An inverted assembly apparatus for an air spring seal cover and a clip

Abstract

The application discloses an inverted assembling device for an air spring sealing cover and a clamp spring, which comprises a feeding device, a conveying line, a lifting device, a locking device, a transplanting module, a supporting device and a synchronous pressing device; the feeding device comprises a placing die, and the clamp spring and the inverted sealing cover are received in the placing die; the conveying line conveys a bearing seat loaded with an inverted air spring semi-finished product or a finished product; the lifting device lifts the bearing seat to a predetermined position; the locking device locks the bearing seat; the transplanting module moves the locked bearing seat to a pressing position; the supporting device axially presses the air spring semi-finished product; and the synchronous pressing device comprises a pressing head, which extends into the placing die from bottom to top, presses the sealing cover into an air chamber and synchronously presses the clamp spring into a clamp spring groove; the application makes the clamp spring be constrained by gravity through inverted assembling, eliminates the hidden danger of splashing and hurting people, reduces secondary positioning through synchronous pressing and axial pressing, reduces the sealing cover scratch rate, replaces artificial high-intensity labor through full-automatic operation, and improves production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automated assembly technology for automotive parts, and relates to a technology for assembling a sealing cover and a retaining ring for an air spring, and particularly to an inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring. Background Technology

[0002] Air springs, as a core component of automotive air suspension systems, are increasingly widely used in new energy vehicles, especially in new energy heavy trucks and high-end passenger cars. The assembly of the air spring's sealing cap and retaining ring is a critical step in the air spring manufacturing process. The sealing cap, typically a rubber component, is used to seal the top of the air spring's chamber; the retaining ring, a metal elastic component, is used to fix the sealing cap to the inner wall of the air chamber. The quality of their assembly directly affects the air spring's sealing performance and service life.

[0003] Currently, the assembly of sealing caps and retaining rings is mostly completed manually or using traditional upright semi-automatic pressing equipment. However, in actual production, the existing technology has the following technical problems:

[0004] Significant safety hazards: Snap rings have considerable elastic tension, making them highly susceptible to splashing during manual pressing, leading to frequent workplace injuries. Statistics show that such injuries account for 23% of all accidents related to air spring assembly, seriously impacting production safety.

[0005] Unstable product quality: During manual or traditional equipment pressing, the sealing cap is prone to scratches due to inaccurate alignment or uneven force, resulting in sealing failure.

[0006] Low production efficiency and high labor intensity: For air springs of commercial vehicles (such as new energy heavy trucks) with a diameter of 180mm or more, the force required for manual pressing is as high as 7000N or more, which is extremely labor-intensive and has low production efficiency, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production.

[0007] Poor flexibility and significant changeover losses: With the rapid iteration of vehicle models, the demand for mixed-line production of air springs of different specifications is becoming increasingly prominent. However, traditional equipment has a long changeover time, usually more than 4 hours, resulting in huge downtime losses and making it difficult to adapt to the flexible production mode of small batches and multiple varieties.

[0008] In summary, there is an urgent need to develop an automated device that can achieve safe, stable, efficient, and flexible assembly of sealing caps and snap rings, in order to solve the problems of safety hazards, unstable quality, low efficiency, and difficulty in changing models in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring, which can realize the automated assembly of the sealing cover and the retaining ring through the inverted assembly process, and the retaining ring is constrained by gravity, eliminating the safety hazard of splashing and injuring people; it can reduce secondary positioning and ensure alignment accuracy through synchronous pressing and axial clamping, thereby reducing the scratch rate of the sealing cover; it can replace the high-intensity manual pressing work through fully automated operation, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing labor intensity.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problem is: an inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring, characterized in that it includes:

[0011] A supply device includes a placement mold for receiving a retaining spring and an inverted sealing cap;

[0012] A conveyor line is used to transport a support bearing an inverted air spring semi-finished or finished product.

[0013] A lifting device, located below the conveyor line, is used to lift the support seat to a predetermined position;

[0014] A locking device is used to lock the support seat that has been lifted to a predetermined position;

[0015] The transfer module is used to transfer the locked carrier to the pressing position;

[0016] A support device is provided above the press-fitting position to press the air spring semi-finished product axially.

[0017] A synchronous pressing device is located below the pressing position and includes a pressing head. The pressing head is used to extend from bottom to top into the placement mold that is already located directly above it, and press the sealing cap together with the connecting bushing of the air spring semi-finished product into the air chamber of the air spring semi-finished product, and simultaneously press the retaining ring into the retaining ring groove of the sealing cap.

[0018] The supply device further includes:

[0019] Rodless cylinder, vertically installed;

[0020] A swing cylinder is horizontally positioned and connected to the rodless cylinder via an adapter plate;

[0021] A swing plate is connected to the output end of the swing cylinder, and the placement mold is disposed on the end of the swing plate;

[0022] A receiving cylinder is horizontally mounted on the swing plate;

[0023] The receiving rod is symmetrically arranged on the end of the cylinder rod of the receiving cylinder. The receiving rod passes through the placement mold to support the snap ring and the inverted sealing cap.

[0024] In this structure, the placement mold is driven to move vertically up and down by a rodless cylinder and to swing horizontally by a swing cylinder, enabling the placement mold to automatically reciprocate between the receiving position and the pressing position, thus achieving automatic feeding of the sealing cap and the retaining ring. The receiving cylinder drives the receiving rod to move horizontally, allowing the receiving rod to extend into or out of the placement mold, thereby stably supporting the retaining ring and the inverted sealing cap during receiving and avoiding the pressure head during pressing, ensuring the coordinated connection between the feeding and pressing actions.

