Differential assembly detection line

Abstract

A differential assembly detection line, comprising a part loading station (OP10), a manual assembly station (OP20), an axial movement detection station (OP30), a dragging torque detection station (OP40), an angular gap detection station (OP50), a cotter pin press-fitting station (OP60), a flange surface marking station (OP70), a circumferential surface marking station (OP80), a cotter pin detection NG unloading station (OP90), and an OK part unloading station (OP100), so that the axial movement, dragging torque, and angular gap of a differential can be automatically detected when the differential is assembled.

Description

A differential assembly test line

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application refers to Chinese patent application No. 202310817583.6 filed on July 5, 2023, entitled “A Differential Assembly Detection Line”, which is incorporated into this application in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of automobile parts manufacturing, and in particular to a differential assembly and testing line. Background Art

[0004] The differential is a component of a car's transmission system. Its function is to transfer the torque generated by the engine to the wheels and allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds. It is usually installed on the car's drive shaft and is mainly used to solve the problem of speed difference between the inside and outside wheels when the vehicle turns.

[0005] The inventors have discovered that the relevant technology has at least the following problems: During the assembly and production process of the differential, the fitting accuracy of the differential needs to be tested. The existing testing methods mainly rely on operators to use testing tools to test the various fitting indicators of the differential separately. Not only is the testing efficiency low, which greatly affects the overall production rhythm of the differential, but the errors in the test results are difficult to control, affecting the overall quality of the differential.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of some embodiments of the present application is to provide a differential assembly and inspection line, including: a parts loading station for loading differential components; a manual assembly station for receiving differential accessories delivered by the parts loader and performing overall assembly of the differential; an axial play detection station for detecting the axial play of the two half-shaft gears of the differential in a rotating state; a drag torque detection station for detecting the maximum torque of the half-shaft gears in the differential in a rotating state; an angular clearance detection station for detecting the rotational clearance of the two half-shaft gears in the differential in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions; a cotter pin press-fitting station for automatically press-fitting the cotter pins on the differential; a flange surface marking station for automatically marking the flange surface of the differential; a circumferential surface marking station for automatically marking the circumferential surface of the differential; a cotter pin detection NG blanking station for press-fitting detection of cotter pins on the differential, and performing NG blanking of differentials whose cotter pins do not meet the press-fitting standards; and an OK part blanking station for performing OK blanking of differentials that meet the overall inspection standards.

[0008] For example, in the differential assembly and inspection line described above, the axial play detection station can, when the differential housing is in a fixed state, apply a force in a first direction to each of the two side gears, apply torque to each of the two side gears, record the play values ​​of the two side gears in the first direction, select the maximum play value of the two side gears in the first direction, and average the two maximum play values ​​to obtain a high point mean value;

[0009] The axial play detection station is further capable of applying a force in a second direction to the two side gears respectively when the differential case is in a fixed state, applying a torque to the two side gears respectively and recording the play values ​​of the two side gears in the second direction, screening the maximum play value of the two side gears in the second direction and averaging the two maximum play values ​​to obtain a low point mean value;

[0010] The first direction and the second direction are respectively the two side directions of the half-shaft gear in the axial direction.

[0011] For example, the above-mentioned differential assembly and inspection line, wherein the axial movement detection station includes a movement detection frame, on which is provided a movement auxiliary tooling for positioning the housing, an upper movement detection component and a lower movement detection component respectively used to apply axial force and torque to the two half-shaft gears.

[0012] For example, in the above-mentioned differential assembly and inspection line, the upper movement detection assembly includes a first lifting plate that can be lifted and lowered on the movement detection frame, and a first mounting platform is fixed on the first lifting plate;

[0013] A first detection cylinder and a displacement sensor for detecting the telescopic distance of the first detection cylinder are fixedly mounted on the first mounting platform. A first ball spline assembly is mounted on the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder. The first ball spline assembly is connected to a first tensioning assembly.

[0014] The inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly is rotatably connected to the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder, and the first tensioning assembly is fixedly arranged on the end of the inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly away from the first detection cylinder;

[0015] The upper movement detection assembly also includes a first detection motor fixedly mounted on a first mounting platform, a first driving gear fixedly disposed on a power output end of the first detection motor, and a first driven gear meshing with the first driving gear fixedly disposed on an outer sleeve of the first ball spline assembly.

[0016] For example, in the above-mentioned differential assembly inspection line, the upper movement detection component further includes a lifting cylinder fixedly mounted on the first mounting platform, a lifting platform fixedly mounted on the telescopic end of the lifting cylinder, two clamping cylinders fixedly mounted symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first tensioning component, the telescopic axis of the clamping cylinder being perpendicular to the central axis of the first tensioning component, and a limiting clamping claw fixedly mounted on the telescopic end;

[0017] The limiting clamping claw can extend into the housing and axially contact the side shaft gear.

[0018] For example, in the above-mentioned differential assembly and testing line, the drag torque testing station can rotate one of the half-shaft gears while the housing is in a fixed state and record the maximum torque value of the actively rotating half-shaft gear during the rotation process.

[0019] For example, in the differential assembly and testing line described above, the drag torque testing station includes a mounting base and a torque detection assembly and a positioning assembly disposed on the mounting base. The torque detection assembly is used to apply torque to the side gear at the top of the housing, and the positioning assembly is used to position the housing.

