A chain plate inline material return mechanism for bearing processing equipment and its application

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of bearing processing and conveying technology, specifically to a chain plate inline return material mechanism for bearing processing equipment and its application. It includes a chain plate conveyor with several chain plates sequentially hinged to a circular conveying path; and a return material section with multiple constraint units. Each constraint unit has a first constrained state and a second unconstrained state. In the first state, the constraint unit limits and fixes the bearing rings placed on the chain plates; in the second state, the constraint unit releases the constraint on the bearing rings. By intermittently arranging constraint units with both limiting and unconstrained states on several chain plates, the automatic switching of the constraint unit states is achieved through the relative force between the chain plates and the guide members during chain plate movement. That is, using a single-line chain plate conveyor and constraint units for return material significantly reduces the floor space, and the chain plate conveyor's direction can be freely arranged to adapt to different working scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing processing and conveying technology, specifically to a chain plate inline material return mechanism for bearing processing equipment and its application. Background Technology

[0002] In the bearing manufacturing process, the outer and inner rings of the bearing need to be assembled with the steel balls. Currently, the common practice is for workers to pick up and place the bearing rings next to a chain conveyor and transfer them to a workbench for assembly. Because the assembly cycle and the conveying cycle are not synchronized, a return material mechanism is usually required to achieve the cyclical transport of the bearing rings.

[0003] In the prior art, patent application CN112896930B discloses a chain-plate inline return mechanism for bearing processing equipment. This mechanism uses a platform, carrier plate, and screw lifting mechanism to lift and return bearing rings. While it achieves circulation, its structure is complex and relies on an additional power source. Another example is patent application CN106005888A, which discloses an automatic return mechanism for a chain-plate inline bearing processing equipment. This mechanism uses two rotary chain conveyors in conjunction with a discharge channel to achieve return, but it occupies a large space and is difficult to adapt to different working scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the defects in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a chain plate inline return mechanism for bearing processing equipment and its application, so as to solve the problems of large space occupation and inflexible direction of existing ring or double-line return mechanisms mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a chain plate inline return mechanism for bearing processing equipment, including a chain plate conveyor, wherein the chain plate conveyor has a longitudinally extending annular conveying path and a plurality of chain plates sequentially hinged to the annular conveying path. It also includes a return section, which has multiple constraint units, which are spaced apart on several chain plates along the annular conveying path; The constraint unit has a first constrained state and a second unconstrained state. In the first state, the constraint unit limits and fixes the bearing ring placed on the chain plate. In the second state, the constraint unit releases the limiting and fixing of the bearing ring. Both ends of the chain conveyor are equipped with guides that act on the constraint unit that moves with the chain, so as to drive the constraint unit to automatically switch between the first state and the second state when it passes through a bend.

[0006] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the constraint unit is a clamping group, which includes several pairs of clamping blocks arranged opposite to each other and a pair of positioning posts detachably fixed to each of the chain plates. The clamping blocks are laterally slidably disposed on the positioning posts. The bearing ring is in the second state of not being clamped in the straight section of the upper layer of the annular conveying path, and in the first state of being clamped in the turning section and the return section of the lower layer of the annular conveying path.

[0007] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the guide is a linkage bar fixedly installed on the two inner side walls of the chain conveyor. The linkage bar is located at the two end turning sections and the lower return section of the chain conveyor. When the pair of clamping blocks move with the chain plate to the two linkage bars, they are pushed laterally by the linkage bars and move closer to each other to clamp the bearing ring.

[0008] As a further improvement to this technical solution, one end of the clamping block is an arc surface for fitting the bearing ring. The inside of the clamping block is a hollow structure with an open bottom. The upper end of the positioning post is placed inside the cavity of the clamping block and slides through the side wall of the clamping block via a pin. A pressure plate is provided on the arc surface end of the clamping block to limit the bearing ring to the surface of the chain plate. A compression spring is embedded in the cavity of the clamping block. The compression spring abuts against the inner wall of the clamping block and the positioning post to spring back the clamping block to move outward.

[0009] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the constraint unit may be a support group, which includes several support columns detachably fixed to several chain plates and hanging columns elastically sleeved on the support columns; the bearing ring is in the second state of not being supported in the straight section of the upper layer of the circular conveying path, and is in the first state of being supported in the turning section and the return section of the lower layer of the circular conveying path.

