An assembly device for a worm assembly

Abstract

The application provides an assembling device of a worm assembly, which comprises a riveting module, a cleaning and oiling module, a pressing module, a clamping ring feeding module and a conveying module. The riveting module is used for riveting a curled ring to fix a secondary part on the worm. The cleaning and oiling module is arranged between the riveting module and the pressing module, and is used for cleaning the worm assembly and applying oil to the worm. The pressing module is used for pressing the worm and the clamping ring, and comprises a gear shifting mechanism. The gear shifting mechanism can rotate the worm gear during the pressing process. The clamping ring feeding module is arranged on one side of the pressing module, and is used for feeding the clamping ring to the pressing module. The conveying module is used for conveying materials between the modules. The automatic assembly of the worm assembly is realized through the processes of riveting, cleaning and oiling, pressing and the like. The degree of automation is high. During the pressing process of the worm, the incorrect gear and the top gear can be automatically corrected, so that the collision and damage of the gear part of the worm and the worm gear during the pressing process are avoided, and the assembly efficiency and the assembly quality are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steering system assembly technology, and more particularly to an assembly apparatus for a worm gear assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The steering gear is the most important component in a car's steering system. Inside the steering gear is a transmission structure, which is often driven by an electric motor. During assembly, the transmission structure is installed inside a housing to form a transmission assembly, and then the electric motor is assembled.

[0003] The steering gear transmission structure includes a worm gear drive structure. During the assembly of this structure, the auxiliary parts on the worm are typically assembled onto the main worm first, and then the worm assembly is fitted with the worm wheel. However, assembling the worm assembly with the worm wheel is extremely difficult. Currently, most worm gear drives are assembled manually, resulting in low efficiency. Furthermore, during assembly, misalignment and collision damage are common, leading to either excessively tight or loose meshing between the worm and worm. This results in high wear, noise, and slow transmission efficiency. The damage is exacerbated when the tooth hardness of the worm and worm wheel differs, potentially causing transmission failure and increasing the defect rate, severely impacting assembly efficiency and quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an assembly device for worm gear assemblies to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is: an assembly device for a worm gear assembly, including a worktable and a riveting module, a cleaning and oiling module, a pressing module, and a retaining ring feeding module disposed on the worktable. The riveting module is used to rivet a coiled ring to fix the secondary parts on the worm gear. The cleaning and oiling module is disposed between the riveting module and the pressing module and is used to clean the worm gear assembly and apply oil to the worm gear. The pressing module is used to press the worm gear and the retaining ring, and includes a positioning mechanism, an upper pressing mechanism, and a tooth-shifting mechanism. The positioning mechanism is used to position and fix the workpiece. The upper pressing mechanism is disposed above the positioning mechanism and is used to press the worm gear into the workpiece housing and connect it to the worm wheel in the housing. The tooth-shifting mechanism is disposed below the positioning mechanism and can rotate the worm wheel during the pressing process of the worm gear. The retaining ring feeding module is disposed on one side of the pressing module and is used to feed the retaining ring to the pressing module.

[0006] It also includes a conveying module, which is used to convey materials between the riveting module, the cleaning and oiling module, and the pressing module.

[0007] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the conveying module includes a robot and / or at least one lifting and rotating mechanism, wherein the lifting and rotating mechanism includes a material gripper and a lifting and rotating assembly for driving the material gripper to lift and rotate.

[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly assembly device, the riveting module includes a press-fit base, a press-fit mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a guiding mechanism, a riveting fixture, and a lifting mechanism. The press-fit mechanism is located at the upper end of the press-fit base, and the riveting fixture is located at the bottom of the press-fit base. The press-fit mechanism and the riveting fixture cooperate to press-fit the riveting coiled ring. The lifting mechanism is located between the press-fit mechanism and the riveting fixture, and is used to lift and fix the worm gear assembly and limit the position of the coiled ring on the worm. The lifting mechanism is located on the press-fit base, and its output end is connected to the lifting mechanism and the guiding mechanism, which can drive the lifting mechanism and the guiding mechanism to move synchronously to guide and transport the worm gear assembly to the riveting fixture. The guiding mechanism is located below the riveting fixture and is positioned on top of the bottom of the worm gear assembly during press-fitting to guide and press-fit it.

[0009] Preferably, the riveting fixture includes a fixture base plate and a fixture base. The fixture base plate is fixed on the pressing seat, and a working base is provided above it. The fixture base is detachably connected to the fixture base by a positioning pin and a knob buckle. The fixture base has a through pressing hole in the middle, and a forming part is provided at the upper end of the pressing hole for riveting the coiled ring.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the pressing mechanism includes a pressing drive, a pressing rod, and a pressing guide seat. The pressing drive is located on the top of the pressing seat, and its output end is provided with the pressing guide seat. The pressing rod is located below the pressing guide seat. The front side of the pressing seat is provided with slide rails located opposite to both sides of the pressing rod. The pressing guide seat is slidably connected to the slide rails. The pressing guide seat is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting pressing pressure and a displacement sensor for detecting pressing displacement.

[0011] The lifting mechanism includes a lifting connecting seat and a gripper cylinder. The lifting connecting seat is connected to the output end of the lifting mechanism. A gripper cylinder is provided on its front side. The output end of the gripper cylinder is provided with two lifting grippers. The gripping end of the lifting gripper is provided with a gripping part and a lifting part. The gripping part is arc-shaped and is used to grip the worm gear assembly. The lifting part is located at the lower end of the gripping part and extends toward the center of the arc-shaped gripping part for lifting the coiled ring.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the guiding mechanism includes a guide rod, a guide slide, and a guide connecting rod. The guide rod and the press-fit rod are coaxially arranged. The lower end of the guide rod is elastically connected to the guide slide, and the upper end of the guide rod can extend into the press-fit hole of the riveting fixture. One end of the guide slide is provided with a guide connecting rod extending toward the lifting mechanism, and the guide connecting rod is connected to the output end of the lifting mechanism. The guiding mechanism also includes a guiding assembly for guiding the movement of the guide rod. Preferably, the guiding assembly includes a guide cylinder and a guide rod. The guide rod is inserted into the guide cylinder and slidably connected to the guide cylinder. The upper end of the guide cylinder is fixedly connected to the press-fit seat, and the lower end of the guide cylinder is provided with multiple guide rods. The guide slide is provided with linear bearings slidably connected to each guide rod. Preferably, it also includes a protective cover installed at the lower end of the guide cylinder. The protective cover is C-shaped and covers the outside of multiple guide rods. One end of the guide slide with the guide connecting rod extends out from the C-shaped opening end to prevent dust from adhering to the guide rods or linear bearings and improve the smoothness of the guide slide's movement.

[0013] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a lifting mounting base and a slide cylinder. The lifting mounting base is mounted on the pressing base, and a slide cylinder is provided on its front side. The output end of the slide cylinder is connected to the lifting connecting seat of the lifting mechanism and the guide connecting rod of the guide mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly assembly device, the cleaning and oiling module includes a cleaning mechanism and an oiling mechanism. The cleaning mechanism is used to clean the worm gear assembly, and the oiling mechanism includes a pressure cylinder. The pressure cylinder has a pressure oil chamber inside, and the inner sidewall of the pressure oil chamber has multiple rows of oiling holes arranged along the axial direction of the pressure cylinder. Each row of oiling holes includes multiple oiling holes arranged circumferentially, and each row of oiling holes is arranged close to the tooth groove of each tooth of the worm.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the oiling mechanism further includes an oiling cylinder. The lower end of the oiling cylinder is fixed to the worktable, and the upper end is provided with a placement hole for placing the worm gear assembly. A pressure cylinder is disposed inside the oiling cylinder, and the pressure cylinder has a cavity communicating with the placement hole. The cavity at least accommodates the toothed portion of the worm gear to be oiled and is clearance-fitted with the toothed portion. The oiling cylinder is provided with at least one oil inlet communicating with the pressure oil chamber, and the oil inlet is provided with an oil inlet connector. An oil receiving tank is provided below the oiling cylinder. Preferably, the lower end of the oil receiving tank is provided with a pull-out drawer.

[0016] Preferably, the cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning seat and an air blowing connector. An air blowing seat is provided above the cleaning seat, and the air blowing seat has a stepped hole inside for supporting the worm gear assembly. Multiple air blowing connectors are provided around the air blowing seat, and the air blowing port of the air blowing connector communicates with the stepped hole. An air suction cylinder is provided below the cleaning seat, and the air suction cylinder has an air suction hole inside that communicates with the stepped hole. The lower end of the air suction cylinder has an interface for connecting to a vacuum cleaner.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned worm gear assembly assembly device, the positioning mechanism includes a positioning fixture, a straightening component, and a pressing component. The positioning fixture is mounted on the positioning base plate and is used to position the workpiece shell. A transverse component that drives the positioning base plate to move in the front-back direction is also provided below the positioning base plate.