[0020] The torque detection assembly includes a second lifting plate that can be lifted and lowered on the mounting base, a second mounting platform is fixedly mounted on the second lifting plate, a second detection motor is fixedly mounted on the second mounting platform, and a power output end of the second detection motor is connected to a second tensioning assembly via a first torque sensor;

[0021] The power output end of the second detection motor is coaxial with the second tensioning assembly, and the two sensing ends of the first torque sensor are respectively connected to the power output end of the second detection motor and the second tensioning assembly.

[0022] For example, in the above-mentioned differential assembly inspection, the angular clearance inspection station can apply opposite axial forces to the two half-shaft gears respectively when the housing is in a fixed state, apply a rotation limit to one of the half-shaft gears, and apply clockwise and counterclockwise torque to the other half-shaft gear in sequence, and record the angular clearance value of the actively rotating half-shaft gear in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0023] For example, in the above-mentioned differential assembly and inspection line, the angular clearance inspection station includes a clearance inspection frame, on which are provided a clearance auxiliary tool for positioning the housing, an upper clearance inspection component for applying an axial force and clockwise and counterclockwise torque to the side gears at the top of the housing, and a lower clearance inspection component for applying an axial force and rotational limit to the side gears at the bottom of the housing;

[0024] The upper gap detection assembly includes a lifting bracket that can be lifted and lowered on the gap detection frame, a horizontal floating assembly is provided on the lifting bracket, a support frame is fixedly connected to the output end of the horizontal floating assembly, a third detection cylinder is fixedly provided on the support frame, and the telescopic end of the third detection cylinder is connected to the tensioning mechanism via a second ball spline assembly:

[0025] The upper gap detection assembly further includes an angle encoder fixedly mounted on the lifting bracket and coaxial with the tensioning mechanism, a third detection motor fixedly mounted on the support frame, a power output end of the third detection motor connected to the transition shaft via a second torque sensor, a second driving gear fixedly mounted on the transition shaft, and a second driven gear meshing with the second driving gear fixedly mounted on the outer cylinder of the second ball spline assembly;

[0026] Among them, the angle encoder is used to monitor the rotation angle of the tensioning mechanism, the inner spline shaft of the second ball spline assembly is rotatably connected to the telescopic end of the third detection cylinder, the tensioning mechanism is fixedly arranged on the end of the inner spline shaft of the second ball spline assembly away from the third detection cylinder, and the two sensing ends of the second torque sensor are connected to the power output end of the third detection motor and the transition shaft.

[0027] For example, in the above-mentioned differential assembly test line, the upper gap detection assembly further includes a tension and pressure detection assembly, the tension and pressure detection assembly including a fixed bracket fixedly provided on the gap detection frame, a fixed sleeve fixedly provided on the fixed bracket, and a spring provided inside the fixed sleeve;

[0028] The tension and pressure detection assembly further includes a connecting block fixedly mounted on the lifting bracket, a fisheye joint hingedly provided on the connecting block, and a tension and pressure sensor connected between the fisheye joint and the spring;

[0029] Wherein, the two sensing ends of the tension and compression sensor are respectively connected to the fisheye connector and the end of the spring away from the fixed sleeve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplifications do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0031] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of a differential assembly and testing line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a “differential” according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the structure of a “differential” according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of a “differential” according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG5 is a partial structural diagram of the “axial movement detection station OP30” in the differential assembly and testing line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG6 is a partial structural diagram of the “axial movement detection station OP30” in the differential assembly and testing line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the detection principle of the “axial movement detection station OP30” in the differential assembly and detection line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the detection principle of the “axial movement detection station OP30” in the differential assembly and detection line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a “drag torque testing station OP40” in a differential assembly and testing line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a “torque detection assembly 420 ” in a differential assembly and detection line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG11 is a partial structural diagram of a “torque detection assembly 420 ” in a differential assembly and detection line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the detection principle of the “drag torque detection station OP40” in the differential assembly and detection line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG13 is a partial structural diagram of the “angular clearance detection station OP50” in the differential assembly and testing line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the “angular clearance detection station OP50” in the differential assembly and testing line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an “angular clearance detection station OP50” in a differential assembly and testing line according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the detection principle of the “angular clearance detection station OP50” in the differential assembly and detection line according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Reference numerals OP10, parts loading station; OP20, manual assembly station; OP30, axial movement detection station; 301, first lifting plate; 302, lifting slide rail; 303, clamping cylinder; 304, limiting clamping claw; 305, positioning frame; 306, first tensioning assembly; 307, first driving gear; 308, first reducer; 309, first mounting platform; 310, first detection motor; 311, displacement sensor; 312, first detection cylinder; 313, lifting cylinder; 314, lifting platform; 315, first driven gear; 316, first ball spline assembly; OP40, drag torque detection station; 410, mounting base; 420, torque detection assembly; 421 , second lifting plate; 422, second mounting platform; 423, fixed platform; 424, second reducer; 425, second detection motor; 426, first torque sensor; 427, second tensioning assembly; 428, first coupling; 430, positioning assembly; OP50, angular clearance detection station; 501, lifting bracket; 502, connecting block; 503, fisheye joint; 504, tension and compression sensor; 505, spring; 506, fixed sleeve; 507, third detection cylinder; 508, third detection motor; 509, third reducer; 510, support frame; 511, second torque sensor; 512, second coupling; 513, first connecting plate; 514, horizontal slider; 515, Horizontal floating guide rail; 516, transition shaft; 517, longitudinal floating guide rail; 518, longitudinal slider; 519, second connecting plate; 520, second ball spline assembly; 521, fixed bracket; 522, first support plate; 523, connecting plate; 524, rotating seat; 525, plug-in shaft; 526, tensioning head; 527, second support plate; 528, second driving gear; 529, second driven gear; OP60, cotter pin pressing station; OP70, flange surface marking station; OP80, circumferential surface marking station; OP90, cotter pin detection NG blanking station; OP100, OK part blanking station; 101, housing; 102, half-shaft gear; 103, planetary gear; 104, slotted shaft; 105, flat washer; 106, ball washer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, some embodiments of this application are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain this application and are not used to limit this application.

