An adaptive correction device and method for automotive components

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of automotive component straightening, and in particular to an adaptive straightening device and method for automotive components, including a vertical frame with a loading area and a straightening area sequentially arranged along the conveyor belt's forward direction. This invention, through the conveyor belt and the fixed frame and fixed block installed on it, in conjunction with a limiting rod, enables continuous conveying and automatic clamping of springs. This process allows workers to complete the positioning and fixing of springs simply by continuously installing them in the loading area, eliminating the need for separate sorting, selection, and pre-positioning of springs before straightening begins, thus effectively saving the pre-sorting process and simplifying the operation steps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of automotive component correction, and in particular to an adaptive correction device and method for automotive components. Background Technology

[0002] In the modern automotive manufacturing industry, the reliability and safety of automobiles are of paramount importance to improving passenger comfort. The quality and assembly precision of automotive components are directly related to the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. During the production process, due to manufacturing errors, differences in material properties, and minor deviations in the assembly process, there may be slight differences between the size or shape of the parts and the design standards.

[0003] For example, the springs in the suspension system may not have the expected elasticity due to temperature fluctuations during the material heat treatment process, or the components of the braking system may have large deviations in size from the design due to different manufacturing processes. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the formed springs and correct the springs that are within the correctable range.

[0004] For example, patent application CN118513481B discloses a spring tension correction mechanism, which consists of a support, a spacing expansion, and a pressing component. The worktable is equipped with two support rollers and has a built-in heating tube, which are driven by a drive assembly to rotate synchronously in the same direction. The spacing expansion component includes a liftable spacing expansion wheel, and the pressing component includes two axial displacement components. The axial displacement components are inserted into both ends of the spring and pressed vertically to make it rotate synchronously in the opposite direction with the support rollers. The spacing expansion wheel is inserted into the spring pitch to complete the expansion correction.

[0005] The aforementioned existing technology can be used to expand and straighten springs, but the following problems still exist: This technical solution requires operators to select and sort the springs to be straightened from the workpieces in advance, and then complete the subsequent operation steps such as clamping and positioning separately, which adds an extra preparation process before the straightening operation. This pre-sorting step not only lengthens the overall working time of a single straightening operation, but also significantly reduces the batch processing efficiency of spring straightening, making it difficult to adapt to the needs of large-scale production. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an adaptive correction device and method for automotive components, employing the following technical solution: In a first aspect, an adaptive correction device for automotive parts includes a vertical frame, on which a feeding area and a correction area are sequentially arranged along the forward direction of the conveyor belt.

[0007] The correction area is equipped with a heating plate for heating non-standard springs to reduce internal stress.

[0008] A reference section is provided on the vertical frame, and a sorting mechanism for separating standard springs from non-standard springs is provided at the reference section.

[0009] The correction area is equipped with a correction mechanism for adaptive tension or compression correction of non-standard springs.

[0010] Preferably, conveyor belts are symmetrically arranged along the height direction on the side of the vertical frame, and two sets of conveyor rollers that cooperate with the corresponding conveyor belts are provided on the vertical frame. Each set of conveyor rollers is symmetrically arranged along the length direction of the vertical frame and is rotatably installed on the vertical frame through bearings, and the conveyor belts are installed on the corresponding set of conveyor rollers.

[0011] Preferably, the upper conveyor belt is provided with a plurality of fixed blocks evenly along its length, and the fixed blocks are provided with through holes. The lower conveyor belt is provided with a plurality of U-shaped fixed frames evenly along its length. The fixed frames are provided with a limiting sliding block, the linkage block is provided with a through hole, and a limiting rod is provided in the through hole and the through hole.

[0012] Preferably, the sorting mechanism includes a switch installed on the base section and cooperating with the limit rod, a push cylinder installed on the side of the vertical frame and located above the switch, and a push plate installed on the extension end of the push cylinder.

[0013] Preferably, the correction mechanism includes two correction plates symmetrically arranged along the height direction of the vertical frame and aligned with the reference part, and a connecting frame jointly installed on the side of the two correction plates away from the vertical frame. The connecting frame is installed on the vertical frame through a support frame. The end of the correction plate near the feeding area is symmetrically provided with inclined guide plates through spring hinges. The distance between the guide plates gradually decreases from the feeding area to the correction area. A movable plate is slidably provided on the connecting frame. An adjusting block for adjusting the tilt angle of the guide plate is installed on the movable plate. A drive cylinder is installed on the connecting frame through a cylinder seat. The extension end of the drive cylinder is fixedly connected to the movable plate.