[0025] The lower part of the inner cavity of the placement mold is designed as a flared structure to guide the indenter. The middle part of the inner cavity of the placement mold is designed as a straight hole section adapted to the indenter body of the indenter. The inner diameter of the upper part of the inner cavity of the placement mold is larger than the inner diameter of the straight hole section, thereby forming a boss between the two. The boss is used to place the retaining ring. The middle and upper parts of the inner cavity of the placement mold are also provided with grooves adapted to the shrinkage flaps on the indenter, so that the shrinkage flaps on the indenter can contact the retaining ring after radial expansion in the grooves. The top surface of the receiving rod is flush with the end face of the boss and is used to support the retaining ring and the inverted sealing cap. In this structure, the lower flared structure guides the pressure head, allowing it to smoothly enter the placement mold and avoiding jamming and collisions. The middle straight hole section is adapted to the pressure head body, ensuring the pressure head maintains coaxiality during its ascent and guaranteeing pressing accuracy. The upper inner diameter, larger than the inner diameter of the straight hole section, forms a boss, allowing the retaining spring to be stably placed on the boss, achieving accurate positioning of the retaining spring before pressing. The grooves in the middle and upper sections, adapted to the shrink flap, allow the shrink flap to expand radially after entering the grooves, thus reliably contacting the retaining spring. The top surface of the receiving rod is flush with the end face of the boss, allowing the receiving rod to simultaneously support the inner ring of the retaining spring and the top surface of the sealing cap body, achieving stable placement of the retaining spring and sealing cap in the same position.

[0026] The pressure head includes:

[0027] The pressure head body has multiple mounting grooves spaced apart along its circumference, and its top surface can contact the top surface of the main body of the sealing cover.

[0028] Multiple contraction valves, each of which is disposed in a corresponding mounting groove, and an elastic element is connected to the contraction valve, the elastic element driving the contraction valve to expand radially;

[0029] The shrinkage flap is configured such that when the pressure head extends into the placement mold, it overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element and retracts radially inward to pass through the flared structure; when the shrinkage flap enters the groove, it expands radially under the action of the elastic element so that its top surface can contact the retaining spring.

[0030] During the pressing process, the retaining ring and the sealing cap, together with the connecting bushing, move upward synchronously with the pressing head. The main body of the sealing cap, together with the connecting bushing, is first pressed into the air chamber to a preset depth. Then, the retaining ring is pressed into the retaining ring groove, and at the same time, the main body of the sealing cap, together with the connecting bushing, is pressed into the air chamber to its final position.

[0031] In this structure, the shrinking flap retracts radially inward at the flared structure of the mold placement and expands radially at the groove in two stages. This allows the pressure head to pass smoothly through the flared and straight hole sections and then automatically expands in the groove to contact the retaining spring, achieving a reliable engagement between the pressure head and the retaining spring. By controlling the timing of the sealing cap being pressed in first and the retaining spring being pressed in later during the pressure head pressing process, the sealing cap first partially enters the air chamber to establish initial positioning, and then the retaining spring is pressed into the retaining spring groove. This ensures that the retaining spring can accurately engage in the groove without damaging the sealing cap, improving assembly quality and yield.

[0032] The lifting device includes:

[0033] Multiple lifting bars, evenly distributed;

[0034] A lifting cylinder is used to drive the lifting rod to contact the carrier and lift the carrier, thereby achieving a large stroke and rapid lifting of the carrier until it is lifted to a predetermined position.

[0035] The disengagement cylinder is used to disengage the lifting rod from the carrier after the carrier is locked.

[0036] In this structure, a large-stroke, rapid lifting is achieved through a lifting cylinder, allowing the carrier to be quickly raised from the conveyor line position to the predetermined position, thus improving the production cycle time. By using a disengagement cylinder to drive the lifting rod to disengage from the carrier after it is locked, the lifting cylinder can wait for the next connection without needing to descend and reset, saving connection time and further improving production efficiency.

[0037] The locking device includes:

[0038] Movable supports, symmetrically distributed;

[0039] A locking bracket is positioned below the movable bracket.

[0040] A floating structure is provided between the movable bracket and the corresponding locking bracket;

[0041] A locking cylinder is horizontally mounted on the locking and fixing bracket;

[0042] The locking pin, driven by the locking cylinder, is used to engage with the locking hole on the bearing seat to achieve locking.

[0043] In this structure, the symmetrical distribution of movable supports allows the locking device to apply uniform locking force to the bearing seat from both sides, ensuring locking stability. The floating structure positioned between the movable supports and the locking fixed supports enables the locking device to adapt to the positional deviation of the bearing seat, achieving precise positioning and reliable locking. The locking cylinder drives the locking pin to engage with the locking hole, achieving automatic locking of the bearing seat and providing a stable workpiece base for subsequent press fitting.

[0044] The transplanting module includes:

[0045] The transplanting platform has elongated through holes for the air spring semi-finished or finished product to move between the predetermined position and the pressing position;

[0046] A sliding platform is movably mounted on the transplanting platform and used to fix the movable support.

[0047] A translation mechanism is used to drive the slide table to move horizontally, so that the support seat moves back and forth between a predetermined position and a pressing position.

[0048] In this structure, a movable bracket is fixed by a slide table and driven to move horizontally by a translation mechanism, so that the locked bearing seat, together with the locking device, can be moved from the predetermined position to the pressing position, ensuring the stability of the bearing seat's posture during the transfer process; through the long strip-shaped through hole opened on the transfer platform, the air spring semi-finished or finished product is not interfered with during the movement, realizing the smooth movement of the workpiece.

[0049] The support device includes a support cylinder connected below the transplanting platform. Support members are symmetrically connected to the cylinder rods on both sides of the support cylinder. These support members provide multi-point support for the air spring semi-finished product, thereby axially pressing it. In this structure, the support cylinder drives the symmetrically connected support members on both sides to provide multi-point support for the air spring semi-finished product and axially press it, effectively resisting the upward force generated when the pressure head presses from bottom to top. This prevents axial displacement of the air spring semi-finished product during the pressing process, ensuring pressing accuracy and stability.

