An automatic assembly device for motorcycle engine case components

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic assembly device for motorcycle engine housing parts, belonging to the field of automatic metal parts assembly. It includes a workbench, a fixing mechanism, and at least one assembly unit. Each assembly unit comprises a feeding module, a loading module, and a top-loading component. The loading module has a mounting plate, a fixing plate, a receiving assembly, a transfer plate, and a third electric push rod. The transfer plate has a through-hole, which receives a single plug from the feeding module at a first position and moves to a second position driven by the third electric push rod, aligning the through-hole with the guide tube inlet on the fixing plate. The top-loading component then pushes the plug along a straight line into the guide tube and presses it into the plug hole of the motorcycle engine housing. This invention achieves automatic assembly of copper plugs through the coordinated action of automatic feeding, intermittent transfer, and straight pressing, significantly improving assembly efficiency and yield. It also features a compact structure, strong adaptability, and is suitable for the automated production of copper plugs of different specifications and complex housing structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of automatic assembly of metal parts, and more specifically, to an automatic assembly device for motorcycle engine housing parts. Background Technology

[0002] Motorcycle engine housings are equipped with copper plugs, commonly known as water plugs, core plugs, or expansion plugs. When the engine's internal pressure abnormally increases due to cooling system malfunctions or other reasons, this copper plug is designed as a "weak point." It is the first to be pushed out or deformed by the high pressure, thereby releasing internal pressure and preventing excessive pressure from causing cracks or permanent deformation of more expensive and complex components such as the engine block and cylinder head. It acts like a "safety valve" to protect the engine's core structure.

[0003] During the casting and machining of the engine housing, some process holes are reserved as needed. Subsequently, copper plugs are manually pressed into the holes one by one. Since the holes are located in various corners of the housing edge, manual operation is not only inefficient, but also prone to producing defective products. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the problem of low efficiency and high defect rate caused by the manual installation of copper plugs in the engine housing as mentioned above in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides an automatic assembly device for motorcycle engine housing parts, which can achieve efficient automatic assembly and reduce the defect rate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automatic assembly device for motorcycle engine housing parts, used for automatically assembling plugs into plug holes in motorcycle engine housings, comprising: a worktable for placing the motorcycle housing to be fitted with plugs; a fixing mechanism disposed on the worktable for fixing the motorcycle housing; at least one set of assembly units, each set of assembly units being configured according to the position and angle of the plug holes on the motorcycle housing to be fitted with plugs, each assembly unit comprising: a feeding module for continuously supplying plugs; a loading module having a discharge port for receiving the plugs provided by the feeding module and guiding the plugs to a position aligned with the plug holes; and a ejector, the ejection direction of which is collinear with the axis of the discharge port of the loading module, for ejecting... The feed material located in the feeding module is pushed out in a straight line and pressed into the feed hole; wherein, the feeding module includes: a mounting plate; a fixing plate, fixed on the mounting plate, having a guide tube as the discharge port; a receiving assembly, fixed on the fixing plate and connected to the feeding module; a transfer plate, slidably connected to the mounting plate and fitted to the receiving assembly; a third electric push rod, driving the transfer plate to slide; the transfer plate has a through-hole for accommodating a single feed material, and in the first position, the through-hole of the transfer plate is connected to the feed channel of the receiving assembly to receive the feed material; in the second position, the through-hole of the transfer plate is connected to the inlet of the guide tube so that the ejector pushes the feed material into the guide tube.

[0006] As a further improvement to the solution, the transfer plate also includes a material support ring and an anti-dislodgement strip; the material support ring is disposed at the lower edge of the passage and is used to support the plugged material from below; the anti-dislodgement strip extends upward from the plate body of the transfer plate, and when the transfer plate is in the second position, the anti-dislodgement strip is used to prevent subsequent plugged material in the receiving assembly from entering the passage.

[0007] As a further improvement to the solution, the receiving assembly includes a mounting block with a groove inside, and the anti-detachment strip of the transfer plate is slidably placed in the groove; the receiving assembly also includes a pipe head, one end of which is connected to the feeding pipe, and the other end has a fan-shaped notch; the material support ring on the transfer plate is semi-circular, and when the transfer plate is in the first position, the material support ring and the fan-shaped notch complement each other to form a complete circular channel to accommodate and guide the plugged material.

[0008] As a further improvement to the solution, the feeding module also includes a contact switch, which is mounted on the mounting plate and located on the moving path of the transfer plate. When the transfer plate moves to the second position, the contact switch is triggered to control the third electric push rod to stop driving.