[0014] Preferably, the heating plate is a rectangular plate structure formed by winding resistance wire. The heat generated by the resistance wire when energized can heat the surrounding air, thereby heating the spring.

[0015] Preferably, the contact surface between the linkage block and the fixed frame is lubricated when the linkage block is in the suspended state.

[0016] Preferably, there is friction between the limiting rod and the fixing rings at both ends of the spring, which can prevent the limiting rod from easily slipping off the fixing rings.

[0017] Preferably, the reference part is set between the two conveyor belts and is located on the back of the second fixed frame along the forward direction of the conveyor belt; the switch is a mechanical reset structure, the switch opens and pushes the cylinder when the limit rod contacts the switch, and the switch automatically resets and closes when the limit rod leaves the switch.

[0018] Secondly, an adaptive correction method for automotive components includes the following steps: S1: Remove the limiting rod, place it on the fixing rings at both ends of the spring, place the spring between the fixing frame and the fixing block, and reinstall the limiting rod so that the spring is suspended between the two conveyor belts.

[0019] S2: The conveyor belt delivers the spring to the reference section. The standard spring triggers the switch, which activates the push cylinder to drive the push plate to push it out. Then the switch and push plate reset, and at the same time, the workers install the new spring in the loading area.

[0020] S3: The non-standard spring that has not been triggered moves to the correction area, drives the cylinder to drive the moving plate, and drives the adjusting block to adjust the tilt angle of the guide plate.

[0021] S4: When a non-standard spring enters between the two straightening plates, if the spring is too long, the linkage block contacts the lower guide plate and slides to compress the spring; if the spring is too short, it contacts the upper guide plate to stretch the spring. At the same time, the heating plate heats the spring, and the conveyor belt cooperates with the fixing block and the fixing frame to prevent the spring from tilting.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. This invention, through the conveyor belt and the fixed frame and fixed block set on it, together with the limiting rod, can realize the continuous conveying and automatic clamping of springs. This process allows the workers to complete the positioning and fixing of springs by continuously performing spring installation operations in the loading area. There is no need to sort, select and pre-position the springs separately before the correction begins, thus effectively saving the pre-sorting process and simplifying the operation steps.

[0023] 2. The present invention has a reference part and a switch on the conveying path. When the conveyor belt transports the spring to the reference part, if it is a standard length spring, its linkage block will trigger the switch and start the push cylinder to automatically pop it out for sorting. This process does not require manual intervention for judgment and operation, realizing online identification and automatic rejection of standard springs. This allows the correction operation to continue without stopping for sorting standard springs, shortening the overall operation waiting time.

[0024] 3. For non-standard springs, the device uses an adjustable guide plate and a straightening plate to work together, combined with heat treatment by a heating plate, to automatically perform adaptive stretching or compression straightening. The entire process from conveying, identifying, sorting to straightening is carried out in a continuous manner, forming an assembly line operation. This significantly reduces the processing interval time of a single spring, improves the continuity and overall efficiency of batch processing, and is more suitable for the needs of large-scale production. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional installation structure between the conveyor belt, fixing block, and limiting rod of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional installation structure between the conveyor belt and the fixing frame of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A magnified view of part A.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional installation structure diagram of the fixing frame and the linkage block of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional installation structure between the correction plate, guide plate, and adjustment block of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Vertical frame; 2. Conveyor belt; 3. Conveyor roller; 4. Feeding area; 5. Correction area; 6. Heating plate; 11. Base section; 12. Switch; 13. Push cylinder; 14. Push plate; 21. Fixing block; 22. Through hole; 23. Fixing frame; 24. Linkage block; 25. Through hole; 26. Limiting rod; 51. Correction plate; 52. Connecting frame; 53. Guide plate; 54. Moving plate; 55. Adjusting block; 56. Drive cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 6 This application will be described in further detail.

[0033] This application discloses an adaptive correction device and method for automotive components, which can first eliminate standard springs and then adaptively stretch or compress non-standard springs.

[0034] An adaptive correction device for automotive components includes a vertical frame 1. Conveyor belts 2 are symmetrically arranged along the height direction on the side of the vertical frame 1. Two sets of conveyor rollers 3 that cooperate with the corresponding conveyor belts 2 are respectively arranged on the vertical frame 1. Each set of conveyor rollers 3 is symmetrically arranged along the length direction of the vertical frame 1 and is rotatably mounted on the vertical frame 1 through bearings. The corresponding conveyor belts 2 are mounted on each set of conveyor rollers 3. Multiple fixing blocks 21 are evenly arranged along the length direction on the upper conveyor belt 2. Through holes 22 are opened on the fixing blocks 21.

