Intelligent laser processing equipment and processing method for forging aluminum alloy wheel hub

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of wheel hub laser processing technology, specifically disclosing an intelligent laser processing equipment and method for forged aluminum alloy wheels. The equipment includes a transmission device, a multi-axis motion mechanism, a laser processing head, a vision inspection mechanism, a lifting and centering mechanism, a traction mechanism, and a rotary power source. The invention uses the transmission device to transport the wheel hub to the laser processing station. The lifting and centering mechanism first lifts the wheel hub and uses a central positioning column and centering block to achieve pre-centering. After centering, the vision inspection mechanism identifies the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group. Subsequently, the lifting and centering mechanism lowers, causing the wheel hub to fall back and remain stationary. The rotary power source drives the traction pin group to rotate until it corresponds to the bolt hole group. After a second lifting, the traction pin inserts into the bolt holes, causing the wheel hub to rotate. This invention reduces reliance on clamping the wheel hub's outer surface and thinner outer edge areas, reducing the risk of scratch damage and rotational slippage, and improving the positional consistency and processing quality of wheel hub laser processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser processing equipment technology, and in particular to an intelligent laser processing equipment and method for forging aluminum alloy wheels. Background Technology

[0002] Forged aluminum alloy wheels are characterized by high strength, light weight, and good forming precision, and are widely used in the automotive wheel manufacturing industry. With the increasing demand for wheel appearance quality and personalization, laser processing has become an important method in wheel post-processing, used to create markings, textures, patterns, or partial decorative effects on the wheel surface. During laser processing, the wheel usually needs to be transported to the processing station and kept in a stable position relative to the laser processing head. At the same time, the wheel needs to be rotated or indexed according to different processing areas to ensure that the processing positions of the spokes, rims, and other areas are consistent.

[0003] In existing wheel hub laser processing equipment, after the wheel hub arrives at the processing station, it typically needs to be positioned and clamped using structures such as center positioning, clamping fixtures, peripheral grippers, or clamping arms. Different actions often require separate drive components, resulting in a relatively dispersed structure and a lengthy clamping process. Furthermore, some equipment relies primarily on the static friction between the grippers, pressure plates, or friction support structures and the wheel hub to achieve rotation. This often results in the clamping position falling on the thinner outer edge or contour area of ​​the wheel hub, which can easily cause scratches, indentations, and other damage to the surface of the forged aluminum alloy wheel hub. Moreover, during rotation start-up, shutdown, or indexing processes, even a slight relative displacement between the clamping structure and the wheel hub can affect the position of the laser pattern, texture connection, and processing quality. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the lifting positioning and rotational transmission methods of the wheel hub at the laser processing station. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that existing wheel hub laser processing equipment usually requires multiple drive mechanisms to complete positioning, clamping and rotation respectively, and mostly relies on structures such as grippers and pressure plates to hold the thin outer edge or appearance area of ​​the wheel hub and drive the wheel hub to rotate through static friction, which can easily cause damage to the wheel hub surface. Moreover, once relative slippage occurs during rotation start-up or indexing, it will affect the laser processing position accuracy and processing quality. To address this, we propose an intelligent laser processing equipment and processing method for forged aluminum alloy wheel hubs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: an intelligent laser processing equipment for forging aluminum alloy wheels, comprising a frame, a transmission device, a multi-axis motion mechanism, a laser processing head, a vision inspection mechanism, a lifting and centering mechanism, a traction mechanism, and a rotational power source;

[0006] The transmission device is mounted on the frame and is used to transport the wheel hub to the laser processing station;

[0007] The multi-axis motion mechanism is mounted on the frame, and the laser processing head is located at the end of the multi-axis motion mechanism and is used to perform laser processing on the surface of the wheel hub.

[0008] The lifting and centering mechanism is located at the laser processing station corresponding to the transmission device, and includes a lifting part for lifting the hub and disengaging it from the transmission device, and a centering part for engaging with the center hole of the hub to achieve pre-centering of the hub.

[0009] The visual inspection mechanism is used to detect the position of the wheel hub bolt holes and determine the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group after the wheel hub has been pre-positioned by the lifting and centering mechanism.

[0010] The traction mechanism is mounted on the lifting and centering mechanism and includes a traction pin that can be inserted into the wheel hub bolt hole;

[0011] The rotary power source is used to drive the lifting and centering mechanism to rotate relative to the stationary wheel hub after the wheel hub has completed its centering and returned to the transmission device, so that the circumferential preset position of the traction pin corresponds to the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group. It is also used to drive the wheel hub to rotate synchronously with the lifting and centering mechanism after the traction pin is inserted into the bolt hole.

[0012] Preferably, the lifting unit includes a rotating seat, a fixed column, a lifting column, a traction shaft, and a lifting power source;

[0013] The rotating seat is rotatably mounted on the frame, the fixed column is mounted on the rotating seat, and the lifting column is vertically and movably mounted outside the fixed column. The lifting column can move up and down relative to the fixed column and keep circumferentially synchronized with the fixed column.

[0014] The traction shaft is located at the bottom of the lifting column. The lifting power source is connected to the traction shaft and is used to drive the lifting column to rise and fall via the traction shaft.

[0015] Preferably, the rotational power source includes a motor, a first gear, and a gear ring;

[0016] The gear ring is mounted on the rotating seat, and the first gear is mounted on the frame and meshes with the gear ring. The motor is used to drive the first gear to rotate, so that the rotating seat, the fixed column and the lifting column can be rotated as a whole through the first gear and the gear ring.

[0017] Preferably, the centering part includes a central positioning column, a T-shaped driving column, a centering block, and a force-bearing block;

[0018] The center positioning post is located at the center of the upper end of the lifting post and is used to insert into the center hole of the wheel hub;

[0019] The T-shaped drive column is vertically and movably installed inside the central positioning column, and the lower end of the T-shaped drive column is movably connected to the fixed column.

