A worm shaft rib pressing mechanism, a rib pressing method, and a rib pressing apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the field of worm shaft machining, in particular to a worm shaft rib pressing mechanism, a rib pressing method and a rib pressing equipment, which comprises a base and a rack, a lower die is arranged on the base, an upper die is arranged on the rack, elastic supporting pieces are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the lower die, the elastic supporting pieces comprise supports and springs connecting the supports and the base; a reset assembly is further arranged, the reset assembly comprises a cross rod which is horizontally arranged and fixedly connected between the two supports; an elastic supporting piece comprises a supporting plate and a torsion spring, the supporting plate is abutted against the cross rod, the upper end of the supporting plate is provided with a rotating part, a shaft joint part is correspondingly arranged on the base, and the torsion spring is connected between the rotating part and the shaft joint part. According to the application, the elastic supporting pieces are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the lower die, and the linkage structure of the cross rod and the supporting plate is utilized, so that the two supports always keep horizontal synchronous movement in the whole rib pressing process, the worm shaft is always in the horizontal rib pressing state, and the rib pressing precision is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of worm shaft machining, specifically to a worm shaft crimping mechanism, crimping method, and crimping equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Existing worm gear shaft crimping mechanisms typically include an upper die, a lower die, and elastic supports on both sides of the lower die. The elastic supports hold the worm gear shaft horizontally. During operation, the upper die moves downwards, pressing the worm gear shaft into the lower die for crimping, compressing the elastic supports on both sides. After the upper die returns to its original position, the elastic supports automatically reset due to their own elasticity, lifting the finished worm gear shaft and detaching it from the lower die for easy removal.

[0003] However, in actual long-term use, the elastic supports on both sides will experience varying degrees of fatigue decay, resulting in inconsistent elastic restoring forces on both sides. When the worm shaft is placed on the elastic supports, due to the uneven support force, the worm shaft will tilt towards the side with more severe fatigue and cannot remain horizontal. This tilting state directly leads to uneven pressure distribution of the upper die during rib pressing, ultimately causing the rib position to be skewed and the depth to be uneven, seriously affecting product consistency and processing quality.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a worm shaft reinforcement mechanism, reinforcement method, and reinforcement equipment that can ensure that the worm shaft remains horizontal during placement and reinforcement, and that the elastic support can reliably return to its initial support position after reinforcement is completed. This effectively solves the technical problems of uneven reinforcement position and depth caused by inconsistent fatigue of the elastic support. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the problems existing in the prior art by providing a worm shaft pressing mechanism, pressing method, and pressing equipment. By symmetrically arranging elastic support members on both sides of the lower mold and utilizing the linkage structure between the crossbar and the support plate, the two supports maintain horizontal synchronous movement throughout the pressing process, ensuring that the worm shaft is always in a horizontal pressing state and improving the pressing accuracy.

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a worm gear shaft pressing mechanism, including a base and a frame. A lower mold is fixedly mounted on the base, and an upper mold capable of closing with the lower mold is movably mounted on the frame. Elastic support members are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lower mold. Each elastic support member includes a support and a spring connecting the support and the base. A reset assembly is also included between the two elastic support members. The reset assembly includes a horizontal bar, horizontally arranged and fixedly connected between the two supports, for keeping the two elastic support members horizontal. An elastic support member is located directly below the horizontal bar, for resetting the two elastic support members upward via the horizontal bar. The elastic support member includes a support plate and a torsion spring. The support plate is inclined, with its upper surface abutting against the lower surface of the horizontal bar. A rotating part is provided at the upper end of the support plate. A corresponding shaft connection is provided on the base, rotatably engaging with the rotating part. The support plate can rotate up and down around the shaft connection. The torsion spring is connected between the rotating part and the shaft connection, for providing an upward elastic force to the support plate.

[0007] Preferably, each of the supports is provided with a connecting part for connecting a crossbar, the base is provided with a step for connecting a spring, the step is provided with a guide rod extending upward through the connecting part, the spring is sleeved on the guide rod, and the two ends of the spring abut against the lower surface of the connecting part and the upper surface of the step, respectively.

