Automobile wheel hub outer ring grabbing clamp

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of clamp, especially is involved in a kind of automobile wheel hub outer ring grabbing clamp, including support, chassis, driving part and at least two inner support components, chassis and support fixed connection, and chassis is located above support, driving part and chassis fixed connection, the output end of driving part and inner support component transmission connection, driving part is used to provide power for the inner support component along the wheel hub radial movement, by driving part drive multiple inner support components along radial synchronous movement, can adapt to the wheel hub of different inner diameter size, need not to replace clamp main body, significantly improve production flexibility and efficiency, inner support mode avoids direct contact and clamping to wheel hub outer surface, effectively prevents surface damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clamping technology, and in particular to a clamping fixture for gripping the outer rim of an automobile wheel hub. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive manufacturing and wheel processing industries, automated handling, assembly, and inspection of wheel hubs are crucial production processes. Traditional wheel hub gripping fixtures mostly employ an external clamping structure, clamping the wheel hub's rim or outer surface from the outside. This method has significant drawbacks: firstly, it easily damages the machined outer surface or rim of the wheel hub, affecting product appearance and quality; secondly, for wheel hubs of different sizes (diameters), the fixture needs to be replaced or significantly adjusted, resulting in poor versatility and reduced production efficiency and flexibility; and thirdly, with the clamping point on the outside, if there is shaking during handling, the wheel hub is prone to detachment or displacement, indicating insufficient stability.

[0003] To address the issues with external clamping, internal support clamps have been increasingly adopted. These clamps insert their support legs into the center hole of the wheel hub, tightening the inner wall of the hub from the inside out. This method effectively protects the outer surface of the wheel hub, provides a gripping force closer to the hub's center of gravity, and offers better stability. However, existing internal support clamps often have complex drive and transmission structures, occupying significant space and incurring high costs. The synchronization of multiple support legs is difficult to guarantee precisely, potentially leading to uneven force distribution and tilting of the wheel hub. Furthermore, the lack of effective positioning detection methods makes it difficult to determine whether the wheel hub is properly placed or clamped. The support structure also provides poor support and positioning for specific areas within the center hole of the wheel hub (such as the wheel hub mounting surface), leaving the wheel hub at risk of slight displacement during transport. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: in order to overcome the problems that the driving and transmission structure of the inner support mechanism of the existing inner support clamp is often complicated, occupies a large space, and has a high cost; the synchronization of multiple support legs is difficult to ensure accurately, which may lead to uneven force on the wheel hub and tilting. Therefore, this utility model provides a car wheel hub outer ring gripping clamp.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a car wheel hub outer ring gripping fixture, including a bracket, a chassis, a drive component, and at least two inner support components. The chassis and the bracket are fixedly connected, and the chassis is located above the bracket. The drive component and the chassis are fixedly connected. The output end of the drive component is connected to the inner support components for transmission. The drive component is used to provide power for the inner support components to move radially along the wheel hub. By driving multiple inner support components to move synchronously radially, it can adapt to wheel hubs with different inner diameters. There is no need to change the fixture body, which significantly improves production flexibility and efficiency. The inner support method avoids direct contact and clamping of the outer surface of the wheel hub, effectively preventing surface damage.

[0006] To address the issues of complex transmission mechanisms, low motion conversion efficiency, lack of support function, or loose connections in effectively and reliably converting the linear motion output by the drive component into the radial linear motion of the inner strut while simultaneously achieving a support function, the following solution is proposed: an inner strut assembly comprising an inner strut, a support foot, and several connecting rods. The bottom of the inner strut is slidably connected to the chassis, and the support foot is fixedly connected to the top surface of the inner strut. The top surface of the inner strut is used to support the wheel hub, and the support foot is used to abut against the inner wall of the wheel hub.

[0007] A slider is installed on the output end of the drive component. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the slider, and the other end is slidably connected to the inner support rod.

[0008] To address the issue of preventing the inner strut from tilting, jamming, or detaching during movement, the design further includes a sliding part on the bottom surface of the inner strut, and a sliding groove matching the sliding part on the chassis. The sliding groove has a T-shaped structure and extends radially along the chassis, with the sliding part slidably arranged within it.

[0009] To address issues such as a single support point, insufficient support area, easy wheel hub wobbling, or excessive local stress, the system further includes a fixed connection between the support foot and the top center of the inner support rod, with the end of the inner support rod furthest from the chassis center forming a support surface between it and the support foot.

