JPH0815842B2 - Spoke Alignment Method for Assembling Bicycle Wheels - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Use and Outline of the Invention) In automatic assembly of a bicycle wheel, a step of radially aligning a group of spokes attached to a hub and a crossing step of crossing the group of spokes in a predetermined combination. And a rim mounting step in which the hub-and-spoke assembly after the cross-cutting step is housed in the rim and the spoke nipples are screwed to the respective spokes. The present invention is the first of these steps.
It relates to the alignment process of the second spoke group.

Further, the spoke aligning method of the present invention, the assembly of the spoke and the hub is rotated so that the hub is the center,
When the spokes are aligned, a group of pins for properly maintaining the spacing between the spokes is inserted between the spokes in a free state to hold the spokes in the aligned state. It is not necessary to position the initial position when rotating the solid body.

(Prior art and its problems) As a method for arranging this kind of spokes, Japanese Patent Publication No. 53
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11744.

As shown in FIG. 8, this is an assembly (hereinafter simply referred to as a temporary assembly) in which a bent portion is inserted into one end of a spoke made of a wire rod in a spoke hole of a spoke attachment plate (45) (46) of a hub (4). (D) is rotated at a rotation speed such that a predetermined centrifugal force acts on the spokes, so that the spokes rotatably incorporated into the spoke attachment plates (45) (46) are radially formed. On the other hand, an annular holding body (E) provided concentrically with the temporary assembly (D) is aligned with the temporary assembly (D).
It is rotated at the same speed and in the same direction as described above, and the holding portion of the holding body (E) provided at the position corresponding to the tip of the spoke holds the spokes in the aligned state as it is. It is a thing.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper edge of the holding body (E) has a first notch portion for holding the first spoke (41) located on the upper surface side of one spoke attachment plate (45) of the hub. (51),
A second notch (52) for holding the second spoke (42) located on the lower surface side, and a third notch for holding the third spoke (43) located on the upper surface side of the other spoke attachment plate (46). The portion (53) and the fourth cutout portion (54) for holding the fourth spoke (44) located on the lower surface side are provided in a predetermined order. Therefore, when the temporary assembly (D) is rotated and the spokes are radially aligned, the upper edge of the holding body (E) is rotated while rotating the holding body (E) at the same speed and in the same direction as the rotation of the hub. When the spokes of the temporary assembly (D) are lifted to the side of the spokes, the spokes of the temporary assembly (D) are held in the temporary assembly (D) in a radial alignment.

However, in this conventional device, when holding and rotating the hub (4) of the temporary assembly (D) in an upright posture, the relationship between the holding body (E) and the hub must be properly set in advance. That is, the inconvenience that the temporary assembly (D) must be set so that the first spoke attachment portions of the spoke attachment plate and the first cutout portions (51) of the holding bodies (E) face each other in the radial direction. There is.

This is because each spoke is to be held by the notch formed in the upper edge of the holding body (E) while rotating the holding body (E) and the hub (4) in the same direction and at the same speed.

(Technical problem) According to the present invention, the spoke holes provided in the peripheral portions of the spoke attachment plates (45) (46) of the hub (4) can be freely rotated in a plane parallel to the spoke attachment plates. By rotating the hub (4) of the temporary assembly (D) incorporating the spokes in an upright posture, the respective spokes of the temporary assembly (D) are radially aligned and provided concentrically with the hub (4). In the method of maintaining the spokes in the aligned state by the holding body (E), the inconvenience of having to properly set the relationship between the holding body (E) and the hub (4) in advance is eliminated. The task is to do.

