Hydraulic torque converter turbine assembly riveting automatic production line and method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a hydraulic torque converter turbine assembly riveting automatic production line and a method thereof, and comprises three feeding units which are respectively used for pushing a turbine shell, a turbine seat and a rivet to corresponding specified feeding positioning positions; a grabbing unit which comprises two mechanical hands, one of which is used for grabbing the turbine shell and the other of which is used for grabbing a finished turbine assembly; and three transfer units which are arranged in sequence along a material flow direction. The independent feeding unit and the grabbing unit are arranged, automatic feeding and grabbing of the turbine shell, the turbine seat and the rivet are realized, and in cooperation with continuous flow of the transfer unit, the traditional mode of frequent feeding and carrying by manpower is completely changed, full-process automatic production from raw material feeding to finished product stacking is realized, and production rhythm and equipment utilization are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydraulic torque converter technology, specifically to an automated production line and method for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of hydraulic torque converters, the turbine assembly, as the core component for realizing hydraulic transmission and torque conversion, is typically assembled from a turbine housing, turbine mount, and connecting rivets through precision assembly and riveting processes. The machining accuracy and assembly consistency of this assembly directly determine the circulating circle geometry accuracy, transmission efficiency, and service life of the final product of the hydraulic torque converter. Currently, the machining and assembly of turbine assemblies in the industry mostly adopts manual or semi-automated operation modes. This traditional production method has many technical defects in practical applications and is difficult to meet the modern industrial demand for high-efficiency and high-consistency production.

[0003] First, existing material feeding processes primarily rely on piecemeal supply, lacking an efficient batch feeding model. This necessitates frequent replenishment operations by operators, resulting in low loading and unloading efficiency and becoming a bottleneck restricting production cycle time. Second, the punching, riveting, and final riveting processes of the turbine housing are often separated, with material flow between different workstations heavily dependent on manual handling. This not only leads to poor positioning accuracy but also makes it difficult to effectively guarantee product consistency.

[0004] Furthermore, most existing punching and riveting units have not undergone targeted automation adaptations. Manual material handling during processing easily leads to workpiece misalignment and other problems, directly resulting in a high scrap rate. Simultaneously, material transfer between processes relies entirely on manual operation, leading to high labor intensity for workers, unstable production cycles, and an inability to achieve continuous assembly line production. Finally, the entire production line lacks a comprehensive automated collaborative control system; each piece of equipment often operates independently with poor interoperability, failing to meet the urgent needs of large-scale, high-efficiency production.