[0008] Preferably, the crossbar is provided with an elastic support member on each of its radial sides, and the support plates of the two elastic support members are staggered, with the upper surfaces of the two support plates abutting against the lower surface of the crossbar to form a V-shaped staggered support structure for the crossbar.

[0009] Preferably, each of the trays has an outwardly extending contact portion on its rotating part, and the base has a limiting portion corresponding to each of the contact portions. The contact portions cooperate with the limiting portions to limit the highest position of the crossbar's upward reset.

[0010] Preferably, each of the contact portions is provided with a gravity structure above it, which abuts against it, to provide a downward retaining force when the contact portion abuts against the limiting portion.

[0011] Preferably, the gravity structure includes a gravity block and a guide seat. The guide seat is fixed on the base and located above the contact portion. The gravity block is slidably disposed inside the guide seat and abuts against the upper surface of the contact portion.

[0012] Preferably, the gravity block is a sphere, and a compression spring is provided inside the guide seat, with the two ends of the compression spring abutting against the upper surface of the guide seat and the upper surface of the gravity block, respectively.

[0013] Preferably, the lower mold is provided with a push rod and a blocking block on both sides along the axial direction of the worm shaft, which are used to axially position the worm shaft during pressing. The base is provided with a first single-axis cylinder for driving the push rod to move axially and a second single-axis cylinder for driving the blocking block to move axially.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for pressing ribs into a worm gear shaft, comprising the following steps: S1. Place the worm shaft on the supports of two elastic supports, and keep the two elastic supports horizontal by a crossbar; S2. The first single-axis cylinder drives the push rod to move axially, and the second single-axis cylinder drives the blocking block to extend to the axial blocking position, clamping the worm shaft between the push rod and the blocking block, and determining the position of the pressure rib. S3. The hydraulic cylinder drives the upper mold to press down with a pressing force of 5~20kN, simultaneously compressing the two elastic support components. After the upper and lower molds are closed, the pressure is held for 0.2~1s before the mold is opened. The pressing force is adjusted in the range of 5~50kN according to the hardness of the worm shaft material and the height of the rib. S4. The upper mold opens upward, the worm shaft moves upward under the action of the elastic support, and returns to its original position through the reset component. Then, the first single-axis cylinder drives the push rod to return to its original position, and the second single-axis cylinder drives the blocking block to push the worm shaft to return axially and then retract, releasing the axial positioning.

[0015] The present invention also provides a worm shaft crimping device, including a workbench and the worm shaft crimping mechanism described above. The workbench is provided with a feeding unit, a stepping conveying unit and a discharging unit. The crimping mechanism is arranged in the conveying path of the stepping conveying unit. The stepping conveying unit includes two fixed plates on both sides and two movable plates on both sides. The fixed plates and movable plates are provided with a plurality of slots at equal intervals along the length direction. The movable plates can reciprocate relative to the fixed plates along the conveying direction to push the worm shafts one by one into the crimping mechanism.

[0016] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are: 1. This invention utilizes symmetrical elastic supports on both sides of the lower mold and a linkage structure between the crossbar and the support plate to ensure that the two supports maintain horizontal synchronous movement throughout the entire pressing process. During pressing, the upper mold presses down on the worm shaft, causing both supports to descend synchronously. The guide rod ensures vertical movement, and the crossbar pushes the support plate to rotate downwards against the torsion spring. At this time, the spring compression provides the main reset force, while the torsion spring synchronously stores energy to assist in reset. After pressing is completed, the spring releases its elastic force during reset, pushing the supports upwards. The torsion spring causes the support plate to remain in contact with the lower surface of the crossbar, ensuring that the two supports smoothly and synchronously return to their initial height. This effectively prevents the problem of uneven pressing position and depth caused by inconsistent fatigue of the two elastic supports, ensuring that the worm shaft is always in a horizontal pressing state and improving pressing accuracy.

