Mechanical arm assembly line for steering knuckle transfer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a mechanical arm assembly line for double-station transferring, and relates to the technical field of automobile part manufacturing, the mechanical arm assembly line comprises a rack, a chain plate conveying belt and a platform vertically arranged at the tail end of the chain plate conveying belt, a transferring assembly is slidably arranged on the platform, the transferring assembly comprises a multi-axis mechanical arm, and the tail end of the multi-axis mechanical arm is connected with a grabbing assembly; the grabbing assembly comprises a mounting plate, pneumatic clamping jaws are arranged on the two sides of the mounting plate correspondingly, a laser distance measuring sensor is arranged between the two pneumatic clamping jaws, a positioning assembly and a trigger plate are arranged on each chain plate, and a notch is formed in the rack. Meanwhile, a notch corresponding to the sensor is formed in the end part of the rack, and a trigger plate is additionally arranged at the edge of the chain plate, so that when the steering knuckle moves to a specific position along with the assembly line, the initial state positioning of the grabbing assembly and the triggering of a subsequent carrying signal are cooperatively completed, and the efficient and accurate operation of the whole transfer process is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts manufacturing technology, and in particular to a dual-station automated production line utilizing robotic arms. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of the automotive steering axle, the steering knuckle plays a crucial role in the vehicle's steering control and safe driving system. Steering knuckles are located on both the left and right sides of the axle, and their core functions are twofold: first, to transmit and bear the load of the front of the vehicle, including not only the vehicle's own weight but also various loads from the road surface, such as vertical, lateral, and longitudinal forces; second, to support the front wheels and drive them to rotate around the kingpin, thereby enabling steering actions and ensuring that the vehicle can precisely change its direction of travel according to the driver's intentions. During vehicle operation, the steering knuckle continuously withstands complex and dynamically changing impact loads. These include the bumps and impacts generated when driving on uneven road surfaces, or the stress impacts caused by uneven force distribution during steering operations.

[0003] In the mass production of automotive steering knuckles, the current method of manually transferring steering knuckles between different production lines is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive, severely restricting the improvement of overall production efficiency. If a robotic arm is used to achieve automated transfer, due to the special structure of the steering knuckle, ensuring its sufficient stability during placement and avoiding shaking or slipping during transfer becomes a major challenge. On the other hand, the timing of the robotic arm's intervention in transfer is also a technical problem that needs to be solved to achieve fully automated transfer. It should not interfere with the normal production rhythm too early, nor should it be too late to cause production disruptions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This device provides a steering knuckle-operated robotic arm assembly line, the specific implementation of which is as follows:

[0005] A steering knuckle-operated robotic arm assembly line includes:

[0006] The frame, the chain conveyor belt, and the platform vertically located at the end of the chain conveyor belt, with a transfer assembly sliding on the platform;

[0007] The transfer assembly includes a multi-axis robotic arm, with a gripping component attached to the end of the multi-axis robotic arm;

[0008] The gripping component includes a mounting plate, with pneumatic grippers on both sides of the mounting plate, and a laser rangefinder between the two pneumatic grippers;

[0009] The chain conveyor belt consists of several hinged chain plates along its length. Each chain plate is equipped with a positioning component and a trigger plate. The frame has a notch. The laser rangefinder is initially flush with the notch. The conveying operation is triggered after detecting the position of the trigger plate and the steering knuckle.

[0010] Preferably, the mounting plate is arranged vertically relative to the mounting plate, and the laser rangefinder is placed flat on the mounting plate.

[0011] A laser rangefinder sensor is integrated at the end of the gripping assembly, and a matching notch is machined at the end of the frame. The initial position of the gripping assembly is horizontal, flush with the notch. The laser rangefinder sensor and the gripping assembly in the horizontal position detect the arrival of the steering knuckle. A trigger baffle is installed on the edge of the conveyor chain. When the steering knuckle arrives at the predetermined station with the conveyor chain, the trigger baffle and the laser sensor form optical path interference, generating a handling trigger signal. The left and right auxiliary steering knuckles are conveyed on the left and right sides of the chain conveyor belt, respectively.

