Automatic ball loading equipment for shock absorber bearing

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of bearing machining, and particularly discloses automatic ball loading equipment for a shock absorber bearing. The automatic ball loading equipment comprises a workbench and a ball filling module, wherein a ball filling station is arranged on the workbench; the ball filling module comprises a ball filling tool, a rotary driving part and a feeding driving part, and the ball filling tool is located above the ball filling station; the feeding driving part is used for driving the ball filling tool to move up and down relative to the ball filling station, and the rotating driving part is used for driving the ball filling station to rotate around the vertical center line. The lower end face of the ball filling tool is a ball filling face, a ball filling channel is formed in the ball filling tool, an outlet of the ball filling channel is located in the ball filling face, and the outlet of the ball filling channel and the rotating center line of the ball filling tool are arranged in a staggered mode. The automatic ball loading equipment has the advantages of being high in ball loading efficiency and reliable in assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bearing processing, specifically to an automated ball loading device for shock absorber bearings. Background Technology

[0002] Bearings are crucial components in mechanical equipment. Their main functions are to support rotating parts, bear loads, reduce the coefficient of friction during movement, and ensure rotational accuracy. The assembly of rolling elements is particularly complex and challenging during the machining and assembly of bearings.

[0003] Shock absorber bearings are a type of bearing used in automotive shock absorbers. They consist of a lower bearing cover, an upper bearing cover, a raceway ring, and steel balls. They belong to the end-face bearing type, and existing ball-loading methods generally suffer from low efficiency and unreliable quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an automated ball loading device for shock absorber bearings, which has the advantages of high ball loading efficiency and reliable assembly.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an automated ball loading device for shock absorber bearings, comprising a worktable and a ball loading module, wherein the worktable is provided with a ball loading station; the ball loading module comprises a ball loading fixture, a rotary drive and a feed drive, wherein the ball loading fixture is located above the ball loading station; the feed drive is used to drive the ball loading fixture to move up and down relative to the ball loading station, and the rotary drive is used to drive the ball loading station to rotate around a vertical centerline;

[0006] The lower end face of the ball-filling fixture is a ball-filling surface. The ball-filling fixture is provided with a ball-filling channel. The outlet of the ball-filling channel is located on the ball-filling surface, and the outlet of the ball-filling channel is offset from the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture.

[0007] During the ball loading operation, the assembled bearing lower cover and raceway assembly is placed into the ball loading station. The feed drive propels the ball loading fixture downwards to a specific distance from the assembly. At this point, the outlet of the ball loading channel aligns with the raceway, and the axis of the assembly coincides with the rotation center line of the ball loading operation. A specific number of rolling elements are fed into the ball loading channel. The rotation drive rotates the ball loading fixture, and as the ball loading operation rotates, the rolling elements are distributed in a ring from the outlet of the ball loading channel into the raceway, completing the ball loading operation. The automated ball loading equipment of this application has the advantages of high ball loading efficiency and reliable assembly.

[0008] Preferably, the ball-filling surface is provided with a positioning boss, the axis of which coincides with the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture.

[0009] The positioning boss ensures that the relative position of the assembly and the ball loading operation is stable and reliable, thereby ensuring that the ball filling channel outlet is aligned with the raceway ring, and the rolling elements can fall smoothly and accurately into the raceway ring.

[0010] Preferably, the ball-filling surface is provided with a ball-filling guide groove, which is arranged circumferentially around the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture; the outlet of the ball-filling channel is located in the ball-filling guide groove.

[0011] The ball guide groove can radially constrain the rolling elements installed in the raceway ring. By properly setting the gap between the ball guide groove and the assembly, the rolling elements can be constrained within the space enclosed by the raceway ring and the ball guide groove, ensuring that the rolling elements successfully fall into the raceway ring and preventing the rolling elements from scattering.

[0012] Preferably, the ball filling guide groove is provided with a ball pushing block, and the central angle corresponding to the ball pushing block is not greater than 2°; the outlet of the ball filling channel is located on one side of the ball pushing block.

[0013] Because the shock absorber bearing lacks a cage to constrain the rolling elements, the rolling elements may roll along with the ball-filling fixture after being installed in the raceway. If the rolling of the rolling elements is not constrained, the spacing between the rolling elements cannot be controlled, making it difficult to determine the number of rolling elements installed, and inevitably leading to problems of under-installation or omission.