[0020] The circumferential sidewall of the T-shaped drive column is provided with a guide groove, which has an upper end and a lower end with different depths;

[0021] The centering block is radially movable on the circumferential sidewall of the central positioning column, and the force-bearing block is located at the inner end of the centering block and cooperates with the guide groove.

[0022] When the center positioning column rises with the lifting column and the T-shaped drive column is limited by the fixed column, the center positioning column and the T-shaped drive column generate relative axial displacement. The force block moves from the lower end of the guide groove to the upper end of the guide groove, and drives the centering block to abut against the inner wall of the hub center hole.

[0023] Preferably, the center portion further includes a first limiting member, a first elastic member, and a fourth elastic member;

[0024] The first limiting member is disposed on the T-shaped drive column, and the first elastic member is disposed between the first limiting member and the central positioning column, and is used to keep the force-bearing block at the lower end of the guide groove in the initial state.

[0025] The fourth elastic element is located between the centering block and the central positioning column, and is used to drive the centering block to retract inward when the lifting column descends and resets.

[0026] Preferably, the traction mechanism further includes a fixed frame, a lifting frame, a first rack, a second gear, and a second rack;

[0027] The fixed frame is installed inside the lifting column, the lifting frame is vertically and movably installed on the fixed frame, and the traction pin is installed on the lifting frame;

[0028] The first rack is mounted on the fixed column, the second gear is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame, and the second rack is mounted on the lifting frame and meshes with the second gear;

[0029] After the lifting column drives the fixed frame to rise a certain distance relative to the fixed column, the first rack meshes with the second gear, and through the second gear and the second rack, drives the lifting frame to rise, so that the traction pin is inserted into the wheel hub bolt hole.

[0030] Preferably, the traction pin has a hollow structure, a driving body is movably disposed inside the traction pin, a backlash elimination block is disposed on the traction pin, and a second limiting member is disposed on the outside of the traction pin;

[0031] The bottom of the drive unit is connected to the lifting frame, and the backlash elimination block is movably set on the side corresponding to the rotation direction of the traction pin and the wheel hub.

[0032] When the traction pin is inserted into the wheel hub bolt hole and the second limiting component forms a limiting position with the lifting column, the lifting frame drives the drive body to continue to rise. The drive body pushes the backlash elimination block to move outward, so that the backlash elimination block abuts against the hole wall of the bolt hole in the direction of wheel hub rotation.

[0033] Preferably, the traction mechanism further includes a second elastic element;

[0034] The second elastic element is disposed between the traction pin and the lifting frame, and is sleeved on the outside of the drive body;

[0035] The upper end of the drive body is set as a conical plate structure, and the inner end of the backlash elimination block is engaged with the inclined surface of the drive body;

[0036] When the drive body rises relative to the traction pin, the drive body pushes the backlash elimination block to move outward; when the drive body falls relative to the traction pin, the second elastic element is used to drive the drive body and the backlash elimination block to reset.

[0037] Preferably, the centering part further includes an elastic component disposed at the upper end of the guide groove, the elastic component including a floating plate and a third elastic element;

[0038] The upper inner wall of the guide groove is provided with a groove for accommodating the floating plate. The floating plate is movably disposed in the groove, and the third elastic element is disposed between the floating plate and the T-shaped drive column.

[0039] Before the traction pin completes the rotation direction clearance elimination, the force block corresponds to the floating plate. The floating plate can produce elastic relief under the action of the third elastic element, so that the centering block switches from a rigid centering state to an elastic holding state.

[0040] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0041] In this invention, after the wheel hub arrives at the processing station, the lifting and centering mechanism first lifts the wheel hub away from the transmission device, and uses a center positioning pin and a centering block to pre-position the center hole of the wheel hub. This allows the vision inspection mechanism to identify the bolt hole positions and determine the circumferential angle positions of the bolt hole group when the wheel hub is pre-positioned. Subsequently, the wheel hub falls back to the transmission device and remains stationary. The rotational power source drives the traction pin to rotate to the circumferential angle position corresponding to the bolt hole. When lifted again, the traction pin inserts into the wheel hub bolt hole and undertakes the main circumferential transmission during the wheel hub rotation process. Compared to traditional grippers, pressure plates, or friction discs that rely on static friction to drive the wheel hub rotation, this method reduces clamping damage to the wheel hub's outer surface and thinner outer edge areas, and lowers the risk of relative slippage during rotation start-up, stopping, or indexing. Simultaneously, the centering block switches from rigid centering to elastic holding before the traction pin establishes rotational transmission. This retains the radial limiting and anti-sway function at the center hole while providing a slight clearance for stable contact between the traction pin and the bolt hole, thus improving the positional consistency, processing stability, and automation level of laser processing forged aluminum alloy wheels. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The disclosure of this invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wheel hub structure;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the intelligent laser processing equipment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transmission device, lifting and centering mechanism and the hub of the present invention in the form of cooperation;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting and centering mechanism of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lifting column of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention with the fixing frame and fixing column separated.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the traction pin, backlash elimination block, and drive body of the present invention in a disassembled state;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connection between the central positioning column and the fixed column of the present invention.

[0051] Legend: 1. Frame; 2. Multi-axis motion mechanism; 3. Laser processing head; 4. Vision inspection mechanism; 5. Transmission device; 6. Lifting column; 7. Motor; 8. Rotary seat; 9. Lifting power source; 10. Traction shaft; 11. First gear; 12. Gear ring; 13. Center positioning column; 14. Fixed frame; 15. Traction pin; 16. Fixed column; 17. First rack; 18. Drive body; 19. Backlash elimination block; 20. Lifting frame; 21. Second gear; 22. Second rack; 23. Second limiting element; 24. Second elastic element; 25. T-shaped drive column; 26. First elastic element; 27. First limiting element; 28. Guide groove; 29. ​​Centering block; 30. Force-bearing block; 31. Floating plate; 32. Third elastic element; 33. Fourth elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0052] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this invention, those skilled in the art can propose various interchangeable structural methods and implementations without altering the essential spirit of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of the technical solution of this invention and should not be considered as the entirety of the invention or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this invention.