[0009] As a further improvement to the solution, the feeding module includes a second support frame, a vibratory feeder, and a feeding pipe; the vibratory feeder is mounted on the second support frame, and the feeding pipe connects the discharge port of the vibratory feeder to the receiving component of the feeding module.

[0010] As a further improvement to the solution, the fixing mechanism includes a first support frame, a first electric push rod, and a stop block; the first support frame is mounted on a workbench, the first electric push rod is mounted on the first support frame, its movable end passes through the first support frame and is connected to the stop block, and the stop block is suspended above a receiving platform for placing a motorcycle box, for pressing the motorcycle box from above.

[0011] As a further improvement to the solution, the fixing mechanism also includes an electric push block and a lever bridge; the electric push block is arranged around the periphery of the receiving platform, and the lever bridge is installed on the movable end of the electric push block for swinging and pressing against the edge of the motorcycle box under the drive of the electric push block.

[0012] As a further improvement to the design, the guide tube has an inclined, concave chamfer at one end facing the through-hole to facilitate the insertion of the filling material.

[0013] As a further improvement to the solution, the top material component includes a second electric push rod and a top rod; the end structure of the top rod is set according to the type of material: when the material is solid, the end of the top rod is flat; when the material is hollow, the end of the top rod is provided with a protrusion for extending into the hollow cavity.

[0014] As a further improvement to the scheme, a feeding device is also included, which includes an electric guide rail and a slide table; the loading module and the top material are mounted on the slide table, and the slide table is connected to the electric guide rail to drive the entire loading module and the top material to be fed linearly toward the motorcycle body.

[0015] The present invention brings the following beneficial effects: 1. The automatic feeding of the vibratory feeder, along with the coordinated action of the transfer plate and the top rod, realizes the full automation of the "feeding-separation-transfer-pressing" process. One pressing cycle takes only a few seconds, far exceeding manual operation, which can effectively improve work efficiency.

[0016] 2. The precise guidance of the guide tube and the linear pressing force ensure the coaxiality of the plug and the plug hole, avoiding misalignment or damage to the housing that may be caused by manual hammering. The contact switch ensures the accuracy of the operating position, ensuring production quality.

[0017] 3. The material support ring and anti-slip strip on the transfer plate, together with the fan-shaped notch of the receiving component, form a sophisticated intermittent feeding mechanism, which fundamentally solves the problems of material jamming and double material feeding, and ensures the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0018] 4. Through multiple independently configured combination units, it can simultaneously process multiple plug holes at different angles and positions on the housing. The addition of a feeding device enables it to handle deep holes and interference environments. The replaceable push rod end makes it compatible with both solid and hollow copper plugs.

[0019] 5. A robust composite fixing mechanism (compression + snap-fit) ensures that the housing will not experience stress concentration or deformation under pressure, protecting the expensive engine housing. The special design of the push rod end also protects the structural integrity of the hollow plug material. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing mechanism and the worktable of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module and the loading module of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module and the top material component of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the material transfer plate of the feeding module of the present invention after it has been moved.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving assembly of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer plate of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device of the present invention.

[0029] The correspondence between the reference numerals and the names of the components in the attached drawings is as follows: 100-Workbench, 101-Receiving platform, 102-Support column, 103-Positioning pin; 200-Feeding module, 201-Second support frame, 202-Vibrating plate, 203-Feeding pipe; 300 - Feeding module; 301 - Discharge port; 400 - Top material component, 401 - Second electric push rod, 402 - Top rod; 500 - Fixed mechanism; 501 - First support frame; 502 - First electric push rod; 503 - Abutment block; 601 - Electric push block, 602 - Lever bridge; 701-Mounting plate, 702-Slide rail, 703-Third electric push rod, 704-Transfer plate, 7040-Connecting part, 7041-Plate body, 7042-Anti-detachment strip, 7043-Pass-through port, 7044-Material support ring; 801-Fixing plate, 802-Guide tube, 803-Receiving assembly, 8030-Slide groove, 8031-Mounting block, 8032-Pipe head, 8033-Fixing block, 8034-Discharge notch, 8035-Fan-shaped notch, 804-Contact switch, 805-Contact; 901 - Electric guide rail, 902 - Slide table; 999-Plug Material. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all structures. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Example 1: As Figures 1-9 As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic assembly device for motorcycle engine housing parts. The device includes a workbench 100, a fixing mechanism 500 for fixing the motorcycle housing, and multiple sets of assembly units configured according to the number of plug holes on the housing (this embodiment uses one set as an example for explanation).

