 is tilted upwards, so that when it pushes the retainer into the bell-shaped shell, it can move smoothly above the retainer to press down on the retainer and drive the retainer to rotate. The bottom of the push plate 8 is provided with a convex ball 11 that matches the retainer window, so that when the push plate 8 pushes the retainer, the convex ball 11 can enter the retainer window and drive the retainer to rotate. The bottom of the push plate 8 is provided with two rubber strips 10, so that the push plate 8 can better adapt to the arc-shaped structure of the retainer surface. At the same time, the rubber strips 10 also prevent the push plate 8 from causing wear when pressing and pushing the retainer.

[0034] The above technical solution enables automatic pairing of the bell-shaped shell and the cage. After pairing, the cage is rotated to automatically adjust the position of the window, allowing the cage to smoothly enter the bell-shaped shell. Compared with manual assembly, this saves manpower and improves assembly efficiency.

[0035] The turntable mechanism includes a main shaft 3 rotatably mounted on a base box 1. The main shaft 3 consists of a rod and a connecting frame set at the top of the rod. Multiple positioning sleeves 4 arranged in a ring are fixedly mounted on the connecting frame. The positioning sleeves 4 are used to limit the bell-shaped shell. An inner cylinder 41 is also rotatably mounted inside the positioning sleeves 4 to facilitate the rotation of the bell-shaped shell. A motor 2 is fixedly mounted inside the base box 1. The output shaft of the motor 2 and the main shaft 3 are both fixedly mounted with meshing bevel gears to realize the rotation of the turntable mechanism.

[0036] The push frame 7 is also equipped with an adjustment frame that can drive the bell-shaped shell to rotate using the external spline on the bell-shaped shell. The adjustment frame consists of a rack 12 and a limiting strip 13. The top of the base box 1 is equipped with an annular guide rail 14, which is used to limit the bottom end of the bell-shaped shell during assembly. The rack 12 is used to cooperate with the external spline of the bell-shaped shell to drive the bell-shaped shell to rotate. The limiting strip 13 and the annular guide rail 14 are used to cooperate with the rack 12 to limit the bottom end of the bell-shaped shell, thereby ensuring that the bell-shaped shell remains stable when subjected to force.

[0037] The above technical solution allows the bell-shaped shell to rotate while the pressing mechanism pushes the cage to rotate, thus enabling the two to better match. By adjusting each other, the cage can be more smoothly inserted into the bell-shaped shell for installation, ensuring a high success rate.

[0038] The implementation principle of the ball cage retainer and bell shell assembly robot device in this application embodiment is as follows:

[0039] When it is necessary to assemble the cage (including the inner star wheel pre-installed inside the cage) with the bell-shaped shell, place the bell-shaped shell to be installed in the positioning sleeve 4 of the turntable mechanism, and pre-install the cage into the guide frame 6.

[0040] Then, motor 2 is started, which drives the turntable mechanism to rotate and thereby transfers the bell-shaped shell to be installed to the bottom of the pushing mechanism. At the same time, electric push rod 5 is started. Electric push rod 5 drives push frame 7 through output rod to push the bottom retainer until the retainer falls into the bell-shaped shell. At this time, if the retainer falls completely into the bell-shaped shell, the installation is successfully completed. When it is stuck on the bell-shaped shell, it will be under the push plate 8 as the push frame 7 moves, and will rotate at the entrance of the bell-shaped shell as the push plate 8 pushes it. During this process, the convex ball 11 can drive the retainer to rotate when the push plate 8 cannot push the retainer to rotate (it can be forcibly driven when it is stuck in the window of the retainer) until the retainer is just adjusted to the position of the window and falls into the bell-shaped shell to complete the installation.

[0041] Meanwhile, in actual installation, in order for the cage to fall more smoothly into the bell-shaped shell, the bell-shaped shell also needs to be adjusted (if the raceway inside the bell-shaped shell is exactly opposite to the cage, the cage can also enter smoothly). At this time, when the pusher 7 moves, it will also drive the adjusting frame closer to the bell-shaped shell until the rack 12 on the adjusting frame contacts the external spline on the bell-shaped shell and thereby drives the bell-shaped shell to rotate, so that the ball raceway inside the bell-shaped shell can be opposite to the cage, thereby allowing the cage to enter more smoothly.

[0042] When the retainer enters the bell-shaped shell and the pushing mechanism is reset, the turntable mechanism drives the assembled bell-shaped shell to move. During the transfer, the retainer, which is in an upright state, will rotate on its own to become parallel under the restriction of the guide frame 6.

[0043] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A robotic device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell, characterized in that, include: The base box (1) is provided with a turntable mechanism for realizing the transfer and positioning of the bell-shaped shell, and a guide rack (6) for receiving and temporarily storing the retainer. The guide frame (6) is provided with a pushing mechanism for pushing and adjusting the angle of the retainer; The pushing mechanism includes a resettable and movable push frame (7) for completing the pushing operation of the retainer; the push frame (7) is elastically provided with a push plate (8), which can continuously drive the retainer that falls into the bell-shaped shell to rotate during the movement, so as to realize the angle adjustment of the retainer, and after the angle adjustment is completed, the retainer is pressed into the bell-shaped shell by the reverse force. The bottom of the push plate (8) is provided with a convex ball (11) that cooperates with the retainer window, so that when the push plate (8) pushes the retainer, the convex ball (11) can be embedded in the retainer window to drive the retainer to rotate. The pusher (7) is also provided with an adjustment frame, which can drive the bell-shaped shell to rotate by using the external spline structure on the bell-shaped shell. The adjustment frame includes a rack (12) and a limiting strip (13).

2. The robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable mechanism includes a main shaft (3) rotatably mounted on a base box (1). Multiple annularly distributed positioning sleeves (4) are fixedly arranged on the main shaft (3). The positioning sleeves (4) are used to limit the bell-shaped shell. An inner cylinder (41) is also rotatably installed inside the positioning sleeves (4) to facilitate the rotation of the bell-shaped shell.

3. The robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A motor (2) is fixedly installed inside the base box (1). The motor (2) is connected to the main shaft (3) for driving the turntable mechanism to rotate.

4. The robot device for assembling a ball cage cage and a bell-shaped shell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An electric push rod (5) is fixedly installed inside the base box (1). The output end of the electric push rod (5) is fixedly connected to the push frame (7) to realize the linear reciprocating motion of the pushing mechanism.

5. The robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A spring (9) is provided on the push frame (7), and the bottom end of the spring (9) abuts against the top of the push plate (8), so that the push plate (8) has adaptive lifting capability and reverse thrust.

6. The robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The push plate (8) has one side tilted upward, so that it can move smoothly above the retainer during the process of pushing the retainer into the bell-shaped shell, thereby pressing down on the retainer and driving it to rotate.

7. The robot device for assembling a ball cage retainer and a bell-shaped shell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the push plate (8) is provided with two rubber strips (10) to improve the fit with the arc-shaped surface of the cage.

8. The robot device for assembling a ball cage cage and a bell-shaped shell as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the base box (1) is provided with an annular guide rail (14) for limiting and supporting the bottom of the bell-shaped shell during assembly.

Images