[0005] In summary, there is an urgent need to design a novel automated production line and method for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated production line and method for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine assemblies, comprising: The feeding unit consists of three units, each used to push the turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivet to the corresponding designated feeding and positioning positions. The gripping unit includes two robotic arms, one for gripping the turbine housing and the other for gripping the finished turbine assembly; Three transfer units are arranged sequentially along the material flow direction. They are used to center and oil the turbine housing and calibrate the holes, and to transfer the assembled turbine assembly to the riveting unit. A punching unit, located between the two transfer units, is used to punch holes in the turbine housing; The assembly unit is used to receive the punched turbine housing, the finished turbine mount and rivets, and assemble the three into a turbine assembly; A riveting unit, located between a transfer unit and a stacking and transfer unit, is used to rivet and fasten the aforementioned turbine assembly. The stacking and transfer unit, located at the end of the production line, is used to collect and transfer the finished turbine assembly. The control unit is electrically connected to the feeding unit, gripping unit, transfer unit, punching unit, assembly unit, riveting unit and palletizing and transfer unit respectively, and is used to coordinate and control the action sequence of each unit to realize the automated production of turbine components.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the feeding unit includes a first feeding unit, a second feeding unit and a third feeding unit, wherein both the first feeding unit and the second feeding unit include a transfer trolley; The second loading unit also includes a loading machine configured to pick up a turbine seat from a transfer trolley and place it on the assembly unit; The third feeding unit includes a support frame and a vibratory feeding plate and a rivet assembly robot mounted on the support frame. The vibratory feeding plate is connected to the rivet assembly robot, which is configured to transfer rivets to the assembly unit so that the rivets are assembled with the turbine housing and turbine seat located in the assembly unit.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: the transfer unit includes a first transfer unit, a second transfer unit, and a third transfer unit, wherein the first transfer unit, the second transfer unit, and the third transfer unit each include a frame and a transfer mechanism and a positioning seat disposed on the frame; The first transfer unit has a gripper for gripping the turbine housing on its transfer mechanism, and an oiling mechanism is installed on the positioning seat for oiling the turbine housing located on the positioning seat. The second transfer unit has a gripper on the transfer mechanism for gripping the punched turbine housing, and a calibration mechanism on the positioning seat for calibrating the hole of the punched turbine housing located on the positioning seat. The third transfer unit has a gripper for gripping the turbine assembly on its transfer mechanism, and a detection mechanism is installed on the positioning seat for detecting the rivet assembly status of the turbine assembly on the positioning seat.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the oiling mechanism includes a bracket mounted on the positioning seat, a cylinder mounted on the bracket, and a multi-hole silicone head mounted on the output end of the cylinder.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: the punching unit includes a first punch press and a base plate disposed on the first punch press. A plurality of first positioning pins are installed on the base plate, and a punching die is installed on the base plate. The plurality of first positioning pins are arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the punching die. A positioning mechanism is installed on the punching die. The positioning mechanism is connected to the base plate through a spring assembly. The punching die has a slag discharge port. A stamping part is also installed on the first punch press.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: the assembly unit includes a support frame, and a rotating disk is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the support frame. The rotating disk is driven to rotate by a drive motor mounted on the support frame. A plurality of positioning frames for assembling turbine components are mounted on the rotating disk, and each positioning frame is arranged at equal intervals in a ring around the rotating disk.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the riveting unit includes a second punch press, a lower support is fixedly installed on the second punch press, a support column is installed on the upper end face of the lower support, a positioning column is movably installed inside the support column, the positioning column is connected to the lower support by a spring, and one end of the positioning column is inserted into the interior of the turbine assembly, and a lower stamping part is installed on the second punch press to cooperate with the support column and the positioning column to complete the riveting operation of the turbine assembly.

[0014] A production method based on the production line includes the following steps: S1. Push the turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivets to the corresponding designated loading and positioning points of the equipment; S2. A robotic arm receives an instruction and grabs the turbine housing onto the first transfer unit for pre-processing. After pre-processing, the turbine housing is sent into the punching die and its positioning is checked. If the check is qualified, proceed to step S3. Meanwhile, the turbine housing is gripped and placed on the assembly unit, operating in parallel with the turbine housing; S3. The punching unit performs the punching action to punch and inspect the turbine housing in the punching die. After the inspection is qualified, the second transfer unit takes the material and performs hole calibration. After calibration, the second transfer unit transfers the turbine housing to the assembly unit for assembly with the pre-placed turbine seat. S4. Separate the rivets one by one according to the preset process parameters and insert them into the rivet holes corresponding to the turbine housing and turbine seat to form the turbine assembly; after the rivets are inserted, wait for material to be picked up. S5. The third transfer unit picks up and inspects the material. If it is unqualified, it is rejected. If it is qualified, it is transferred to the riveting unit and its positioning status is checked. After the inspection is qualified, the punch press performs the riveting action to complete the fastening and forming of the turbine assembly. After the riveting is completed, the riveting quality is checked. After it is confirmed to be qualified, it waits for the material to be picked up. S6. Another robotic arm receives the instruction, takes out the finished turbine assembly from the riveting unit, places it on the transfer trolley for multi-layer stacking, and monitors the stacking status in real time during the stacking process. S7. When the transfer trolley is stacked to the preset full state, the production line issues a full material prompt. The transfer trolley is unlocked manually, and the full trolley is pushed out and transferred to the next process or storage area. At the same time, the empty transfer trolley is pushed to the loading position and the production line automatically resumes operation.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention achieves automatic feeding and gripping of turbine housings, turbine seats, and rivets by setting up independent feeding and gripping units. Combined with the continuous flow of the transfer unit, it completely changes the traditional mode of frequent manual replenishment and handling, realizing fully automated production from raw material feeding to finished product stacking. This significantly improves production cycle time and equipment utilization. The entire line is coordinated by the control unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention in material flow and equipment operation, and greatly reducing the labor intensity of workers. The continuous and large-scale production mode reduces manpower input and also reduces raw material waste caused by processing errors. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the production line of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first transfer unit of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the punching unit of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the riveting unit of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly unit of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the production method of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Feeding unit; 101. First feeding unit; 102. Second feeding unit; 103. Third feeding unit; 1031. Support; 1032. Vibrating feeding plate; 1033. Riveting assembly robot; 2. Gripping unit; 201. Robot; 3. Transfer unit; 301. First transfer unit; 302. Second transfer unit; 303. Third transfer unit; 31. Frame; 32. Transfer mechanism; 33. Positioning seat; 34. Gripper; 35. Oiling mechanism; 351. Support; 352. Cylinder; 353. Multi-hole silicone head; 36. Calibration 37. Testing mechanism; 4. Punching unit; 401. First punch press; 402. Base plate; 403. First positioning pin; 404. Punching die; 405. Positioning mechanism; 406. Spring assembly; 407. Slag discharge port; 408. Stamped part; 5. Assembly unit; 501. Support frame; 502. Rotary disk; 503. Drive motor; 504. Positioning frame; 6. Riveting unit; 601. Second punch press; 602. Lower support; 603. Support column; 604. Positioning column; 605. Spring; 606. Lower stamped part; 7. Stacking and transfer unit. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Please see Figure 1-5 In this embodiment of the invention, an automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components includes: The feeding unit 1 consists of three units, which are used to push the turbine housing, turbine seat and rivet to the corresponding designated feeding and positioning positions. Specifically, the feeding unit 1 includes a first feeding unit 101, a second feeding unit 102, and a third feeding unit 103 respectively arranged in three different directions of the assembly unit 5. The first feeding unit 101, the second feeding unit 102, and the third feeding unit 103 are respectively arranged along the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction of the assembly unit 5, forming three independent material input channels.

