A semi-automatic production line for multi-function switches for automotive steering wheels

Abstract

This application relates to a semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel, comprising, in sequence: a lever bracket assembly module, a housing grease spraying module, a button pressing module, a top pin oil injection and assembly module, a screw tightening module, and a multi-function switch detection module. The lever bracket assembly module includes: a tooling for securing the lever bracket; a gripping rod for gripping the lever bracket; a hydraulic mechanism for powering the gripping rod's movement; and a clamping mechanism located at the end of the gripping rod and adapted to lever brackets of different specifications. The clamping mechanism switches to a liquid state via phase change to fit the top of the lever bracket, and switches to a solid state to clamp and fix the lever bracket. This application utilizes the liquid properties of magnetorheological fluid to solve the problem of highly flexible adaptive bonding to irregularly shaped and oily surfaces, and utilizes its solid-state properties to solve the problem of rigid clamping under heavy loads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of automotive switch manufacturing, and in particular to a semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for automotive steering wheels. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, pneumatic press-fitting machines or pneumatic dispensing / oiling machines are widely used in the semi-automated assembly of precision electronic components such as automotive multi-function switches. These machines mainly include the following processes: automatic oiling / greasing, precision press-fitting, multi-specification material error-proofing gripping, visual inspection, assisted positioning, and high-precision electrical testing.

[0003] After the support legs are filled with oil, the amount of lubricating oil must be sufficient to ensure the lubrication effect; however, when the suction nozzle picks up the support, excess oil can easily contaminate and pollute the suction nozzle, causing the suction nozzle to slip or requiring frequent shutdowns for cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel.

[0005] The semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch on an automotive steering wheel provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel includes, in sequence: a lever bracket assembly module, a housing grease spraying module, a button pressing module, a top pin lubrication and assembly module, a screw tightening module, and a multi-function switch testing module. The lever bracket assembly module includes: Tooling used to prevent the lever bracket from being damaged; The gripping lever is used to grip the lever support. The hydraulic mechanism provides power for the movement of the gripping lever; and The clamping mechanism is located at the end of the gripping rod and is compatible with different specifications of lever brackets. The clamping mechanism switches to a liquid state through phase change to fit the top of the lever bracket, and switches to a solid state to clamp and fix the lever bracket.

[0006] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes: The clamp is fixed to the bottom of the gripping rod; The form-switching component clamps the lever bracket via solid-liquid switching; and Phase change extrusion assembly, which extrudes the deformation switching assembly; The morphology switching component is located inside the clamp, while the phase change extrusion component is located outside the clamp.

[0007] Furthermore, the form-switching component includes: The outer wall of the middle cylinder is fixed to the inner wall of the clamping cylinder; The capsule body is fixed inside the middle tube, with its bottom end protruding from the middle tube; and A strong magnetic component is installed inside the middle cylinder and provides a strong magnetic field to the capsule. The upper sidewall of the capsule is fixed to the inner wall of the middle cylinder and the bottom protrudes outside the middle cylinder; the capsule is filled with magnetorheological fluid and is squeezed by the phase change extrusion component. When the magnetorheological fluid is in a liquid state, it is adapted to the lever bracket, and when the magnetorheological fluid is in a solid state, it fixes the lever bracket.

[0008] Furthermore, the strong magnetic component is configured as a strong magnetic coil and is disposed on the inner wall of the middle cylinder.

[0009] Furthermore, the phase change extrusion assembly includes: The drive unit provides power through phase change; The stroke enlarger is used to increase the stroke of the drive unit; and The extrusion sheet is movably disposed inside the middle cylinder; The extrusion plates are arranged in multiple pieces and are evenly distributed on the side wall of the capsule that protrudes outside the middle cylinder.

[0010] Furthermore, the stroke-enhancing section includes: The lever is hinged to the wall of the middle cylinder with the hinge axis set vertically. Torsion springs are used to connect the lever and the middle cylinder; and Connector, used to connect the corresponding end of the lever to the drive unit; Multiple levers are provided, with the other end of each lever hinged to the extrusion plate; the levers and the middle cylinder rotate close to the drive unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive unit includes: Shape memory alloy rings undergo a phase transition when their phase transition temperature is exceeded; and Heat source component, used to heat shape memory alloy sheets to cause them to undergo a phase change; The shape memory alloy ring is initially concave, but becomes convex after a phase transition. The shape memory alloy sheet is connected to the corresponding end of the lever via a connector.

