A crankshaft conveyor device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a crankshaft conveying device, including a frame, a drive shaft and a driven shaft rotatably mounted on the frame, a conveying chain assembly for conveying the crankshaft, and two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms disposed on both sides of the frame in the width direction. The two ends of the driven shaft are respectively connected to the two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms. The conveying chain assembly is drively connected to the drive shaft and the driven shaft. Each chain tensioning mechanism includes two tensioning plates fixed to the frame and arranged vertically opposite each other, a bearing seat slidably disposed between the two tensioning plates, and an adjusting structure for driving the bearing seat to slide. This utility model's crankshaft conveying device is used for crankshaft transfer and conveying between machine tools in various processes, replacing manual transfer and improving transfer efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of crankshaft production and processing technology, and in particular to a crankshaft conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] The crankshaft is a key component of the engine, and its production process is complex. In the machining stage, the crankshaft is mainly processed by automated machine tools through turning, milling, grinding and other processes. The machined crankshafts are placed on the transfer rack next to the machine tool. After a certain number are stored, they are manually transferred to the machine tool of the next process. This method not only leads to a large backlog of work-in-process inventory on each machine tool between processes, but also the manual transfer method is inefficient and labor-intensive. If the transfer is not timely, the machine tool will be stopped and waiting, which will affect the production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this utility model is to design a crankshaft conveying device for transferring crankshafts between machine tools in various processes, replacing manual transfer and improving transfer efficiency.

[0004] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] Design a crankshaft conveying device, including a frame, a drive shaft and a driven shaft rotatably mounted on the frame, a conveying chain assembly for conveying the crankshaft, and two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms disposed on both sides of the frame in the width direction. The two ends of the driven shaft are respectively connected to the two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms. The conveying chain assembly is drivenly connected to the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The chain tensioning mechanism includes two tensioning plates fixed to the frame and disposed vertically opposite each other, a bearing seat slidably disposed between the two tensioning plates, and an adjustment structure for driving the bearing seat to slide.

[0006] This design incorporates a crankshaft conveyor system installed between machine tools for the transfer of semi-finished crankshafts. The combination of the drive shaft and driven shaft forms a closed-loop transmission system, coupled with a high-strength conveyor chain assembly, capable of continuously conveying heavy-duty crankshafts. Efficient and stable tension adjustment is achieved through a chain tensioning mechanism. Specifically, the bearing housing slides between upper and lower tensioning plates, and with the adjustment structure, the position of the driven shaft can be quickly and finely adjusted to rapidly respond to chain loosening caused by load changes, thermal expansion and contraction, or long-term wear. Independent chain tensioning mechanisms are connected to both ends of the driven shaft to ensure uniform tension on both sides of the conveyor chain assembly, avoiding the risk of skewing due to excessive tightness or looseness on one side. Adjusting the chain tension prevents stress concentration in chain links due to excessive tightness or skipped teeth wear due to excessive looseness, extending the chain's service life. This crankshaft conveyor system achieves stable crankshaft transport, replacing manual transfer methods, improving transport efficiency, and preventing machine tool downtime and production disruptions caused by untimely transport.

[0007] Furthermore, the adjustment structure includes a fixed block disposed beside the tensioning plate and an adjustment screw connected at one end to the bearing seat, the adjustment screw being threadedly connected to the fixed block.

[0008] The adjustment structure, composed of an adjusting screw and a fixed block, achieves high precision with simplified mechanics, low cost, and high reliability, meeting the dual requirements of stability and economy in industrial equipment. The adjusting screw and fixed block are threaded together; the pitch design determines the fine-tuning accuracy. Each rotation of the screw results in a bearing seat displacement equal to the pitch value. The frictional self-locking characteristic of the threaded pair (friction angle greater than the helix angle) prevents adjustment failure due to vibration or load impact. Furthermore, a hexagonal head or handwheel is provided at the end of the adjusting screw, allowing for manual adjustment by rotating the screw, eliminating the need for hydraulic or electric systems.

[0009] Furthermore, each of the two tensioning plates is provided with a sliding protrusion, and the bearing seat is provided with sliding grooves on both sides of the tensioning plate that match the sliding protrusions.

[0010] The design of the sliding protrusion embedded in the sliding groove forms a physical hard limit, constraining the bearing seat to slide only in the horizontal direction, avoiding the bearing seat from tilting or jamming due to external forces, such as the lateral tension of the chain or vibration, improving the linear accuracy of the tension adjustment trajectory. The symmetrical layout of the sliding grooves on both sides and the double sliding protrusions disperses the lateral load during the sliding process and reduces the risk of single-point wear.

