Bushing installation equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery pack installation equipment, and discloses lining installation equipment which comprises a press-fitting mechanism, a positioning mechanism and a connecting support, the positioning mechanism is arranged at one end of the connecting support, the press-fitting mechanism is connected to the other end of the connecting support in a sliding mode, and the press-fitting mechanism comprises a first air cylinder, a second air cylinder and a pressing head. One end of the pressing head is connected to the first air cylinder, the first air cylinder is arranged to drive the pressing head to move downwards in the vertical direction, the second air cylinder is arranged to drive the other end of the pressing head to contract and expand in the horizontal direction, and the positioning mechanism can control the pressing mechanism to move in the two radial directions perpendicular to each other. According to the bush installation equipment, semi-automatic operation is achieved through precise mechanical linkage, and bush installation can be efficiently, accurately and stably completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of battery pack installation equipment, in particular to a bushing installation equipment. Background Art

[0002] The battery pack, the energy storage unit of an electric vehicle, has a direct impact on the vehicle's range, safety, and cost. To optimize the vehicle's spatial layout and enhance its overall stability and driving experience, the battery pack is typically mounted directly on the vehicle chassis.

[0003] Traditional connection methods typically rely on pins to secure the battery pack housing (mostly high-strength aluminum) to the vehicle chassis. While high-strength aluminum housings effectively enhance the battery pack's protection and structural strength, their casting properties make them difficult to directly meet the high-strength connection requirements at the pin locations. Therefore, pre-installing bushings on the aluminum housing to enhance the strength and wear resistance of the connection points has become a common solution.

[0004] However, existing bushing installation processes in China still face the challenge of a low level of automation. Most production processes still rely on manual labor, where workers manually place bushings one by one in precise locations on an aluminum pallet and then squeeze and secure them using a small hydraulic tool. This production method is not only inefficient and labor-intensive, but also can lead to installation position deviations and inconsistent quality due to human intervention, impacting the connection strength between the battery pack and chassis and the safety performance of the vehicle as a whole. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art and to provide a bushing installation device that can efficiently, accurately and stably complete the installation of the bushing.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the utility model provides a bushing installation device for press-fitting a bushing to a workpiece, the bushing installation device comprising a press-fitting mechanism, a positioning mechanism, and a connecting bracket, the positioning mechanism being arranged at one end of the connecting bracket, and the press-fitting mechanism being slidably connected to the other end of the connecting bracket;

[0007] The press-fitting mechanism includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a pressing head. One end of the pressing head is connected to the first cylinder. The first cylinder is configured to drive the pressing head to move downward in a vertical direction. The second cylinder is configured to drive the other end of the pressing head to contract and expand in a horizontal direction.

[0008] The positioning mechanism comprises a first positioning unit and a second positioning unit arranged on the first positioning unit, the first positioning unit is arranged to drive the pressing mechanism to move in a first radial direction, and the second positioning unit is arranged to drive the pressing mechanism to move in a second radial direction, and the first radial direction and the second radial direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first positioning unit comprises a first guide rail and a first sliding block, the bottom of the first sliding block is connected with a sliding block base, and the first sliding block moves linearly on the first guide rail in the first radial direction.

[0010] The second positioning unit comprises a second guide rail and a second sliding block, the second guide rail is arranged on the lower surface of the sliding block base, and the second sliding block moves linearly on the second guide rail in the second radial direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, one end of the connecting bracket is connected to the second sliding block, and the other end of the connecting bracket is arranged with a third guide rail and a third sliding block in the vertical direction, the third sliding block is arranged with a cylinder connecting seat for mounting the first cylinder, and the third sliding block drives the first cylinder to move linearly on the third guide rail in the vertical direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, one side of the sliding block base is connected with a sensor bracket extending in the second radial direction, the sensor bracket is arranged in parallel with and spaced apart from the second guide rail, and a plurality of first sensors are arranged on the sensor bracket and spaced apart in the second radial direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first guide rail is provided with a stop block on both sides in the first radial direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connecting bracket is provided with a balancer and a second sensor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressing mechanism further comprises an outer shell and an operating handle arranged on the side plate of the outer shell, and the operating handle is provided with a control button for controlling the actions of the first cylinder and the second cylinder.