[0012] The internal structure of a pneumatic gripper mainly includes a cylinder, piston, piston rod, and grippers. When compressed air enters the cylinder through the air inlet, it pushes the piston to move. The movement of the piston is transmitted to the grippers through a transmission mechanism such as a connecting rod or gear, causing the grippers to open and close. The grippers maintain a parallel state during movement, positioning and locking the central through hole of the gripped steering knuckle. The three grippers are circumferentially distributed, allowing force to be applied to the central through hole from three directions simultaneously.

[0013] Preferably, the chain conveyor belt has positioning components symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain plate. The positioning components include positioning posts, and their heads are configured as necking structures for engaging the central through hole of the steering knuckle. The positioning posts have a positioning side plate on one side for abutting the end of the steering knuckle.

[0014] Preferably, there are several positioning side plates, and they are all oriented differently. Each positioning side plate abuts against the end of the steering knuckle.

[0015] Based on the above technical solutions, during the transportation of the steering knuckle on the chain conveyor belt, the use of positioning posts with a necking structure and positioning side plates arranged on one side can significantly enhance transportation stability. The positioning posts with a necking structure can fit with the central through hole of the steering knuckle to achieve a tight and stable nesting, while the positioning side plates arranged on one side form a reliable block and limit on the steering knuckle from one side, further preventing the steering knuckle from shaking or deviating due to vibration, inertia and other factors during the operation of the conveyor belt. Several positioning side plates abut against the ends of the steering knuckle in different orientations, so that the steering knuckle can play a good role in straightening and stabilizing when transported on the chain conveyor belt, thereby improving the success rate of subsequent pneumatic gripper clamping of the steering knuckle.

[0016] Preferably, the transfer assembly further includes a translation plate for mounting a multi-axis robotic arm, the platform includes a guide rail that slides in contact with the translation plate, and the translation plate is provided with a drive motor for sliding.

[0017] Preferably, the translation plate is equipped with an oil injection cylinder with a solenoid valve, and the output end of the oil injection cylinder is connected to the top of the guide rail.

[0018] Based on the above technical solutions, by setting an oil injection cylinder to periodically apply oil to the guide rail, the smoothness of the sliding plate can be improved. The drive motor realizes the translation drive of the sliding plate on the guide rail through a conventional lead screw structure or gear rack structure.

[0019] Preferably, a number of proximity switches are installed on the frame, and each proximity switch acts on both ends and the left and right sides of the chain conveyor belt.

[0020] Preferably, the proximity switch at the front end of the frame is installed via an adjusting rod, which has a vertical adjusting groove, and the proximity switch is connected to the adjusting groove by bolts.

[0021] Based on the above technical solutions, proximity switches can be used to remind the steering knuckle to be placed and to indicate when it is in position, so as to determine the timing of the conveyor belt's conveying action; the height of the proximity switch is adjustable, which can meet the sensing requirements of the steering knuckle inlet end of the steering belt.

[0022] In the automated production process of automotive steering knuckles, proximity switches can be deployed to accurately remind the steering knuckles to be placed and to be in position, providing signals for the initiation of subsequent conveying actions of the chain conveyor belt and effectively ensuring the efficient connection of the production process.

[0023] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. This utility model integrates a laser rangefinder sensor on the gripping assembly, opens a notch corresponding to the sensor at the end of the frame, and adds a trigger plate at the edge of the chain plate. This collaboratively enables the laser beam emitted by the laser rangefinder sensor to pass through the notch at the end of the frame and act on the trigger plate when the steering knuckle moves to a specific position with the assembly line, thus providing a positioning reminder. This achieves the initial positioning of the gripping assembly and triggers subsequent handling signals, ensuring that the entire transfer process is carried out efficiently and accurately.