[0017] 2. This invention, by staggering two support plates on both sides of the crossbar, forms a symmetrical V-shaped staggered support structure, effectively preventing lateral displacement of the crossbar under stress. Simultaneously, a gravity block is placed above the contact portion. When the crossbar returns to its highest position, the contact portion abuts against the limiting portion, and the gravity block, relying on its own weight, continuously presses downward against the contact portion, transmitting this force to the support plates through the rotating part. This ensures that the support plates remain tightly fitted to the lower surface of the crossbar, maintaining the fit even after the torsion spring fatigues. This improves the reliability of the crossbar's return to its original position and ensures the long-term support effect of the elastic support component.

[0018] 3. This invention places the worm shaft on two elastic supports. Before the crimping process begins, a first single-axis cylinder drives a push rod to move towards a blocking block. Both supports work together to axially clamp and position the worm shaft, accurately determining the crimping position. After crimping is completed, the push rod returns to its original position, and the blocking block, driven by a second single-axis cylinder, pushes the worm shaft back to its original position, releasing the positioning. This achieves automatic clamping and release of the worm shaft before and after crimping, effectively avoiding manual positioning errors and improving axial positioning accuracy and the consistency of the crimping position. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a worm shaft pressing mechanism, pressing method and pressing equipment of the present invention from a first perspective.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a worm shaft pressing mechanism, pressing method and pressing equipment of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of a worm shaft pressing mechanism, pressing method and pressing equipment according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the upper and lower mold opening states of a worm shaft pressing mechanism, pressing method, and pressing equipment according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the worm shaft of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of an elastic support component of a worm shaft rib-pressing mechanism, rib-pressing method, and rib-pressing equipment according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a planar sectional view of an elastic support component of a worm shaft rib-pressing mechanism, rib-pressing method, and rib-pressing equipment according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged diagram of point A.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the reset component of a worm shaft pressing mechanism, pressing method and pressing equipment according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a planar sectional view of the reset component of a worm shaft pressing mechanism, pressing method, and pressing equipment according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged diagram of point B.

[0030] Figure 12 This is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the elastic support component of a worm shaft reinforcement mechanism, reinforcement method, and reinforcement equipment according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point C.

[0032] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of point D.

[0033] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Worm shaft; 2. Base; 21. Lower mold; 22. Vertical slide groove; 3. Frame; 31. Upper mold; 32. Hydraulic cylinder; 4. Elastic support; 41. Support; 411. Connecting part; 412. Step; 42. Spring; 421. Guide rod; 5. Crossbar; 6. Elastic support; 61. Pallet; 611. Rotating part; 6111. Contact part; 6112. Limiting part; 612. Shaft connection 62. Torsion spring; 63. Gravity block; 631. Guide seat; 632. Compression spring; 7. Push rod; 71. First single-axis cylinder; 72. Second single-axis cylinder; 8. Blocking block; 9. Worktable; 91. Fixed plate; 911. Receiving cylinder; 912. Lifting cylinder; 92. Moving plate; 93. Loading robot; 931. Loading tray; 94. Unloading robot; 941. Unloading tray; 95. Suction cup robot. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] See Figures 1 to 10As shown, a worm gear shaft pressing mechanism includes a base 2 and a frame 3. A lower mold 21 is fixedly mounted on the base 2, and an upper mold 31 capable of closing with the lower mold 21 is movably mounted on the frame 3. Elastic support members 4 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lower mold 21. Each elastic support member 4 includes a support 41 and a spring 42 connecting the support 41 and the base 2. A reset assembly is also included between the two elastic support members 4. The reset assembly includes a crossbar 5, which is horizontally arranged and fixedly connected between the two supports 41 to keep the two elastic support members 4 horizontal. An elastic support member 6 is located directly below the crossbar 5 and is used to reset the two elastic support members 4 upwards via the crossbar 5. The elastic support member 6 includes a support plate 61 and a torsion spring 62. The support plate 61 is inclined, with its upper surface abutting against the lower surface of the crossbar 5. A rotating part 611 is provided at the upper end of the support plate 61, and a corresponding shaft connection part 612 is provided on the base 2 to rotatably engage with the rotating part 611. The support plate 61 can rotate up and down around the shaft connection part 612. A torsion spring 62 connects the rotating part 611 and the shaft connection part 612, providing an upward elastic force to the support plate 61.

[0036] The frame 3 is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder 32 for driving the upper mold 31 and the lower mold 21 to close.