[0033] The workbench 100 has a receiving platform 101 with multiple support columns 102. The positions of the support columns 102 correspond one-to-one with the fastening bolt holes on the bottom of the motorcycle body. Each support column 102 has a protruding positioning pin 103 on its top. During operation, the worker places the motorcycle body onto the support column 102, and the positioning pin 103 is inserted into the bolt hole to achieve initial positioning.

[0034] The fixing mechanism 500 is used to strengthen the fixation and prevent the box from shifting during press-fitting. It includes a first support frame 501, which is mounted on the workbench 100. A first electric push rod 502 is vertically mounted on the crossbeam of the first support frame 501, and its movable end passes downward through the crossbeam and connects to a circular abutment 503. The abutment 503 is positioned directly opposite the center of the box or the main stress-bearing part. In addition, multiple electric push blocks 601 are provided around the perimeter of the receiving platform 101, and the movable end of each electric push block 601 is hinged to a lever bridge 602. After the box is placed, the first electric push rod 502 drives the abutment 503 to press down, pressing the box from above; at the same time, the electric push block 601 drives the lever bridge 602 to swing downward, so that its end presses against the edge protrusion or reinforcing rib of the box. This composite fixing method can effectively resist the reaction force generated during press-fitting.

[0035] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the assembly unit includes a feeding module 200, a loading module 300, and a top-loading component 400. The configuration angle of the assembly unit is consistent with the axial angle of a certain plug hole on the housing.

[0036] The feeding module 200 includes a second support frame 201, a vibratory feeder 202, and a flexible feeding tube 203. The vibratory feeder 202 is used to hold a large number of plugs 999 (copper plugs), and the vibration causes the plugs 999 to align in a uniform direction and be output from their outlet. The inner diameter of the feeding tube 203 can only accommodate one plug 999 at a time, and one end of it is connected to the outlet of the vibratory feeder 202, while the other end is connected to the loading module 300.

[0037] like Figure 5-8 As shown, the feeding module 300 includes a mounting plate 701, on which a slide rail 702 and a fixing plate 801 are fixed. A material transfer plate 704 is slidably connected to the slide rail 702, and the material transfer plate 704 is driven by a third electric push rod 703. A guide tube 802 is fixedly fixed through the fixing plate 801, and the outlet of the guide tube 802 is the discharge port 301 of the feeding module 300, which faces the target plug hole on the housing. The inner side of the inlet end of the guide tube 802 is chamfered to facilitate the entry of the plug 999.

[0038] A receiving assembly 803 is also fixedly installed on the fixing plate 801. The main body of the receiving assembly 803 is a mounting block 8031, with a vertical groove 8030 in the middle and a tube head 8032 embedded in the side. The tube head 8032 is fixed to the mounting block 8031 ​​by a fixing block 8033. One end of the tube head 8032 is connected to the feed pipe 203, and the other end has a fan-shaped notch 8035. A discharge notch 8034 is provided on the mounting block 8031 ​​and the fixing block 8033 below the fan-shaped notch 8035.

[0039] The transfer plate 704 includes a plate body 7041, on which a connecting part 7040 is provided to connect with a third electric push rod 703. An anti-detachment strip 7042 extends upward from the top of the plate body 7041, and this anti-detachment strip 7042 is slidably installed within a groove 8030 of the receiving assembly 803. A circular through-hole 7043 is provided on the plate body 7041, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the plug 999, and its depth (i.e., the plate thickness) is at least equivalent to the length of one plug 999. A semi-circular material support ring 7044 is provided at the lower edge of the through-hole 7043.

[0040] The working process is as follows: In the initial state, the transfer plate 704 is in the first position (upper position). At this time, the through port 7043 of the transfer plate 704 is aligned with the fan-shaped notch 8035 of the tube head 8032, and the material support ring 7044 and the fan-shaped notch 8035 are combined to form a complete circular channel. The feed material 999 output from the vibratory feeder 202 passes through the feed pipe 203 and the tube head 8032, and falls into the through port 7043 of the transfer plate 704, where it is supported by the material support ring 7044 to prevent it from falling. After the first feed material 999 enters, subsequent feed materials 999 follow immediately.