[0019] The first feeding unit 101 is used to push the turbine housing to the designated feeding and positioning station; the second feeding unit 102 is used to push the turbine seat to the corresponding positioning station; the third feeding unit 103 is used to push the rivet to the designated position. The three feeding units 1 are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other, and can operate in parallel, thereby effectively improving the material preparation efficiency and avoiding the material congestion and waiting problems existing in the traditional single-channel feeding method.

[0020] The first loading unit 101 and the second loading unit 102 each include a transfer trolley for placing the turbine housing or turbine seat. In addition, the second loading unit 102 also includes a loading machine for grabbing the turbine seat from the transfer trolley and placing it on the assembly unit 5. It should be noted that the loading machine and the transfer trolley can adopt existing structures, which will not be described in detail here.

[0021] The third feeding unit 103 includes a support 1031, a vibrating feeding plate 1032 and a rivet assembly robot 1033 mounted on the support 1031. The vibrating feeding plate 1032 is connected to the rivet assembly robot 1033. The rivet assembly robot 1033 is used to transfer rivets to the assembly unit 5 so that the rivets are assembled with the turbine housing and turbine seat located in the assembly unit 5. Specifically, the rivets are pre-placed in the vibrating feeding plate 1032 and fed sequentially by the vibrating feeding plate 1032. The rivet assembly robot 1033 sequentially drives the rivets into the through holes of the turbine housing and turbine seat.

[0022] The gripping unit 2 includes two robotic arms 201, one of which is used to grip the turbine housing and the other is used to grip the finished turbine assembly. The two robotic arms 201 are located at the front and rear of the production line, respectively. The robotic arm 201 located at the front of the production line is specifically used to grip the turbine housing on the feeding unit 1, while the robotic arm 201 located at the rear of the production line is specifically used to grip the finished turbine assembly located on the riveting unit 6 and place it into the palletizing and transfer unit 7.

