Clamp spring mounting tool and clamp spring mounting system

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a snap ring mounting fixture and a snap ring mounting system. The snap ring mounting fixture includes: a main body, which is hollow cylindrical in shape and includes an input end for receiving the snap ring and an output end for receiving the snap ring; the main body includes a variable diameter section, the inner diameter of which gradually narrows from the input end to the output end; and a guide structure, including a wedge-shaped portion, which is disposed opposite to the variable diameter section and is configured to gradually narrow from the input end to the output end. The wedge-shaped portion is used to be positioned between the two ends of the snap ring, and the two inclined surfaces of the wedge-shaped portion are respectively disposed opposite to the two ends to guide the ends. The snap ring can be placed in the main body of the snap ring mounting fixture and compressed and installed through the variable diameter section. Compared with the snap ring clamp compression method, this is more stable and reliable, and will not result in the snap ring flying out or breaking. The wedge-shaped portion of the guide structure can gradually narrow to adapt to the change in the diameter of the snap ring, thereby accurately guiding the snap ring and avoiding uneven stress on the snap ring, which could lead to breakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of snap ring installation, and more particularly to a snap ring installation tool and snap ring installation system. Background Technology

[0002] Snap rings need to be compressed before they can be installed into the corresponding mounting slots. In related technologies, snap ring installation is typically done using snap ring pliers, where the two tips of the pliers are inserted into the holes at the two ends of the snap ring to compress it. However, this method cannot guarantee quick and accurate insertion into the holes, and the snap ring deforms unevenly during compression, which can easily cause it to spring out or break during installation. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides a snap ring mounting fixture and a snap ring mounting system.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a retaining ring mounting fixture is provided, comprising: a main body configured as a hollow column, including an input end for inputting the retaining ring and an output end for outputting the retaining ring, the main body including a variable diameter section, the inner diameter of the variable diameter section gradually narrowing in the direction from the input end to the output end; and a guide structure including a wedge portion, the wedge portion being disposed corresponding to the variable diameter section and configured to gradually narrow in the direction from the input end to the output end, the wedge portion being disposed between two ends of the retaining ring, and two inclined surfaces of the wedge portion being respectively disposed opposite to the two ends to guide the ends.

[0005] The retaining circlip can be placed into the main body of the retaining circlip mounting fixture and compressed and installed via a variable diameter section. Compared to the compression method using retaining circlip clamps, this is more stable and reliable, preventing the circlip from flying off or breaking. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped part of the guide structure can gradually narrow to adapt to changes in the diameter of the retaining circlip, thereby providing precise guidance and preventing uneven stress on the circlip, which could lead to breakage.

[0006] In some possible implementations, the main body includes an input constant diameter section disposed at the large diameter end of the variable diameter section and having the same diameter as the large diameter end. The guide structure includes an input guide portion disposed at the large end of the wedge-shaped portion and having the same width as the large end. The input guide portion extends out of the input constant diameter section in a direction away from the wedge-shaped portion.

[0007] The equal-diameter input section can receive uncompressed snap rings and is suitable for shaping the snap rings by passing through this section. Extending the input guide beyond the equal-diameter input section allows the snap ring to be pre-positioned before entering the main body, ensuring accurate placement of the snap ring within the main body.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the main body includes an output constant diameter section disposed at the small diameter end of the variable diameter section and having the same diameter as the small diameter end. The guide structure includes an output guide portion disposed at the small end of the wedge-shaped portion and having the same width as the small end. The output guide portion extends out of the output constant diameter section in a direction away from the wedge-shaped portion.

[0009] The equal-diameter output section can regulate the shape of the snap ring, ensuring that the output shape of the snap ring meets the installation requirements. Extending the output guide beyond the equal-diameter output section allows the snap ring to be positioned and guided after exiting the main body, preventing displacement when the snap ring is installed on the workpiece.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the outer periphery of the body is provided with a positioning protrusion for matching with a positioning groove on the workpiece to be fitted with a snap ring.

[0011] When the snap ring mounting fixture is moved to the corresponding installation position on the workpiece, the positioning protrusion can be inserted into the positioning groove along the axial direction of the main body, so that the circumferential relative position between the snap ring mounting fixture and the workpiece is fixed, ensuring the stability of the installation process.

