Helium leak valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheel

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of automotive wheel manufacturing technology, specifically disclosing a helium valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels. It includes a roller conveyor line, a positioning mechanism, a robotic arm, and a feeding mechanism. The roller conveyor line includes a frame and conveyor rollers. Several conveyor rollers and a conveyor motor are mounted side-by-side on the frame, with the output shaft of the conveyor motor connected to the conveyor rollers. A robotic arm is mounted on the frame, and a positioning mechanism is mounted below the conveyor rollers on the frame. A feeding mechanism is also mounted on the frame. By using the robotic arm and feeding mechanism, the valve plug is fed to the gripper of the robotic arm through vibration feeding. The gripper then installs the valve plug onto the wheel hub fixed to the positioning mechanism, replacing the manual installation process. Furthermore, the insertion angle of the valve plug can be adjusted through a deflection mechanism to ensure precise insertion of the valve plug into the valve hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automobile wheel manufacturing technology, and in particular to an installation device for a helium detection valve plug on an aluminum alloy wheel. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the demand for automotive aluminum alloy wheels is increasing day by day, and the market's requirements for their quality are also constantly improving.

[0003] In wheel manufacturing, defects such as cracks may occur during the processing and casting of automotive wheels. Therefore, helium leak testing is required before the surface coating of the machined wheels. During the test, the device simulates the tight contact between the tire and the wheel hub, and helium is filled between the wheel hub and the tire for pressure testing. Since no valve stem is installed, helium will leak from the valve hole. Therefore, a silicone valve stem plug needs to be inserted into the valve hole to temporarily seal the valve stem. Valve stem plug insertion is a necessary step. Traditional manual plug insertion is inefficient and cannot meet production requirements.

[0004] In the prior art, such as Chinese Patent Publication No. CN114012432A, entitled "An Automobile Wheel Hub Valve Nozzle Assembly Mechanism and Valve Nozzle Assembly Method," a device is disclosed that can install a valve nozzle into the valve hole position of a wheel hub. This device uses a robotic arm to place the wheel hub on the valve nozzle assembly station and a delivery mechanism to install the valve nozzle into place. However, the following problems exist: During installation, the valve hole and the wheel hub's central axis have a certain tilt angle, but the valve nozzle is pushed vertically upwards, forming an angle with the central axis of the valve hole. This can lead to incomplete or loose assembly. Extending this to the valve nozzle plug installation in this invention, it can also lead to incomplete installation or poor sealing of the valve nozzle plug, thus affecting subsequent helium leak detection operations. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an aluminum alloy wheel helium detection valve plug installation device to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] This utility model is implemented by the following technical solution: an aluminum alloy wheel helium detection valve plug installation device, including a roller conveyor line, a positioning mechanism, a robotic arm and a feeding mechanism. The roller conveyor line includes a frame and conveyor rollers. Several conveyor rollers and conveyor motors are installed side by side on the frame. The output shaft of the conveyor motor is connected to the conveyor rollers for transmission. A robotic arm is installed on the frame. A positioning mechanism is installed below the conveyor rollers on the frame. A feeding mechanism is installed on the frame.

[0007] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism includes a base, a first slide rail, a translation slide, friction wheels, a rotary motor, and a translation cylinder. The base is fixedly installed on the frame below the conveyor roller of the roller conveyor line. The first slide rail is provided on the base, and two translation slides are provided on the first slide rail. The two translation slides are slidably arranged along the axial direction of the conveyor roller. A translation cylinder is fixedly installed on the frame, and the telescopic end of the translation cylinder is fixedly connected to the translation slide. Two friction wheels are vertically rotatably provided on each translation slide. The rotating shaft at the bottom of the friction wheel passes through the translation slide. A synchronous wheel is fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft of the friction wheel. A synchronous belt is wound around the synchronous wheel fixed on the two friction wheels of the same translation slide. A rotary motor is fixedly installed below the translation slide, and the output shaft of the rotary motor is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft of one of the friction wheels.

[0008] Furthermore, a transmission turntable is rotatably provided on the base between the two translation slides, and two tie rods are hinged to the transmission turntable, with the other ends of the two tie rods respectively hinged to the two translation slides.