[0023] The three transfer units 3 are arranged sequentially along the material flow direction. They are used to center and oil the turbine housing and calibrate the holes, and to transfer the assembled turbine assembly to the riveting unit 6. Specifically, the transfer unit 3 includes a first transfer unit 301, a second transfer unit 302, and a third transfer unit 303. The first transfer unit 301 is located between the robot 201 and the punching unit 4, the second transfer unit 302 is located between the punching unit 4 and the assembly unit 5, and the third transfer unit 303 is located between the assembly unit 5 and the riveting unit 6. Each of the first transfer unit 301, the second transfer unit 302, and the third transfer unit 303 includes a frame 31 and a transfer mechanism 32 and a positioning seat 33 mounted on the frame 31. The first transfer unit 301 has a transfer mechanism 32 equipped with a gripper 34 for gripping the turbine housing, and a positioning seat 33 is equipped with an oiling mechanism 35 for oiling the turbine housing located on the positioning seat 33. The second transfer unit 302 has a transfer mechanism 32 equipped with a gripper 34 for gripping the punched turbine housing, and a positioning seat 33 is equipped with a calibration mechanism 36 for calibrating the punched turbine housing located on the positioning seat 33. The third transfer unit 303 has a transfer mechanism 32 equipped with a gripper 34 for gripping the turbine assembly. The positioning seat 33 is equipped with a detection mechanism 36 for detecting the riveting assembly status of the turbine assembly located on the positioning seat 33.

[0024] The gripper 34 structures on the first transfer unit 301, the second transfer unit 302, and the third transfer unit 303 are different from each other, and are all differentiated according to the shape of the corresponding workpiece and the gripping requirements. The gripper 34 on the first transfer unit 301 and the second transfer unit 302 is used to grip the turbine housing, and its structure is adapted to the outer contour of the turbine housing, and positioning is achieved by gripping the periphery. The gripper 34 on the third transfer unit 303 is used to grip the initial turbine assembly, and its structure is adapted to the internal space of the assembly, and gripping is achieved by passing through the inner circumference of the turbine housing and the turbine seat. This structure can limit and support the turbine seat during the gripping process, preventing the turbine seat and the turbine housing from separating or relative displacement during transfer.

[0025] After the first transfer unit 301 transfers the turbine housing to the positioning seat 33, the oiling mechanism 35 directly applies oil to the turbine housing on the positioning seat 33. This method eliminates the need to apply oil to the punching die 403, simplifying die maintenance and ensuring lubrication. When the second transfer unit 302 transfers the turbine housing from the punching unit 4 to the positioning seat 33 of the transfer unit 3, the calibration mechanism 36 calibrates the hole position of the turbine housing to ensure that the hole diameter and position accuracy meet the assembly requirements. The third transfer unit 303 transfers the assembled turbine assembly to the positioning seat 33, and the inspection mechanism 37 then performs a comprehensive inspection of the assembly, focusing on the assembly status of the turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivets to ensure that the riveting is firm and the position is accurate.

[0026] The frame serves as the mounting base for the entire transfer unit 3, providing stable support for the transfer mechanism 32 and the positioning seat 33. The transfer mechanism 32, as the moving carrier of the gripper, is not only responsible for driving the gripper 34 to move, but also strictly limits the range of motion of the gripper 34 to ensure the accuracy of the transfer process. The positioning seat 33 provides the mounting base for the three different stages of the transfer unit 3, and has a centering and positioning function to ensure that the turbine housing or turbine assembly is in the center position when it is clamped or processed, thereby improving the accuracy of processing and inspection. In this embodiment, preferably, the turbine housing is fully automated from raw material processing and punching calibration to component assembly and inspection through three independent transfer units 3 in conjunction with corresponding functional mechanisms. Each positioning seat 33 has a centering function, which effectively improves production efficiency and product quality.

[0027] The punching unit 4 is located between the two transfer units 3 and is used to punch the turbine housing. Specifically, the punching unit 4 includes a first punch press 401 and a base plate 402 mounted on the first punch press 401. A plurality of first positioning pins 403 are mounted on the base plate 402. A punching die 404 is mounted on the base plate 402. The plurality of first positioning pins 403 are arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the punching die 404. A positioning mechanism 405 is mounted on the punching die 404. The positioning mechanism 405 is connected to the base plate 402 via a spring assembly 406. The punching die 404 has a slag discharge port 407. The first punch press 401... The upper part is also equipped with a stamping part 408. After the turbine housing is punched by the cooperation of the stamping part 408 and the punching die 404, the excess waste generated can be discharged through the slag discharge port 407 to realize automatic waste cleaning. When the turbine housing is placed, it first contacts the upper surface of the positioning mechanism 405. When the stamping part 408 of the first punch press 401 presses down and contacts the turbine housing on the positioning mechanism 405, it will squeeze the positioning mechanism 405 to move downward a certain distance. After the turbine housing contacts the punching die 404, the punching process can be completed.

