Device for automatically coating anti-rust oil on steel spline of steering wheel

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for automatically coating anti-rust oil on a steering wheel steel spline, which relates to the technical field of anti-rust treatment, and is characterized in that the device comprises a rack, and the rack is provided with a sprayer mechanism, a support block, a proximity switch, an up-down adjustable bracket, a time relay controller and an additional oil-water separator; the sprayer mechanism comprises a spray head with the side face punched, and the spray head faces an area to be sprayed and is connected with an anti-rust oil supply assembly through a gas path and a liquid path. The supporting block is used for fixing the nozzle; the proximity switch is installed on the vertically-adjustable support and used for detecting whether the steering wheel steel spline reaches a designated position or not. The time relay controller is electrically connected with the sprayer mechanism, and the additional oil-water separator is connected to a gas path of the sprayer mechanism and used for separating oil injection gas pressure and water; according to the invention, the accuracy and efficiency can be improved, and the consistency is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rust prevention technology, and in particular to a device for automatically applying rust-preventive oil to the splines of a steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production, especially in industries involving the manufacturing and processing of metal parts, rust prevention is a crucial step in ensuring product quality and extending product lifespan. During storage, transportation, and use, metal parts are highly susceptible to environmental factors such as humidity and oxygen, leading to oxidation and rust. This not only reduces the mechanical properties of the parts, affecting their normal use, but can also cause malfunctions in the entire product or equipment, resulting in economic losses and safety hazards. Therefore, taking effective rust prevention measures is essential, and oiling is a common and important rust prevention method.

[0003] Currently, manual oiling is the most common method among various rust-preventive oiling processes for metal parts. This method involves operators using hand-held oiling tools, such as brushes or spray guns, to apply rust-preventive grease to the surface of the parts. Manual oiling is relatively flexible; for parts with complex shapes or special structures, the oiling area and method can be adjusted to achieve basic rust prevention. In small-scale production or scenarios where high precision in oiling is not required, manual oiling remains widely used due to its simplicity and ease of execution.

[0004] However, manual oiling has several insurmountable limitations. First, poor uniformity is a prominent problem. Because manual operation makes it difficult to precisely control the pressure and area of ​​oiling, it easily leads to missed areas on the surface of parts, leaving these areas without effective rust protection; or grease buildup, not only wasting rust-preventive grease but also potentially affecting subsequent assembly and use of the parts. Second, low efficiency severely restricts large-scale production. The oiling process for individual parts requires a certain amount of time from the operator. In large-scale production, manually oiling each part individually would consume a significant amount of manpower and time, failing to meet production pace requirements. Finally, consistency is difficult to guarantee. Different operators have significantly different techniques, experience, and skill levels. Even with the same operator operating at different times, it is difficult to guarantee completely consistent oiling results each time. This leads to fluctuations in product quality, affecting the overall quality and market competitiveness of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel, thereby improving accuracy and efficiency and ensuring consistency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An automatic anti-rust oil coating device for steering wheel steel splines includes a frame, on which a sprayer mechanism, a support block, a proximity switch, an adjustable bracket, a time relay controller, and an additional oil-water separator are mounted;

[0008] The sprayer mechanism includes a nozzle with side perforations facing the area to be sprayed. The nozzle is connected to a rust-preventive oil supply assembly via air and liquid circuits. A support block is used to fix the nozzle. A proximity switch is mounted on the adjustable bracket to detect whether the steering wheel spline has reached a designated position. A time relay controller is electrically connected to the sprayer mechanism. An additional oil-water separator is connected to the air circuit of the sprayer mechanism to separate the oil injection pressure and water.

[0009] The sprayer mechanism is activated by the proximity switch, and the injection duration is precisely controlled by the time relay controller, working in conjunction with the additional fuel-water separator.

[0010] Preferably, the nozzle of the sprayer mechanism is outsourced to form a spray hole with a side diameter of 4mm.

[0011] Preferably, the time relay controller is used to control the injection time to be adjustable within the range of 0 to 5 seconds.

[0012] Preferably, the adjustable bracket is used to adjust the vertical height of the proximity switch.

[0013] Preferably, the rust-preventive oil supply assembly includes an oil storage tank, which is connected to a liquid circuit via a liquid pump and a first electromagnetic control valve. An air pump and a second electromagnetic control valve are provided on the air circuit. The time relay controller is electrically connected to the air pump, the liquid pump, the first electromagnetic control valve, and the second electromagnetic control valve.