[0018] The pressing assembly is used to fix the workpiece and includes a pressing plate and a pressing drive. The pressing drive is mounted on the upper pressing support, and its output end is provided with a pressing moving plate. The pressing moving plate is provided with a pressing plate on its front side. The pressing plate can press down on the top of the workpiece under the action of the pressing drive. The straightening assembly is located directly above the positioning fixture and is used to receive the material and straighten the worm gear, so that the worm gear is coaxially arranged with the worm shaft hole in the workpiece shell. The straightening assembly includes a straightening cylinder. The pressing plate has a U-shaped through hole in the middle. The straightening cylinder is located in the U-shaped through hole and its output end is provided with two straightening jaws. When the straightening jaws are closed, there is a straightening hole between the two straightening jaws that is coaxially arranged with the worm shaft hole. The straightening hole is clearance-fitted with the maximum outer diameter part of the worm gear.

[0019] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly assembly device, the pressing mechanism is mounted on the pressing support and includes a pressing cylinder, a pressing connecting seat, and a pressing rod. The pressing cylinder is located at the upper end of the pressing support, and its output end is provided with a connector that connects to the pressing connecting seat. A spring is provided at the top of the pressing rod, and a spring cover is provided above the spring. The pressing rod is elastically connected to the pressing connecting seat through the spring. A pressure sensor for detecting the pressing pressure of the worm gear is provided between the top plate of the pressing connecting seat and the spring cover.

[0020] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the pressing module further includes a lower pressing mechanism. This lower pressing mechanism is located below the positioning mechanism and can press against the bottom of the worm gear during the pressing process by the upper pressing mechanism. The lower pressing mechanism includes a lower pressing support, a lower pressing rod, and a driving assembly that drives the lower pressing rod to move axially along the worm gear shaft hole. The driving assembly is located on the lower pressing support and includes a lead screw, a lower pressing motor, and a lower pressing movable seat. The lower pressing motor is located at the bottom of the lower pressing support, and its output end is connected to the lead screw. The lead screw is located on the lower pressing support and is rotatably connected to it. The lower pressing movable seat is connected to the lead screw nut on the lead screw via a lower pressing connecting plate. One side of the lower pressing support is provided with a slide rail that is slidably connected to the lower pressing movable seat. A bushing is located at the top of the lower pressing support. The lower pressing rod is located on the lower pressing movable seat and is inserted into the bushing, slidably connected to it.

[0021] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the tooth-shifting mechanism is mounted on the lower push mechanism and includes a tooth-shifting cylinder, a tooth-shifting rod, and a shift block. The drive assembly can drive the tooth-shifting mechanism to move synchronously with the lower push rod. The output end of the tooth-shifting cylinder is provided with a tooth-shifting rod, which is inserted into the lower push rod. A shift block is provided at its top. The first end of the shift block is hinged to the lower push rod, and the second end is provided with a shifting part that engages with the external teeth of the worm gear. The middle part of the shift block is also provided with a hinge hole that is hinged to the tooth-shifting rod. Under the action of the tooth-shifting cylinder, the shift block rotates around the hinge point at the first end, thereby extending out of the lower push rod to shift the worm gear or retracting the lower push rod.

[0022] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the pressing module further includes a retaining ring pressing mechanism. This retaining ring pressing mechanism includes an upper pressing cylinder, a guide cylinder, a guide seat, and a guide sleeve. The upper pressing cylinder is located below the upper pressing connecting seat and is elastically connected to it via multiple springs. The upper pressing cylinder is sleeved around the upper pressing rod and slidably connected to it. The guide cylinder is located on one side of the upper pressing support, and its output end has a guide seat located in front of the upper pressing support. The guide seat has a guide sleeve in its middle. The guide sleeve is concentrically arranged with the upper pressing cylinder, and the upper pressing cylinder can be inserted into the guide sleeve and slidably connected to it under the action of the pressing mechanism. Preferably, the retaining ring pressing mechanism further includes a detection component. The detection component is located behind the upper pressing support and includes a detection support, a detection cylinder, and a detection camera. The detection support is fixed to the upper pressing support, and the detection cylinder is located at the top of the detection support. Its output end has a camera mounting base, and the detection camera is mounted on the camera mounting base.

[0023] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the retaining ring feeding module includes a feeding support and a material cylinder, a first feeding component, a detection mechanism, and a second feeding component mounted on the feeding support. The material cylinder contains multiple stacked retaining rings. The first feeding component is located below the material cylinder and is used to feed the retaining rings from the material cylinder to the detection station. The detection mechanism is located at the detection station and includes a detection seat and a pushing component. The detection seat can support the retaining rings and is equipped with a detection sensor for detecting the placement direction of the retaining rings. The pushing component is used to push retaining rings with incorrect placement direction away from the detection seat. The second feeding component is connected to the detection seat and is used to feed the retaining rings carried on the detection seat to the pressing module.

[0024] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the material cylinder includes a material cylinder side seat, a material cylinder base, uprights, a sliding strip, and a counterweight sleeve. The material cylinder side seat is mounted on a feeding support, and a material cylinder base is provided on one side of the lower end of the material cylinder side seat. Multiple uprights are provided, arranged in a ring above the material cylinder base, and the top of the multiple uprights is provided with a top cover connecting multiple top rods. The sliding strip is located in the middle of the material cylinder side seat facing the uprights. The open end of the retaining ring is engaged with the outside of the sliding strip, and the sliding strip limits the position of the retaining ring on the material cylinder and guides the retaining ring to fall from the material cylinder. The material cylinder base and the top cover are both provided with grooves that fit the sliding strip. The counterweight sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the multiple uprights to assist the retaining ring in the material cylinder to fall. Preferably, it also includes a sleeve clamp, the counterweight sleeve is an open sleeve for easy installation, the sleeve clamp is installed on the side seat of the material cylinder, and the counterweight sleeve is inserted inside the sleeve clamp, so that the counterweight sleeve is coaxial with the ring formed by multiple uprights.

[0025] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the feeding assembly includes a feeding cylinder, a feeding plate, and a guide rail. The output end of the feeding cylinder is provided with the feeding plate, which is located below the material cylinder and has a receiving hole corresponding to the material cylinder. The guide rail is located below the feeding plate and is slidably connected to the guide rail slider on the loading support. A feeding guide plate is also provided above the feeding plate, which is arranged along the feeding direction of the feeding plate and has a guiding channel between it and the feeding plate.

[0026] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned worm gear assembly assembly device, the bottom of the detection seat is provided with a groove, and a plurality of magnets are provided around the groove. At least part of the magnets are located in the groove for magnetically absorbing the retaining ring. The detection seat is also provided with a clamping cylinder, and the output end of the clamping cylinder is provided with two clamping claws. The clamping claws are provided with a clamping part that can extend into the groove.

[0027] The feeding assembly includes a feeding support, a feeding cylinder, and a feeding cylinder. The feeding support is mounted on the feeding support, the feeding cylinder is located on the feeding support, and its output end is provided with a feeding cylinder. The feeding cylinder is located directly above the detection seat. The detection seat and the feeding support are provided with through-holes for material discharge. Below the material discharge hole of the feeding support is a material discharge pipe for guiding material discharge, and below the material discharge pipe is a collection box.

[0028] Furthermore, in the aforementioned worm gear assembly device, the second feeding component includes a second feeding cylinder, a second feeding plate, a second guide rail, and a receiving plate. The second feeding cylinder is mounted on the loading support, and its output end is equipped with the second feeding plate. The second feeding plate is connected to the detection seat. The second guide rail is located below the second feeding plate and is slidably connected to the guide rail slider mounted on the loading support. One end of the receiving plate overlaps with the detection seat located at the detection station, and the other end is connected to the retaining ring pressing mechanism of the pressing module. The top surface of the receiving plate is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the detection seat, and it receives the retaining ring located in the groove during the feeding process.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: the present invention realizes the automatic assembly of worm gear components through riveting, cleaning and oiling, pressing and other processes, which has a high degree of automation and is easy to operate. In the process of pressing the worm gear, it can automatically correct misaligned teeth, tooth misalignment and other issues, so that the worm gear and worm wheel can mesh accurately without damaging the teeth of both. This avoids collision damage between the worm gear and worm wheel teeth during pressing, and greatly improves the assembly efficiency and assembly quality. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the riveting module structure of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the riveting module of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the lifting mechanism and the supporting mechanism of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the riveting fixture and the guiding mechanism in the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism structure of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the oiling mechanism of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the oiling mechanism of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the press-fit module structure of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the press-fit module of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a partial structural diagram of the press-fit module of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a partial structural diagram of the positioning mechanism of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the retaining ring feeding module structure of the worm gear assembly device of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a side view of the retaining ring feeding module of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 16 This is a partial structural diagram of the retaining ring feeding module of the worm gear assembly device of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 17 This is a partial structural diagram of the retaining ring feeding module of the worm gear assembly device of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0048] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting and rotating mechanism of the assembly device for the worm gear assembly of the present invention;

[0049] In the diagram: 1. Workbench;

[0050] 2. Riveting module; 21. Press-fit seat; 22. Press-fit mechanism; 221. Press-fit drive; 222. Press-fit rod; 223. Press-fit guide seat; 224. Slide rail one; 23. Lifting mechanism; 231. Lifting connecting seat; 232. Gripper cylinder; 233. Lifting gripper; 234. Gripper changing tooling; 24. Guiding mechanism; 241. Guide rod; 242. Guide slide; 243. Guide connecting rod; 244. Guide cylinder; 245. Guide rod; 246. Protective cover; 25. Lifting mechanism; 251. Lifting mounting seat; 252. Slide cylinder; 26. Riveting tooling; 261. Tooling base plate; 262. Tooling base; 2621. Press-fit hole.

