An automatic assembly equipment for polymer carrier roller

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers, relating to the field of idler roller manufacturing and processing technology. It includes a main mounting frame, comprising a top support plate and a bottom support base. A stepper motor is mounted on the support base, and the output end of the stepper motor is connected to a main drive shaft. A central drive shaft is rotatably connected to the center of the support base, and an intermittent indexing mechanism drives the central drive shaft to rotate intermittently. The central drive shaft passes through the top support plate, and an indexing plate is fixed to its top. The top edge of the indexing plate has equally spaced support grooves for placing the seals and bearing assemblies of the idler roller. A core feed cylinder for feeding the idler roller shell core is located on the side of one of the support grooves. A first seal and bearing assembly is placed within this support groove, and a first seal and bearing pressing mechanism is located on the side of the core feed cylinder. A second seal and bearing pressing mechanism for the idler roller is located on the side of the other support groove. This achieves the linkage of various actuators in the assembly process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of idler roller manufacturing and processing technology, and specifically to an automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers. Background Technology

[0002] Polymer idler rollers typically consist of a cylindrical tubular shell made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a metal shaft running through it, deep groove ball bearings embedded in holes at both ends of the shell, and labyrinth seal assemblies mounted on the outside of the bearings. In traditional manufacturing processes, the assembly of idler rollers involves multiple stations, including shell feeding, shaft insertion, and bearing seal pressing. The industry is gradually introducing semi-automated assembly workstations, which utilize basic positioning fixtures in conjunction with manual feeding, and use hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to complete the clamping action of the parts.

[0003] However, in existing automated assembly equipment, the power distribution system is too decentralized and uncoupled. Currently, multiple independently operating cylinders or small servo motors are commonly used to drive the feeding, pressing, and unloading actions separately. This decentralized drive mode makes it easy for the action phases of the various actuators to shift. Furthermore, the coaxiality control capability between the housing and internal components is poor. Due to the lack of a consistent linkage and alignment mechanism, the polymer pipe housing is prone to axial movement at the workstation. In addition, existing equipment is highly dependent on sensors and electrical control programs; in dusty workshops, sensor failure becomes more common. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an automated assembly device for polymer idlers, comprising a main frame, which includes a top support plate and a bottom support base. A stepper motor is mounted on the support base, and the output end of the stepper motor is connected to a main drive shaft. A central drive shaft is rotatably connected to the center of the support base, and an intermittent indexing mechanism drives the central drive shaft to rotate intermittently. The central drive shaft passes through the top support plate and has an indexing plate fixed to its top. The top edge of the indexing plate has equally spaced support grooves for placing the seal and bearing assemblies of the idler. A core feed cylinder for feeding the idler shell core is provided on the side of one of the support grooves, and a first seal and bearing assembly is placed in this support groove. A first seal and bearing pressing mechanism is provided on the side of the core feed cylinder. A second seal and bearing pressing mechanism for the idler is provided on the side of the other support groove, and a second seal and bearing feed cylinder is provided between the support groove and the second seal and bearing pressing mechanism.

[0005] Furthermore, the bearing groove is set at three equal angles. The intermittent indexing mechanism includes a dial fixed on the main drive shaft. A pin is fixed at the top of the dial near the edge. A grooved wheel is fixed on the outer side of the central drive shaft. Three radial grooves are opened at equal angles on the grooved wheel. The pin can extend into the radial grooves. Three concave locking arc surfaces are opened on the outer circumference of the grooved wheel. A locking arc plate that can fit with the concave locking arc surface is fixed on the top of the dial. When the dial rotates, the pin enters the radial groove of the grooved wheel and drives the grooved wheel to rotate. When the pin exits the radial groove, the concave locking arc surface is stuck and stationary by the locking arc plate. This cycle repeats to achieve 120-degree intermittent motion.

[0006] Furthermore, the first sealing and bearing press-fitting mechanism includes a first moving shaft that passes through the bearing top plate and is rotatably connected to the bearing base. A first planar cam is fixed on the outer side of the first moving shaft. A first pushing slide is fixed between the core feeding cylinder and the bearing top plate. The feeding channel of the core feeding cylinder is connected to the first pushing slide. The first pushing slide has an extension groove for the first planar cam to extend into. This allows the lowest core body to be pushed by the first planar cam into the bearing groove where the sealing bearing assembly is placed, so that one end of the core body is press-fitted to the sealing bearing assembly.

[0007] Furthermore, the side wall of the core feed cylinder is fixed with a first sealing and bearing press-fit cylinder by a connecting frame. The first sealing and bearing press-fit cylinder is located above the side bearing groove of the first push slide, so that the sealing and bearing assembly at the bottom of the first sealing and bearing press-fit cylinder is located in the bearing groove.

