A worm screw outer diameter detection device

Abstract

The worm screw outer diameter detection equipment belongs to the technical field of worm detection, and comprises a vibrating disc feeding mechanism and a feeding assembly. The feeding assembly comprises a base, a cover plate I and a pair of rollers mounted on the base. The rollers form an included angle area, and the cover plate I covers the rollers and forms a guide channel together with the included angle area to limit the position of the worm product. The worm screw outer diameter detection equipment combines the vibrating thrust and gravity to make the worm product stably transported in the spiral advancing mode under the action of the feeding assembly. The detection rod detects in the mode of inserting the screw thread, completely eliminates the missed detection, and effectively improves the detection efficiency and accuracy by combining the automatic detection and classification of the stop groove and the through groove. Moreover, the worm product can be stably transported, and when the product is stuck, the subsequent product can be effectively prevented from having excessive resistance or the detection rod from being damaged due to excessive stress, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the equipment operation and the economic benefits of the production detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of worm gear outer diameter detection technology, specifically to a worm gear outer diameter detection device. Background Technology

[0002] In the worm gear manufacturing process, outer diameter inspection and thread connection inspection are two key quality control steps.

[0003] Current methods for detecting the outer diameter of worm gears typically involve manual inspection. This is done by manually measuring the outer diameter with calipers and visually inspecting the threads for continuity defects. However, variations in operator technique can lead to human error in the measurement, affecting data repeatability and accuracy. Furthermore, detecting continuity defects requires rotating the worm gear 360° for comprehensive observation. Since the worm gear is a symmetrical cylindrical structure, manual rotation can result in inaccurate angle control, leading to missed areas and missed detections. Additionally, simultaneously inspecting both the outer diameter and thread continuity is time-consuming, taking approximately 5-6 seconds per worm gear, resulting in low efficiency. Secondly, while some existing technologies employ non-contact CCD vision inspection, effectively avoiding human error, achieving both outer diameter and thread continuity detection requires multiple high-resolution cameras and corresponding light sources, leading to high equipment costs. Moreover, image recognition algorithms are susceptible to interference under complex textures and reflective conditions, resulting in a still relatively high false positive rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a worm gear screw outer diameter detection device, including a vibratory feeder mechanism, a feeding assembly, a fixed frame with a detection rod, a detection and sorting groove, and a detection head. The feeding assembly includes a base on which a cover plate and a pair of synchronously rotating rollers are mounted. The rollers form an angled area. The cover plate covers the rollers and together with the angled area, forms a guide channel that restricts the position of the worm gear product. The guide channel is connected to the discharge port of the vibratory feeder mechanism. During the feeding process, the vibratory feeder mechanism generates thrust to propel the worm gear product along the guide channel. The rotation of the rollers generates friction to rotate the worm gear product and propel it spirally forward along the roller axis. The detection rod passes through the cover plate. The worm gear is inserted into the thread of the feed channel and remains stationary. As the worm gear moves forward spirally, its thread grooves pass through the detection rod in sequence. When thread bridging occurs, the detection rod jams the worm gear. The detection and sorting slot is located at the end of the feed channel and is used to receive the worm gear that has passed through the detection rod. Its bottom has a no-go gauge groove and a go gauge groove in sequence along the feeding direction. The width of the no-go gauge groove is the same as the no-go gauge size of the outer diameter of the worm gear, and the width of the go gauge groove is the same as the go gauge size of the worm gear. A second cover plate is installed on the detection and sorting slot to limit the movement of the worm gear. The detection head is used to monitor the passage status of the worm gear.

[0005] In one possible implementation, an axial adjustment seat is mounted on the base, a radial adjustment seat is mounted on the axial adjustment seat, and a fixing bracket is fixedly mounted on the radial adjustment seat.