[0049] Some embodiments of the present application relate to a differential assembly and inspection line. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the differential includes a housing 101, side gears 102, and planetary gears 103. The housing 101 is provided with a cavity for accommodating the side gears 102 and the planetary gears 103. Two side gears 102 are symmetrical and coaxial, and the two side gears 102 are rotatably arranged on the internal cavity of the housing 101. Two planetary gears 103 are symmetrical and coaxial, and the two planetary gears 103 are rotatably arranged on the internal cavity of the housing 101. The central axes of the two side gears 102 are perpendicular to the central axes of the two planetary gears 103.

[0050] A flat gasket 105 is provided between the half-shaft gear 102 and the inner wall of the corresponding side of the internal cavity of the shell 101, and a planetary gear 103 is provided between the inner wall of the corresponding side of the internal cavity of the shell 101. A straight shaft 104 that passes through the two groups 130 and the ball gasket 106 is inserted into the shell 101. The straight shaft 104 is used to limit the planetary gear 103.

[0051] It is understandable that since the components of the differential cooperate with each other, the fitting accuracy between the components needs to be tested after assembly.

[0052] As shown in FIG1 , the differential assembly and inspection line provided by the present application includes, in order of process steps: a parts loading station OP10, which is used to load the various components of the differential, including a housing 101, a half-shaft gear 102, a planetary gear 103, a straight shaft 104, a flat gasket 105, and a ball gasket 106; a manual assembly station OP20, which is used to receive the differential accessories delivered by the parts loading station OP10 and manually assemble the entire differential; an axial movement detection station OP30, which is used to detect the axial movement of the two half-shaft gears 102 of the differential under rotation; a drag torque detection station OP40, which is used to detect the axial movement of the half-shaft gears 102 in the differential under rotation. Maximum torque detection under the state; Angular clearance detection station OP50, used to detect the rotational clearance of the two half-shaft gears 102 in the differential in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions; Split pin press-fitting station OP60, used for automatic press-fitting of the split pins on the differential; Flange surface marking station OP70, used for automatic marking on the differential flange surface; Circumferential surface marking station OP80, used for automatic marking on the circumferential surface of the differential; Split pin detection NG blanking station OP90, used for press-fitting detection of split pins on the differential, and performs NG blanking of differentials whose split pin press-fitting does not meet the standards; OK part blanking station OP100, used for OK blanking of differentials that meet the overall inspection standards.

[0053] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the detection principle used in the axial movement detection station OP30 is as follows:

[0054] S1, applying a force in a first direction to the two side gears 102 respectively when the housing 101 is in a fixed state;

[0055] S2, rotating the two side gears 102 respectively and recording the movement values ​​of the two side gears 102 in the first direction;

[0056] S3, screening the maximum movement values ​​of the two side gears 102 in the first direction and averaging the two maximum movement values ​​to obtain a high point average;

[0057] S4, applying a force in a second direction to the two side gears 102 respectively when the housing 101 is in a fixed state;

[0058] S5. Rotate the two side gears 102 respectively and record the movement values ​​of the two side gears 102 in the second direction;

[0059] S6, screening the maximum movement values ​​of the two side gears 102 in the second direction and averaging the two maximum movement values ​​to obtain a low point average;

[0060] The first direction and the second direction are respectively two side directions of the side gear 102 in the axial direction.

[0061] It can be understood that the movement values ​​of the two half-shaft gears 102 in the first direction or the second direction can be set to be continuously acquired, and can also be set to be periodically acquired. The maximum movement value screened out by the former is more accurate, but the sampling is more and the data volume is larger. The maximum movement value screened out by the latter has errors, but the sampling is less and the screening speed is faster.

[0062] As shown in FIG12 , in the drag torque detection station OP40, the detection principle adopted is as follows:

[0063] S1. Rotate one of the half-shaft gears 102 while the housing 101 is in a fixed state; S2. Record the torque value of the actively rotating half-shaft gear 102 during the rotation process, and select the maximum torque value; it can be understood that, similar to the above, the torque value can be obtained by continuous acquisition or periodic acquisition. The specific setting method is formulated based on the accuracy requirement for obtaining the maximum torque value, and will not be detailed here.

[0064] As shown in FIG16 , in the angular clearance detection station OP50, the detection principle adopted is as follows:

[0065] S1. With the housing 101 in a fixed state, apply a force to each of the two side gears 102 toward the side of the flat gasket 105 at the corresponding position. S2. Fix one of the side gears 102 and rotate the other side gear 102 clockwise and counterclockwise in sequence, recording the maximum rotation angles of the side gear 102 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. S3. Add the maximum rotation angles of the side gears 102 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions to obtain the angular clearance value of the two side gears 102.

[0066] It can be understood that the reason why a force is applied to the side of the half-shaft gear 102 toward the side close to the corresponding flat gasket 105 is to set the positioning reference on the housing 101, because the matching accuracy between the housing 101 and the half-shaft gear 102 is more reliable. If a force is applied to the side of the half-shaft gear 102 away from the corresponding flat gasket 105, the planetary gear 103 itself has a matching error with the housing 101 and the half-shaft gear 102, which will affect the detection of the angular clearance between the two half-shaft gears 102.

