Hub replacing device and tire uniformity testing system

Abstract

The utility model provides a hub replacing device and a tire uniformity test system, and the hub replacing device comprises a supporting seat, a turret stand column which is rotatably connected with the supporting seat, and a plurality of hub trays which are uniformly distributed around the axis of the turret stand column and are used for supporting hubs in a one-to-one correspondence manner. The first driving mechanism is used for driving the turret stand column to rotate so as to enable any hub tray to rotate to a first set position; and the grabbing device is used for placing the hub on the hub tray at the first set position or grabbing the hub on the hub tray at the first set position. According to the technical scheme, the hub trays are adopted to support different hubs, and the hub trays can be supported through the rotating tower stand column and can be driven by the first driving mechanism to rotate. When the hub needs to be replaced, the hub tray for supporting the needed hub can be rotated to the first set position, and the hub is grabbed by the grabbing device for replacement, so that the hub replacement efficiency is improved, and the labor intensity of workers is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tire technology, and in particular to a wheel hub changing device and a tire uniformity testing system. Background Technology

[0002] The tire uniformity testing machine is a specialized piece of equipment for fully automated online testing of tire uniformity performance indicators. During the tire testing process, the tire is mounted and locked using the upper and lower rims. After the tire is inflated to the required test pressure, a servo motor drives a load wheel to apply load to the inflated tire mounted on the main shaft, simulating the tire's driving state on the road. The main shaft drives the tire to rotate, and a force sensor fixed on a moving frame collects the force fluctuations of the tire during one rotation to perform the uniformity test.

[0003] The tire uniformity testing machine is a specialized, fully automated online testing device for assessing the uniformity of tire performance. Its rim is a specialized, split-type rim, a crucial component of the machine. Due to the large testing range, multiple rims are required. Rim replacements are frequently necessary during actual testing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this utility model application is to provide a wheel hub changing device and a tire uniformity testing system to reduce the energy consumption of the wheel hub changing device.

[0005] In a first aspect, a wheel hub changing device is provided, which includes: a support base, a turret column rotatably connected to the support base, the axis around which the turret column rotates is collinear with the axis of the turret column; and a plurality of wheel hub trays evenly distributed around the axis of the turret column, wherein each wheel hub tray is fixedly connected to the turret column and is used to support a wheel hub.

[0006] It also includes a first drive mechanism that drives the turret column to rotate so that any of the hub trays rotates to a first set position;

[0007] It also includes a gripping device for placing the wheel hub on the wheel hub tray at the first set position or gripping the wheel hub on the wheel hub tray at the first set position.

[0008] In the above technical solution, multiple hub trays are used to support different hubs, and these hub trays can be supported by turret columns and rotated under the drive of a first drive mechanism. When a hub needs to be replaced, the hub tray supporting the required hub can be rotated to a first set position and then gripped and replaced by a gripping device, which improves the efficiency of hub replacement and reduces the labor intensity of workers.

[0009] In one specific implementation scheme, the system further includes a base, and the support is slidably mounted on the base; wherein the sliding direction of the support is perpendicular to the axis of the turret column;

[0010] When the support seat slides to the second predetermined position, the support seat is close to the gripping device, and when any wheel hub tray rotates to the first predetermined position, the wheel hub tray is located below the gripping device;

[0011] When the support seat slides to the third predetermined position, the support seat moves away from the gripping device.

[0012] In one specific implementation, a second drive mechanism is further included for driving the support base to reciprocate between the second set position and the third set position.

[0013] In one specific implementation, the first drive mechanism includes a first drive motor, a drive gear coaxially fixed with the output shaft of the first drive motor, and a gear ring disposed on the turret column; wherein the gear ring meshes with the drive gear.

[0014] In one specific implementation, a positioning component is also included for positioning the turret column when either hub tray rotates to a set angle.

[0015] In one specific implementation, the positioning component includes a positioning cylinder and a positioning groove corresponding to each wheel hub tray; wherein, a plurality of the positioning grooves are evenly distributed on the turret column; when any of the wheel hub trays rotates to the set angle, the piston rod of the positioning cylinder is inserted into the positioning groove corresponding to that wheel hub tray.

[0016] In a second aspect, a tire uniformity testing system is provided, the tire uniformity testing system including a frame, a main shaft disposed on the frame and used to support a wheel hub, and a wheel hub changing device as described in any of the above; wherein the gripping device is used to transfer a wheel hub located on the main shaft to a wheel hub tray located at a first predetermined position, or to transfer a wheel hub located on the wheel hub tray located at the first predetermined position to the main shaft.

