JP2013019488A - Caulking method and caulking device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a caulking method and a caulking device for enabling automatic mounting and fixation of a boot onto a constant velocity universal joint with a band.SOLUTION: The caulking method is provided for caulking the boot band 11 to fix the boot 10 to be mounted on the constant velocity universal joint S. With peripheral phase adjustment applied between the boot band 11 and the constant velocity universal joint S and then the axial position of a caulking part 13 of a caulking means 12 aligned to the axial position of the boot band 11, the boot band 11 is caulked by the caulking means 12.

Description

  The present invention relates to a caulking method and a caulking device for caulking a boot band used for fixing a boot attached to a constant velocity universal joint.

  Constant velocity universal joints used for power transmission in automobiles and various industrial machines are equipped with bellows-shaped boots to prevent foreign materials such as dust from entering the joints and leakage of grease sealed inside the joints. Is done. As materials for constant velocity universal joint boots, silicone materials, CR materials (chloroprene), VAMAC materials (ethylene acrylic rubber), CM materials (chlorinated polyethylene) and the like are known.

  As a boot band, there is a so-called one-touch band. As shown in FIG. 13, a boot band 1 called a one-touch band is formed by bending a band member 2 made of a band-shaped metal material into a ring shape and overlapping both ends thereof. A lever 4 is fixed to one of the overlapping portions 3 of the band member 2.

  In order to attach the boot band 1 to the boot with the boot band 1, first, the ring-shaped band member 2 is externally fitted to the boot mounting portion of the boot, and in this state, the lever 4 is utilized by lever action. Fold as shown by arrow A. As a result, the band member 2 fitted to the boot mounting portion of the boot is reduced in diameter to tighten the boot mounting portion. Note that the folded lever 4 is locked to a stopper 5 whose end is disposed in the vicinity of the overlapping portion 3.

  Conventionally, an operator manually positions the band with respect to such a boot band 1 and then tightens the stopper 5 with a tool such as a hammer. In such a case, the working time and quality may be different depending on the proficiency level of the worker. Therefore, there is a device described in Patent Document 1 or the like as a device for automatically crimping such a stopper 5.

In addition, there is a so-called omega band in the boot band. Again,
The belt-like member 9 is rounded into a ring shape and is externally fitted to the band mounting portion of the boot to reduce the diameter. That is, when the belt-shaped member 9 is rolled into a ring shape, the locking hole 6 is provided in a portion that is outside the overlapping portion, and the protrusion 7 is provided in a portion that is inside the overlapping portion. .

  Then, the protrusion 7 is engaged with the locking hole 6 from the inner diameter side, and in this state, a force for reducing the circumference is applied. When this shrinking force is applied, the fastening ear portion (convex portion having a rectangular cross section) 8 provided at a site outside the overlapping portion is plastically deformed (clamped). That is, a pressing force is applied to the convex portion 8 as shown by an imaginary line so as to approach the base side walls as shown by arrows B and B, and crimped. As an apparatus for caulking such a convex portion 8, there is one described in Patent Document 2 or the like.

Japanese Patent Publication No.62-32074 JP 2001-334424 A

  However, there are the following problems even if it is performed by automatic equipment such as those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. That is, it is difficult to automate the circumferential phase alignment between the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint and the band caulking part, and the tolerance range of the band caulking position in the axial direction is wide. There is a need to correct the caulking position in the axial direction by the unit (mechanism for caulking).

  Therefore, in view of such circumstances, the present invention provides a caulking method and a caulking device that can automate the mounting and fixing of a boot to a constant velocity universal joint using a band.

  The caulking method of the present invention is a boot band caulking method for fixing a boot to be mounted on a constant velocity universal joint, and after performing circumferential phase alignment between the boot band and the constant velocity universal joint, The axial position of the caulking portion of the caulking means is matched to the axial position of the boot band, and the boot band is caulked by the caulking means.

  According to the caulking method of the present invention, in the state in which the boot band is caulked by the caulking means, the circumferential alignment of the boot band and the constant velocity universal joint is performed and the caulking means is caulked. Since the axial position of the tightening portion is matched with the axial position of the boot band, the band crimping portion can be stably crimped. Moreover, since caulking is performed by the caulking means, it is not necessary to perform caulking work manually by a skilled person.