[0008] Furthermore, both the main drive shaft and the first moving shaft have first sprockets fixed to their outer surfaces, and the two first sprockets are connected by a first chain.

[0009] Furthermore, the second sealing and bearing press-fitting mechanism includes a second moving shaft that passes through the bearing top plate and is rotatably connected to the bearing base. A second planar cam is fixed on the outer side of the second moving shaft. A second pusher slide is fixed between the second sealing and bearing feed cylinder and the bearing top plate. The feed channel of the second sealing and bearing feed cylinder is connected to the second pusher slide, and the second pusher slide has an extension groove for the second planar cam to extend into. This allows the lowermost sealing and bearing assembly to be pushed by the second planar cam into the bearing groove where the shell core is placed, so that the end of the shell core away from the indexing plate is press-fitted to the sealing and bearing assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, a second sprocket is fixed to the outer surface of both the main drive shaft and the second drive shaft, and the two second sprockets are connected by a second chain.

[0011] Furthermore, a lifting and retrieval mechanism is also provided. The lifting and retrieval mechanism includes a third moving shaft that is rotatably connected to the support base. An end face cam is fixed on the top of the third moving shaft. A push rod that passes through the support top plate is provided on the top of the end face cam. A retrieval robotic arm is connected to the push rod. The top of the end face cam is a smooth transition surface with a high plane at one end and a low curved surface at the other end. When the indexing plate rotates, the push rod is stationary in the high plane section. When the indexing plate is stationary, the push rod moves down with the low curved surface section.

[0012] Furthermore, a third sprocket is fixed to the outer surface of both the main drive shaft and the third drive shaft, and the two third sprockets are connected by a third chain.

[0013] Furthermore, a limiting plate is fixed to the outer ring of the indexing plate on the top plate. The outer ring of the top of the limiting plate is annular so that the shell core will not be misaligned when the indexing plate rotates. The limiting plate has through slots on the side of each bearing groove so that the parts can pass through when in the processing position.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. By using a single motor drive in conjunction with linkage transmission, the linkage of various actuators in the assembly process is realized. Since the power for actions such as housing feeding, bearing sealing installation, and finished product picking all come from the main drive shaft, the coordination between various mechanisms is achieved through structures such as chains, cams, and pulleys. This effectively eliminates the negative impact of signal interference and delay from the electrical control system on assembly, and effectively ensures that each batch of idler rollers produced maintains a high degree of consistency in pressing depth and sealing tightness.

[0015] 2. The continuous rotation of the motor is converted into the intermittent stepping of the disc through the Geneva wheel mechanism, and the pressing head is driven by the cam to perform linear reciprocating motion during the interval. There is no need for a large number of sensors, travel limit switches and multiple servo control circuits. The pressing mechanism on both sides is synchronously driven by the chain, which can apply pressure to both ends of the shell at the same time node to realize the bearing sealing pressing at both ends of the shell core. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall internal structure of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the intermediate intermittent indexing mechanism.

[0017] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are explained as follows: 1. Stepper motor; 2. Mounting main frame; 21. Bearing base; 22. Bearing top plate; 3. Main drive shaft; 4. Center drive shaft; 5. Indexing plate; 51. Bearing groove; 6. First sealing and bearing pressing mechanism; 61. First moving shaft; 62. First planar cam; 63. First lifting slide; 64. First chain; 7. Second sealing and bearing pressing mechanism; 71. Second moving shaft; 72. Second planar cam; 73. Second pushing slide; 74. Second chain; 8. Lifting and picking mechanism; 81. Third moving shaft; 82. End face cam; 83. Push rod; 84. Third chain; 9. Intermittent indexing mechanism; 91. Dial plate; 92. Pin shaft; 93. Grooved wheel; 10. Shell core feed cylinder; 11. First sealing and bearing feed cylinder; 12. Second sealing and bearing feed cylinder; 13. Limiting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: An automated assembly equipment for polymer idlers, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a main mounting frame 2, which comprises a horizontally placed support base 21 at the bottom and a support top plate 22 supported by columns at the top. A stepper motor 1 is mounted on the support base 21, and the output end of the stepper motor 1 is connected to a main drive shaft 3 via a coupling. A vertically extending center drive shaft 4 is rotatably connected to the middle of the support base 21 via bearings. An intermittent indexing mechanism 9 is provided between the main drive shaft 3 and the center drive shaft 4.

[0021] The intermittent indexing mechanism 9 includes a dial 91 fixed on the main drive shaft 3. A pin 92 is fixed at the top of the dial 91 near the edge. A grooved wheel 93 is fixed on the outer side of the central drive shaft 4. Three radial grooves extending inward are opened at equal angles on the grooved wheel 93. The pin 92 rotates with the dial 91 and can periodically extend into the radial grooves, driving the central drive shaft 4 to produce an intermittent step of 120 degrees.