[0010] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the guide may be a linkage plate fixedly installed on the inner side wall of both ends of the chain conveyor at the bend section. One side of the hanging column is provided with an actuating plate, and the bottom outer wall of the actuating plate is provided with a slot. The linkage plate is a semi-circular ring plate with an inclined plate and an insert plate integrally provided at both ends. The insert plate is horizontally inserted into the slot, and the hanging column is guided to descend longitudinally by the inclined plate until the slot slides into the arc section of the linkage plate. The radius of the linkage plate is smaller than the bend radius of the slot when it is not guided, thereby forming the longitudinal stroke of the hanging column when it bends.

[0011] As a further improvement to this technical solution, when the hanging post moves with the chain plate to the bend section, the trigger plate is guided by the linkage plate as a whole to drive the hanging post to move towards the surface of the chain plate until the hanging post is inserted into the center hole of the bearing ring.

[0012] As a further improvement to this technical solution, the middle section of the hanging column is provided with a sleeve hole, the upper half of the support column is provided with a square column guide post that is adapted to the sleeve hole, and a spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide post for the hanging column to spring back and reset.

[0013] As a further improvement to this technical solution, in the reset state after being rebounded by the spring, the bottom end of the hanging column is suspended above the surface of the chain plate to form a placement gap for placing the bearing ring.

[0014] This invention provides an application of a chain plate connection material return mechanism in bearing processing equipment, which is used to realize the cyclic material return in the bearing assembly process.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The chain plate conveyor return mechanism of this bearing processing equipment and its application: By setting constraint units with two states, limit and release, at intervals on several chain plates, and using the inherent space of the turning section and return section of the chain plate conveyor to set guide members, the automatic switching of the constraint unit state is realized by the relative force between the chain plate and the guide members when the chain plate moves; that is, the single-line chain plate conveyor and constraint units are used for material return, which significantly reduces the footprint, and the direction of the chain plate conveyor can be freely bent and extended according to the workshop layout to adapt to different working scenarios.

[0016] 2. The chain plate connecting material return mechanism of the bearing processing equipment and its application rely entirely on the motion geometry of the chain plate when turning and the mechanical interference of the guide component through the state switching of the set constraint unit. It does not require external power sources such as motors and cylinders, thus reducing equipment costs and operating energy consumption.

[0017] 3. The chain plate connection and return mechanism of this bearing processing equipment and its application: The positioning column or support column is detachably connected to the chain plate. By changing or adjusting the installation position, it can be adapted to bearing rings with different inner and outer diameters, and meet the mixed production needs of various bearing models. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only. The shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely schematic and intended to aid in understanding the invention. They are not intended to specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components of the invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the clamping assembly and the chain conveyor of the present invention; Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Front view; Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 1 Top view; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the clamping assembly structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the clamping assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping assembly structure from an overhead view. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the hanging assembly and the chain conveyor of the present invention; Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 Front view; Figure 9 For the present invention Figure 7 Top view; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support assembly of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a breakdown diagram of the mounting assembly of the present invention; The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows: 100. Chain conveyor; 110. Chain plate; 200. Clamping assembly; 210. Clamping block; 211. Pressing table; 212. Slide groove; 213. Compression spring; 220. Positioning pin; 230. Linkage bar; 300, Hanging assembly; 310, Hanging post; 311, Actuating piece; 312, Slot; 313, Sleeve hole; 320, Supporting post; 321, Guide post; 322, Spring; 330, Linkage piece; 331, Inclined piece; 332, Insert piece. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Under the guidance of this invention, any possible variations of the invention by those skilled in the art should be considered within its scope. The directional terms used herein are based on the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings and are for ease of description and simplification; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, "a number" or "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Example 1

[0021] Please see Figures 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides a chain plate inline return material mechanism for bearing processing equipment, which is applied in the bearing assembly process to realize the cyclic return of materials. The return material mechanism includes a chain plate conveyor 100, which has a longitudinally extending annular conveying path and a plurality of chain plates 110 sequentially hinged on the annular conveying path; the above is the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0022] The material return mechanism also includes a material return section, which has multiple constraint units, which are spaced along the circular conveying path on several chain plates 110. The constraint unit has a first state of being constrained and a second state of being unconstrained. In the first state, the constraint unit limits and fixes the bearing ring placed on the chain plate 110. In the second state, the constraint unit releases the limitation and fixation of the bearing ring. Both ends of the chain conveyor 100 are equipped with guides for the bending sections, which act on the constraint units that move with the chain plate 110. This causes the constraint units to automatically switch between a first state and a second state when bending, so that the bearing rings are in an unconstrained state on the upper layer of the circular conveying path for easy handling. It also keeps the bearing rings in a constrained state on the bending and lower layers of the circular conveying path, so that the bearing rings and the chain plate 110 can be synchronously conveyed in a circular manner, achieving material recycling.