[0050] The inverted assembly equipment also includes a fall prevention and straightening device located above the transplanting platform. This device comprises a fall prevention cylinder, a clearance cylinder, and a straightening cylinder. The fall prevention cylinder is vertically positioned to drive the clearance cylinder and the straightening cylinder to rise and fall. The clearance cylinder is horizontally positioned to drive the straightening cylinder to move horizontally. Straightening components are symmetrically connected to the cylinder rods on both sides of the straightening cylinder. These components are used to straighten the vibration damper of the air spring semi-finished product. In this structure, the fall prevention cylinder drives the straightening cylinder to rise and fall, allowing the straightening components to descend to their working position during pressing and rise to clear obstacles during transplanting, thus achieving automatic forward and backward movement of the fall prevention and straightening device. The clearance cylinder drives the straightening cylinder to move horizontally, allowing the straightening components to horizontally avoid the air spring semi-finished product during transplanting, preventing interference. The straightening cylinder drives the symmetrically connected straightening components on both sides to clamp the vibration damper, ensuring reliable straightening of the vibration damper during pressing, preventing falling and tilting, and guaranteeing press coaxiality.

[0051] The synchronous pressing device further includes a buffer mechanism and a servo drive mechanism for driving the buffer mechanism and the pressing head to rise and fall. The buffer mechanism includes:

[0052] abutment;

[0053] Top plate, used for connection to the bottom of the pressure head body;

[0054] The base body is disposed within the base platform;

[0055] A guide shaft is connected to the bottom of the top plate and extends into the seat body;

[0056] A limiting plate, connected to the top of the seat, is used to cooperate with the bottom of the top plate to form a buffer stroke;

[0057] A buffer element is disposed between the guide shaft and the seat body to buffer the impact force received by the press head during the press-fitting process.

[0058] In this structure, a servo drive mechanism drives the buffer mechanism and the lifting of the pressure head, enabling precise control of the pressure head's pressing speed and position, thus achieving accurate pressing. A buffer stroke is formed by the cooperation of the limit plate and the bottom of the top plate, ensuring that the pressure head passes through the buffer stroke before completing the pressing process, providing space for the buffer element to function. The buffer element, positioned between the guide shaft and the base, effectively absorbs the impact force received by the pressure head during pressing, preventing damage to the air spring semi-finished product and equipment from rigid impacts, extending equipment life, and improving pressing quality.

[0059] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0060] 1) The placement mold in the supply device is used to receive the retaining ring and the inverted sealing cap, while the conveyor line is used to transport the carrier holding the inverted air spring semi-finished product. This allows both the sealing cap and the air spring semi-finished product to enter the assembly station in an inverted position. Based on this, the pressure head in the synchronous pressing device extends into the placement mold from bottom to top for pressing. Through the above inverted assembly process (inverted sealing cap, inverted semi-finished product, and pressure head from bottom to top), the retaining ring is always under the constraint of gravity throughout the pressing process. Even if it accidentally splashes, it will fall downwards due to gravity and will not injure the operator, thus completely eliminating the safety hazard of the retaining ring splashing upwards and injuring people during manual pressing.

[0061] 2) The press head in the synchronous pressing device presses the sealing cap and connecting bushing into the air chamber, simultaneously pressing the retaining ring into the retaining ring groove of the sealing cap. This allows the sealing cap and retaining ring to be assembled in a single pressing action, reducing alignment deviations caused by secondary positioning in traditional step-by-step assembly and avoiding scratches on the sealing cap caused by repeated pressing. The support device is positioned above the pressing position and axially presses the air spring semi-finished product, effectively resisting the upward force generated by the press head during bottom-up pressing, preventing axial movement of the air spring semi-finished product during pressing, and ensuring the alignment accuracy between the sealing cap and the air chamber, and between the retaining ring and the retaining ring groove. In addition, the bottom-up pressing direction of the press head ensures smooth contact and uniform force between the press head and the sealing cap and retaining ring during the rising process, further avoiding scratches on the sealing cap caused by uneven force during manual pressing or upright pressing. Through the synergistic effect of the above mechanisms, the scratch rate of the sealing cap is significantly reduced, and the assembly quality is significantly improved.

[0062] 3) The press head in the synchronous pressing device presses the sealing cap and retaining ring into their respective positions simultaneously, completing two processes in one automated action, replacing the traditional manual step-by-step pressing. Simultaneously, the transfer module automatically moves the locked carrier from the predetermined position to the pressing position, achieving automatic workpiece transfer without manual handling; the lifting device automatically lifts the carrier from the conveyor line to the predetermined position, achieving automatic workpiece loading; the locking device automatically locks the carrier lifted to the predetermined position, ensuring the stability of the workpiece during pressing without manual assistance. Through the fully automated operation of lifting, locking, transferring, and synchronous pressing, the high-intensity pressing labor of over 7000N is completely replaced by manual labor, significantly improving production efficiency and significantly reducing the labor intensity of operators.

[0063] 4) The inverted assembly equipment of the present invention can quickly adapt to the production needs of products of different specifications, greatly shorten the changeover time, and truly realize a flexible production mode of small batch and multiple varieties.

[0064] First, the modular tooling design enables rapid replacement of key tooling. The placement mold can automatically reciprocate between the receiving position and the pressing position. When it is necessary to change the product specifications, only the placement mold needs to be replaced, without disassembling the entire supply device.

[0065] Secondly, the adjustable mechanism adaptively reduces the precision adjustment time during model changeovers. The radial expansion of the contraction flap on the pressure head is adjustable, allowing the same pressure head to adapt to a certain range of circlip size variations without needing to replace the pressure head for minor adjustments to circlip specifications. The support device drives the support component via a support cylinder, and the support position can be quickly adjusted via the cylinder's stroke. The anti-fall and straightening device, through the linkage of the anti-fall cylinder, avoidance cylinder, and straightening cylinder, allows for rapid adjustment of the clamping range and lifting stroke of the straightening component according to different damper specifications.

