WO2019125119A1

WO2019125119A1 - System for measuring and placing spacers in automobile steering columns

Info

Publication number: WO2019125119A1
Application number: PCT/MX2017/000176
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edgar Rosendo LOZANO CASTILLO
Original assignee: Thyssenkrupp Presta De México S.A. De C.V.
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2017-12-20
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: MX2017016984A

Abstract

The present invention describes a system for measuring and placing spacers in automobile steering columns, which has the feature of being an autonomous system formed by various modules comprising a module configured to: read, by means of a scanner, information in codes printed on automobile steering columns; acquire data by means of sensors that physically measure characteristics of parts to be assembled; interpret and select suitable parts by means of a data processor. At the same time, the system takes the indicated part from a feeder disposed to place same in a verifier that confirms that the selected part is the correct one, subsequently placing same in the assembly part. The possibility of the placed piece moving from its position is eliminated by means of the placement of grease. The configuration of the system for measuring and placing spacers in automobile steering columns eliminates errors related to the selection of parts in the assembly, reducing the process times, as human labour is not involved. Operation costs are therefore lower.

Description

MEASUREMENT SYSTEM Ί INSTALLATION OF SPACERS IN AUTOMOTIVE STEERING ARROWS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of mechanics, programmable logic control, automation and pneumatics, and more specifically to the automotive technical field since it provides a system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering shafts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The automotive sector has become one of the most important industries of the modern era; Its importance lies in the social and economic effect it causes. In particular, the development of the assembly industry in countries such as Mexico is a phenomenon that must be consolidated.

Within the field of assembly of automotive parts is that of all systems and mechanisms responsible for the optimal operation of a vehicle, including the assembly of the steering system.

The steering box is one of the greatest technological advances designed within the automotive world, the steering is one of the most important systems in the vehicle, since this element depends on the safety of people. The set of mechanisms that make up the steering system has the mission of orienting the front wheels so that the vehicle to the desired path by the driver. Currently the steering system used by the vehicles uses ball joints to connect the stub axles with the suspension arms and with the steering rods.

In the context of globalization, in developing and industrialized countries, there were changes in industries and in companies that increased competition and resulted in a model known as flexible production. This model is characterized by standardized production, large volumes that take advantage of economies of scale, use of specialized machinery, workers with low qualifications, large corporations based on foreign direct investment and multinational plants with a centralized structure.

A technical patent search was carried out for measuring systems and positioning of spacers in automotive steering arrows, where it was found that different methods have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in the patent application publication number US 2002/0121014 Al , with publication date of September 5, 2002, entitled "METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICLE DIRECTION ADJUSTING COLUMN IN LENGTH", which describes a method to build a steering column assembly of the usable vehicle, where their steps are to provide an inner steering column member and an outer steering column member, mount the inner steering column member on the outer steering column member by a dowel, securing the adhesive lock on the outer steering member the steering column and having the inner member of the steering column installed slidable inside you so that the two members of the steering column are relatively axially adjustable.

On the other hand, there was found the patent application publication number EP 1972523 A2, with publication date of September 24, 2008, which describes a method for forming a steering column assembly that includes arranging the inner sleeve on the sleeve outside and arrange the shim between the inner and outer shirts. The method further includes inserting a liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the shim; and, finally, cure the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler.

As can be seen, the aforementioned documents refer to methods of assembly of steering arrows, which describe columns with telescopic or retractable effect, but do not refer to having any element that absorbs vibration at the time of driving, There is also no evidence that the directional arrows are assembled in an automated way by one or more intelligent systems, where during the assembly process does not involve the intervention of the hand of man, accelerating the assembly time, and eliminate the defects.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, object of the present invention to provide a system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering shafts, which solves the aforementioned problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The characteristic details of this novel system of measurement and placement of spacers in automotive steering arrows are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying figures, as well as an illustration of that, and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts shown. However, said figures are shown by way of example and should not be considered as limiting for the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a left side view of the conveyor belt of the system for measuring and placing spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the conveyor belt of the system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the scanning module of the system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering arrows.

a figure-i 4 shows a front view of the scanning module of the measurement system and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows.

5 shows a perspective view of the lid measurement module of the system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 6 shows a front view of the lid measurement module of the measurement and positioning system of spacers on automotive steering arrows.

The figure

shows a top view of the lid measurement module of the measurement system and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the spacer selection and placement module of the system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 9 shows a front view of the spacer selection and placement module of the measurement system and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 10 shows a rear view of the spacer selection and placement module of the measurement system and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows,

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the spacer verification module of the system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 12 shows a left side view of the spacer verification module of the system for measuring and positioning spacers on automotive steering arrows.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the greasing module of the system of measurement and placement of spacers in automotive steering arrows,

Figure 14 shows a right side view of the greasing module of the measuring system and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows.

figure 15 shows a perspective view of the system of measurement and positioning of spacers on automotive steering arrows, figure 16 shows a front view of the system of measurement and positioning of spacers on automotive steering arrows,

There is a rear view of the system

.on and placement of spacers er automotive steering arrows.