[0023] Specifically, the constraint unit is a clamping assembly 200, which includes several pairs of clamping blocks 210 arranged opposite each other and a pair of positioning posts 220 detachably fixed to each chain plate 110. Preferably, two threaded holes are symmetrically opened on the surface of the chain plate 110, and the lower section of the positioning post 220 is a threaded section that is threaded to the threaded hole and is securely connected by an elastic washer. The clamping block 210 is laterally slidably arranged on the positioning post 220. The bearing ring is in a second state of not being clamped in the straight section of the upper layer of the circular conveying path, and in a first state of being clamped in the turning section and the return section of the lower layer of the circular conveying path.

[0024] The positioning pin 220 and the chain plate 110 are detachably fixedly connected and customized to fit different specifications. By replacing the positioning pin 220 with different installation positions or different heights, it can be adapted to different specifications of bearing rings.

[0025] Specifically, the guide is a linkage bar 230 fixedly installed on the two inner side walls of the chain conveyor 100. The linkage bar 230 is located at the two end turning sections and the lower return section of the chain conveyor 100. The beginning and end of the linkage bar 230 are chamfered so as to slide relative to the clamping block 210 and guide the clamping block 210 to slide smoothly onto the main body of the linkage bar 230. When a pair of clamping blocks 210 move with the chain plate 110 to the two linkage bars 230, they are pushed and brought closer to each other by the lateral squeezing of the linkage bar 230 to clamp the bearing ring.

[0026] Furthermore, one end of the clamping block 210 is arc-shaped to fit the bearing ring. The interior of the clamping block 210 is hollow with an open bottom. Both the clamping block 210 and the positioning post 220 are integrally formed using injection molding. The upper end of the positioning post 220 is placed inside the cavity of the clamping block 210 and slides through the side wall of the clamping block 210 via a pin. Sliding grooves 212 are provided through both side walls of the clamping block 210, and the pin passes through the sliding grooves 212 and through the positioning post 220. The side wall has a groove 212 with an oblong shape and the distance between the two holes is greater than the stroke of the clamping block 210 to move laterally, so that a pair of clamping blocks 210 can slide relative to each other to clamp the bearing ring; a pressure plate 211 is provided on one end of the arc surface of the clamping block 210 to limit the bearing ring to the surface of the chain plate 110; a compression spring 213 is embedded in the cavity of the clamping block 210, and the compression spring 213 abuts between the inner wall of the clamping block 210 and the positioning post 220 to spring back the clamping block 210 to move outward.

[0027] When the chain plate 110 drives the clamping block 210 into the entry end of the turning section, the outer end of the clamping block 210 contacts the linkage bar 230. As the conveying continues, the clamping block 210 is pushed inward, and the two clamping blocks 210 overcome the elastic force of the compression spring 213 and move closer together, thereby clamping the outer wall of the bearing ring. When the clamping block 210 leaves the area of ​​the linkage bar 230 and returns to the upper straight section, the compression spring 213 resets, and the pair of clamping blocks 210 open, allowing the operator to easily remove the finished product or put in the workpiece to be processed. Example 2

[0028] Please see Figures 7-11 As shown, the present invention provides a chain plate inline return material mechanism for bearing processing equipment, which is applied in the bearing assembly process to realize the cyclic return of materials. The return material mechanism includes a chain plate conveyor 100, which has a longitudinally extending annular conveying path and a plurality of chain plates 110 sequentially hinged on the annular conveying path; the above is the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0029] The material return mechanism also includes a material return section, which has multiple constraint units, which are spaced along the circular conveying path on several chain plates 110. The constraint unit has a first state of being constrained and a second state of being unconstrained. In the first state, the constraint unit limits and fixes the bearing ring placed on the chain plate 110. In the second state, the constraint unit releases the limitation and fixation of the bearing ring. Both ends of the chain conveyor 100 are equipped with guides that act on the constraint units that move with the chain plate 110. This causes the constraint units to automatically switch between a first state and a second state when they go through a bend, so that the bearing rings are in a freed state on the upper layer of the circular conveying path for easy handling. It also keeps the bearing rings in a constrained state on the bend section of the circular conveying path, so that the bearing rings and the chain plate 110 can be synchronously conveyed in a circular manner to achieve material recycling.