[0016] In some embodiments, the end of the pressing head is provided with a pneumatic clamp finger in transmission connection with the second cylinder.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second cylinder is provided with two, and the two second cylinders are arranged on both sides of the pressing head in opposite directions in the second radial direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the output end of the first cylinder is provided with a floating joint connected with the pressing head.

[0019] Through the above technical solution, the positioning mechanism provided in the bushing installation device can control the movement of the pressing mechanism in two mutually perpendicular radial directions, ensuring that the bushing can be accurately aligned with the predetermined position of the workpiece during the installation process; the entire bushing installation process is driven by the cylinder, which improves work efficiency and reduces the labor intensity of the operator. At the same time, the linear motion characteristics of the cylinder ensure the smooth progress of the pressing action and reduce the damage to the workpiece and the bushing caused by vibration or impact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a bushing installation device provided by the utility model from a first perspective;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a bushing installation device provided by the utility model from a second perspective;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the press-fit mechanism of the utility model.

[0023] Description of Reference Numerals

[0024] 1. Press-fitting mechanism; 11. First cylinder; 111. Floating joint; 12. Second cylinder; 13. Press head; 131. Pneumatic gripper; 14. Outer shell; 15. Operating handle; 16. Mounting plate; 17. Fixing plate; 171. Transition support plate; 18. Protective plate; 19. Protective block; 2. Positioning mechanism; 21. First guide rail; 211. Stop block; 22. First slider; 221. Slider base; 23. Second guide rail; 24. Second slider; 3. Connecting bracket; 31. Third guide rail; 32. Third slider; 33. Cylinder connecting seat; 4. Sensor bracket; 41. First sensor; 5. Balancer; 6. Second sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following is a detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means greater than or equal to two. Terms such as "upper" and "lower" indicating positions or location relationships are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. When the absolute position of the objects being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish different parts. "Parallel" does not strictly mean parallel, but rather refers to a range of tolerance. "Include" or "comprising" and similar terms mean that the elements preceding the term include the elements listed after the term, and do not exclude the possibility of other elements also being included.

[0028] It should also be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0030] Combine Figure 1 、 Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the utility model provides a bushing installation device for press-fitting a bushing to a workpiece, the bushing installation device comprising a press-fitting mechanism 1, a positioning mechanism 2, and a connecting bracket 3, the positioning mechanism 2 being arranged at one end of the connecting bracket 3, the press-fitting mechanism 1 being slidably connected to the other end of the connecting bracket 3; the press-fitting mechanism 1 comprising a first cylinder 11, a second cylinder 12, and a pressing head 13, one end of the pressing head 13 being connected to the first cylinder 11, the first cylinder 11 being arranged to drive the pressing head 13 to move downward in a vertical direction, and the second cylinder 12 being arranged to drive the other end of the pressing head 13 to contract and expand in a horizontal direction;

[0031] The positioning mechanism 2 includes a first positioning unit and a second positioning unit arranged on the first positioning unit. The first positioning unit is configured to drive the press-fitting mechanism 1 to move in a first radial direction, and the second positioning unit is configured to drive the press-fitting mechanism 1 to move in a second radial direction. The first radial direction and the second radial direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0032] In the above structure, the pressure head 13 is designed as a special structure that can shrink and expand. It is designed to provide precise and stable clamping force in the process of squeezing the bushing into the aluminum shell. It can adapt to bushings of different sizes or shapes and achieve flexible installation. The first cylinder 11 adopts a double-acting cylinder with an integrated pressure regulating valve function. It can not only generate thrust or pull by compressed air like an ordinary cylinder, but also accurately adjust the output force of the cylinder through the built-in pressure regulating valve. The second cylinder 12 adopts a single-acting cylinder. The second cylinder 12 cooperates with a reset spring (not shown in the figure) to drive the end of the pressure head 13 in contact with the bushing to shrink and expand in the horizontal direction (radial direction).

[0033] Positioning mechanism 2 utilizes a bidirectional adjustment design. The first positioning unit adjusts the position of press-fit mechanism 1 in a first radial direction, while the second positioning unit performs fine-tuning in a second radial direction (perpendicular to the first). This dual positioning mechanism effectively ensures positional accuracy during press-fitting and avoids installation problems caused by misalignment.

