Differential gear meshing test station

Abstract

The invention relates to a differential gear meshing test station, and belongs to the technical field of differential gear detection. According to the invention, the feeding mechanism, the standard gear placing rack, the gear comprehensive tester, the marking mechanism and the sampling inspection platform are arranged and are matched with the multi-track manipulator, so that a full-automatic differential gear meshing detection test workstation is formed; according to the automatic detection device, automatic operation of a series of gear tests such as feeding, gear comprehensive detection, marking, spot check and discharging can be achieved, a plurality of differential mechanisms can be continuously detected one by one in the detection process, the detection efficiency is greatly improved, the detection time is shortened, the manual clamping cost is also saved, and the detection efficiency is improved. In addition, errors caused by manual assembly are reduced through the arrangement of the positioning sensor, and the positioning accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a differential gear meshing test station, belonging to the field of differential gear testing technology. Background Technology In the manufacturing process of differential gears, the precision and quality of the gears directly affect the transmission performance and operational stability of the differential and even the entire vehicle, making the testing process crucial. Currently, the industry lacks integrated and automated testing workstations for differential gears, and a complete process and equipment system covering key procedures such as random sampling and screening, marking of qualified products, and double-sided meshing accuracy testing has not yet been formed. This results in a fragmented testing process with low standardization, making it difficult to meet the high-efficiency testing needs of large-scale production.

[0002] To ensure gear meshing accuracy, some production lines introduce double-sided gear meshing testers as core testing equipment. However, existing double-sided gear meshing testers have significant technical limitations. Their testing mode only supports single-station testing of individual differential gears one by one, requiring frequent start-stop operations and workpiece changes. This single-batch, single-component testing method is extremely inefficient, unable to achieve continuous feeding, sequential testing, and automatic unloading of multiple differential gears. It is difficult to match the continuous production rhythm of the production line, severely restricting the improvement of overall production efficiency and failing to meet the high-efficiency quality control requirements for large-volume differential gear production. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a differential gear meshing test station, comprising: The frame includes a base platform and a robotic arm track mounted on the base platform; The feeding mechanism includes a feeding track and a feeding tray that is movably fitted on the feeding track; A standard gear rack, fixed to the base platform and located at the edge of the feeding mechanism, carries standard gear parts; A gear comprehensive tester, connected to a frame and located on one side of the feeding mechanism, includes a gear double-sided meshing tester and a multi-station switching mechanism located near the gear double-sided meshing tester; The marking mechanism is fixed to the base platform and located near the gear comprehensive tester; A sampling inspection platform is connected to the frame and is located on the other side of the feeding mechanism; The material discharge mechanism is connected to the sampling inspection platform; Multiple robotic arms are mounted on the robotic arm track. The robotic arms are capable of performing differential transfers between the feeding mechanism, standard gear placement rack, gear comprehensive tester, marking mechanism, and sampling platform.

[0004] Furthermore, the multi-station switching mechanism includes: The support plate is located on one side of the platform of the gear double-sided meshing tester; A switching turntable is set above the support plate. The switching turntable is provided with multiple detection stations that are centrally symmetrically distributed. The detection stations are used to place the differential to be tested. The switching turntable is a three-station gyro structure with three branches. Each branch is provided with a detection station. Each detection station can rotate to the position below the probe of the gear double-sided meshing tester. The support plate is equipped with a positioning sensor on its upper surface corresponding to each work station, and each detection work station is provided with a detection hole at the corresponding position that allows the positioning sensor to pass through. A rotary mechanism is located below the support plate and passes through the support plate to connect to the center of the switching turntable, and can drive the switching turntable to rotate; The lifting mechanism includes a top plate movably connected to the bottom of the support plate and a cylinder assembly connecting the top plate and the support plate. The cylinder assembly drives the top plate, thereby moving the support plate.

[0005] Furthermore, the support plate includes a first layer plate and a second layer plate, the first layer plate being located above the second layer plate and connected by a support column, with a partition gap between the first layer plate and the second layer plate.

[0006] Furthermore, the positioning sensor is mounted on the upper surface of the first layer plate via a sensor bracket, and the rotation mechanism is mounted on the lower surface of the second layer plate.

[0007] Furthermore, the cylinder assembly includes a cylinder body fixed to the top plate, an output shaft disposed in the cylinder body connected to the bottom of the second layer plate, and the top plate being movably connected to the bottom of the second layer plate via a telescopic assembly. When the cylinder body pushes the output shaft, it drives the top plate to move, and under the action of the telescopic assembly, it further pushes the first and second layer plates to move, thereby causing the positioning sensor to rise and fall.