[0053] like Figure 1As shown, the wheel hub itself has a central hole in the middle and multiple bolt holes around the central hole. The central hole is used for center positioning during wheel hub installation, and the bolt holes are used to insert fastening bolts. Both the central hole and the bolt holes are conventional structures on forged aluminum alloy wheel hubs. This invention utilizes the central hole and bolt holes inherent in the wheel hub itself to complete the center pre-positioning, secondary positioning, and rotational traction at the processing station, avoiding the direct reliance on grippers, gripping arms, or pressure plates to hold the outer surface of the wheel hub and drive the wheel hub to rotate.

[0054] Reference Figures 2-8 As shown, the equipment includes a frame 1 and a transmission device 5 mounted on the frame 1. The transmission device 5 is used to transport the hub to be processed to the laser processing station and to send the hub out after processing. The transmission device 5 is a pair of parallel conveyor belt mechanisms. A clearance space is formed between the two conveyor belt mechanisms for the subsequent lifting and centering mechanism to move up and down. The hub can be placed on the two conveyor belt mechanisms for conveying. The conveyor belt mechanisms can also be gap-adjusted to accommodate hubs of different specifications. The conveyor belt mechanisms can adopt mature conveying structures such as synchronous belts, chains, and rollers. Their main function is to realize the automatic feeding and unloading of hubs. This application will not elaborate on the conventional drive structure of such transmission device 5.

[0055] The frame 1 is also equipped with a multi-axis motion mechanism 2 located on the side of the transmission device 5. A laser processing head 3 is provided at the end of the multi-axis motion mechanism 2. The multi-axis motion mechanism 2 is used to drive the laser processing head 3 to move relative to the wheel hub, so that the laser processing head 3 is aligned with the area to be processed on the wheel hub. The multi-axis motion mechanism 2 can be a three-axis linear module, a horizontal rotation combined with vertical lifting motion module, or a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm or a five-axis motion platform. The specific form can be selected according to the position of the area to be processed on the wheel hub, the surface undulation, and the processing accuracy requirements. The laser processing head 3 can include one or more of the following: a laser output end, a focusing lens, a protective lens, a scanning galvanometer, an air nozzle, and a dust suction port. The laser processing head 3 is used to output a laser beam to the surface of the wheel hub and complete the laser texture, marking, or shallow engraving processing on the surface of the wheel hub according to a preset path.

[0056] A vision inspection mechanism 4 is also provided on the upper end of the frame 1. The vision inspection mechanism 4 can be configured as multiple sets. Preferably, the vision inspection mechanism 4 includes a top vision inspection part set directly above the processing station and a side vision inspection part set above the side of the processing station. The top vision inspection part is used to acquire the front image of the wheel hub and identify the center hole, bolt hole, spoke boundary, and whether the wheel hub has reached the processing station. The side vision inspection part is used to detect the relative position between the bolt hole and the subsequent traction pin 15 from the side and above. The vision inspection mechanism 4 can use an industrial camera, area scan camera, line scan camera, or three-dimensional vision camera, and cooperate with the image processing module to identify the position of the bolt hole.

[0057] The aforementioned multi-axis motion mechanism 2, laser processing head 3, and vision inspection mechanism 4 can all adopt existing mature technologies. The focus of this invention is on their cooperation with the following lifting and centering mechanism and traction mechanism.

[0058] In order to realize the lifting, centering and rotation processing of the wheel hub at the laser processing station, a lifting and centering mechanism is provided on the frame 1. The lifting and centering mechanism is located at the gap of the transmission device 5 and corresponds vertically to the clearance space between the two conveyor belt mechanisms. The lifting and centering mechanism includes a lifting part and a centering part.

[0059] Regarding the lifting section, the lifting and centering mechanism includes a rotating seat 8 rotatably mounted on the frame 1. A fixed column 16 in the shape of a polygonal prism is installed on the upper end of the rotating seat 8. The fixed column 16 is arranged vertically. A hollow lifting column 6 is vertically movably arranged outside the fixed column 16. The lifting column 6 can move up and down relative to the fixed column 16. Since the fixed column 16 is polygonal, there can be relative vertical displacement between the lifting column 6 and the fixed column 16, but there will be no relative rotation between them. Thus, when the rotating seat 8 rotates, it can drive the lifting column 6 to rotate synchronously through the fixed column 16. The top of the lifting column 6 is used to support the hub. When the hub is transported to the laser processing station by the transmission device 5, the lifting column 6 rises and passes through the clearance space between the two conveyor belt mechanisms, lifting the hub off the transmission device 5, so that the hub can be separated from the transmission device 5 for subsequent center pre-positioning, bolt hole traction positioning and rotation processing.

[0060] Furthermore, a traction shaft 10 extending to the bottom of the frame 1 is vertically installed at the bottom of the lifting column 6. A lifting power source 9 for driving the traction shaft 10 and the lifting column 6 to lift as a whole is installed at the bottom of the frame 1. The lifting power source 9 can be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric push rod. The lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to lift and lower through the traction shaft 10, so that the lifting column 6 is lower than or not higher than the support surface of the transmission device 5 in the initial state. After the hub reaches the processing position, it rises and lifts the hub, so that the hub is separated from the transmission device 5. In order not to affect the rotation, the output shaft of the lifting power source 9 is rotatably connected to the traction shaft 10.