[0012] In some possible implementations, a notch is provided on the side wall of the body, the opening of the notch being located at the input end of the body, so that a clamping piece for holding the snap ring enters the input end through the notch along the extension direction of the body.

[0013] The notch design allows for automated placement of the retaining ring into the retaining ring installation fixture, improving retaining ring installation efficiency.

[0014] In some possible implementations, at least three balls are provided inside the body, the balls being spaced apart in the same circumferential direction of the body, and the balls being elastically and extensibly disposed on the inner wall of the body along the radial direction of the body.

[0015] When the clamping plate places the retaining ring into the main body, multiple balls arranged in the same circumferential direction can support the retaining ring, ensuring that the retaining ring is in a horizontal position and that the installation position is accurate. When the retaining ring is pressed down, the balls can retract into the cavity wall of the main body so as not to interfere with the downward movement of the retaining ring.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a snap ring mounting system is provided, comprising: a snap ring mounting fixture provided in the present disclosure; a fixture shifting device for shifting the snap ring mounting fixture onto a workpiece to which a snap ring is to be mounted; a snap ring shifting device for shifting the snap ring into the body; and a snap ring pressing device for pressing the snap ring in the snap ring mounting fixture onto the workpiece along the inner wall of the body.

[0017] The circlip mounting fixture in this embodiment is constructed in such a way that the circlip can be pressed into the mounting groove of the workpiece with uniform deformation, avoiding uneven shrinkage and deformation of the circlip that would affect the installation. Furthermore, the circlip mounting system can automatically pick up and put away the circlip and the circlip mounting fixture, as well as automatically press the circlip, thereby improving the automation level of circlip installation.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the tooling displacement device includes: a robotic arm; and a clamping mechanism disposed on the robotic arm, the clamping mechanism including at least two clamping jaws that can move closer to or further away from each other, the clamping jaws being adapted to cooperate with clamping blocks on the snap ring mounting tooling to stably clamp the snap ring mounting tooling.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the snap ring shifting device includes: a robotic arm; and a clamping assembly disposed on the robotic arm, the clamping assembly including two relatively movable clamping plates adapted to clamp the snap ring on both sides of the snap ring.

[0020] The snap ring shifting device can automatically pick up the snap ring, improving the automation level of snap ring installation.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the snap ring mounting system includes a snap ring feeding platform having a receiving cavity for accommodating the snap ring. The cavity wall has an inwardly extending boss for supporting the snap ring. The side wall of the snap ring feeding platform has an inlet for the clamping plate to clamp the snap ring on the upper and lower sides of the snap ring.

[0022] The inlet design allows the clamping piece to be easily accessible, enabling automated clamping of the snap ring without manual intervention and improving the automation level of snap ring installation.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the snap ring pressing device includes a pressing head whose pressing surface is adapted to the shape of the snap ring, the pressing head being adapted to extend from the input end of the snap ring mounting fixture and press the snap ring from the output end of the snap ring mounting fixture into the mounting groove of the workpiece.

[0024] By pressing the retaining ring into shape using a pressure head, the installation of the retaining ring can be automated, and the retaining ring can be kept in a horizontal position during the pressing process.

[0025] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: the retaining ring can be placed in the main body of the retaining ring mounting fixture and compressed and installed through a variable diameter section. Compared with the compression method of retaining ring clamps, this is more stable and reliable, and will not result in the ring flying off or breaking. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped part of the guide structure can gradually narrow to adapt to the change in the diameter of the retaining ring, thereby accurately guiding the retaining ring and avoiding uneven force on the retaining ring, which could lead to breakage.