[0017] In the above technical solution, multiple hub trays are used to support different hubs, and these hub trays can be supported by turret columns and rotated under the drive of a first drive mechanism. When a hub needs to be replaced, the hub tray supporting the required hub can be rotated to a first set position and then gripped and replaced by a gripping device, which improves the efficiency of hub replacement and reduces the labor intensity of workers.

[0018] In one specific implementation, the hub changing device further includes a base, and when the support is slidably mounted on the base, when the support slides to a second set position, the hub tray located at the first set position is coaxial with the main shaft.

[0019] In one specific implementation, when the support is slid to a third predetermined position, there is space between the hub tray closest to the main shaft and the main shaft to allow the tire to pass. Attached Figure Description

[0020] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments provided according to this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wheel hub structure;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the wheel hub;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the hub-changing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hub support device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a top view of the hub support device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in one or more embodiments of this specification should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in one or more embodiments of this specification do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0028] To facilitate understanding of the wheel hub changing device provided in this application embodiment, its application scenario is first described. The wheel hub changing device provided in this application embodiment is applied to a tire inspection system. Current tire inspection systems require wheel hub support when inspecting tires. However, different tires require different wheel hub specifications, therefore, wheel hubs need to be changed when inspecting tires of different sizes. Currently, wheel hub replacement is often done manually, but due to the weight of the rim, the labor intensity for workers is high. In addition, the assembly precision of the replaced rim is high, and inaccurate assembly will affect tire testing. Furthermore, when changing wheel hubs, workers need to climb onto the tire conveyor rollers, which can easily damage the equipment, and the replacement time is long, affecting efficiency. Therefore, this application embodiment provides a wheel hub changing device to reduce the labor intensity of workers and improve work efficiency. The wheel hub changing device provided in this application embodiment is described in detail below with reference to specific drawings.

[0029] To facilitate understanding of the wheel hub changing device provided in the embodiments of this application, the structure of the wheel hub will be described first. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the wheel hub structure is shown. Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the wheel hub is shown. The wheel hub adopts a split structure, mainly comprising an upper wheel hub 10 and a lower wheel hub 20. During assembly, the upper wheel hub 10 and the lower wheel hub 20 are coaxially arranged and can be fixed and disassembled. For example, the upper wheel hub 10 is provided with multiple locking rods 11, and the lower wheel hub 20 is provided with a locking disc, which is provided with locking grooves 21 corresponding to the locking rods 11 one by one. The locking grooves 21 are elongated grooves, with one end of the locking groove 21 having a larger opening and the other end having a smaller opening; correspondingly, the ends of the locking rods 11 are provided with a shoulder or a similar shoulder structure. When the locking rod 11 is inserted into the locking groove 21, it is inserted from the end with the larger opening. The shoulder passes through the locking groove 21. Rotate the upper hub 10 or the lower hub 20 so that the locking rod 11 is located at the end with the smaller opening of the locking groove 21. At this time, the shoulder can be stuck on the other side of the locking groove 21 to achieve axial positioning of the upper hub 10 and the lower hub 20.

[0030] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an application scenario of the wheel hub changing device 400 provided in this embodiment. The wheel hub changing device 400 is applied in a tire uniformity testing system used to detect tire uniformity. The tire uniformity testing system includes a frame 100 and a main shaft mounted on the frame 100. The main shaft supports the wheel hub and drives it to rotate. Additionally, a load wheel device 200 is provided on one side of the main shaft. In use, the tire is mounted on the wheel hub on the main shaft, and the load wheel device 200 presses against the tire, driving it to rotate through friction. The tire uniformity testing system can detect various parameters of the rotating tire to perform tire testing.

[0031] The wheel hub changing device 400 provided in this application embodiment is used in a tire uniformity testing system. It is located on one side of the main shaft and is used to carry and transfer wheel hubs of the required specifications onto the main shaft. The specific structure of the wheel hub changing device 400 is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the hub-changing device 400 is shown. Figure 5 A top view of the hub changing device 400 is shown.