[0028] To address the issues of uneven product bottom surface and positioning errors, this embodiment uses a guide structure with a smaller top and larger bottom on the outer periphery of the punching die 404. This allows for progressive guidance and positioning during the product's descent. Simultaneously, the arc-shaped contouring auxiliary positioning on the punching die 404 is eliminated, and the product bottom surface is used as the primary positioning reference. During punching, the downward pressure of the punch head of the first punch press 401 presses down the positioning mechanism 405 as a whole. The extension and retraction characteristics of the spring assembly 406 compensate for the unevenness of the product bottom surface, ensuring complete contact between the bottom surface and the support surface, thus eliminating the eccentricity error caused by the positioning gap.

[0029] Assembly unit 5 is used to receive the punched turbine housing, the finished turbine seat and rivets, and assemble the three into a turbine assembly; Specifically, the assembly unit 5 includes a support frame 501, on the upper part of which a rotating disk 502 is rotatably mounted. The rotating disk 502 is driven to rotate by a drive motor 503 mounted on the support frame 501. Several positioning frames 504 for turbine assembly are mounted on the rotating disk 502. Each positioning frame 504 is arranged at equal intervals in a ring along the rotating disk 502. Two movable pins that can be raised and lowered are mounted on the upper surface of the positioning frame 504. When the turbine housing and turbine seat are assembled, the movable pins align with the through holes on the turbine housing and turbine seat to fix them together. When the rivets are assembled, the rivet assembly of the remaining through holes is completed first. Finally, the movable pins descend and disengage from the inside of the through holes, and the rivet assembly at the corresponding position of the movable pins is completed. Then, the turbine assembly is assembled.

[0030] The riveting unit 6 is located between the transfer unit 3 and the stacking and transfer unit 7, and is used to rivet and fasten the turbine assembly. The stacking and transfer unit 7 is located at the end of the production line and is used to collect and transfer the finished turbine assembly. Specifically, the riveting unit 6 includes a second punch press 601, on which a lower support 602 is fixedly installed. A support column 603 is installed on the upper end face of the lower support 602. A positioning column 604 is movably installed inside the support column 603. The positioning column 604 is connected to the lower support 602 by a spring 605, and one end of the positioning column 604 is inserted into the inside of the turbine assembly. A lower stamping part 606 is installed on the second punch press 601 to cooperate with the support column 603 and the positioning column 604 to complete the riveting operation of the turbine assembly, so that the T-shaped rivet is riveted into an I-shaped rivet, thereby assembling the turbine housing, turbine seat and rivet assembly into a finished product.

[0031] Through the above technical solution, in order to improve the riveting stability, the support column 602 adopts an inverted T-shaped structure, and its upper end adopts a central single-point support form, which integrates the positioning of the turbine housing, turbine seat and rivet assembly and the support function of the support column 603 into one. Compared with the traditional multi-point support structure, this embodiment increases the support diameter by about 5 times, effectively improving the support rigidity and stability. During the punching and riveting process, the support pin contracts downward under the punching pressure, driving the product to move smoothly downward, ensuring uniform force and synchronous movement, fundamentally solving the riveting quality problem caused by uneven force distribution in multi-point support.

[0032] The control unit is electrically connected to the feeding unit 1, gripping unit 2, transfer unit 3, punching unit 4, assembly unit 5, riveting unit 6 and palletizing and transfer unit 7 respectively, and is used to coordinate and control the action sequence of each unit to realize the automated production of turbine components.

[0033] Specifically, assembly unit 5 is located at the intersection of the cross-shaped layout, receiving the punched turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivets, and initially assembling the three into an unfastened turbine assembly. Riveting unit 6 is located between assembly unit 5 and palletizing and transfer unit 7, used to press-fit and fasten the unfastened turbine assembly to form a finished turbine assembly. Palletizing and transfer unit 7 is located at the end of the production line and is responsible for the collection and transfer of finished products. Control unit is electrically connected to each unit, coordinating and controlling the action sequence, interlocking logic, and data acquisition of each unit to achieve full-process automation.