[0041] Next, the third electric push rod 703 is activated, driving the transfer plate 704 to slide downwards along the slide rail 702 to the second position (lower position). During this process, the material 999 located in the through-hole 7043 moves downwards along with the transfer plate 704. At the same time, the anti-detachment strip 7042 also slides downwards, its side blocking subsequent material 999 within the tube head 8032, preventing it from continuing to advance. When it moves down to the second position, the through-hole 7043 is precisely aligned with the inlet of the guide tube 802 below. To ensure alignment accuracy, a contact switch 804 is provided on the mounting plate 701, directly below the transfer plate 704. When the transfer plate 704 touches the contact point 805 of the contact switch 804, the third electric push rod 703 stops moving.

[0042] Then, the ejector 400 operates. The ejector 400 includes a second electric push rod 401 and an ejector rod 402. The second electric push rod 401 drives the ejector rod 402 to move forward in a straight line. The ejector rod 402 passes sequentially through the discharge notch 8034 of the receiving assembly 803 and the through-hole 7043 of the transfer plate 704, ejecting the plug material 999 located in the through-hole 7043 and allowing it to enter the guide tube 802. Since the axis of the ejector rod 402, the center of the through-hole 7043, and the center of the guide tube 802 are all collinear, the plug material 999 is smoothly pushed along the guide tube 802 and finally precisely pressed into the plug hole of the motorcycle body from the discharge port 301.

[0043] After one pressing cycle is completed, the push rod 402 retracts, and the third electric push rod 703 drives the transfer plate 704 to return to the first position. At this time, the anti-detachment strip 7042 moves upward, releasing its obstruction of the subsequent material feed 999. The obstructed material feed 999, under the pushing force of the subsequent material feed 999, re-enters the passage 7043 of the transfer plate 704, waiting for the next pressing cycle. This process repeats continuously, achieving automated operation.

[0044] Example 2: Based on Example 1, this example adds a feeding device to address situations where the plug hole on certain housings is deeply recessed or interfered with by surrounding components.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, the entire loading module 300 (including the mounting plate 701 and all its components) and the top-loading component 400 (the second electric push rod 401 and the top rod 402) are mounted together on a slide table 902. The slide table 902 is connected to an electric guide rail 901, which is mounted on the worktable 100. The electric guide rail 901 can drive the slide table 902 to move back and forth along the axis of the guide tube 802.

[0046] Before pressing, the entire assembly unit is fed forward via the electric guide rail 901, bringing the outlet 301 of the guide tube 802 as close as possible, or even slightly contacting, the plug hole on the housing, before performing the pressing action described in Example 1. After pressing, the electric guide rail 901 drives the assembly unit backward to make room for the next housing. This design greatly improves the equipment's adaptability to complex housing structures.

[0047] In this invention, the end of the push rod 402 can be replaced for different plug materials 999. When the plug material 999 is a solid copper plug, the end of the push rod 402 adopts a flat design to provide uniform thrust. When the plug material 999 is a hollow copper plug (for pipeline connection), the end of the push rod 402 is provided with a small cylindrical protrusion, which can extend into the hollow cavity of the copper plug, so as to stably push the plug material 999 and avoid crushing the hollow end.

[0048] Through the description of the specific embodiments above, the beneficial effects brought about by the present invention can be clearly seen: The automatic feeding of the vibratory feeder, along with the coordinated action of the transfer plate and the top rod, realizes full automation of the "feeding-separation-transfer-pressing" process. One pressing cycle takes only a few seconds, far exceeding manual operation, which can effectively improve work efficiency.

[0049] The precise guidance of the guide tube and the straight pressing force ensure the coaxiality of the plug 999 and the plug hole, avoiding misalignment or damage to the housing that may be caused by manual hammering. The contact switch ensures the accuracy of the operating position, ensuring production quality.

[0050] The material support ring 7044 and anti-detachment strip 7042 on the transfer plate, together with the fan-shaped notch 8035 of the receiving component, form a sophisticated intermittent feeding mechanism, which fundamentally solves the problems of material jamming and double material feeding, and ensures the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0051] Multiple independently configured combination units can simultaneously process plugs at different angles and positions on the housing. The addition of a feeding device enables it to handle deep holes and interference environments. Replaceable push rod ends make it compatible with both solid and hollow copper plugs.

[0052] The robust composite fixing mechanism (compression + snap-fit) ensures that the housing will not experience stress concentration or deformation under pressure, protecting the expensive engine housing. The special design of the push rod end also protects the structural integrity of the hollow plug material.

