Laser positioning assembly system and method for piston ring groove

Abstract

The patent application belongs to the technical field of component assembly, and particularly relates to a piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system and method. The system comprises two arc-shaped plates which are symmetrically arranged at intervals, and a plurality of clamping grooves corresponding to the plurality of piston rings are formed in the two arc-shaped plates. The system further comprises a rotating mechanism, a translation mechanism, an elastic part, a rotating plate, a bulging block, and a laser head. The rotating mechanism and the translation mechanism are respectively located at the front and rear ends of the arc-shaped plate. The rotating mechanism is used for driving the rotating plate to rotate. The translation mechanism can drive the elastic part, the bulging block, and the laser head to move towards the rotating plate. The bulging block is located between the two arc-shaped plates, and comprises a front inclined section and a straight section. The front inclined section gradually widens from front to back. The purpose of the system is to automatically adjust the opening angle of the piston ring, thereby improving the assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of component assembly technology, specifically to a piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Piston ring assembly is a critical process in engine manufacturing and maintenance, and its quality directly affects the engine's sealing performance, power, and service life. Traditional piston ring assembly relies primarily on assembly workers using hand tools such as piston ring calipers to manually open and fit each piston ring into its groove. This method is not only inefficient and labor-intensive, but also highly dependent on the operator's skill and experience, making it difficult to guarantee consistent assembly quality. In particular, it is difficult to precisely control the relative angles of the multiple piston ring openings (e.g., the usual requirement for each ring opening to be staggered by 90° or 120°), which has become a bottleneck restricting production cycle time and product reliability.

[0003] Existing technology (CN113400252A) discloses a high-efficiency piston ring assembly system. This system achieves the synchronous mechanical opening and assembly of multiple piston rings by using a piston clamp with mounting grooves, a pair of piston ring expanders that slide along a groove, and a linkage mechanism driven by a cylinder. Specifically, the operator places the piston rings into the clamp, the drive mechanism moves the expanders, and the expanders simultaneously open each piston ring through the expansion plates. The piston is then pushed in, and finally the expanders reset, allowing the piston rings to engage with their own elasticity and engage with the piston ring grooves. This technical solution combines the opening and assembly actions of multiple piston rings, significantly improving assembly efficiency and reducing labor intensity.

[0004] However, this system can only complete the expansion and assembly of piston rings. After assembly, the relative opening angle of each piston ring in the piston ring groove is fixed, which cannot meet the strict requirements for the distribution of opening angles in the engine process specifications. To meet the assembly requirements, manual adjustment is still required in subsequent processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system that can automatically adjust the opening angle of the piston ring, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system includes two symmetrically spaced arc plates, each with a groove corresponding to a plurality of piston rings. It also includes a rotating mechanism, a translating mechanism, an elastic part, a rotating plate, a tensioning block, and a laser head. The rotating mechanism and the translating mechanism are located at the front and rear ends of the arc plate, respectively. The rotating mechanism is used to drive the rotating plate to rotate. The translating mechanism can drive the elastic part, the tensioning block, and the laser head to move toward the rotating plate. The tensioning block is located between the two arc plates and includes a front inclined section and a straight section. The front inclined section gradually widens from front to back. Before assembly, multiple piston rings are installed with their openings facing downwards in their corresponding slots. The pistons are placed on two arc-shaped plates. The translation mechanism drives the elastic part and the tensioning block to move. The tensioning block causes the openings of multiple piston rings to expand sequentially. Then, the elastic part pushes the piston into the piston ring and presses it tightly against the rotating plate. The translation mechanism continues to drive, the elastic part is compressed, and the piston rings are disengaged from the tensioning block one by one. Each time they are disengaged, the rotating mechanism drives the rotating plate to rotate the piston, and the laser head monitors whether the corresponding piston rings are assembled.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. By driving the tensioning block and the elastic part in coordination through the translation mechanism, multiple piston rings can be expanded and fitted onto the piston in sequence in one go and automatically, which greatly improves the assembly efficiency and replaces the traditional cumbersome manual operation.

[0008] 2. As the piston rings disengage one by one from the tensioning block, the control plate drives the piston to rotate, thereby precisely adjusting the opening angle of the piston rings. This solves the problem of difficulty in controlling the opening angle and reliance on manual experience in traditional assembly.

[0009] 3. The assembly process is monitored in real time using a laser head. When the piston rotates to adjust the angle, the laser can detect whether the piston rings have been installed, thus ensuring the reliability and consistency of the assembly quality.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic part includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and a compression spring; The inner cylinder is rotatably mounted on the moving end of the translation mechanism, the outer cylinder is laterally slidingly fitted with the inner cylinder, and the compression spring is laterally mounted between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder.