[0066] Third, the pressing parameters can be quickly configured through servo drive parameter switching. The servo drive mechanism adopts programmable control, which allows the pressing speed, stroke and pressure of the pressing head to be quickly switched according to different product specifications through software parameters without mechanical adjustment, thus realizing flexible configuration of pressing parameters. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0069] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the supply device (with a retaining spring and a sealing cap placed inside the mold) in the equipment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a local part of the structure;

[0071] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the placement mold and receiving rod in the supply device of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0072] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the placement mold and receiving rod in the supply device of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0073] Figure 7 This is an axial sectional view of the placement mold (containing a retaining spring and a sealing cap) in the supply device of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 8 This is an exploded structural diagram of the support base (on which a semi-finished air spring is placed) in the device of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 9 This is a simplified structural diagram of the support base in the device of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting device in the equipment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the support base (partial structure), locking device and transplanting module (partial structure) in the device of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 12 This is a partial schematic diagram of the connection structure of the support base (partial structure), locking device and transplanting module in the device of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the support device in the device of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support device in the device of the present invention supporting the semi-finished air spring;

[0081] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the fall prevention and righting device in the equipment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0082] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the fall prevention and righting device in the equipment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0083] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-fall and uprighting device uprighting air spring semi-finished product in the device of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the synchronous pressing device in the equipment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 19 This is a partial structural diagram of the synchronous pressing device in the equipment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 20 This is an axial sectional view of the buffer mechanism in the synchronous pressing device of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 21 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of the buffer mechanism in the synchronous pressing device of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure head in the synchronous pressing device of the present invention;

[0089] Figure 23 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of the pressure head in the synchronous pressing device of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the sealing cap and retaining ring before they are pressed into the air spring semi-finished product.

[0091] Figure 25 This is a structural diagram of a finished air spring. Detailed Implementation

[0092] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0093] like Figure 24 and Figure 25 as well as Figure 14 As shown, an air spring A is a vibration damping element that uses compressed air to achieve elasticity. It typically includes an air chamber A1, an air bladder A2, a protective sleeve A3, a dust cover A4, a shock absorber A5, and a sealing cap A6. The air chamber A1, as the upper cavity of the air spring A, is used to contain compressed air. The air bladder A2 is connected below the air chamber A1 and can expand and contract with changes in air pressure. The protective sleeve A3 is fitted over the air bladder A2 for protection. The dust cover A4 is located below the protective sleeve A3 to prevent dust from entering. The shock absorber A5 is located within the cavity formed by the air chamber A1, air bladder A2, protective sleeve A3, and dust cover A4. Its shock absorber telescopic rod A51 extends upwards, and a connecting bushing A52 is fitted at the end of the telescopic rod A51. The sealing cap A6 is used to seal the top opening of the air chamber A1. The sealing cover A6 includes a body portion A61. A connecting portion A62 for fixed installation with the vehicle body is provided at the top center of the body portion A61. The side of the body portion A61 has an annular retaining ring groove (not shown in the figure) and a sealing groove (not shown in the figure). A sealing ring A65 is fitted into the sealing groove, and the retaining ring groove is positioned above the sealing groove. During assembly, the body portion A61 of the sealing cover A6 is aligned with the top opening of the air chamber A1 and pressed in, so that the sealing ring A65 fits tightly against the inner wall of the air chamber A1. After the body portion A61 of the sealing cover A6 is pressed in to a predetermined depth, the retaining ring A7 is embedded in the retaining ring groove. Since the natural outer diameter of the retaining ring A7 is larger than the inner diameter of the top opening of the air chamber A1, when the retaining ring A7 is pressed in, its elastic tension will cause it to expand outwards and tightly lock into the inner side of the air chamber A1, thereby achieving the fixed installation of the sealing cover A6 on the air spring. The device of the present invention is used to achieve the automated assembly of the sealing cover A6 and the retaining ring A7 described above.

[0094] This invention proposes an inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring, such as... Figures 1 to 23 As shown, it includes a supply device 1, a conveyor line 2, a lifting device 3, a locking device 4, a transplanting module 5, a support device 6, a fall prevention and straightening device 7, and a synchronous pressing device 8.

[0095] In this embodiment, the supply device 1 includes a mounting bracket 11, a rodless cylinder 12 vertically mounted on the mounting bracket 11, a swing cylinder 14 connected to the rodless cylinder 12 via an adapter plate 13, a swing plate 15 connected to the output end of the swing cylinder 14, and a placement mold 16 mounted on the end of the swing plate 15. The swing cylinder 14 is horizontally mounted. The rodless cylinder 12 drives the placement mold 16 to rise and fall, and the swing cylinder 14 drives the placement mold 16 to swing to the pressing position. The cooperation of the rodless cylinder 12 and the swing cylinder 14 enables the placement mold 16 to move between the receiving position and the pressing position. A receiving cylinder 17 is horizontally mounted on the swing plate 15. Two receiving rods 18 are symmetrically connected to the end of the cylinder rod of the receiving cylinder 17. The receiving rods 18 pass through the through holes 161 opened on the placement mold 16 to support the retaining ring A7 and the inverted sealing cap A6.

[0096] In this embodiment, the placement mold 16 is used to receive the retaining ring A7 and the inverted sealing cap A6. The lower part of the inner cavity of the placement mold 16 is designed as a flared structure 162 for guiding the pressure head 81 in the synchronous pressing device 8; the middle part of the inner cavity of the placement mold 16 is designed as a straight hole section 163 adapted to the pressure head body 811 of the pressure head 81; the inner diameter of the upper part of the inner cavity of the placement mold 16 is larger than the inner diameter of the straight hole section 163, thereby forming a boss 164 between the upper part and the straight hole section 163, which is used to place the retaining ring A7; the middle and upper parts of the inner cavity of the placement mold 16 are also provided with grooves 165 adapted to the shrinkage flap 812 on the pressure head 81, so that the shrinkage flap 812 on the pressure head 81 can contact the retaining ring A7 after radial expansion in the groove 165. The top surface of the receiving rod 18 is flush with the end face of the boss 164 and is used to support the retaining ring A7 and the inverted sealing cap A6. When the retaining ring A7 is placed into the placement mold 16, the outer ring of the retaining ring A7 is supported by the boss 164, and the inner ring of the retaining ring A7 is supported by the top surface of the receiving rod 18. When the sealing cover A6 is inverted into the placement mold 16, the connecting part A62 of the sealing cover A6 passes through the space between the two receiving rods 18, so that the top surface of the body part A61 of the sealing cover A6 is supported by the receiving rod 18, and the bottom opening end face of the sealing cover A6 is basically flush with the mold opening of the placement mold 16.