[0014] By setting a pusher block in the ball filling guide groove, it is only necessary to reasonably control the rotation direction of the ball filling fixture. When the ball filling fixture rotates to a certain angle, the pusher block will contact the first rolled element and push the rolled element to move closer and roll. At the same time, sufficient space is left at the exit position of the ball filling channel for subsequent rolled elements to enter until the number of rolled elements loaded reaches the preset value, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of underloading or missing loading.

[0015] Preferably, the ball-filling fixture includes a ball-filling mold and a ball-guided mold, which are separately configured and detachably connected; the ball-filling surface is disposed on the ball-filling mold, and the ball-filling channel is disposed through the ball-filling mold and the ball-guided mold; the ball-guided mold is made of transparent material.

[0016] The number of rolling elements in the ball filling channel can be directly observed through the transparent ball guide mold, providing a reference for the ball loading operation.

[0017] Preferably, the ball filling module further includes a mounting plate, which is movably arranged vertically, and the feed drive is used to drive the movement of the mounting plate; the ball filling fixture and the rotation drive are arranged on the mounting plate.

[0018] Preferably, the system also includes a ball delivery module, which includes a ball storage unit and a ball delivery assembly. The ball delivery assembly includes a ball delivery pipe, one end of which is connected to the ball storage unit and the other end of which is connected to the ball filling channel on the ball filling fixture.

[0019] The ball feeding module can automate the feeding of rolling elements, further improving the automation level of the ball loading operation.

[0020] Preferably, the ball feeding assembly further includes a ball counter and a rotation drive. The ball counter is disposed between the ball feeding pipe and the ball filling fixture. The ball counter has a ball counting channel inside, and the rotation drive is used to control the connection and disconnection between the ball counting channel and the ball filling channel.

[0021] The ball counter controls the number of rolling elements delivered to the ball filling fixture each time by controlling the length of the ball extrusion channel, effectively avoiding underfilling and ensuring the reliability of the ball filling operation.

[0022] Preferably, the ball feeding assembly further includes a limiting assembly, which includes an upper limiting plate and a lower limiting plate. The ball counter is movably disposed between the upper limiting plate and the lower limiting plate. The outlet end of the ball feeding pipe is disposed on the upper limiting plate. The inlet of the ball filling channel on the ball filling fixture corresponds to the lower limiting plate.

[0023] The aforementioned indexing drive is used to drive the ball counter to move along the limiting component and to enable the ball counting channel to connect with the ball filling channel and the ball delivery pipe.

[0024] By moving the ball counter, the counting channel, filling channel, and ball delivery pipe can switch between misaligned and aligned states, thereby achieving the counting function.

[0025] Preferably, the ball storage unit includes a hopper, with a ball outlet on one side of the hopper, and the inlet end of the ball delivery pipe is connected to the ball outlet; the hopper is also equipped with a ball-poke mechanism, which includes a lifting component and a ball-poke driving component, the ball-poke driving component being used to drive the lifting component to move up and down; the lifting component is located near the side wall of the hopper where the ball outlet is located, and the upper end of the lifting component is inclined towards the ball outlet.

[0026] The rolling elements inside the hopper are raised to the height of the ball outlet by the up-and-down movement of the lifting component, and then guided into the ball outlet to achieve automated feeding of the rolling elements. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automated ball loading equipment for shock absorber bearings in this embodiment. At this time, the ball counting channel is aligned and connected with the ball delivery pipe.

[0028] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the automated ball loading equipment for shock absorber bearings in this embodiment. The ball loading fixture is located at the lower limit position at this time.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automated ball loading equipment for shock absorber bearings in this embodiment. At this time, the ball counting channel and the ball filling channel are aligned and connected.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ball-filling fixture and the rotary drive component in the automated ball-filling equipment for shock absorber bearings in this embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ball filling mold in the automated ball loading equipment for shock absorber bearings in this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ball storage unit in the automated ball loading equipment for shock absorber bearings in this embodiment. At this time, the lifting component is in the lower limit position.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ball storage unit in the automated ball loading equipment for shock absorber bearings in this embodiment. At this time, the lifting component is in the upper limit position. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Example

[0035] like Figures 1-3 As shown, an automated ball-filling device for shock absorber bearings includes a worktable and 85 ball-filling molds. A ball-filling station 7 is provided on the worktable. Each ball-filling mold 85 includes a ball-filling fixture 8, a rotary drive 5, and a feed drive 1. The ball-filling fixture 8 is located above the ball-filling station 7. The feed drive 1 drives the ball-filling fixture 8 to move vertically relative to the ball-filling station 7, and the rotary drive 5 drives the ball-filling station 7 to rotate around a vertical centerline.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the ball filling mold 85 also includes a mounting plate 11, which is movably arranged up and down. The feed drive 1 is used to drive the mounting plate 11 to move. The ball filling tool 8 and the rotation drive 5 are arranged on the mounting plate 11.