[0011] Furthermore, the conveyor chain assembly includes two sets of first and second conveyor chains spaced apart, as well as several sets of support clamps for supporting the crankshaft.

[0012] The first and second conveyor chain groups are located at the two ends of the drive shaft and driven shaft near the side wall of the frame, respectively, forming a distributed force structure that can evenly distribute the weight of the crankshaft. The two chains are driven synchronously, avoiding the risk of deformation or breakage caused by overload of one side of the chain, and improving the rigidity of the system.

[0013] Furthermore, each set of support clamps includes a first support clamp and a second support clamp respectively disposed on the first conveyor chain group and the second conveyor chain group, wherein the first support clamp and the second support clamp are provided with clamping grooves for supporting and limiting the crankshaft.

[0014] The first and second conveyor chain groups each contain two chains, and the two chains form a fixed mounting position for installing the first and second support clamps. The first and second support clamps form a symmetrical clamping structure. The clamping slots of the two sets of clamps are precisely matched to the journals at both ends of the crankshaft, so that the weight is evenly distributed to the double chain group, avoiding journal deformation caused by single-point load.

[0015] Furthermore, the clamping groove is a V-shaped groove, and its groove wall is provided with an elastic pad.

[0016] The clamping groove uses a V-groove and elastic pads, such as polyurethane, to adapt to different crankshaft journal diameters. The elastic pads can absorb high-frequency vibrations during crankshaft transport and also prevent scratches on the precision machined surfaces of the crankshaft.

[0017] Furthermore, the unloading end of the crankshaft conveying device is provided with two sets of lifting mechanisms, which are located on both sides of the frame width direction.

[0018] To facilitate automatic material handling by the unloading robotic arm and prevent interference between the unloading robotic arm and crankshafts at non-receiving positions, lifting mechanisms are installed on both sides of the frame width to raise the crankshafts at the receiving positions for the robotic arm to grip. These lifting mechanisms are linked to the start / stop signals of the unloading robotic arm and the conveyor chain assembly. The unloading robotic arm is prohibited from gripping the crankshaft if the preset lifting height has not been reached, thus avoiding the risk of collision. The two lifting mechanisms, distributed on both sides of the frame, form a symmetrical support structure, precisely matching the crankshaft's center of gravity and evenly distributing the impact force of the unloading process to both sides of the frame, preventing frame deformation caused by unilateral overload.

[0019] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a lifting clamp and a lifting drive for driving the lifting clamp to move up and down.