[0097] In this embodiment, the conveyor line 2 is used to convey the carrier 21 carrying the inverted air spring semi-finished product B or the finished product. The carrier 21 includes a base 211 and a positioning cavity seat 212. The base 211 is placed on the conveyor line 2. The base 211 has a through hole 213 for the connecting bushing A52 of the air spring semi-finished product B to extend out. The base 211 has locking plates 214 symmetrically arranged on both sides. The locking plates 214 have multiple locking holes 215. The positioning cavity seat 212 is disposed on the base 211, and the through hole 213 is coaxial with the cavity of the positioning cavity seat 212. The cavity of the positioning cavity seat 212 is designed as a contour structure adapted to the air chamber A1 of the air spring semi-finished product B.

[0098] In this embodiment, the lifting device 3 is disposed below the conveyor line 2 and is used to lift the carrier 21 to a predetermined position. The lifting device 3 includes a lifting fixed plate 31, a lifting cylinder 32 vertically mounted on the lifting fixed plate 31 with the cylinder rod facing upward, a lifting moving plate 33 connected to the cylinder rod of the lifting cylinder 32, a disengagement cylinder 34 vertically mounted on the lifting fixed plate 31 with the cylinder rod facing downward, a disengagement abutment plate 35 for abutting against the cylinder rod of the disengagement cylinder 34, a guide rod 36 passing through the lifting fixed plate 31 and fixed between the lifting moving plate 33 and the disengagement abutment plate 35, and a plurality of evenly distributed lifting rods 37 on the lifting moving plate 33. The lifting cylinder 32 is used to drive the lifting rods 37 to contact the base 211 of the carrier 21 and lift the carrier 21, realizing a large-stroke rapid lifting of the carrier 21 until it is lifted to the predetermined position. The disengagement cylinder 34 is used to drive the disengagement abutment plate 35 to move downward after the carrier seat 21 is locked, causing the lifting moving plate 33 to descend a short distance, thereby disengaging the lifting rod 37 from the base 211 of the carrier seat 21. The structure of the disengagement cylinder 34 and the disengagement abutment plate 35 can save production cycle time, because the finished product after the sealing cover A6 and the retaining spring A7 are assembled still needs to return to the conveyor line 2 through the same lifting device 3. The lifting rod 37 only needs to descend a few tens of millimeters to quickly catch the carrier seat 21 after pressing, eliminating the connection time of the lifting device 3 fully resetting and then rising again in traditional equipment.

[0099] In this embodiment, the locking device 4 is used to lock the support seat 21 raised to a predetermined position. The locking device 4 includes two symmetrically distributed movable supports 41, a locking fixing support 42 correspondingly disposed below the movable supports 41, a floating structure 43 disposed between the movable supports 41 and the corresponding locking fixing support 42, a locking cylinder 44 horizontally mounted on the locking fixing support 42, a locking moving plate 45 connected to the cylinder rod of the locking cylinder 44, and a plurality of locking pins 46 driven by the locking cylinder 44 and mounted on the locking moving plate 45. The locking pins 46 cooperate with the locking holes 215 on the support seat 21 to achieve locking.

[0100] In this embodiment, the floating structure 43 includes multiple evenly distributed pins 431 and springs 432 sleeved on the pins 431. The pins 431 pass through the top of the locking bracket 42 and are connected to the bottom of the movable bracket 41, so that the locking bracket 42 can float up and down relative to the movable bracket 41, thereby achieving adaptive positioning.

[0101] In this embodiment, the transplanting module 5 is used to transfer the locked bearing seat 21 to the pressing position. The transplanting module 5 includes a transplanting platform 51, a slide table 52, and a translation mechanism 53. The transplanting platform 51 is located above the lifting device 3 and the synchronous pressing device 8. The transplanting platform 51 has an elongated through hole 511 for the air spring semi-finished product B or finished product to move between the predetermined position and the pressing position. The slide table 52 is movably mounted on the transplanting platform 51 through a linear guide pair. The slide table 52 is connected to the top of the movable bracket 41, so that the locking device 4 moves with the slide table 52. The translation mechanism 53 is used to drive the slide table 52 to move horizontally between the predetermined position and the pressing position, so that the bearing seat 21 moves between the predetermined position and the pressing position.

[0102] In this embodiment, the translation mechanism 53 includes a translation cylinder 531 horizontally mounted on the transplanting platform 51, and the cylinder rod of the translation cylinder 531 is connected to one of the slides 52.

[0103] In this embodiment, the support device 6 is positioned above the pressing position and is used to axially press the air spring semi-finished product B. The support device 6 includes a support cylinder 61, which is connected below the transplanting platform 51. The support cylinder 61 is a double-rod cylinder, with a cylinder rod extending from each side of the support cylinder 61. The two cylinder rods are symmetrically connected to support members 62. The support members 62 are used to support the air spring semi-finished product B at multiple points, such as supporting the air chamber A1 of the air spring semi-finished product B and the connection between the air chamber A1 and the air bag A2, so as to axially press the air spring semi-finished product B, thereby resisting the upward pressing force generated by the pressure head 81 when pressing from bottom to top.