(Means) The technical means of the present invention taken to solve the above-mentioned problem is "a pair of holders (E) (E) held in a freely rotatable state".
Are opposed to each other from above and below the hub, and the holding bodies (E) and (E) are projected toward the spoke side of the paper assembly (D) at a position apart from the outer peripheral edges of the spoke attachment plates (45) and (46). At the same time, a group of protrusions (50) (50) for maintaining an alignment interval having a circumferential width that closely fits between the spokes in an aligned state is concentrically arranged with respect to the hub (4). The tip of each of the protrusions (50) (50) is formed into a tapered chevron shape, and the holder (E) is held until the spokes are aligned.
Position (E) above and below the turning area of the spokes,
When the temporary assembly (D) is rotated in the spoke aligned state, the holding bodies (E) and (E) are relatively brought close to the spoke side to project the projecting pieces (50) (50) into the spoke turning area. It's a method. (Refer to FIG. 1) (Operation) The above-mentioned technical means of the present invention operates as follows.

When the temporary assembly (D) is rotated around the hub (4), the holding bodies (E) and (E) are initially separated from the swirl area of the spokes, so that the temporary assembly (D) is rotated. When the rotation speed reaches a constant speed, the first to fourth spokes of the holding body (E) are radially aligned around the hub (4).

In this aligned state, the holders (E) and (E) are brought relatively close to the spoke side to project the projecting pieces (50) (50) into the spoke alignment area. Since the holders (E) and (E) are held in a freely rotatable state, and the tips of the protrusions (50) (50) have a tapered chevron shape. Since 50) and (50) are arranged concentrically with respect to the hub (4), the protrusions (50) (50) of the one holding body (E) are located between the first and second spokes. , The protrusions (50) (50) of the other holding body (E) slide between the third and fourth spokes in a manner guided between the spokes. At this time, since the holder (E) is held in a freely rotatable state, the protrusion (5
When the distance between the spokes (0) and (50) is deviated from each other, the entire holding body (E) is less than half the arrangement pitch of the projecting pieces (50) (50) and the temporary assembly (D). It rotates relative to and operates as described above.

Even if the chevron-shaped tops of the protrusions (50) (50) and the spokes are aligned with each other, the spokes are made of a rod or a wire having a circular cross section, so the temporary assembly (D) By the rotation of, the protrusions (50) (50) slide between the spokes as described above.

The circumferential widths of the protrusions (50) (50) are set so as to be closely fitted between the spokes, so that the spokes of the temporary assembly (D) are maintained in an aligned state. .

The spoke is horizontally rotatable around the periphery of (45) (46), but the protrusions (50) (50) are located at a position away from the outer peripheral edge of the spoke mounting plate (45) (46). Since the spokes are fitted between the spokes, in this fitted state, even if the holding body (E) is held in a freely rotatable state,
The degree of freedom of relative rotation of this holder (E) with respect to the hub (4) is very small. Therefore, the alignment state is maintained unless an external force is applied.

(Effect) Since the present invention has the above configuration, it has the following unique effects.

Since the projecting pieces (50) (50) of the holding bodies (E) and (E) held in the freely rotatable state slip between the spokes in the aligned state, the temporary assembly (D) is maintained in the spoke aligned state. The temporary assembly (D) can be maintained in the spoke alignment state regardless of the relative position of the holding bodies (E) and (E) and the hub (4). Therefore, the temporary assembly (D) is held by the holding body (E).
The inconvenience of positioning with respect to can be eliminated.

Further, since it is not necessary to rotate the holding bodies (E) and (E), the driving device can be simplified.

Further, the holders (E) and (E) are arranged in the vicinity of the spoke attachment plates (45) and (46) of the hub (4) so that the protrusions (5) are annularly arranged.
Since it is composed of 0) and (50) groups, the holder (E)
(E) can be miniaturized.

(Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, the hub (4) is sandwiched by a lower rotary shaft (1) and an upper holding shaft (2) from above and below, and the holding shaft is linearly driven by a hydraulic cylinder or an air cylinder. It is connected to the output shaft (3) of the means. Therefore, with the output shaft (3) retracted upward, the hub (4) of the temporary assembly (D) is erected on the upper end of the rotary shaft (1), and the output shaft (3) is advanced downwards. When the lower end of the holding shaft (2) is brought into contact with the upper end of (4), the temporary assembly (D)
The hub (4) will be sandwiched between the rotating shaft (1) and the holding shaft (2).