[0033] The wheel hub changing device 400 provided in this application mainly includes a wheel hub support device 420 for supporting wheel hubs of different specifications and a gripping device 410 for transferring wheel hubs. The wheel hub support device 420 includes a support base 425, a turret column 422, wheel hub trays 421, and a first drive mechanism 423. The support base 425 serves as the support structure for the entire device. The turret column 422 supports multiple wheel hub trays 421, and the turret column 422 is rotatably connected to the support base 425, allowing the multiple wheel hub trays 421 to rotate to the required position as needed. The first drive mechanism 423 drives the turret column 422 to rotate. The gripping device 410 is used to transfer the wheel hubs to the spindle.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the turret column 422 provided in this embodiment is a columnar structure. When it rotates relative to the support base 425, its axis of rotation is collinear with the axis of the turret column 422, meaning the turret column 422 rotates on its own axis. The aforementioned hub trays 421 are used to support hubs of different specifications. When multiple hub trays 421 are arranged, they are arranged around the axis of the turret column 422, and are evenly distributed so that the force on the turret column 422 is relatively balanced after the hub trays 421 support the hubs. Furthermore, when it is necessary to replace the hubs, the turret column 422 only needs to rotate by the same angle to change the position of the multiple hub trays 421, facilitating replacement.

[0035] The first drive mechanism 423 provided in this embodiment is used to drive the turret column 422 to rotate, thereby adjusting the hub tray 421 to a desired position, which is the position where the gripping device 410 grips the hub. For example, the first drive mechanism 423 drives the turret column 422 to rotate any hub tray 421 to a first predetermined position, which is the position where it cooperates with the gripping device 410. When any hub tray 421 rotates to the first predetermined position, the gripping device 410 can grip or release the hub 20 on the hub tray 421 located at the first predetermined position.

[0036] The gripping device 410 provided in this embodiment is used to grip the wheel hub onto the spindle or to grip the wheel hub on the spindle onto the wheel hub tray 421. Specifically, the gripping device 410 is used to place the wheel hub on the wheel hub tray 421 at a first predetermined position or to grip the wheel hub on the wheel hub tray 421 at the first predetermined position. For example, when a wheel hub needs to be replaced, the gripping device 410 first grips the wheel hub on the spindle, then rotates a wheel hub tray 421 without a wheel hub to the first predetermined position, and the gripping device 410 lowers the gripped wheel hub. Then, the turret column 422 is rotated to rotate the wheel hub tray 421 carrying the wheel hub to be replaced to the first predetermined position, the gripping device 410 grips the wheel hub, and assembles the wheel hub onto the spindle, thereby completing the spindle replacement.

[0037] As can be seen from the above description, the wheel hub changing device 400 provided in this application embodiment uses multiple wheel hub trays 421 to support different wheel hubs respectively, and the multiple wheel hub trays 421 can be supported by turret columns 422 and can rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism 423. When it is necessary to change the wheel hub, the wheel hub tray 421 supporting the required wheel hub can be rotated to a first set position, and the gripping device 410 can grip and replace it, which improves the efficiency of wheel hub replacement and reduces the labor intensity of workers.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The gripping device 410 in the wheel hub changing device 400 provided in this application embodiment is also used to cooperate with the main shaft to detect the tire. Specifically, when the tire is assembled to the wheel hub, the upper wheel hub 10 and the lower wheel hub 20 need to be separated first. After the tire is placed on the lower wheel hub 20, the upper wheel hub 10 and the lower wheel hub 20 are then fixed. During the wheel hub separation and fixing, the gripping device 410 in this application embodiment can cooperate with the main shaft. Specifically, when assembling the tire, the locking between the upper wheel hub 10 and the lower wheel hub 20 is released by rotating the main shaft. Then, the gripping device 410 drives the upper wheel hub 10 to rise, separating the upper wheel hub 10 from the lower wheel hub 20. The tire is placed on the lower wheel hub 20, and then the gripping device 410 drives the upper wheel hub 10 to fall. The locking rod 11 is inserted into the locking groove 21, and the lower wheel hub 20 is rotated by the main shaft. The locking rod 11 is locked and fixed with the locking groove 21, and the upper wheel hub 10 and the lower wheel hub 20 fix the tire.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 When multiple hub trays 421 are fixedly connected to the turret column 422, the hub trays 421 and the turret column 422 can be fixedly connected by the support arm 428 corresponding to each hub tray 421. When the multiple hub trays 421 are supported by the support arm 428, they form a ring, and the center of the ring is located on the axis of the turret column 422.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, adjacent support arms 428 can be connected by a crossbeam 429 to improve the stability of the support arms 428 when supporting the hub tray 421.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The hub changing device 400 provided in this embodiment also includes a base 426 for supporting a support base 425. During assembly, the support base 425 is slidably mounted on the base 426, with the sliding direction of the support base 425 perpendicular to the axis of the turret column 422. That is, the support base 425 in this embodiment slides to move the turret column 422. The sliding direction of the support base 425 is also perpendicular to the main shaft, and the support base 425 can move closer to or further away from the main shaft during sliding. For ease of description, two sliding positions of the support base 425 are defined as a second set position and a third set position, where the second set position is the working position of the hub changing device 400, and the third set position is the waiting position of the hub changing device 400.