[0034] The above-mentioned scheme solves the problems of material interference, cycle time mismatch, and large cumulative errors in processing accuracy in traditional production lines. Each feeding unit 1 operates independently and in parallel, avoiding congestion at a single feeding port and improving material preparation efficiency. The transfer unit 3 integrates centering, oiling, calibration, and transfer functions, reducing the need for dedicated positioning stations, ensuring uniform reference before punching, improving punching accuracy, and allowing the lubricating oil on the turbine housing surface to be carried into the punching die 404 along with the workpiece, achieving die cutting edge lubrication. The cross-shaped layout allows the turbine seat and rivet to enter the assembly point from a vertical direction, avoiding material interference and shortening the assembly path. The riveting unit is separated from the feeding and assembly units to avoid riveting vibration affecting upstream precision assembly. The end effector is responsible for the finished product unloading, ensuring continuous production line operation. The control unit monitors sensor signals in real time to precisely control the actions of each unit, achieving seamless connection, stabilizing the production cycle, reducing equipment collision and scrap risks, significantly improving production efficiency and assembly accuracy, and reducing labor costs and scrap rate.

[0035] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, preferably, the oiling mechanism 35 includes a bracket 351 mounted on a positioning seat 33, a cylinder 352 mounted on the bracket 351, and a porous silicone head 353 mounted on the output end of the cylinder 352. When the turbine housing is delivered to the positioning seat 33 and positioned and paused briefly, the upper cylinder 352 drives the porous silicone head 353 downward. The porous silicone head 353 uses a pipeline connected to a screw control valve to control the pipeline for continuous micro-oil supply and pressure-maintaining oil seepage structure. Its oiling principle is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. It can uniformly replenish oil to the porous silicone head 353 in real time to ensure a constant oil volume and uniform oil film on the porous silicone surface. Then, the product surface is accurately coated with oil through contact imprinting. After the oiling is completed, the cylinder resets, and the product flows into the mold, thus achieving oil on the mold cutting edge.

[0036] Please see Figure 6 A production line-based manufacturing method includes the following steps: S1. Push the turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivets to the corresponding designated loading and positioning points of the equipment; Specifically, the turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivets are pushed to their respective positions by the first feeding unit 101, the second feeding unit 102, and the third feeding unit 103.

[0037] S2. A robotic arm receives an instruction and grabs the turbine housing onto the first transfer unit 301 for pre-processing. After pre-processing, the turbine housing is sent into the punching die and its positioning status is checked. If the check fails, the control unit controls the robotic arm 201 to grab it again or triggers an alarm; if it passes, step S3 is executed. Meanwhile, the turbine housing is gripped and placed on assembly unit 5, working in parallel with the turbine housing; Specifically, the robotic arm 201 grasps the turbine housing and places it on the positioning seat 33 of the first transfer unit 301. The positioning seat 33 has several positioning pins. When the turbine housing is placed between the positioning pins, it can automatically complete the centering. At this time, the oiling mechanism 34 above the positioning seat 33 applies oil to the turbine housing, so that the turbine housing is coated with oil. After the oiling is completed, the transfer mechanism 302 on the first transfer unit 301 drives the gripper to grasp the oiled turbine housing on the positioning seat 33 and put it into the punching mold 4. Then, its positioning status is detected. If the positioning status is not qualified, the control unit controls the robotic arm to grasp it again or triggers an alarm. If the positioning status is qualified, the process proceeds to step S3. At the same time, the turbine housing enters the positioning frame through the feeder. The principle of the feeder is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] S3, the punching unit 4 performs the punching action, punches and inspects the turbine housing in the punching die 404. After the inspection is qualified, the second transfer unit 302 takes the material and performs hole calibration. After calibration, the second transfer unit 302 transfers the turbine housing to the assembly unit 5 and assembles it with the pre-placed turbine seat. Specifically, the first punch press 401 performs a punching action to process the turbine housing located in the punching die 404. The waste generated during the processing is automatically discharged through the slag discharge port. Subsequently, the system detects the processing accuracy and position of the turbine housing holes. If the detection is qualified, the transfer mechanism 32 of the second transfer unit 302 drives the gripper 34 to transfer the turbine housing with qualified holes to the assembly unit 5. If the detection is unqualified, the production line stops and the operator removes it. In the assembly unit 5, the positioning frame 504 rotates circumferentially around its center. When a turbine seat is placed in a positioning frame 504, the positioning frame 504 rotates with the rotating disk 502 to the loading position of the turbine housing so that the turbine housing can be placed into the positioning frame 504 for assembly. The positioning frame 504 is provided with two movable pins, which play a key positioning and fixing role in the assembly process of the turbine housing and the turbine seat.