[0051] 3. Cleaning and oiling module; 31. Cleaning mechanism; 311. Cleaning seat; 312. Air blowing connector; 313. Air blowing seat; 314. Suction cylinder; 315. Guide cylinder; 316. Buffer rod; 32. Oiling mechanism; 321. Pressure cylinder; 3211. Pressure oil chamber; 3212. Oiling hole; 3213. Inner pressure cylinder; 3214. Outer pressure cylinder; 3215. Seal; 322. Oiling cylinder; 323. Oil inlet connector; 324. Oil receiving tank;

[0052] 4. Press-fitting module; 41. Positioning mechanism; 411. Positioning fixture; 4111. Fixture base; 4112. Support bushing; 4113. Support block; 412. Straightening assembly; 4121. Straightening cylinder; 4122. Straightening gripper; 413. Positioning base plate; 414. Lateral movement assembly; 415. Pressing assembly; 4151. Pressing plate; 4152. Pressing drive; 4153. Pressing moving plate; 42. Pressing mechanism; 421. Pressing cylinder; 422. Pressing connecting seat; 423. Pressing rod; 424. Spring 1; 425. Spring cover; 426. Rotating assembly; 4261. Rotating drive; 4262. Rotating cylinder ; 43. Lowering mechanism; 431. Lowering support; 432. Lowering rod; 433. Lead screw; 434. Lowering motor; 435. Lowering moving seat; 436. Lowering connecting plate; 437. Slide rail II; 438. Bushing; 44. Gear shifting mechanism; 441. Gear shifting cylinder; 442. Gear shifting rod; 443. Shifting block; 45. Upper pressure support; 451. Guide slide rail; 46. Snap ring pressing mechanism; 461. Upper pressure cylinder; 462. Guide cylinder; 463. Guide seat; 464. Guide sleeve; 465. Spring II; 466. Detection support; 467. Detection cylinder; 468. Detection camera; 469. Camera mounting base;

[0053] 5. Snap ring feeding module; 51. Feeding support; 52. Material cylinder; 521. Material cylinder side seat; 522. Material cylinder base; 523. Upright pole; 524. Sliding strip; 525. Counterweight sleeve; 526. Sleeve clamp; 53. Feeding assembly one; 531. Feeding cylinder one; 532. Feeding plate one; 533. Guide rail one; 534. Feeding guide plate; 54. Detection mechanism; 541. Detection seat; 5411. Groove; 542. Magnet; 543. Clamping cylinder; 544. Clamping claw; 545. Pushing support; 546. Pushing cylinder; 547. Pushing cylinder; 548. Drop pipe; 549. Collection box; 55. Feeding assembly two; 551. Feeding cylinder two; 552. Feeding plate two; 553. Guide rail two; 554. Receiving plate;

[0054] 6. Conveying module; 61. Lifting and rotating mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0055] 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.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] like Figure 1-18 As shown, an assembly device for a worm gear assembly includes a workbench 1 and a riveting module 2, a cleaning and oiling module 3, a pressing module 4, and a retaining ring feeding module 5 disposed on the workbench 1. The riveting module 2 is used to rivet the coiled ring to fix the sub-parts on the worm gear. The cleaning and oiling module 3 is disposed between the riveting module 2 and the pressing module 4 and is used to clean the worm gear assembly and apply oil to the worm gear. The pressing module 4 is used to press the worm gear and the retaining ring. The retaining ring feeding module 5 is disposed on one side of the pressing module 4 and is used to feed the retaining ring to the pressing module 4.

[0058] It also includes a conveying module 6, which is used to convey materials between the riveting module 2, the cleaning and oiling module 3, and the pressing module 4.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, a control cabinet is located below the workbench 1, and an outer frame is located above it. A controller (touch screen) is located on the outer frame, which can control the actions of each mechanism.

[0060] like Figure 1 , Figure 18As shown, the conveying module 6 includes a robot (not shown) and / or at least one lifting and rotating mechanism 61. The lifting and rotating mechanism 61 is mounted on the worktable 1 and includes a material gripper and a lifting and rotating assembly that drives the material gripper to lift and rotate. In this embodiment, two lifting and rotating mechanisms 61 are provided for conveying worm gear assemblies. The robot can also pick up worm gear assemblies and can also be used for loading and unloading workpieces, but it is not limited to these uses. Materials can be flexibly conveyed according to the arrangement of each mechanism and the working cycle.

[0061] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the riveting module 2 includes a pressing base 21, a pressing mechanism 22, a lifting mechanism 23, a guiding mechanism 24, a lifting mechanism 25, and a riveting fixture 26. The pressing mechanism 22 is located at the upper end of the pressing base 21, and the riveting fixture 26 is located at the bottom of the pressing base 21. The pressing mechanism 22 and the riveting fixture 26 cooperate to press the riveting coiled ring. The lifting mechanism 23 is located between the pressing mechanism 22 and the riveting fixture 26 and is used to lift and fix the worm gear assembly and limit the position of the coiled ring on the worm gear. The lifting mechanism 25 is located on the pressing base 21, and its output end is connected to the lifting mechanism 23 and the guiding mechanism 24. It can drive the lifting mechanism 23 and the guiding mechanism 24 to move synchronously to guide and transport the worm gear assembly to the riveting fixture 26. The guiding mechanism 24 is located below the riveting fixture 26 and is placed on top of the bottom of the worm gear assembly during pressing to guide the pressing.

[0062] Among them, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the riveting fixture 26 includes a fixture base plate 261 and a fixture base 262. The fixture base plate 261 is fixed on the pressing seat 21, and a working base 262 is provided on its upper part. The fixture base 262 is detachably connected to the fixture base plate 261 by a positioning pin and a knob buckle. The fixture base 262 has a through pressing hole 2621 in the middle, and a forming part is provided at the upper end of the pressing hole 2621 for riveting the coiled ring.

[0063] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the pressing mechanism 22 includes a pressing drive 221, a pressing rod 222, and a pressing guide seat 223. The pressing drive 221 is located on the top of the pressing seat 21, and its output end is provided with the pressing guide seat 223. In this embodiment, the pressing drive 221 is an electric cylinder, but it can also be other hydraulic cylinders with telescopic functions. The pressing rod 222 is located below the pressing guide seat 223. The front side of the pressing seat 21 is provided with slide rails 224 located on both sides of the pressing rod 222. The pressing guide seat 223 is slidably connected to the slide rails 224. The pressing guide seat 223 is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressing pressure and a displacement sensor for detecting the pressing displacement. The detection of force and displacement ensures the riveting quality. The bearing on the worm gear is fixed by riveting with a coiled ring, thereby improving the assembly quality and efficiency of the worm gear assembly.

[0064] like Figure 3-4As shown, the lifting mechanism 23 includes a lifting connecting seat 231 and a gripper cylinder 232. The gripper cylinder 232 is provided on the front side of the lifting connecting seat 231. The output end of the gripper cylinder 232 is provided with two lifting grippers 233. The gripping end of the lifting gripper 233 is provided with a gripping part and a lifting part. The gripping part is arc-shaped and is used to grip the worm gear assembly. In this embodiment, the gripping part is gripped on the outside of the bearing of the worm gear assembly. The arc shape is adapted to the outer periphery of the bearing. The lifting part is provided at the lower end of the gripping part and extends towards the center of the arc-shaped gripping part for lifting the coiled ring.

[0065] In addition, the lifting gripper 233 is connected to the output end of the gripper cylinder 232 via an indexing pin. When a change of type is required, the indexing pin can be removed to achieve a quick change of type. Furthermore, the base plate of the pressing seat 21 is also provided with a gripper changing fixture 234. The gripper changing fixture 234 is provided with multiple gripper placement stations for placing grippers, which is flexible and facilitates quick change of type.