[0008] Furthermore, the telescopic assembly includes a sleeve connecting to the second layer plate and a telescopic column nested within the sleeve, the telescopic column being connected to the top plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the bottom of the second layer plate is equipped with a layer plate slider, which cooperates with the switching turntable track.

[0010] Furthermore, the second layer plate is provided with a brake assembly connected to the rotation mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, the feeding tray is coupled to the feeding track via a feeding slide plate, and the feeding slide plate is equipped with a cylinder-driven lifting assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the marking mechanism includes a marking support column fixed to the base platform, and a marking feed mechanism is detachably fitted on the marking support column. The marking feed mechanism includes a linear drive module and is connected to a marking lifting mechanism through a support arm. A marking needle is provided on the marking lifting mechanism. The sampling inspection platform includes a sampling inspection track perpendicular to the feeding track and a sampling inspection slide that is movably fitted to the sampling inspection track. The sampling inspection slide is equipped with a cylinder-driven lifting component. The robotic arm track includes two parallel X-axis tracks and a Y-axis track connecting the two X-axis tracks. The robotic arm includes a lifting arm and a gripper connected to the end of the lifting arm.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention forms a fully automated differential gear meshing testing workstation by setting up a feeding mechanism, a standard gear placement rack, a gear comprehensive tester, a marking mechanism, a sampling inspection platform, and cooperating with a multi-track robotic arm. It can realize a series of automated operations such as feeding, comprehensive gear testing, marking, sampling inspection, and unloading. It can also continuously test multiple differentials one by one during the testing process, which not only greatly improves testing efficiency and shortens testing time, but also saves the cost of manual clamping. Furthermore, the setting of positioning sensors reduces the error of manual assembly and improves positioning accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a differential gear meshing test station in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of various components on the basic platform in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a gear comprehensive testing instrument according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-station switching mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram, 1. Basic platform; 2. Robotic arm track; 3. Standard gear placement rack; 4. Gear comprehensive tester; 5. Marking mechanism; 6. Sampling inspection platform; 7. Discharge mechanism; 8. Motor cabinet; 9. Feeding mechanism; 100. Differential; 200. Robotic arm; 41. Support plate; 42. Switching turntable; 43. Rotation mechanism; 44. Lifting mechanism; 45. Gear double-sided meshing tester; 46. Brake assembly; 47. Positioning sensor; 411. First layer plate; 412. Second layer plate; 441. Cylinder assembly; 442. Top plate; 443. Telescopic assembly; 51. Marking feed mechanism; 52. Marking lifting mechanism; 53. Marking support column; 54. Marking needle; 61. Sampling inspection slide plate; 62. Sampling inspection track; 91. Feeding slide plate; 92. Feeding track. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0020] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] In this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish similar components / parts in different positions or with different characteristics, and have no other limiting meaning; "upper" refers to the direction in which each component is away from the ground, and "lower" refers to the direction in which each component is away from the ground.

[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] Text after number This invention provides a differential gear meshing test station, including a frame and a feeding mechanism 9, a standard gear placement rack 3, a gear comprehensive tester 4, a marking mechanism 5, a sampling inspection platform 6, and a discharging mechanism 7, all mounted on the frame. Specifically: In the example of Figure 1, the frame includes a base platform 1 and a robot rail 2 mounted on the base platform 1; the base platform 1 is a rectangular table frame structure with its bottom supported on the ground, and the following components are mainly installed on its upper surface.

[0024] In some embodiments, the robotic arm tracks 2 are all mounted on the upper surface of the base platform 1 via robotic arm brackets, including two parallel X-axis tracks and a Y-axis track connecting the two X-axis tracks. In the example of Figure 1, the three tracks are distributed in a C-shaped semi-enclosed structure along the edge of the base platform 1. The robotic arm 200 includes a lifting arm and a gripper connected to the end of the lifting arm. The lifting arm drives the gripper to grasp the differential gear to perform transfer operations between components.

[0025] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the feeding mechanism 9 includes a feeding track 92 and a feeding tray movably fitted on the feeding track 92. The feeding tray is fitted to the feeding track 92 via a feeding slide plate 91. The feeding slide plate 91 is equipped with a cylinder-driven lifting component. The feeding tray can slide along the feeding track 92 to move to below the corresponding robot arm 200 or other positions. The lifting component allows the feeding slide plate 91 to be raised to a certain height to facilitate the robot arm 200 to grasp it.

