An automated inspection device for drive shafts

Abstract

An automated inspection device for drive shafts includes a loading station, an inspection station, an unloading station, and a transport station. The transport station is equipped with a transport mechanism for transferring the drive shaft between the stations. The inspection station includes an internal hole inspection mechanism, an external diameter inspection mechanism, an internal spline inspection mechanism, and a length inspection mechanism. The internal hole inspection mechanism includes an internal hole plug gauge unit; the external diameter inspection mechanism includes multiple sets of external diameter inspection modules, each set having two elastic inspection arms; the internal spline inspection mechanism includes an internal spline plug gauge unit; the length inspection mechanism includes a fourth support component and a length inspection component, the fourth support component having an axial limiting part for abutting against the drive shaft's limiting protrusion. This equipment achieves fully automated multi-item inspection of hollow drive shafts, with high inspection efficiency, reliable accuracy, and a compact structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of shaft parts inspection technology, specifically relating to an automated inspection device for drive shafts. Background Technology

[0002] The drive shaft involved in this application is a hollow shaft with a specific structure. Its center has an inner bore section, an internal spline section, and a smooth bore section arranged sequentially along the axial direction, and a limiting protrusion is provided on its outer circumferential surface. For this type of drive shaft, the main testing items include the inner diameter and outer diameter of the inner bore section, the accuracy of the internal spline section, and the overall length.

[0003] Currently, the main methods for inspecting this type of hollow shaft are as follows: First, manual inspection is carried out using general measuring tools such as vernier calipers, inside micrometers, and spline go / no-go gauges. This method has low inspection efficiency, large human error, and makes it difficult to achieve automatic recording and traceability of inspection data. Second, multiple independent specialized inspection devices are used to complete the inspection of different items, such as internal hole measuring instruments, external diameter measuring machines, spline inspection tables, and length measuring instruments. Each device needs to be transferred between them manually or with auxiliary handling devices, which results in large equipment footprint, dispersed inspection processes, and low overall efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0005] An automated inspection device for a drive shaft includes a loading station, an inspection station, an unloading station, and a transport station. The loading station and unloading station are respectively equipped with a loading mechanism and an unloading mechanism for loading and unloading the drive shaft. The transport station is equipped with a transport mechanism for transferring the drive shaft between the loading station, the inspection station, and the unloading station. The inspection station is equipped with:

[0006] An internal bore inspection mechanism includes a first support assembly and an internal bore inspection assembly; the first support assembly is used to support a drive shaft, and the internal bore inspection assembly includes an internal bore plug gauge unit, which measures whether the internal bore of the drive shaft is compliant by extending into the internal bore located at one end of the drive shaft;

[0007] An outer diameter detection mechanism includes a second support assembly, a second drive assembly, and an outer diameter detection assembly; the second support assembly is used to support a drive shaft, the second drive assembly is used to drive the drive shaft to rotate, and the outer diameter detection assembly includes multiple sets of outer diameter detection modules arranged along the axial direction of the drive shaft, and each outer diameter detection module includes two elastic detection arms located on both radial sides of the drive shaft;

[0008] An internal spline detection mechanism includes a third support component, a third drive component, and an internal spline detection component; the third support component is used to support a drive shaft, the third drive component is used to drive the drive shaft to rotate, and the internal spline detection component measures whether the internal spline of the drive shaft is compliant by extending into the internal spline located at one end of the drive shaft.

[0009] The length detection mechanism includes a fourth support component and a length detection component; the fourth support component is used to support and axially limit the drive shaft; the length detection component includes a length detection cylinder, a stop block, and a displacement probe; the length detection cylinder is used to drive the stop block to push against the end face of the drive shaft so that the limiting protrusion abuts against the axial limiting part; the displacement probe is used to measure the displacement of the stop block.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a mark recognition mechanism, which includes a first drive component and a recognition component, wherein the first drive component is used to drive the drive shaft to rotate until the recognition component recognizes the mark on the drive shaft.

[0011] Furthermore, the identification mechanism and the internal hole detection mechanism are located in the same workstation.

[0012] Furthermore, the second drive assembly includes a second drive motor and two sets of opposing tip units. Each tip unit includes a tip cylinder, and the piston rod end of the tip cylinder is rotatably connected to a tip. The second drive motor is used to drive one of the tip heads to rotate.

[0013] Furthermore, the second drive assembly also includes a transmission rod, the two ends of which are respectively connected to two center tips.