[0012] Furthermore, the connector is configured as a pull rope, which is used to connect the corresponding end of the lever and the wall surface of the shape memory alloy ring, and the pull rope is in a taut state under the interaction of the shape memory alloy ring and the torsion spring.

[0013] In summary, the beneficial technical effects of this application are as follows: 1. The magnetorheological phase change locking technology and the shape memory alloy phase change driving technology are perfectly integrated. The liquid properties of the magnetorheological fluid are used to solve the problem of highly flexible adaptive bonding of irregular and oily surfaces, and its solid properties are used to solve the problem of rigid clamping under heavy load. 2. The hydraulic mechanism drives the gripping rod downward, causing the clamping mechanism to fall. The bottom of the capsule contacts the head of the lever bracket placed on the tooling. Since the capsule contains liquid magnetorheological fluid, under a small clamping force, the capsule undergoes highly flexible deformation, adaptively wrapping and conforming to the complex contour of the top of the lever bracket. The flow of the liquid squeezes out the residual lubricating oil on the surface of the bracket. 3. The heat source is energized and heated, causing the temperature of the shape memory alloy ring to rise above the phase transition point. The shape memory alloy ring changes from an inward concave shape to an outward convex shape. This deformation pulls the pull rope, which pulls one end of the lever. Through the displacement amplification effect of the lever mechanism, the resistance of the torsion spring is overcome, causing the other end of the lever to drive multiple extrusion plates to contract inward simultaneously, tightly compressing the capsule and making the capsule physically envelop the outer wall of the lever support. When the strong magnetic coil is energized, a strong magnetic field is generated in the capsule area. The magnetorheological fluid inside the capsule instantly solidifies and transforms into a high-rigidity solid. At this time, the capsule transforms into a high-hardness rigid jacket that perfectly fits the shape of the lever support head, locking the freedom of the support. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 0. Lever bracket assembly module; 1. Tooling; 2. Grab lever; 3. Hydraulic mechanism; 40. Clamping sleeve; 41. Middle cylinder; 42. Bag body; 43. Strong magnetic component; 44. Extrusion plate; 45. Lever; 46. Torsion spring; 47. Shape memory alloy ring; 48. Pull rope. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0017] This application discloses a semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel. (Refer to...) Figures 1-3The system comprises, in sequence: a lever bracket assembly module 0, a housing grease spraying module, a button pressing module, a top pin lubrication and assembly module, a screw tightening module, and a multi-functional switch detection module; the lever bracket assembly module 0 is used to position the lever bracket, automatically lubricate it, and use adaptive adsorption grippers to install it into the lever; the housing grease spraying module is used to quantitatively and evenly spray grease onto designated friction areas of the switch housing; the button pressing module is used to precisely press the button onto the housing and has a physical overpressure protection limit; the top pin lubrication and assembly module is used to lubricate the top pin hole and automatically grip different lengths according to different vehicle configurations. The top pin is used for error-proof assembly and visual inspection; the screw tightening module, in conjunction with the positioning fixture 1 with guide groove, assists in the rapid tightening of screws; the multi-functional switch detection module is used to perform electrical performance and wire harness welding quality inspection on the assembled switches with an accuracy of 0.5%. In addition, this production line also has the following effects: uniform assembly quality, and the use of fixture 1 and equipment ensures uniform performance; in the lever bracket assembly module 0, the amount of oil injected is controllable, and in the outer shell grease spraying module, the amount of oil sprayed is controllable and the position is accurate. In the top pin oil injection and assembly module steps, the amount of oil injected is controllable. Therefore, the most important aspects of this invention are the design of fixture 1 and the equipment control method.

[0018] The lever bracket assembly module 0 includes: a tooling 1 for securing the lever bracket; a gripping rod 2 for gripping the lever bracket; a hydraulic mechanism 3 for providing power to the gripping rod 2; and a clamping mechanism located at the tail end of the gripping rod 2 and adapted to lever brackets of different specifications. The tooling 1 is horizontally positioned on the worktable, with contoured grooves on its surface that conform to the shape of the lever bracket, used for initial placement and horizontal limiting of the lever bracket to be assembled. The gripping rod 2 is vertically positioned, with its upper end connected to the output end of the hydraulic mechanism 3. The hydraulic mechanism 3 uses a micro hydraulic cylinder or electro-hydraulic servo push rod, as used in existing technology, to drive the gripping rod 2 for precise lifting, lowering, and translational reciprocating motion. The clamping mechanism is integrally threaded or flanged to the bottom end of the gripping rod 2. This clamping mechanism can adaptively adapt to and lock the heads of lever brackets of different specifications and shapes through the principle of material phase change, preventing slippage and detachment after the surface is contaminated with lubricating oil.