[0104] In this embodiment, the fall arrestor 7 is located above the transplanting platform 51. The fall arrestor 7 includes a support base 71, a support plate 72, a fall arrestor plate 73, a guide member 74, a fall arrestor cylinder 75, an avoidance cylinder 76, and a straightening cylinder 77. The support base 71 is mounted on the transplanting platform 51, the support plate 72 is located above the support base 71, the fall arrestor plate 73 is disposed between the support plate 72 and the support base 71, the guide member 74 passes through the fall arrestor plate 73 and its two ends are respectively connected to the support plate 72 and the support base 71, the fall arrestor cylinder 75 is vertically mounted on the support plate 72 with its cylinder rod pointing downwards, and the cylinder rod of the fall arrestor cylinder 75 is connected to the fall arrestor plate 73. Next, the avoidance cylinder 76 is horizontally installed on the bottom of the fall arrestor plate 73. The cylinder rod of the avoidance cylinder 76 is connected to the avoidance plate 78. The avoidance plate 78 is located below the fall arrestor plate 73, and the avoidance plate 78 and the fall arrestor plate 73 are connected by a linear guide pair. The straightening cylinder 77 is installed on the bottom of the avoidance plate 78. The straightening cylinder 77 is a double-rod cylinder. A cylinder rod extends from each side of the straightening cylinder 77. The two cylinder rods are symmetrically connected to the straightening component 79. The straightening component 79 is provided with a contour structure that is compatible with the shock absorber A5 of the air spring semi-finished product B. The anti-fall cylinder 75 is used to drive the avoidance cylinder 76 and the straightening cylinder 77 to lift and lower as a whole; the avoidance cylinder 76 is used to drive the straightening cylinder 77 to move horizontally to avoid the air spring semi-finished product B during transplanting; the straightening cylinder 77 is used to drive the straightening component 79 to clamp or loosen the shock absorber A5, thereby straightening the shock absorber A5 and preventing it from falling during transplanting or pressing, while ensuring the coaxiality of the pressing. Preferably, the straightening component 79 is provided with a heightening block 791, and a radial floating structure 792 is provided between the heightening block 791 and the bottom of the avoidance plate 78. This radial floating structure 792 is a straight guide rail pair used to accommodate the positional deviation of the shock absorber A5.

[0105] In this embodiment, the synchronous pressing device 8 is located below the pressing position. The synchronous pressing device 8 includes a pressing head 81, a buffer mechanism 82, a servo drive mechanism 83, a drive fixing frame 84, and a buffer base 85.

[0106] In this embodiment, the pressure head 81 is used to extend from bottom to top into the placement mold 16 located directly above it, and press the sealing cover A6 together with the connecting bushing A52 of the air spring semi-finished product B into the air chamber A1 of the air spring semi-finished product B, and simultaneously press the retaining ring A7 into the retaining ring groove (not shown in the figure) of the sealing cover A6. The pressure head 81 includes a pressure head body 811 and a plurality of contraction flaps 812. The pressure head body 811 is provided with a plurality of mounting grooves 813 spaced apart along the circumference. The top surface of the pressure head body 811 can contact the top surface of the body part A61 of the sealing cover A6. Each contraction flap 812 is disposed in a corresponding mounting groove 813. An elastic element 814 is connected to the contraction flap 812, and the elastic element 814 drives the contraction flap 812 to expand radially. Preferably, the elastic element 814 is a spring, which is sleeved on a stud 815 and confined within the mounting groove 813. The stud 815 is connected to the contraction flap 812 and fixed to the pressure head body 811. Preferably, each contraction flap 812 is connected to multiple elastic elements 814. The working process of the contraction flap 812 is as follows: When the pressure head 81 extends into the placement mold 16, the contraction flap 812 first enters the flared structure 162. Under the pressure of the flared structure 162, it overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 814 and contracts radially inward so as to pass smoothly through the flared structure 162. When the contraction flap 812 enters the groove 165, it expands radially under the action of the elastic element 814 so that its top surface can contact the retaining spring A7 placed on the boss 164. During the pressing process of the pressure head 81, the retaining ring A7 and the sealing cover A6, together with the connecting bushing A52, move upward synchronously with the pressure head 81. The main body part A61 of the sealing cover A6, together with the connecting bushing A52, is first pressed into the air chamber A1 to the preset depth. Then the retaining ring A7 is pressed into the retaining ring groove, and at the same time, the main body part A61 of the sealing cover A6, together with the connecting bushing A52, is pressed into the air chamber A1 to the final position.

[0107] In this embodiment, the buffer mechanism 82 includes a base 821, a top plate 828 for connecting to the bottom of the pressure head body 811, a seat 822 disposed within the base 821, a bushing 823 disposed within the seat 822, a guide shaft 824 disposed on the bottom of the top plate 828, and a limiting plate 825 connected to the top of the seat 822. The base 821 is fixed to the buffer base 85, and the top of the seat 822 protrudes from the top of the base 821. The limiting plate 825 has a straight section hole 8251 and a tapered hole 8252 that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, which are formed from top to bottom. The guide shaft 824 is connected to the bottom of the pressure head body 811 from top to bottom. The device includes a connecting section 8241, a tapered shoulder 8242 adapted to the tapered hole 8252, and a guide section 8243 adapted to the bushing 823. The guide section 8243 extends into the bushing 823, and when the tapered shoulder 8242 engages with the tapered hole 8252, gaps exist between the bottom of the top plate 828 and the top of the limiting plate 825, and between the bottom of the guide section 8243 and the bottom of the cavity of the seat 822. The bottom of the top plate 828 and the top of the limiting plate 825 cooperate to form a buffer stroke. A buffer element 826 is provided between the guide section 8243 and the seat 822. The buffer element 826 buffers the impact force received by the pressure head 81 during the pressing process. Preferably, the buffer element 826 is a spring, and spring cavities 827 are symmetrically provided on the guide section 8243 and the seat 822.