[0014] Preferably, an inert gas tank or air filter is provided at a specific location in the gas path, such as the "air inlet".

[0015] An installation frame is fixedly mounted on the top of the frame via a fixing bracket. A lifting frame is connected to the bottom of the installation frame via a lifting assembly. The bottom of the lifting frame is connected to the nozzle via a support block. The lifting assembly is configured as an electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0016] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. Improved Oil Coating Uniformity: This device uses a sprayer mechanism for oil coating. The nozzle is outsourced to have 4mm diameter spray holes on the side, facing the area to be coated. Compared to manual oil coating, which is difficult to precisely control in terms of pressure and area, easily resulting in missed areas or grease buildup, this device uses a sprayer mechanism to more evenly spray the rust-preventive oil onto the steel spline surface of the steering wheel. This effectively avoids the problem of poor uniformity in manual oil coating, ensuring that every part receives adequate rust protection and improving the quality of oil coating.

[0018] II. Improved Oiling Efficiency: In large-scale production, manually oiling each part individually consumes a significant amount of manpower and time, failing to meet production pace requirements. This device, however, employs an automated design. A proximity switch, mounted on an adjustable bracket, detects whether the steering wheel spline has reached a designated position. When the spline is detected, the sprayer mechanism is activated, enabling automatic oiling. This automated operation significantly reduces the oiling time for individual parts, substantially improving production efficiency and better adapting to the needs of large-scale production.

[0019] III. Ensuring Consistent Oiling: Differences in operator technique, experience, and skill level make it difficult to guarantee consistent oiling results with manual application, leading to fluctuations in product quality. This device precisely controls the spraying time using a time relay controller. The time relay controller is adjustable within the range of 0 to 5 seconds and is electrically connected to the sprayer mechanism, air pump, liquid pump, first solenoid control valve, and second solenoid control valve, enabling precise control of the entire oiling process. Regardless of operator variations, it ensures consistent oiling time and parameters each time, guaranteeing consistent oiling results and improving overall product quality and market competitiveness.

[0020] IV. Combination of Precise Detection and Automatic Start-up: The combination of proximity switches and the sprayer mechanism enables precise detection and automatic start-up. The proximity switch accurately detects the position of the steel spline on the steering wheel, and once it reaches the designated position, it immediately triggers the sprayer mechanism to start, avoiding errors and delays that may be caused by manual judgment and operation, and improving the accuracy and timeliness of oiling.

[0021] V. Combination of Time Control and Air Pressure-Moisture Separation: The time relay controller precisely controls the injection duration, while a water separator connected to the air circuit of the sprayer mechanism separates the injection air pressure and moisture. This combination ensures the accuracy of the injection time and also makes the sprayed rust-preventive oil have stable air pressure and low moisture content, further improving the quality and effect of the coating and ensuring good rust protection for the steering wheel splines.

[0022] VI. Combination of Adjustable Height and Comprehensive Inspection: The adjustable height bracket allows for vertical height adjustment of the proximity switch, enabling it to be positioned to accommodate different sizes of steering wheel splines, thus achieving accurate inspection of splines at varying heights. This combination enhances the adaptability and flexibility of the device, meeting the oiling needs of various products. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 201. Support block; 202. Proximity switch; 203. Adjustable bracket; 204. Time relay controller; 205. Additive oil-water separator; 301. Nozzle; 302. Oil tank; 331. Liquid circuit; 332. First solenoid control valve; 333. Liquid pump; 341. Air circuit; 342. Second solenoid control valve; 343. Air pump; 305. Air filter; 401. Fixing bracket; 402. Mounting bracket; 403. Lifting assembly; 404. Lifting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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, and 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.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, an automatic anti-rust oil coating device for steering wheel steel splines includes a frame 1, on which a sprayer mechanism, a support block 201, a proximity switch 202, an adjustable bracket 203, a time relay controller 204, and an additional oil-water separator 205 are installed.

[0029] The sprayer mechanism includes a nozzle 301 with side perforations, facing the area to be sprayed. The nozzle 301 is connected to a rust-preventive oil supply assembly via an air passage 341 and a liquid passage 331. A support block 201 is used to fix the nozzle 301. A proximity switch 202 is mounted on an adjustable bracket 203 to detect whether the steering wheel spline has reached the designated position. A time relay controller 204 is electrically connected to the sprayer mechanism. An additional oil-water separator 205 is connected to the air passage 341 of the sprayer mechanism to separate the oil spray pressure and water.