[0067] It can be understood that in the axial movement detection station OP30, the drag torque detection station OP40, and the angular clearance detection station OP50, the workpieces that fail the inspection can be directly cut, or the entire inspection process can be performed on the differential and unified cutting can be performed in the cotter pin inspection NG cutting station OP90. The former can reduce unnecessary inspection volume, and the latter can obtain the complete matching accuracy data of the differential, and the differential can be fully reworked after cutting.

[0068] It can be understood that for the axial movement detection station OP30, the drag torque detection station OP40, and the angular clearance detection station OP50, the detection order is not limited to the above-mentioned one. For example, the differential can first perform angular clearance detection and then perform axial movement detection or drag torque detection. It can also be set to perform drag torque detection first and then perform angular clearance detection or axial movement detection. As long as the differential can complete the entire detection process, there is no specific restriction on the detection order of its various indicators.

[0069] Among them, in the cotter pin press-fitting station OP60, the cotter pin press-fitting is for limiting the positions of the components, including fixing the straight shaft 104 on the housing 101.

[0070] Among them, in the flange surface marking station OP70 and the circumferential surface marking station OP80, the differential marking is to mark the product number and information, thereby binding the differential test results with the differential's own information, and then realizing data traceability of the test information.

[0071] In the embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned differential assembly inspection line is used to automatically detect the axial movement, drag torque and angular clearance of the differential after it is assembled. On the one hand, the efficiency and accuracy of the measurement are improved. On the other hand, the inspection data is bound to the business card information of the differential, thereby realizing the traceability of the data during the assembly inspection process and facilitating the intelligent management of the product.

[0072] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the axial movement detection station OP30 includes a movement detection frame, on which is provided a movement auxiliary tooling for positioning the housing 101, an upper movement detection component and a lower movement detection component for applying axial force and torque to the two half-shaft gears 102 respectively.

[0073] The upper movement detection component includes a first lifting plate 301 which can be raised and lowered on the movement detection frame, a first mounting platform 309 is fixed on the first lifting plate 301, a first detection cylinder 312 and a displacement sensor 311 for detecting the telescopic distance of the first detection cylinder 312 are fixed on the first mounting platform 309, a first ball spline assembly 316 is installed on the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder 312, wherein the inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly 316 is rotatably connected to the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder 312, and a first tensioning assembly 306 is fixedly connected to the end of the inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly 316 away from the first detection cylinder 312.

[0074] The upper movement detection assembly also includes a first reducer 308 fixedly mounted on a first mounting platform 309. The power input end of the first reducer 308 is connected to the power output end of the first detection motor 310. The power output end of the first reducer 308 is fixedly provided with a first driving gear 307. The outer sleeve of the first ball spline assembly 316 is fixedly provided with a first driven gear 315 that meshes with the first driving gear 307.

[0075] It can be understood that the inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly 316 is slidably arranged in the outer cylinder body. When the first detection cylinder 312 is extended or retracted, it can drive the inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly 316 to move axially relative to the outer sleeve, thereby driving the first tensioning assembly 306 to move axially; when the first detection motor 310 drives the first driving gear 307 to rotate through the first reducer 308, the first driving gear 307 drives the first driven gear 315 to rotate, thereby driving the first ball spline assembly 316 to rotate, and then driving the first tensioning assembly 306 to rotate.

[0076] The upper movement detection component also includes a lifting cylinder 313 fixedly set on the first mounting platform 309, and a lifting platform 314 is fixed on the telescopic end of the lifting cylinder 313. Two clamping cylinders 303 are symmetrically fixed on the lifting platform 314 about the central axis of the first tensioning component 306. The telescopic axis of the clamping cylinder 303 is perpendicular to the central axis of the first tensioning component 306 and a limiting clamp 304 is fixed on the telescopic end.

[0077] It can be understood that when the shell 101 is positioned by the auxiliary tooling, the extension and retraction of the two clamping cylinders 303 can drive the limiting claws 304 to extend into the internal cavity of the shell 101. When the lifting cylinder 313 drives the lifting platform 314 to rise and fall, the limiting claws 304 can apply axial force to the half-axle gear 102 inside the shell 101.

[0078] During the inspection, the shell 101 is first fixed by the auxiliary tooling, and then the first lifting plate 301 is lowered or the first detection cylinder 312 is extended to drive the first tensioning component 306 to tighten the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101. As the first lifting plate 301 is lowered or the first detection cylinder 312 is extended, the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 will be subjected to axial downward pressure. At this time, the first tensioning component 306 is driven to rotate by the first lifting plate 301, thereby driving the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 to rotate. During the rotation of the half-shaft gear 102, the displacement sensor 311 can record the length change of the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder 312, thereby calculating the axial rotational movement value of the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 when subjected to downward pressure; when the limit clamp is When 304 contacts the bottom of the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 and the lifting cylinder 313 rises to drive the limit clamp 304 to apply an axial upward force to the half-shaft gear 102, the first tensioning component 306 is driven to rotate through the first lifting plate 301, thereby driving the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 to rotate. During the rotation of the half-shaft gear 102, the displacement sensor 311 can record the length change of the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder 312, thereby calculating the rotational axial movement value of the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 when subjected to the upward force. By screening the maximum rotational axial movement value of the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 under the conditions of downward pressure and upward force, the final high point average and low point average can be obtained in combination with the maximum rotational axial movement value obtained by the lower movement detection component.