[0035] Figure 1The arrows indicate the forward direction of the conveyor belt 2. The vertical frame 1 is provided with a feeding area 4 and a straightening area 5 along the forward direction of the conveyor belt 2. The straightening area 5 is provided with a heating plate 6, which is a rectangular plate structure formed by winding resistance wire. The heat generated by the resistance wire when energized can heat the surrounding air and thus heat the spring.

[0036] Multiple U-shaped fixing frames 23 are evenly arranged along the length of the conveyor belt 2 below. A linkage block 24 is slidably arranged inside the fixing frame 23. A through hole 25 is opened on the linkage block 24, and a limit rod 26 is slidably arranged inside the through hole 22 and the through hole 25.

[0037] It should be noted that although the linkage block 24 is located inside the fixed frame 23, when the linkage block 24 is connected to the spring through the limit block, the contact surface between the linkage block 24 and the fixed frame 23 is lubricated to reduce the friction generated by the contact between the linkage block 24 and the fixed frame 23, which would exert an additional axial force on the spring, causing the spring length direction to change and affecting the judgment of the spring length.

[0038] In practice, the limiting rods 26 on the adjacent through holes 22 and through holes 25 are removed and then fitted onto the fixing rings at both ends of the spring. There is a certain friction between the limiting rods 26 and the fixing rings to ensure that the limiting rods 26 will not easily slip off the fixing rings. The spring with the limiting rods 26 fitted on it is placed between the fixing frame 23 and the corresponding fixing block 21. Then the limiting rods 26 are reset. At this time, the spring is suspended between the two conveyor belts 2.

[0039] A reference section 11 is provided on the vertical frame 1. A sorting mechanism for sorting standard springs and non-standard springs is provided at the reference section 11. A correction mechanism for adaptively stretching or compressing non-standard springs is provided in the correction area 5.

[0040] The sorting mechanism includes a switch 12 that cooperates with a limit rod 26 corresponding to the fixed frame 23. The switch 12 is mounted on the base part 11. A push cylinder 13 is mounted on the side of the vertical frame 1 and above the switch 12. A push plate 14 is mounted on the extension end of the push cylinder 13.

[0041] The reference part 11 is located between the two conveyor belts 2 and on the back of the second fixed frame 23 along the forward direction of the conveyor belt 2.

[0042] The reference part 11 corresponds to the standard length of the spring, that is, the spring is in a suspended state. When the linkage block 24 is located at the reference part 11, the spring is at its standard length. The switch 12 is used to control the opening and closing of the push cylinder 13. The switch 12 is a mechanical reset structure, that is, when the corresponding limit rod 26 contacts the switch 12, the switch 12 can open the push cylinder 13. When the corresponding limit rod 26 leaves the switch 12, the switch 12 automatically resets and closes.

[0043] In actual operation, an external drive motor (not shown in the figure) drives the corresponding conveyor roller 3 to rotate via belt drive. During the rotation of the conveyor roller 3, the conveyor belt 2 moves. During the movement of the corresponding conveyor belt 2, the fixed frame 23 and the fixed block 21 move synchronously. At this time, the fixed block 21 moves to the next station through the limit rod 26, and the fixed frame 23 moves to the next station through the cooperation of the linkage block 24 and the limit rod 26. If the corresponding spring is of standard length, the limit rod 26 of the linkage block 24 contacts the switch 12, causing the push cylinder 13 to open. The extension end of the push cylinder 13 drives the push plate 14 to move, and the push plate 14 can pop the standard spring outward. The standard spring does not need to be corrected in the next step.

[0044] During this process, the staff reinstalled the springs in loading area 4.

[0045] After the standard spring pops out, the corresponding limit rod 26 pops out simultaneously. At this time, the switch 12 closes simultaneously, and the extension end of the push cylinder 13 drives the push plate 14 to reset.

[0046] The correction mechanism includes two correction plates 51 arranged symmetrically along the height direction of the vertical frame 1 and aligned with the reference part 11 inside the correction area 5. A connecting frame 52 is installed on the side of the two correction plates 51 away from the vertical frame 1. The bottom of the connecting frame 52 is mounted on the vertical frame 1 by two support frames symmetrically distributed along its length. A guide plate 53 is symmetrically mounted on the section of the correction plate 51 near the feeding area 4 by a spring hinge. The distance between the guide plates 53 gradually decreases from the feeding area 4 to the correction area 5. A movable plate 54 is slidably arranged on the connecting frame 52. An adjustment block 55 is installed on the movable plate 54 to adjust the tilt angle of the guide plate 53. A drive cylinder 56 is mounted on the connecting frame 52 by a cylinder seat. The extension end of the drive cylinder 56 is fixedly connected to the movable plate 54.