[0053] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications, improvements, and substitutions without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic assembly device for motorcycle engine housing parts, used to automatically assemble plug material (999) into the plug holes of a motorcycle engine housing, characterized in that, include: A workbench (100) is used to place the motorcycle body to be installed with the plug material (999); A fixing mechanism (500) is provided on the workbench (100) for fixing the motorcycle box; At least one set of assembly units, each set of assembly units being configured according to the position and angle of the plug hole on the motorcycle housing into which the plug material (999) needs to be inserted, the assembly unit comprising: Feeding module (200) is used to continuously supply feed material (999); The feeding module (300) has a discharge port (301) for receiving the plug material (999) provided by the feeding module (200) and guiding the plug material (999) to a position aligned with the plug hole; The ejector (400) has an ejection direction that is collinear with the axis of the discharge port (301) of the feeding module (300), and is used to push out the plug (999) located in the feeding module (300) in a straight line and press it into the plug hole; The feeding module (300) includes: Mounting plate (701); A fixing plate (801) is fixed on the mounting plate (701), and a guide tube (802) is provided on it as the discharge port (301). The receiving assembly (803) is fixed on the fixed plate (801) and connected to the feeding module (200); The transfer plate (704) is slidably connected to the mounting plate (701) and is fitted to the receiving assembly (803); The third electric push rod (703) drives the transfer plate (704) to slide; The transfer plate (704) is provided with a through port (7043) for accommodating a single plug (999). When the transfer plate (704) is in a first position, the through port (7043) is connected to the feed channel of the receiving assembly (803) to receive the plug (999). When the transfer plate (704) is in a second position, the through port (7043) is connected to the inlet of the guide tube (802) so that the top material member (400) pushes the plug (999) into the guide tube (802).

2. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer plate (704) further includes a material support ring (7044) and an anti-detachment strip (7042); the material support ring (7044) is disposed at the lower edge of the passage (7043) for supporting the plug material (999) from below; the anti-detachment strip (7042) extends upward from the plate body (7041) of the transfer plate (704), and when the transfer plate (704) is in the second position, the anti-detachment strip (7042) is used to prevent subsequent plug material (999) in the receiving assembly (803) from entering the passage (7043).

3. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing components according to claim 2, characterized in that, The receiving assembly (803) includes a mounting block (8031), which has a groove (8030) inside. The anti-detachment strip (7042) of the transfer plate (704) is slidably placed in the groove (8030). The receiving assembly (803) also includes a tube head (8032), one end of which is connected to the feeding pipe (203), and the other end has a fan-shaped notch (8035). The material support ring (7044) on the transfer plate (704) is semi-circular. When the transfer plate (704) is in the first position, the material support ring (7044) and the fan-shaped notch (8035) complement each other to form a complete circular channel to accommodate and guide the plug (999).

4. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing parts according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading module (300) also includes a contact switch (804), which is mounted on the mounting plate (701) and located on the moving path of the transfer plate (704). When the transfer plate (704) moves to the second position, the contact switch (804) is triggered to control the third electric push rod (703) to stop driving.

5. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding module (200) includes a second support frame (201), a vibratory plate (202), and a feeding pipe (203); the vibratory plate (202) is mounted on the second support frame (201), and the feeding pipe (203) connects the outlet of the vibratory plate (202) to the receiving component (803) of the feeding module (300).

6. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism (500) includes a first support frame (501), a first electric push rod (502), and a stop block (503); the first support frame (501) is mounted on the workbench (100), the first electric push rod (502) is mounted on the first support frame (501), and its movable end passes through the first support frame (501) and is connected to the stop block (503). The stop block (503) is suspended above the receiving platform (101) for placing the motorcycle box and is used to press the motorcycle box from above.

7. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing components according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism (500) further includes an electric push block (601) and a lever bridge (602); the electric push block (601) is arranged around the periphery of the receiving platform (101), and the lever bridge (602) is installed on the movable end of the electric push block (601) for swinging and pressing against the edge of the motorcycle box under the drive of the electric push block (601).

8. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing parts according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide tube (802) has an inclined concave chamfer at one end facing the through port (7043) to facilitate the entry of the plug (999).

9. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing parts according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top material component (400) includes a second electric push rod (401) and a top rod (402); the end structure of the top rod (402) is set according to the type of the plug (999): when the plug (999) is solid, the end of the top rod (402) is flat; when the plug (999) is hollow, the end of the top rod (402) is provided with a protrusion for extending into the hollow cavity.

10. The automatic assembly equipment for motorcycle engine housing parts according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a feeding device, which includes an electric guide rail (901) and a slide (902); the loading module (300) and the top material component (400) are mounted on the slide (902), and the slide (902) is connected to the electric guide rail (901) to drive the entire loading module (300) and the top material component (400) to feed linearly toward the motorcycle body.

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