[0037] Rib pressing process: First, the upper mold 31 is lifted under the drive of the hydraulic cylinder 32, maintaining a separated state from the lower mold 21 fixed on the base 2. The elastic support members 4 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lower mold 21 are in an initial supported state, with the springs 42 of each elastic support member 4 at their initial compression. The support 41 is located at its upper limit position under the support of the springs 42. The upper surface of the support plate 61 in the elastic support member 6 abuts against the lower surface of the crossbar 5. Because the support plate 61 is inclined, and its upper end is rotatably engaged with the shaft connection 612 on the base 2 via the rotating part 611, the support plate 61 rotates upward around the shaft connection 612 under the elastic force of the torsion spring 62, ensuring that the upper surface of the support plate 61 always adheres to the lower surface of the crossbar 5, and applying an upward supporting force to the two supports 41 through the crossbar 5. At this time, the two elastic support members 4 are in a horizontal and stable state, forming a horizontal support line to support the worm shaft 1 of the pressure rib.

[0038] Then, the stepping conveyor unit advances the worm shaft 1 to be processed, placing it on two elastic supports 4. Since the two elastic supports 4 are at the same horizontal height, the worm shaft 1 is stably placed on top of the supports 41 of the two elastic supports 4, with its axis perpendicular to the direction of the rib. At this time, the worm shaft 1 is in the position to be ribbed, with the ribbed portion directly facing the forming groove of the lower die 21.

[0039] Next, the hydraulic cylinder 32 begins to operate, driving the upper mold 31 to move towards the lower mold 21. The upper mold 31 first contacts the upper surface of the worm shaft 1 and begins to apply downward pressure. Under the action of pressure, the worm shaft 1 moves downward, simultaneously driving the two elastic support members 4 to move downward synchronously. The spring 42 is compressed, the support 41 moves downward, and the crossbar 5 also moves downward accordingly. The lower surface of the crossbar 5 pushes the support plate 61, causing the support plate 61 to overcome the elastic force of the torsion spring 62 and rotate downward around the shaft joint 612. Because the support plate 61 is inclined, during its downward rotation, the upper surface of the support plate 61 and the lower surface of the crossbar 5 remain in contact.

[0040] As the upper mold 31 continues to press down, the worm shaft 1 is pressed into the forming groove of the lower mold 21. Under the mold closing pressure of the upper mold 31 and the lower mold 21, the worm shaft 1 undergoes plastic deformation and forms a rib at a predetermined position.

[0041] After the rib-pressing process is completed, the hydraulic cylinder 32 drives the upper mold 31 to lift upwards, releasing the pressure on the worm shaft 1. At this time, the elastic potential energy of the spring 42 is released, pushing the support 41 to move upwards, and the worm shaft 1 is lifted upwards, disengaging from the forming groove of the lower mold 21. Simultaneously, the crossbar 5 moves upwards with the support 41, and the support plate 61 rotates upwards around the shaft joint 612 under the action of the torsion spring 62. The upper surface of the support plate 61 always adheres to the lower surface of the crossbar 5, providing upward support force during the reset process, ensuring that the two elastic support members 4 smoothly return to their initial height. The worm shaft 1 returns to its initial horizontal position, completing one rib-pressing process.

[0042] Throughout the ribbing process, the reset assembly, through the linkage between the crossbar 5 and the support plate 61, ensures that the two elastic support members 4 maintain horizontal and synchronous movement, preventing the support 41 from tilting due to uneven force or elasticity differences in the spring 42, thereby ensuring the positioning accuracy and ribbing quality of the worm shaft 1 during the ribbing process.

[0043] See Figures 6 to 8 As shown, each of the supports 41 is provided with a connecting part 411 for connecting the crossbar 5, and the base 2 is provided with a step 412 for connecting the spring 42. The step 412 is provided with a guide rod 421 extending upward through the connecting part 411. The spring 42 is sleeved on the guide rod 421, and the two ends of the spring 42 abut against the lower surface of the connecting part 411 and the upper surface of the step 412, respectively.