[0079] It is understandable that the lower movement detection assembly can be set as a mirror image structure of the upper movement detection assembly, and the rotational movement of the half-shaft gear 102 at the bottom of the housing 101 can be detected by the lower movement detection assembly.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned axial movement detection station OP30 is used, and axial force and torque are respectively applied to the two half-shaft gears 102 in the housing 101 through the upper movement detection component and the lower movement detection component, and the axial movement value of the half-shaft gear 102 during the rotation process is obtained through the displacement sensor 311. Since the force or torque applied to the half-shaft gear 102 is controllable, the detection parameters of the two half-shaft gears 102 during the axial movement detection process are exactly the same, which effectively ensures the reliability and accuracy of the detection data.

[0081] It can be understood that the structural forms of the upper and lower movement detection components are not limited to the above-mentioned ones. As long as the axial force and torque can be applied to the half-shaft gear 102 at the corresponding position and the axial movement value during the rotation of the half-shaft gear 102 can be obtained, no detailed description will be given here.

[0082] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5 and FIG6 , two lifting rails 302 are symmetrically and fixedly provided on the first lifting plate 301 with respect to the first tensioning assembly 306 , and the two lifting rails 302 are parallel to the telescopic axis of the lifting cylinder 313 .

[0083] Among them, the lifting platform 314 is slidably connected to the two lifting rails 302. When the lifting cylinder 313 drives the lifting platform 314 to move up and down, the lifting rails 302 can guide the lifting platform 314, thereby improving the lifting stability of the lifting platform 314.

[0084] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , a positioning frame 305 is fixedly connected to the first mounting platform 309 , and the first tensioning component 306 passes through and is disposed on the positioning frame 305 with a clearance fit.

[0085] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the drag torque detection station OP40 includes a mounting base 410 and a torque detection assembly 420 and a positioning assembly 430 arranged on the mounting base 410, wherein the torque detection assembly 420 is used to apply torque to the half-shaft gear 102 at the top position of the housing 101, and the positioning assembly 430 is used to position the housing 101.

[0086] The torque detection assembly 420 includes a second lifting plate 421 that can be raised and lowered on the mounting base 410, a second mounting platform 422 is fixed on the second lifting plate 421, a fixing platform 423 is fixed on the second mounting platform 422, a second reducer 424 is fixed on the fixing platform 423, the power input end of the second reducer 424 is connected to the power output end of the second detection motor 425, and the power output end of the second reducer 424 is connected to the second tensioning assembly 427 through the first torque sensor 426.

[0087] Among them, the power output end of the second reducer 424 is coaxial with the second tensioning assembly 427, and the two sensing ends of the first torque sensor 426 are respectively connected to the power output end of the second reducer 424 and the second tensioning assembly 427 through the first coupling 428. When the second detection motor 425 rotates, it can drive the first torque sensor 426 and the second tensioning assembly 427 to rotate through the second reducer 424.

[0088] During detection, the shell 101 is positioned by the positioning assembly 430, and the second lifting plate 421 is lifted and lowered to drive the second tensioning assembly 427 to extend into the half-shaft gear 102 at the top position of the shell 101, thereby realizing the tensioning of the half-shaft gear 102 by the second tensioning assembly 427. At this time, the second detection motor 425 rotates to drive the second tensioning assembly 427 to rotate, thereby driving the half-shaft gear 102 at the top position of the shell 101 to rotate. Since the two sensing ends of the first torque sensor 426 are respectively connected to the power output end of the second reducer 424 and the second tensioning assembly 427 through the first coupling 428, when the second tensioning assembly 427 drives the half-shaft gear 102 to rotate, the two sensing ends of the first torque sensor 426 can obtain the torque change between the power output end of the second reducer 424 and the second tensioning assembly 427, thereby obtaining the maximum drag torque of the half-shaft gear 102.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned drag torque detection station OP40 is used to position the housing 101 by the positioning component 430, and at the same time, the torque detection component 420 drives the half-shaft gear 102 at the top position of the housing 101 to obtain the torque value of the two half-shaft gears 102 during the transmission process, thereby screening out the maximum drag torque value to determine whether the matching accuracy meets the standard. Not only is the structure simple, but the detection efficiency is also greatly improved.

[0090] It is understandable that the setting form of the drag torque detection station OP40 is not limited to the above-mentioned one. For example, it can be set to apply torque to the half-shaft gear 102 at the bottom position of the shell 101 to obtain the maximum drag torque of the half-shaft gear 102. As long as it is possible to rotate one of the half-shaft gears 102 to obtain the torque value, it will not be described in detail here.

[0091] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, the angular gap detection station OP50 includes a gap detection frame, on which is provided a gap auxiliary tooling for positioning the housing 101, an upper gap detection component for applying an axial force and clockwise and counterclockwise torque to the half-shaft gear 102 at the top position of the housing 101, and a lower gap detection component for applying an axial force and rotation limit to the half-shaft gear 102 at the bottom position of the housing 101.

[0092] The upper gap detection component includes a lifting bracket 501 that can be lifted and lowered on the gap detection frame. The lifting bracket 501 is provided with a horizontal floating component. A support frame 510 is fixedly connected to the output end of the horizontal floating component. A third detection cylinder 507 is fixedly provided on the support frame 510. The telescopic end of the third detection cylinder 507 is connected to the tensioning mechanism through a second ball spline assembly 520.