[0010] To address the issues of unreliable manual judgment, low automation, and clamping failure or damage caused by the wheel hub not being in place, a further feature is included: sensors for positioning are installed on the support surface.

[0011] To address issues such as mismatched drive methods (e.g., high cost or slow response of electric actuators) and unstable installation leading to vibration or decreased accuracy, a further improvement is made by fixing the drive component and chassis together via a flange, with the drive component being a cylinder.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The automotive wheel hub outer ring gripping fixture provided by this utility model drives multiple inner support components to move synchronously in the radial direction through a driving component. It can adapt to wheel hubs with different inner diameters without replacing the fixture body, which significantly improves production flexibility and efficiency. The inner support method avoids direct contact and clamping of the outer surface of the wheel hub, effectively preventing surface damage. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Bracket, 2. Chassis, 21. Sliding groove, 3. Drive component, 31. Slider, 4. Inner support assembly, 41. Inner support rod, 411. Sliding part, 412. Support surface, 42. Support foot, 43. Connecting rod, 5. Sensor, 6. Flange. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the present invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the present invention.

[0017] like Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model, a gripping fixture for the outer rim of an automobile wheel hub, including a bracket 1, a chassis 2, a drive component 3, and at least two inner support components 4. The chassis 2 is fixedly connected to the bracket 1, and the chassis 2 is located above the bracket 1. The drive component 3 is fixedly connected to the chassis 2, and the output end of the drive component 3 is connected to the inner support components 4 for transmission. The drive component 3 provides power for the inner support components 4 to move radially along the wheel hub. The inner support components 4 can abut against the outer rim wall of the wheel hub. By driving multiple inner support components 4 to move synchronously radially through the drive component 3, it can adapt to wheel hubs with different inner diameters. There is no need to change the main body of the fixture, which significantly improves production flexibility and efficiency. The inner support method avoids direct contact and clamping with the outer surface of the wheel hub, effectively preventing surface damage. The clamping force acts on the inner wall of the wheel hub and is close to the center of gravity, which enhances the anti-shaking ability during the handling process.

[0018] The side of the car wheel rim that is close to the tire is called the inner ring, and the side of the car wheel rim that is far from the tire is called the outer ring (i.e., the side of the car wheel rim that is close to its center).

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner support assembly 4 includes an inner support rod 41, a support foot 42, and several connecting rods 43. The bottom of the inner support rod 41 is slidably connected to the chassis 2. The slidable connection between the inner support rod 41 and the chassis 2 provides rigid support to prevent the wheel hub from tilting during clamping. The support foot 42 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the inner support rod 41. The top surface of the inner support rod 41 is used to support the wheel hub, and the support foot 42 is used to abut against the inner wall of the wheel hub. The top surface of the inner support rod 41 supports the weight of the wheel hub, and the support foot 42 abuts against the inner wall of the wheel hub to provide clamping force, thus realizing the integration of support and clamping.

[0020] A slider 31 is installed on the output end of the drive component 3. One end of the connecting rod 43 is rotatably connected to the slider 31, and the other end is slidably connected to the inner support rod 41. The transmission mechanism formed by the slider 31 and the connecting rod 43 converts the linear motion of the drive component into the precise radial movement of the inner support rod 41. The transmission efficiency is high. A single drive component 3 controls multiple inner support components 4, ensuring that the support legs 42 open / close synchronously and the wheel hub is subjected to uniform force.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, the bottom surface of the inner support rod 41 has a sliding part 411, and the chassis 2 has a sliding groove 21 that matches the sliding part 411. The sliding groove 21 has a T-shaped structure and extends radially along the chassis 2. The sliding part 411 is slidably arranged in the sliding groove 21. The cooperation between the T-shaped sliding groove 21 and the sliding part 411 provides multi-directional constraints to prevent the inner support rod from overturning or leaving the track. The T-shaped structure enhances the shear strength of the groove 21 and can withstand the weight of the wheel hub and the impact force of transportation. The sliding groove 21 strictly limits the inner support rod 41 to move only radially, thereby improving the clamping and positioning accuracy.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the support leg 42 and the inner support rod 41 are fixedly connected at the middle of the top surface. The end of the top surface of the inner support rod 41 away from the center of the chassis 2 forms a support surface 412 between the support leg 42 and the support leg 42. The support leg 42 is fixed at the middle of the top surface of the inner support rod 41. The support surface 412 extends to the edge, expanding the effective support area. The support surface 412 distributes the weight of the wheel hub and avoids local stress concentration that could damage the wheel hub mounting surface.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, a positioning sensor 5 is installed on the support surface 412. The sensor 5 monitors in real time whether the wheel hub is in contact with the support surface 412 and triggers the clamping command to avoid empty clamping or clamping incompletely.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive component 3 and the chassis 2 are fixedly connected by a flange 6. The drive component 3 is a cylinder. The flange 6 connection enhances the rigidity of the drive component 3 and the chassis 2, reducing displacement or loosening caused by vibration.