[0066] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the guiding mechanism 24 includes a guide rod 241, a guide slide 242, and a guide connecting rod 243. The guide rod 241 is coaxially arranged with the pressing rod 222. The lower end of the guide rod 241 is elastically connected to the guide slide 242 through an elastic element. The elastic element includes a buffer spring one and a buffer spring two to achieve two-stage buffering, which can reduce the vibration when the guide rod 241 is connected to the worm gear and when the coiled ring is pressed, thereby improving the working stability. The upper end of the guide rod 241 can extend into the pressing hole 2621 of the riveting fixture 26. One end of the guide slide 242 is provided with a guide connecting rod 243 extending toward the lifting mechanism 23. The guide connecting rod 243 is connected to the output end of the lifting mechanism 25, specifically to the slide cylinder 252.

[0067] The guiding mechanism 24 also includes a guiding assembly for guiding the movement of the guide rod 241. The assembly includes a guide cylinder 244 and guide rods 245. The guide rods 241 are inserted into the guide cylinder 244 and slidably connected to it. The upper end of the guide cylinder 244 is fixedly connected to the press-fit seat 21, specifically, to the tooling base plate 261. Multiple guide rods 245 are provided at the lower end of the guide cylinder 244. A linear bearing slidably connects to each guide rod 245 on the guide slide 242. The guiding assembly allows the guide rod 241 to move smoothly. Furthermore, a protective cover 246, C-shaped, is provided at the lower end of the guide cylinder 244, covering the multiple guide rods 245. One end of the guide slide 242, on which the guiding connecting rod 243 is mounted, extends from the C-shaped opening, preventing dust from adhering to the guide rods or linear bearings and improving the smoothness of the guide slide 242's movement.

[0068] like Figure 3-4As shown, the lifting mechanism 25 includes a lifting mounting base 251 and a slide cylinder 252. The lifting mounting base 251 is mounted on the pressing base 21, and the slide cylinder 252 is provided on its front side. The output end of the slide cylinder 252 is connected to the lifting connecting base 231 and the guide connecting rod 243, so that the gripper cylinder 232 and the guide rod 241 can be driven to lift synchronously.

[0069] The working principle of the riveting module is as follows: During operation, the worm gear assembly is placed above the lifting mechanism 23 by a robot (not shown in the figure). The gripper cylinder 232 is activated, and the lifting gripper 233 clamps and lifts the worm gear assembly and limits the curled ring to prevent it from falling off the lower end of the worm gear before riveting. At this time, the guide rod 241 is placed on the bottom of the worm gear assembly. Then, the robot returns to its original position, and the pressing drive 221 and the lifting mechanism 25 are activated simultaneously, driving the lifting mechanism 23, the guide rod 241 and the pressing rod 222 to move downwards simultaneously, so that the worm gear assembly can be accurately inserted into the pressing hole 2621 of the riveting fixture. Then, the pressing rod 222 continues to descend, and the curled ring is pressed and formed under the pressure of the pressing rod 222 and the forming part of the pressing hole 2621, thus riveting and fixing the secondary bearing on the worm gear, resulting in good riveting quality.

[0070] Among them, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6-9 As shown, the cleaning and oiling module 3 includes a cleaning mechanism 31 and an oiling mechanism 32. The cleaning mechanism 31 is used to clean the worm gear assembly. The oiling mechanism 32 includes a pressure cylinder 321, inside which is a pressure oil chamber 3211. The inner wall of the pressure oil chamber 3211 has multiple rows of oiling holes 3212 arranged along the axial direction of the pressure cylinder 321. Each row of oiling holes 3212 includes multiple circumferentially arranged oiling holes, and each row of oiling holes 3212 is located close to the tooth groove of each tooth of the worm gear, so that each tooth groove of the worm gear is fully coated with oil, which facilitates the subsequent pressing of the worm gear. This invention can automatically clean and oil the worm gear through the cleaning and oiling module. Through the setting of the pressure oil chamber and multiple rows of oiling holes, the teeth of the worm gear are completely and evenly coated with oil, avoiding the situation of incomplete spraying, resulting in high oiling efficiency and good oiling effect.

[0071] like Figure 8-9 As shown, the oiling mechanism 32 also includes an oiling cylinder 322. The lower end of the oiling cylinder 322 is fixed on the workbench 1, and the upper end is provided with a placement hole for placing the worm gear assembly. The pressure cylinder 321 is located inside the oiling cylinder 322, and the pressure cylinder 321 is provided with a cavity communicating with the placement hole for accommodating the lower end of the worm gear assembly. The lower end of the worm gear assembly is inserted into the cavity. The cavity at least accommodates the toothed part of the worm gear to be oiled and is clearance-fitted with the toothed part. Each oiling hole 3212 is also connected to the cavity. The oiling cylinder 322 is provided with at least one oil inlet communicating with the pressure oil chamber 3211. The oil inlet is provided with an oil inlet connector 323, and oil is injected into the pressure oil chamber from the oil inlet, so that the oil is evenly sprayed onto the toothed part of the worm gear from each oiling hole 3212.

[0072] The pressure cylinder 321 includes an inner pressure cylinder 3213 and an outer pressure cylinder 3214. The outer pressure cylinder 3214 is connected to the oiling cylinder 322. The inner pressure cylinder 3213 is sleeved inside the outer pressure cylinder 3214, and the upper end of the inner pressure cylinder 3213 is provided with a flange connection part that connects to the outer pressure cylinder 3214. The pressure oil chamber 3211 is located between the inner pressure cylinder 3213 and the outer pressure cylinder 3214. Specifically, the upper end of the inner pressure cylinder 3213 is provided with an annular groove, which, together with the outer wall of the outer pressure cylinder 3214, forms the pressure oil chamber 3211. Both the upper and lower ends of the pressure oil chamber 3211 are provided with sealing elements 3215 to prevent oil leakage from the pressure oil chamber. The oiling hole 3212 is located on the side wall of the inner pressure cylinder 3213. The inner pressure cylinder 3213 is clearance-fitted with the toothed part of the worm gear to be oiled, and this clearance ensures that the oil from the oiling hole can be sprayed into the tooth groove.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, an oil receiving tank 324 is provided below the oiling cylinder 322, and a pull-out drawer is provided at the lower end of the oil receiving tank 324 for easy cleaning and collection of oil that falls from above. It should be noted that the oiling mechanism of the present invention drops very little oil, and the cleaning cycle is long.

[0074] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 31 includes a cleaning seat 311 and an air blowing connector 312. An air blowing seat 313 is provided above the cleaning seat 311. The cleaning mechanism 31 is installed on the workbench 1 through the cleaning seat 311. The air blowing seat 313 has a stepped hole inside for supporting the worm gear assembly. Multiple air blowing connectors 312 are provided around the air blowing seat 313. The air blowing port of the air blowing connector 312 is connected to the stepped hole, which can remove dust from the surface of the worm gear assembly inserted in the stepped hole.

[0075] Below the cleaning seat 311 is a suction cylinder 314. The suction cylinder 314 has a suction hole that communicates with the stepped hole, and the lower end of the suction cylinder 314 has an interface for connecting to a vacuum cleaner. It sucks away the dust blown out by the air blower from below, which has a good cleaning effect and helps to improve the quality of subsequent oiling.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a guide tube 315 is also provided between the cleaning seat 311 and the suction cylinder 314. Inside the guide tube 315, a buffer rod 316 is slidably connected. The top of the buffer rod 316 has a buffer part that is elastically connected to the bottom of the worm gear assembly. A buffer spring is sleeved below the buffer part, with its upper end connected to the buffer part and its lower end abutting against the stepped surface at the lower end of the guide tube 315. The buffer rod reduces the impact of the worm gear assembly being placed on the air blowing seat 313, improving the operational stability of the device.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] Based on the structure of Example 1, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, Figure 10-13 As shown, the press-fit module includes a positioning mechanism 41, an upper pressing mechanism 42, a lower pushing mechanism 43, and a tooth-shifting mechanism 44. The positioning mechanism 41 is used to position and fix the workpiece. In this embodiment, the workpiece is a steering gear housing, but it can also be other housings or shells that need to install a worm gear transmission mechanism. The upper pressing mechanism 42 is located above the positioning mechanism 41 and is used to press the worm into the workpiece housing and connect it with the worm wheel in the housing. The lower pushing mechanism 43 is located below the positioning mechanism 41 and can push against the bottom of the worm to cooperate with the press-fitting when the upper pressing mechanism 42 presses the worm. The tooth-shifting mechanism 44 is located on the lower pushing mechanism 43 and can rotate the worm wheel during the worm press-fitting process to correct misaligned teeth, misaligned teeth, etc., so that the worm and worm wheel teeth can mesh accurately without damaging the teeth of the worm and worm wheel, especially when the hardness of the worm wheel (made of plastic) is less than that of the worm, it will not damage the worm wheel teeth.