[0006] In one possible implementation, a clamping screw is installed on the mounting bracket, and the detection rod is clamped and fixed on the mounting bracket by the clamping screw.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the cross-sectional area of ​​the detection and classification slot is a V-shaped structure.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the cover plate 2 is provided with an air blowing hole, the position of which corresponds to the position of the stop gauge groove, and the air outlet direction of the air blowing hole is towards the stop gauge groove.

[0009] In one possible implementation, both cover plate one and cover plate two are detachable and installable by magnetic attraction.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the cover plate includes a first part and a second part, which are arranged sequentially along the forward direction of the worm gear product, and the detection rod passes through the middle of the first part and the second part.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the detection head is positioned behind the detection rod and is used to monitor the continuity of the worm gear product.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the end of the detection rod has a conical structure.

[0013] In one possible implementation, a defective box for the no-go gauge is placed below the no-go gauge slot and at the end of the inspection and classification slot, and a good box for the pass gauge is placed below the pass gauge slot.

[0014] The above-mentioned one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have the following technical effects: According to the worm screw outer diameter detection device provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the vibration thrust generated during the feeding process of the vibratory feeder combines with gravity to make the worm product stably conveyed in a spiral forward manner under the action of the feeding component. The detection rod detects the spirally forward worm product by inserting into the screw thread, and automatically jams the worm product in the case of connected threads, blocking its forward movement. The equipment then issues a defective product alarm, and operation can only be resumed after the operator handles it, completely eliminating the occurrence of missed detection. The detected worm product continues to move forward and enters the detection and classification slot. Through the sequentially set stop gauge slot and go gauge slot, the outer diameter of the worm product is automatically detected and classified according to the detection results. Overall, it effectively improves the efficiency and accuracy of worm product outer diameter and whether the threads are connected. Moreover, by combining vibration thrust and gravity, it can not only ensure the stable conveying requirements of the worm product, but also effectively avoid the situation of excessive clamping force of subsequent products or excessive force on the detection rod when jamming occurs, thus improving the stability, reliability and economic benefits of equipment operation and production detection. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a worm screw outer diameter detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a worm screw outer diameter detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection classification groove, no-go gauge groove, and go gauge groove of a worm screw outer diameter detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the feeding assembly, axial adjustment seat, and fixing frame of a worm screw outer diameter detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Vibratory feeder feeding mechanism; 2. Feeding assembly; 21. Base; 22. Cover plate one; 221. First part; 222. Second part; 23. Roller; 3. Detection rod; 4. Fixing frame; 5. Detection and classification slot; 6. No-go gauge slot; 7. Go gauge slot; 8. Cover plate two; 9. Detection head; 10. Axial adjustment seat; 101. Adjustment plate; 102. Sliding seat; 11. Radial adjustment seat; 111. Slide table; 112. Adjustment knob; 12. Tightening screw; 13. Air blow hole; 14. No-go gauge defective product box; 15. Go gauge good product box; 100. Worm gear product. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described below, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A worm gear screw outer diameter detection device is applicable to worm gear products 100 with screw thread specifications of M3-M12 and lengths of 5.0-30.0mm. It includes a vibratory feeder mechanism 1, a feeding assembly 2, a detection rod 3, and a detection and sorting groove 5. The feeding assembly 2 is connected to the discharge port of the vibratory feeder mechanism 1. The vibratory feeder mechanism 1 is existing technology (to accommodate different specifications of worm gear products 100, quick shape change is achieved by replacing the vibratory feeder). Vibration automatically orients and sorts the worm gear products 100 to ensure proper screw diameter. The worm gear 100 is positioned end-to-end and enters the feeding assembly 2 in an orderly manner from the discharge port. The feeding assembly 2 tilts downwards along the conveying direction, using gravity and the thrust generated by the vibratory feeder mechanism 1 to move the worm gear 100 stably forward. During this movement, the feeding assembly 2 causes the worm gear 100 to rotate, thus achieving helical forward movement. The lower end of the detection rod 3 extends into the thread of the worm gear 100, and the lower end of the detection rod 3 is conical in shape, made of stainless steel and heat-treated to ensure its wear resistance. When the detection rod 3 is stationary, as the worm gear 100 helically moves forward, the grooves of the worm gear 100 will sequentially pass through the detection rod 3. When there is thread bridging between the threads of the worm gear product 100, the detection rod 3 will jam the worm gear product 100, preventing it from moving forward. The equipment will then trigger a defective product alarm. Operation can only resume after the operator handles the issue, thus preventing missed inspections. Qualified worm gear products 100 will pass smoothly and then enter the inspection and classification tank 5 for outer diameter detection and automatic classification. In the aforementioned inspection process, the vibration thrust generated during the feeding process of the vibratory feeder mechanism 1 is combined with gravity. This ensures the stable conveying of the worm gear product 100 and effectively avoids damage to the detection rod 3 due to excessive clamping force on subsequent products or excessive force on the detection rod 3 in the event of jamming, effectively improving the stability and reliability of the equipment operation.

