FR3042431A1 - MACHINE FOR PLACING PLUGS FOR CYLINDER HOUSINGS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates mainly to a fitting machine (10) for crankcase plugs (12) comprising a movable support (17), characterized in that said movable support (17) comprises: a first trolley, said trolley ceiling support support (20) intended to come into contact with the crankcase (12), - a second carriage, said support frame support carriage (22), carrying a fitting frame (27). ) associated with a press (26), - at least a first jack interconnecting said ceiling support support carriage (20) and said support frame support carriage (22), so as to be able to manage at least two vertical fitting positions, and - at least one second jack making it possible to manage at least two horizontal fitting positions, and in that - said fitting machine (10) further comprises adjustable stops so as to be able to adapt said fitting positions.

Description

MACHINE FOR PLACING PLUGS FOR CYLINDER HOUSINGS

The present invention relates to a machine for fitting plugs for crankcase.

In a manner known per se, the crankcases are parts obtained by casting die-casting. Some holes or channels in the crankcase are made by means of retractable cylindrical pins which are integrated into elements of a permanent metal mold. After removal of the spindle and extraction of the mold part, it is necessary for proper operation that these holes are sealed. To achieve this function, it is forced by force pieces called plugs (or "plugs" in English).

[0003] Complex automatic fitting machines capable of adapting to several configurations of crankcases are known. These machines are suitable for a small production volume. However, such machines are expensive and difficult to develop because of the large number of actuators that compose them. Moreover, in the context of highly automated lines, the production volumes require the use of machines dedicated to a single type of crankcase. However, in case of product modification, these machines have the disadvantage of requiring expensive and complex modifications to implement.

The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a machine for fitting caps for crankcase comprising a movable support, characterized in that said movable support comprises: - a first carriage, said support carriage of ceiling support, intended to come into contact against the crankcase, - a second carriage, said support frame support carriage, carrying a fitting frame associated with a press, - at least a first cylinder connecting said said ceiling support support carriage and said frame support carriage, so as to manage at least two vertical fitting positions, and - at least a second cylinder for managing at least two horizontal fitting positions , and in that - said fitting machine further comprises adjustable stops so as to adapt said fitting positions.

The invention thus allows, by adjusting the stops, to increase the number of fitting positions to adapt quickly and efficiently to a large number of different crankcase configurations. This very simple system also makes it possible to optimize the investment made, the flexibility of the machine, and the work surface.

According to one embodiment, each stop comprises at least one interchangeable shim and a removable holding system of said shim.

In one embodiment, said removable holding system comprises a rod slidably mounted relative to a support and provided with a retaining head for retaining said wedge via the action of an elastic member.

In one embodiment, said wedge has a notch opening on one of these faces to allow its mounting on said rod.

In one embodiment, said wedges have different colors, so as to differentiate them from each other. This quickly identifies the right setting and the right manufacturing campaign, which saves time for the operator.

According to one embodiment, said press fitting machine is equipped with a turntable so as to be able to fit plugs on several faces of said cylinder block.

In one embodiment, said machine comprises a frame carrying an indexer adapted to position by raising said cylinder block in a reference position.

In one embodiment, said support carriage ceiling support is further equipped with a reaction carriage mounted on a slide via a return member.

The invention will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the figures that accompany it. These figures are given for illustrative but not limiting of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine for fitting plugs for crankcase according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a machine for fitting caps for crankcase according to the present invention when the machine is in the fitting position; Figure 3 is a rear view of a machine for fitting plugs for crankcase according to the present invention; Figures 4a and 4b are detailed perspective views of adjustable stops used with the fitting machine of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 shows a turntable for fitting plugs on several sides of a crankcase.

Identical elements, similar, or the like retain the same reference from one figure to another. In the remainder of the description, the relative terms of the "vertical" or "horizontal" type are understood in relation to the orientation of a fitting machine in the position of use, as represented in FIG. 1.

Figures 1, 2, and 3 show a fitting machine 10 according to the present invention for inserting plugs inside openings to be closed of a crankcase 12. This machine 10 comprises a frame 15, preferably mechanically welded, to allow easy installation of the machine 10.

More specifically, the frame 15 carries an indexer 16 adapted to position by raising the crankcase 12 in a reference position before starting a fitting phase, as shown in Figure 1. The frame 15 also carries a mobile support 17 which is vertically slidable relative to the frame 15.

This movable support 17 comprises a ceiling support support carriage 20 intended to come into contact with an upper face of the cylinder block 12. The support carriage ceiling support 20 is equipped with a reaction carriage 21 mounted on a slide via a return member formed for example by a spring. The reaction carriage 21 is intended to bear against the crankcase 12 during a fitting phase. The reaction carriage 21 is advanced by a reaction stop secured to the fitting frame 27.

The movable support 17 also comprises a support frame support carriage 22 equipped with the fitting frame 27 mounted on rails and provided with a press 26 to press the plugs into the openings of the cylinder block 12 to be closed . The axis of the press 26 extends substantially in the plane of the fitting frame 27. A jack 29 allows the return to the initial position of the fitting frame 27 once the fitting phase is complete.