[0014] Furthermore, the third drive assembly includes a third forward-moving module, a third lifting module is mounted on the output end of the third forward-moving module, a third drive seat is mounted on the output end of the third lifting module, a third drive motor and a third friction wheel shaft are mounted on the third drive seat, the third drive motor is drively connected to the third friction wheel shaft, the third friction wheel shaft is rotatably connected to the third drive seat, and the third friction wheel shaft drives the drive shaft to rotate by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a flatness detection mechanism, which includes a light-shielding unit and a vision detection unit. The light-shielding unit is used to block light entering the inner hole of the drive shaft, and the vision detection unit is used to detect the surface of the inner hole of the drive shaft.

[0016] Furthermore, the flatness detection mechanism and the internal spline detection mechanism are located in the same workstation; the light-shielding unit includes a light-shielding cylinder and a light-shielding plate, the light-shielding cylinder is installed on the third drive seat and near the drive shaft at the end away from the internal spline detection component, and the light-shielding plate is installed on the piston rod end of the light-shielding cylinder; the visual inspection unit is located at the other end near the drive shaft and away from the internal spline detection component.

[0017] The automated testing device for drive shafts provided in this application has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0018] 1. High degree of automation

[0019] The equipment integrates feeding, testing, unloading and sorting functions. The handling mechanism automatically sorts the drive shaft to the qualified or unqualified product conveyor belt according to the test results, realizing full-process automation. The preferred solution is equipped with an identification mechanism to automatically read the drive shaft identification and bind the test data to realize the traceability of quality information.

[0020] 2. High integration and compact structure

[0021] The internal hole inspection, external diameter inspection, internal spline inspection, length inspection, and optional internal wall flatness inspection are integrated into one machine and share a single handling system, reducing the machine's footprint. The marking and identification mechanism and the internal hole inspection mechanism are located in the same workstation, as are the flatness inspection mechanism and the internal spline inspection mechanism, simplifying the equipment structure and reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of an automated testing equipment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of an automated testing device.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a front view of an automated testing device.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the internal bore inspection mechanism.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a front view of the internal bore inspection mechanism.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top view of the internal bore inspection mechanism.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the outer diameter testing mechanism.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a top view of the outer diameter measuring mechanism.

[0030] Figure 9This is a front view of the outer diameter measuring mechanism.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a top view of the outer diameter measuring mechanism (with a transmission rod).

[0032] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the internal spline testing mechanism.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a top view of the internal spline detection mechanism.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a front view of the internal spline detection mechanism.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a side view of the internal spline detection mechanism.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional view of the length measuring mechanism.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a top view of the length measuring mechanism.

[0038] Figure 17 This is a side view of the length measuring mechanism.

[0039] 100. Feeding mechanism; 110. Drive shaft;

[0040] 200. Internal hole inspection mechanism; 210. Internal hole inspection frame; 220. First support assembly; 221. First lifting cylinder; 222. First support seat; 230. Internal hole inspection assembly; 231. First seat forward movement cylinder; 232. First plug gauge mounting seat; 233. First plug gauge head; 234. Positioning cylinder; 235. Push block; 240. First drive assembly; 241. First forward movement module; 242. First lifting module; 243. First drive seat; 244. First drive motor; 245. First friction wheel shaft;

[0041] 300. Outer diameter detection mechanism; 310. Outer diameter detection frame; 320. Second support assembly; 321. Second lifting cylinder; 322. Second support base; 330. Second drive assembly; 331. Second drive motor; 332. Center unit; 333. Center cylinder; 334. Center head; 335. Transmission rod; 340. Outer diameter detection assembly; 341. Outer diameter detection module; 342. Elastic detection arm;

[0042] 400. Internal spline detection mechanism; 410. Internal spline detection frame; 420. Third support assembly; 421. Third lifting cylinder; 422. Third support base; 430. Third drive assembly; 431. Third forward movement module; 432. Third lifting module; 433. Third drive base; 434. Third drive motor; 435. Third friction wheel shaft; 440. Internal spline detection assembly; 441. Third base forward movement cylinder; 442. Third plug gauge mounting base; 443. Third plug gauge head;

[0043] 500. Length detection mechanism; 510. Length detection frame; 520. Fourth support assembly; 521. Fourth lifting cylinder; 522. Fourth support base; 530. Length detection component; 531. Length detection cylinder; 532. Collision block; 533. Displacement probe;

[0044] 600. Identification and signage agencies;

[0045] 700. Flatness inspection mechanism; 710. Light-shielding unit; 711. Light-shielding cylinder; 712. Light-shielding plate; 720. Visual inspection unit;

[0046] 800. Handling mechanism; 810. Two-axis moving module; 820. Pneumatic gripper mounting plate; 830. Handling unit;