[0037] like Figures 1-5As shown, the lower end face of the ball-filling fixture 8 is a ball-filling surface. The ball-filling fixture 8 has a ball-filling channel 81 inside, and the outlet of the ball-filling channel 81 is located on the ball-filling surface, with the outlet of the ball-filling channel 81 offset from the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture 8. Specifically, the ball-filling fixture 8 includes a ball-filling mold 85 and a ball-guide mold 82, which are separately configured and detachably connected. The ball-filling surface is located on the ball-filling mold 85, and the ball-filling channel 81 penetrates both the ball-filling mold 85 and the ball-guide mold 82. The ball-guide mold 82 is made of transparent material. The number of rolling elements within the ball-filling channel 81 can be visually observed through the transparent ball-guide mold 82, providing a reference for the ball-filling operation.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the ball-filling surface has a ball-filling guide groove 84, which is arranged circumferentially around the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture 8. The outlet of the ball-filling channel 81 is located within the ball-filling guide groove 84. The ball-filling guide groove can radially constrain the rolling elements loaded into the raceway ring. By reasonably setting the gap between the ball-filling surface and the assembly 6, the rolling elements can be constrained within the space enclosed by the raceway ring and the ball-filling guide groove, ensuring that the rolling elements successfully fall into the raceway ring and preventing them from scattering.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the ball filling guide groove is provided with a ball pushing block 86, the central angle corresponding to the ball pushing block 86 is no greater than 2°, and the outlet of the ball filling channel 81 is located on one side of the ball pushing block 86.

[0040] Because the shock absorber bearing lacks a cage to constrain the rolling elements, the rolling elements may roll along with the ball filling tool after being installed in the raceway. If the rolling of the rolling elements is not constrained, the spacing between the rolling elements cannot be controlled, making it difficult to determine the number of rolling elements installed, and inevitably leading to problems of under-installation or omission.

[0041] By setting a pusher block 86 in the ball filling guide groove, it is only necessary to reasonably control the rotation direction of the ball filling fixture 8. When the ball filling fixture 8 rotates at a certain angle, the pusher block 86 will contact the first rolled element and push the rolled element that has been fed in to move closer and roll. At the same time, sufficient space is left at the exit position of the ball filling channel 81 for subsequent rolled elements to enter until the number of rolled elements loaded reaches the preset value, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of underloading or missing loading.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the ball-filling surface is provided with a positioning boss 83, the axis of which coincides with the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture 8. The positioning boss 83 ensures that the relative position of the assembly 6 and the ball-filling operation is stable and reliable, thereby ensuring that the outlet of the ball-filling channel 81 is aligned with the raceway ring, and the rolling element can fall smoothly and accurately into the raceway ring.

[0043] During the ball loading operation, the assembled bearing lower cover and raceway assembly 6 is placed into the ball loading station 7. The feed drive 1 drives the ball loading fixture 8 to descend to a specific distance from the assembly 6. At this point, the outlet of the ball loading channel 81 is aligned with the raceway, and the axis of the assembly 6 coincides with the rotation center line of the ball loading operation. A specific number of rolling elements are fed into the ball loading channel 81. The rotation drive 5 drives the ball loading fixture 8 to rotate. As the ball loading operation rotates, the rolling elements are distributed in a ring from the outlet of the ball loading channel 81 into the raceway, completing the ball loading operation. The automated ball loading equipment of this application has the advantages of high ball loading efficiency and reliable assembly.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, it also includes a ball feeding module, which comprises a ball storage unit and a ball feeding assembly. The ball feeding assembly includes a ball feeding pipe 2, one end of which is connected to the ball storage unit, and the other end is connected to the ball filling channel 81 on the ball filling fixture 8. The ball feeding module can realize automated feeding of the rolling elements, further improving the automation level of the ball loading operation.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the ball feeding assembly also includes a ball counter 4 and a rotation drive 10. The ball counter 4 is disposed between the ball feeding pipe 2 and the ball filling fixture 8. The ball counter 4 has a ball counting channel 41, and the rotation drive 10 is used to control the connection and disconnection between the ball counting channel 41 and the ball filling channel 81. The ball counter 4 controls the number of rolling elements delivered to the ball filling fixture 8 each time by controlling the length of the ball extrusion channel, effectively avoiding underfilling and ensuring the reliability of the ball loading operation.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the ball feeding assembly also includes a limiting assembly, which includes an upper limiting plate 3 and a lower limiting plate 9. The ball counter 4 is movably disposed between the upper limiting plate 3 and the lower limiting plate 9. The outlet end of the ball feeding pipe 2 is disposed on the upper limiting plate 3. The inlet of the ball filling channel 81 on the ball filling fixture 8 corresponds to the lower limiting plate 9. The indexing drive 10 is used to drive the ball counter 4 to move along the limiting assembly and to enable the ball counting channel 41 to selectively connect with the ball filling channel 81 and the ball feeding pipe 2. Through the movement of the ball counter 4, the ball counting channel 41 switches between misaligned and aligned states with the ball filling channel 81 and the ball feeding pipe 2, thereby realizing the counting function.