As can be seen more clearly in Figure 3 the referenced cylinder 30 allows to put in the working position the carriages 20 and 22, in particular to position the reaction carriage 21 in contact with the cylinder block 12.

Furthermore, the two carriages 20 and 22 are interconnected by means of two cylinders 31, so as to manage at least two vertical fitting positions according to the height of the crankcase 12. A cylinder 33 allows to manage at least two horizontal fitting positions of the crankcase 12.

The control of the fitting is achieved by means of adjustable stops 34 that the operator to the ability to adjust according to the desired fitting positions. By adding or removing one or more shims 32 from the abutment support 45, the invention makes it possible to adapt quickly and efficiently to a large number of different crankcase-cylinders. Preferably, the shims 32 have different colors, so as to differentiate them from each other. This makes it possible to quickly identify the correct setting and the right manufacturing campaign, which saves time for the operator.

In the embodiment of Figures 4a and 4b, each stop 34 comprises an interchangeable shim 32 and a removable holding system 35 of the shim 32. The removable holding system 35 comprises a rod 39 mounted to slide relative to a stop support 45 provided with a retaining head 41 for retaining the shim 32 by the action of an elastic member 40, in this case a spring. The spring 40 is mounted compressed between a flange 42 of the abutment support 45 and a projecting head 47 located on the opposite side of the retaining head 41. Thus, the shim 32 is held tight between the rim 42 and the retaining head 41. In other words, the spring 40 and the shim 32 extend on either side of the rim 42. Preferably, two shims 32 are used, each located at one end of the abutment support 45.

Each shim 32 has a notch 51 axially through the shim 32 from one side to the other and opening on one of its faces to allow its mounting on the rod 39. For this purpose, the user can remove the shim 32 by pushing on the rod 39 in the direction of the flange 42, then install a new shim 32 by inserting the rod 39 inside the notch 51. Once the shim 32 in position, simply release the rod 39 to ensure its maintenance in position by action of the spring 40.

The abutment support 45 further comprises fixing means 50 to ensure its attachment to a corresponding element. These fixing means 50 comprise openings formed in the ends of the abutment support 45 intended to receive fasteners, such as screws or rivets or any other suitable fastener.

The following describes the use of the machine 10 previously described. Initially, the crankcase 12 arrives at the work station and a color code allows the operator to select the shims 32 stops 34 adapted to the application. The machine 10 is configured and the operating cycle is started. The elevator indexer 16 positions the crankcase 12 in a predefined reference position.

The actuator 33 provides a displacement of the support carriage ceiling support 20, so that the carriage 20 is positioned above and in contact with the cylinder block 12 (see Figure 2).

The operator puts the component to press on the fitting nose 52 of the press 26. Preferably, the fitting nose 52 is provided with a magnet to ensure the maintenance of the cap. The detection of the presence of a plug is performed by means of a suction system.

The fitting cycle then begins. Following this cycle, the press 26 initially enters into contact with the crankcase 12. The resistance to the fitting causes the coupling frame 27 to move, which has the consequence of advancing the reaction carriage 21. The reaction carriage 21 comes into contact with the cylinder block 12 so that the fitting can be achieved.

When the fitting position is reached, the press 26 moves back and the fitting frame 27 returns to its original position by actuation of the jack 29.

The cylinders 30 and 31 are then actuated to put the system in a new fitting position. If necessary, the shims 32 are changed to adapt to the desired fitting position.

The different joints are made according to the cycle described above. Once all the joints made, the carriages 20 and 22 are reassembled by the cylinder 33, the indexer 16 is lowered and the cylinder block 12 is evacuated.

Furthermore, for a fitting on several faces of the crankcase 12, it is possible to equip the machine 10 with a turntable 53 on which is placed the crankcase 12, as shown in FIG. 5.

Claims (8)

1. Machine for fitting (10) crankcase plugs (12) having a movable support (17), characterized in that said movable support (17) comprises: - a first carriage, said support support carriage ceiling (20), intended to come into contact with the crankcase (12), - a second carriage, said support frame support carriage (22), carrying a press fitting frame (27) associated with a press (26), - at least a first jack (31) interconnecting said ceiling support support carriage (20) and said support frame support carriage (22), so as to be able to manage at least two positions vertical fitting, and - at least one second cylinder (33) for managing at least two horizontal fitting positions, and in that - said fitting machine (10) further comprises stops that can be adjusted so as to be able to adapting said fitting positions. 2. Press fitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that each stop (34) comprises at least one shim (32) interchangeable and a removable holding system (35) of said shim (32). 3. press fitting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said removable holding system (35) comprises a rod (39) slidably mounted relative to a support and provided with a retaining head (41) for retaining said shim (32) via the action of an elastic member (40). 4. press fitting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that said shim (32) has a notch (51) opening on one of these faces to allow its mounting on said rod (39). 5. press fitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said wedges (32) have different colors, so as to differentiate them from each other. 6. Press fitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is equipped with a turntable (53) so as to be able to force plugs on several faces of said cylinder block (12). . 7. press fitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a frame (15) carrying an indexer (16) adapted to position by raising said crankcase (12) in a position reference. 8. Press fitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said support carriage ceiling support (20) is further equipped with a reaction carriage (21) mounted on a slide via a return member.