[0047] 900. Feeding mechanism; 910. Qualified product conveyor belt; 920. Unqualified product conveyor belt. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0049] In the following embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that terms such as center, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, thickness, upper, lower, front, rear, left, right, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, inner, outer, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing and simplifying the description of this invention; therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention. Furthermore, terms such as first, second, etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features shown. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as installation, connection, linking, etc., should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] refer to Figures 1 to 3 An automated inspection device for a drive shaft includes a loading station, an inspection station, an unloading station, and a transport station. The loading station is equipped with a loading mechanism 100 for loading the drive shaft, the unloading station is equipped with an unloading mechanism 900 for unloading the drive shaft, and the transport station is equipped with a transport mechanism 800 for transferring the drive shaft 110 between the loading station, the inspection station, and the unloading station. The inspection station includes an internal diameter inspection mechanism 200, an external diameter inspection mechanism 300, an internal spline inspection mechanism 400, and a length inspection mechanism 500.

[0052] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 110 is a hollow shaft, with its inner wall at one end consisting of an inner hole section, an inner spline section, and a smooth hole section along the axial direction, and a limiting protrusion provided on its outer circumferential surface. The inner hole detection mechanism 200 is used to detect the inner diameter of the inner hole section, the outer diameter detection mechanism 300 is used to detect the outer diameter of the drive shaft 110, the inner spline detection mechanism 400 is used to detect the inner spline section, and the length detection mechanism 500 is used to detect the overall length of the drive shaft 110.

[0053] The loading mechanism 100 is a linear conveyor line used to transport the drive shaft 110 to be inspected to the loading station. The unloading mechanism 900 includes a qualified product conveyor belt 910 and a non-qualified product conveyor belt 920, both of which are linear conveyor lines used to transport qualified and non-qualified drive shafts 110, respectively. The loading mechanism 100, the qualified product conveyor belt 910, and the non-qualified product conveyor belt 920 are all prior art, and their specific structures will not be described in detail here.

[0054] The conveying mechanism 800 includes a two-axis moving module 810, a gripper mounting plate 820, and conveying units 830. The two-axis moving module 810 is mounted on the equipment frame and can move horizontally along the X and Y axes. The gripper mounting plate 820 is fixedly mounted on the output end of the two-axis moving module 810 and moves synchronously with the two-axis moving module 810. Five conveying units 830 are provided, all mounted on the gripper mounting plate 820. Each conveying unit 830 includes a gripper for clamping the drive shaft 110. The five conveying units 830 can perform synchronous transfer, thereby simultaneously completing the transfer of the drive shaft 110 between multiple workstations in a single movement, effectively improving transfer efficiency.

[0055] refer to Figures 4 to 6 The internal hole detection mechanism 200 includes an internal hole detection frame 210, on which a first support component 220 and an internal hole detection component 230 are mounted.

[0056] The first support assembly 220 supports the drive shaft 110 and includes a first lifting cylinder 221 and a plurality of first support seats 222. The first lifting cylinder 221 is vertically mounted on the inner hole detection frame 210, with its piston rod end extending upward. The plurality of first support seats 222 are linearly distributed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 110 and are fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the first lifting cylinder 221. When the piston rod of the first lifting cylinder 221 extends, the first support seats 222 rise, lifting the drive shaft 110 to the detection height.

[0057] The internal bore inspection assembly 230 includes an internal bore plug gauge unit and a positioning unit located at opposite axial ends of the drive shaft 110. The internal bore plug gauge unit includes a first seat forward-moving cylinder 231, a first plug gauge mounting base 232, and a first plug gauge head 233. The first plug gauge mounting base 232 is slidably connected to the internal bore inspection frame 210 and can move axially along the drive shaft 110. The first seat forward-moving cylinder 231 is fixed to the internal bore inspection frame 210, and its piston rod end is connected to the first plug gauge mounting base 232, driving the first plug gauge mounting base 232 to move as a whole towards the drive shaft 110. The first plug gauge head 233 is mounted on the plug gauge mounting base. The outer circumferential surface of the first plug gauge head 233 is a smooth surface adapted to the inner wall of the internal bore of the drive shaft 110. The positioning unit is located at the other end of the drive shaft 110 and is used to axially position the drive shaft 110 during testing. It includes a positioning cylinder 234 and a push block 235 located at the piston rod end of the positioning cylinder 234.

[0058] During testing, the first support assembly 220 lifts the drive shaft 110 to the testing height. Then, the first seat forward cylinder 231 drives the first plug gauge mounting base 232 to move towards the drive shaft 110, aligning the first plug gauge head 233 with and inserting it into the inner bore of the drive shaft 110. If the first plug gauge head 233 passes smoothly, it indicates that the inner diameter of the drive shaft 110 is compliant; if it cannot pass or gets stuck, it indicates a defect in the inner bore size.