[0039] S4. Separate the rivets one by one according to the preset process parameters and insert them into the rivet holes corresponding to the turbine housing and turbine seat to form the turbine assembly; after the rivets are inserted, wait for material to be picked up. The positioning frame 504, which contains the turbine housing and turbine seat, rotates to the rivet loading station. The rivet assembly robot 1033 inserts the rivets into the turbine housing and turbine seat in sequence, except for the through hole where the lifting pin is located. After the rivets are inserted into the other through holes, the movable lifting pin descends and disengages from the corresponding through hole. Then the rivet insertion of the through hole is completed, forming the initial turbine assembly. The rotating disk 502 continues to rotate, transferring the initial turbine assembly to the gripping station of the third transfer unit 303, waiting to be gripped and transferred.

[0040] S5, the third transfer unit 303 picks up and inspects the material. If it is unqualified, it is rejected. If it is qualified, it is transferred to the riveting unit 6 and its positioning status is checked. After the inspection is qualified, the punch press performs the riveting action to complete the fastening and forming of the turbine assembly. After the riveting is completed, the riveting quality is checked. After it is confirmed to be qualified, it waits for the material to be picked up. Specifically, the transfer mechanism 32 on the third transfer unit 303 drives the gripper to grab the initial turbine assembly and place it on the positioning seat 33 of the third transfer unit 303. The camera scanning device scans the status of the rivets in the through holes to ensure that there are rivets in each through hole. If no rivets are detected, the turbine assembly is removed from the production line. After passing the inspection, the gripper grabs the turbine assembly and continues to feed it into the riveting unit 6. The riveting unit 6 punches the rivets in the turbine assembly, so that the T-shaped rivets are punched into I-shaped rivets, thereby assembling the turbine housing, turbine seat and rivets into the finished product.

[0041] S6. Another robotic arm 201 receives the instruction, takes out the finished turbine assembly from the riveting unit 6, places it on the transfer trolley for multi-layer stacking, and monitors the stacking status in real time during the stacking process. S7. When the transfer trolley is stacked to the preset full state, the production line issues a full material prompt. The transfer trolley is unlocked manually, and the full trolley is pushed out and transferred to the next process or storage area. At the same time, the empty transfer trolley is pushed to the loading position and the production line automatically resumes operation.

[0042] After the turbine housing is held by the grippers of the first transfer unit 301 to the positioning seat 33, the oiling mechanism 35 applies oil to the turbine housing. After the oiling is completed, the grippers pick up the oiled turbine housing from the positioning seat 33 and transfer it to the punching unit 4, where the punching unit 4 performs punching on the turbine housing.

[0043] 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. 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.

[0044] Therefore, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application; that is, all equivalent modifications made in accordance with the scope of the claims of this application shall be within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine assemblies, characterized in that, include: The feeding unit consists of three units, each used to push the turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivet to the corresponding designated feeding and positioning positions. The gripping unit includes two robotic arms, one for gripping the turbine housing and the other for gripping the finished turbine assembly; Three transfer units are arranged sequentially along the material flow direction. They are used to center and oil the turbine housing and calibrate the holes, and to transfer the assembled turbine assembly to the riveting unit. A punching unit, located between the two transfer units, is used to punch holes in the turbine housing; The assembly unit is used to receive the punched turbine housing, the finished turbine mount and rivets, and assemble the three into a turbine assembly; A riveting unit is located between a transfer unit and a stacking and transfer unit for riveting and fastening the aforementioned turbine assembly. The stacking and transfer unit is located at the end of the production line for collecting and transferring finished turbine assemblies. as well as The control unit is electrically connected to the feeding unit, gripping unit, transfer unit, punching unit, assembly unit, riveting unit and palletizing and transfer unit respectively, and is used to coordinate and control the action sequence of each unit to realize the automated production of turbine components.