[0034] Serving as the support and connection platform for the entire device, the connecting bracket 3 firmly connects the press-fit mechanism 1 and the positioning mechanism 2, ensuring a stable and adjustable relative position between them. Its rational structural design can withstand the high torque and impact forces during the press-fit process, ensuring the stable operation of the entire device.

[0035] During specific use, after the AGV with the battery pack stops at the bushing installation station, due to the heavy weight of the battery pack, the AVG cannot stop at a very precise position every time due to inertia. The first positioning unit controls the slight movement of the pressing mechanism 1 in the first radial direction to ensure that it can align with the predetermined position on the battery pack shell during the installation process. At this time, the second cylinder 12 is operated to push the pressure head 13 to retract so that the pressure head 13 can extend into the center hole of the bushing. After the pressure head 13 enters the bushing, the second cylinder 12 stops working. The pressure head 13 automatically expands under the action of the reset spring, holding the bushing tightly to ensure that the bushing will not shift during the subsequent pressing process. At this time, the first cylinder 11 starts working, driving the pressure head 13 and the clamped bushing downward in the vertical direction until the bushing is gradually squeezed to the predetermined depth and the pressing is completed. During this process, the pressure of the first cylinder 11 is accurately controlled by the precision pressure regulating valve to ensure that the pressing force is moderate and avoid unnecessary damage to the bushing and the battery pack shell.

[0036] The second positioning unit moves along the second radial direction with the press-fitting mechanism 1 through the connecting bracket 3, thereby completing the installation of multiple bushings on one side of the aluminum shell of the battery pack.

[0037] Specifically, the first positioning unit includes a first guide rail 21 and a first slider 22. The first guide rail 21 is firmly mounted on a stable frame (not shown in the figure). The first guide rail 21 is arranged along the first radial direction. The first slider 22 performs linear motion on the first guide rail 21 to realize the movement of the pressing mechanism 1 in the first radial direction, which facilitates slight adjustment of the pressing mechanism 1 in the first radial direction, thereby making it easier for the pressing head 13 to align with the installation position of the bushing on the battery pack shell.

[0038] Preferably, multiple groups of the first guide rails 21 and the first sliders 22 may be provided, and the multiple groups of the first guide rails 21 and the first sliders 22 are arranged on the rack in parallel and at intervals.

[0039] The bottom of the first slider 22 is connected to the slider base 221, and the second guide rail 23 and the second slider 24 are arranged on the lower surface of the slider base 221. The second guide rail 23 is arranged along the second radial direction perpendicular to the first radial direction. The second slider 24 performs linear motion on the second guide rail 23 to realize the movement of the pressing mechanism 1 in the second radial direction. In this way, the operator only needs to use one bushing installation device to complete the installation of multiple bushings on one side of the battery pack aluminum shell.

[0040] Furthermore, the second slider 24 is connected to one end of the connecting bracket 3, and the other end of the connecting bracket 3 is provided with a third guide rail 31 and a third slider 32 along the vertical direction. The third slider 32 is provided with a cylinder connecting seat 33 for installing the first cylinder 11. The third slider 32 performs linear motion on the third guide rail 31 along the vertical direction to realize the up and down movement of the pressing mechanism 1. When the bushing is not installed, the pressing mechanism 1 moves up and the AGV below can pass through. When the bushing is installed, the pressing mechanism 1 is moved down to the installation position for operation. This layered design provides passage space for the AGV or other logistics equipment below. This also means that when the pressing mechanism 1 is waiting for the next workpiece or performing other non-pressing operations, the logistics process below can continue undisturbed, thereby improving the fluency and efficiency of the overall production line and reducing the area occupied by the equipment on the ground.

[0041] The positioning mechanism 2 composed of the first guide rail 21 and the first slider 22, the second guide rail 23 and the second slider 24, and the third guide rail 31 and the third slider 32, which can realize the movement of the press-fitting mechanism 1 in different directions, can be replaced with a servo synchronous belt or a linear motor module.