  After positioning the boot band in the circumferential direction, the constant velocity universal joint is preferably rotated in the circumferential direction with respect to the boot band to perform the circumferential phase alignment.

  In addition, after positioning the boot band in the circumferential direction and confirming the completion of the positioning, the constant velocity universal joint is rotated in the circumferential direction to detect the position and perform the circumferential phase alignment. Also good.

  The circumferential direction detection site of the constant velocity universal joint can be the outermost diameter portion of the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint.

  The axial position of the boot band may be detected, and the axial position of the caulking portion of the caulking means may be corrected based on the detected axial position.

  The caulking method includes a shaft, a fixed type constant velocity universal joint connected to one end of the shaft, and a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end of the shaft. Used for assembly.

  A shaft assembly of the present invention includes a shaft, a fixed type constant velocity universal joint connected to one end portion of the shaft, and a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end portion of the shaft. An assembly that is assembled using the caulking method.

  The caulking device of the present invention is a boot band caulking device for fixing a boot to be mounted on a constant velocity universal joint, the caulking means for caulking the boot band, and the circumferential direction of the boot band Band positioning means for positioning the position, joint positioning means for positioning the circumferential position of the constant velocity universal joint, and the circumferential phase of the boot band and the constant velocity universal joint by the band positioning means and the joint positioning means Aligning means for aligning the axial position of the caulking portion of the caulking means with the axial position of the boot band in a state in which

  According to the caulking device of the present invention, the position of the boot band in the circumferential direction can be determined by the band positioning means. The circumferential position of the constant velocity universal joint can be determined by the joint positioning means. For this reason, it can be set as the state where the circumferential direction phase of the boot band and the constant velocity universal joint was matched by the band positioning means and the joint positioning means. In this state, the position adjustment means can adjust the axial position of the crimping portion of the crimping means to the axial position of the boot band.

  The band positioning means includes a positioning jig with which a band projection that is a caulking part abuts, and a band rotation drive mechanism that rotates the boot band along the circumferential direction and abuts the band projection with the positioning jig. May be provided. In such a case, the band protrusion can be brought into contact with the positioning jig by rotating the band around the circumferential direction by the band rotation driving mechanism, thereby performing the circumferential positioning of the band. Can do.

  The joint positioning means includes a joint detection means for detecting a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the constant velocity universal joint, and the constant velocity universal joint along the circumferential direction based on the predetermined circumferential position detected by the joint detection means. It may be provided with a rotation driving mechanism for the joint to be rotated. In such a case, the predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the constant velocity universal joint can be detected by the detecting means. Based on the detected value detected by the detecting means, the constant velocity universal joint can be rotated along the circumferential direction by the joint rotation drive mechanism, and the circumferential phase of the constant velocity universal joint and the band can be matched. Further, an axial position detecting means for detecting the axial position of the boot band may be provided.

  The positioning means preferably includes a detecting means for detecting the axial position of the boot band. In this way, with the detection means, the accuracy of axial alignment can be improved. The detection means can be constituted by an image processing mechanism or a non-contact sensor. As an image processing mechanism, for example, a CCD camera or the like is provided, and an image of an object captured by the CCD camera is converted into a digital signal, and various arithmetic processes are performed, whereby the area, length, number of objects, A feature such as a position is extracted, and a determination result is output based on a set reference. The non-contact type sensor is a displacement sensor using a magnetic field, light, or sound wave as a medium.

  The detection means of the band positioning means and the joint positioning means may be constituted by a contact type sensor or a non-contact type sensor. The detection means of the band positioning means is constituted by a contact type sensor, and the detection means of the band positioning means is non-contact even if the detection means of the joint positioning means is constituted by a non-contact type sensor. The detection unit of the joint positioning unit may be a contact type sensor. Here, the contact sensor is a displacement sensor such as a dial gauge or a differential transformer, and the non-contact sensor is a displacement sensor using a magnetic field, light, or sound wave as a medium.