[0030] The sprayer mechanism is activated by proximity switch 202, and the injection duration is precisely controlled by time relay controller 204, working in conjunction with the additional oil-water separator 205.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the steering wheel spline is placed on the conveying path of the device. As the spline moves, the proximity switch 202, mounted on the adjustable bracket 203, allows for adjustment of the vertical position of the proximity switch 202 according to the height of different specifications of steering wheel splines, ensuring accurate detection. When the steering wheel spline moves within the specified detection distance range of the proximity switch 202, the proximity switch 202 generates an electrical signal. This signal is transmitted to the time relay controller 204, which is electrically connected to it. Upon receiving the signal, the time relay controller 204 immediately sends a start command to the sprayer mechanism. After the sprayer mechanism starts, the rust-preventive oil supply assembly begins operation. The rust-preventive oil supply assembly includes an oil storage tank 302, which is connected to a liquid circuit 331 via a liquid pump 333 and a first solenoid control valve 332. An air circuit 341 is equipped with an air pump 343 and a second solenoid control valve 342. A time relay controller 204 is electrically connected to the air pump 343, the liquid pump 333, the first solenoid control valve 332, and the second solenoid control valve 342. Under the control of the time relay controller 204, the liquid pump 333 extracts the rust-preventive oil from the oil storage tank 302, which, after being regulated by the first solenoid control valve 332, enters the liquid circuit 331. Simultaneously, under the control of the time relay controller 204, the air pump 343 pumps gas into the air circuit 341, which, after being regulated by the second solenoid control valve 342, enters the air circuit 341.

[0032] Before entering the sprayer mechanism, the gas passes through an additional oil-water separator 205. The additional oil-water separator 205 stabilizes the gas pressure in the gas path 341, ensuring the pressure remains within a suitable range, while simultaneously separating moisture from the gas to prevent it from mixing with the rust-preventive oil and affecting the coating effect. The treated gas and rust-preventive oil mix in the sprayer mechanism, where the gas atomizes the rust-preventive oil, and then it is sprayed out through a side-perforated nozzle 301 (the nozzle 301 faces the area to be sprayed, and the nozzle 301 has 4mm diameter nozzle holes formed by outsourcing), evenly coating the surface of the steering wheel spline. The time relay controller 204 starts timing simultaneously with the start command, precisely controlling the spraying duration. The time relay controller 204 can adjust the spraying time within the range of 0 to 5 seconds. When the preset spraying time is reached, the time relay controller 204 sends a stop command to the sprayer mechanism, and at the same time controls the air pump 343, liquid pump 333, first solenoid control valve 332 and second solenoid control valve 342 to stop working, thus completing one oiling operation.

[0033] This embodiment uses proximity switch 202 to accurately detect the position of the steering wheel spline, automatically triggering the sprayer mechanism and avoiding errors and delays caused by manual operation. Time relay controller 204 precisely controls the spraying time, ensuring consistent oil application each time and improving coating consistency and quality. A supplementary oil-water separator 205 stabilizes the spray pressure and separates water, resulting in uniform atomization and stable quality of the sprayed rust-preventive oil, further enhancing the coating effect. The adjustable bracket 203 allows adjustment of the proximity switch 202 position according to different steering wheel spline specifications, enhancing the adaptability and flexibility of the device. The entire device is highly automated, significantly improving coating efficiency and reducing labor costs, making it suitable for large-scale production applications of rust-preventive oil coating on steering wheel splines.

[0034] The adjustable bracket 203 is equipped with a threaded lifting rod or a lifting cylinder for height adjustment.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the nozzle 301 of the sprayer mechanism has a 4mm diameter nozzle hole formed by outsourced machining. When the rust-preventive oil enters the sprayer mechanism under the pressure of the gas in the air passage 341, it flows towards the nozzle 301. Due to the 4mm nozzle diameter, the rust-preventive oil is sprayed out from the nozzle at a certain speed under the action of gas pressure. At the same time, gas is also sprayed out from the periphery of the nozzle or mixed with the rust-preventive oil, atomizing the rust-preventive oil and forming fine oil droplets. This allows for more even spraying onto the surface of the steering wheel spline, improving the uniformity and coverage of the coating.