[0026] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a retaining ring mounting fixture with a retaining ring provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of a retainer mounting fixture with a retainer provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a snap ring mounting fixture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a snap ring mounting fixture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a snap ring mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a front view of a snap ring mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 This is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 Enlarged view of part B in the image;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a top view of a snap ring mounting system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 9 This is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A in the image;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a snap ring feeding platform according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of an indenter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 1-Snap ring, 11-End, 2-Workpiece, 21-Mounting groove, 100-Snap ring mounting fixture, 110-Main body, 111-Input end, 112-Output end, 113-Variable diameter section, 114-Input equal diameter section, 115-Output equal diameter section, 116-Positioning protrusion, 117-Notch, 118-Clamping block, 1181-Clamping groove, 119-Ball, 1191-Mounting post, 120-Guide structure, 121-Wedge part, 122-Input guide part, 123-Output 200-Tooling shifting device, 210-Clamping mechanism, 211-Clamping claw, 300-Snap ring shifting device, 310-Clamping assembly, 311-Clamping piece, 400-Snap ring pressing device, 410-Pressing head, 411-Pressing surface, 412-Pressing head drive, 420-Transfer mechanism, 430-Workpiece positioning platform, 500-Robotic arm, 600-Snap ring feeding platform, 610-Receiving cavity, 620-Boss, 630-Entry port, 1000-Worktable. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0042] Snap rings need to be compressed before they can be installed into the corresponding mounting slots. In related technologies, snap ring installation is typically done using snap ring pliers, where the two tips of the pliers are inserted into the holes at the two ends of the snap ring to compress it. However, this method cannot guarantee quick and accurate insertion into the holes, and the snap ring deforms unevenly during compression, which can easily cause it to spring out or break during installation.

[0043] Therefore, this disclosure provides a snap ring mounting fixture 100 and a snap ring mounting system.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 4The snap ring mounting fixture 100 includes a main body 110 and a guide structure 120. The main body 110 is constructed as a hollow column and includes an input end 111 for the snap ring 1 to enter and an output end 112 for the snap ring 1 to exit. That is, the snap ring 1 enters the hollow space of the main body 110 from the input end 111 side and exits the hollow space of the main body 110 from the output end 112 side to the corresponding assembly position. The main body 110 includes a variable diameter section 113, the inner diameter of which gradually narrows from the input end 111 to the output end 112. In short, the snap ring 1 can enter the input end 111 in a free, uncompressed state. As it moves from the input end 111 to the output end 112, the snap ring 1 is gradually compressed by the variable diameter section 113 until it is discharged from the output end 112 and installed in the assembly position. The guide structure 120 includes a wedge-shaped portion 121, which is disposed opposite to the diameter section 113 to guide the retaining ring 1 during compression of the diameter section 113. The wedge-shaped portion 121 is constructed to gradually narrow from the input end 111 to the output end 112, and its cross-section is an inverted trapezoid. The wedge-shaped portion 121 is disposed between the two ends 11 of the retaining ring 1, and its two inclined surfaces are respectively disposed opposite to the two ends 11 to guide the ends 11. The wedge-shaped portion 121 can be constructed as a symmetrical structure so that the two ends 11 can be guided synchronously and uniformly. The width of the wedge-shaped portion 121 narrows as the diameter of the diameter section 113 decreases to accommodate the approach of the two ends 11. The guide structure 120 between the two ends 11 can prevent the retaining ring 1 from wobbling and shifting, thus avoiding unnecessary deformation.

[0045] Through the above technical solution, the retaining ring 1 can be placed in the main body 110 of the retaining ring mounting fixture 100 and compressed and installed through the variable diameter section 113. Compared with the retaining ring clamp compression method, this is more stable and reliable, and will not result in the ring flying out or breaking. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped portion 121 of the guide structure 120 can gradually narrow to adapt to the change in the diameter of the retaining ring 1, thereby accurately guiding the retaining ring 1 and avoiding uneven force on the retaining ring 1, which could lead to breakage.

[0046] Reference Figures 5 to 8 The snap ring mounting system provided in this embodiment may include a snap ring mounting fixture 100, a fixture shifting device 200, a snap ring shifting device 300, a snap ring pressing device 400, and a snap ring feeding platform 600. The snap ring mounting system may also include a material cylinder (not shown in the figure).