  In the present invention, the circumferential phase alignment between the band and the constant velocity universal joint and the axial alignment between the band and the caulking portion of the caulking means can be automatically performed. The caulking operation by the caulking means can be performed in a state where the alignment and the axial alignment are completed. For this reason, the band located in the regular position can be caulked, and the boot can be fixed to the constant velocity universal joint in a stable state. In addition, it is not necessary to perform the caulking work manually by the skilled person, the work of the operator can be reduced, and high-precision caulking work can be performed regardless of the skill level of the worker.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the crimping apparatus which shows embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the product fixing device of the said crimping apparatus. It is a front view of the said crimping apparatus. It is a side view of the band positioning means of the crimping device. It is a side view of the other band positioning means of the caulking device. It is a cross-sectional side view of the joint positioning means of the caulking device. It is a cross-sectional side view of the other joint positioning means of the caulking device. It is a side view of the axial direction position detection means of the said crimping apparatus. It is a side view of the other axial direction position detection means of the said crimping apparatus. It is a top view of a product. It is an expanded sectional view of a fixed type constant velocity universal joint. It is an expanded sectional view of a sliding type constant velocity universal joint. It is a simplified diagram of a boot band. It is a simplified view of another boot band.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the caulking device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a product fixing device of the caulking device, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the caulking device. This caulking device is a caulking device for the boot band 11 (11A, 11B) for fixing the boot 10 (10A, 10B) attached to the constant velocity universal joint S (SA, SB). The caulking device performs caulking means 12 for caulking the boot band 11, band positioning means 23 for positioning the circumferential position of the boot band 11, and positioning of the circumferential position of the constant velocity universal joint S. The caulking portion 13 of the caulking means 12 (see FIG. 5) in a state where the circumferential phase of the boot band 11 and the constant velocity universal joint S is matched by the joint positioning means 24, the band positioning means 23, and the joint positioning means 24. And an alignment means 26 for adjusting the axial position of the boot band 11 to the axial position of the boot band 11. Each means 12, 13, 14, 26 is performed under the control of the control means 25. A plurality of types of product dimension data are input from the storage unit 27 to the control unit 25.

  Here, the control means 25 is, for example, a microcomputer in which a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like are connected to each other via a bus with a central processing unit (CPU) as a center. The storage device as the storage means 27 includes an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) drive, an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), or the like. The ROM stores programs executed by the CPU and data.

  In this caulking device, for example, a shaft assembly as shown in FIG. 10 is used in an assembling process. The shaft assembly includes a shaft (intermediate shaft) 20, a constant velocity universal joint (fixed constant velocity universal joint) SA connected to one end of the shaft 20, and a constant velocity connected to the shaft 20 at the other end. And a universal joint (sliding constant velocity universal joint) SB.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the fixed type constant velocity universal joint SA includes an outer joint member 33 in which a plurality of track grooves 32 are formed on the inner diameter surface 31 and an inner joint member in which a plurality of track grooves 35 are formed on the outer diameter surface 34. 36, a plurality of balls 37 disposed on a ball track formed in cooperation with the track groove 32 of the outer joint member 3 and the track groove 35 of the inner joint member 36, and a pocket 38 for receiving the ball 37. The main part is comprised with the cage 39 which has this.

  The outer joint member 33 includes a mouth portion 40 having a track groove 32 formed on the inner diameter surface 31 and a stem portion 41 protruding from the bottom wall 40 a of the mouth portion 40. A female spline 42 is formed in the axial hole of the inner joint member 36, and the end of the shaft 20 is fitted into the axial hole of the inner joint member 36. A male spline 44 is formed at the end of the shaft 20, and the female spline 42 and the male spline 44 are fitted when the end of the shaft 20 is fitted into the axial hole of the inner joint member 36.

  A circumferential groove 45 is formed at the end of the female spline 42 of the shaft 20, and a retaining ring 46 is attached to the circumferential groove 45. In this manner, the retaining ring 46 is attached to prevent the shaft 20 from coming off.

  The opening of the outer joint member 3 is blocked by the boot 10 (10A). The boot 10 is a resin boot and includes a large diameter portion 10Aa, a small diameter portion 10Ab, and a bellows portion 10Ac that connects the large diameter portion 10Aa and the small diameter portion 10Ab. The bellows portion 10Ac is formed by alternately forming peaks 51A and valleys 52A. Then, the boot band 11 (11 </ b> A) is fastened and fixed to the outer joint member 33 with the large-diameter portion 10 </ b> Aa of the boot 10 </ b> A being fitted on the opening of the outer joint member 33. Further, the boot band 11 </ b> A is fastened to the small diameter portion 10 </ b> Ab of the boot 10 in a state where the boot band 11 </ b> A is externally fitted to the boot mounting portion 56 </ b> A of the shaft 20.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the sliding type constant velocity universal joint SB has three track grooves 61 extending in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface, and rollers extending in the axial direction on both sides of each track groove 61. An outer joint member 62 having guide surfaces 61a, 61a, a tripod member 63 having three leg shafts 64 projecting in the radial direction, and the outer joint is rotatably supported by the leg shaft 64 of the tripod member 63. And a roller 65 that is rotatably inserted into the track groove 61 of the member 62.