[0093] Among them, the inner spline shaft of the second ball spline assembly 520 is rotatably connected to the telescopic end of the third detection cylinder 507, and the tensioning mechanism includes a rotating seat 524 fixedly set on the lifting bracket 501, an inserted shaft 525 fixedly set on the end of the second ball spline assembly 520 away from the third detection cylinder 507 and rotatably connected to the rotating seat 524, and a tensioning head 526 fixedly set on the side end of the inserted shaft 525 away from the second ball spline assembly 520.

[0094] The upper gap detection assembly also includes an angle encoder fixedly mounted on the lifting bracket 501 and coaxial with the tensioning head 526. The angle encoder is used to monitor the rotation angle of the tensioning head 526. A third reducer 509 is fixedly mounted on the support frame 510. The power input end of the third reducer 509 is connected to the power output end of the third detection motor 508. The power output end of the third reducer 509 is connected to the transition shaft 516 via a second torque sensor 511. Specifically, the two sensing ends of the second torque sensor 511 are respectively connected to the power output end of the third reducer 509 and the transition shaft 516 via a second coupling 512. A second driving gear 528 is fixedly mounted on the transition shaft 516. A second driven gear 529, which meshes with the second driving gear 528, is fixedly mounted on the outer cylinder of the second ball spline assembly 520.

[0095] It can be understood that the spline of the inner spline shaft of the second ball spline assembly 520 is slidingly arranged in the outer cylinder. When the second support plate 527 is extended or retracted, it can drive the inner spline shaft of the second ball spline assembly 520 to move axially relative to the outer sleeve, thereby driving the tensioning mechanism to move axially; when the third detection motor 508 drives the transition shaft 516 and the second driving gear 528 to rotate through the third reducer 509, the second driving gear 528 drives the second driven gear 529 to rotate, thereby driving the second ball spline assembly 520 to rotate, and then driving the tensioning mechanism to rotate.

[0096] During the inspection, the housing 101 is first fixed by the gap auxiliary tooling, and then the lifting bracket 501 is lowered or the third detection cylinder 507 is extended to drive the tensioning head 526 to tighten the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101. At this time, the lifting bracket 501 rises or the third detection cylinder 507 retracts to apply an axial upward pulling force to the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101. At the same time, the lower gap detection assembly restricts the rotation of the side gear 102 at the bottom of the housing 101 and applies an axial downward pulling force thereto. At this time, the second ball spline assembly 520 is driven by the third detection motor 508 to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 to rotate clockwise synchronously. During the rotation of the side gear 102, the second torque sensor 511 can obtain the torque change between the transition shaft 516 and the output end of the third reducer 509, thereby judging whether the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 has reached the limit position in the clockwise direction, that is, the two side gears 102 are in the clockwise direction. The upward clearance is zero. When the second torque sensor 511 determines that the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 has rotated to the extreme position in the clockwise direction, the angle encoder records the rotation angle of the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 in the clockwise direction at this time. At the same time, the third detection motor 508 drives the second ball spline assembly 520 to rotate counterclockwise, thereby driving the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 to rotate counterclockwise synchronously. During the rotation of the side gear 102, the second torque sensor 511 is used to determine whether the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 has reached the extreme position in the counterclockwise direction. When the second torque sensor 511 determines that the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 has rotated to the extreme position in the counterclockwise direction, the angle encoder records the rotation angle of the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 in the counterclockwise direction at this time. By adding the rotation angle values ​​of the side gear 102 at the top of the housing 101 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the maximum angular clearance between the two side gears 102 can be obtained.

[0097] It can be understood that the zero point of the angle encoder is the initial angular position when the tensioning head 526 tightens the half-shaft gear 102. At the same time, the order of obtaining the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation angle values ​​of the half-shaft gear 102 is not limited to the above one. For example, the rotation angle in the counterclockwise state can be obtained first, and then the rotation angle in the clockwise state can be obtained, which has no effect on the final maximum value of the angular clearance.

[0098] It can be understood that the setting form of the upper gap detection component and the lower gap detection component is not limited to the above-mentioned one. For example, it can be set so that the upper gap detection component limits the rotation of the half-shaft gear 102 at the top position of the shell 101 and applies axial force to it, and the lower gap detection component applies axial force and clockwise and counterclockwise torque to the half-shaft gear 102 at the bottom position of the shell 101. As long as it can be ensured that the two half-shaft gears 102 are subjected to the axial force on the side of the flat gasket 105 close to the corresponding position, and one of the half-shaft gears 102 is in a rotation-limited state, clockwise and counterclockwise torque is applied to the other half-shaft gear 102. The maximum angular gap between the two half-shaft gears 102 can be calculated by obtaining the maximum rotation angle of the rotating half-shaft gear 102 and the clockwise and counterclockwise limit rotation angle.

[0099] In an embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned angular clearance detection station OP50 is used, and opposite axial forces are applied to the two half-shaft gears 102 through the upper clearance component and the lower clearance component respectively, and the rotation of the half-shaft gear 102 at the bottom of the shell 101 is restricted. The extreme angles of the half-shaft gear 102 at the top of the shell 101 under clockwise and counterclockwise rotation are obtained through the angle encoder, so as to calculate and obtain the maximum angular clearance between the two half-shaft gears 102. Since the second torque sensor 511 can ensure the torque uniformity under the extreme rotation angle of the half-shaft gear 102, the error of manual detection is avoided, so that the maximum angular clearance finally obtained is more accurate.