[0047] Multiple material cylinders can be used, each containing one type of retaining spring. Different specifications of retaining springs can be used in different material cylinders. The material cylinders can be constructed as hollow cylinders with an inner diameter that gradually narrows from top to bottom. The retaining springs can be stacked one on top of the other in the material cylinders. The retaining springs in the material cylinders can be held in place by the elastic force of the springs after compression, without external force. During the feeding stage, the retaining spring feeding platform 600 can be moved to the bottom of the material cylinder with the corresponding retaining spring via a conveyor belt or guide rail. The retaining springs on the top of the material cylinder can be pushed downwards by a push rod or other structure, so that the bottom retaining spring is pushed onto the retaining spring feeding platform 600 below. Then, the retaining spring feeding platform 600 moves away from the material cylinder to proceed to the next process.

[0048] The tooling shifting device 200 can simultaneously or sequentially move the snap ring mounting fixture 100 onto the workpiece 2 to which the snap ring 1 is to be assembled, either while the snap ring feeding platform 600 receives the snap ring. The snap ring mounting fixture 100 can be of various types to accommodate snap rings 1 of different specifications. For example, multiple snap ring mounting fixtures 100 can be set at predetermined positions on the frame of the worktable 100. For instance, the positioning protrusion on the snap ring mounting fixture 100 and the positioning groove on the frame can be used to fix the placement position, facilitating subsequent pickup from the fixed position.

[0049] The tooling shifting device 200 may include a robotic arm 500 and a clamping mechanism 210. The clamping mechanism 210 may be mounted on the robotic arm 500, which can move the clamping mechanism 210. The robotic arm 500 has good flexibility and high degree of freedom, and can clamp according to a preset path, facilitating a compact arrangement of the various devices in the snap ring mounting system. The clamping mechanism 210 may include at least two clamping jaws 211 that can move closer to or further away from each other. At least two clamping blocks 118 may be provided on the outer periphery of the main body 110 of the snap ring mounting tooling 100 for clamping by the clamping mechanism 210. The clamping jaws 211 are adapted to cooperate with the clamping blocks 118, for example, as... Figure 1 As shown, a clamping groove 1181 can be formed on the clamping block 118, and the clamping claw 211 can be adapted to the shape of the clamping groove 1181 to stably clamp the snap ring mounting fixture 100.

[0050] The clamping mechanism 210 may include linear guide rails, and two clamping jaws 211 may be arranged on the two linear guide rails so that they can move toward each other to clamp the snap ring mounting fixture 100 or move away from each other to release the snap ring mounting fixture 100.

[0051] After the clamping mechanism 210 clamps the snap ring mounting fixture 100, the robotic arm 500 can move the snap ring mounting fixture 100 onto the workpiece 2 to which the snap ring 1 is to be assembled. The workpiece 2 can be pre-positioned on the workpiece positioning platform 430 of the worktable 100. (Refer to...) Figure 2The outer periphery of the main body 110 may be provided with a positioning protrusion 116, and a positioning groove (not shown in the figure) may be formed on the workpiece 2. The positioning protrusion 116 is used to match the positioning groove on the workpiece 2. When the snap ring mounting fixture 100 is moved to the corresponding installation position of the workpiece 2, the positioning protrusion 116 can be inserted into the positioning groove along the axial direction of the main body 110, so that the circumferential relative position between the snap ring mounting fixture 100 and the workpiece 2 is fixed, ensuring the stability of the installation process.

[0052] After the snap ring mounting fixture 100 is placed on the workpiece 2, the snap ring shifting device 300 can shift the snap ring 1 into the main body 110 of the snap ring mounting fixture 100. When a snap ring feeding platform 600 is provided, the snap ring shifting device 300 can clamp the snap ring 1 at the snap ring feeding platform 600 and then shift it. The snap ring shifting device 300 may include a robotic arm 500 and a clamping assembly 310. The robotic arm 500 can be shared with the robotic arm of the fixture shifting device 200. The clamping assembly 310 can be mounted on the robotic arm 500, and the robotic arm 500 drives the clamping assembly 310 to shift.

[0053] Reference Figure 7 The clamping assembly 310 may include two relatively movable clamping plates 311, which are adapted to clamp the retaining ring 1 on both sides of the retaining ring 1. The clamping plates 311 may be driven by two linear guides to move towards each other or away from each other.