[0011] Beneficial effects: The elastic section, with its inner and outer cylinders combined with a compression spring, provides stable cushioning force when pushing the piston forward. When the piston is pressed against the rotating plate, the compression of the spring absorbs excess force, preventing damage to the piston or piston rings from rigid impacts.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning block further includes a rear inclined section, which gradually narrows from back to front.

[0013] Beneficial effects: The inclined section of the tensioning block allows it to guide the piston ring opening to slide smoothly and steadily off the tensioning block during retraction, preventing the piston ring from bouncing, misaligning, or jamming at the moment of disengagement, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the assembly process.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning block further includes a limiting section located at the rear end of the rear inclined section, and the upper surface of the limiting section is used to support the piston ring that is inserted into the piston ring groove.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The design of the limiting section provides a support and positioning surface for the assembled piston rings. This ensures that the piston rings are fully engaged in the piston ring groove and in a stable state when the angle is adjusted.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laser head and the front end of the limiting segment are on the same vertical plane.

[0017] Beneficial effects: Setting the laser head and the front end of the limiting section on the same vertical plane means that the laser beam is precisely aimed at the position where the piston ring is about to or has just slipped off the straight section and is about to slide into the limiting section. At this moment, the change in the piston ring's state (from being expanded to returning to its original shape and locking into the ring groove) is most obvious, and the laser can most sensitively capture this change in state, thereby accurately triggering the "assembly complete, angle adjustment can be performed" signal, making the system's control logic more precise.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the width of the straight section is the same as the distance between the two curved plates.

[0019] Beneficial effect: It allows the entire tensioning block to slide between the two arc plates, making the overall operation more stable.

[0020] This invention also provides a piston ring groove laser positioning and assembly method, which uses the piston ring groove laser positioning and assembly system described above and includes the following steps: S1: Install multiple piston rings with the openings facing down into the corresponding slots, and place the piston on the arc plate, on the side away from the piston rings; S2: The translation mechanism drives the elastic part and the tensioning block to move synchronously. The tensioning block uses the front inclined section to expand the piston ring opening one by one. The elastic part pushes the piston into multiple expanded piston rings until the piston is pressed against the rotating plate. S3: The translation mechanism continues to drive the elastic part and the tensioning block to move synchronously. The elastic part is gradually compressed, and the piston rings are separated from the straight section one by one. Each time they are separated from the straight section, the translation mechanism stops pushing, and the rotation mechanism drives the piston and the corresponding piston ring to rotate, adjusting the opening position. The translation mechanism continues to push, and performs the next opening adjustment, until all piston rings are adjusted. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first embodiment of the piston ring groove laser positioning and assembly system of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the piston ring groove laser positioning and assembly system of the present invention during the assembly process in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the arc plate and piston ring in Embodiment 1 of the piston ring groove laser positioning and assembly system of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the piston ring groove laser positioning and assembly system of the present invention during the assembly process in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the frame and sliding groove in Embodiment 2 of the piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system of the present invention.

[0022] The reference numerals in the attached drawings include: base 1, sliding groove 11, frame 12, elastic body 13, arc plate 2, slot 21, translation mechanism 3, rotation mechanism 4, elastic part 5, inner cylinder 51, outer cylinder 52, compression spring 53, rotating plate 6, tensioning block 7, rear inclined section 71, straight section 72, front inclined section 73, limiting section 74, laser head 8, piston 9, piston ring 10. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be specifically described in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] In the description of this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the structure referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0025] Example 1 See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment discloses a piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system, including a base 1, two arc-shaped plates 2, a translation mechanism 3, a rotation mechanism 4, an elastic part 5, a rotating plate 6, a tensioning block 7, and a laser head 8.

[0026] See Figure 2As shown, the two arc-shaped plates 2 are fixedly mounted on the base 1 by brackets and are symmetrically arranged at intervals along the piston axis. The inner sidewall of the arc-shaped plate 2 can support the piston 9. On the inner sidewall of each arc-shaped plate 2, three slots 21 are formed along its length. These three slots 21 are used to accommodate the piston rings to be assembled (first compression ring, second compression ring, and oil ring). Before assembly, the openings of the three piston rings 10 are all placed downwards in the corresponding slots 21.

[0027] The translation mechanism 3 is mounted on the base 1 and located at the rear end of the arc-shaped plate 2. In this embodiment, the translation mechanism 3 is an electric push rod. The elastic part 5, the tensioning block 7, and the laser head 8 are all mounted on the moving end of the translation mechanism 3.