[0100] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, the horizontal floating assembly includes two groups of transverse floating guide rails 515 fixedly mounted on the lifting bracket 501 and parallel to each other, each group of transverse floating guide rails 515 includes two collinear transverse sliders 514 slidingly provided on the transverse floating guide rails 515, and longitudinal floating guide rails 517 are respectively fixedly provided between the two transverse sliders 514 on the same side of the two groups of transverse sliders 514, the two longitudinal floating guide rails 517 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transverse floating guide rails 515, and longitudinal sliders 518 are slidingly provided on the longitudinal floating guide rails 517.

[0101] A connecting plate 523 is fixed on the longitudinal slider 518, and a first connecting plate 513 and a second connecting plate 519 are fixed on the connecting plate 523, wherein the outer cylinder of the second ball spline assembly 520 is rotatably connected to the second connecting plate 519, and the transition shaft 516 is rotatably connected to the second connecting plate 519.

[0102] A first support plate 522 and a second support plate 527 are fixedly provided on the longitudinal slider 518 , and the first support plate 522 and the second support plate 527 are fixedly connected to the support frame 510 respectively.

[0103] It can be understood that when the tensioning mechanism is raised and lowered to tighten the half-shaft gear 102, since there may be axial deviation between the tensioning head 526 and the half-shaft gear 102, the horizontal floating component can enable the tensioning head 526 to move on the horizontal plane to fine-tune the axial deviation between it and the half-shaft gear 102, thereby ensuring the reliability of the tensioning component in positioning the half-shaft gear 102.

[0104] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, a tension and pressure detection assembly is further included. The tension and pressure detection assembly includes a fixed bracket 521 fixedly set on the gap detection frame, a fixed sleeve 506 is fixed on the fixed bracket 521, and a spring 505 is provided inside the fixed sleeve 506.

[0105] The tension and compression detection assembly also includes a connecting block 502 fixed to a lifting bracket 501. A fisheye joint 503 is hingedly mounted on the connecting block 502. A tension and compression sensor 504 is connected between the fisheye joint 503 and a spring 505. Specifically, one end of the spring 505 is connected to the top wall of the fixed sleeve 506, and the other end is connected to the tension and compression sensor 504. The two sensing ends of the tension and compression sensor 504 are connected to the spring 505 and the fisheye joint 503, respectively.

[0106] It can be understood that when the lifting bracket 501 is raised and lowered relative to the gap detection frame to apply an axial force to the half-shaft gear 102, the specific value of the applied axial force can be obtained through the tension and compression sensor 504, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the force applied to the two half-shaft gears 102 and ensuring the consistency of the detection parameters. At the same time, the tension and compression sensor 504 adopts a floating suspension setting, which can adapt to the stroke error of the lifting bracket 501 during the lifting process and improve the stability of the detection structure.

[0107] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , pallet transmission is adopted between each workstation to realize the flow of the differential between each workstation, thereby further reducing the overall assembly and inspection cycle.

[0108] The present application has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. Automatic detection of axial play, drag torque and angular clearance of the differential after assembly is completed, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of measurement on the one hand, and binds the detection data with the business card information of the differential on the other hand, realizes the traceability of data during the assembly detection process, and facilitates the intelligent management of the product; 2. Axial force and torque are applied to the two half-shaft gears in the housing respectively through the upper and lower movement detection components, and the axial play value of the half-shaft gear during rotation is obtained through the displacement sensor. Since the force or torque applied to the half-shaft gear is controllable, the detection parameters of the two half-shaft gears during the axial play detection process are exactly the same, which effectively ensures the reliability and accuracy of the detection data; 3. The positioning assembly is used to detect the axial play of the half-shaft gears. The housing is positioned by the upper and lower clearance components, and the torque detection component is used to drive the half-shaft gear at the top of the housing to obtain the torque value of the two half-shaft gears during the transmission process, so as to screen out the maximum drag torque value to determine whether the matching accuracy meets the standard. Not only is the structure simple, but the detection efficiency is greatly improved; 4. The upper and lower clearance components are used to apply opposite axial forces to the two half-shaft gears respectively, and the rotation of the half-shaft gear at the bottom of the housing is restricted. The angle encoder is used to obtain the extreme angles of the half-shaft gear at the top of the housing under clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, so as to calculate the maximum angular clearance between the two half-shaft gears. Since the second torque sensor can ensure the torque uniformity under the extreme rotation angle of the half-shaft gear, it avoids the error of manual detection, so that the maximum angular clearance finally obtained is more accurate.

[0109] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the statement "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element. In addition, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the opposite order according to the functions involved. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may also be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0110] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A differential assembly and testing line, wherein: include: Parts loading station for loading differential components A manual assembly station, used to receive the differential parts delivered by the parts loader and perform overall assembly of the differential; Axial play detection station, used for axial play detection of the two half-shaft gears of the differential in the rotating state; The drag torque detection station is used to detect the maximum torque of the axle gear in the differential when it is rotating; Angular clearance detection station, used to detect the rotation clearance of the two half-shaft gears in the differential in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions; Split pin press-fitting station, used for automatic press-fitting of split pins on differentials; Flange surface marking station, used for automatic marking on the differential flange surface; Circumferential surface marking station, used for automatic marking on the circumferential surface of the differential; The split pin detection NG blanking station is used for the press-fit detection of the split pin on the differential, and performs NG blanking of the differential if the split pin does not meet the press-fit standard; The OK parts blanking station is used to perform the OK blanking of the differential that meets the overall inspection standards.

2. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 1, wherein: The axial play detection station can apply a force in a first direction to the two side gears respectively when the differential housing is in a fixed state, apply a torque to the two side gears respectively and record the play values ​​of the two side gears in the first direction, select the maximum play value of the two side gears in the first direction and average the two maximum play values ​​to obtain a high point average value; The axial play detection station can also apply a force in the second direction to the two side gears respectively when the differential housing is in a fixed state, apply torque to the two side gears respectively and record the play values ​​of the two side gears in the second direction, select the maximum play value of the two side gears in the second direction and average the two maximum play values ​​to obtain a low point average value; The first direction and the second direction are respectively the two side directions of the half-shaft gear in the axial direction.

3. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 2, wherein: The axial movement detection station includes a movement detection frame, on which is provided a movement auxiliary tooling for positioning the housing, an upper movement detection component and a lower movement detection component respectively used to apply axial force and torque to the two half-shaft gears.

4. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 3, wherein: The upper movement detection assembly comprises a first lifting plate which can be lifted and lowered on the movement detection frame, and a first mounting platform is fixedly provided on the first lifting plate; A first detection cylinder and a displacement sensor for detecting the telescopic distance of the first detection cylinder are fixedly provided on the first mounting platform, a first ball spline assembly is installed on the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder, and the first ball spline assembly is connected to a first tensioning assembly; Wherein, the inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly is rotatably connected to the telescopic end of the first detection cylinder, and the first tensioning assembly is fixedly arranged at an end of the inner spline shaft of the first ball spline assembly away from the first detection cylinder; The upper movement detection assembly also includes a first detection motor fixedly mounted on the first mounting platform, a first driving gear is fixedly disposed at the power output end of the first detection motor, and a first driven gear meshing with the first driving gear is fixedly disposed on the outer sleeve of the first ball spline assembly.

5. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 4, wherein: The upper movement detection assembly also includes a lifting cylinder fixedly arranged on the first mounting platform, a lifting platform is fixedly arranged on the telescopic end of the lifting cylinder, two clamping cylinders are fixedly arranged on the lifting platform symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first tensioning assembly, the telescopic axis of the clamping cylinder is perpendicular to the central axis of the first tensioning assembly and a limiting clamp is fixedly arranged on the telescopic end; Wherein, the limiting clamping claw can extend into the housing and abut against the half-shaft gear axially.

6. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 1, wherein: The drag torque detection station can rotate one of the half-shaft gears when the housing is in a fixed state, and record the maximum torque value of the actively rotating half-shaft gear during the rotation process.

7. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 6, wherein: The drag torque detection station includes a mounting base and a torque detection component and a positioning component arranged on the mounting base, wherein the torque detection component is used to apply torque to the half-shaft gear at the top position of the housing, and the positioning component is used to position the housing; The torque detection assembly includes a second lifting plate that can be lifted and lowered on the mounting base, a second mounting platform is fixedly provided on the second lifting plate, a second detection motor is fixedly provided on the second mounting platform, and a power output end of the second detection motor is connected to a second tensioning assembly via a first torque sensor; The power output end of the second detection motor is coaxial with the second tensioning assembly, and the two sensing ends of the first torque sensor are respectively connected to the power output end of the second detection motor and the second tensioning assembly.

8. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 1, wherein: The angular clearance detection station can apply opposite axial forces to the two half-shaft gears respectively, apply rotation limit to one of the half-shaft gears, and apply clockwise and counterclockwise torque to the other half-shaft gear in sequence when the housing is in a fixed state, and record the angular clearance value of the actively rotating half-shaft gear in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

9. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 8, wherein: The angular clearance detection station comprises a clearance detection frame, on which a clearance auxiliary tooling for positioning the housing is provided, an upper clearance detection assembly for applying an axial force and clockwise and counterclockwise torque to the half-shaft gear at the top of the housing, and a lower clearance detection assembly for applying an axial force and rotation limit to the half-shaft gear at the bottom of the housing; The upper gap detection assembly comprises a lifting bracket which can be lifted and lowered on the gap detection frame, the lifting bracket is provided with a horizontal floating assembly, the output end of the horizontal floating assembly is fixedly connected with a support frame, the support frame is fixedly provided with a third detection cylinder, and the telescopic end of the third detection cylinder is connected to the tensioning mechanism through a second ball spline assembly; The upper gap detection assembly also includes an angle encoder fixedly arranged on the lifting bracket and coaxial with the tensioning mechanism, a third detection motor is fixedly arranged on the support frame, a power output end of the third detection motor is connected to the transition shaft through a second torque sensor, a second driving gear is fixedly arranged on the transition shaft, and a second driven gear meshing with the second driving gear is fixedly arranged on the outer cylinder of the second ball spline assembly; Among them, the angle encoder is used to monitor the rotation angle of the tensioning mechanism, the inner spline shaft of the second ball spline assembly is rotatably connected to the telescopic end of the third detection cylinder, the tensioning mechanism is fixedly arranged on the end of the inner spline shaft of the second ball spline assembly away from the third detection cylinder, and the two sensing ends of the second torque sensor are connected to the power output end of the third detection motor and the transition shaft.

10. The differential assembly and testing line according to claim 9, wherein: The upper gap detection assembly further includes a tension and pressure detection assembly, the tension and pressure detection assembly includes a fixed bracket fixedly arranged on the gap detection frame, a fixed sleeve is fixedly arranged on the fixed bracket, and a spring is arranged inside the fixed sleeve; The tension and pressure detection assembly also includes a connection block fixedly arranged on the lifting bracket, a fisheye joint is hingedly provided on the connection block, and a tension and pressure sensor is connected between the fisheye joint and the spring; Wherein, the two sensing ends of the tension and compression sensor are respectively connected to the fisheye connector and the end of the spring away from the fixed sleeve.

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