[0030] Specifically, the constraint unit is a support group 300, which includes several support columns 320 detachably fixed to several chain plates 110 and hanging columns 310 elastically sleeved on the support columns 320. Preferably, two threaded holes are symmetrically opened on the surface of the chain plate 110, the lower section of the support column 320 is a threaded section and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, and the connection is secured by sleeved elastic washers. The bearing ring is in the second state of not being supported in the straight section of the upper layer of the circular conveying path, and is in the first state of being supported in the turning section and the return section of the lower layer of the circular conveying path.

[0031] The support column 320 and the chain plate 110 are detachably fixedly connected and customized to fit different specifications. By replacing the support column 320 with different installation positions or different heights, different specifications of bearing rings can be adapted.

[0032] Specifically, the guide is a linkage plate 330 fixedly installed on the inner side wall of both ends of the chain conveyor 100 at the bend section. A trigger plate 311 is extended on one side of the hanging column 310, and a slot 312 is opened on the bottom outer wall of the trigger plate 311. The linkage plate 330 is a semi-circular ring plate, and both ends are integrally provided with inclined plates 331 and insert plates 332. The hanging column 310 and the support column 320 are both made into an integral structure by injection molding. The distance between a pair of insert plates 332 is greater than the radius of the linkage plate 330. The insert plates 332 are horizontally inserted into the slots 312, and then the hanging column 310 is guided to descend longitudinally by the inclined plates 331 until the slots 312 slide into the arc section of the linkage plate 330. The radius of the linkage plate 330 is smaller than the bend radius of the slots 312 when it is not guided, thus forming the longitudinal stroke of the hanging column 310 when it bends.

[0033] Furthermore, when the hanging post 310 moves with the chain plate 110 to the bend section, the trigger plate 311 is guided by the linkage plate 330 as a whole to drive the hanging post 310 to move towards the surface of the chain plate 110 until the hanging post 310 is inserted into the center hole of the bearing ring, preventing the bearing ring from slipping when going through the bend. After being transferred to the lower end of the linkage plate 330, the bearing ring is naturally hung on the hanging post 310 without the need to arrange the linkage plate 330 in the entire lower layer of the chain plate conveyor 100 for guidance, thereby saving material costs.

[0034] Furthermore, the middle section of the hanging post 310 has a sleeve hole 313, and the upper half of the support post 320 has a square-shaped guide post 321 that is fitted to the sleeve hole 313 to prevent the hanging post 310 from turning and deviating from the longitudinal path of the inserted bearing ring; a spring 322 is sleeved on the outside of the guide post 321 to spring back the hanging post 310 to reset it. In the reset state after being springed back by the spring 322, the bottom end of the hanging post 310 is suspended above the surface of the chain plate 110 to form a placement gap for placing the bearing ring.

[0035] As the hanging column 310 enters the turning section along with the chain plate 110, its actuating plate 311 first contacts the insert plate 332, and then is gradually pressed down by the inclined plate 331. The hanging column 310 moves downward against the elastic force of the spring 322, and its bottom end inserts into the center hole of the bearing ring. This continues until the turning is completed and it enters the lower straight section of the chain plate conveyor 100. At this time, the hanging column 310 moves away from the lower chain plate 110 under its own weight and the elastic force of the spring 322, which is equivalent to reversing it. At the same time, the bearing ring continues to be supported, so there is no need for a guide in the lower layer. Similarly, at the turning point at the loading end from the lower layer back to the upper layer, the linkage plate 330 presses the hanging column 310 down again, so that its bottom end is close to the chain plate 110, and the bearing ring is smoothly released on the surface of the chain plate 110, and then enters the upper straight section for the operator to use. Comparative Example

[0036] The invention uses a screw-driven lifting platform scheme disclosed in publication number CN112896930B and a double-rotary conveyor scheme disclosed in publication number CN106005888A as comparative examples. Both require an additional power source to drive the lifting or rotation, resulting in high equipment costs; their circular or double-line layout occupies approximately 1.5-2 times the area of ​​this invention; and they cannot achieve rigid synchronization between the bearing rings and chain plates during conveying, easily leading to centrifugal offset at turns. This invention achieves constraint state switching through purely mechanical guidance, representing a significant improvement in simplifying the structure, reducing energy consumption, and improving conveying positioning accuracy.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms "fixed connection" and "fixed installation" in this invention should be interpreted broadly, and can be achieved using conventional fixing methods such as bolted connections, welding, bonding, or integral molding, which are compatible with each other. The specific connection relationship between the components is based on the ability to achieve the function of this invention. The above are existing technologies and will not be elaborated further here. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this invention, and their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A chain plate conveyor for bearing processing equipment, comprising a chain plate conveyor (100), the chain plate conveyor (100) having a longitudinally extending annular conveying path and a plurality of chain plates (110) sequentially hinged to the annular conveying path; characterized in that: It also includes a return section, which has multiple constraint units, which are spaced apart on a number of chain plates (110) along the annular conveying path; The constraint unit has a first constrained state and a second unconstrained state. In the first state, the constraint unit limits and fixes the bearing ring placed on the chain plate (110). In the second state, the constraint unit releases the limiting and fixing of the bearing ring. Both ends of the chain conveyor (100) are equipped with guides that act on the constraint unit that moves with the chain plate (110) to drive the constraint unit to automatically switch between the first state and the second state when it goes through a bend.