[0054] Reference Figure 10 The circlip feeding platform 600 can have a receiving cavity 610 for accommodating the circlip 1. An inwardly extending boss 620 can be formed on the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 610 for supporting the circlip 1. An inlet 630 is provided on the side wall of the circlip feeding platform 600 for the clamping piece 311 to clamp the circlip 1 on its upper and lower sides. When the circlip 1 is placed on the boss 620, the boss 620 can support the circlip 1, and the vertical direction of the circlip 1 at the inlet 630 is exposed externally without contacting the boss 620. The clamping piece 311 can clamp the circlip 1 on its upper and lower sides at the inlet 630; the vertical direction is... Figure 10 The direction indicated by the middle arrow. The setting of the inlet 630 allows the clamping piece 311 to be accessed, enabling the clamping of the snap ring 1 to be automated without manual intervention, thus improving the automation level of snap ring installation.

[0055] The robotic arm 500 can drive the clamping assembly 310 to clamp the retaining ring 1 and place the retaining ring 1 into the main body 110 of the retaining ring mounting fixture 100 positioned at the workpiece 2 according to a preset path. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 3A notch 117 may be provided on the side wall of the main body 110. The opening of the notch 117 may be located at the input end 111 of the main body 110, so that the clamping piece 311 for clamping the snap ring 1 can enter the input end 111 through the notch 117 along the extension direction of the main body 110. For example, when the input end 111 is at the top, the clamping piece 311 can enter the notch 117 from above the opening of the notch 117 to place the snap ring 1 into the main body 110. The notch 117 can realize the automated operation of placing the snap ring 1 into the snap ring mounting fixture 100, thereby improving the snap ring mounting efficiency.

[0056] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide structure 120 and the notch 117 can be staggered within the main body 110 so that the two ends 11 of the snap ring 1 can be located at both ends of the guide structure 120.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 At least three balls 119 can be provided inside the main body 110. The balls 119 are spaced apart in the same circumferential direction of the main body 110, and can be located at the beginning of the variable diameter section 113. When the clamping plate 311 places the retaining ring 1 into the main body 110, the multiple balls 119 arranged in the same circumferential direction can support the retaining ring 1, ensuring that the retaining ring 1 is in a horizontal position and that the installation position is accurate. The balls 119 can be elastically telescoping along the radial direction of the main body 110 on the inner wall of the main body 110, so that when the retaining ring 1 is pressed down, the balls 119 can retract into the cavity wall of the main body 110, so as not to interfere with the downward movement of the retaining ring 1.

[0058] For example, a radially penetrating mounting post 1191 can be provided on the cavity wall of the main body 110. The mounting post 1191 can be threaded or interference-fitted with the main body 110. The mounting post 1191 has a hollow structure and can contain a spring. In the free state, the spring will push the ball 119 against the end of the mounting post 1191 and allow it to protrude radially inward toward the main body 110. It can be understood that the diameter of the ball 119 is larger than the size of the opening at the end of the mounting post 1191 to prevent the ball 119 from being ejected by the spring. When the retaining spring 1 is pressed down, the retaining spring 1 applies a force to the ball 119, causing the ball 119 to compress the spring and retract into the mounting post, thereby allowing the retaining spring 1 to move smoothly downward.

[0059] In this embodiment, the main body 110 may include an input equal-diameter section 114, which is disposed at the large-diameter end of the variable-diameter section 113 and has the same diameter as the large-diameter end. The initial position of the retaining ring 1 within the main body 110 may be located in the input equal-diameter section 114, at which point the retaining ring 1 is in a free and uncompressed state. The guide structure 120 includes an input guide portion 122, which is disposed at the large end of the wedge-shaped portion 121 and has the same width as the large end. The input guide portion 122 extends out of the input equal-diameter section 114 in a direction away from the wedge-shaped portion 121. The input equal-diameter section 114 can receive the uncompressed retaining ring 1 and is suitable for shaping the retaining ring 1 through this section. Extending the input guide portion 122 out of the input equal-diameter section 114 allows the retaining ring 1 to be pre-positioned before entering the main body 110, ensuring accurate positioning of the retaining ring 1 within the main body 110. The ball bearing 119 mentioned above can be set at the connection between the variable diameter section 113 and the input constant diameter section 114 to support the snap ring 1 on the input constant diameter section 114 where no compression is required.