[0022] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The detection and sorting groove 5 is connected to the end of the feeding assembly 2 and maintains the same inclination direction and angle as the feeding assembly 2. The worm gear product 100 detected by the detection rod 3 continues to move forward, then enters the detection and sorting groove 5 and slides forward along the detection and sorting groove 5. The bottom of the detection and sorting groove 5 is provided with a stop gauge groove 6 and a go gauge groove 7 (e.g., ...) in sequence along the feeding direction. Figure 3 As shown), the width of the stop gauge groove 6 is consistent with the stop gauge size of the worm gear product 100, and the accuracy is controlled within... 0.005mm, length within 50mm, the width of go gauge groove 7 is consistent with the 100 go gauge of the worm gear product, and the accuracy is controlled within... 0.005mm in diameter and 50mm in length, a no-go gauge defective product box 14 is placed below the no-go gauge groove 6 and at the end of the inspection and classification groove 5, and a go gauge good product box 15 is placed below the go gauge groove 7 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). The worm gear product 100 slides forward along the inspection and sorting groove 5, first passing through the no-go gauge groove 6. When the size of the worm gear product 100 is larger than the no-go gauge size, it will continue to move forward. Conversely, when the outer diameter of the worm gear product 100 is smaller than the no-go gauge size, it will fall from the no-go gauge groove 6 into the no-go gauge defective product box 14 below due to its own gravity, automatically picking out the defective products. The worm gear products 100 that do not fall will continue to move forward into the go gauge groove 7. The worm gear products 100 that pass the go gauge will fall from the go gauge groove 7 into the box below. The worm gear product 100 that did not fall into the go gauge good product box 15 continues to move forward and eventually falls into the no-go gauge defective product box 14 at the end of the detection and classification groove 5. This automatically completes the detection of the outer diameter of the worm gear product 100 and automatically classifies it according to the detection results, effectively improving the efficiency and accuracy of the detection of the outer diameter of the worm gear product 100 and whether the threads are connected. In particular, by setting the length of the no-go gauge groove 6 and the go gauge groove 7, it is possible to detect worm gear products 100 with the same diameter but different lengths within a certain range.