[0019] The clamping mechanism includes: a clamping cylinder 40, fixed to the bottom of the gripping rod 2; a shape switching component, which clamps the lever support by switching between solid and liquid states; and a phase change extrusion component, which extrudes the shape switching component; the outer wall of the cylinder is interference-fitted or threaded to the inner wall of the clamping cylinder 40, the inside of the clamping cylinder 40 is hollow, the shape switching component is located inside the clamping cylinder 40, and the phase change extrusion component is located outside the clamping cylinder 40; The form-switching component includes: a middle cylinder 41, the outer wall of which is fixed to the inner wall of the clamping cylinder 40; a capsule 42, which is fixed inside the middle cylinder 41 and its bottom end protrudes from the middle cylinder 41; and a strong magnetic component 43, which is disposed inside the middle cylinder 41 and provides a strong magnetic field to the capsule 42; the upper side wall of the capsule 42 is fixed to the inner wall of the middle cylinder 41 and its bottom protrudes from the outside of the middle cylinder 41; the capsule 42 is filled with magnetorheological fluid, and the capsule 42 is squeezed by the phase change extrusion component. When the magnetorheological fluid is in a liquid state, it is adapted to the lever support, and when the magnetorheological fluid is in a solid state, it fixes the lever support. The capsule 42 is made of elastic material. Therefore, when the magnetorheological fluid inside the capsule 42 is in a liquid state, as the middle cylinder 41 moves downward with the capsule 42, the capsule 42 abuts against the lever support. Due to the action of the liquid medium and the elastic properties of the capsule 42, the lever support is gradually wrapped around the capsule 42. The strong magnetic component 43 is configured as a strong magnetic coil, located on the inner wall of the middle cylinder 41. When energized, the strong magnetic coil generates a powerful magnetic field, which is electrically connected to the adjustable current source of the external control system. When energized, the strong magnetic coil generates a high-intensity closed magnetic field distributed axially and radially inside the middle cylinder 41, causing a phase change in the magnetorheological fluid within the capsule 42. The magnetorheological fluid, which is a highly fluid liquid without an external magnetic field, exhibits a rapid increase in shear yield stress within milliseconds under the influence of a strong magnetic field, displaying high-rigidity solid characteristics. When the capsule 42 encloses the lever support, the strong magnetic component 43 generates a strong magnetic field on the magnetorheological fluid within the capsule 42. At this point, the capsule 42 and the solidified magnetorheological fluid clamp the lever support, effectively forming a solid clamp. The capsule 42 can accommodate lever supports of different specifications, and slippage will not occur regardless of whether the lever support is coated with lubricating oil or whether the capsule 42 is coated with lubricating oil.

[0020] To ensure that the capsule 42 completely and quickly wraps around the lever bracket, the capsule 42 needs to be squeezed. The phase change squeezing assembly includes: a drive unit, which provides power through phase change; a stroke increase unit, which increases the stroke of the drive unit; and squeezing plates 44, which are movably disposed inside the middle cylinder 41. The squeezing plates 44 are configured as multiple plates and are evenly distributed on the side wall of the capsule 42 that protrudes from the middle cylinder 41. The squeezing plates 44 are also configured as arc-shaped and have a smooth surface to prevent the squeezing plates 44 from damaging the capsule 42. The stroke increase unit ensures that there is sufficient stroke for the capsule 42, thereby completely squeezing the capsule 42. The stroke-enhancing part includes: a lever 45, hinged to the wall of the middle cylinder 41 with the hinge axis vertically arranged; the lever 45 can swing in the horizontal plane; a torsion spring 46, used to connect the lever 45 and the middle cylinder 41, applying a pre-tightening force to the lever 45 to swing outward and reset the extrusion plate 44; and a connector, used to connect the corresponding end of the lever 45 to the drive part; multiple levers 45 are provided, and the other end of the lever 45 is hinged to the extrusion plate 44; the rotational position of the lever 45 and the middle cylinder 41 is close to the drive part. In this embodiment, multiple levers 45 are provided and matched with the number of extrusion plates 44. The fulcrum of the rotation between the lever 45 and the middle cylinder 41 is close to the drive part, thus forming a lever 45 structure that saves effort but amplifies the stroke, which is used to amplify the small phase change displacement of the shape memory alloy. Why is the above-mentioned drive part selected in this embodiment? If the cylinder or electric actuator in the prior art is used, firstly, the installation position is limited, and secondly, the cylinder and electric actuator are not easy to control the small formation, so the requirements for the cylinder or electric actuator are very high, resulting in increased cost.