[0025] 2. This utility model uses several side positioning plates arranged laterally to abut against the end of the steering knuckle in different orientations, so that the steering knuckle can play a good role in straightening and stabilizing when transported on the chain conveyor belt, thereby improving the success rate of subsequent pneumatic gripper clamping of the steering knuckle.

[0026] 3. This utility model has a simple structure. The proximity switch can provide reminders for the insertion and positioning of the steering knuckle, so as to realize the timing of the conveying action of the chain conveyor belt. The height of the proximity switch is adjustable, which can meet the sensing of the chain conveyor belt at the steering knuckle inlet end. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chain conveyor belt in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer component in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gripping component in this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning component in this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning component in this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 1. Chain conveyor belt; 2. Platform; 3. Positioning assembly; 4. Transfer assembly; 5. Gripping assembly; 6. Laser rangefinder sensor; 7. Trigger plate; 8. Proximity switch; 9. Frame; 10. Adjusting rod.

[0035] 201. Guide rail; 301. Positioning post; 302. Positioning side plate; 401. Translation plate; 402. Oil injection cylinder; 403. Drive motor; 404. Multi-axis robotic arm; 501. Mounting plate; 502. Pneumatic gripper; 1001. Center through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples:

[0037] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0038] Meanwhile, the terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle" and "one" used in this specification are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered as within the scope of implementation of this utility model.

[0039] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-6 This application will be described in further detail.

[0040] This application discloses a steering knuckle-operated robotic arm assembly line.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment discloses a steering knuckle-operated robotic arm assembly line, including a frame 9, a chain conveyor belt 1, and a platform 2 vertically located at the end of the chain conveyor belt 1. A transfer assembly 4 is slidably mounted on the platform 2. In this structure, the transfer assembly 4 includes a multi-axis robotic arm 404, and a gripping assembly 5 is connected to the end of the multi-axis robotic arm 404. The gripping assembly 5 includes a mounting plate 501. Pneumatic grippers 502 are provided on both sides of the mounting plate 501, and a laser range sensor 6 is provided between the two pneumatic grippers 502. The chain conveyor belt 1 is composed of several chain plates that are hinged to each other along its length. Each chain plate is provided with a positioning assembly 3 and a trigger plate 7. A notch is opened on the frame 9. The laser range sensor 6 is initially flush with the notch. After detecting the position of the trigger plate 7, the subsequent handling operation is triggered. The mounting plate 501 is vertically arranged relative to the mounting plate 501, and the laser range sensor 6 is placed flat on the mounting plate 501.

[0043] The transfer assembly 4 includes a translation plate 401 for mounting a multi-axis robotic arm 404. The platform 2 includes a guide rail 201 that is slidably connected to the translation plate 401. The translation plate 401 is equipped with a drive motor 403 for sliding. In this structure, the translation plate 401 is equipped with an oil injection cylinder 402 with a solenoid valve. The output end of the oil injection cylinder 402 is connected to the top of the guide rail 201.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] Reference Figures 5 to 6 This embodiment discloses a steering knuckle rotation robotic arm assembly line. The chain conveyor belt 1 has positioning components 3 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the chain plate. The positioning component 3 includes a positioning post 301, and its head is set as a necked structure for engaging the central through hole 1001 of the steering knuckle 11. The positioning post 301 has a positioning side plate 302 on one side for abutting the end of the steering knuckle 11. In this structure, there are several positioning side plates 302, and their orientations are all different. Each positioning side plate 302 abuts the end of the steering knuckle 11.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment discloses a steering knuckle-operated robotic arm assembly line, which also includes a controller. Several proximity switches 8 are installed on the frame 9. Each proximity switch 8 acts on both ends and the left and right sides of the chain conveyor belt 1. The proximity switches 8 at the front end of the frame 9 are installed through adjusting rods 10. The adjusting rods 10 have vertical adjusting grooves. The proximity switches 8 are connected to the adjusting grooves by bolts. In this structure, the laser ranging sensor 6 and the proximity switches 8 are electrically connected to the signal input terminal of the controller. The signal output terminal of the controller is electrically connected to the pneumatic gripper 502, the multi-axis robotic arm 404 and the drive motor 403.