[0009] Furthermore, the robotic arm includes a frame, a vertical arm, a lifting slide, a tilting mechanism, and grippers. The frame is fixedly installed on the frame of the roller conveyor line, and a second slide rail is fixedly installed on the frame. The vertical arm reciprocates on the second slide rail and is horizontally movable along the conveyor roller axis of the roller conveyor line. A third slide rail is vertically fixedly installed on the vertical arm, and a lifting slide is reciprocating on the third slide rail. A tilting mechanism is fixedly installed on the lifting slide, and grippers are fixedly installed on the rotating arm of the tilting mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, a propulsion motor is fixedly installed on the top of the frame. A first lead screw is provided on the top of the frame parallel to the second slide rail. The first lead screw is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the propulsion motor. The first lead screw is drivenly connected to the drop arm through a lead screw nut.

[0011] Furthermore, a lifting motor is fixedly installed on the vertical arm, and a second lead screw is provided on the vertical arm parallel to the third slide rail. The second lead screw is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor, and the second lead screw is drivenly connected to the lifting slide table through a lead screw nut.

[0012] Furthermore, the tilting mechanism includes a fixed arm, a rotating arm, a slewing bearing, and a slewing motor. The fixed arm is fixedly mounted on the lifting slide, and the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the fixed arm through the slewing bearing. The slewing motor is fixedly mounted on the fixed arm, and the output shaft of the slewing motor is drively connected to the rotating arm.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes an insertion cylinder, the fixed end of which is fixedly mounted on the rotating arm of the tilting mechanism, and the gripper is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the insertion cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism includes a vibratory feeder, a steering trough, and a rotary cylinder. The vibratory feeder is fixedly installed on the frame of the roller conveyor line. A rotary cylinder is provided at the discharge end of the vibratory feeder, and a steering trough is installed at the output end of the rotary cylinder.

[0015] The advantages of this invention are as follows: By incorporating a robotic arm and a feeding mechanism, the valve plug is fed onto the gripper of the robotic arm through a vibration feeding principle. The gripper then installs the valve plug onto the hub fixed to the positioning mechanism, replacing the manual installation process. The positioning mechanism can fix the hub of the roller conveyor and rotate the valve to the designated position, temporarily fixing the hub during valve plug installation. Furthermore, a gripper with a deflection mechanism and an insertion cylinder is specifically designed for the valve hole structure, allowing precise control of the valve plug insertion angle during installation and ensuring a tight seal between the valve plug and the valve hole. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the positioning mechanism.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the positioning mechanism.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transmission turntable and the translation slide.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the tilting mechanism.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm's working state.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the feeding mechanism.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Roller conveyor; 2. Positioning mechanism; 3. Robotic arm; 4. Feeding mechanism; 5. Hub; 6. Valve plug; 101. Frame; 102. Conveyor roller; 103. Conveyor motor; 201. Base; 202. First slide rail; 203. Translation slide; 204. Friction wheel; 205. Rotary motor; 206. Translation cylinder; 207. Synchronous pulley; 208. Synchronous belt; 209. Transmission turntable; 210. Tie rod; 301. Frame; 302. Vertical arm; 303. Lifting slide; 304. Tilting mechanism; 3041. Fixed arm; 3042. Rotating arm; 3043. Slewing bearing; 3044. Slewing motor; 305. Gripper; 306. Second slide rail; 307. Third slide rail; 308. Propulsion motor; 309. First lead screw; 310. Lifting motor; 311. Second lead screw; 312. Insertion cylinder; 401. Vibratory plate; 402. Steering groove; 403. Rotary cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown: A helium detection valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels includes a roller conveyor line 1, a positioning mechanism 2, a robotic arm 3, and a feeding mechanism 4. The roller conveyor line 1 includes a frame 101 and conveyor rollers 102. Several conveyor rollers 102 and a conveyor motor 103 are installed side by side on the frame 101. The output shaft of the conveyor motor 103 is connected to the conveyor rollers 102 for transmission. The robotic arm 3 is installed on the frame 101. The positioning mechanism 2 is installed below the conveyor rollers 102 on the frame 101. The feeding mechanism 4 is installed on the frame 101. Roller conveyor 1 is used to transport wheel hub 5, transferring wheel hub 5 from the previous process to positioning mechanism 2 to install valve plug 6 and then to the next process. Positioning mechanism 2 is used to temporarily fix wheel hub 5 when installing valve plug 6 and adjust the angle of wheel hub 5 so that valve plug is aligned with the installation direction of robotic arm 3. Robotic arm 3 is used to insert valve plug 6 into valve hole of wheel hub 5. Feeding mechanism 4 is used to send valve plug 6 to robotic arm 3 for feeding.