[0044] When the upper die 31 presses down on the worm shaft 1, the pressure is transmitted through the support 41 to the connecting part 411. The lower surface of the connecting part 411 compresses the spring 42. The upper end of the spring 42 moves downward along the guide rod 421, and the lower end abuts against the upper surface of the step 412. The spring 42 is compressed and stores energy. At the same time, the connecting part 411 slides downward along the guide rod 421. The guide rod 421 passes through the connecting part 411 and plays a guiding role, ensuring that the support 41 moves smoothly and vertically, and keeping the two elastic support members 4 horizontal and synchronous.

[0045] After the pressing of the ribs is completed and the upper mold 31 is lifted, the spring 42 releases its elastic force, and the upper end pushes the connecting part 411 to return to its original position along the guide rod 421 until the connecting part 411 returns to its initial position, and the spring 42 returns to its natural or pre-compressed state.

[0046] See Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the crossbar 5 is provided with an elastic support 6 on each of its radial sides. The support plates 61 of the two elastic support 6 are staggered, and the upper surfaces of the two support plates 61 abut against the lower surface of the crossbar 5, forming a V-shaped staggered support structure for the crossbar 5.

[0047] During assembly, two elastic support members 6 are first installed on both radial sides of the crossbar 5, with the support plates 61 of the two elastic support members 6 staggered, i.e., one support plate 61 is located radially inside one side of the crossbar 5, and the other support plate 61 is located radially outside the other side, staggered and not overlapping. Then, the upper surfaces of the two support plates 61 are moved upward simultaneously until they abut against the lower surface of the crossbar 5. Because the support plates 61 are staggered, the two support points are located at different radial positions on the lower surface of the crossbar 5, forming a left-right symmetrical V-shaped staggered support structure. Thus, when the crossbar 5 is under force, the two elastic support members 6 provide stable support force from both sides, preventing the crossbar 5 from shifting laterally.

[0048] See Figures 9 to 12 As shown, each of the trays 61 has an outwardly extending contact portion 6111 on its rotating part 611, and the base 2 has a limiting part 6112 corresponding to each of the contact portions 6111. The contact portion 6111 and the limiting part 6112 cooperate to limit the highest position of the crossbar 5 to return to its upward reset position.

[0049] When the crossbar 5 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the elastic support member 6, as if on a seesaw, the support plate 61 rotates upward around the shaft joint 612 under the action of the torsion spring 62, and the contact part 6111 swings downward around the shaft joint 612 accordingly. As the support plate 61 continues to rise, the contact part 6111 gradually approaches the corresponding limiting part 6112 provided on the base 2. When the crossbar 5 rises to the preset highest position, the contact part 6111 just abuts against the limiting part 6112, and the limiting part 6112 prevents the contact part 6111 from moving downward further. Thus, the crossbar 5 is restricted from further returning to its original position by the rotating part 611 and the support plate 61, so that the support 41 is kept in the preset highest position.

[0050] See Figure 11 As shown, each of the contact portions 6111 is provided with a gravity structure above it, which provides a downward holding force when the contact portion 6111 abuts against the limiting portion 6112.

[0051] When the crossbar 5 returns to its highest position and the contact portion 6111 abuts against the limiting portion 6112, the gravity structure located above each contact portion 6111 presses down against the contact portion 6111 under its own weight, applying a continuous downward holding force to the contact portion 6111. This holding force acts on the contact portion 6111, ensuring that the support plate 61 remains in close contact with the lower surface of the crossbar 5, preventing fatigue of the torsion spring 62 that could cause the support plate 61 to fail, thereby ensuring that the crossbar 5 is stably maintained at the set highest position.

[0052] See Figure 11 As shown, the gravity structure includes a gravity block 63 and a guide seat 631. The guide seat 631 is fixed on the base 2 and located above the contact portion 6111. The gravity block 63 is slidably disposed in the guide seat 631 and abuts against the upper surface of the contact portion 6111.