[0061] Regarding the centering part, a vertical center positioning post 13 is installed at the center of the upper end of the lifting column 6 for insertion and mating with the center hole of the wheel hub. The diameter of the center positioning post 13 is smaller than the inner diameter of the center hole of the wheel hub, and the upper edge of the center positioning post 13 is chamfered to facilitate insertion of the center positioning post 13 into the center hole of the wheel hub. The center positioning post 13 is a hollow cylindrical structure, and a T-shaped drive post 25 is vertically and movably arranged inside. The upper end of the T-shaped drive post 25 is a vertical cylindrical structure, and the lower end is a cap-shaped structure with a larger diameter, preferably a cylindrical or ring structure. The lower end of the T-shaped drive post 25 is movably connected to the inner side of the upper end of the fixed post 16, and the T-shaped drive post 25 and the fixed post 16 are inseparable. Since the fixed post 16 can limit the stroke of the T-shaped drive post 25 during the rising process of the lifting column 6, the T-shaped drive post 25 can generate axial displacement relative to the center positioning post 13 when the center positioning post 13 continues to rise with the lifting column 6.

[0062] Furthermore, the upper circumferential sidewall of the T-shaped drive column 25 is uniformly provided with multiple guide grooves 28. The upper depth of the guide groove 28 is less than the lower depth, that is, the inner wall of the upper end of the guide groove 28 is closer to the axis of the T-shaped drive column 25, and the inner wall of the lower end is farther from the axis of the T-shaped drive column 25. The boundary between the deep and shallow grooves is smoothly connected and transitioned by a slope or arc surface. The circumferential sidewall of the central positioning column 13 is radially movably provided with centering blocks 29 corresponding one-to-one with the guide grooves 28. The outer end of the centering block 29 is used to abut against the inner wall of the hub center hole. The inner end of the centering block 29 is provided with a force-bearing block 30, which extends to the inner side of the guide groove 28 and forms a fit with the inner wall of the guide groove 28. When the force-bearing block 30 is located at a deeper position at the lower end of the guide groove 28, the centering block 29 is in a retracted state. When the force-bearing block 30 moves to a shallower position at the upper end of the guide groove 28, the centering block 29 is pushed by the guide groove 28 and extends outward, thereby abutting against the inner wall of the hub center hole.

[0063] To ensure that the force-bearing block 30 is initially located inside the lower end of the guide groove 28, a first limiting member 27 is provided on one end of the T-shaped drive column 25 located inside the center positioning column 13. The first limiting member 27 is a structure protruding from the side wall of the T-shaped drive column 25, preferably an annular structure. A first elastic member 26 is provided between the bottom of the first limiting member 27 and the inner cavity bottom wall of the center positioning column 13. The first elastic member 26 is preferably a compression spring sleeved on the outside of the T-shaped drive column 25. The first elastic member 26 can provide initial support to ensure that the force-bearing block 30 is located deep in the lower end of the guide groove 28. In this initial state, all the centering blocks 29 are in the retracted state, and the overall outer diameter of the center positioning column 13 is small, which facilitates the center positioning column 13 to smoothly enter the center hole of the wheel hub in the initial lifting stage.

[0064] When the lifting column 6 drives the center positioning column 13 to rise, the T-shaped drive column 25 rises accordingly. After rising a certain distance, the lower end of the T-shaped drive column 25 forms a limit with the inner wall of the upper end of the fixed column 16. Then the T-shaped drive column 25 remains stationary, and the center positioning column 13 continues to rise, thereby compressing the first elastic element 26. The T-shaped drive column 25 and the center positioning column 13 undergo relative axial displacement. The force block 30 moves from the lower end of the guide groove 28 through the transition area of ​​the inclined or arc surface to the upper end of the guide groove 28. Under the action of the inclined or arc surface, the force block 30 will drive the centering block 29 to move outward. The outer ends of multiple centering blocks 29 move synchronously to achieve contact with the inner wall of the center hole of the wheel hub. If there is a slight deviation in the wheel hub, it can be corrected and centered by multiple centering blocks 29. Through this process, the center positioning column 13 first enters the center hole, and then the centering block 29 supports the inner wall of the center hole, which can prevent the center positioning column 13 from being forcibly inserted into the center hole with a large outer diameter at the beginning.

[0065] A rotating roller structure can be provided on the aforementioned force-bearing block 30. The roller structure rolls against the inner wall of the guide groove 28, which can reduce friction loss and resistance. In order to realize the retraction and reset of the aforementioned centering block 29, a protrusion is provided at the end of the centering block 29. A fourth elastic element 33 can be provided between the protrusion and the inner wall of the center positioning column 13. The fourth elastic element 33 can preferably be a compression spring. When the centering block 29 drives its end protrusion to move outward, the protrusion can compress the fourth elastic element 33. After the processing is completed, the lifting column 6 descends and resets, and the force-bearing block 30 returns to the lower end of the guide groove 28. The fourth elastic element 33 pushes the centering block 29 to retract, so that the center positioning column 13 can smoothly exit the center hole of the hub.

[0066] To achieve the rotation of the hub, a gear ring 12 is installed on the outer side of the lower end of the rotating seat 8. A first gear 11 that meshes with the gear ring 12 is rotatably installed at the bottom of the frame 1. A motor 7 is installed on the frame 1 to drive the first gear 11 to rotate. Thus, the motor 7 drives the rotating seat 8, the fixed column 16 and the lifting column 6 to rotate as a whole through the cooperation of the first gear 11 and the gear ring 12, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the hub, which is convenient for surface processing with the laser processing head 3.