[0022] The central drive shaft 4 passes upward through the supporting top plate 22, and an indexing plate 5 is fixed to its top. Three material-carrying grooves 51 are equally spaced at the top edge of the indexing plate 5, corresponding to the radial grooves of the grooved wheel 93. A limiting plate 13 is fixedly installed on the supporting top plate 22 around the outer ring of the indexing plate 5. The inner side of the limiting plate 13 is annular, used to limit the radial displacement of the material within the material-carrying grooves 51. A through groove is provided on the corresponding side of each processing position of the limiting plate 13 to allow the pressing components to pass through.

[0023] At the first processing point, a first sealing and bearing pressing mechanism 6 is provided, including a first moving shaft 61 that passes through the bearing top plate 22 and is rotatably connected to the bearing base 21. The first moving shaft 61 is connected to the main drive shaft 3 by a first chain 64. A first flat cam 62 is fixed on the outer side of the first moving shaft 61. A shell core feed cylinder 10 is provided above the bearing top plate 22, and a first lifting slide 63 is connected below it. The first sealing and bearing feed cylinder 11 is fixed to the side of the shell core feed cylinder 10 by a connecting frame, and the sealing bearing assembly at its bottom is pre-placed in the bearing groove 51.

[0024] At the second processing point, a second sealing and bearing pressing mechanism 7 is provided, including a second moving shaft 71 that passes through the bearing top plate 22 and is rotatably connected to the bearing base 21. The second moving shaft 71 is connected to the main drive shaft 3 by a second chain 74. A second flat cam 72 is fixed on the outer side of the second moving shaft 71. A second pushing slide 73 is provided below the second sealing and bearing feed cylinder 12.

[0025] A lifting and picking mechanism 8 is provided at the unloading station, including a third moving shaft 81 rotatably connected to the bearing base 21. It is linked to the main drive shaft 3 via a third chain 84. An end face cam 82 is fixed to the top of the third moving shaft 81, and the top of the end face cam 82 has a smooth transition surface with varying heights. The bottom end of a push rod 83 that passes vertically through the bearing top plate 22 abuts against the end face cam 82, and the top end of the push rod 83 is connected to a picking robot arm.

[0026] The working principle of this invention is as follows: After the stepper motor 2 is powered on, it drives the main drive control shaft 3 to rotate. The main drive control shaft 3 drives the dial 41, the first sprocket 31, the second sprocket 32 ​​and the third sprocket 33 fixed on its axis to rotate at a constant speed. This is the time reference for the operation of the entire device.

[0027] While the indexing plate 5 is stationary, the main drive shaft 3 drives the first moving shaft 61 to rotate via the first chain 64. The first flat cam 62 on the first moving shaft 61 rotates to the lifting section, and its profile extends into the extension groove of the first lifting slide 63. The first flat cam 62 pushes the bottom roller core of the core feed cylinder 10 along the first lifting slide 63 toward the indexing plate 5. Since the first sealing and bearing feed cylinder 11 has pre-placed the components in the bearing groove 51, one end of the core is pressed against the components in the bearing groove 51, completing the press-fit connection at the head end.

[0028] Pin 92 again moves the grooved wheel 93, transferring the roller shell core, which has been assembled on one side, to the second sealing and bearing pressing mechanism 7. At this time, the main drive shaft 3 drives the second moving shaft 71 and the second plane cam 72 to rotate via the second chain 74, pushing the assembly from the second sealing and bearing feed cylinder 12 along the second pusher slide 73 to the end of the shell core outside the indexing plate 5. Since the limiting plate 13 has a through groove at this position, the second plane cam 72 can press the second sealing and bearing assembly into the other end of the roller shell core, realizing the assembly of the double-sided assembly.

[0029] The assembled polymer roller is transferred to the unloading station by the indexing plate 5. Then, the main drive shaft 3 drives the third moving shaft 81 to rotate via the third chain 84. The end face cam 82 rotates relative to the push rod to the low curved surface section. The push rod 83, which was originally located at the high position, moves downward with the curved surface under the constraints of gravity and the mechanism, driving the picking robot arm to descend and perform the gripping. Subsequently, the end face cam 82 rotates into the high plane section, lifting the push rod 83 and the picking robot arm upward, and the finished roller is removed from the bearing groove 51. As the main drive shaft 3 continues to rotate, each actuator repeats the above cycle under control, realizing continuous automated production of polymer rollers.