[0025] Work process:

[0026] When the drive component 3 is in the retracted state, the multiple support legs 42 are in the folded state, and the radial dimension of the entire fixture is minimized.

[0027] When the gripper is in the retracted state, the robot arm moves the gripper along the hub axis closer to the hub. Positioning compensation is achieved through the high-precision contact sensor 5. After positioning is completed, a 0.5mm buffer retraction is performed to eliminate the risk of mechanical interference. At this time, the hub and the sensor 5 on the support surface 412 are in contact.

[0028] After receiving the position signal from sensor 5, the control system controls the drive component 3 to move. Its output end pushes the slider 31 to move away from the drive component 3. The movement of the slider 31 is transmitted to each inner support rod 41 through multiple connecting rods 43. Under the push of the connecting rods 43, the sliding part 411 at the bottom of the inner support rod 41 slides synchronously away from the center of the chassis along the radial T-shaped sliding groove 21 on the chassis 2. As the inner support rod 41 moves radially, the support foot 42 fixed on its top surface moves outward synchronously. The support foot 42 abuts tightly against the inner wall of the center hole of the hub, generating sufficient friction to tighten and fix the hub. Sensor 5 can also be used to detect the tightening force or position change to confirm that the clamping is completed. At this time, the hub is reliably supported on the top surface of the inner support rod 41 and is clamped and gripped from the inner wall by the support foot 42.

[0029] The robotic arm lifts the gripper and the firmly clamped wheel hub, transporting it to the target position. Once the target position is reached, the drive unit 3 retracts, causing the slider 31 to retract. Through the connecting rod 43, the inner support rod 41 and the support foot 42 are pulled towards the center, disengaging from the inner wall of the wheel hub and the center hole of the wheel hub, thus releasing the workpiece and restoring the system to its initial standby state.

[0030] The modular support leg 42 design can be adapted to workpieces with different hole diameters. In one embodiment, the internal support stroke of the clamp is 17.5 mm.

[0031] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of this utility model, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A gripper for holding the outer rim of an automobile wheel hub, characterized in that, It includes a bracket (1), a chassis (2), a drive unit (3), and at least two inner support assemblies (4). The chassis (2) is fixedly connected to the bracket (1), and the chassis (2) is located above the bracket (1). The drive unit (3) is fixedly connected to the chassis (2). The output end of the drive unit (3) is connected to the inner support assembly (4) in a transmission manner. The drive unit (3) is used to provide power for the inner support assembly (4) to move radially along the hub. The inner support assembly (4) can abut against the outer ring wall of the hub.

2. The automobile wheel hub outer ring gripping fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner support assembly (4) includes an inner support rod (41), a support foot (42) and several connecting rods (43). The bottom of the inner support rod (41) is slidably connected to the chassis (2). The support foot (42) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the inner support rod (41). The top surface of the inner support rod (41) is used to support the wheel hub, and the support foot (42) is used to abut against the inner wall of the wheel hub. A slider (31) is installed on the output end of the drive component (3). One end of the connecting rod (43) is rotatably connected to the slider (31), and the other end is slidably connected to the inner support rod (41).

3. The automotive wheel hub outer rim gripping fixture as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the inner support rod (41) has a sliding part (411), and the chassis (2) has a sliding groove (21) that matches the sliding part (411). The sliding groove (21) has a T-shaped structure and extends radially along the chassis (2). The sliding part (411) is slidably arranged in the sliding groove (21).

4. The automobile wheel hub outer ring gripping fixture as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The support foot (42) and the inner support rod (41) are fixedly connected at the middle of the top surface. The end of the top surface of the inner support rod (41) away from the center of the chassis (2) and the support foot (42) form a support surface (412).

5. The automobile wheel hub outer ring gripper as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A sensor (5) for positioning is installed on the support surface (412).

6. The automobile wheel hub outer ring gripper as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The drive component (3) and the chassis (2) are fixedly connected by a flange (6), and the drive component (3) is a cylinder.

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