Figure .8 shows a top view of the system of measurement and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the invention, the parts that make up the system of measurement and placement of spacers in automotive steering arrows are listed below:

1. Conveyor belt

2. Motor

3. h _j ~ ¡ø

Elastic band

5. Sensor

6. Scan module

7. Support

8. Adjustment arm

9. Base

10. Scanner

11. Cover measurement module

12. Probe

13. Spacer selection and placement module 14. Feeders

15. Bra

16. Rail

17. Indicator focuses

18. Verification module

19. Clamp

20. Pneumatic inputs

21. Column

22. Greasing module

23. Pulse valves

24. Pneumatic sockets

25. Regulator

With reference to the figures, the system of measurement and placement of spacers in automotive steering shafts is formed by a conveyor belt (1) preferably made of aluminum, by means of which the trays are transported where the pieces that make up the assembly of the automotive steering arrows. The conveyor belt (1) has a motor (2) installed, preferably on one of the sides, and arranged to transmit the rotation to an axis (3) that is installed inside the conveyor belt (1), and that is configured to provide traction to at least one elastic band (4) which is installed on the longitudinal sides of the upper part of the conveyor belt (.1), arranged for the transfer of trays.

At least one sensor (5), which can be mechanical, <optical or infrared, is installed on the upper part of the conveyor belt (1), this configuration allows the advancement and synchronized stopping of the trays with the pięzas of assemble automatically, at each stage of the process, thus preventing them from colliding during assembly. At least one scanning module (6) is installed by means of a support (7) which is preferably a steel angle and is arranged on the upper part of the conveyor belt (1), said support (7) is configured for attaching an adjustment arm (8) at the upper end, and at its lower end a base (9) is fixed. A scanner (10) is installed in the lower part of the base (9); this configuration allows to read a code that is recorded in the automotive steering arrow which passes in the tray of assembly pieces by means of the conveyor belt (1), and by means of the sensor (5) stops being aligned with the scanning module (6); this avoids the intervention of personnel, which reduces errors and speeds up the process.

The support (7), the adjustment arm (8), the base (9) and the scanner (10) of the scanning module (6) are configured to support and adjust the height necessary for the scanner (10) to perform the correct reading; the components of the scanning module (6) are installed by fastening means (not shown).

A cover measuring module (11) is installed on the upper part of the conveyor belt (1), immediately after the scanning module (6), and is configured to determine the height of the cover from the reference axis of the cover to the surface thereof, by means of at least one feeler (12); the measuring module (11) descends by means of a height positioner (not shown) that is configured to reach the lid and perform the measurement by means of the feeler (12), which once the measurement is made, is positioned again on the upper part of the conveyor belt (1); is configuration verifies that the measurement taken by the scanner (10) is correct allowing the decrease of time, since it is not necessary to take measurements by people.

A spacer selection and positioning module (13) is placed on one side of the lid measurement module (11) and is configured to receive the information obtained from the scanner (10) and the feeler (12), to later select the spacer that meets the indicated thickness, to immediately place it on the lid.

The spacer selection and placement module (13) is formed by at least two feeders (14) installed in the rear part of said selection module, and are arranged to place spacers of different thicknesses therein to be installed in the tapas; once it has been determined which is the correct spacer, a fastener (15) that moves through a rail (16) installed in the front part of the module for selecting and placing spacers (13); said fastener (15) takes the spacer of the feeder (14), for later by means of a verification module (18) installed preferably on one side of the module of selection and placement of spacers (13), corroborate that the spacer taken by the fastener (15) is correct, this is done by means of a clamp (19), arranged to hold the spacer of the upper and lower part, the opening and closing of the clamp (19) is done by means of pneumatic supply which is fed by at least two pneumatic inputs (20), and thus verify that the thickness is of the appropriate size, eliminating incorrect installation errors of spacers of different characteristics. It is very important that the thickness is adequate, since if it is smaller there may be a play between the steering arrow and the lid, which would cause vibrations to exist that would translate into noise in the direction that could be detected by the customer , if the spacer is thicker, the sliding of the direction arrow may not be adequate, causing the direction does not comply with its functions or even that the assembly is not correct causing several faults. This is the importance of placing the correct spacer and this module in conjunction with all its systems means that the placement of this component is always done correctly.

The verification module (.18) is fastened by means of a column (21) to the spacer selection and placement module (13), which is fixed by fastening means (not shown).

At least, two indicator lights (17) installed in the upper front part of the spacers selection and placement module (13) are configured to indicate if the feeders (14) were left without spacers, which automatically stops the process until it is Load product again.