[0108] In this embodiment, the servo drive mechanism 83 is used to drive the buffer mechanism 82 and the lifting of the pressure head 81. The servo drive mechanism 83 includes a servo motor 831 and an electric cylinder 832. The servo motor 831 drives the electric cylinder 832 to work. The electric cylinder 832 is vertically mounted on the drive fixing frame 84, and the cylinder rod is connected to the buffer base 85 with its upward facing direction. Through programmed control, the pressing speed, stroke, and pressure can be precisely adjusted to adapt to the pressing requirements of products of different specifications.

[0109] In this embodiment, the inverted assembly equipment also includes an elevated platform 9, and the mounting bracket 11, lifting fixing plate 31, and drive fixing frame 84 are all fixed on the elevated platform 9. The conveyor line 2 crosses the elevated platform 9, and the transplanting platform 51 is fixed on the elevated platform 9 by the column 91.

[0110] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows the carrier 21 located at different stations: first at the lifting station, i.e., on the conveyor line 2; then lifted and located at the locking station; and finally transferred to the pressing station. The positioning cavity seat 212 of the carrier 21 is omitted at the lifting and locking stations, and the locking device 4 is omitted at the pressing station. These omissions do not affect the structure protected by the equipment of this invention.

[0111] The working process of the inverted assembly equipment of the present invention is as follows:

[0112] 1. Workpiece loading and feeding

[0113] Conveyor line 2 transports the carrier 21, which carries the inverted air spring semi-finished product B, to the lifting station. At the same time, the supply device 1 starts to work: rodless cylinder 12 drives the placement mold 16 to descend to the receiving height, and swing cylinder 14 drives the placement mold 16 to swing to the receiving position; the external feeding mechanism puts the retaining spring A7 and the inverted sealing cap A6 into the placement mold 16 in sequence, wherein the retaining spring A7 is placed on the boss 164, and its inner ring is supported by the receiving rod 18; the sealing cap A6 is put in an inverted position with the top facing down and the opening facing up, and the top surface of its body part A61 is supported by the receiving rod 18; after receiving, rodless cylinder 12 drives the placement mold 16 to rise to the pressing height, and swing cylinder 14 drives the placement mold 16 to swing directly above the pressing head 81.

[0114] 2. Lifting and Locking

[0115] Lifting cylinder 32 in lifting device 3 drives lifting rod 37 to rise, and after contacting base 211 of carrier 21, lifts carrier 21 from conveyor line 2 to a predetermined position. Locking device 4 starts working: locking cylinder 44 drives locking pin 46 to extend and insert into locking hole 215 on carrier 21, locking carrier 21 in place. After carrier 21 is locked, disengagement cylinder 34 drives disengagement abutment plate 35 to move down, causing lifting rod 37 to descend a short distance and disengage from carrier 21. Lifting device 3 waits at this position for finished product to be connected.

[0116] 3. Transplanting

[0117] In the transplanting module 5, the translation mechanism 53 drives the slide table 52 to move horizontally. The slide table 52, along with the movable bracket 41 fixed thereon and the locked bearing seat 21, moves from the predetermined position to the pressing position. The anti-fall and straightening device 7 starts working: the anti-fall cylinder 75 drives the straightening cylinder 77 to descend to the working position. The straightening cylinder 77 drives the straightening components 79 on both sides to symmetrically clamp the shock absorber A5 of the air spring semi-finished product B, straightening the shock absorber A5. At the same time, the support cylinder 61 in the support device 6 drives the support component 62 to extend, providing multi-point support to the air chamber A1 of the air spring semi-finished product B and the connection between the air chamber A1 and the air bag A2.

[0118] 4. Synchronous pressing

[0119] In the synchronous pressing device 8, the servo drive mechanism 83 drives the buffer mechanism 82, causing the pressing head 81 to rise. The pressing head 81 extends upward into the placement mold 16, which is located directly above it. During the rising process of the pressing head 81, the contraction flap 812 first enters the flared structure 162, and under the pressure of the flared structure 162, it overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 814 and radially retracts, smoothly passing through the flared structure 162. When the contraction flap 812 enters the groove 165, it expands radially under the action of the elastic element 814, so that the top surface of the contraction flap 812 contacts the retaining ring A7 placed on the boss 164. At the same time, the top surface of the pressing head body 811 contacts the top surface of the body part A61 of the sealing cover A6.

[0120] The pressure head 81 continues to rise, pushing the sealing cover A6 and the retaining ring A7 upwards simultaneously. The main body A61 of the sealing cover A6, along with the connecting bushing A52, is first pressed into the air chamber A1 to a preset depth; at this point, the sealing cover A6 has not yet reached its final position. The pressure head 81 continues to rise, pressing the retaining ring A7 into the retaining ring groove of the sealing cover A6. Simultaneously, the main body A61 of the sealing cover A6, along with the connecting bushing A52, is pressed into the air chamber A1 to its final position, completing the assembly of the sealing cover A6 and the retaining ring A7.

[0121] During the pressing process, the buffer element 826 in the buffer mechanism 82 absorbs the impact force received by the pressure head 81, preventing rigid impact from damaging the workpiece and equipment. When the pressure head 81 encounters excessive resistance, the guide shaft 824 moves downward relative to the seat 822, compressing the buffer element 826 and providing buffer protection.

[0122] 5. Reset and Send

[0123] After pressing is completed, the servo drive mechanism 83 drives the pressure head 81 to descend and reset. During descent, the contraction flap 812 retracts radially as it passes the flaring structure 162 again, smoothly exiting the placement mold 16. The support member 62 in the support device 6 retracts back to its original position, the straightening member 79 of the anti-fall straightening device 7 releases the shock absorber A5, and the anti-fall cylinder 75 drives the straightening cylinder 77 to rise and reset. The translation mechanism 53 in the transplanting module 5 drives the slide table 52 to move in the opposite direction, transferring the carrier seat 21 from the pressing position back to the predetermined position. The lifting cylinder 32 is activated, the lifting rod 37 rises to catch the carrier seat 21, and simultaneously the locking pin 46 in the locking device 4 retracts to unlock. The lifting cylinder 32 drives the lifting rod 37 to descend, placing the carrier seat 21 carrying the finished air spring back onto the conveyor line 2, from which it is then conveyed out. Thus, a complete pressing cycle ends, and the equipment enters the next working cycle.