[0030] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. An automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers, characterized in that: The main frame (2) includes a top support plate (22) and a bottom support base (21). A stepper motor (1) is installed on the support base (21). The output end of the stepper motor (1) is connected to a main drive shaft (3). A central drive shaft (4) is rotatably connected to the middle of the support base (21). An intermittent indexing mechanism (9) is provided to drive the central drive shaft (4) to rotate intermittently. The central drive shaft (4) passes through the bearing top plate (22) and is fixed with an indexing plate (5) at the top. The top edge of the indexing plate (5) is provided with bearing grooves (51) at equal angles for placing the seal and bearing assembly of the idler roller. A core feed cylinder (10) for feeding the core of the idler roller is provided on the side of one of the bearing grooves (51). The first seal and bearing assembly is placed in the bearing groove (51). A first seal and bearing pressing mechanism (6) is provided on the side of the core feed cylinder (10). A second seal and bearing pressing mechanism (7) for the idler roller is provided on the side of the other bearing groove (51). A second seal and bearing feed cylinder (12) is provided between the bearing groove (51) and the second seal and bearing pressing mechanism (7).

2. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing groove (51) is provided with three equal angles. The intermittent indexing mechanism (9) includes a dial (91) fixed on the main drive shaft (3). A pin (92) is fixed at the top of the dial (91) near the edge. A grooved wheel (93) is fixed on the outer side of the central drive shaft (4). Three radial grooves are provided on the grooved wheel (93) at equal angles. The pin (92) can extend into the radial groove. Three concave locking arc surfaces are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the grooved wheel (93). A locking arc plate that can fit with the concave locking arc surface is fixed on the top of the dial (91). When the dial (91) rotates, the pin (92) enters the radial groove of the grooved wheel (93) to drive the grooved wheel (93) to rotate. When the pin (92) exits the radial groove, the concave locking arc surface is stuck and stationary by the locking arc plate. The cycle repeats to achieve 120-degree intermittent motion.

3. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sealing and bearing press-fitting mechanism (6) includes a first moving shaft (61) that passes through the bearing top plate (22) and is rotatably connected to the bearing base (21). A first flat cam (62) is fixed on the outer side of the first moving shaft (61). A first pusher slide is fixed between the core feed cylinder (10) and the bearing top plate (22). The feed channel of the core feed cylinder (10) is connected to the first pusher slide. The first pusher slide has an extension groove for the first flat cam (62) to extend into. This allows the lowest core body to be pushed by the first flat cam (62) into the bearing groove (51) where the sealing bearing assembly is placed, so that one end of the core body is press-fitted to the sealing bearing assembly.

4. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side wall of the core feed cylinder (10) is fixed with a first sealing and bearing press cylinder by a connecting frame. The first sealing and bearing press cylinder is located above the side bearing groove (51) of the first push slide, so that the sealing and bearing assembly at the bottom of the first sealing and bearing press cylinder is located in the bearing groove (51).

5. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer surfaces of the main drive shaft (3) and the first moving shaft (61) are both fixed with first sprockets, and the two first sprockets are connected by a first chain (64).

6. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second sealing and bearing press-fitting mechanism (7) includes a second moving shaft (71) that passes through the bearing top plate (22) and is rotatably connected to the bearing base (21). A second planar cam (72) is fixed on the outer side of the second moving shaft (71). A second pusher slide (73) is fixed between the second sealing and bearing feed cylinder (12) and the bearing top plate (22). The feed channel of the second sealing and bearing feed cylinder (12) is connected to the second pusher slide (73). The second pusher slide (73) is provided with an extension groove into which the second planar cam (72) extends. This allows the lowermost sealing and bearing assembly to be pushed by the second planar cam (72) into the bearing groove (51) where the shell core is placed, so that the end of the shell core away from the indexing plate (5) is press-fitted to the sealing and bearing assembly.

7. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer surfaces of the main drive shaft (3) and the second drive shaft (71) are both fixed with second sprockets, and the two second sprockets are connected by a second chain (74).

8. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 2, characterized in that: A lifting and retrieval mechanism (8) is also provided. The lifting and retrieval mechanism (8) includes a third moving shaft (81) rotatably connected to the bearing base (21). An end face cam (82) is fixed on the top of the third moving shaft (81). A push rod (83) passing through the bearing top plate (22) is provided on the top of the end face cam (82). A retrieval robot arm is connected to the push rod (83). The top of the end face cam (82) is a smooth transition surface with a high plane at one end and a low curved surface at the other end. When the indexing plate (5) rotates, the push rod (83) is stationary in the high plane section. When the indexing plate (5) is stationary, the push rod (83) moves down with the low curved surface section.

9. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idlers according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer surfaces of the main drive shaft (3) and the third drive shaft (81) are both fixed with third sprockets, and the two third sprockets are connected by a third chain (84).

10. The automated assembly equipment for polymer idler rollers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing top plate (22) is fixed with a limiting plate (13) on the outer ring of the indexing plate (5). The outer ring of the top of the limiting plate (13) is annular so that the shell core will not be misaligned when it rotates with the indexing plate (5). The limiting plate (13) has a through slot on the side of each bearing groove (51) so that the component can pass through when it is in the processing position.

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