[0036] The time relay controller 204 is electrically connected to the sprayer mechanism. When the proximity switch 202 detects that the steering wheel spline has reached the designated position and sends a signal, the time relay controller 204 receives the signal and begins to operate. Technicians can set the spraying time to any specific value within the range of 0 to 5 seconds using the time setting device (such as a knob or button) on the time relay controller 204, according to actual production needs. After setting, the time relay controller 204 will precisely control the energizing time of the sprayer mechanism according to the set time, thereby controlling the spraying duration, ensuring a relatively stable amount of oil applied each time, and improving the consistency of oil application.

[0037] An adjustable bracket 203 is mounted on the frame 1, and a proximity switch 202 is fixed to the adjustable bracket 203. Since the height of different sizes of steering wheel splines may vary within the device, the adjustable components (such as bolts or sliders) on the adjustable bracket 203 can be adjusted to ensure the proximity switch 202 can accurately detect whether the steering wheel spline has reached a designated position. When detecting a higher position of the steering wheel spline, the adjustable bracket 203 is adjusted upwards to raise the position of the proximity switch 202; when detecting a lower position, the adjustable bracket 203 is adjusted downwards to lower the position of the proximity switch 202. This ensures that the proximity switch 202 is always at a suitable height for accurately detecting the steering wheel spline.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the rust-preventive oil supply assembly includes an oil storage tank 302, which is connected to a liquid circuit 331 via a liquid pump 333 and a first solenoid control valve 332. An air circuit 341 is equipped with an air pump 343 and a second solenoid control valve 342. A time relay controller 204 is electrically connected to the air pump 343, the liquid pump 333, the first solenoid control valve 332, and the second solenoid control valve 342. An inert gas tank or air filter 305 is installed at a specific location in the air circuit 341, such as the "air inlet".

[0039] The oil reservoir 302 serves as a storage container for the rust-preventive oil. When rust-preventive oil needs to be sprayed onto the steel splines of the steering wheel, the time relay controller 204 issues a command, and the liquid pump 333 starts working. The liquid pump 333 generates suction through mechanical action, drawing the rust-preventive oil from the oil reservoir 302 and directing it into the liquid circuit 331. Under the control of the time relay controller 204, the first electromagnetic control valve 332 precisely regulates the flow rate of the rust-preventive oil. When the first electromagnetic control valve 332 is open, the rust-preventive oil can flow smoothly through the liquid circuit 331 to the sprayer mechanism; when the preset spraying time is reached or when it is necessary to stop spraying, the time relay controller 204 controls the first electromagnetic control valve 332 to close, cutting off the supply of rust-preventive oil, thereby achieving precise control of the rust-preventive oil supply.

[0040] Air pump 343 starts under the command of time relay controller 204, drawing in air from the outside (if an air filter 305 is installed at the air inlet of air passage 341) or drawing inert gas from an inert gas tank (if an inert gas tank is installed at the air inlet of air passage 341), pressurizing it and sending it into air passage 341. The second electromagnetic control valve 342 is also controlled by time relay controller 204, used to regulate the on / off state and flow rate of gas in air passage 341. During oil spraying, the second electromagnetic control valve 342 opens, allowing gas to enter the sprayer mechanism, mix with the rust-preventive oil, and atomize the rust-preventive oil, enabling it to be sprayed evenly in the form of fine oil droplets; when oil spraying ends, the second electromagnetic control valve 342 closes, stopping the gas supply. The collaborative control principle of time relay controller 204: Time relay controller 204, as the control core of the entire system, is electrically connected to air pump 343, liquid pump 333, first electromagnetic control valve 332, and second electromagnetic control valve 342. Based on a preset program and a signal from the proximity switch 202 (triggered when the steering wheel spline reaches a designated position), it precisely controls the start and stop times of the air pump 343 and the liquid pump 333, as well as the opening and closing times of the first electromagnetic control valve 332 and the second electromagnetic control valve 342, thereby achieving a coordinated supply of rust-preventive oil and gas, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the oil spraying process.