[0021] The driving unit includes: a shape memory alloy ring 47, which undergoes a phase change when its phase change temperature is exceeded; and a heat source for heating the shape memory alloy sheet to induce a phase change. The shape memory alloy ring 47 is initially concave and then convex after the phase change. The shape memory alloy sheet is connected to the corresponding end of the lever 45 via a connector. The shape memory alloy ring 47 is made of bidirectional nickel-titanium shape memory alloy and is fitted onto the upper outer side of all levers 45. The heat source uses a micro electric heating patch or a high-frequency induction heating coil, which is closely attached to the shape memory alloy ring 47 and is used to rapidly heat it under PLC control. The connector is a pull rope 48, which connects the corresponding end of the lever 45 to the wall of the shape memory alloy ring 47. The pull rope 48 is taut under the interaction of the shape memory alloy ring 47 and the torsion spring 46. In this embodiment, whether in the initial state or the working state, for example, in the initial state, the torsion spring 46 keeps the pull rope 48 taut, while in the working state, the shape memory alloy ring 47 deforms.

[0022] In the initial stage, the heat source is not working, the shape memory alloy ring 47 is at room temperature and its shape is concave; the torsion spring 46 keeps the lever 45 in the reset state, the compression plate 44 opens, and does not compress the capsule 42; at the same time, the strong magnetic coil is de-energized, and the magnetorheological fluid in the capsule 42 is in a liquid state with good fluidity; the hydraulic mechanism 3 drives the gripping rod 2 to descend, causing the clamping mechanism to fall, and the bottom end of the capsule 42 contacts the head of the lever bracket placed on the tooling 1. Since the capsule 42 contains liquid magnetorheological fluid, under a small clamping force, the capsule 42 undergoes highly flexible deformation, adaptively wrapping and conforming to the complex contour of the top of the lever bracket. During this process, the flow of liquid squeezes and displaces the residual lubricating oil on the surface of the bracket; the heat source is energized and heated, causing the temperature of the shape memory alloy ring 47 to rise above the phase transition point. The shape memory alloy ring 47 changes from a concave shape to a convex shape. This deformation pulls the pull rope 48, which in turn pulls one end of the lever 45. Through the displacement amplification effect of the lever 45 mechanism, the resistance of the torsion spring 46 is overcome, causing the other end of the lever 45 to drive multiple compression plates 44 to contract inward simultaneously, tightly compressing the capsule 42 and creating a physical envelope between the capsule 42 and the outer wall of the lever support. A strong magnetic coil is energized, generating a strong magnetic field in the capsule 42 region. The magnetorheological fluid inside the capsule 42 instantly solidifies, transforming into a highly rigid solid. At this point, the capsule 42 becomes a highly rigid, high-hardness jacket that perfectly matches the shape of the lever support head, locking the support's degrees of freedom. After assembly, the strong magnetic coil is de-energized, and the magnetorheological fluid instantly returns to a liquid state. At the same time, the heat source can be cooled by cold air even when the power is cut off. The shape memory alloy ring 47 returns to its low-temperature concave state, the torsion spring 46 drives the lever 45 to rotate, the extrusion plate 44 retracts, the bladder 42 softens and opens again, and the clamping mechanism is easily lifted up and reset without any adhesion, completing one assembly cycle.