[0059] refer to Figures 7 to 9 The outer diameter detection mechanism 300 includes an outer diameter detection frame 310, on which a second support component 320, a second drive component 330, and an outer diameter detection component 340 are mounted.

[0060] The second support assembly 320 supports the drive shaft 110 and includes a second lifting cylinder 321 and multiple second support seats 322. The second lifting cylinder 321 is vertically mounted on the outer diameter measuring frame 310, and the multiple second support seats 322 are linearly distributed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 110 and fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the second lifting cylinder 321. Its structure is similar to that of the first support assembly 220.

[0061] The second drive assembly 330 is used to drive the drive shaft 110 to rotate, and includes a second drive motor 331 and two sets of opposing tip units 332. Each tip unit 332 includes a tip cylinder 333 and a tip head 334, with the tip head 334 rotatably connected to the piston rod end of the tip cylinder 333. The two sets of tip units 332 are respectively located at both axial ends of the drive shaft 110 and are arranged opposite to each other. The second drive motor 331 is drively connected to one of the tip heads 334 to drive that tip head 334 to rotate. As a preferred embodiment, refer to... Figure 10 The second drive assembly 330 also includes a transmission rod 335, the two ends of which are respectively connected to two tip heads 334. By setting the transmission rod 335, the synchronous rotation of the two tip heads 334 can be ensured, thereby improving the coaxiality and stability of the drive shaft 110 during rotation.

[0062] The outer diameter detection assembly 340 includes multiple sets of outer diameter detection modules 341 arranged axially along the drive shaft 110. Each set of outer diameter detection modules 341 includes two elastic detection arms 342 located on both radial sides of the drive shaft 110. The front end of each elastic detection arm 342 is provided with a contact head, and the two contact heads are arranged opposite each other. During detection, the second support assembly 320 lifts the drive shaft 110, and the tip cylinders 333 of the two sets of tip units 332 drive the tip heads 334 to extend relative to each other, pressing against the center hole of the drive shaft 110 from both ends. Subsequently, the second drive motor 331 drives the tip heads 334 to rotate, thereby driving the drive shaft 110 to rotate. During rotation, the elastic detection arms 342 of each outer diameter detection module 341 contact the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 110. By detecting the change in the distance between the two contact heads, the outer diameter of the drive shaft 110 at different axial positions and circumferential angles can be measured.

[0063] refer to Figures 11 to 14 The internal spline detection mechanism 400 includes an internal spline detection frame 410, on which a third support component 420, a third drive component 430, and an internal spline detection component 440 are mounted.

[0064] The third support assembly 420 is used to support the drive shaft 110, including a third lifting cylinder 421 and multiple third support seats 422. Its structure is similar to that of the first support assembly 220, and will not be described in detail here.

[0065] The third drive assembly 430, used to drive the drive shaft 110 to rotate, includes a third forward-moving module 431, a third lifting module 432, a third drive seat 433, a third drive motor 434, and a third friction wheel shaft 435. The third forward-moving module 431 is mounted on the internal spline detection frame 410, and its output end can move axially along the drive shaft 110. The third lifting module 432 is mounted on the output end of the third forward-moving module 431, and its output end can be vertically raised and lowered. The third drive seat 433 is mounted on the output end of the third lifting module 432. The third drive motor 434 and the third friction wheel shaft 435 are both mounted on the third drive seat 433. The third drive motor 434 is drive-connected to the third friction wheel shaft 435, and the third friction wheel shaft 435 is rotatably connected to the third drive seat 433. The third friction wheel shaft 435 drives the drive shaft 110 to rotate by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 110.

[0066] The internal spline detection assembly 440 includes a third seat forward-moving cylinder 441, a third plug gauge mounting base 442, and a third plug gauge head 443. The third plug gauge mounting base 442 is slidably connected to the internal spline detection frame 410. The third seat forward-moving cylinder 441 is fixed to the internal spline detection frame 410, and its piston rod end is connected to the third plug gauge mounting base 442. The third plug gauge head 443 is mounted on the third plug gauge mounting base 442. The outer peripheral surface of the third plug gauge head 443 is a toothed surface adapted to the internal spline of the drive shaft 110.

[0067] During testing, the third support assembly 420 lifts the drive shaft 110. The third forward-moving module 431 and the third lifting module 432 drive the third friction wheel shaft 435 to move to a position contacting the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 110. The third drive motor 434 starts, rotating the drive shaft 110 to a preset angle via the third friction wheel shaft 435. Subsequently, the third seat forward-moving cylinder 441 drives the third plug gauge mounting seat 442 to move towards the drive shaft 110, aligning the third plug gauge head 443 with and inserting it into the internal spline of the drive shaft 110. If the third plug gauge head 443 passes smoothly, it indicates that the internal spline of the drive shaft 110 is compliant; if it cannot pass or gets stuck, it indicates that the internal spline has a defect.