[0028] Among them, see Figure 4 As shown, the elastic part 5 includes an inner cylinder 51, an outer cylinder 52, and a compression spring 53. The inner cylinder 51 is rotatably mounted on the moving end of the translation mechanism 3. The outer cylinder 52 is sleeved outside the inner cylinder 51, achieving axial sliding fit through a slot but preventing relative rotation. The compression spring 53 is located between the inner and outer cylinders, with its two ends fixedly connected to the inner cylinder 51 and the outer cylinder 52, respectively. In its natural state, the compression spring 53 pushes the outer cylinder 52 forward.

[0029] Among them, see Figure 3 As shown, the tensioning block 7 is fixedly installed on the moving end of the translation mechanism 3 via a connecting rod and is located in the gap between the two arc-shaped plates 2. The tensioning block 7, along the moving direction (from back to front), sequentially includes a rear inclined section 71, a straight section 72, and a front inclined section 73. The front end width of the front inclined section 73 is less than the distance between the two arc-shaped plates 2, and gradually widens from front to back until it is equal in width to the straight section 72. The width of the straight section 72 is equal to the inner distance between the two arc-shaped plates 2, allowing the straight section 72 to slide smoothly between the two arc-shaped plates 2. The rear inclined section 71 gradually narrows from back to front. A lower limiting section 74 is provided at the rear end of the rear inclined section 71.

[0030] Among them, see Figure 2 As shown, the rotating mechanism 4 is mounted on the front end of the base 1. In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism 4 includes a servo motor, the output shaft of which is fixedly connected to the center of the rotating plate 6 via a coupling, thereby driving the rotating plate 6 to rotate.

[0031] The laser head 8 uses an integrated laser photoelectric sensor to detect distance changes. This part is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] A piston ring groove laser positioning and assembly method according to this embodiment includes the following steps: S1: Install multiple piston rings with the openings facing down into the corresponding slots, and place the piston on the arc plate, on the side away from the piston rings; S2: The translation mechanism drives the elastic part and the tensioning block to move synchronously. The tensioning block uses the front inclined section to expand the piston ring opening one by one. The elastic part pushes the piston into multiple expanded piston rings until the piston is pressed against the rotating plate. S3: The translation mechanism continues to drive the elastic part and the tensioning block to move synchronously. The elastic part is gradually compressed, and the piston rings are separated from the straight section one by one. Each time they are separated from the straight section, the translation mechanism stops pushing, and the rotation mechanism drives the piston and the corresponding piston ring to rotate, adjusting the opening position. The translation mechanism continues to push, and performs the next opening adjustment, until all piston rings are adjusted.

[0033] In step S2, the translation mechanism 3 drives the slider 31 to move the elastic part 5, the tensioning block 7, and the laser head 8 forward (towards the rotating plate 6). The front inclined section 73 of the tensioning block 7 inserts into the opening of the foremost piston ring 10. As it continues to move forward, the front inclined section 73 gradually widens the opening of the piston ring 10 using its gradually widening slope. Then, the straight section 72 enters the opening, keeping the first piston ring 10 in an expanded state.

[0034] Subsequently, the tensioning block 7 sequentially expands the next two piston rings 10. During this process, the front end of the outer cylinder 52 of the elastic part 5 contacts the bottom surface of the piston 9, and under the buffering action of the compression spring 53, it begins to smoothly push the piston 9 forward. The piston 9 passes through the piston rings that have been expanded by the tensioning block 7 in sequence.

[0035] When the piston 9 finally comes into close contact with the rotating plate 6, all the piston rings 10 are on the same vertical plane as the corresponding piston ring grooves.

[0036] In step S3, the translation mechanism 3 continues to drive the entire assembly forward. The tension block 7 moves forward relative to the arc plate 2 (and the piston ring stuck on it), while the piston 9 is blocked by the rotating plate 6 and cannot move forward, and the compression spring 53 continues to compress.

[0037] The movement of the tensioning block 7 causes the piston ring 10 at the rear end to slide out of the straight section 72 and contact the rear inclined section 71. Under its own elastic force, the opening of the piston ring 10 contracts, gradually locking it into the piston ring groove of the piston 9, until the piston ring 10 disengages from the rear inclined section 71, the opening recovers, and it is limited by the upper surface of the limiting section 74.