[0026] In the example shown in Figures 1-2, the standard gear holder 3 is fixed to the base platform 1 and located at the edge of the feeding mechanism 9. It carries standard gear parts and has a box-like structure, which can be used to temporarily store standard gear parts.

[0027] In the example of Figure 1-Figure 2, the gear comprehensive tester 4 is connected to the frame and is located on one side of the feeding mechanism 9, including a gear double-sided meshing tester 45 and a multi-station switching mechanism located near the gear double-sided meshing tester 45; In some embodiments, the marking mechanism 5 is fixed to the base platform 1 and located near the gear integrated tester 4. In the example of Figures 1-2, the marking mechanism 5 includes a marking support column 53 fixed to the base platform 1. A marking feed mechanism 51 is detachably fitted onto the marking support column 53. The marking feed mechanism 51 includes a linear drive module and is connected to a marking lifting mechanism 52 via a support arm. A marking needle 54 is provided on the marking lifting mechanism 52. The marking lifting mechanism 52 can be a cylinder assembly or a linear drive module. The front and rear positions of the marking needle 54 can be adjusted by the marking feed mechanism 51 to ensure that it is located directly above the differential gear to be marked. Once in position, the marking needle 54 can be driven to descend by the marking lifting mechanism 52 to perform marking.

[0028] In some embodiments, the sampling platform 6 is connected to the frame and disposed on the other side of the feeding mechanism 9; in the example of Figures 1-2, the sampling platform 6 includes a sampling track 62 disposed perpendicular to the feeding track 92 and a sampling slide plate 61 movably cooperating with the sampling track 62. The sampling slide plate 61 is provided with a cylinder-driven lifting assembly, which allows the sampling slide plate 61 to be raised to a certain height to facilitate gripping by the robot arm 200.

[0029] In some embodiments, the discharge mechanism 7 is connected to the sampling platform 6 and is arranged parallel to the feeding track 92.

[0030] Multiple robotic arms 200 are mounted on the robotic arm track 2. The robotic arms 200 are capable of performing differential transfer between the feeding mechanism 9, the standard gear placement rack 3, the gear comprehensive tester 4, the marking mechanism 5, and the sampling platform 6.

[0031] The multi-station switching mechanism mainly includes a support plate 41, a switching turntable 42, a rotary mechanism 43, and a lifting mechanism 44.

[0032] In some embodiments, the support plate 41 is disposed on one side of the platform of the gear double-sided meshing tester 45; the support plate 41 includes a first layer plate 411 and a second layer plate 412, the first layer plate 411 is located above the second layer plate 412 and is connected by a support column, and a partition gap is left between the first layer plate 411 and the second layer plate 412.

[0033] In some embodiments, the switching turntable 42 is positioned above the support plate 41. The turntable 42 has multiple centrally symmetrically distributed testing stations, which are used to place the differential 100 to be tested. The switching turntable 42 is a three-station gyro structure with three branches, each branch having a testing station. Each testing station can rotate to a position below the probe of the gear double-sided meshing tester 45. In other embodiments, the switching turntable 42 may also be a multi-branch gyro structure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the support plate 41 is provided with a positioning sensor 47 on its upper surface corresponding to each workstation position, and each detection workstation has a detection hole at the corresponding position that allows the positioning sensor 47 to pass through. The lifting mechanism 44 includes a top plate 442 movably connected to the bottom of the support plate 41 and a cylinder assembly 441 connecting the top plate 442 and the support plate 41. The cylinder assembly 441 drives the top plate 442, thereby driving the support plate 41. The lifting mechanism 44 drives the positioning sensor 47 to extend into the gap below the differential 100 to detect the position of the differential 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, the rotary mechanism 43 is located below the support plate 41 and passes through the support plate 41 to connect to the center of the switching turntable 42, and is capable of driving the switching turntable 42 to rotate.

[0036] In some embodiments, the positioning sensor 47 is mounted on the upper surface of the first layer plate 411 via a sensor bracket, and the rotation mechanism 43 is mounted on the lower surface of the second layer plate 412.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cylinder assembly 441 includes a cylinder body fixed to the top plate 442. An output shaft disposed in the cylinder body is connected to the bottom of the second layer plate 412. The top plate 442 is movably connected to the bottom of the second layer plate 412 via a telescopic assembly 443. When the cylinder body pushes the output shaft, it drives the top plate 442 to move. Under the action of the telescopic assembly 443, it further pushes the first layer plate 411 and the second layer plate 412 to move, thereby causing the positioning sensor 47 to rise and fall.