[0023] participate Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The feeding assembly 2 includes a base 21, which is inclined downwards from left to right at an angle of 15 degrees. A cover plate 22 and a pair of synchronously rotating rollers 23 are mounted on the base 21. The two rollers 23 are horizontally distributed front and back on the base 21, rotating synchronously in the same direction and with an included angle between them. The cover plate 22 is detachably mounted on the base 21 via magnetic attachment and covers the rollers 23. The included angle between the cover plate 22 and the rollers 23 together constitutes a guide channel that restricts the position of the worm gear product 100. The left end of the guide channel is connected to the outlet of the vibratory feeder 1. The worm gear product 100 enters the guide channel sequentially from the outlet of the vibratory feeder 1. Under the combined action of gravity generated by the 15-degree inclination angle and the thrust generated by the vibratory feeder 1, it moves stably and orderly to the right along the guide channel. A pair of rollers 23 rotate synchronously in the same direction, causing the worm gear product 100 to rotate around its own axis through friction with it. The combination of rotational motion and forward movement allows the worm gear product 100 to be conveyed in an axial helical manner. To balance conveying stability and fault handling efficiency, the cover plate 22 adopts a segmented design based on magnetic mounting. The cover plate 22 is divided into a first part 221 and a second part 222, which are arranged sequentially along the forward direction of the worm gear product 100 and respectively mounted on the base 21 via magnetic connection. The detection rod 3 passes through the middle of the first part 221 and the second part 222. When the worm gear product 100 is jammed by the detection rod 3 due to thread breakage, the operator does not need to disassemble the entire cover plate 22; only the first part 221 needs to be disassembled to remove the jammed defective product, and then the installation can be quickly restored. The second part 222 remains in its original position, effectively reducing interference with the overall conveying stability, thereby further improving the efficiency and continuity of detection.

[0024] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cover plate 2 8 is magnetically installed on the inspection and classification slot 5 to limit the worm gear product 100, allowing it to slide stably along the inspection and classification slot 5. The inspection and classification slot 5 has a V-shaped cross-section, which effectively reduces the contact area between the worm gear product 100 and the inspection and classification slot 5, reducing frictional resistance and allowing the product to slide more smoothly. In addition, to further improve the efficiency and reliability of the outer diameter inspection and classification process of the worm gear product 100, an air blowing hole 13 is provided on the cover plate 2 8. The air blowing hole 13 corresponds to the stop gauge slot 6 and is used to blow air in the direction of the stop gauge slot 6. When the worm gear product 100 passes through the stop gauge slot 6, it uses its own weight and the pressure of the blown air to make the worm gear product 100 fall smoothly into the corresponding stop gauge defective product box 14, improving the reliability of the inspection and classification process. The cover plate 2 8 is installed magnetically, which facilitates quick disassembly and installation, and makes it convenient to inspect the inside of the inspection and classification slot 5. The air blowing hole 13 is connected to the air blowing system (such as an air compressor or air pump) through a pipeline.

[0025] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 An axial adjustment seat 10 is mounted on the base 21, and a radial adjustment seat 11 is mounted on the axial adjustment seat 10. A fixing frame 4 is fixedly mounted on the radial adjustment seat 11, and a tightening screw 12 is mounted on the fixing frame 4. The detection rod 3 is fixedly mounted on the fixing frame 4 by the tightening screw 12. The axial adjustment seat 10 includes an adjustment plate 101 with an elongated hole, and a sliding seat 102 is fixedly mounted on the adjustment plate 101. The adjustment plate 101 can be moved back and forth by tightening or loosening the bolts. The radial adjustment seat 11 includes a slide table 111 and an adjustment knob. 112. The slide table 111 is slidably mounted on the slide seat 102. The adjusting knob 112 is rotatably mounted on the slide seat 102 and threadedly connected to the slide table 111. The fixing bracket 4 is fixedly mounted on the slide table 111. By rotating the adjusting knob 112, the height of the detection rod 3 can be adjusted. On the one hand, this facilitates the quick movement of the detection rod 3 when the worm gear product 100 becomes stuck due to thread jamming, allowing it to separate from the worm gear product 100 and easily remove defective products. On the other hand, adjusting the height of the detection rod 3 can adapt to the needs of thread testing of different depths and specifications. The tightening screw 12 locks and fixes the detection rod 3, which facilitates the quick replacement of the detection rod 3 for different specifications of threads.