[0042] Preferably, a sensor bracket 4 extending along the second radial direction is connected to one side of the slider base 221. The sensor bracket 4 is parallel to and spaced apart from the second guide rail 23. A plurality of first sensors 41 are provided on the sensor bracket 4, and the plurality of first sensors 41 are spaced apart along the second radial direction. The number and spacing of the first sensors 41 can be determined based on the number and position of the bushing holes on the battery pack aluminum shell. The operator moves the press-fitting mechanism 1 along the second radial direction. When the press head 13 aligns with the bushing, a signal from the first sensor 41 is triggered. Thus, each time the press head 13 aligns with and triggers a first sensor 41, the system instantly receives a position signal, ensuring that each bushing mounting hole can be accurately identified and processed, effectively preventing missing or incorrect installation problems that may occur during the installation process.

[0043] In the present invention, blocks 211 are provided on both sides of the first guide rail 21 in the first radial direction. The blocks 211 can limit the movement range of the first slider 22 on the first guide rail 21 to ensure that the slider moves within a predetermined stroke. In certain circumstances, such as when encountering emergencies or external impacts, the blocks 211 can prevent the first slider 22 from accidentally falling off from the first guide rail 21.

[0044] In the present invention, when operating the pressing mechanism 1 to move up and down, a 15-22kg balancer 5 is set on the connecting bracket 3 to assist the operation, which can offset part or all of the weight and inertia force generated by the pressing mechanism 1 during the up and down movement, thereby reducing the operator's physical exertion. The operator can complete the up and down movement operation of the cylinder more easily and quickly, thereby improving the overall work efficiency.

[0045] In addition, a second sensor 6 is provided on the connecting bracket 3 to detect whether the first cylinder 11 can accurately move to the preset sleeve installation position and confirm whether the first cylinder 11 performs the corresponding squeezing action after reaching the position.

[0046] In the present invention, the pressing mechanism 1 also includes an outer shell 14 and an operating handle 15 arranged on the side panel of the outer shell 14, and the operating handle 15 is provided with control buttons (not shown in the figure) for controlling the actions of the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12. Preferably, there are two operating handles 15, and the two operating handles 15 are relatively arranged on the left and right side panels of the outer shell 14, which are convenient for the operator to hold with both hands. There are four control buttons on the operating handle 15, two of which are used to control the extension and retraction of the second cylinder 12, and the other two buttons are used to control the action of the first cylinder 11. The design of the operating handle 15 conforms to the principles of ergonomics, so that the operator can hold and operate it comfortably. At the same time, controlling the cylinder action by buttons reduces the risk of direct contact with mechanical components and improves the safety of operation.

[0047] In the present invention, a pneumatic clamping finger 131 is provided at the end of the pressure head 13 in transmission connection with the second cylinder 12. The second cylinder 12 is used to drive the pneumatic clamping finger 131 to close. At this time, the return spring (not shown in the figure) provided between the second cylinder 12 and the pneumatic clamping finger 131 inside the pressure head 13 is in a compressed state. The closed pneumatic clamping finger 131 extends into the interior of the bushing and is positioned. The compressed air in the second cylinder 12 is released, and the piston rod moves backward under the action of the spring force. The pneumatic clamping finger 131 returns to its initial expanded state and fits tightly against the inner surface of the bushing, holding the bushing tightly. After the bushing is press-fitted, the second cylinder 12 is started to push the pneumatic clamping finger 131 to close. The pneumatic clamping finger 131 releases the bushing, withdraws from the bushing, and continues to complete the clamping and positioning work of the new bushing.

[0048] Preferably, two second cylinders 12 are provided, and the two second cylinders 12 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the pressure head 13 along the second radial direction.

[0049] In the present invention, a floating joint 111 is provided at the output end of the first cylinder 11, connected to the pressure head 13. This floating joint 111, through the movable connection of its internal spherical surface, enables offset and angle adjustment between the connected components. When the piston rod of the first cylinder 11 moves, the spherical surface rotates and tilts accordingly, ensuring that the connected components are always properly positioned, helping to maintain smooth operation of the device.