[0028] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown: The positioning mechanism 2 includes a base 201, a first slide rail 202, a translation slide 203, a friction wheel 204, a rotary motor 205, and a translation cylinder 206. The base 201 is fixedly installed on the frame 101 below the conveyor roller 102 of the roller conveyor line 1. The first slide rail 202 is provided on the base 201, and two translation slides 203 are provided on the first slide rail 202. The two translation slides 203 translate along the axial direction of the conveyor roller 102. The system is equipped with a translation cylinder 206 fixedly mounted on the frame 101. The telescopic end of the translation cylinder 206 is fixedly connected to the translation slide 203. The extension and retraction of the translation cylinder 206 can drive the translation slide 203 to move. A transmission turntable 209 is rotatably mounted on the base 201 between the two translation slides 203. Two tie rods 210 are hinged to the transmission turntable 209, and the other ends of the two tie rods 210 are respectively hinged to the two translation slides 203. When one translation slide 203 moves, the hinged tie rod 210 drives the transmission turntable 209 to rotate. The transmission turntable 209 drives the other tie rod 210 to move, thereby pushing (or pulling) the other translation slide 203 in the opposite direction. The translation cylinder 206 only drives one translation slide 203, which can drive the other translation slide 203 in the opposite direction through the transmission turntable 209 and the two tie rods 210.

[0029] Two friction wheels 204 are vertically rotating on each translation slide 203, for a total of four friction wheels 204, which can clamp and fix the hub 5. The friction wheels 204 reciprocate within the gap between the conveyor rollers 102. When the hub 5 is delivered to the position between the four friction wheels 204 by the roller conveyor line 1, the four friction wheels 204 clamp the lower edge of the hub 5 in pairs. The friction wheels 204 have a special shape to fix and clamp the hub 5, achieving the purpose of precise positioning. At this time, the center of the hub 5 is aligned vertically with the gripper 305 on the robotic arm 3.

[0030] The rotating shaft at the bottom of the friction wheel 204 passes through the translation slide 203. A synchronous wheel 207 is fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft of the friction wheel 204. A synchronous belt 208 is wound around the synchronous wheel 207 fixed on the two friction wheels 204 on the same translation slide 203. A rotary motor 205 is fixedly installed below the translation slide 203. The output shaft of the rotary motor 205 is connected to the rotating shaft of one of the friction wheels 204. When the rotary motor 205 rotates, it drives the two friction wheels 204 to rotate in the same direction, thereby allowing the hub 5 clamped above to rotate. An image detection camera can be set on the front of the positioning mechanism 2. After the hub 5 is fixed, the initial position of the valve hole can be obtained by taking a picture through the existing recognition control device. The valve hole needs to be rotated to face the gripper 305 on the robotic arm 3 so that the gripper 305 can install the valve plug 6. The above-mentioned method of taking pictures with an image detection camera to obtain the initial position of the valve hole, calculate the required rotation angle, and control the rotation of the rotating motor 205 is a well-known existing technology in the art, and there are many mature technical solutions that can achieve this process, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown: The robotic arm 3 includes a frame 301, a vertical arm 302, a lifting slide 303, a tilting mechanism 304, and a gripper 305. The frame 301 is fixedly installed on the frame 101 of the roller conveyor line 1. The frame 301 is positioned above the positioning mechanism 2. A second slide rail 306 is fixedly installed on the frame 301. The vertical arm 302 is reciprocating on the second slide rail 306. The vertical arm 302 is horizontally movable along the axial direction of the conveying roller 102 of the roller conveyor line 1, that is, the vertical arm 302 reciprocates in a direction perpendicular to the roller conveyor line 1. A third slide rail 307 is vertically fixedly installed on the vertical arm 302. The lifting slide 303 is reciprocating on the third slide rail 307. The tilting mechanism 304 is fixedly installed on the lifting slide 303. A gripper 305 is fixedly installed on the rotating arm 3042 of the tilting mechanism 304. To simplify the control process, an insertion cylinder 312 is also provided. The fixed end of the insertion cylinder 312 is fixedly installed on the rotating arm 3042 of the tilting mechanism 304, and the gripper 305 is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the insertion cylinder 312.

[0032] A propulsion motor 308 is fixedly installed on the top of the frame 301. A first lead screw 309 is provided on the top of the frame 301 parallel to the second slide rail 306. The first lead screw 309 is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the propulsion motor 308, and the first lead screw 309 is drivenly connected to the drop arm 302 through a lead screw nut. The drop arm 302 is controlled to move by the propulsion motor 308.