[0053] When the crossbar 5 moves downward, the support plate 61 rotates downward around the shaft joint 612. At this time, the contact part 6111 swings upward around the shaft joint 612, and the contact part 6111 pushes the gravity block 63 upward. The gravity block 63 slides upward within the guide seat 631. When the crossbar 5 moves upward and the contact part 6111 swings down to abut the limiting part 6112, the crossbar 5 stops rising under the support of the support plate 61. At this time, the gravity block 63 slides downward along the guide seat 631 by its own weight. Its lower end face always keeps in contact with the upper surface of the contact part 6111, thereby applying a stable and continuous downward holding force to the contact part 6111, so that the contact part 6111 is tightly attached to the limiting part 6112, ensuring that the crossbar 5 is stably kept in the highest position.

[0054] See Figure 11As shown, the gravity block 63 is a sphere, and the guide seat 631 is provided with a compression spring 632. The two ends of the compression spring 632 abut against the upper surface of the guide seat 631 and the upper surface of the gravity block 63, respectively.

[0055] By designing the gravity block 63 as a sphere and adding a compression spring 632 inside the guide seat 631, the sphere forms a rolling contact with the inner wall of the guide seat 631, which greatly reduces sliding friction and effectively avoids jamming. At the same time, under the dual action of gravity and the preload of the compression spring 632, the sphere always stably fits against the upper surface of the contact part 6111. The compression spring 632 is compressed and stores energy when the gravity block 63 is lifted and is released when the contact part 6111 swings down. This not only provides a larger and more constant downward holding force for the contact part 6111, but also plays a role in buffering and shock absorption during the lifting and lowering of the sphere.

[0056] See Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower mold 21 is provided with a push rod 7 and a blocking block 8 on both sides along the axial direction of the worm shaft 1, which are used to axially position the worm shaft 1 during pressing. The base 2 is provided with a first single-axis cylinder 71 for driving the push rod 7 to move axially and a second single-axis cylinder 72 for driving the blocking block 8 to move axially.

[0057] Before the rib-pressing process begins, the worm shaft 1 is placed on two elastic support members 4. Then, the first single-axis cylinder 71 on the base 2 drives the push rod 7 to move towards the blocking block 8. Together, they axially clamp and position the worm shaft 1 and determine the rib-pressing position of the worm shaft 1. After the rib-pressing is completed, the push rod 7 returns to its original position, and the blocking block 8, driven by the second single-axis cylinder 72, pushes the worm shaft 1 back to its original position, releasing the positioning of the worm shaft 1.

[0058] A method for reinforcing a worm gear shaft, applied to the aforementioned worm gear shaft reinforcing mechanism, includes the following steps: S1. Place the worm shaft 1 on the support 41 of the two elastic support members 4, and keep the two elastic support members 4 horizontal through the crossbar 5. S2. The first single-axis cylinder 71 drives the push rod 7 to move axially, and the second single-axis cylinder 72 drives the blocking block 8 to extend to the axial blocking position, clamping the worm shaft 1 between the push rod 7 and the blocking block 8, and determining the position of the pressure rib. S3, the hydraulic cylinder 32 drives the upper mold 31 to press down with a pressing force of 5~20kN, simultaneously compressing the two elastic support members 4. After the upper mold 31 and the lower mold 21 are closed, the pressure is held for 0.2~1s before the mold is opened. The pressing force is adjusted in the range of 5~50kN according to the material hardness and rib height of the worm shaft 1. S4. The upper mold 31 opens upward, the worm shaft 1 moves upward under the action of the elastic support 4, and returns to its original position through the reset component. Then the first single-axis cylinder 71 drives the push rod 7 to return to its original position, and the second single-axis cylinder 72 drives the blocking block 8 to push the worm shaft 1 to return axially and then retract, releasing the axial positioning.

[0059] See Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a worm shaft crimping device includes a worktable 9 and the aforementioned worm shaft crimping mechanism. The worktable 9 is provided with a feeding unit, a stepping conveyor unit, and a discharging unit. The crimping mechanism is arranged in the conveying path of the stepping conveyor unit. The stepping conveyor unit includes two fixed plates 91 on both sides and two moving plates 92 on both sides. The fixed plates 91 and the moving plates 92 are provided with a plurality of slots at equal intervals along the length direction. The moving plates 92 can reciprocate relative to the fixed plates 91 along the conveying direction to push the worm shafts 1 one by one into the crimping mechanism.

[0060] The starting end between the two fixed plates 91 is provided with a receiving cylinder 911, and the ending end is provided with a lifting cylinder 912.