[0067] Because the outer area of ​​the wheel hub is thinner and its structural strength is lower than that of the middle area, conventional clamping structures clamping the outer wall are not only prone to scratching damage to the outer surface of the wheel hub, but also rely on the static friction between the clamping structure and the outer surface of the wheel hub to achieve wheel hub rotation. Once relative displacement occurs, it will affect the processing accuracy and quality, and the stability is difficult to guarantee. Therefore, this invention sets up a traction mechanism that cooperates with the bolt holes on the wheel hub. Multiple columnar structures are inserted into the bolt holes on the wheel hub to drive the rotation of the wheel hub, so that the rotation of the lifting column 6 can be more reliably transmitted to the wheel hub.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the traction mechanism includes a fixed frame 14 arranged circumferentially along the inner wall of the lifting column 6. A lifting frame 20 is vertically and movably arranged on the fixed frame 14. A traction pin 15 extending to the top of the lifting column 6 is provided at the top of the lifting frame 20. A first rack 17 is provided on the side wall of the fixed column 16. A second gear 21 corresponding to the first rack 17 is rotatably arranged at one end of the fixed frame 14 near the fixed column 16. A second rack 22 meshing with the second gear 21 is provided on one side of the lifting frame 20 near the fixed column 16. Initially, the first rack 17 is not meshed with the second gear 21, and the traction pin 15 does not protrude from the top of the lifting column 6. Therefore, in the initial stage when the lifting column 6 rises and drives the center positioning column 13 to insert into the center hole, the traction pin 15 is still hidden inside the lifting column 6 and will not interfere with the bottom surface of the hub or the edge of the bolt hole. The traction pin 15 will only rise after the center positioning column 13 and the centering block 29 have completed the center pre-positioning.

[0069] It should be noted that, as a preferred control method, after the wheel hub is transported to the laser processing station by the transmission device 5, the lifting power source 9 first drives the lifting column 6 to rise via the traction shaft 10, so that the center positioning column 13 enters the center hole of the wheel hub, and the centering block 29 performs center pre-positioning of the wheel hub; after the wheel hub completes center pre-positioning, the vision inspection mechanism 4 detects the position of multiple bolt holes and determines the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group relative to the rotation axis of the lifting and centering mechanism; then the lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to fall down, so that the wheel hub falls back to the transmission device 5 and remains stationary, and the motor 7 drives the rotating seat 8, the fixed column 16, the lifting column 6 and the traction pin 15 to rotate as a whole, so that the circumferential preset position of the traction pin 15 corresponds to the circumferential angle position of the corresponding bolt hole; after the correspondence is completed, the lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to rise again, the center positioning column 13 enters the center hole of the wheel hub again, the centering block 29 performs a small stroke reset correction and holding of the wheel hub, and then the traction pin 15 is inserted into the bolt hole, so that the wheel hub is rotated for processing through the cooperation of the traction pin 15 and the bolt hole.

[0070] During the second lifting process, after the hub is lifted again and reset and corrected by the center positioning column 13 and the centering block 29, the first rack 17 meshes with the second gear 21. Then, the second gear 21 drives the lifting frame 20 to rise relative to the fixed frame 14 through the second rack 22. The lifting frame 20 drives the traction pin 15 to rise and enter the bolt hole of the hub. Specifically, as the lifting column 6 and the fixed frame 14 continue to rise relative to the fixed column 16, the second gear 21 on the fixed frame 14 gradually moves to the position where it meshes with the first rack 17. Since the first rack 17 is set on the fixed column 16, the second gear 21 is driven to rotate by the first rack 17 when the fixed frame 14 moves upward. The second gear 21 then drives the second rack 22 and the lifting frame 20 to rise, so that the traction pin 15 extends out of the top of the lifting column 6 and inserts into the bolt hole. This structure enables the lifting power source 9 to complete the reset and centering and the insertion of the traction pin 15 into the bolt hole in sequence during the second lifting stroke, reducing the number of independent driving components.

[0071] To ensure the smooth entry of the traction pin 15 into the bolt hole on the wheel hub, the diameter of the traction pin 15 is often smaller than the inner diameter of the bolt hole. Therefore, to eliminate the gap between the traction pin 15 and the bolt hole, especially the gap in the rotation direction, the traction pin 15 is designed as a hollow structure. A drive body 18 is vertically and movably mounted on the inner side of the traction pin 15. The upper end of the drive body 18 is a conical plate structure, and the lower end is a cylindrical structure extending to the bottom of the traction pin 15 and connected to the lifting frame 20. A second elastic element 24 is provided between the traction pin 15 and the lifting frame 20. The second elastic element 24 is a compression spring sleeved on the outside of the lower end of the drive body 18. The upper end of the drive body 18 has two... The side is an inclined plane, and a linear guide rail is provided on the inclined plane. The two ends of the traction pin 15 corresponding to the rotation direction of the wheel hub are symmetrically and movably provided with gap-eliminating blocks 19 corresponding to the upper end of the drive body 18. When the outer end of the gap-eliminating block 19 moves outward, it can eliminate the gap between the traction pin 15 and the bolt hole in the rotation direction. The inner end of the gap-eliminating block 19 is movably guided and connected to the linear guide rail on the drive body 18, forming an inclined surface fit with the side of the drive body 18. When the drive body 18 rises relative to the traction pin 15, the gap-eliminating block 19 moves outward; when it falls relative to the traction pin 15, the gap-eliminating block 19 is retracted and hidden. The gap-eliminating block 19 preferably extends along the rotation direction of the wheel hub and abuts against the hole wall of the bolt hole in the rotation direction.

[0072] To allow relative displacement between the traction pin 15 and the drive body 18, a second limiting member 23 is provided on the outer side of the traction pin 15. The second limiting member 23 is a structure that protrudes from the traction pin 15, preferably a ring structure. When the traction pin 15 is fully inserted into the bolt hole, the second limiting member 23 forms a limit with the inner cavity top wall of the lifting column 6. At this time, the traction pin 15 remains stationary, and the lifting frame 20 drives the drive body 18 to continue to rise. The second elastic member 24 is compressed, thereby causing the gap-eliminating block 19 to move outward to fill the gap. Since the second limiting member 23 forms a limit with the inner cavity top wall of the lifting column 6 only after the traction pin 15 is inserted into the hole, the outward movement of the gap-eliminating block 19 occurs after the traction pin 15 is inserted into the bolt hole and will not affect the insertion process of the traction pin 15.