  The outer joint member 62 includes a mouth portion 71 in which the track groove 61 is formed, and a shaft portion 72 protruding from the bottom portion 71 a of the mouth portion 71. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mouse portion 71 has large-diameter portions 71 b and small-diameter portions 71 c formed alternately along the circumferential direction.

  The torque transmission member includes the roller 65 and needle rollers 66 interposed between the leg shaft 64 and the roller 65. The tripod member 63 includes a boss portion 67 and the leg shaft 64. The boss portion 67 is formed with an axial hole in which a female spline 67a is formed.

  A male spline 68 is formed at the end of the shaft 20, and when the end of the shaft 20 is fitted into the axial hole of the tripod member 63, the female spline 67 a and the male spline 68 are fitted. A circumferential groove 69 is formed at the end of the male spline 68 of the shaft 20, and a retaining ring 70 is attached to the circumferential groove 69. In this manner, the retaining ring 70 is attached to prevent the shaft 20 from coming off.

  The opening of the outer joint member 62 is closed by the boot 10 (10B). The boot 10B is a rubber boot and includes a large-diameter portion 10Ba, a small-diameter portion 10Bb, and a bellows portion 10Bc that connects the large-diameter portion 10Ba and the small-diameter portion 10Bb. The bellows portion 10Bc is formed by alternately forming peaks 51B and valleys 52B. Then, the boot band 11 (11 </ b> B) is fastened and fixed to the outer joint member 33 in a state where the large-diameter portion 10 </ b> Ba of the boot 10 is fitted over the opening of the outer joint member 33. Further, the boot band 11 </ b> B is fastened to the small diameter portion 10 </ b> Bb of the boot 10 in a state where the boot band 11 </ b> B is externally fitted to the boot mounting portion 56 </ b> B of the shaft 20, and is fixed to the shaft 20.

  For this reason, this caulking device is used for caulking the bands 11A and 11B for fixing the boots 10A and 10B attached to the constant velocity universal joints SA and SB. This caulking device includes a product fixing device 200 as shown in FIG. As the bands 11A and 11B, omega type boot bands as shown in FIG. 14 are used. That is, the bands 11A and 11B are provided with a convex portion 75, and caulking is performed so that both side walls of the convex portion 75 approach each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the product fixing device 200 chucks the support mechanism 80 that supports the other constant velocity universal joint SB and the stem portion 41 of the outer joint member 33 of the one constant velocity universal joint SA. And a joint rotation drive mechanism 81 for rotating the chuck portion 82a of the chuck mechanism 82 about its axis. Further, the support mechanism 80 and the chuck mechanism 82 are erected on the base 85 via guide mechanisms 83 and 84 so that the product (shaft assembly) M can move in the axial direction (adjustment in the axial direction) with respect to the product (shaft assembly) M. ing. For this reason, the support mechanism 80 and the chuck mechanism 82 can reciprocate along the axial center direction of the product M. The joint rotation drive mechanism 81 reciprocates integrally with the chuck mechanism 82.

  The joint rotation drive mechanism 81 includes, for example, a drive motor (for example, a servo motor) 87 and a transmission mechanism 86 that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor 87 to the chuck portion 82a of the chuck mechanism 82. For this reason, by driving the joint rotation drive mechanism 81, the product M chucked by the chuck mechanism 82 is rotated about its axis. The chuck portion 82a of the support mechanism 80 includes a plurality of gripping blocks 79 that can reciprocate in the radial direction along the circumferential direction. Further, the transmission mechanism 86 includes a belt mechanism 86a and the like.

  The caulking unit 12 is disposed above the support mechanism 80 and includes a caulking unit 12A for a fixed type constant velocity universal joint and a caulking unit 12B for a sliding type constant velocity universal joint. Therefore, the crimping means 12A is located above the fixed type constant velocity universal joint SA, and the crimping means 12B is located above the sliding type constant velocity universal joint.