[0042] Specifically, when the support base 425 slides to the second preset position, it is close to the gripping device 410, and when any hub tray 421 rotates to the first preset position, it is located below the gripping device 410. When the support base 425 slides to the third preset position, it moves away from the gripping device 410. Specifically, when a hub needs to be replaced, the support base 425 can be slid to the second preset position, and then the turret column 422 can be rotated to rotate the hub tray 421 supporting the required hub size to the first preset position. At this time, the hub tray 421 is located below the gripping device 410 and above the spindle. In this state, the wheel hub tray 421 supporting the wheel hub, the wheel hub, and the main shaft are on the same axis. The gripping device 410 grips the wheel hub. After the gripping device 410 grips the wheel hub, it drives the support seat 425 to slide to the third preset position. The support seat 425 moves away from the gripping device 410 and the main shaft, and the gripping device 410 lowers to place the wheel hub on the main shaft. In the subsequent tire placement process, the gripping device 410 and the main shaft can be used to separate the wheel hub as described above. Of course, in addition to the above example, when the support seat 425 is in the third preset position, the wheel hub tray 421 carrying the wheel hub of the required size can be rotated to the fourth preset position. When the support seat 425 moves to the second preset position, the wheel hub tray 421 originally in the fourth preset position moves to the first preset position, which also achieves the state of moving the wheel hub tray 421 carrying the wheel hub of the required size to the first preset position.

[0043] When the support 425 is away from the gripping device 410 and the main shaft, there is space between the wheel hub tray 421, which is closest to the main shaft, and the main shaft to allow the tire to pass. This ensures that the wheel hub changing device 400 does not interfere with the tire being placed on the wheel hub for inspection.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, the gripping device 410 provided in this application is slidably mounted on the frame 100 of the tire uniformity test system, and the sliding direction of the gripping device 410 is along the vertical direction, that is, the gripping device 410 slides along the axis of the main shaft.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, when the wheel hub changing device 400 is assembled into the tire uniformity testing system, the base 426 of the gripping device 410 can be the frame 100, i.e., the support 425 is slidably mounted on the frame 100. This reduces the assembly error between the wheel hub tray 421 and the gripping device 410, making their fit more precise.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, the wheel hub changing device 400 provided in this application further includes a second drive mechanism 427, which drives the support base 425 to slide. In use, the second drive mechanism 427 can drive the support base 425 to reciprocate between a second set position and a third set position to facilitate wheel hub replacement. In a specific example, the second drive mechanism 427 includes a second drive motor, a lead screw connected to the second drive motor, and a nut threadedly connected to the lead screw, wherein the nut is fixedly connected to the support base 425. Specifically, the second drive motor is fixed on the base 426, the lead screw extends along the direction towards the main shaft, and the nut is fixed to the support base 425. When driving the support base 425, the second drive motor drives the lead screw to rotate forward or backward, thereby moving the support base 425 from the second set position to the third set position, or from the third set position to the second set position, via the nut.

[0047] The first drive mechanism 423 provided in this embodiment includes a first drive motor, a drive gear, and a gear ring. The drive gear is coaxially fixed to the output shaft of the first drive motor and is driven to rotate by the first drive motor. The gear ring is mounted on the turret column 422 and is coaxially fixed to it. During operation, the drive gear meshes with the gear ring. When the first drive motor drives the drive gear to rotate, the drive gear drives the gear ring to rotate synchronously, thereby causing the turret column 422 to rotate.

[0048] When the first drive motor is installed, it is fixed on the support base 425 so that the first drive motor is fixed relative to the support base 425. When the first drive motor rotates, it can drive the turret column 422 to rotate.

[0049] In one feasible embodiment, the wheel hub changing device 400 further includes a positioning component 424 for positioning the turret column 422 when any wheel hub tray 421 rotates to a set angle. The positioning component 424 secures the turret column 422, ensuring its stability during wheel hub changing. Exemplarily, the positioning component 424 includes a positioning cylinder and multiple positioning slots, each corresponding to one of the wheel hub trays 421. In a specific configuration, the multiple positioning slots are evenly distributed on the turret column 422. When any wheel hub tray 421 rotates to the set angle, the piston rod of the positioning cylinder inserts into the corresponding positioning slot of that wheel hub tray 421. Exemplarily, the positioning cylinder is fixed to the support base 425 and located on one side of the turret column 422. When the turret column 422 rotates to the set angle of rotation of one of the wheel hub trays 421, the piston rod of the positioning cylinder extends and inserts into the corresponding positioning slot, thereby locking the turret column 422. This ensures that the turret column 422 remains stable when the gripping device 410 is changing the wheel hub.