[0041] If an air filter 305 is installed at the air inlet of air passage 341, the air filter 305 can filter the air entering air passage 341, removing impurities such as dust, moisture, and oil, ensuring that the gas entering the sprayer mechanism is clean and dry. This can prevent impurities from mixing into the rust-preventive oil, affecting the coating effect and the quality of the steering wheel spline, and also prevent impurities from clogging the nozzle 301, extending the service life of the equipment. If an inert gas tank is installed at the air inlet of air passage 341, inert gases (such as nitrogen) have chemically stable properties. Using inert gases can prevent the rust-preventive oil from reacting with oxygen in the air during the spraying process, thereby ensuring the stability of the rust-preventive oil's performance and improving the rust-preventive effect. In addition, inert gases can also form a protective film on the surface of the rust-preventive oil, further enhancing its rust-preventive ability.

[0042] This embodiment achieves efficient and uniform oiling of the steering wheel splines through the coordinated operation of the rust-preventive oil supply component and the air circuit 341. The time relay controller 204 precisely controls the operating time of the air pump 343 and the liquid pump 333, as well as the opening and closing of the electromagnetic control valve, ensuring accurate supply of rust-preventive oil and gas, thus improving the consistency and quality of the oiling. The air filter 305 or inert gas canister at the air inlet of the air circuit 341 further enhances the oiling effect and the rust-preventive performance of the product by cleaning the gas and preventing oxidation, respectively. The entire system has a high degree of automation, reducing manual intervention, improving production efficiency, and lowering production costs.

[0043] The frame 1 serves as the basic support structure for the entire device, providing a stable mounting platform for other components. The mounting bracket 402 is securely fixed above the frame 1 via the fixing bracket 401, serving to support and position subsequent components. The lifting assembly 403 (electric cylinder or hydraulic cylinder) is installed at the bottom of the mounting bracket 402. Its working principle is based on the electric cylinder using a motor to drive a lead screw to rotate, converting rotational motion into linear motion, or the hydraulic cylinder using liquid pressure to push a piston to perform linear motion. Through the extension and retraction of the electric or hydraulic cylinder, the connected lifting frame 404 can be driven to rise or fall vertically. The bottom of the lifting frame 404 is connected to the nozzle 301 via a support block 201, so that when the lifting frame 404 moves, it synchronously drives the nozzle 301 to move, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the nozzle 301's height.

[0044] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any simple changes, equivalent substitutions, or modifications made based on the present invention to solve essentially the same technical problems and achieve essentially the same technical effects are all covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel, characterized in that, Includes a frame (1), on which a sprayer mechanism, a support block (201), a proximity switch (202), an adjustable bracket (203), a time relay controller (204), and a supplementary oil-water separator (205) are provided. The sprayer mechanism includes a nozzle (301) with side perforations, the nozzle (301) facing the area to be sprayed, and the nozzle (301) is connected to a rust-preventive oil supply assembly through an air passage (341) and a liquid passage (331); the support block (201) is used to fix the nozzle (301); the proximity switch (202) is installed on the adjustable bracket (203) and is used to detect whether the steering wheel spline has reached the designated position; the time relay controller (204) is electrically connected to the sprayer mechanism; and the supplementary oil-water separator (205) is connected to the air passage (341) of the sprayer mechanism and is used to separate the oil injection pressure and water. The sprayer mechanism is triggered by the proximity switch (202), and the spraying time is precisely controlled by the time relay controller (204) to work in conjunction with the supplementary oil-water separator (205).

2. The device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle (301) of the sprayer mechanism is outsourced to form a spray hole with a side diameter of 0.4 mm.

3. The device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time relay controller (204) is used to control the injection time to be adjustable within the range of 0 to 5 seconds.

4. The device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable bracket (203) is used to adjust the vertical height of the proximity switch (202).

5. The device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rust-preventive oil supply assembly includes an oil storage tank (302), which is connected to a liquid circuit (331) via a liquid pump (333) and a first electromagnetic control valve (332). An air pump (343) and a second electromagnetic control valve (342) are installed on the air circuit (341). The time relay controller (204) is electrically connected to the air pump (343), the liquid pump (333), the first electromagnetic control valve (332), and the second electromagnetic control valve (342).

6. The device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas path (341) is equipped with an inert gas tank or an air filter (305) at a specific location, such as the "inlet end".

7. The device for automatically applying anti-rust oil to the steel splines of a steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, An mounting frame (402) is fixedly installed on the top of the frame (1) via a fixing frame (401). The bottom of the mounting frame (402) is connected to a lifting frame (404) via a lifting assembly (403). The bottom of the lifting frame (404) is connected to the nozzle (301) via a support block (201). The lifting assembly (403) is configured as an electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

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