[0073] The function of the aforementioned backlash elimination structure is as follows: Due to the existence of errors, and in order for the traction pin 15 to be smoothly inserted into the bolt hole, its outer diameter needs to be smaller than the inner diameter of the bolt hole. However, this gap will form a rotational backlash during the wheel hub rotation machining. The drive body 18 pushes the backlash elimination block 19 to extend in the direction of wheel hub rotation. The backlash elimination block 19 can abut against the force-bearing side wall of the bolt hole, so that the traction pin 15 and the bolt hole form a stable contact in the rotational direction. In this way, when the motor 7 drives the lifting column 6 to rotate, the lifting column 6 can directly drive the wheel hub to rotate synchronously through the traction pin 15, reducing the backlash error during rotation start-stop or indexing process.

[0074] Furthermore, to prevent the traction pin 15 from interfering with the strong centering action of the center positioning post 13 when eliminating rotational backlash, an elastic component is provided at the upper end of the guide groove 28. This component can switch the interaction between the centering block 29 and the inner wall of the hub center hole from rigid strong centering to elastic holding. Specifically, the elastic component includes a groove provided on the inner wall of the upper end of the guide groove 28. A floating plate 31 is movably mounted on this groove. Initially, the floating plate 31 is flush with the inner wall of the upper end of the guide groove 28. A third elastic element 32 is provided between the floating plate 31 and the inner wall of the groove. Component 32 can be an elastic structure such as a spring or elastic sheet; during the second lifting process, the center positioning column 13 and the centering block 29 are first used to reproduce the center position of the hub; when the traction pin 15 is inserted into the bolt hole, the force block 30 corresponds to the floating plate 31, and the floating plate 31 can produce elastic relief under the action of the third elastic component 32, so that the centering block 29 still fits against the inner wall of the hub center hole, but no longer continuously presses against the inner wall of the center hole in a rigid support state, thereby providing a slight relief condition for the subsequent gap elimination block 19 to establish a stable contact between the traction pin 15 and the force-bearing side hole wall of the bolt hole.

[0075] It should be further explained that after the traction pin 15 is inserted into the bolt hole, the subsequent rotational machining mainly relies on the pin-hole fit between the traction pin 15 and the bolt hole to transmit the circumferential force. At this time, the center positioning pin 13 should not continue to lock the center hole in a rigid support state. If the center hole still maintains a large rigid support force, the backlash elimination block 19 is easily restricted by the rigid constraint at the center hole when establishing the contact relationship between the traction pin 15 and the rotating force side hole wall of the bolt hole. This will cause the traction pin 15 to be unbalanced or not contacted sufficiently with the bolt hole. The floating plate 31 and the third elastic element 32 make the centering block 29 switch to an elastic holding state before backlash elimination. This can not only retain the radial limit and anti-sway function at the center hole, but also provide a small amount of clearance for the traction pin 15 to eliminate the rotational backlash in the subsequent process, so that the traction pin 15 can more stably bear the circumferential transmission of the wheel hub.

[0076] Furthermore, this invention also relates to a processing method for a smart laser processing equipment for forging aluminum alloy wheels, specifically including the following steps:

[0077] Step 1: Place the wheel hub to be processed on the transmission device 5, and the transmission device 5 will transport the wheel hub to the laser processing station;

[0078] Step 2: The lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to rise through the traction shaft 10. The lifting column 6 lifts the wheel hub and makes the wheel hub separate from the transmission device 5. The center positioning column 13 is inserted into the center hole of the wheel hub. The centering block 29 moves outward and abuts against the inner wall of the center hole of the wheel hub, so that the wheel hub completes the centering pre-positioning.

[0079] Step 3: The visual inspection mechanism 4 detects the position of multiple bolt holes after the center pre-positioning is completed, and determines the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group relative to the rotation axis of the lifting and centering mechanism;

[0080] Step 4: The lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to descend, so that the wheel hub falls back to the transmission device 5 and remains stationary. The motor 7 drives the rotating seat 8, the fixed column 16, the lifting column 6 and the traction pin 15 to rotate as a whole, so that the circumferential preset position of the traction pin 15 corresponds to the circumferential angle position of the corresponding bolt hole.

[0081] Step 5: The lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to rise again, the center positioning column 13 enters the center hole of the wheel hub again, and the traction pin 15 is inserted into the bolt hole;

[0082] Step 6: The force-bearing block 30 is aligned with the floating plate 31, causing the centering block 29 to switch from a rigid centering state to an elastic holding state. Then, the driving body 18 pushes the backlash-eliminating block 19 outward, so that the backlash-eliminating block 19 abuts against the hole wall of the bolt hole in the direction of hub rotation.

[0083] Step 7: Motor 7 drives the rotating seat 8, fixed column 16, lifting column 6 and wheel hub to rotate synchronously through the first gear 11 and gear ring 12. Multi-axis motion mechanism 2 drives laser processing head 3 to perform laser processing on the surface of wheel hub.

[0084] Step 8: After processing is completed, the lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to descend, the traction pin 15 exits the bolt hole, the centering block 29 is retracted, the center positioning column 13 exits the center hole, and the wheel hub falls back onto the transmission device 5 and is sent out by the transmission device 5.

[0085] The detailed working principle is as follows:

[0086] After the wheel hub is transported to the laser processing station by the transmission device 5, the lifting power source 9 first drives the lifting column 6 to rise for the first time. The lifting column 6 lifts the wheel hub and separates it from the transmission device 5. During the rise of the lifting column 6, the center positioning column 13 first enters the center hole of the wheel hub. Then, the T-shaped drive column 25 and the center positioning column 13 generate relative axial displacement. The force block 30 pushes the centering block 29 radially outward along the guide groove 28. Multiple centering blocks 29 jointly abut against the inner wall of the center hole, so that the wheel hub completes the centering pre-positioning relative to the lifting and centering mechanism. At this time, the vision inspection mechanism 4 identifies the position of multiple bolt holes and determines the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group relative to the rotation axis of the lifting and centering mechanism.