[0060] In this embodiment, the main body 110 may include an output equal diameter section 115, which is disposed at the small diameter end of the variable diameter section 113 and has the same diameter as the small diameter end. After being compressed to the required state, the retaining ring 1 can enter the output equal diameter section 115, which can regulate the shape of the retaining ring 1 and ensure that the output shape of the retaining ring 1 meets the installation requirements. The guide structure 120 includes an output guide portion 123, which is disposed at the small end of the wedge-shaped portion 121 and has the same width as the small end. The output guide portion 123 extends out of the output equal diameter section 115 in a direction away from the wedge-shaped portion 121. Extending the output guide portion 123 out of the output equal diameter section 115 allows the retaining ring 1 to be positioned and guided after being output from the main body 110, preventing displacement of the retaining ring 1 when it is installed on the workpiece 2.

[0061] After the snap ring 1 is placed in the main body 110, the workpiece 2 with the snap ring 1 and the snap ring mounting fixture 100 can be moved to the snap ring pressing device 400 by the moving mechanism 420 on the worktable 1000, so that the snap ring 1 in the snap ring mounting fixture 100 can be pressed onto the workpiece 2 along the inner wall of the main body 110 by the snap ring pressing device 400.

[0062] The snap ring pressing device 400 may include a pressing head 410, see reference. Figure 11The shape of the pressing surface 411 of the pressing head 410 is adapted to the shape of the snap ring 1. The pressing head 410 is adapted to extend into the snap ring mounting fixture 100 from the input end 111 and press the snap ring 1 out from the output end 112 of the snap ring mounting fixture 100 into the mounting groove 21 of the workpiece 2. By pressing the snap ring 1 with a shape-adaptive pressing head 410, the installation of the snap ring 1 can be automated, and the snap ring 1 can be kept horizontal during the pressing process. The pressing head 410 can be driven by the pressing head drive 412 to press the snap ring 1 or retract it from the pressing position. When the pressing head 410 contacts the snap ring 1 and applies force to the snap ring 1, the snap ring 1 is forced in the input constant diameter section 114 to press the ball 119 back into the mounting post 1191, and then enters the variable diameter section 113, where it is gradually compressed. The diameter reduction of the variable diameter section 113 can be gradually decreased to prevent the retaining ring 1 from deforming too quickly under high force, which could lead to failure of its horizontal posture. After the retaining ring 1 is compressed in the variable diameter section 113, it enters the output constant diameter section 115 for straightening to maintain its horizontal posture. Subsequently, the retaining ring 1 can be pressed into the... Figure 9 The workpiece 2 is placed in the mounting slot 21. After pressing is completed, the pressing head 410 returns to its initial position.

[0063] The circlip mounting fixture 100 in this embodiment is constructed such that the circlip 1 can be uniformly deformed and pressed into the mounting groove 21 of the workpiece 2, avoiding uneven shrinkage and deformation of the circlip 1 that would affect the installation. Furthermore, the circlip mounting system can automatically pick up and put down the circlip 1 and the circlip mounting fixture 100, as well as automatically press the circlip 1, thereby improving the automation level of the circlip 1 installation.

[0064] In the above detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific aspects of this disclosure by way of illustration. In this regard, terms indicating direction or positional relationship, such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential,” are used with reference to the orientation of the described figures. Since components of the described device can be positioned in multiple different orientations, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. It should be understood that other aspects can be utilized and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0065] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features of various embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be combined with each other. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more; similarly, “at least one of…” includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more.

[0066] It should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "joining," "attaching," "installing," "connecting," "linking," "fixing," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms herein based on the specific circumstances.

[0067] Furthermore, the term "above" as used herein with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may be used to indicate that the component, element, or material layer is "indirectly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface such that one or more additional components, elements, or layers are arranged between the surface and the component, element, or material layer. However, the term "above" as used with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may also optionally have a specific meaning: that the component, element, or material layer is "directly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface, for example, in direct contact with the surface.

[0068] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited to these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, part, region, layer, or section mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as the second component, part, region, layer, or section. Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description herein, “a plurality” means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0069] It should be understood that spatial relative terms, such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower,” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, these spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “above” or “upper” relative to another element would be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” encompasses both above and below orientations. Devices may have other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0070] Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous compared to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, “X applies A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive arrangements. That is, “X applies A or B” satisfies any of the foregoing instances if X applies A; X applies B; or both X applies A and B. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to refer to the singular form, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally understood to mean “one or more.”