[0079] like Figure 10 , Figure 13 As shown, the positioning mechanism 41 includes a positioning fixture 411, a straightening component 412, and a pressing component 415. The positioning fixture 411 is mounted on the positioning base plate 413 and includes a fixture seat 4111 and a positioning component mounted on the fixture seat 4111 for positioning the workpiece shell. The positioning component includes a support bushing 4112 and multiple support blocks 4113. The support bushing 4112 is coaxially arranged with the worm shaft hole in the workpiece shell where the worm is installed. The multiple support blocks 4113 support and position the workpiece shell, so that the axis of the worm shaft hole is arranged along the pressing direction of the pressing mechanism 42. The fixture seat 4111 is detachably connected to the fixture base plate through a knob buckle and multiple positioning pins for easy replacement. In addition, a transverse component 414 is provided below the positioning base plate 413 to drive the positioning base plate 413 to move in the front-back direction, which facilitates the loading and unloading of workpieces.

[0080] like Figure 10-12As shown, the pressing assembly 415 is used to fix the workpiece, including a pressing plate 4151 and a pressing drive 4152. The pressing drive 4152 is mounted on the upper pressing support 45, and its output end is provided with a pressing moving plate 4153. The pressing plate 4151 is provided in front of the pressing moving plate 4153. Under the action of the pressing drive 4152, the pressing plate 4151 can press down on the top of the workpiece to ensure that the workpiece does not shift during pressing. The straightening assembly 412 includes a straightening cylinder 4121. The pressing plate 4151 is provided with a U-shaped through hole in the middle. The straightening cylinder 4121 is located in the U-shaped through hole. Its output end is provided with two straightening jaws 4122. When the straightening jaws 4122 are closed, there is a straightening hole between the two straightening jaws 4122 that is coaxial with the worm shaft hole. The straightening hole is clearance-fitted with the maximum outer diameter part of the worm. During feeding, the straightening gripper 4122 closes, and the worm gear assembly is inserted into the straightening hole by the robot. At this time, the straightening hole and the largest outer diameter part of the worm gear are in clearance fit. The clearance is small, so the worm gear cannot fall off automatically without external force. It can receive materials and straighten the worm gear before pressing, so that the worm gear is aligned with the worm gear shaft hole, which improves the convenience of worm gear pressing and makes the worm gear pressing accurate.

[0081] like Figure 10-12 As shown, the upper pressing mechanism 42 is mounted on the upper pressing support 45 and includes an upper pressing cylinder 421, an upper pressing connecting seat 422, and an upper pressing rod 423. The upper pressing cylinder 421 is located at the upper end of the upper pressing support 45, and its output end is provided with a connector that connects to the upper pressing connecting seat 422. A spring 424 is provided at the top of the upper pressing rod 423, and a spring cover 425 is provided above the spring 424. The upper pressing rod 423 is elastically connected to the upper pressing connecting seat 422 through the spring 424. A pressure sensor for detecting the worm gear pressing pressure is provided between the top plate of the upper pressing connecting seat 422 and the spring cover 425.

[0082] like Figure 10-11As shown, the lower jacking mechanism 43 includes a lower jacking support 431, a lower jacking rod 432, and a drive assembly for driving the lower jacking rod 432 to move axially along the worm shaft hole. The drive assembly is mounted on the lower jacking support 431 and includes a lead screw 433, a lower jacking motor 434, and a lower jacking moving seat 435. The lower jacking motor 434 is located at the bottom of the lower jacking support 431, and its output end is connected to the lead screw 433. The lead screw 433 is mounted on the lower jacking support 431 and is rotatably connected to the lower jacking support 431. The lower pusher moving seat 435 is connected to the lead screw nut on the lead screw 433 via the lower pusher connecting plate 436. A slide rail 437, which is slidably connected to the lower pusher moving seat 435, is provided on one side of the lower pusher support 431. A bushing 438 is provided at the top of the lower pusher support 431. The bushing 438 has a guide hole concentric with the worm shaft hole, which guides the lower pusher rod. The lower pusher rod 432 is mounted on the lower pusher moving seat 435 and inserted into the bushing 438, slidably connected to the bushing 438. During press-fitting, the lower pusher motor 434 rotates, driving the lead screw nut to move axially along the lead screw 433, which in turn drives the lower pusher rod 432 and the gear-shifting mechanism 44 on the lower pusher moving seat 435 to move up and down, allowing the lower pusher rod to pass through the bushing and be positioned at the bottom of the worm.

[0083] The tooth-shifting mechanism 44 is mounted on the drive assembly of the lower push mechanism 43. The drive assembly can drive the tooth-shifting mechanism 44 to move synchronously with the lower push rod 432. The tooth-shifting mechanism 44 includes a tooth-shifting cylinder 441, a tooth-shifting rod 442, and a shifting block 443. The tooth-shifting cylinder 441 is mounted on the lower push moving seat 435. Its output end is provided with a tooth-shifting rod 442, which is inserted into the lower push rod 432. Its top is provided with a shifting block 443. The first end of the shifting block 443 is hinged to the lower push rod 432, and the second end is provided with a shifting part that engages with the external teeth of the worm gear. The middle part of the shifting block 443 is also provided with a hinge hole that is hinged to the tooth-shifting rod 442. Under the action of the tooth-shifting cylinder 441, the shifting block 443 rotates around the hinge point of the first end, thereby extending out of the lower push rod 432 to shift the worm gear, or retracting the lower push rod 432 so as not to contact the worm gear.

[0084] The lower push rod 432 has a space for the rotating paddle block 443. Under normal conditions, the paddle cylinder 441 is extended, the paddle rod 442 rises, and the paddle block 443 is vertically positioned. The paddle block 443 retracts into the lower push rod 432 and does not contact the external teeth of the worm gear, thus not actuating the worm gear. When the pressure sensor detects that the worm gear pressing pressure is greater than the preset value, i.e., misalignment or tooth offset occurs, the paddle cylinder 441 drives the paddle rod 442 to descend, and the paddle block 443 rotates to a horizontal position. The actuating part extends out of the lower push rod 432 and contacts the external teeth of the worm gear. When pressing continues, the lower push rod 432 and the paddle block 443 continue to move downward. The paddle block 443 actuates the external teeth of the worm gear, causing the worm gear to rotate and correcting misalignment or tooth offset. At this time, the pressure sensor detects that the pressure value has returned to the preset range, and the paddle block 443 resets.

[0085] In addition, issues such as misaligned teeth or over-toothing in the press-fit worm gear can be corrected by setting a rotating assembly 426 that drives the upper pressure rod 423 to rotate. For example... Figure 10-12 As shown, the rotating assembly 426 includes a rotating drive 4261 and a rotating cylinder 4262. The rotating drive 4261 is mounted on the upper pressure connecting seat 422. The rotating cylinder 4262 is connected to the rotating drive 4261 via a belt drive assembly, and is rotatably connected to the upper pressure connecting seat 422 via the rotating drive 4261. Specifically, the upper pressure connecting seat 422 is an assembled frame with a bearing seat at its bottom. The rotating cylinder 4262 is inserted into the bearing seat and rotatably connected to it. In this embodiment, the belt drive assembly is a synchronous belt drive structure, and the upper pressure rod 423 is inserted into the rotating cylinder 4262 and rotates with it. In case of misalignment, tooth misalignment, or other issues, the rotating assembly drives the upper pressure rod 423 to rotate, which in turn drives the worm gear to rotate, ensuring accurate meshing between the worm gear and the worm wheel, thus preventing damage from pressing collisions.

[0086] It should be noted that both the rotating component 426 and the tooth-shifting mechanism 4 can correct misaligned teeth and can be used individually or in combination.