[0087] After visual inspection is completed, the lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to descend, causing the wheel hub to fall back to the transmission device 5 and remain stationary. Subsequently, the motor 7 drives the rotating seat 8, the fixed column 16, the lifting column 6, and the traction pin 15 to rotate as a whole through the first gear 11 and the gear ring 12, so that the circumferential preset position of the traction pin 15 corresponds to the circumferential angle position of the corresponding bolt hole. After the correspondence is completed, the lifting power source 9 drives the lifting column 6 to rise again, and the center positioning column 13 enters the center hole of the wheel hub again. Then, the first rack 17 meshes with the second gear 21, and the second gear 21 drives the second rack 22 and the lifting frame 20 to rise, so that the traction pin 15 enters the bolt hole.

[0088] After the traction pin 15 enters the bolt hole, the force-bearing block 30 corresponds to the floating plate 31. Under the action of the third elastic element 32, the floating plate 31 can elastically retract, causing the centering block 29 to switch from a rigid centering state to an elastic holding state. Subsequently, the second limiting element 23 is limited by the inner cavity top wall of the lifting column 6, and the lifting frame 20 continues to push the drive body 18 upward. The drive body 18 pushes the gap-eliminating block 19 outward. The gap-eliminating block 19 abuts against the hole wall of the bolt hole in the direction of wheel hub rotation, thereby eliminating the rotational gap between the traction pin 15 and the bolt hole. At this time, a stable pin-hole type rotational transmission relationship is formed between the traction pin 15 and the bolt hole. The traction pin 15 undertakes the main circumferential transmission force during the wheel hub rotation process, and the center positioning column 13 is only used to maintain the radial limit and anti-sway at the center hole of the wheel hub.

[0089] During processing, motor 7 drives rotating seat 8 and lifting column 6 to rotate. Lifting column 6 drives wheel hub to rotate synchronously through traction pin 15. Multi-axis motion mechanism 2 drives laser processing head 3 to align with the area to be processed on wheel hub. Laser processing head 3 performs laser engraving, texturing or marking processing according to preset processing path. After processing is completed, lifting power source 9 drives lifting column 6 to descend. Each elastic component resets in sequence. Clearance block 19 is retracted into traction pin 15. Traction pin 15 exits the bolt hole. Centering block 29 is retracted into center positioning column 13. Wheel hub falls back into transmission device 5 and is sent out of processing station.

[0090] Therefore, the present invention can complete the conveying, lifting, center pre-positioning, visual inspection and circumferential alignment of the wheel hub, the insertion of the traction pin 15 into the bolt hole, the switching of the centering block 29 from the rigid centering state to the elastic holding state, the elimination of the gap in the rotation direction of the bolt hole, and laser processing in the same station. The overall action is continuous, the positioning and transmission logic is clear, and it is suitable for the automated laser processing of forged aluminum alloy wheel hubs.

[0091] The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the content described above. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the above embodiments without departing from the technical concept of this invention, and all such modifications and variations should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent laser processing equipment for forging aluminum alloy wheels, characterized in that, It includes a frame (1), a transmission device (5), a multi-axis motion mechanism (2), a laser processing head (3), a vision inspection mechanism (4), a lifting and centering mechanism, a traction mechanism, and a rotary power source; The transmission device (5) is mounted on the frame (1) and is used to transport the wheel hub to the laser processing station; The multi-axis motion mechanism (2) is mounted on the frame (1), and the laser processing head (3) is mounted at the end of the multi-axis motion mechanism (2) and is used to perform laser processing on the surface of the wheel hub. The lifting and centering mechanism is located at the laser processing station corresponding to the transmission device (5), and includes a lifting part for lifting the hub and disengaging the hub from the transmission device (5) and a centering part for engaging with the center hole of the hub to achieve pre-centering of the hub. The visual inspection mechanism (4) is used to detect the position of the wheel hub bolt holes and determine the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group after the wheel hub has completed the center pre-positioning by the lifting and centering mechanism. The traction mechanism is mounted on the lifting and centering mechanism and includes a traction pin (15) that can be inserted into the wheel hub bolt hole. The rotary power source is used to drive the rotating hub relative to the stationary hub after the hub is pre-positioned at the center by the lifting and centering mechanism and falls back to the transmission device (5), so that the circumferential preset position of the traction pin (15) corresponds to the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group, and is used to drive the hub to rotate synchronously with the lifting and centering mechanism after the traction pin (15) is inserted into the bolt hole.

2. The intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting unit includes a rotating seat (8), a fixed column (16), a lifting column (6), a traction shaft (10), and a lifting power source (9). The rotating seat (8) is rotatably mounted on the frame (1), the fixed column (16) is mounted on the rotating seat (8), and the lifting column (6) is vertically and movably mounted outside the fixed column (16). The lifting column (6) can move up and down relative to the fixed column (16) and keep circumferentially synchronized with the fixed column (16). The traction shaft (10) is located at the bottom of the lifting column (6), and the lifting power source (9) is connected to the traction shaft (10) and is used to drive the lifting column (6) to rise and fall through the traction shaft (10).

3. The intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotational power source includes a motor (7), a first gear (11), and a gear ring (12); The gear ring (12) is mounted on the rotating seat (8), and the first gear (11) is rotatably mounted on the frame (1) and meshes with the gear ring (12). The motor (7) is used to drive the first gear (11) to rotate, so as to drive the rotating seat (8), the fixed column (16) and the lifting column (6) to rotate as a whole through the first gear (11) and the gear ring (12).