[0068] refer to Figures 15 to 17 The length detection mechanism 500 includes a length detection frame 510, on which a fourth support component 520 and a length detection component 530 are mounted.

[0069] The fourth support assembly 520 supports the drive shaft 110 and axially limits its movement. It includes a fourth lifting cylinder 521 and multiple fourth support seats 522. The multiple fourth support seats 522 are linearly distributed along the axial direction of the drive shaft 110 and are fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the fourth lifting cylinder 521. Each fourth support seat 522 has a limiting surface on one axial side for abutting against the limiting protrusion of the drive shaft 110.

[0070] The length detection assembly 530 includes a length detection cylinder 531, a contact block 532, and a displacement probe 533. The length detection cylinder 531 is located on one axial side of the drive shaft 110 and is fixedly mounted on the length detection frame 510. The contact block 532 is connected to the piston rod end of the length detection cylinder 531. The displacement probe 533 is fixedly mounted on the length detection frame 510, with its measuring head facing the contact block 532.

[0071] During testing, the fourth support assembly 520 lifts the drive shaft 110. The length detection cylinder 531 drives the contact block 532 forward, and the contact block 532 first abuts against the end face of the drive shaft 110. If there is an axial position deviation when the drive shaft 110 is placed, the contact block 532 will push the drive shaft 110 axially as it continues to move forward until the limiting protrusion on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 110 abuts against the limiting surface of the fourth support seat 522, thereby achieving precise axial positioning of the drive shaft 110. At this time, the displacement probe 533 measures the displacement of the contact block 532, which reflects the overall length of the drive shaft 110. By comparing the measured value with the standard value, it can be determined whether the length of the drive shaft 110 is compliant.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the detection equipment further includes a marking and identification mechanism 600, which is located in the same station as the internal hole detection mechanism 200. The marking and identification mechanism 600 includes a first driving component 240 and an identification component.

[0073] The first driving assembly 240, used to drive the drive shaft 110 to rotate, includes a first forward-moving module 241, a first lifting module 242, a first drive seat 243, a first drive motor 244, and a first friction wheel shaft 245. The first forward-moving module 241 is mounted on the inner hole detection frame 210, and its output end is axially movable along the drive shaft 110. The first lifting module 242 is mounted on the output end of the first forward-moving module 241. The first drive seat 243 is mounted on the output end of the first lifting module 242. The first drive motor 244 and the first friction wheel shaft 245 are both mounted on the first drive seat 243. The first friction wheel shaft 245 drives the drive shaft 110 to rotate by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 110. The identification component is a reader used to read markings (such as QR codes) on the drive shaft 110.

[0074] Before performing the inner diameter detection, the first drive assembly 240 drives the drive shaft 110 to rotate until the identification assembly successfully identifies the marking on the drive shaft 110, thereby obtaining the identification information of the drive shaft 110 for subsequent binding and traceability of detection data. After identification is completed, the inner diameter detection assembly 230 performs the inner diameter detection.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the testing equipment further includes a flatness testing mechanism 700, which is located in the same workstation as the internal spline testing mechanism 400. The flatness testing mechanism 700 includes a light-shielding unit 710 and a visual inspection unit 720.

[0076] The light-shielding unit 710 is used to block light entering the inner hole of the drive shaft 110, and includes a light-shielding cylinder 711 and a light-shielding plate 712. The light-shielding cylinder 711 is mounted on the third drive seat 433 and is located near the end of the drive shaft 110 away from the internal spline detection assembly 440. The light-shielding plate 712 is mounted on the piston rod end of the light-shielding cylinder 711. The vision detection unit 720 is located near the other end of the drive shaft 110 away from the internal spline detection assembly 440, and its lens faces the inner hole of the drive shaft 110.

[0077] During inspection, the light-shielding cylinder 711 drives the light-shielding plate 712 to extend and block one end of the inner hole of the drive shaft 110 to eliminate external light interference. The vision inspection unit 720 extends into or aligns with the inner hole of the drive shaft 110 from the other end to acquire an image of the inner wall surface. By analyzing and processing the image, it can detect whether there are appearance defects such as scratches and pores on the inner wall surface of the drive shaft 110, thus realizing automatic detection of the flatness of the inner wall surface.

[0078] The workflow of the automated testing equipment for the drive shaft 110 in this embodiment includes two stages: a calibration process and a batch testing process.