[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the ball storage unit includes a hopper 13, with a ball outlet 12 on one side. The inlet end of the ball feeding pipe 2 is connected to the ball outlet 12. A ball-feeding mechanism is also provided inside the hopper 13, comprising a lifting member 14 and a ball-feeding drive member 15. The ball-feeding drive member 15 drives the lifting member 14 to move up and down. The lifting member 14 is located near the side wall of the hopper 13 where the ball outlet 12 is located, and its upper end is inclined towards the ball outlet 12. The up-and-down movement of the lifting member 14 lifts the rolling elements inside the hopper 13 to the height of the ball outlet 12 and guides them into the ball outlet 12, thus achieving automated feeding of the rolling elements.

[0048] In summary, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automated ball loading device for shock absorber bearings, characterized in that: The device includes a worktable and a ball filling module. The worktable is equipped with a ball filling station. The ball filling module includes a ball filling fixture, a rotary drive, and a feed drive. The ball filling fixture is located above the ball filling station. The feed drive is used to drive the ball filling fixture to move up and down relative to the ball filling station. The rotary drive is used to drive the ball filling station to rotate around a vertical centerline. The lower end face of the ball-filling fixture is a ball-filling surface. The ball-filling fixture is provided with a ball-filling channel. The outlet of the ball-filling channel is located on the ball-filling surface, and the outlet of the ball-filling channel is offset from the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture.

2. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball-filling surface is provided with a positioning boss, and the axis of the positioning boss coincides with the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture.

3. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball-filling surface is provided with a ball-filling guide groove, which is arranged in a ring around the rotation center line of the ball-filling fixture; the outlet of the ball-filling channel is located in the ball-filling guide groove.

4. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ball filling guide groove is provided with a ball pushing block, and the central angle corresponding to the ball pushing block is no greater than 2°; the outlet of the ball filling channel is located on one side of the ball pushing block.

5. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball-filling fixture includes a ball-filling mold and a ball-guided mold, which are separately configured and detachably connected; the ball-filling surface is disposed on the ball-filling mold, and the ball-filling channel is disposed through the ball-filling mold and the ball-guided mold; the ball-guided mold is made of transparent material.

6. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball-filling module also includes a mounting plate, which is movably mounted up and down. The feed drive is used to drive the movement of the mounting plate. The ball-filling fixture and the rotation drive are mounted on the mounting plate.

7. The automated ball loading equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: It also includes a ball delivery module, which includes a ball storage unit and a ball delivery assembly. The ball delivery assembly includes a ball delivery pipe, one end of which is connected to the ball storage unit and the other end of which is connected to the ball filling channel on the ball filling fixture.

8. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ball delivery assembly also includes a ball counter and a rotation drive. The ball counter is located between the ball delivery pipe and the ball filling fixture. The ball counter has a ball counting channel inside, and the rotation drive is used to control the connection and disconnection between the ball counting channel and the ball filling channel.

9. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The ball feeding assembly also includes a limiting assembly, which includes an upper limiting plate and a lower limiting plate. The ball counter is movably disposed between the upper limiting plate and the lower limiting plate. The outlet end of the ball feeding pipe is disposed on the upper limiting plate. The inlet of the ball filling channel on the ball filling fixture corresponds to the lower limiting plate. The aforementioned indexing drive is used to drive the ball counter to move along the limiting component and to enable the ball counting channel to connect with the ball filling channel and the ball delivery pipe.

10. The automated ball loading equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ball storage unit includes a hopper, and a ball outlet is provided on one side of the hopper. The inlet end of the ball delivery pipe is connected to the ball outlet. The hopper is also equipped with a ball-poke mechanism, which includes a lifting component and a ball-poke driving component. The ball-poke driving component is used to drive the lifting component to move up and down. The lifting component is located near the side wall of the hopper where the ball outlet is located, and the upper end of the lifting component is inclined towards the ball outlet.

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