[0020] The lifting drive can be a servo electric actuator, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic linear module. Position data is fed back in real time via encoder / grating ruler to achieve closed-loop control, ensuring precise alignment for crankshaft unloading. The lifting fixture has the same design as the support fixture, employing a V-groove + elastic pad design to adapt to different crankshaft journal diameters.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] This design incorporates a crankshaft conveyor system installed between machine tools for the transfer of semi-finished crankshafts. The combination of the drive shaft and driven shaft forms a closed-loop transmission system, coupled with a high-strength conveyor chain assembly, capable of continuously conveying heavy-duty crankshafts. Efficient and stable tension adjustment is achieved through a chain tensioning mechanism. Specifically, the bearing housing slides between upper and lower tensioning plates, and with the adjustment structure, the position of the driven shaft can be quickly and finely adjusted to rapidly respond to chain loosening caused by load changes, thermal expansion and contraction, or long-term wear. Independent chain tensioning mechanisms are connected to both ends of the driven shaft to ensure uniform tension on both sides of the conveyor chain assembly, avoiding the risk of skewing due to excessive tightness or looseness on one side. Adjusting the chain tension prevents stress concentration in chain links due to excessive tightness or skipped teeth wear due to excessive looseness, extending the chain's service life. This crankshaft conveyor system achieves stable crankshaft transport, replacing manual transfer methods, improving transport efficiency, and preventing machine tool downtime and production disruptions caused by untimely transport. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a crankshaft conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conveyor chain assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the chain tensioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Illustration: 1. Frame; 2. Drive shaft; 3. Driven shaft; 4. Conveyor chain assembly; 41. First conveyor chain assembly; 42. Second conveyor chain assembly; 43. First support clamp; 44. Second support clamp; 45. Clamping groove; 46. Elastic pad; 5. Chain tensioning mechanism; 51. Tensioning plate; 52. Bearing seat; 53. Adjustment structure; 511. Sliding protrusion; 521. Sliding groove; 531. Fixing block; 532. Adjusting screw; 6. Lifting mechanism; 61. Lifting clamp; 62. Lifting drive component. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To facilitate understanding of this invention, a more comprehensive description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. However, this invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a crankshaft conveying device, including a frame 1, a drive shaft 2 and a driven shaft 3 rotatably mounted on the frame 1, a conveyor chain assembly 4 for conveying the crankshaft, and two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms 5 disposed on both sides of the frame 1 in the width direction. The two ends of the driven shaft 3 are respectively connected to the two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms 5, and the conveyor chain assembly 4 is drive-connected to the drive shaft 2 and the driven shaft 3. A drive motor is disposed below the frame 1, and the output end of the drive motor is drive-connected to the drive shaft 2 via a chain.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the conveyor chain group 4 includes two sets of first conveyor chain groups 41 and second conveyor chain groups 42 arranged at intervals, and several sets of support clamps for supporting the crankshaft. The first conveyor chain groups 41 and second conveyor chain groups 42 are located at the two ends of the drive shaft 2 and driven shaft 3 near the side wall of the frame, forming a distributed force structure that can evenly distribute the weight of the crankshaft. The two sets of chains are driven synchronously, avoiding the risk of deformation or breakage caused by overload of one side of the chain, and improving the rigidity of the system. Each set of support clamps includes a first support clamp 43 and a second support clamp 44. The first conveyor chain group 41 and the second conveyor chain group 42 each contain two chains. The two chains are coupled to the sprockets on the drive shaft 2 and the driven shaft 3, respectively. A fixed mounting position for installing the first support clamp 43 and the second support clamp 44 is formed between the two chains. The first support clamp 43 and the second support clamp 44 are installed in the fixed mounting position and move cyclically with the chains. The first support clamp 43 and the second support clamp 44 are provided with clamping grooves 45 for supporting and restricting the crankshaft. The clamping grooves 45 are V-shaped grooves, and their walls are provided with elastic pads 46, which can be made of polyurethane. The first support clamp 43 and the second support clamp 44 form a symmetrical clamping structure. The clamping grooves 45 of the two sets of clamps are precisely matched to the journals at both ends of the crankshaft, so that the weight is evenly distributed to the double chain assembly, avoiding journal deformation caused by single-point load. The clamping grooves 45 adopt a V-shaped groove + elastic pad 46 design to adapt to different crankshaft journal diameters. The elastic pads 46 can absorb high-frequency vibrations during crankshaft transport and also prevent scratches on the precision machined surfaces of the crankshaft.

[0030] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the chain tensioning mechanism 5 includes two tensioning plates 51 fixed to the frame 1 and arranged vertically opposite each other, a bearing seat 52 slidably disposed between the two tensioning plates 51, and an adjustment structure 53 for driving the bearing seat 52 to slide. Each of the two tensioning plates 51 is provided with a sliding protrusion 511, and the bearing seat 52 is provided with sliding grooves 521 on both sides of the tensioning plates 51 that match the sliding protrusions 511. The design of the sliding protrusions 511 embedding into the sliding grooves 521 forms a physical hard limit, constraining the bearing seat 52 to slide only in the horizontal direction, avoiding the bearing seat 52 from tilting or jamming due to external forces, such as lateral chain tension or vibration, thus improving the linear accuracy of the tension adjustment trajectory. The symmetrical layout of the sliding grooves 521 on both sides and the double sliding protrusions 511 disperses the lateral load during the sliding process, reducing the risk of single-point wear. The adjustment structure 53 includes a fixed block 531 located beside the tensioning plate 51 and an adjustment screw 532 connected at one end to the bearing housing 52. The adjustment screw 532 is threadedly connected to the fixed block 531. The adjustment structure 53, composed of the adjustment screw 532 and the fixed block 531, achieves a high-precision design with mechanical simplification, low cost, and high reliability, meeting the dual requirements of stability and economy for industrial equipment. The threaded engagement between the adjustment screw 532 and the fixed block 531, with the pitch design determining the fine-tuning accuracy, results in the bearing housing 52 displacing by the pitch value with each rotation of the screw. The frictional self-locking characteristic of the threaded pair (friction angle greater than helix angle) prevents adjustment failure due to vibration or load impact. Furthermore, a hexagonal head or handwheel is provided at the end of the adjustment screw 532, allowing for manual adjustment by rotating the screw, eliminating the need for hydraulic or electric systems.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, to facilitate automatic material handling by the unloading robotic arm and avoid interference between the unloading robotic arm and the crankshaft at non-receiving positions, the unloading end of the crankshaft conveying device is equipped with two sets of lifting mechanisms 6, which are located on both sides of the frame 1 in the width direction. The lifting mechanisms 6 are used to lift the crankshaft at the receiving position for the robotic arm to grip. The lifting mechanisms 6 are linked with the start / stop signals of the unloading robotic arm and the conveyor chain group 4. The unloading robotic arm is prohibited from gripping the crankshaft if the preset lifting height is not reached to avoid collision risks. The two sets of lifting mechanisms 6 are distributed on both sides of the frame 1, forming a symmetrical support structure that can precisely match the crankshaft's center of gravity, evenly distributing the unloading impact force to both sides of the frame 1, avoiding deformation of the frame 1 due to unilateral overload. The lifting mechanism 6 includes a lifting clamp 61 and a lifting drive component 62 for driving the lifting clamp 61 to rise and fall. The lifting drive component 62 can be a servo electric push rod, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic linear module. It uses an encoder / grating ruler to provide real-time position data feedback, achieving closed-loop control and ensuring precise docking for crankshaft unloading. The lifting fixture 61 has the same design as the support fixture, employing a V-groove + elastic pad design to adapt to different crankshaft journal diameters.