[0079] After initial equipment startup, product model change, or routine maintenance, the calibration procedure should be performed first. The operator places the standard drive shaft 110 at the loading station. All dimensional parameters of this standard drive shaft 110 (inner diameter, outer diameter, internal spline specifications, length, etc.) have been metrologically certified, and its outer circumferential surface also has limiting protrusions. The calibration procedure is as follows:

[0080] 1. Standard parts loading: The loading mechanism 100 transports the standard drive shaft 110 to the loading station.

[0081] 2. Transfer to each inspection station: The transport mechanism 800 sequentially transfers the standard drive shaft 110 to each inspection station. Since the calibration process only requires calibrating the inspection mechanism, there is no need to transfer multiple workpieces simultaneously; the transport unit 830 can perform the transfer of the standard part independently.

[0082] 3. Calibration of the internal bore inspection mechanism 200: The standard drive shaft 110 is transferred to the internal bore inspection station. The first support assembly 220 lifts the standard drive shaft 110. The internal bore inspection assembly 230 is activated, and the first plug gauge head 233 extends into the internal bore of the standard drive shaft 110. The control system records the stroke position and passage status of the first plug gauge head 233 as a reference for subsequent inspections. If the stroke of the first plug gauge head 233 deviates from the preset standard value, the system automatically corrects the judgment threshold for internal bore inspection.

[0083] 4. Calibration of the outer diameter detection mechanism 300: The standard drive shaft 110 is transferred to the outer diameter detection station. The second support assembly 320 lifts the standard drive shaft 110, and two sets of tip units 332 press against the standard drive shaft 110 from both ends. The second drive motor 331 drives the standard drive shaft 110 to rotate, and the elastic detection arms 342 of multiple sets of outer diameter detection modules 341 contact the outer circumferential surface of the standard drive shaft 110. The control system records the measurement values ​​of each outer diameter detection module 341 on the standard drive shaft 110, compares them with the actual outer diameter of the standard drive shaft 110, and automatically calculates and stores the zero-position compensation value of each detection module.

[0084] 5. Internal Spline Inspection Mechanism 400 Calibration: The standard drive shaft 110 is transferred to the internal spline inspection station. The third support assembly 420 lifts the standard drive shaft 110, and the third drive assembly 430 drives the standard drive shaft 110 to rotate to a preset angle via the third friction wheel shaft 435. The third plug gauge head 443 of the internal spline inspection assembly 440 extends into the internal spline of the standard drive shaft 110. The control system records the stroke position and passage status of the third plug gauge head 443 as a reference for subsequent inspections.

[0085] 6. Flatness Inspection Mechanism 700 Calibration (if configured): At the internal spline inspection station, the flatness inspection mechanism 700 performs calibration. The light-shielding unit 710 is activated, and the vision inspection unit 720 acquires an image of the inner wall surface of the standard drive shaft 110. The control system uses the acquired image as a reference image for comparison and analysis during subsequent inspections, or automatically adjusts parameters such as the exposure time and gain of the vision inspection unit 720.

[0086] 7. Calibration of the length detection mechanism 500: The standard drive shaft 110 is transferred to the length detection station. The fourth support assembly 520 lifts the standard drive shaft 110, and the length detection cylinder 531 drives the contact block 532 forward, pushing the standard drive shaft 110 until its limiting protrusion abuts against the limiting surface of the fourth support seat 522. The displacement probe 533 measures the displacement of the contact block 532. The control system records this displacement and compares it with the actual length of the standard drive shaft 110 to calculate the zero-position compensation value of the displacement probe 533.

[0087] 8. Calibration Completed: After all testing mechanisms have been calibrated, the transport mechanism 800 transfers the standard drive shaft 110 to the unloading station, where it is output by the unloading mechanism 900. At this point, the equipment has completed calibration and can proceed to the batch testing process.

[0088] After calibration, the equipment enters the batch testing process to perform automated testing on the drive shafts 110 to be tested on the production line. The batch testing process is as follows:

[0089] 1. Feeding: The feeding mechanism 100 conveys the drive shafts 110 to be tested one by one to the feeding station.

[0090] 2. Synchronous Transfer: The five sets of transfer units 830 of the transfer mechanism 800 operate synchronously, simultaneously grabbing the drive shaft 110 from the loading station, the identification station (or the inner hole detection station), the outer diameter detection station, the inner spline detection station, and the length detection station, and synchronously transferring the drive shaft 110 from each station forward one station. Through the synchronous operation of the five sets of transfer units 830, multiple stations can operate in parallel, greatly improving the inspection efficiency.