[0048] The specific implementation process is as follows: the steering knuckle 11 is manually placed on the positioning post 301, and the steering knuckle 11 abuts against the positioning side plate 302 on one side; after the proximity switch 8 detects that there is no steering knuckle 11 at the end, the chain conveyor belt 1 starts to transport forward; after the laser range sensor 6 is triggered, the chain conveyor belt 1 stops, the multi-axis robotic arm 404 moves the pneumatic gripper 502 to above the steering knuckle 11 without steering knuckle and achieves gripping, and then the transfer assembly 4 starts to realize the transfer of the steering knuckles 11 on both sides respectively.

[0049] Many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the concept and scope of this utility model. It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments, and the scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transfer line for steering knuckle transfer using a robot arm, characterized by, Include: Rack (9), chain plate conveyor belt (1) and vertical end of the chain plate conveyor belt (1) platform (2), the platform (2) is slidingly provided with transfer assembly (4); The transfer assembly (4) includes a multi-axis robot arm (404), and the multi-axis robot arm (404) is connected with a grabbing assembly (5) at the end thereof; The grabbing assembly (5) includes a mounting plate (501), and the mounting plate (501) is provided with pneumatic clamps (502) on both sides thereof, and a laser ranging sensor (6) is arranged between the two pneumatic clamps (502); The chain plate conveyor belt (1) is composed of a plurality of hingedly connected chain plates along the length direction thereof, each chain plate is provided with a positioning assembly (3) and a trigger plate (7), the rack (9) is provided with an opening, and the laser ranging sensor (6) is flush with the opening in the initial state, and the subsequent handling operation is triggered by detecting the positioning of the trigger plate (7) and the knuckle (11).

2. The knuckle transfer line with robot according to claim 1, wherein The chain plate conveyor belt (1) is provided with the positioning assembly (3) symmetrically on both sides of the chain plate, the positioning assembly (3) includes a positioning column (301), and the head thereof is provided as a neck structure for clamping the center through hole (1001) of the knuckle (11); The positioning column (301) is provided with a positioning side plate (302) on one side thereof for abutting against the end of the knuckle (11).

3. The knuckle transfer line with robot according to claim 2, wherein The positioning side plate (302) is provided with a plurality of positioning side plates (302), and the directions thereof are different, and each positioning side plate (302) abuts against the end of the knuckle (11).

4. The knuckle transfer line with robot according to claim 1, wherein The transfer assembly (4) further includes a translation plate (401) for mounting the multi-axis robot arm (404), the platform (2) includes a guide rail (201) in sliding connection with the translation plate (401), and the translation plate (401) is provided with a driving motor (403) for sliding.

5. The knuckle transfer line of claim 4, wherein, The translation plate (401) is provided with an oil injection cylinder (402) with a solenoid valve, and the output end of the oil injection cylinder (402) is communicated with the upper side of the guide rail (201).

6. The knuckle transfer line of claim 1, wherein, The mounting plate (501) is vertically arranged relative to the mounting plate (501), and the laser ranging sensor (6) is placed on the mounting plate (501).

7. The knuckle transfer line of claim 1, wherein, The rack (9) is provided with a plurality of proximity switches (8), and each proximity switch (8) acts on both ends and left and right sides of the chain plate conveyor belt (1).

8. The robotic arm assembly line for knuckle transfer according to claim 7, wherein, The proximity switch (8) at the front end of the rack (9) is installed through an adjusting rod (10), the adjusting rod (10) is vertically provided with an adjusting groove, and the proximity switch (8) and the adjusting groove are connected through bolts.

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