[0071] Similarly, although this disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. This disclosure includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component (functionally equivalent) that performs the specific function of the described component, even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure. Furthermore, although specific features of this disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desired and advantageous to any given or particular application. Moreover, with regard to the terms “comprising,” “owning,” “having,” “having,” or variations thereof as used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “including.”

[0072] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

[0073] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamp spring installation tool characterized by, include: The main body is constructed as a hollow column and includes an input end for the snap ring to input and an output end for the snap ring to output. The main body includes a variable diameter section, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases from the input end to the output end. as well as The guide structure includes a wedge-shaped portion, which is disposed corresponding to the variable diameter section and is configured to gradually narrow from the input end to the output end. The wedge-shaped portion is used to be disposed between the two ends of the retaining ring, and the two inclined surfaces of the wedge-shaped portion are respectively disposed opposite to the two ends to guide the ends.

2. The retaining ring mounting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body includes an input constant diameter section, which is disposed at the large diameter end of the variable diameter section and has the same diameter as the large diameter end. The guide structure includes an input guide portion, which is disposed at the large end of the wedge-shaped portion and has the same width as the large end. The input guide portion extends out of the input constant diameter section in a direction away from the wedge-shaped portion.

3. The clip installation tool of claim 1, wherein The main body includes an output constant diameter section, which is disposed at the small diameter end of the variable diameter section and has the same diameter as the small diameter end. The guide structure includes an output guide portion, which is disposed at the small end of the wedge-shaped portion and has the same width as the small end. The output guide portion extends out of the output constant diameter section in a direction away from the wedge-shaped portion.

4. The clip installation tool of claim 1, wherein The outer periphery of the main body is provided with a positioning protrusion, which is used to match the positioning groove on the workpiece to be assembled with the snap ring.

5. The clip installation tool of claim 1, wherein A notch is provided on the side wall of the main body, and the opening of the notch is located at the input end of the main body so that the clamping piece for clamping the snap ring enters the input end through the notch along the extension direction of the main body.

6. The clip installation tool of claim 1, wherein The main body is provided with at least three balls, which are spaced apart in the same circumferential direction of the main body, and the balls are elastically and extensibly disposed on the inner wall of the main body in the radial direction of the main body.

7. A clip spring mounting system characterized by, include: The snap ring mounting fixture according to any one of claims 1-6; A tooling shifting device is used to shift the snap ring mounting tooling onto the workpiece to which the snap ring is to be assembled; A snap ring shifting device is used to shift the snap ring into the body; as well as A snap ring press-fitting device is used to press the snap ring in the snap ring mounting fixture onto the workpiece along the inner wall of the main body.

8. The clip spring mounting system of claim 7, wherein, The tooling shifting device includes: robotic arms; and A clamping mechanism is provided on the robotic arm, the clamping mechanism including at least two clamping jaws that can move closer to or further away from each other, the clamping jaws being adapted to cooperate with a clamping block on the snap ring mounting fixture.

9. The clip spring mounting system of claim 7, wherein, The snap ring shifting device includes: robotic arms; and A clamping assembly is disposed on the robotic arm, the clamping assembly comprising two relatively movable clamping plates adapted to clamp the retaining spring on both sides of the retaining spring.

10. The clip spring mounting system of claim 9, wherein, The snap ring mounting system includes a snap ring feeding platform, which has a receiving cavity for accommodating the snap ring. The cavity wall of the receiving cavity has an inwardly extending boss for supporting the snap ring. The side wall of the snap ring feeding platform has an inlet for the clamping plate to clamp the snap ring on the upper and lower sides of the snap ring.

11. The clip spring mounting system of claim 7, wherein, The clamp spring press-fitting device comprises a press head, a pressing surface of the press head is shaped to match a shape of the clamp spring, the press head is adapted to extend into an input end of the clamp spring mounting tool and press the clamp spring out of an output end of the clamp spring mounting tool into a mounting groove of the workpiece.

Images