[0033] A lifting motor 310 is fixedly installed on the vertical arm 302. A second lead screw 311 is provided on the vertical arm 302 parallel to the third slide rail 307. The second lead screw 311 is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor 310, and the second lead screw 311 is drivenly connected to the lifting slide 303 through a lead screw nut. The lifting slide 303 is moved by the lifting motor 310.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, the tilting mechanism 304 includes a fixed arm 3041, a rotating arm 3042, a slewing bearing 3043, and a slewing motor 3044. The fixed arm 3041 is fixedly mounted on the lifting slide 303. The rotating arm 3042 is rotatably connected to the fixed arm 3041 via the slewing bearing 3043. The slewing motor 3044 is fixedly mounted on the fixed arm 3041, and its output shaft is drively connected to the rotating arm 3042. The tilting mechanism 304 controls the angle of the rotating arm 3042 by controlling the slewing motor 3044, thereby controlling the angle of the valve plug 6 held by the gripper 305. This angle is consistent with the valve hole angle on the hub 5, facilitating the smooth insertion of the valve plug 6 into the valve hole.

[0035] like Figure 7As shown: The working process during valve plug installation is as follows: The hub 5 is first moved from the roller conveyor line 1 to above the positioning mechanism 2. The translation cylinder 206 of the positioning mechanism 2 drives the friction wheel 204 on the translation slide 203 to clamp and position the hub 5. Then, the friction wheel 204 rotates to align the valve hole on the hub 5 with the gripper 305 of the robotic arm 3, that is, the line connecting the center point of the hub 5 and the valve hole is aligned with the gripper 305 of the robotic arm 3. At the same time, this line is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the roller conveyor line 1. While the hub 5 is positioned and rotating, the push motor 308 and the lifting motor 310 on the feeding mechanism 4 and the valve plug robotic arm 3 send the gripper 305 to the bottom of the turning groove 402 of the feeding mechanism 4. A valve plug 6 is pre-stored in the turning groove 402. The tilting mechanism 304 controls the rotating arm 3042 to rotate, keeping the gripper 305 parallel to the valve plug 6. The push motor 308 and the lifting motor 310 send the gripper 305 to the bottom of the turning groove 402 of the feeding mechanism 4. The lowering motor 310 aligns the gripper 305 with the valve plug 6, and the gripper 305 clamps the valve plug 6 delivered from the steering groove 402. After the hub 5 is in place, the push motor 308 and the lifting motor 310 send the gripper 305 to the vicinity of the valve hole of the hub 5. The tilting mechanism 304 controls the rotating arm 3042 to rotate so that the valve plug 6 held on the gripper 305 is parallel to the valve hole. At the same time, the push motor 308 and the lifting motor 310 align the valve plug 6 with the valve hole. When the valve plug 6 is aligned with the valve hole, the insertion cylinder 312 is in the extended state. Then, the insertion cylinder 312 is controlled to retract, pushing the valve plug 6 into the valve hole to complete the insertion action. Then the gripper 305 is released, the push motor 308 controls the gripper 305 to retract, and then controls the gripper 305 to move to the underside of the steering groove 402 of the feeding mechanism 4 to prepare to grab the next valve plug 6.

[0036] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown: The feeding mechanism 4 includes a vibratory feeder 401, a steering groove 402, and a rotary cylinder 403. The vibratory feeder 401 is fixedly installed on the frame 101 of the roller conveyor line 1. The rotary cylinder 403 is provided at the discharge end of the vibratory feeder 401, and the steering groove 402 is installed at the output end of the rotary cylinder 403. The vibratory feeder 401 arranges the valve plugs 6 through vibration and conveys them into the steering groove 402. The steering groove 402 is responsible for rotating the parallel-placed valve plugs 6 by 90°. After rotation, the valve plugs 6 in the steering groove 402 fall naturally into the waiting gripper 305 below by gravity. The gripper 305 clamps the plugs, completing the feeding action.

[0037] In the above process, the wheel hub 5 and valve stem plug 6 can be detected by existing sensors such as photoelectric switches, and the actions of each motor and cylinder can be completed by controlling the host computer, PLC, etc. The above process can be implemented by those skilled in the art with existing technology, so the specific control method will not be described in detail.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "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.