[0124] The entire pressing process described above is automated and requires no manual intervention. When product specifications need to be changed, simply replace the placement mold 16 and adjust the pressing parameters through the programmed control of the servo drive mechanism 83 to quickly adapt to the production needs of different product specifications.

Claims

1. An inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring, characterized in that, include: A supply device includes a placement mold for receiving a retaining spring and an inverted sealing cap; A conveyor line is used to transport a support bearing an inverted air spring semi-finished or finished product. A lifting device, located below the conveyor line, is used to lift the support seat to a predetermined position; A locking device is used to lock the support seat that has been lifted to a predetermined position; The transfer module is used to transfer the locked carrier to the pressing position; A support device is provided above the press-fitting position to press the air spring semi-finished product axially. A synchronous pressing device is located below the pressing position and includes a pressing head. The pressing head is used to extend from bottom to top into the placement mold that is already located directly above it, and press the sealing cap together with the connecting bushing of the air spring semi-finished product into the air chamber of the air spring semi-finished product, and simultaneously press the retaining ring into the retaining ring groove of the sealing cap.

2. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supply device further includes: Rodless cylinder, vertically installed; A swing cylinder is horizontally positioned and connected to the rodless cylinder via an adapter plate; A swing plate is connected to the output end of the swing cylinder, and the placement mold is disposed on the end of the swing plate; A receiving cylinder is horizontally mounted on the swing plate; The receiving rod is symmetrically arranged on the end of the cylinder rod of the receiving cylinder. The receiving rod passes through the placement mold to support the snap ring and the inverted sealing cap.

3. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower part of the inner cavity of the placement mold is designed as a flared structure to guide the indenter. The middle part of the inner cavity of the placement mold is designed as a straight hole section adapted to the indenter body of the indenter. The inner diameter of the upper part of the inner cavity of the placement mold is larger than the inner diameter of the straight hole section, thereby forming a boss between the two. The boss is used to place the retaining ring. The middle and upper parts of the inner cavity of the placement mold are also provided with grooves adapted to the shrinkage flaps on the indenter, so that the shrinkage flaps on the indenter can contact the retaining ring after radial expansion in the grooves. The top surface of the receiving rod is flush with the end face of the boss and is used to support the retaining ring and the inverted sealing cap.

4. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure head includes: The pressure head body has multiple mounting grooves spaced apart along its circumference, and its top surface can contact the top surface of the main body of the sealing cover. Multiple contraction valves, each of which is disposed in a corresponding mounting groove, and an elastic element is connected to the contraction valve, the elastic element driving the contraction valve to expand radially; The shrinkage flap is configured such that when the pressure head extends into the placement mold, it overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element and retracts radially inward to pass through the flared structure; when the shrinkage flap enters the groove, it expands radially under the action of the elastic element so that its top surface can contact the retaining spring. During the pressing process, the retaining ring and the sealing cap, together with the connecting bushing, move upward synchronously with the pressing head. The main body of the sealing cap, together with the connecting bushing, is first pressed into the air chamber to a preset depth. Then, the retaining ring is pressed into the retaining ring groove, and at the same time, the main body of the sealing cap, together with the connecting bushing, is pressed into the air chamber to its final position.

5. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting device includes: Multiple lifting bars, evenly distributed; A lifting cylinder is used to drive the lifting rod to contact the carrier and lift the carrier, thereby achieving a large stroke and rapid lifting of the carrier until it is lifted to a predetermined position. The disengagement cylinder is used to disengage the lifting rod from the carrier after the carrier is locked.

6. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking device includes: Movable supports, symmetrically distributed; A locking bracket is positioned below the movable bracket. A floating structure is provided between the movable bracket and the corresponding locking bracket; A locking cylinder is horizontally mounted on the locking and fixing bracket; The locking pin, driven by the locking cylinder, is used to engage with the locking hole on the bearing seat to achieve locking.

7. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transplanting module includes: The transplanting platform has elongated through holes for the air spring semi-finished or finished product to move between the predetermined position and the pressing position; A sliding platform is movably mounted on the transplanting platform and used to fix the movable support. A translation mechanism is used to drive the slide table to move horizontally, so that the support seat moves back and forth between a predetermined position and a pressing position.

8. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support device includes a support cylinder connected below the transplanting platform. Support members are symmetrically connected to the cylinder rods on both sides of the support cylinder. The support members are used to support the air spring semi-finished product at multiple points to compress the air spring semi-finished product in the axial direction.

9. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inverted assembly equipment also includes a fall prevention and straightening device located above the transplanting platform. The fall prevention and straightening device includes a fall prevention cylinder, a avoidance cylinder, and a straightening cylinder. The fall prevention cylinder is vertically arranged and is used to drive the avoidance cylinder and the straightening cylinder to rise and fall. The avoidance cylinder is horizontally arranged and is used to drive the straightening cylinder to move horizontally. Straightening components are symmetrically connected to the cylinder rods on both sides of the straightening cylinder. The straightening components are used to straighten the shock absorber of the air spring semi-finished product.

10. The inverted assembly device for an air spring sealing cover and a retaining ring according to claim 4, characterized in that, The synchronous pressing device further includes a buffer mechanism and a servo drive mechanism for driving the buffer mechanism and the pressing head to rise and fall. The buffer mechanism includes: abutment; Top plate, used for connection to the bottom of the pressure head body; The base body is disposed within the base platform; A guide shaft is connected to the bottom of the top plate and extends into the seat body; A limiting plate, connected to the top of the seat, is used to cooperate with the bottom of the top plate to form a buffer stroke; A buffer element is disposed between the guide shaft and the seat body to buffer the impact force received by the press head during the press-fitting process.

Images