Further, in this embodiment, the elastic material layers (10) and (20) made of rubber or the like are provided on the end surface of the rotating shaft (1) and the end surface of the holding shaft (2).
This elastic material layer is in contact with the spoke layer passage portions of the spoke attachment plates (45) and (46) provided at both ends of the hub (4). Therefore, the rotating shaft (1) and the holding shaft (2)
When the spoke attachment plates (45) and (46) of the hub (4) are brought into contact with each other, the end portions of the spokes are pressed by the elastic material layers (10) and (20). Each of the spokes extends substantially horizontally from the spoke attachment plates (45) and (46). When the hub (4) is rotated by the rotating shaft (1), the spokes are aligned radially, and the friction between the elastic material layers (10) and (20) and the end portions of the spokes causes the spokes to move to the hub ( From 4), they will be temporarily fixed in a radially aligned state.

Next, the upper holding body (E) has protrusions (50), (50) on the lower surface of the first annular body (5a) arranged on the outer periphery of the holding shaft (2).
Pins (55), (55) as the first and second spokes (4
1) and (42) are arranged according to the arrangement pitch, while the lower holding body (E) is the upper surface of the second annular body (5b) arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft (1). Protrusion (50), (5
Pins (55) and (55) as 0) are the third and fourth spokes (4)
3) and (44) are arranged according to the arrangement pitch of the first annular body (5a) and the second annular body (5b) on the holding shaft (2) via the roller bearing (23). Rolling bearings (16)
Drive shaft (11) that is evenly paired with the rotary shaft (1) through
, Respectively. Therefore, the first and second annular bodies (5a), which are the main parts of the holding bodies (E) and (E),
Both (5b) are in a freely rotatable state with respect to the hub (4).

Here, the distance between the pins (55) and (55) is the fourth.
As shown in the figure, the first and second spokes (4
1), (42) spacing, or 3rd and 4th spoke (4
3) and (44) are matched to each other, and in this case, the diameters of the pins (55) and (55) are larger than those of the facing spokes.
It is set about 0.1 mm smaller. If the diameters of the pins (55) and (55) are set as above, when the pins (55) and (55) are inserted into all of the spaces between the adjacent spokes, each spoke will be attached to the center of the hub (4). It will be placed in a position that accurately radiates in the radial direction. When the spokes are tilted to the one side from the radial direction, the distance between the adjacent spokes becomes small, but the pins (55) and (55) prevent this distance reduction, and as a result, each spoke is Maintained in alignment.

Next, in this embodiment, the holding shaft (2) is a cylindrical shaft, and a first counter shaft (21) biased by a spring (22) is provided inside the first counter shaft (21). ), The recess (24) at the lower end is in contact with the upper end of the shaft (47) of the hub (4). Further, the holding shaft (2) is connected to the output shaft (3) via the tubular body (31), and the tubular body (31) and the rotary shaft (1) are rotatably coupled.

On the other hand, the rotary shaft (1) is also a cylinder shaft, and the second sub-shaft (13) is in the interior thereof and is proximate to the rotary shaft (1) and projected by the spring (12). It is accommodated in such a manner that it is biased in the direction. Further, the rotating shaft (1) is fitted to the drive shaft (11) in a dipped pair state and moves up and down within a certain range in relation to the drive shaft (11) provided at a certain position.

Therefore, an empty chamber (14) is formed between the lower end of the rotary shaft (1) and the drive shaft (11), and the empty chamber is connected to a pressure source such as air pressure or hydraulic pressure. Therefore, the rotary shaft (1) moves up and down with respect to the drive shaft (11) by pressure driving.

In the above embodiment, the clamp and the holding body (E) of the temporary assembly (D) are controlled by the operation of the linear drive means for driving the output shaft (3) and the control of the pressure supplied to the empty chamber (14). ) And (E) can be controlled. This operation will be described below.