4. The intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 2, characterized in that, The centering part includes a central positioning column (13), a T-shaped driving column (25), a centering block (29), and a force-bearing block (30); The center positioning post (13) is located at the center of the upper end of the lifting post (6) and is used to insert into the center hole of the wheel hub; The T-shaped drive column (25) is vertically and movably disposed within the central positioning column (13), and the lower end of the T-shaped drive column (25) is movably connected to the fixed column (16); The circumferential sidewall of the T-shaped drive column (25) is provided with a guide groove (28), which has an upper end and a lower end with different depths; The centering block (29) is radially movable on the circumferential sidewall of the central positioning column (13), and the force-bearing block (30) is located at the inner end of the centering block (29) and cooperates with the guide groove (28); When the center positioning column (13) rises with the lifting column (6) and the T-shaped drive column (25) is limited by the fixed column (16), the center positioning column (13) and the T-shaped drive column (25) generate relative axial displacement. The force block (30) moves from the lower end of the guide groove (28) to the upper end of the guide groove (28), and drives the centering block (29) to abut against the inner wall of the hub center hole.

5. The intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 4, characterized in that, The centering part also includes a first limiting member (27), a first elastic member (26), and a fourth elastic member (33); The first limiting member (27) is disposed on the T-shaped drive column (25), and the first elastic member (26) is disposed between the first limiting member (27) and the central positioning column (13), and is used to keep the force block (30) at the lower end of the guide groove (28) in the initial state; The fourth elastic element (33) is disposed between the centering block (29) and the center positioning column (13) and is used to drive the centering block (29) to retract inward when the lifting column (6) descends and resets.

6. The intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 4, characterized in that, The traction mechanism also includes a fixed frame (14), a lifting frame (20), a first rack (17), a second gear (21), and a second rack (22). The fixed frame (14) is installed inside the lifting column (6), the lifting frame (20) is vertically and movably installed on the fixed frame (14), and the traction pin (15) is installed on the lifting frame (20); The first rack (17) is mounted on the fixed column (16), the second gear (21) is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame (14), and the second rack (22) is mounted on the lifting frame (20) and meshes with the second gear (21); When the lifting column (6) drives the fixed frame (14) to rise a certain distance relative to the fixed column (16), the first rack (17) meshes with the second gear (21), and through the second gear (21) and the second rack (22), it drives the lifting frame (20) to rise, so that the traction pin (15) is inserted into the wheel hub bolt hole.

7. The intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 6, characterized in that, The traction pin (15) has a hollow structure, and a driving body (18) is movably arranged inside the traction pin (15). A gap-eliminating block (19) is provided on the traction pin (15), and a second limiting member (23) is provided on the outside of the traction pin (15). The bottom of the drive body (18) is connected to the lifting frame (20), and the backlash elimination block (19) is movably set on the side of the traction pin (15) corresponding to the rotation direction of the wheel hub; When the traction pin (15) is inserted into the wheel hub bolt hole and the second limiting piece (23) forms a limiting position with the lifting column (6), the lifting frame (20) drives the drive body (18) to continue to rise. The drive body (18) pushes the backlash block (19) to move outward, so that the backlash block (19) abuts against the hole wall of the bolt hole in the direction of wheel hub rotation.

8. The intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 7, characterized in that, The traction mechanism also includes a second elastic element (24). The second elastic element (24) is disposed between the traction pin (15) and the lifting frame (20), and is sleeved on the outside of the drive body (18); The upper end of the drive body (18) is configured as a conical plate structure, and the inner end of the gap-eliminating block (19) is engaged with the inclined surface of the drive body (18). When the drive body (18) rises relative to the traction pin (15), the drive body (18) pushes the backlash block (19) to move outward; when the drive body (18) falls relative to the traction pin (15), the second elastic element (24) is used to drive the drive body (18) and the backlash block (19) to reset.

9. The intelligent laser machining apparatus for forging aluminum alloy wheel hubs according to claim 8, characterized by, The centering part also includes an elastic component disposed at the upper end of the guide groove (28), the elastic component including a floating plate (31) and a third elastic element (32). The upper inner wall of the guide groove (28) is provided with a groove for accommodating the floating plate (31), the floating plate (31) is movably disposed in the groove, and the third elastic member (32) is disposed between the floating plate (31) and the T-shaped drive column (25). Before the traction pin (15) completes the rotation direction clearance elimination, the force block (30) corresponds to the floating plate (31). The floating plate (31) can produce elastic relief under the action of the third elastic element (32), so that the centering block (29) switches from the rigid centering state to the elastic holding state.

10. An intelligent laser processing method for forging an aluminum alloy wheel, characterized by, The process is implemented using the intelligent laser processing equipment for forged aluminum alloy wheels as described in any one of claims 1-9, comprising: Step 1: The wheel hub is transported to the laser processing station via the transmission device (5); Step 2: The hub is lifted by the lifting and centering mechanism and disengaged from the transmission device (5). The centering part is then engaged with the center hole of the hub to complete the centering. Step 3: Use the visual inspection mechanism (4) to inspect the position of the wheel hub bolt holes after the center pre-positioning is completed, and determine the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group; Step 4: Lower the lifting and centering mechanism, let the hub fall back to the transmission device (5) and keep it stationary, and then drive the lifting and centering mechanism to rotate through the rotation power source so that the circumferential preset position of the traction pin (15) corresponds to the circumferential angle position of the bolt hole group; Step 5: Lift the hub again using the lifting and centering mechanism, and drive the traction pin (15) to insert into the hub bolt hole, so that the traction mechanism and the bolt hole form a rotational traction engagement; Step 6: Drive the lifting and centering mechanism and the wheel hub to rotate synchronously through the rotating power source, and drive the laser processing head (3) to perform laser processing on the surface of the wheel hub by the multi-axis motion mechanism (2).

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