[0038] During the entire process of piston ring 10 sliding past inclined section 71 and being engaged in the ring groove, when piston ring 10 is fully engaged in the piston ring groove and supported by limiting section 74, the laser head changes from detecting the surface of piston 9 to detecting the surface of piston ring 9. At this time, piston ring 9 changes from being expanded to returning to its original state, and a clear light flux change signal can be detected. The system determines that "oil ring is assembled in place".

[0039] Upon receiving the positioning signal, the translation mechanism 3 immediately pauses. The rotation mechanism 4 starts, driving the rotating plate 6 to rotate the piston 9 and the corresponding piston ring 10 together to rotate a preset angle (the other piston rings 10 remain in the open state and cannot rotate).

[0040] After the adjustment is completed, the translation mechanism 3 moves forward again, repeating this cycle to complete the assembly of multiple piston rings 10.

[0041] Example 2 See Figure 5 As shown, based on the first embodiment, the base 1 is provided with a horizontal sliding groove 11 (the structure of the sliding groove 11 is a dovetail groove to ensure its horizontal sliding), and the bottom of the arc plate 2 is fixedly connected to a frame 12. The frame 12 is slidably installed in the sliding groove 11. Elastic bodies 13 are provided between the two sides of the frame 12 and the sliding groove 11 respectively. In this embodiment, the elastic body 13 is a butterfly spring, so that the frame 12 and the arc plate 2 can make slight horizontal swaying.

[0042] With the above settings, when the rotating mechanism 4 drives the rotating plate 6, if the piston ring 10 and the piston 9 are not fully engaged, the motion interference will cause the arc plate 2 to be subjected to force. Therefore, the arc plate 2 will generate a slight lateral sway through the elastic body 13. The lateral displacement of the arc plate 2 can adjust the lateral position of the piston ring, so that the piston ring 10 is fully engaged in the piston ring groove, thereby eliminating certain machining errors of the parts.

[0043] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system, characterized in that: It includes two symmetrically spaced arc-shaped plates, each with a slot corresponding to a plurality of piston rings; It also includes a rotating mechanism, a translating mechanism, an elastic part, a rotating plate, a tensioning block, and a laser head. The rotating mechanism and the translating mechanism are located at the front and rear ends of the arc plate, respectively. The rotating mechanism is used to drive the rotating plate to rotate. The translating mechanism can drive the elastic part, the tensioning block, and the laser head to move toward the rotating plate. The tensioning block is located between the two arc plates and includes a front inclined section and a straight section. The front inclined section gradually widens from front to back. Before assembly, multiple piston rings are installed with their openings facing downwards in their corresponding slots. The pistons are placed on two arc-shaped plates. The translation mechanism drives the elastic part and the tensioning block to move. The tensioning block causes the openings of multiple piston rings to expand sequentially. Then, the elastic part pushes the piston into the piston ring and presses it tightly against the rotating plate. The translation mechanism continues to drive, the elastic part is compressed, and the piston rings are disengaged from the tensioning block one by one. Each time they are disengaged, the rotating mechanism drives the rotating plate to rotate the piston, and the laser head monitors whether the corresponding piston rings are assembled.

2. The piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic part includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, and a compression spring; The inner cylinder is rotatably mounted on the moving end of the translation mechanism, the outer cylinder is laterally slidingly fitted with the inner cylinder, and the compression spring is laterally mounted between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder.

3. The piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tensioning block also includes a rear inclined section, which gradually narrows from back to front.

4. The piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tensioning block also includes a limiting section located at the rear end of the rear inclined section, and the upper surface of the limiting section is used to support the piston ring that is inserted into the piston ring groove.

5. The piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The laser head and the front end of the limiting section are on the same vertical plane.

6. The piston ring groove laser positioning assembly system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the straight section is the same as the distance between the two curved plates.

7. A method for laser positioning and assembly of piston ring grooves, employing the laser positioning and assembly system for piston ring grooves according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Install multiple piston rings with the openings facing down into the corresponding slots, and place the piston on the arc plate, on the side away from the piston rings; S2: The translation mechanism drives the elastic part and the tensioning block to move synchronously. The tensioning block uses the front inclined section to expand the piston ring opening one by one. The elastic part pushes the piston into multiple expanded piston rings until the piston is pressed against the rotating plate. S3: The translation mechanism continues to drive the elastic part and the tensioning block to move synchronously. The elastic part is gradually compressed, and the piston rings are separated from the straight section one by one. Each time they are separated from the straight section, the translation mechanism stops pushing, and the rotation mechanism drives the piston and the corresponding piston ring to rotate, adjusting the opening position. The translation mechanism continues to push, and performs the next opening adjustment, until all piston rings are adjusted.

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