[0023] The implementation principle of a semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: In the initial stage, the heat source is not working, the shape memory alloy ring 47 is at room temperature and its shape is concave; the torsion spring 46 keeps the lever 45 in the reset state, the compression plate 44 opens, and does not compress the bladder 42; at the same time, the strong magnetic coil is de-energized, and the magnetorheological fluid inside the bladder 42 is a liquid with good fluidity; the hydraulic mechanism 3 drives the gripping rod 2 downward, causing the clamping mechanism to fall, and the bottom end of the bladder 42 contacts the head of the lever bracket placed on the tooling 1. Since the bladder 42 contains liquid magnetorheological fluid, under a small clamping force, the bladder 42 undergoes highly flexible deformation, adaptively wrapping and conforming to the complex contour of the top of the lever bracket, and the flow of the liquid will cause the bracket surface to... The residual lubricating oil on the surface is squeezed out; the heat source is energized and heated, causing the temperature of the shape memory alloy ring 47 to rise above the phase transition point, and the shape memory alloy ring 47 changes from an inward concave shape to an outward convex shape. This deformation pulls the pull rope 48, and the pull rope 48 pulls one end of the lever 45. Through the displacement amplification effect of the lever 45 mechanism, the resistance of the torsion spring 46 is overcome, and the other end of the lever 45 drives multiple extrusion plates 44 to contract inward at the same time, tightly pressing the bladder 42, so that the bladder 42 and the outer wall of the lever bracket achieve physical envelopment; the strong magnetic coil is energized, and a strong magnetic field is generated in the region of the bladder 42. The magnetorheological fluid in the bladder 42 solidifies instantly and transforms into a high-rigidity solid. At this time, the bladder 42 transforms into a high-hardness rigid jacket that perfectly fits the shape of the head of the lever bracket, locking the freedom of the bracket.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0025] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel, characterized in that, In order, they include: The module includes a lever bracket assembly module, a housing grease spraying module, a button press-fitting module, a top pin oil injection and assembly module, a screw tightening module, and a multi-functional switch detection module. The lever bracket assembly module includes: Tooling used to prevent the lever bracket from being damaged; The gripping lever is used to grip the lever bracket. The hydraulic mechanism provides power for the movement of the gripping lever; and The clamping mechanism is located at the end of the gripping rod and is compatible with different specifications of lever brackets. The clamping mechanism switches to a liquid state through phase change to fit the top of the lever bracket, and switches to a solid state to clamp and fix the lever bracket.

2. The semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes: The clamp is fixed to the bottom of the gripping rod; The form-switching component clamps the lever bracket via solid-liquid switching; and Phase change extrusion assembly, which extrudes the deformation switching assembly; The morphology switching component is located inside the clamp, while the phase change extrusion component is located outside the clamp.

3. A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mode switching component includes: The outer wall of the middle cylinder is fixed to the inner wall of the clamping cylinder; The capsule body is fixed inside the middle tube, with its bottom end protruding from the middle tube; and A strong magnetic component is installed inside the middle cylinder and provides a strong magnetic field to the capsule. The upper sidewall of the capsule is fixed to the inner wall of the middle cylinder and the bottom protrudes outside the middle cylinder; the capsule is filled with magnetorheological fluid and is squeezed by the phase change extrusion component. When the magnetorheological fluid is in a liquid state, it is adapted to the lever bracket, and when the magnetorheological fluid is in a solid state, it fixes the lever bracket.

4. A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The strong magnetic component is a strong magnetic coil, which is installed on the inner wall of the middle cylinder.

5. A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The phase change extrusion assembly includes: The drive unit provides power through phase change; The stroke enlarger is used to increase the stroke of the drive unit; and The extrusion sheet is movably disposed inside the middle cylinder; The extrusion plates are arranged in multiple pieces and are evenly distributed on the side wall of the capsule that protrudes outside the middle cylinder.

6. A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The stroke-enhancing section includes: The lever is hinged to the wall of the middle cylinder with the hinge axis set vertically. Torsion springs are used to connect the lever and the middle cylinder; and Connector, used to connect the corresponding end of the lever to the drive unit; Multiple levers are provided, with the other end of each lever hinged to the extrusion plate; the levers and the middle cylinder rotate close to the drive unit.

7. A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive unit includes: Shape memory alloy rings undergo a phase transition when their phase transition temperature is exceeded; and Heat source component, used to heat shape memory alloy sheets to cause them to undergo a phase change; The shape memory alloy ring is initially concave, but becomes convex after a phase transition. The shape memory alloy sheet is connected to the corresponding end of the lever via a connector.

8. A semi-automatic production line for a multi-function switch for an automotive steering wheel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connector is configured as a pull rope, which is used to connect the corresponding end of the lever and the wall of the shape memory alloy ring. The pull rope is kept taut under the action of the shape memory alloy ring and the torsion spring.

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