2. The bearing processing equipment chain plate connection and return mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The constraint unit is a clamping assembly (200), which includes several pairs of clamping blocks (210) arranged opposite to each other and a pair of positioning posts (220) detachably fixed on each of the chain plates (110). The clamping blocks (210) are laterally slidably arranged on the positioning posts (220). The bearing ring is in the second state of not being clamped in the straight section of the upper layer of the circular conveying path, and in the first state of being clamped in the turning section and the return section of the lower layer of the circular conveying path.

3. The bearing processing equipment chain plate inline return mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide is a linkage bar (230) fixedly installed on the two inner side walls of the chain conveyor (100). The linkage bar (230) is located at the two end turning sections and the lower return section of the chain conveyor (100). When a pair of clamping blocks (210) move with the chain plate (110) to the two linkage bars (230), they are pushed laterally by the linkage bars (230) and move closer to each other to clamp the bearing ring.

4. The bearing processing equipment chain plate connection and return mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the clamping block (210) is an arc surface for fitting the bearing ring. The inside of the clamping block (210) is a hollow structure with an open bottom surface. The upper end of the positioning post (220) is placed in the cavity of the clamping block (210) and slides through the side wall of the clamping block (210) by a pin. A pressure plate (211) is provided on the arc surface of the clamping block (210) to limit the bearing ring to the surface of the chain plate (110). A compression spring (213) is embedded in the cavity of the clamping block (210). The compression spring (213) abuts between the inner wall of the clamping block (210) and the positioning post (220) to spring back the clamping block (210) to move outward.

5. The chain plate connecting material return mechanism of the bearing processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Alternatively, the constraint unit may be a support assembly (300), which includes a plurality of support columns (320) detachably fixed to a plurality of chain plates (110) and a hanging column (310) elastically sleeved on the support columns (320); the bearing ring is in the second state of not being supported in the straight section of the upper layer of the circular conveying path, and is in the first state of being supported in the turning section and the return section of the lower layer of the circular conveying path.

6. The chain plate inline return mechanism for bearing processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: Alternatively, the guide can be a linkage plate (330) fixedly installed on the inner side wall of the two ends of the chain conveyor (100) at the bend section. A trigger plate (311) extends from one side of the hanging column (310), and a slot (312) is opened on the bottom outer wall of the trigger plate (311). The linkage plate (330) is a semi-circular ring plate, and both ends are integrally provided with a slant plate (331) and an insert plate (332). The insert plate (332) is horizontally inserted into the slot (312), and then the hanging column (310) is guided to descend longitudinally through the slant plate (331) until the slot (312) slides into the arc section of the linkage plate (330). The radius of the linkage plate (330) is smaller than the bend radius of the slot (312) when it is not guided, thereby forming the longitudinal stroke of the hanging column (310) when it bends.

7. The chain plate inline return mechanism for bearing processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the hanging post (310) moves with the chain plate (110) to the bend section, the trigger plate (311) is guided by the linkage plate (330) as a whole to drive the hanging post (310) to move towards the surface of the chain plate (110) until the hanging post (310) is inserted into the center hole of the bearing ring.

8. The bearing processing equipment chain plate connection and return mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The middle section of the hanging post (310) is provided with a sleeve hole (313), and the upper half of the support post (320) is provided with a square column guide post (321) which is adapted to the sleeve hole (313). A spring (322) is sleeved on the outside of the guide post (321) for the rebound hanging post (310) to reset.

9. The chain plate inline return mechanism for bearing processing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the reset state after being rebounded by the spring (322), the bottom end of the hanging post (310) is suspended above the surface of the chain plate (110) to form a placement gap for placing the bearing ring.

10. An application of a chain plate connecting material return mechanism in a bearing processing equipment, as described in claim 4 or 9, characterized in that: It is used in the bearing assembly process to achieve material recycling.

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