[0038] In some embodiments, the telescopic assembly 443 includes a sleeve connecting to the second layer plate 412 and a telescopic column nested within the sleeve, the telescopic column being connected to the top plate 442.

[0039] In some implementations, in order to flexibly move the position of the multi-station switching mechanism in the production line, the bottom of the second layer plate 412 is equipped with a layer plate slider, which cooperates with the switching turntable track.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second layer plate 412 is provided with a brake assembly 46 connected to the rotary mechanism 43. The brake assembly 46 can control the rotary mechanism 43 to stop rotating when the station of the switching turntable 42 reaches the designated position, and provide safety protection to prevent the differential 100 from flying off due to the station continuing to rotate.

[0041] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A differential gear meshing test station, characterized in that, include: The frame includes a base platform and a robotic arm track mounted on the base platform; The feeding mechanism includes a feeding track and a feeding tray that is movably fitted on the feeding track; A standard gear rack, fixed to the base platform and located at the edge of the feeding mechanism, carries standard gear parts; A gear comprehensive tester, connected to a frame and located on one side of the feeding mechanism, includes a gear double-sided meshing tester and a multi-station switching mechanism located near the gear double-sided meshing tester; The marking mechanism is fixed to the base platform and located near the gear comprehensive tester; A sampling inspection platform is connected to the frame and is located on the other side of the feeding mechanism; The material discharge mechanism is connected to the sampling inspection platform; Multiple robotic arms are mounted on the robotic arm track. The robotic arms are capable of performing differential transfers between the feeding mechanism, standard gear placement rack, gear comprehensive tester, marking mechanism, and sampling platform.

2. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-station switching mechanism includes: The support plate is located on one side of the platform of the gear double-sided meshing tester; A switching turntable is set above the support plate. The switching turntable is provided with multiple detection stations that are centrally symmetrically distributed. The detection stations are used to place the differential to be tested. The switching turntable is a three-station gyro structure with three branches. Each branch is provided with a detection station. Each detection station can rotate to the position below the probe of the gear double-sided meshing tester. The support plate is equipped with a positioning sensor on its upper surface corresponding to each work station, and each detection work station is provided with a detection hole at the corresponding position that allows the positioning sensor to pass through. A rotary mechanism is located below the support plate and passes through the support plate to connect to the center of the switching turntable, and can drive the switching turntable to rotate; The lifting mechanism includes a top plate movably connected to the bottom of the support plate and a cylinder assembly connecting the top plate and the support plate. The cylinder assembly drives the top plate, thereby moving the support plate.

3. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support plate includes a first layer plate and a second layer plate. The first layer plate is located above the second layer plate and is connected by a support column. A partition gap is left between the first layer plate and the second layer plate.

4. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning sensor is mounted on the upper surface of the first layer plate via a sensor bracket, and the rotation mechanism is mounted on the lower surface of the second layer plate.

5. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cylinder assembly includes a cylinder body fixed to the top plate. An output shaft disposed in the cylinder body is connected to the bottom of the second layer plate. The top plate is movably connected to the bottom of the second layer plate through a telescopic assembly. When the cylinder body pushes the output shaft, it drives the top plate to move. Under the action of the telescopic assembly, it further pushes the first and second layer plates to move and causes the positioning sensor to rise and fall.

6. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The telescopic assembly includes a sleeve connecting to the second layer plate and a telescopic column nested within the sleeve, the telescopic column being connected to the top plate.

7. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the second layer plate is equipped with a layer plate slider, which is engaged with the switching turntable track.

8. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second layer plate is equipped with a brake assembly that connects to the rotation mechanism.

9. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding tray is coupled to the feeding track via a feeding slide plate, and the feeding slide plate is equipped with a cylinder-driven lifting assembly.

10. The differential gear meshing test station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The marking mechanism includes a marking support column fixed to the base platform. A marking feed mechanism is detachably fitted on the marking support column. The marking feed mechanism includes a linear drive module and is connected to a marking lifting mechanism via a support arm. A marking needle is provided on the marking lifting mechanism. The sampling inspection platform includes a sampling inspection track perpendicular to the feeding track and a sampling inspection slide that is movably fitted to the sampling inspection track. The sampling inspection slide is equipped with a cylinder-driven lifting component. The robotic arm track includes two parallel X-axis tracks and a Y-axis track connecting the two X-axis tracks. The robotic arm includes a lifting arm and a gripper connected to the end of the lifting arm.

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