[0061] The fixed plate 91 has a vertical groove 22 corresponding to each support 41, and the support 41 is slidably disposed in the vertical groove 22.

[0062] The base 2 is fixedly installed between the two fixed plates 91. The two sides of the support 41 are slidably embedded in the vertical grooves 22 of the fixed plates 91. The guide rod 421 and the vertical grooves 22 together constrain the support 41 to rise and fall in the vertical direction.

[0063] The feeding unit includes a feeding robot 93 and a feeding tray 931. The feeding robot 93 takes out the batch of worm shafts 1 placed in the feeding tray 931 one by one and places them on the receiving cylinder 911. The receiving cylinder 911 receives the worm shafts 1 and places them in the slots of the two side plates 91.

[0064] The unloading unit includes an unloading robot 94 and an unloading tray 941. The unloading robot 94 takes out the worm shaft 1 with the ribs pressed and places it on the unloading tray 941. The lifting cylinder 912 lifts the worm shaft 1 on the two side plates 91 to a position that the unloading robot 94 can easily grasp.

[0065] The workbench 9 is equipped with lifting mechanisms for both the loading tray 931 and the unloading tray 941. Several loading trays 931 are stacked on the corresponding lifting mechanisms. A suction cup robot 95 is provided between the loading tray 931 and the unloading tray 941. After the worm shaft 1 on the loading tray 931 is removed, the empty loading tray 931 is transferred to the unloading robot 94 to become the unloading tray 941, for the unloaded worm shaft 1 to be placed.

[0066] Work process: The loading robot 93 picks up worm shafts 1 one by one from the loading tray 931 and places them on the receiving cylinder 911. The receiving cylinder 911 receives the worm shafts 1 and places them into the slots at the beginning of the two fixed plates 91. Then, the two moving plates 92 move back and forth relative to the fixed plates 91 along the conveying direction, pushing the worm shafts 1 forward one by one through the slots, and completing the crimping by the crimping mechanism in the stepping conveyor unit path. After crimping, the worm shafts 1 are conveyed to the end of the fixed plate 91, and the lifting cylinder 912 lifts them upwards, making it easy for the unloading robot 94 to pick them up and place them on the unloading tray 941. At the same time, when all the worm shafts 1 on the loading tray 931 have been removed, the suction cup robot 95 transfers the empty loading tray 931 to the unloading robot 94 for continued use as the unloading tray 941, while the lifting mechanism automatically adjusts the height of the stacked trays to ensure continuous loading and unloading.

[0067] This invention, by symmetrically arranging elastic support members 4 on both sides of the lower mold 21 and utilizing the linkage structure of the crossbar 5 and the support plate 61, ensures that the two supports 41 maintain horizontal synchronous movement throughout the entire pressing process. They descend synchronously to store energy during pressing and reset synchronously after completion. This effectively prevents the problems of uneven pressing and uneven depth caused by inconsistent fatigue of the elastic support members 4, ensuring that the worm shaft 1 is always in a horizontal pressing state and improving the pressing accuracy.

[0068] Meanwhile, two support plates 61 are staggered on both sides of the crossbar 5 to form a V-shaped staggered support structure to prevent the crossbar 5 from shifting laterally. A gravity block 63 is set above the contact part 6111, which continuously presses down by its own weight to keep the support plate 61 in close contact with the lower surface of the crossbar 5, avoiding fatigue of the torsion spring 62 that could cause the support plate 61 to fail, thus improving the reliability of the crossbar 5's reset and its long-term support effect.

[0069] In addition, before the rib is pressed, the first single-axis cylinder 71 drives the push rod 7, and the second single-axis cylinder 72 drives the blocking block 8. The two work together to axially clamp and position the worm shaft 1, accurately determining the rib position. After the rib is pressed, the positioning is automatically released, realizing the automation of clamping and releasing, improving the axial positioning accuracy and the consistency of the rib position.