Claims

1. A helium detector valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels, characterized in that, The roller conveyor (1), positioning mechanism (2), robotic arm (3) and feeding mechanism (4) are included. The roller conveyor (1) includes a frame (101) and conveying rollers (102). Several conveying rollers (102) and conveying motors (103) are installed side by side on the frame (101). The output shaft of the conveying motor (103) is connected to the conveying rollers (102) for transmission. A robotic arm (3) is installed on the frame (101). A positioning mechanism (2) is installed below the conveying rollers (102) on the frame (101). A feeding mechanism (4) is installed on the frame (101).

2. The helium detector valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism (2) includes a base (201), a first slide rail (202), a translation slide (203), a friction wheel (204), a rotary motor (205), and a translation cylinder (206). The base (201) is fixedly installed on the frame (101) below the conveyor roller (102) of the roller conveyor line (1). The first slide rail (202) is provided on the base (201), and two translation slides (203) are provided on the first slide rail (202). The two translation slides (203) are slidably arranged along the axial direction of the conveyor roller (102). A translation cylinder (206) is fixedly installed on the frame (101). The telescopic end of 06 is fixedly connected to the translation slide (203). Two friction wheels (204) are vertically rotatable on each translation slide (203). The shaft at the bottom of the friction wheel (204) passes through the translation slide (203). A synchronous wheel (207) is fixedly sleeved on the shaft of the friction wheel (204). A synchronous belt (208) is wound around the synchronous wheel (207) fixed on the two friction wheels (204) of the same translation slide (203). A rotary motor (205) is fixedly installed below the translation slide (203). The output shaft of the rotary motor (205) is connected to the shaft of one of the friction wheels (204) for transmission.

3. The helium detector valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 2, characterized in that, A transmission turntable (209) is rotatably provided on the base (201) between two translation slides (203). Two tie rods (210) are hinged on the transmission turntable (209), and the other ends of the two tie rods (210) are respectively hinged to the two translation slides (203).

4. The helium detector valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm (3) includes a frame (301), a vertical arm (302), a lifting slide (303), a tilting mechanism (304), and a gripper (305). The frame (301) is fixedly installed on the frame (101) of the roller conveyor line (1). A second slide rail (306) is fixedly installed on the frame (301). The vertical arm (302) is reciprocating on the second slide rail (306). The vertical arm (302) is horizontally movable along the axial direction of the conveying roller (102) of the roller conveyor line (1). A third slide rail (307) is vertically fixedly installed on the vertical arm (302). The lifting slide (303) is reciprocating on the third slide rail (307). The tilting mechanism (304) is fixedly installed on the lifting slide (303). A gripper (305) is fixedly installed on the rotating arm (3042) of the tilting mechanism (304).

5. The helium detection valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 4, characterized in that, A propulsion motor (308) is fixedly installed on the top of the frame (301). A first lead screw (309) is provided on the top of the frame (301) parallel to the second slide rail (306). The first lead screw (309) is connected to the output shaft of the propulsion motor (308) through a drive. The first lead screw (309) is connected to the vertical arm (302) through a lead screw nut.

6. The helium detection valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 5, characterized in that, A lifting motor (310) is fixedly installed on the vertical arm (302). A second lead screw (311) is provided on the vertical arm (302) parallel to the third slide rail (307). The second lead screw (311) is connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor (310) through a drive. The second lead screw (311) is connected to the lifting slide (303) through a lead screw nut.

7. The aluminum alloy wheel helium detector valve plug installation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tilting mechanism (304) includes a fixed arm (3041), a rotating arm (3042), a slewing bearing (3043), and a slewing motor (3044). The fixed arm (3041) is fixedly mounted on the lifting slide (303). The rotating arm (3042) is rotatably connected to the fixed arm (3041) through the slewing bearing (3043). The slewing motor (3044) is fixedly mounted on the fixed arm (3041), and the output shaft of the slewing motor (3044) is connected to the rotating arm (3042) for transmission.

8. The helium detector valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an insertion cylinder (312), the fixed end of which is fixedly mounted on the rotating arm (3042) of the tilting mechanism (304), and the gripper (305) is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the insertion cylinder (312).

9. A helium detector valve plug installation device for aluminum alloy wheels according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism (4) includes a vibratory plate (401), a steering groove (402) and a rotary cylinder (403). The vibratory plate (401) is fixedly installed on the frame (101) of the roller conveyor line (1). A rotary cylinder (403) is provided at the discharge end of the vibratory plate (401), and a steering groove (402) is installed at the output end of the rotary cylinder (403).

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