[0091] 3. Identification (e.g., using an identification mechanism 600): The drive shaft 110 is transferred to the identification station (this station and the inner hole inspection station can be located in the same position, and the actions are executed sequentially). The first drive component 240 drives the drive shaft 110 to rotate, and the identification component reads the identification (such as a QR code or barcode) on the drive shaft 110 to obtain the identification information (such as model, batch, serial number, etc.) of the drive shaft 110. The control system automatically retrieves the corresponding detection standard parameters based on the identification result and binds all subsequent detection data to this identification information to achieve traceability of quality data.

[0092] 4. Internal Hole Inspection: The drive shaft 110 is transferred to the internal hole inspection station. The first support assembly 220 lifts the drive shaft 110. The internal hole inspection assembly 230 is activated: the first seat forward movement cylinder 231 drives the first plug gauge mounting seat 232 to move towards the drive shaft 110, so that the first plug gauge head 233 is aligned and extends into the internal hole of the drive shaft 110. The control system determines whether the internal hole size of the drive shaft 110 is compliant based on the passage status and stroke of the first plug gauge head 233, combined with the reference value determined in the calibration process. After the inspection is completed, the first seat forward movement cylinder 231 is reset.

[0093] 5. Outer Diameter Inspection: The drive shaft 110 is transferred to the outer diameter inspection station. The second support assembly 320 lifts the drive shaft 110. The center cylinders 333 of the two sets of center units 332 drive the center heads 334 to extend relative to each other, pressing against the center hole of the drive shaft 110 from both ends. The second drive motor 331 starts, driving the center heads 334 to rotate, thereby driving the drive shaft 110 to rotate. During the rotation, the elastic detection arms 342 of each outer diameter inspection module 341 contact the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 110, detecting the outer diameter dimension in real time. The control system calculates the outer diameter dimension of the drive shaft 110 at different axial positions and circumferential angles based on the measured values ​​of each inspection module and the zero-position compensation value determined in the calibration process, and compares it with the standard value to determine whether it is compliant. After the inspection is completed, the center cylinders 333 reset, and the second support assembly 320 descends.

[0094] 6. Internal Spline Inspection and Flatness Inspection: The drive shaft 110 is transferred to the internal spline inspection station. The third support assembly 420 lifts the drive shaft 110. The third drive assembly 430 drives the drive shaft 110 to rotate to a preset angle via the third friction wheel shaft 435. The third plug gauge head 443 of the internal spline inspection assembly 440 extends into the internal spline of the drive shaft 110. The control system determines whether the internal spline is compliant based on the passage status of the third plug gauge head 443.

[0095] Afterwards (or before the internal spline inspection), the flatness inspection mechanism 700 performs an internal wall surface inspection. The light-shielding cylinder 711 drives the light-shielding plate 712 to extend, blocking one end of the inner hole of the drive shaft 110 to eliminate external light interference. The vision inspection unit 720 acquires an image of the internal wall surface from the other end, and the control system analyzes and processes the image to detect whether there are scratches, pores, or other appearance defects on the internal wall surface. After the inspection is completed, the third plug gauge head 443, the third friction wheel shaft 435, and the light-shielding unit 710 are sequentially reset.

[0096] 7. Length Detection: The drive shaft 110 is transferred to the length detection station. The fourth support assembly 520 lifts the drive shaft 110. The length detection cylinder 531 drives the contact block 532 to move forward, and the contact block 532 first abuts against the end face of the drive shaft 110. If there is an axial position deviation when the drive shaft 110 is placed, the contact block 532 will push the drive shaft 110 axially as it continues to move forward, until the limiting protrusion on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 110 abuts against the limiting surface of the fourth support seat 522, thereby achieving precise axial positioning of the drive shaft 110. At this time, the displacement probe 533 measures the displacement of the contact block 532. Based on this displacement and the zero-position compensation value determined in the calibration process, the control system calculates the overall length of the drive shaft 110 and compares it with the standard value to determine whether it is compliant. After the detection is completed, the length detection cylinder 531 resets, and the fourth support assembly 520 descends.

[0097] 8. Unloading and Sorting: After the drive shaft 110 completes all inspection items, the conveying mechanism 800 transfers it to the unloading station. The control system determines whether the drive shaft 110 is a qualified or unqualified product based on the combined results of internal hole inspection, external diameter inspection, internal spline inspection, flatness inspection, and length inspection. The pneumatic grippers of the conveying mechanism 800 then place the drive shaft 110 onto either the qualified product conveyor belt 910 or the unqualified product conveyor belt, achieving automatic sorting.

[0098] 9. Cyclic Operation: Steps 2 to 8 above are performed synchronously and continuously, forming an assembly line operation. Through the coordinated work of five sets of handling units 830, the equipment achieves efficient and continuous automated inspection.