[0050] In addition, the pressing mechanism 1 also includes a pressing head frame assembly plate for supporting the pressing head 13 and other working parts. The pressing head frame assembly plate can ensure that the pressing mechanism 1 maintains a stable position during operation. It includes a mounting plate 16, a fixing plate 17 for fixing the second cylinder 12, and a protective plate 18 and a protective block 19 respectively arranged near the movement trajectories of the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12.

[0051] The mounting plate 16 is used to support the pressure head 13 and other auxiliary components. It is connected to the floating joint 111, and the fixed plate 17 and the mounting plate 16 are connected together through a transition support plate 171. The transition support plate 171 serves to strengthen the structure, adjust the height or provide a mounting interface to ensure that the second cylinder 12 can correctly cooperate with the pneumatic clamping fingers 131 and other components.

[0052] The protection plate 18 and the protection block 19 are used to prevent the operator from being injured due to misoperation when the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 are in operation.

[0053] Thus far, various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of the present invention, some details well known in the art have not been described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0054] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail through examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments may be modified or some technical features may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts.

Claims

1. A bushing installation device for press-fitting a bushing to a workpiece, characterized in that: The bushing installation device comprises a pressing mechanism (1), a positioning mechanism (2) and a connecting bracket (3), wherein the positioning mechanism (2) is arranged at one end of the connecting bracket (3), and the pressing mechanism (1) is slidably connected to the other end of the connecting bracket (3); The pressing mechanism (1) comprises a first cylinder (11), a second cylinder (12) and a pressing head (13); one end of the pressing head (13) is connected to the first cylinder (11); the first cylinder (11) is configured to drive the pressing head (13) to move downward in a vertical direction; and the second cylinder (12) is configured to drive the other end of the pressing head (13) to contract and expand in a horizontal direction. The positioning mechanism (2) comprises a first positioning unit and a second positioning unit arranged on the first positioning unit, the first positioning unit being configured to drive the press-fitting mechanism (1) to move in a first radial direction, and the second positioning unit being configured to drive the press-fitting mechanism (1) to move in a second radial direction, the first radial direction and the second radial direction being perpendicular to each other.

2. The bushing installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first positioning unit comprises a first guide rail (21) and a first slider (22); the bottom of the first slider (22) is connected to a slider base (221); the first slider (22) performs linear motion on the first guide rail (21) along a first radial direction; The second positioning unit comprises a second guide rail (23) and a second slider (24), wherein the second guide rail (23) is arranged on the lower surface of the slider base (221), and the second slider (24) performs linear motion on the second guide rail (23) along a second radial direction.

3. The bushing installation device according to claim 2, characterized in that One end of the connecting bracket (3) is connected to the second slider (24), and the other end of the connecting bracket (3) is provided with a third guide rail (31) and a third slider (32) along the vertical direction. The third slider (32) is provided with a cylinder connecting seat (33) for mounting the first cylinder (11), and the third slider (32) drives the first cylinder (11) to perform linear motion along the vertical direction on the third guide rail (31).

4. The bushing installation device according to claim 2, characterized in that A sensor bracket (4) extending along a second radial direction is connected to one side of the slider base (221); the sensor bracket (4) is parallel to and spaced apart from the second guide rail (23); a plurality of first sensors (41) are provided on the sensor bracket (4); and the plurality of first sensors (41) are spaced apart along the second radial direction.

5. The bushing installation device according to claim 2, characterized in that Stoppers (211) are provided on both sides of the first guide rail (21) in a first radial direction.

6. The bushing installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that A balancer (5) and a second sensor (6) are provided on the connecting bracket (3).

7. The bushing installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressing mechanism (1) further comprises an outer shell (14) and an operating handle (15) arranged on a side panel of the outer shell (14); the operating handle (15) is provided with a control button for controlling the actions of the first cylinder (11) and the second cylinder (12).

8. The bushing installation device according to claim 1, wherein The end of the pressure head (13) is provided with a pneumatic clamping finger (131) which is transmission-connected to the second cylinder (12).

9. The bushing installation device according to claim 8, characterized in that Two second cylinders (12) are provided, and the two second cylinders (12) are arranged oppositely on both sides of the pressure head (13) along the second radial direction.

10. The bushing installation device according to claim 1, wherein The output end of the first cylinder (11) is provided with a floating joint (111) connected to the pressure head (13).

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