First, in the initial state, the rotary shaft (1) is in the most protruding state, and the concave portion (15) of the second counter shaft (13) of the rotary shaft (1) is
When the lower end of the shaft (47) of the hub (4) is fitted in, the hub (4) is held in the upright state. At this time, vacancy (14)
Is in a pressurized state, and when the output shaft (3) is lowered in this state, the upper end of the shaft (47) first comes into contact with the hub (4)
It is clamped between the first and second counter shafts (21) and (13) with a pressure according to the biasing force of the springs (22) and (12).

When the output shaft (3) further lowers against the springs (22) and (12), the elastic material layer (20) on the end surface of the holding shaft (2) contacts the spoke mounting plate (45), and at the same time, Rotating shaft (1)
The elastic material layer (20) on the end face of the other spoke mounting plate (46)
And the state shown in FIG. 3 is reached. At this time, the tip of each spoke is placed on a support plate (F) arranged on the outer periphery of the drive shaft (11).

When the drive shaft (11) is rotated from the above state, the hub (4) is rotated and centrifugal force acts on each spoke, and when the rotation speed reaches a predetermined value, the spokes are aligned as shown in FIG. It becomes a state. At this point, on the upper holding body (E) side, as the first and second spokes (41) (42) are lifted in the horizontal direction, the first and second spokes (41 ) (42) between pins (55)
(55) is inserted.

Then, with the drive shaft (11) still rotating, the vacant chamber (14)
When the output shaft (3) is advanced by lowering the pressure of the rotary shaft (1), the rotary shaft (1) is lowered and the lower holding body (E) moves to the lower third.
Due to the relative rotation with the fourth spokes (43) (44), the pins (55) (55) of the lower holding body (E) are inserted between these spokes. As a result, the spokes are maintained in the aligned state by the pins (55) and (55) of the holding bodies (E) and (E) as shown in FIG.

Although the elastic material layers (10) and (20) are provided on the end surfaces of the rotating shaft (1) or the holding shaft (2) in the above-mentioned embodiment, this elastic material layer can be used as long as the hub (4) is driven to rotate. Material layers are not necessary.

The temporary assembly (D) held in the spoke alignment state as described above is assembled to the rim (R) as shown in FIG. 7 after undergoing the cross-cutting step of FIG. 6, and becomes a bicycle wheel.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the principle of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of main parts of an apparatus for carrying out the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the temporary assembly (D) in the spoke alignment state, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the spoke alignment holding state, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are explanatory views of a post process, FIGS. 8, 9 The figure is an explanatory view of the conventional example. In the figure, (D) ... temporary assembly, (E) ... holding body (4) ... hub (45), (46) ... spoke mounting plate (50). ...... Protrusion

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Spoke mounting plates (45) (46) for a hub (4)
By rotating the hub (4) of the temporary assembly (D) in which the spokes are rotatably installed in the spoke holes provided in the peripheral portion of the spoke in a plane parallel to the spoke attachment plate in an upright posture, The spokes of the assembly (D) are aligned radially, and the holder (E) provided concentrically with the hub (4)
A method of maintaining each spoke in the aligned state, wherein a pair of holding bodies (E) are held in a freely rotatable state.
(E) faces the hub from above and below,
(E) projects toward the spoke side of the temporary assembly (D) at a position away from the outer peripheral edges of the spoke attachment plates (45) (46), and tightly fits between the aligned spokes. Protrusions (50) for maintaining the alignment distance with a circumferential width
(50) group is arranged in a concentric annular shape with respect to the hub (4), the tip of the projecting pieces (50) (50) has a tapered chevron shape, until the spokes are aligned. The holding bodies (E) and (E) are positioned vertically above and below the turning area of the spokes, and the holding bodies (E) and (E) are moved to the spoke side when the temporary assembly (D) is rotating in the spoke alignment state. A method for maintaining a spoke alignment state in a bicycle wheel assembly, wherein the projection pieces (50) (50) are relatively brought close to each other to project into a spoke turning area.