[0032] The crankshaft conveying device provided in this embodiment is installed between machine tools for the transfer of semi-finished crankshafts between them. The combination of the drive shaft 2 and the driven shaft 3 forms a closed-loop transmission system, which, together with the high-strength conveying chain assembly 4, can continuously transport heavy crankshafts. Efficient and stable tension adjustment is achieved by setting a chain tensioning mechanism 5. Specifically, the bearing seat 52 can slide between the upper and lower tensioning plates 51, and with the adjustment structure 53, the position of the driven shaft 3 can be quickly and finely adjusted to quickly respond to chain loosening caused by load changes, thermal expansion and contraction, or long-term wear. Independent chain tensioning mechanisms are connected to both ends of the driven shaft 3 to ensure uniform tension on both sides of the conveying chain assembly 4, avoiding the risk of skewing caused by excessive tightness or looseness on one side. By adjusting the chain tension, stress concentration in the chain links due to excessive tightness or skipped teeth wear caused by excessive looseness can be avoided, thus extending the service life of the chain. The above crankshaft conveying device achieves stable crankshaft transport, replacing manual transfer methods, improving transfer efficiency, and avoiding machine tool downtime due to untimely transfer, which affects production efficiency.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the inclusion of "first," "second," etc., in a feature may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A crankshaft conveying device, characterized in that, The device includes a frame, a drive shaft and a driven shaft rotatably mounted on the frame, a conveyor chain assembly for transmitting crankshaft, and two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms disposed on both sides of the frame in the width direction. The two ends of the driven shaft are respectively connected to the two sets of chain tensioning mechanisms. The conveyor chain assembly is drivenly connected to the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The chain tensioning mechanism includes two tensioning plates fixed to the frame and disposed vertically opposite each other, a bearing seat slidably disposed between the two tensioning plates, and an adjustment structure for driving the bearing seat to slide.

2. The crankshaft conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment structure includes a fixed block disposed next to the tensioning plate and an adjustment screw connected at one end to the bearing seat, the adjustment screw being threadedly connected to the fixed block.

3. The crankshaft conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two tensioning plates are each provided with a sliding protrusion, and the bearing seat is provided with sliding grooves on both sides of the tensioning plate that match the sliding protrusions.

4. The crankshaft conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor chain assembly includes two sets of first and second conveyor chains spaced apart, as well as several sets of support clamps for supporting the crankshaft.

5. The crankshaft conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each set of support clamps includes a first support clamp and a second support clamp respectively disposed on the first conveyor chain group and the second conveyor chain group, wherein the first support clamp and the second support clamp are provided with clamping grooves for supporting and limiting the crankshaft.

6. The crankshaft conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping groove is a V-shaped groove, and its wall is provided with an elastic pad.

7. The crankshaft conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crankshaft conveying device is equipped with two sets of lifting mechanisms at the unloading end, which are located on both sides of the frame width direction.

8. The crankshaft conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a lifting clamp and a lifting drive for driving the lifting clamp to move up and down.

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