[0026] See Figure 2 and Figure 4A detection head 9 is located behind the detection rod 3. During the conveying process of the worm gear product 100, it first passes through the detection rod 3 and then through the detection head 9, which uses an optical fiber sensor. During normal inspection, qualified products will sequentially and continuously pass through the sensing area of ​​the detection head 9. The optical fiber sensor will detect the continuous material passing signal, and the system will determine that the inspection process is normal. When the worm gear product 100 experiences a thread jamming at the detection rod 3, and the worm gear product 100 stops moving forward, the subsequent product flow will be interrupted. At this time, the detection head 9 will be unable to detect the arrival of subsequent material (i.e., signal interruption), and the system will immediately determine this state as material defects and issue an alarm signal. However, in actual inspection, the following situation may occur: when the worm gear product 100 moves to the detection rod 3, the detection rod 3 may not be precisely inserted into the thread groove. However, as the worm gear product 100 rotates, the groove will adjust itself and successfully pass through the detection rod 3. This process may cause a brief interruption in the product flow. To address this issue and effectively distinguish between the aforementioned transient phenomena and genuine jamming, the system introduces a configurable alarm delay time. When the detection head 9 does not sense any material, the system starts a timer. If the material resumes passing through within the delay time, the system considers it normal and does not trigger an alarm. If the interruption time exceeds the delay time, it is determined to be a genuine jam, and the system immediately issues an alarm. This mechanism significantly improves the accuracy and anti-interference capability of the alarm system, effectively avoiding false alarms caused by the product rotating forward to adjust its posture.

[0027] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," "installed," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or a sliding connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] 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 based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A worm screw outer diameter detection device, comprising a vibratory feeder feeding mechanism, characterized in that: Also includes: The feeding assembly includes a base on which a cover plate and a pair of synchronously rotating rollers are mounted. The rollers form an angled area, and the cover plate covers the rollers and together with the angled area forms a material guiding channel. The material guide channel is connected to the discharge port of the vibratory feeder feeding mechanism. During the feeding process, the vibratory feeder feeding mechanism generates thrust to make the worm gear product move forward along the material guide channel. The rotation of the roller generates friction to make the worm gear product rotate and move forward spirally along the axial direction. The mounting bracket is equipped with a detection rod. The detection rod passes through the cover plate and extends into the material guide channel and remains stationary. As the worm gear product spirals forward, the tooth grooves of the worm gear product pass through the detection rod in sequence. When a thread breakage occurs, the detection rod jams the worm gear product. The inspection and classification slot is located at the end of the material guide channel and is used to receive the worm gear products that have been inspected by the inspection rod. The bottom of the slot has a no-go gauge slot and a go gauge slot in sequence along the feeding direction. The width of the no-go gauge slot is the same as the no-go gauge size of the outer diameter of the worm gear product; the width of the go gauge slot is the same as the go gauge size of the worm gear product. Cover plate two is installed on the inspection and sorting slot and is used to limit the movement of worm gear products; The detection head is used to monitor the passage status of worm gear products.

2. The worm screw outer diameter detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An axial adjustment seat is installed on the base, a radial adjustment seat is installed on the axial adjustment seat, and a fixing bracket is fixedly installed on the radial adjustment seat.

3. A worm screw outer diameter testing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The mounting bracket is equipped with a tightening screw, and the detection rod is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket by tightening the screw.

4. The worm screw outer diameter detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of ​​the detection and classification groove is a V-shaped structure.

5. A worm screw outer diameter testing device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The cover plate 2 is provided with an air blowing hole, the position of the air blowing hole corresponds to the position of the stop gauge groove, and the air blowing hole is directed towards the stop gauge groove.

6. The worm screw outer diameter detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first cover plate and the second cover plate are detachable and installable by magnetic attraction.

7. A worm screw outer diameter testing device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: The cover plate includes a first part and a second part, which are arranged sequentially along the forward direction of the worm gear product, and the detection rod passes through the middle of the first part and the second part.

8. The worm screw outer diameter detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection head is located on the rear side of the detection rod and is used to monitor the continuity of the worm gear product.

9. The worm screw outer diameter detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the detection rod has a conical structure.

10. The worm screw outer diameter detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A defective box for the no-go gauge is placed below the no-go gauge slot and at the end of the inspection and classification slot, while a good box for the pass gauge is placed below the pass gauge slot.

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