[0099] The scope of protection of this invention includes, but is not limited to, the above embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the claims. Any substitutions, modifications, or improvements to this technology that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An automated inspection device for a drive shaft, comprising a loading station, an inspection station, an unloading station, and a transport station, wherein the loading station and the unloading station are respectively provided with a loading mechanism (100) and an unloading mechanism (900) for loading and unloading, and the transport station is provided with a transport mechanism (800) for transferring the drive shaft (110) between the loading station, the inspection station, and the unloading station, characterized in that, The testing station is equipped with: The internal hole inspection mechanism (200) includes a first support assembly (220) and an internal hole inspection assembly (230); the first support assembly (220) is used to support the drive shaft (110), and the internal hole inspection assembly (230) includes an internal hole plug gauge unit, which measures whether the internal hole of the drive shaft (110) is compliant by extending into the internal hole located at one end of the drive shaft (110); The outer diameter detection mechanism (300) includes a second support assembly (320), a second drive assembly (330), and an outer diameter detection assembly (340); the second support assembly (320) is used to support the drive shaft (110), the second drive assembly (330) is used to drive the drive shaft (110) to rotate, and the outer diameter detection assembly (340) includes multiple sets of outer diameter detection modules (341) arranged axially along the drive shaft (110), and the outer diameter detection module (341) includes two elastic detection arms (342) located on both radial sides of the drive shaft (110); The internal spline detection mechanism (400) includes a third support component (420), a third drive component (430), and an internal spline detection component (440); the third support component (420) is used to support the drive shaft (110), the third drive component (430) is used to drive the drive shaft (110) to rotate, and the internal spline detection component (440) measures whether the internal spline of the drive shaft (110) is compliant by extending into the internal spline located at one end of the drive shaft (110); The length detection mechanism (500) includes a fourth support component (520) and a length detection component (530); the fourth support component (520) is used to support and axially limit the drive shaft (110); the length detection component (530) includes a length detection cylinder (531), a stop block (532) and a displacement probe (533), the length detection cylinder (531) is used to drive the stop block (532) to push against the end face of the drive shaft (110) so that the limiting protrusion abuts against the axial limiting part, and the displacement probe (533) is used to measure the displacement of the stop block (532).

2. The automated testing equipment for a drive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an identification mechanism (600), which includes a first drive component (240) and an identification component, the first drive component (240) being used to drive a drive shaft (110) to rotate until the identification component identifies an identification on the drive shaft (110).

3. The automated testing equipment for a drive shaft according to claim 2, characterized in that, The identification and recognition mechanism (600) and the internal hole detection mechanism (200) are located in the same workstation.

4. The automated testing equipment for a drive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second drive assembly (330) includes a second drive motor (331) and two sets of opposing tip units (332). Each tip unit (332) includes a tip cylinder (333), and the piston rod end of the tip cylinder (333) is rotatably connected to a tip head (334). The second drive motor (331) is used to drive one of the tip heads (334) to rotate.

5. The automated testing equipment for a drive shaft according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second drive assembly (330) also includes a transmission rod (335), the two ends of which are respectively connected to two tip heads (334).

6. The automated testing equipment for a drive shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third drive assembly (430) includes a third forward module (431), a third lifting module (432) is mounted on the output end of the third forward module (431), a third drive seat (433) is mounted on the output end of the third lifting module (432), a third drive motor (434) and a third friction wheel shaft (435) are mounted on the third drive seat (433), the third drive motor (434) is connected to the third friction wheel shaft (435) in a transmission connection, the third friction wheel shaft (435) is rotatably connected to the third drive seat (433), and the third friction wheel shaft (435) drives the drive shaft (110) to rotate by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft (110).

7. An automated testing device for a drive shaft according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a flatness detection mechanism (700), which includes a light-shielding unit (710) and a vision detection unit (720). The light-shielding unit (710) is used to block light entering the inner hole of the drive shaft (110), and the vision detection unit (720) is used to detect the surface of the inner hole of the drive shaft (110).

8. An automated testing device for a drive shaft according to claim 7, characterized in that, The flatness testing mechanism (700) and the internal spline testing mechanism (400) are located in the same workstation; The light-shielding unit (710) includes a light-shielding cylinder (711) and a light-shielding plate (712). The light-shielding cylinder (711) is mounted on the third drive seat (433) and is located near the drive shaft (110) away from the inner spline detection component (440). The light-shielding plate (712) is mounted on the piston rod end of the light-shielding cylinder (711). The visual detection unit (720) is located near the drive shaft (110) away from the inner spline detection component (440).

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