[0050] This application embodiment also provides a tire uniformity testing system, which includes a frame 100, a main shaft mounted on the frame 100 for supporting a wheel hub, and a wheel hub changing device 400 as described above; wherein, the gripping device 410 is used to transfer a wheel hub located on the main shaft to a wheel hub tray 421 located at a first set position, or to transfer a wheel hub located on the wheel hub tray 421 located at the first set position to the main shaft.

[0051] In the above technical solution, multiple hub trays 421 are used to support different hubs respectively, and the multiple hub trays 421 can be supported by turret columns 422 and can rotate under the drive of the first drive mechanism 423. When it is necessary to replace the hub, the hub tray 421 supporting the required hub can be rotated to a first set position, and the hub can be picked up and replaced by the gripping device 410, which improves the efficiency of hub replacement and reduces the labor intensity of workers.

[0052] In a specific feasible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the wheel hub changing device 400 also includes a base 426, and when the support seat 425 is slidably mounted on the base 426, when the support seat 425 slides to the second preset position, the wheel hub tray 421 located at the first preset position is coaxial with the main shaft. This allows the gripping device 410 to easily grip the wheel hub for replacement.

[0053] In one specific implementation, when the support 425 slides to the third predetermined position, there is space between the hub tray 421 closest to the main shaft and the main shaft to allow the tire to pass. This ensures that the hub tray 421 will not interfere with the tire when it is being inspected.

[0054] One or more embodiments of this specification are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments of this specification should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0055] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hub-changing device, characterized in that, include: The support base, the turret column rotatably connected to the support base, the axis around which the turret column rotates is collinear with the axis of the turret column; it also includes a plurality of hub trays evenly distributed around the axis of the turret column, wherein each hub tray is fixedly connected to the turret column and is used to support a hub. It also includes a first drive mechanism that drives the turret column to rotate so that any of the hub trays rotates to a first set position; It also includes a gripping device for placing the wheel hub on the wheel hub tray at the first set position or gripping the wheel hub on the wheel hub tray at the first set position.

2. The hub-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a base, and the support is slidably assembled on the base; wherein the sliding direction of the support is perpendicular to the axis of the turret column; When the support seat slides to the second predetermined position, the support seat is close to the gripping device, and when any wheel hub tray rotates to the first predetermined position, the wheel hub tray is located below the gripping device; When the support seat slides to the third predetermined position, the support seat moves away from the gripping device.

3. The hub-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second drive mechanism for driving the support base to move back and forth between the second set position and the third set position.

4. The hub-changing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second drive mechanism includes a second drive motor, a lead screw connected to the second drive motor, and a nut threadedly connected to the lead screw, wherein the nut is fixedly connected to the support base.

5. The hub-changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first drive mechanism includes a first drive motor, a drive gear fixed coaxially with the output shaft of the first drive motor, and a gear ring disposed on the turret column; wherein the gear ring meshes with the drive gear.

6. The hub-changing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning component for positioning the turret column when either hub tray rotates to a set angle.

7. The hub-changing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a positioning cylinder and a positioning groove corresponding to each wheel hub tray; wherein, a plurality of the positioning grooves are evenly distributed on the turret column; when any of the wheel hub trays rotates to the set angle, the piston rod of the positioning cylinder is inserted into the positioning groove corresponding to that wheel hub tray.

8. A tire uniformity testing system, characterized in that, The device includes a frame, a main shaft mounted on the frame for supporting a wheel hub, and a wheel hub changing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; wherein the gripping device is used to transfer a wheel hub located on the main shaft to a wheel hub tray located at a first predetermined position, or to transfer a wheel hub located on the wheel hub tray located at the first predetermined position to the main shaft.

9. The tire uniformity testing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hub changing device also includes a base, and when the support seat is slidably assembled on the base, when the support seat slides to the second set position, the hub tray located at the first set position is coaxial with the main shaft.

10. The tire uniformity testing system according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the support seat slides to the third set position, there is space between the hub tray closest to the main shaft and the main shaft to avoid the tire.

Images