2. The automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding unit includes a first feeding unit, a second feeding unit, and a third feeding unit, and both the first feeding unit and the second feeding unit include a transfer trolley; The second loading unit also includes a loading machine configured to pick up a turbine seat from a transfer trolley and place it on the assembly unit; The third feeding unit includes a support frame and a vibratory feeding plate and a rivet assembly robot mounted on the support frame. The vibratory feeding plate is connected to the rivet assembly robot, which is configured to transfer rivets to the assembly unit so that the rivets are assembled with the turbine housing and turbine seat located in the assembly unit.

3. The automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer unit includes a first transfer unit, a second transfer unit, and a third transfer unit, wherein each of the first transfer unit, the second transfer unit, and the third transfer unit includes a frame and a transfer mechanism and a positioning seat disposed on the frame; The first transfer unit has a gripper for gripping the turbine housing on its transfer mechanism, and an oiling mechanism is installed on the positioning seat for oiling the turbine housing located on the positioning seat. The second transfer unit has a gripper on the transfer mechanism for gripping the punched turbine housing, and a calibration mechanism on the positioning seat for calibrating the hole of the punched turbine housing located on the positioning seat. The third transfer unit has a gripper for gripping the turbine assembly on its transfer mechanism, and a detection mechanism is installed on the positioning seat for detecting the rivet assembly status of the turbine assembly on the positioning seat.

4. The automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oiling mechanism includes a bracket mounted on the positioning seat, a cylinder mounted on the bracket, and a multi-hole silicone head mounted on the output end of the cylinder.

5. The automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The punching unit includes a first punch press and a base plate disposed on the first punch press. A plurality of first positioning pins are installed on the base plate, and a punching die is installed on the base plate. The plurality of first positioning pins are arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the punching die. A positioning mechanism is installed on the punching die. The positioning mechanism is connected to the base plate through a spring assembly. The punching die has a slag discharge port. A stamping part is also installed on the first punch press.

6. The automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly unit includes a support frame, and a rotating disk is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the support frame. The rotating disk is driven to rotate by a drive motor mounted on the support frame. Several positioning frames for assembling turbine components are mounted on the rotating disk, and each positioning frame is arranged at equal intervals in a ring around the rotating disk.

7. The automated production line for riveting hydraulic torque converter turbine components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The riveting unit includes a second punch press, on which a lower support is fixedly installed. A support column is installed on the upper end face of the lower support, and a positioning column is movably installed inside the support column. The positioning column is connected to the lower support by a spring, and one end of the positioning column is inserted into the interior of the turbine assembly. A lower stamping part is installed on the second punch press to cooperate with the support column and the positioning column to complete the riveting operation of the turbine assembly.

8. A method based on the production line of claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Push the turbine housing, turbine seat, and rivets to the corresponding designated loading and positioning points of the equipment; S2. A robotic arm receives an instruction and grabs the turbine housing onto the first transfer unit for pre-processing. After pre-processing, the turbine housing is sent into the punching die and its positioning is checked. If the check is qualified, proceed to step S3. Meanwhile, the turbine housing is gripped and placed on the assembly unit, operating in parallel with the turbine housing; S3. The punching unit performs the punching action to punch and inspect the turbine housing in the punching die. After the inspection is qualified, the second transfer unit takes the material and performs hole calibration. After calibration, the second transfer unit transfers the turbine housing to the assembly unit for assembly with the pre-placed turbine seat. S4. Separate the rivets one by one according to the preset process parameters and insert them into the rivet holes corresponding to the turbine housing and turbine seat to form the turbine assembly; after the rivets are inserted, wait for material to be picked up. S5. The third transfer unit picks up and inspects the material. If it is unqualified, it is rejected. If it is qualified, it is transferred to the riveting unit and its positioning status is checked. After the inspection is qualified, the punch press performs the riveting action to complete the fastening and forming of the turbine assembly. After the riveting is completed, the riveting quality is checked. After it is confirmed to be qualified, it waits for the material to be picked up. S6. Another robotic arm receives the instruction, takes out the finished turbine assembly from the riveting unit, places it on the transfer trolley for multi-layer stacking, and monitors the stacking status in real time during the stacking process. S7. When the transfer trolley is stacked to the preset full state, the production line issues a full material prompt. The transfer trolley is unlocked manually, and the full trolley is pushed out and transferred to the next process or storage area. At the same time, the empty transfer trolley is pushed to the loading position and the production line automatically resumes operation.

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