[0087] like Figure 10-12 As shown, the press-fit module 4 also includes a retaining ring press-fit mechanism 46. The retaining ring press-fit mechanism 46 includes an upper press cylinder 461, a guide cylinder 462, a guide seat 463, and a guide sleeve 464. The upper press cylinder 461 is located below the upper press-fit connecting seat 422 and is elastically connected to the upper press-fit connecting seat 422 by multiple springs 465. Specifically, multiple circumferentially distributed sliding rods are provided between the top of the upper press cylinder 461 and the bottom of the upper press-fit connecting seat 422. Springs 465 are located between the upper press cylinder 461 and the upper press-fit connecting seat 422 and are correspondingly sleeved on the outside of the sliding rods. The upper press cylinder 461 is slidably connected to the sliding rods. The bottom of the sliding rod is provided with a limiting part to restrict the position of the upper press cylinder. A pressure sensor is provided on the base 422 to detect the pressure of the upper pressure cylinder 461 pressing the retaining ring. The upper pressure cylinder 461 is sleeved on the outside of the upper pressure rod 423 and slidably connected to the upper pressure rod 423. The guide cylinder 462 is located on one side of the upper pressure support 45, and its output end is provided with a guide seat 463 located on the front side of the upper pressure support 45. A guide sleeve 464 is provided in the middle of the guide seat 463. The guide sleeve 464 is concentrically arranged with the upper pressure cylinder 461, and the upper pressure cylinder 461 can be inserted into the guide sleeve 464 and slidably connected to the guide sleeve 464 under the action of the upper pressure mechanism 42. The guide sleeve 464 has a guide pressing hole with a tapered hole at the top, which allows the retaining ring to enter smoothly. The upper pressure cylinder 461 is also driven by the upper pressure cylinder to complete the retaining ring pressing. The shared pressing drive makes the equipment more compact, saves costs, and improves assembly efficiency.

[0088] like Figure 11As shown, the snap ring pressing mechanism 46 also includes a detection component located at the rear of the upper pressing support 45. This component includes a detection support 466, a detection cylinder 467, and a detection camera 468. The detection support 466 is fixed to the upper pressing support 45. The detection cylinder 467 is located on the top of the detection support 466, and its output end has a camera mounting base 469. The detection camera 468 is mounted on the camera mounting base 469. The upper pressing support 45 has a hole through which the camera mounting base 469 passes. After the snap ring is pressed, the upper pressing mechanism 42 and the guide seat 463 reset. Under the action of the detection cylinder 467, the detection camera 468 moves from the rear to the front of the upper pressing support 45 to detect the snap ring pressing quality, including whether the snap ring pressing direction is correct and whether the pressing is in place.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 10-12 As shown, the above-mentioned automatic pressing device for worm gear also includes a guide rail 451 located on the front side of the upper pressing support 45. In this embodiment, two guide rails 451 are provided and symmetrically arranged on the front side of the upper pressing support 45. The guide rail 451 is slidably connected to the upper pressing connecting seat 422 of the upper pressing mechanism 42, the lower pressing moving plate 4153 of the positioning mechanism 41, and the guide seat 463 of the snap ring pressing mechanism 46, guiding the movement of the upper pressing connecting seat 422, the lower pressing moving plate 4153, and the guide seat 463. Furthermore, the guide rail 451 ensures that the upper pressing rod 423, the guide sleeve 464, and the worm shaft hole are on the same straight line, guaranteeing concentricity and thus improving the worm gear assembly quality.

[0090] The working principle of the press-fit module is as follows: The workpiece is fed to the positioning fixture 411 by the robot. The positioning fixture 411 positions the workpiece. Then, the pressing component 415 descends to press and fix the workpiece. The straightening component 412 follows and descends, and the straightening gripper 4122 closes. The worm gear assembly is fed into the straightening hole by the conveying module 6. Then, the pressing mechanism 42 and the retaining ring pressing mechanism 46 descend. The pressing rod 423 connects to the top of the worm gear, and the descending part of the worm gear is inserted into the worm gear shaft hole and connected to the lower push rod 432. Then, the lower push rod 432 and the pressing rod 423 rise synchronously for a distance, cooperating with the straightening gripper 4122 to guide the installation direction of the worm gear, so that the pressing rod 423, the worm gear, the worm gear shaft hole and the lower push rod 432 are aligned. After the direction is straightened, The lower push rod 32 and the upper pressure rod 23 descend synchronously to press the worm gear. If misalignment or tooth misalignment occurs during the pressing process, the pressure sensor that detects the pressing pressure of the worm gear triggers the tooth-shifting mechanism 44 to start and correct the misalignment or tooth misalignment. After the worm gear pressing is completed, the straightening gripper 4122 opens, the upper pressure mechanism 42 rises, and the guide seat 463 descends to the circlip pressing height. The circlip is fed into the hole of the guide sleeve 464, and the upper pressure mechanism 42 drives the upper pressure cylinder 461 to descend. The upper pressure cylinder 461 is inserted into the guide sleeve 464 to press the circlip. After the circlip is pressed, the upper pressure mechanism 42 and the guide seat 463 are reset, and the detection camera moves from the rear side of the upper pressure support 45 to the front detection station to detect the circlip pressing quality, thus completing the automatic assembly of the worm gear assembly. This invention can automatically assemble the worm and retaining ring through a press-fit module, thereby completing the assembly of the worm assembly. During the assembly of the worm, it can automatically correct misaligned or misaligned teeth, avoiding collision damage between the worm and the worm wheel teeth, and greatly improving assembly efficiency and quality.

[0091] like Figure 14-17 As shown, the circlip feeding module 5 includes a feeding support 51 and a material cylinder 52, a feeding component 1 53, a detection mechanism 54, and a feeding component 2 55 disposed on the feeding support 51. The material cylinder 52 contains a plurality of stacked circlips. The feeding component 1 53 is disposed below the material cylinder 52 and is used to feed the circlips in the material cylinder 52 to the detection station. The detection mechanism 54 is disposed at the detection station and includes a detection seat 541 and a pushing component. The detection seat 541 can support the circlips and is provided with a detection sensor for detecting the placement direction of the circlips. The pushing component is used to push the circlips with incorrect placement direction away from the detection seat 541. The feeding component 2 55 is connected to the detection seat 541 and is used to feed the circlips carried on the detection seat 541 to the pressing module 54, specifically to the guide sleeve 464.

[0092] In the above structure, such as Figure 14 , Figure 16As shown, the material cylinder 52 includes a material cylinder side seat 521, a material cylinder base 522, a vertical rod 523, and a sliding strip 524. The material cylinder side seat 521 is installed on the feeding support 51. The material cylinder base 522 is provided on one side of the lower end of the material cylinder side seat 521. Multiple vertical rods 523 are provided, and the multiple vertical rods 523 are arranged in a ring above the material cylinder base 522. The top of the multiple vertical rods 523 is provided with a top cover connecting the multiple vertical rods 523. The material cylinder base 522 and the top cover are cylinders slightly larger than the ring formed by the multiple vertical rods 523. The retaining ring can slide down from the outside of the material cylinder base. The sliding strip 524 is located in the middle of the material cylinder side seat 521 on the side facing the vertical rod 523. The open end of the retaining ring is engaged with the outside of the sliding strip 524. The sliding strip 524 limits the position of the retaining ring on the material cylinder and guides the retaining ring to drop from the material cylinder. The material cylinder base 522 and the top cover are both provided with grooves that are adapted to the sliding strip 524.

[0093] The material cylinder 52 also includes a counterweight sleeve 525 and a sleeve clamp 526. The counterweight sleeve 525 is sleeved on the outside of multiple uprights 523 to help the retaining ring in the material cylinder 52 fall down. The sleeve clamp 526 is installed on the side seat 521 of the material cylinder. The counterweight sleeve 525 is an open sleeve that is inserted into the sleeve clamp 526 for easy installation and to make the counterweight sleeve 525 coaxial with the ring formed by multiple uprights 523, so as to prevent the counterweight sleeve 525 from detaching from the outside of the uprights and to ensure the assisting effect of the counterweight sleeve 525.

[0094] like Figure 14 , Figure 16 As shown, the feeding assembly 53 includes a feeding cylinder 531, a feeding plate 532, and a guide rail 533. The feeding plate 532 is located at the output end of the feeding cylinder 531 and is positioned below the material cylinder 52. It has a receiving hole corresponding to the material cylinder 52. The guide rail 533 is located below the feeding plate 532 and is slidably connected to the guide rail slider on the feeding support 51. A feeding guide plate 534 is also provided above the feeding plate 532. The feeding guide plate 534 is arranged along the feeding direction of the feeding plate 532, and a guiding channel is provided between the feeding guide plate 534 and the feeding plate 532 to prevent the retaining ring from tilting upwards during feeding. Since the retaining ring itself is thin, the receiving hole is an opening adapted to the shape of the retaining ring and is also shallow. The feeding guide plate can also prevent the retaining ring from sliding out of the receiving hole. In addition, the feeding guide plate 534 has a guide slope on the side facing the material cylinder 52, which allows the retaining ring to smoothly enter the feeding channel.