[0070] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A worm gear shaft pressing mechanism, comprising a base and a frame, wherein a lower mold is fixedly disposed on the base, and an upper mold capable of closing with the lower mold is movably disposed on the frame, and elastic support members are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the lower mold, wherein the elastic support member comprises a support and a spring connecting the support and the base; Its features are, It also includes a reset assembly disposed between the two elastic supports, the reset assembly comprising: A horizontal bar, horizontally positioned and fixedly connected between two supports, is used to keep the two elastic support members horizontal; An elastic support member is disposed directly below the crossbar and is used to reset the two elastic support members upward through the crossbar. The elastic support member includes a support plate and a torsion spring. The pallet is inclined, the upper surface of the pallet abuts against the lower surface of the crossbar, the upper end of the pallet is provided with a rotating part, and the base is provided with a shaft connection part that rotates with the rotating part. The pallet can be rotated up and down around the shaft connection part. The torsion spring is connected between the rotating part and the shaft connection part to provide an upward elastic force to the pallet.

2. The worm shaft reinforcement mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the supports is provided with a connecting part for connecting a crossbar, and the base is provided with a step for connecting a spring. The step is provided with a guide rod extending upward through the connecting part, and the spring is sleeved on the guide rod. The two ends of the spring abut against the lower surface of the connecting part and the upper surface of the step, respectively.

3. The worm shaft reinforcement mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crossbar is provided with an elastic support member on each of its radial sides. The support plates of the two elastic support members are staggered, and the upper surfaces of the two support plates abut against the lower surface of the crossbar, forming a V-shaped staggered support structure for the crossbar.

4. The worm shaft reinforcement mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the trays has an outwardly extending contact portion on its rotating part, and the base has a limiting portion corresponding to each contact portion. The contact portion and the limiting portion cooperate to limit the highest position of the crossbar returning to its upward reset position.

5. The worm shaft reinforcement mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the contact portions is provided with a gravity structure above it, which provides a downward retaining force when the contact portion abuts against the limiting portion.

6. The worm shaft reinforcement mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gravity structure includes a gravity block and a guide seat. The guide seat is fixed on the base and located above the contact portion. The gravity block is slidably disposed inside the guide seat and abuts against the upper surface of the contact portion.

7. The worm shaft reinforcement mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gravity block is a sphere, and a compression spring is provided inside the guide seat. The two ends of the compression spring abut against the upper surface of the guide seat and the upper surface of the gravity block, respectively.

8. The worm shaft reinforcement mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower mold has push rods and blocking blocks on both sides along the axial direction of the worm shaft, which are used to axially position the worm shaft during pressing. The base is provided with a first single-axis cylinder for driving the push rod to move axially and a second single-axis cylinder for driving the blocking block to move axially.

9. A method for reinforcing a worm gear shaft, applied to a worm gear shaft reinforcing mechanism according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Place the worm shaft on the supports of two elastic supports, and keep the two elastic supports horizontal by a crossbar; S2. The first single-axis cylinder drives the push rod to move axially, and the second single-axis cylinder drives the blocking block to extend to the axial blocking position, clamping the worm shaft between the push rod and the blocking block, and determining the position of the pressure rib. S3. The hydraulic cylinder drives the upper mold to press down with a pressing force of 5~20kN, simultaneously compressing the two elastic support components. After the upper and lower molds are closed, the pressure is held for 0.2~1s before the mold is opened. The pressing force is adjusted in the range of 5~50kN according to the hardness of the worm shaft material and the height of the rib. S4. The upper mold opens upward, the worm shaft moves upward under the action of the elastic support, and returns to its original position through the reset component. Then, the first single-axis cylinder drives the push rod to return to its original position, and the second single-axis cylinder drives the blocking block to push the worm shaft to return axially and then retract, releasing the axial positioning.

10. A worm shaft reinforcement device, characterized in that, The device includes a workbench and a worm shaft crimping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8. The workbench is provided with a feeding unit, a stepping conveying unit, and a discharging unit. The crimping mechanism is disposed in the conveying path of the stepping conveying unit. The stepping conveying unit includes two fixed plates on both sides and two movable plates on both sides. The fixed plates and movable plates are provided with a plurality of slots at equal intervals along the length direction. The movable plates can reciprocate relative to the fixed plates along the conveying direction to push the worm shafts one by one into the crimping mechanism.

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