[0047] In actual operation, the drive cylinder 56 is started, and the extension end of the drive cylinder 56 drives the moving plate 54 to move. During the movement of the moving plate 54, the adjusting block 55 can adjust the included angle of the guide plate 53 to suit springs of different standard lengths.

[0048] When the non-standard spring passes the reference section 11, the corresponding limit rod 26 will not contact the switch 12. At this time, the two conveyor belts 2 cooperate to drive the non-standard spring to continue moving. When the corresponding limit rod 26 moves between the two guide plates 53, if the length of the non-standard spring is greater than that of the standard spring, the corresponding limit rod 26 contacts the lower guide plate 53 and moves along the corresponding guide plate 53. At this time, the corresponding limit rod 26 drives the linkage block 24 to slide inside the corresponding fixed frame 23. The lower guide plate 53 can then perform adaptive compression processing on the spring through the corresponding limit rod 26. The adjusting block 55 supports and presses against the corresponding guide plate 53 to prevent the corresponding guide plate 53 from rotating downward.

[0049] If the length of the non-standard spring is less than that of the standard spring, the corresponding limiting rod 26 contacts the upper guide plate 53 and moves along the corresponding guide plate 53. At this time, the corresponding limiting rod 26 drives the linkage block 24 to slide inside the corresponding fixed frame 23. The upper guide plate 53 can then perform adaptive stretching of the spring through the corresponding limiting rod 26. The adjusting block 55 supports and presses against the corresponding guide plate 53 to prevent the corresponding guide plate 53 from rotating upward.

[0050] Then, through the above steps, the non-standard spring can be adaptively corrected. When the corresponding limit rod 26 passes the guide plate 53 and moves between the two correction plates 51, the heating plate 6 can heat the spring during the movement of the correction plate 51, so that the internal stress of the spring is reduced and it is easier to correct.

[0051] It should be noted that the conveyor belt 2 will not undergo elastic deformation at the height of the vertical frame (or the elastic deformation is extremely small and negligible). When the limiting rod 26 is sleeved on the fixing ring of the spring, a straightening rod is placed inside the spring. In the subsequent straightening process of the spring, the straightening rod can limit the spring and prevent the spring from bending. At the same time, the synchronous movement of the conveyor belt 2 ensures that the fixing block 21 and the corresponding fixing frame 23 are always synchronized. Thus, the fixing frame 23 and the corresponding fixing block 21 cooperate to further limit the spring and prevent the spring from tilting during the self-adaptive straightening process of the straightening plate 51.

[0052] Finally, the present invention also provides an adaptive correction method for automotive components, comprising the following steps: S1: When the work begins, first remove the limiting rod 26 from the through hole 22 and the through hole 25, and put it on the fixing rings at both ends of the spring. Then place the spring between the fixing frame 23 and the fixing block 21. Finally, reset the limiting rod 26 so that the spring is suspended between the two conveyor belts 2.

[0053] S2: When the conveyor belt 2 moves the spring to the reference part 11, if the spring is of standard length, the limit rod 26 on its linkage block 24 will trigger the switch 12, start the push cylinder 13, and the push cylinder 13 drives the push plate 14 to push the standard spring outward to complete the automatic sorting. Then the switch 12 is reset and the push plate 14 is retracted. At the same time, the staff can continue to install new springs in the loading area 4.

[0054] S3: The non-standard spring of the untouched switch 12 will continue to move to the correction area 5, which is equipped with two symmetrical correction plates 51. The entrance end of the correction plate 51 is equipped with a guide plate 53 through a spring hinge. The spacing between the guide plates 53 gradually decreases to guide the spring in. A connecting frame 52 is installed on the outside of the correction plate 51. The drive cylinder 56 on the connecting frame 52 can drive the moving plate 54, and then adjust the tilt angle of the guide plate 53 through the adjusting block 55 to prepare for subsequent correction.

[0055] S4: When a non-standard spring enters between the two straightening plates 51, if the spring is too long, its linkage block 24 will contact the lower straightening plate 51 and slide, thereby compressing the spring; if the spring is too short, it will contact the upper straightening plate 51 and slide, thereby stretching the spring. The adjusting block 55 will provide support for the straightening plate 51 to prevent it from rotating. Throughout the process, the straightening plate 51 self-corrects the spring, while the heating plate 6 heats the spring to reduce internal stress, facilitating correction. In addition, the stable movement of the conveyor belt 2 and the cooperation of the fixing block 21 and the fixing frame 23 can prevent the spring from tilting during correction.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 adaptive correction device for automotive components, characterized in that: It includes a vertical frame (1), and the vertical frame (1) is provided with a feeding area (4) and a straightening area (5) in sequence along the forward direction of the conveyor belt (2); The correction area (5) is provided with a heating plate (6) for heating non-standard springs to reduce internal stress. The vertical frame (1) is provided with a reference part (11), and the reference part (11) is provided with a sorting mechanism for sorting standard springs and non-standard springs; The correction area (5) is equipped with a correction mechanism for adaptive stretching or compression correction of non-standard springs.

2. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical frame (1) is symmetrically provided with conveyor belts (2) along the height direction on its side. The vertical frame (1) is provided with two sets of conveyor rollers (3) that cooperate with the corresponding conveyor belts (2). Each set of conveyor rollers (3) is symmetrically provided along the length direction of the vertical frame (1) and is rotatably installed on the vertical frame (1) through bearings. The conveyor belts (2) are installed on the corresponding set of conveyor rollers (3).

3. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper conveyor belt (2) is uniformly provided with multiple fixing blocks (21) along its length. The fixing blocks (21) are provided with through holes (22). The lower conveyor belt (2) is uniformly provided with multiple U-shaped fixing frames (23) along its length. The fixing frames (23) are provided with a sliding linkage block (24) for limiting. The linkage block (24) is provided with a through hole (25). The through hole (22) and the through hole (25) are provided with a limiting rod (26).

4. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sorting mechanism includes a switch (12) installed on the base part (11) and cooperating with the limit rod (26), a push cylinder (13) installed on the side of the vertical frame (1) and located above the switch (12), and a push plate (14) installed on the extension end of the push cylinder (13).

5. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 1, characterized in that: The correction mechanism includes two correction plates (51) symmetrically arranged along the height direction of the vertical frame (1) and aligned with the reference part (11), and a connecting frame (52) jointly installed on the side of the two correction plates (51) away from the vertical frame (1). The connecting frame (52) is installed on the vertical frame (1) through a support frame. The end of the correction plate (51) near the feeding area (4) is symmetrically provided with inclined guide plates (53) through a spring hinge. The distance between the guide plates (53) gradually decreases from the feeding area (4) to the correction area (5). A moving plate (54) is slidably provided on the connecting frame (52). An adjusting block (55) for adjusting the tilt angle of the guide plate (53) is installed on the moving plate (54). A driving cylinder (56) is installed on the connecting frame (52) through a cylinder seat. The extension end of the driving cylinder (56) is fixedly connected to the moving plate (54).

6. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating plate (6) is a rectangular plate structure formed by winding resistance wire. The heat generated by the resistance wire when it is energized can heat the surrounding air and thus heat the spring.

7. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the linkage block (24) is in a suspended state, the contact surface with the fixed frame (23) is lubricated.

8. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 3, characterized in that: There is friction between the limiting rod (26) and the fixing rings at both ends of the spring, which can prevent the limiting rod (26) from easily slipping off the fixing rings.

9. The adaptive correction device for automotive components according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reference part (11) is set between the two conveyor belts (2) and is located on the back of the second fixed frame (23) along the forward direction of the conveyor belt (2); the switch (12) is a mechanical reset structure. When the limit rod (26) contacts the switch (12), the switch (12) opens to push the cylinder (13). When the limit rod (26) leaves the switch (12), the switch (12) automatically resets and closes.

10. An adaptive correction method for automotive components, characterized in that: The adaptive correction device for automotive components described in any one of claims 1-9 is employed. Includes the following steps: S1: Remove the limiting rod (26), put it on the fixing rings at both ends of the spring, place the spring between the fixing frame (23) and the fixing block (21), put the limiting rod (26) back on, so that the spring is suspended between the two conveyor belts (2); S2: The conveyor belt (2) delivers the spring to the reference part (11), the standard spring triggers the switch (12), starts the push cylinder (13) to drive the push plate (14) to push it out, and then the switch (12) and the push plate (14) reset, while the workers install a new spring in the loading area (4); S3: The non-standard spring of the untriggered switch (12) moves to the correction area (5), the drive cylinder (56) drives the moving plate (54), and drives the adjusting block (55) to adjust the tilt angle of the guide plate (53); S4: When a non-standard spring enters between the two straightening plates (51), if the spring is too long, the linkage block (24) contacts the lower guide plate (53) and slides to compress the spring; if the spring is too short, it contacts the upper guide plate (53) to stretch the spring. At the same time, the heating plate (6) heats the spring. The conveyor belt (2) cooperates with the fixing block (21) and the fixing frame (23) to prevent the spring from tilting.

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