[0095] like Figure 14-15 , Figure 17As shown, the bottom of the detection seat 541 is provided with a groove 5411, and a plurality of magnets 542 are provided around the groove 5411. The magnets 542 are at least partially located in the groove 5411, and the retaining ring is drawn into the groove 5411 by magnetic attraction. In this embodiment, the detection sensor for detecting the placement direction of the retaining ring is provided with two sets of through-beam detection sensors to ensure accurate detection. The detection seat 541 is also provided with a clamping cylinder 543, and the output end of the clamping cylinder 543 is provided with two clamping claws 544. The clamping claws 544 are provided with a clamping part that can extend into the groove 5411. The bottom of the detection seat 541 is provided with a guide groove to guide the movement of the clamping part. In this embodiment, the inner side of the clamping part is inclined, clamping the end of the retaining ring near the opening, and can cooperate with the magnets 542 to fix the retaining ring in the groove.

[0096] The feeding assembly includes a feeding support 545, a feeding cylinder 546, and a feeding cylinder 547. The feeding support 545 is mounted on the feeding support, and the feeding cylinder 546 is located on the feeding support 545. Its output end is provided with a feeding cylinder 547, which is located directly above the detection seat 541. The detection seat 541 and the feeding support 51 are provided with through-holes for material discharge. Below the material discharge hole of the feeding support 51 is a material discharge pipe 548 for guiding material discharge. The material discharge pipe 548 is fixed to the feeding support 51 by a material discharge mounting plate. The groove 5411 is connected to the material discharge hole on the detection seat 541 and is larger than the material discharge hole. The material discharge pipe 548 is also provided with a detection sensor to detect whether material is being discharged, ensuring that the retaining rings with incorrect placement orientation are pushed down into the collection box. Below the material discharge pipe 548 is a collection box 549 for collecting the retaining rings pushed down by the feeding assembly.

[0097] like Figure 14-15 , Figure 17 As shown, the second feeding assembly 55 includes a second feeding cylinder 551, a second feeding plate 552, and a second guide rail 553. The second feeding cylinder 551 is mounted on the loading support 51, and its output end is equipped with the second feeding plate 552. The second feeding plate 552 is connected to the detection seat 541. The second guide rail 553 is located below the second feeding plate 552 and is slidably connected to the guide rail slider mounted on the loading support 51. The second feeding cylinder 551 is parallel to and staggered with the first feeding cylinder 531, making the overall structure more compact. At the detection station, the groove 5411 on the detection seat 541 and the receiving hole on the first feeding plate 532 are vertically aligned, and the detection seat 541 and the first feeding plate 532 are spaced apart. When the first feeding plate moves to the detection station, the retaining ring in the receiving hole is magnetically attracted into the groove 5411 by the magnet.

[0098] The second feeding assembly 55 also includes a receiving plate 554. One end of the receiving plate 554 overlaps with the detection seat 541 located at the detection station, and the other end is connected to the guide sleeve 464. The top surface of the receiving plate 554 is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the detection seat 541. During the feeding process, it receives the retaining ring located in the groove 5411 to prevent the retaining ring from falling off if the clamping cylinder 543 fails.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, both feeding assembly 1 53 and feeding assembly 2 55 are equipped with buffers to limit the feeding stroke, thereby improving the safety of the equipment operation.

[0100] The working principle of the circlip feeding module is as follows: Initially, the receiving hole of the feeding plate 532 is located at the bottom of the material cylinder 52. When feeding is required, the feeding cylinder 531 is activated, driving one end of the feeding plate 532 with the receiving hole to move to the detection station (directly below the detection seat 541). The other end of the feeding plate 532 moves to the bottom of the material cylinder 52 to receive the circlip inside the material cylinder 52. Under the action of the magnet 542, the circlip is magnetically attracted into the groove 5411 of the detection seat. The feeding plate 532 returns to its original position, and the detection sensor on the detection seat 541 detects whether the circlip is placed in the wrong direction. If the direction is wrong, the pushing cylinder 546 is activated to push the circlip down into the collection box 549. If the direction is correct, the clamping cylinder 543 is activated to clamp the circlip in the groove 5411. The feeding assembly 55 is activated to transport the circlip in the detection seat 541 to the next station for assembly. The snap ring feeding module of the present invention has high feeding efficiency and can detect the placement direction of the snap ring during the feeding process, avoiding snap ring assembly errors, thereby improving the overall assembly quality and assembly efficiency.

[0101] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a worm gear assembly, comprising the following steps:

[0102] S1. Assemble the worm gear assembly. Load the pre-assembled worm gear assembly into the riveting module 2. The riveting module 2 rivets the secondary part coil ring on the worm gear to fix the secondary part on the worm gear, thus completing the assembly of the worm gear assembly itself.

[0103] S2. Oiling: The worm gear assembly is conveyed to the cleaning and oiling module 3 via the conveying module 6 for sequential cleaning and oiling.

[0104] S3. Worm assembly press-fitting: The oiled worm assembly is conveyed to the press-fitting module 4 via the conveying module 6. The press-fitting module 4 presses the worm assembly into the workpiece housing. During press-fitting, the tooth-shifting mechanism automatically corrects misaligned teeth, misaligned teeth, etc., so that the worm and worm wheel can mesh accurately without damaging the teeth of both.

[0105] S4. Snap ring pressing: During pressing, snap ring feeding module 5 feeds snap rings and detects the feeding direction of snap rings. Then, snap rings with the correct feeding direction are conveyed to pressing module 4. After the worm gear assembly is pressed, pressing module 4 presses the snap ring into the workpiece shell to fix the worm gear assembly. Finally, the pressing quality is checked to complete the assembly of the worm gear assembly.

[0106] S5. Unloading: Based on the test results, the conveyor module unloads the assembled product (steering gear) to the corresponding position.

[0107] This invention achieves automatic assembly of worm gear components through processes such as riveting, cleaning and oiling, and pressing. It has a high degree of automation and is easy to operate. During the pressing process of the worm gear, it can automatically correct misaligned teeth and tooth misalignment, so that the worm gear and worm wheel can mesh accurately without damaging the teeth of both. It avoids collision damage between the teeth of the worm gear and worm wheel during pressing, and greatly improves the assembly efficiency and assembly quality.

[0108] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0109] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An assembly device for a worm gear assembly, characterized in that: The system includes a workbench and riveting, cleaning and oiling, pressing, and retaining ring feeding modules mounted on the workbench. The riveting module is used to rivet the coiled ring to fix the auxiliary parts on the worm gear. The cleaning and oiling module is located between the riveting module and the pressing module and is used to clean the worm gear assembly and apply oil to the worm gear. The pressing module is used to press the worm gear and retaining ring, and includes a positioning mechanism, an upper pressing mechanism, and a tooth-shifting mechanism. The positioning mechanism is used to position and fix the workpiece. The upper pressing mechanism is located above the positioning mechanism and is used to press the worm gear into the workpiece housing and connect it to the worm wheel in the housing. The tooth-shifting mechanism is located below the positioning mechanism and can rotate the worm wheel during the worm gear pressing process. The retaining ring feeding module is located on one side of the pressing module and is used to feed the retaining ring to the pressing module. It also includes a conveying module, which is used to convey materials between the riveting module, the cleaning and oiling module, and the pressing module; The riveting module includes a pressing base, a pressing mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a guiding mechanism, a riveting fixture, and a lifting mechanism. The pressing mechanism is located at the upper end of the pressing base, and the riveting fixture is located at the bottom of the pressing base. The pressing mechanism and the riveting fixture cooperate to press the riveting coiled ring. The lifting mechanism is located between the pressing mechanism and the riveting fixture and is used to lift and fix the worm gear assembly and limit the position of the coiled ring on the worm gear. The lifting mechanism is located on the pressing base, and its output end is connected to the lifting mechanism and the guiding mechanism. It can drive the lifting mechanism and the guiding mechanism to move synchronously to guide and transport the worm gear assembly to the riveting fixture. The guiding mechanism is located below the riveting fixture and is placed on top of the bottom of the worm gear assembly during pressing to guide the pressing. The pressing module also includes a lower pressing mechanism, which is located below the positioning mechanism. This mechanism presses against the bottom of the worm gear during pressing by the upper pressing mechanism. The lower pressing mechanism includes a lower pressing support, a lower pressing rod, and a driving assembly that drives the lower pressing rod to move axially along the worm gear shaft hole. The driving assembly is located on the lower pressing support and includes a lead screw, a lower pressing motor, and a lower pressing movable seat. The lower pressing motor is located at the bottom of the lower pressing support, and its output end is connected to the lead screw. The lead screw is located on the lower pressing support and is rotatably connected to it. The lower pressing movable seat is connected to the lead screw nut on the lead screw via a lower pressing connecting plate. One side of the lower pressing support has a slide rail that is slidably connected to the lower pressing movable seat. The top of the lower pressing support has a bushing. The lower pressing rod is located on the lower pressing movable seat and is inserted into the bushing, slidably connected to it.

2. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying module includes a robot and / or at least one lifting and rotating mechanism, the lifting and rotating mechanism including a material gripper and a lifting and rotating assembly for driving the material gripper to lift and rotate.

3. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing mechanism includes a pressing drive, a pressing rod, and a pressing guide seat. The pressing drive is located on the top of the pressing seat, and its output end is provided with a pressing guide seat. The pressing rod is located below the pressing guide seat. The front side of the pressing seat is provided with slide rails located opposite to both sides of the pressing rod. The pressing guide seat is slidably connected to the slide rails. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting connecting seat and a gripper cylinder. The lifting connecting seat is connected to the output end of the lifting mechanism. A gripper cylinder is provided on its front side. The output end of the gripper cylinder is provided with two lifting grippers. The gripping end of the lifting gripper is provided with a gripping part and a lifting part. The gripping part is arc-shaped and is used to grip the worm gear assembly. The lifting part is located at the lower end of the gripping part and extends toward the center of the arc-shaped gripping part for lifting the coiled ring.

4. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism includes a guide rod, a guide slide, and a guide connecting rod. The guide rod and the pressing rod are coaxially arranged. The lower end of the guide rod is elastically connected to the guide slide, and the upper end of the guide rod can extend into the pressing hole of the riveting fixture. One end of the guide slide is provided with a guide connecting rod extending toward the lifting mechanism. The guide connecting rod is connected to the output end of the lifting mechanism. The guiding mechanism also includes a guide assembly for guiding the movement of the guide rod.

5. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning and oiling module includes a cleaning mechanism and an oiling mechanism. The cleaning mechanism is used to clean the worm gear assembly. The oiling mechanism includes a pressure cylinder with a pressure oil chamber inside. The inner wall of the pressure oil chamber has multiple rows of oiling holes arranged along the axial direction of the pressure cylinder. Each row of oiling holes includes multiple oiling holes arranged circumferentially, and each row of oiling holes is located close to the tooth groove of each tooth of the worm gear.

6. The worm gear assembly assembly apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The oiling mechanism also includes an oiling cylinder, the lower end of which is fixed to the workbench, and the upper end of which is provided with a placement hole for placing the worm gear assembly. The pressure cylinder is located inside the oiling cylinder, and the pressure cylinder has a cavity communicating with the placement hole. The cavity at least accommodates the toothed part of the worm gear to be oiled and is clearance-fitted with the toothed part. The oiling cylinder is provided with at least one oil inlet communicating with the pressure oil chamber, and the oil inlet is provided with an oil inlet connector. An oil receiving tank is provided below the oiling cylinder.

7. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism includes a positioning fixture, a straightening component, and a pressing component. The positioning fixture is mounted on the positioning base plate and is used to position the workpiece shell. A transverse component that drives the positioning base plate to move in the front-back direction is also provided below the positioning base plate. The pressing assembly is used to fix the workpiece and includes a pressing plate and a pressing drive. The pressing drive is mounted on the upper pressing support, and its output end is provided with a pressing moving plate. The pressing moving plate is provided with a pressing plate on its front side. The pressing plate can press down on the top of the workpiece under the action of the pressing drive. The straightening assembly is located directly above the positioning fixture and is used to receive the material and straighten the worm. The straightening assembly includes a straightening cylinder. The pressing plate has a U-shaped through hole in the middle. The straightening cylinder is located in the U-shaped through hole and its output end is provided with two straightening jaws. When the straightening jaws are closed, there is a straightening hole between the two straightening jaws that is coaxial with the worm shaft hole. The straightening hole is clearance-fitted with the maximum outer diameter part of the worm.

8. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing mechanism is mounted on the pressing support and includes a pressing cylinder, a pressing connecting seat, and a pressing rod. The pressing cylinder is located at the upper end of the pressing support, and its output end is provided with a connector that connects to the pressing connecting seat. A spring is provided at the top of the pressing rod, and a spring cover is provided above the spring. The pressing rod is elastically connected to the pressing connecting seat through the spring. A pressure sensor for detecting the worm gear pressing pressure is provided between the top plate of the pressing connecting seat and the spring cover.

9. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tooth-shifting mechanism is mounted on the lower push mechanism and includes a tooth-shifting cylinder, a tooth-shifting rod, and a shift block. The driving assembly can drive the tooth-shifting mechanism to move synchronously with the lower push rod. The output end of the tooth-shifting cylinder is provided with a tooth-shifting rod, which is inserted into the lower push rod. A shift block is provided at its top. The first end of the shift block is hinged to the lower push rod, and the second end is provided with a shifting part that engages with the external teeth of the worm gear. The middle part of the shift block is also provided with a hinge hole that is hinged to the tooth-shifting rod. Under the action of the tooth-shifting cylinder, the shift block rotates around the hinge point at the first end, thereby extending out of the lower push rod to shift the worm gear or retracting the lower push rod.

10. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that: The pressing module also includes a retaining ring pressing mechanism, which includes an upper pressing cylinder, a guide cylinder, a guide seat, and a guide sleeve. The upper pressing cylinder is located below the upper pressing connecting seat and is elastically connected to the upper pressing connecting seat of the upper pressing mechanism through multiple springs. The upper pressing cylinder is sleeved outside the upper pressing rod and is slidably connected to the upper pressing rod. The guide cylinder is located on one side of the upper pressing support, and its output end is provided with a guide seat located in front of the upper pressing support. The guide seat is provided with a guide sleeve in the middle. The guide sleeve is concentrically arranged with the upper pressing cylinder, and the upper pressing cylinder can be inserted into the guide sleeve and slidably connected to the guide sleeve under the action of the upper pressing mechanism.

11. The assembly apparatus for the worm gear assembly according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that: The circlip feeding module includes a feeding support and a material cylinder, a first feeding component, a detection mechanism, and a second feeding component, all mounted on the feeding support. The material cylinder contains multiple stacked circlips. The first feeding component is located below the material cylinder and is used to feed the circlips from the material cylinder to the detection station. The detection mechanism is located at the detection station and includes a detection seat and a pushing component. The detection seat can support the circlips and is equipped with a detection sensor for detecting the placement orientation of the circlips. The pushing component is used to push circlips with incorrect placement orientation away from the detection seat. The second feeding component is connected to the detection seat and is used to feed the circlips carried on the detection seat to the pressing module.

12. The worm gear assembly assembly apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The material cylinder includes a material cylinder side seat, a material cylinder base, uprights, a sliding strip, and a counterweight sleeve. The material cylinder side seat is mounted on a feeding support, and the material cylinder base is located on one side of the lower end of the material cylinder side seat. Multiple uprights are arranged in a ring above the material cylinder base, and the top of the multiple uprights is provided with a top cover that connects to multiple top rods. The sliding strip is located in the middle of the material cylinder side seat facing the uprights, and the open end of the retaining ring is engaged with the outside of the sliding strip. The material cylinder base and the top cover are both provided with grooves that fit the sliding strip. The counterweight sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the multiple uprights to help the retaining ring in the material cylinder fall down.

13. The worm gear assembly assembly apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The feeding assembly includes a feeding cylinder, a feeding plate, and a guide rail. The feeding plate is located at the output end of the feeding cylinder and is positioned below the material cylinder. It has a receiving hole corresponding to the material cylinder. The guide rail is located below the feeding plate and is slidably connected to a guide rail slider on the feeding support. A feeding guide plate is also located above the feeding plate and is positioned along the feeding direction of the feeding plate. A material guiding channel is provided between the feeding guide plate and the feeding plate.

14. The worm gear assembly assembly apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The bottom of the detection seat is provided with a groove, and a plurality of magnets are provided around the groove. At least part of the magnets are located in the groove for magnetically attracting the retaining ring. The detection seat is also provided with a clamping cylinder. The output end of the clamping cylinder is provided with two clamping claws. The clamping claws are provided with clamping parts that can extend into the groove. The feeding assembly includes a feeding support, a feeding cylinder, and a feeding cylinder. The feeding support is mounted on the feeding support, the feeding cylinder is located on the feeding support, and its output end is provided with a feeding cylinder. The feeding cylinder is located directly above the detection seat. The detection seat and the feeding support are provided with through-holes for material discharge. Below the material discharge hole of the feeding support is a material discharge pipe for guiding material discharge, and below the material discharge pipe is a collection box.

15. The worm gear assembly assembly apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second feeding assembly includes a second feeding cylinder, a second feeding plate, a second guide rail, and a receiving plate. The second feeding cylinder is mounted on the feeding support, and its output end is equipped with the second feeding plate. The second feeding plate is connected to the detection seat. The second guide rail is located below the second feeding plate and is slidably connected to the guide rail slider mounted on the feeding support. One end of the receiving plate overlaps with the detection seat located at the detection station, and the other end is connected to the retaining ring pressing mechanism of the pressing module. The top surface of the receiving plate is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the detection seat, and it receives the retaining ring located in the groove during the feeding process.

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