A greasing module (22) installed in the upper part of the conveyor belt (1) and immediately after the lid measuring module (11) is formed by at least two pulse valves (23), which are configured to place fat on. the lid, At least two pneumatic sockets (24) installed in the rear part of the greasing module (22), are arranged to inject compressed air for the expulsion of grease through the pulse valves (23), and a regulator (25) installed in upper part of the pulse valves (23) is configured to dose the amount of necessary grease that is injected into the caps. The greasing module (22) is configured so that, by means of the grease placed in the lid, the spacer assembled by the spacer selection and placement module (13) is kept in its position.

The fastening means (not shown) which are used to fix and / or assemble different parts of the measuring system and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows can be rivets, screws, bolts, staples, tongue and groove mechanisms, magnetic systems and / or the combination of the previous ones.

All parts of the system of measurement and placement of spacers in automotive steering arrows mentioned above are directly related to each other in such a way that together they make the system of measurement and placement of spacers in automotive steering arrows work in a manner systematic, that is, follows a series of steps to ensure that the spacer assembly is correct. In case any of the module parts present a fault or an error, it is not possible to continue with the assembly of the spacer, this is how it is guaranteed that all the systems are working correctly and in conjunction.

The invention has been described sufficiently so that a person with average skill in the art can reproduce and obtain the results that we mentioned in the present invention. However, any person skilled in the art who is competent in the present invention can to be able to make modifications not described in the present application, however, if for the application of these modifications in a determined structure or in the manufacturing process thereof, the matter claimed in the following claims is required, said structures must be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

A system for measuring and positioning spacers in automotive steering arrows, characterized in that it comprises: a conveyor belt (1) having installed a motor (2) installed, preferably on either side, arranged to transmit the turn to an axle (3) that is installed inside the conveyor belt (1), and that is configured to drive at least one elastic band (4) that is installed on the longitudinal sides of the upper part of the belt. the conveyor belt (1), this arrangement is for the transfer of trays; at least one sensor (5) is installed in the upper part of the conveyor belt (1), said sensor is configured for the synchronized advance and stop of the trays in the different stages of the process; at least one scanning module (6) is installed by means of a support (7) at the top of the conveyor belt (1), where the support (7) is configured to hold an adjustment arm (8). ) at the upper end, and at its lower end a base (9) is fixed; a scanner (10) is installed in the lower part of the base (9) and is arranged for reading the code recorded on the automotive traction arrow; the components of the scanning module (6) are fixed by fastening means (not shown); a cover measuring module (11) is installed on the upper part of the conveyor belt (1), immediately after the scanning module (6), said measuring module is configured to determine the height of the cover from the axis reference of the cover to the surface of the same, by means of, at least, a feeler (12) configured to verify that the reading taken by the scanner (10) is The correct one; a height positioner (not shown) is configured so that the lid measurement module (11) descends to where the lid is; it is placed on one side of the cover measuring module (11) and is configured to receive the information obtained from the scanner (10) and the feeler (12), and is arranged to select the spacer that meets the indicated thickness to be placed on the lid; at least two feeders (14) are installed on the back of the module for selecting and placing spacers (13) arranged to place spacers of different thicknesses therein; a fastener (15) traveling through a rail (16) are installed on the front of the spacer selection and placement module (13), said fastener (15) is configured to take the spacer of the feeder (14) and placing it inside the lid automatically after a verification module (18) installed preferably on one side of the module for selecting and placing spacers (13), corroborate that the spacer taken by the fastener (15) is the correct one, this is done by means of a clamp (19), arranged to hold the spacer of the upper and lower part, the opening and closing of the clamp (19) is carried out by means of pneumatic supply that is fed by, at least two pneumatic entries (20), and thus verify that the thickness is of the appropriate size; the verification module (18) is fastened by means of a column (21) to the spacer selection and positioning module (13), which is fixed by a fastening means (not shown); at least, two indicator lights (17) installed in the upper front part of the spacers selection and placement module (13) are configured to indicate whether the feeders (14) are they were without spacers which automatically stops the process until they are loaded again; a greasing module {22} installed in the upper part of the conveyor belt (1), immediately after the lid measuring module (11) is formed by at least two pulse valves (23), which are configured to place grease on the lid preventing the placed spacer from moving from its position; and, at least, two pneumatic elements (24) installed in the rear part of the greasing module (22), are arranged to inject compressed air for the expulsion of grease through the pulse valves (23), and a regulator (25) installed on top of the pulse valves (23) is configured to dose the amount of grease that is injected into the caps.

2. The system of claim 1 characterized in that the conveyor belt (1) is preferably made of aluminum.

3. The system of claim 1 characterized in that, the sensor (5) can be mechanical, optical or infrared.

4. The system of claim 1, characterized in that the support (7) is preferably a steel angle.

The system of claim 1 characterized in that the fastening means (not shown) that are used to fix and / or assemble different parts of the measurement system and placement of spacers on automotive steering arrows can be rivets, screws, bolts , staples, tongue and groove mechanisms, magnetic systems and / or the combination of the above.