  The caulking means 12A, 12B include a large-diameter side caulking portion 90 and a small-diameter portion 10Ab of the boot 10 for caulking the boot bands 11A, 11B attached to the large-diameter portions 10Aa, 10Ba of the boots 10A, 10B. A small-diameter side caulking portion 91 is provided for caulking the boot bands 11A and 11B attached to 10Bb. The large-diameter side caulking portion 90 and the small-diameter side caulking portion 91 are each provided with a pair of claw portions 92 and 92 as shown in FIGS. The pair of claw portions 92 and 92 are close to and away from each other. That is, in a state where the claw portions 92, 92 are separated from each other, the claw portions 92, 92 are made to correspond to the side walls of the boot band 11, and the claw portions 92, 92 are made to approach each other from this corresponding state. The convex part 75 of the boot band 11 can be crimped, and thereby the diameter of the boot band 11 can be reduced.

  The large-diameter side caulking portion 90 and the small-diameter side caulking portion 91 are attached to the holding block 95 via vertical movement mechanisms 93 and 94. Further, the holding blocks 95 and 95 can be reciprocated along the axial direction of the product M via the reciprocating mechanisms 96 and 96. The reciprocating mechanisms 96 and 96 include a bolt / nut mechanism 97 and guide rails 98 and 98.

  The bolt / nut mechanism 97 includes a bolt shaft 97a disposed along the horizontal direction, a drive motor 97b for rotating the bolt shaft 97a around its axis, and a nut member (a nut screwed to the bolt shaft 97a). (Not shown). The guide rails 98, 98 are disposed above and below the bolt shaft 97a in parallel with the bolt shaft 97a. Each holding block 95, 95 is provided with the nut member and a slider (not shown) for sliding the guide rails 98, 98.

  For this reason, when the bolt shaft 97a is rotated around its axis by the drive motor 97b of the bolt / nut mechanism 97, the holding block 95 is horizontally oriented along the guide rails 98, 98 (axial direction of the product M). It can reciprocate along.

  The vertical movement mechanisms 92 and 93 can be constituted by, for example, a cylinder mechanism, and can move the large diameter side caulking part 90 and the small diameter side caulking part 91 up and down. The opening / closing operation mechanism of the claws 92, 92 of the large diameter side caulking portion 90 and the small diameter side caulking portion 91 can also be constituted by a cylinder mechanism, for example.

  By driving the reciprocating mechanisms 96, 96, the large-diameter side caulking portion 90 and the small-diameter side caulking portion 91 can be positioned above the boot band 11, and in this state, the large-diameter side caulking portion 91 is positioned. The caulking operation by the claw portions 92 and 92 can be performed by lowering the portion 90 and the small diameter side caulking portion 91. The large-diameter side caulking portion 90 and the small-diameter side caulking portion 91 attached to the holding block 95 can be approached and separated from each other by an unillustrated approach / separation mechanism such as a Linder mechanism or a bolt / nut mechanism. Is done.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the band positioning means 23 rotates the positioning band 100 with which the band protrusion 75 that is a crimping part abuts and the boot band 11 along the circumferential direction, and the band protrusion 75. And a rotation driving mechanism 101 for the band that contacts the positioning jig.

  The positioning jig 100 includes a block body 102 having an abutment surface 102 a that abuts on the band protrusion 75, and an adjustment mechanism 103 that moves the block body 102 toward and away from the band protrusion 75. The adjustment mechanism 103 includes a slide body 105 that slides along the guide rail 104. A block body 102 is attached to the slide body 105. The slide of the slide body 105 is constituted by a reciprocating mechanism 106 such as a cylinder mechanism as shown in FIG.

  That is, when the reciprocating mechanism 106 is driven, the slide body 105 slides along the guide rail 104, and the contact surface 102 a of the block body 102 approaches and separates from the band protrusion 75.

  The block body 102 is provided with band detecting means 108 for detecting whether or not the band protrusion 75 is positioned. In this embodiment, the detection means 108 is constituted by a contact sensor 108a. In the contact sensor 108a, the differential transformer is generally composed of three coils and a movable iron core. When the primary coil is excited with alternating current (constant frequency voltage), an induced voltage is generated in the secondary coil by the movable core that moves in conjunction with the object to be measured. This is differentially coupled, taken out as a voltage difference, and used as a displacement output. When the movable iron core is located symmetrically, that is, at the center, the alternating voltages induced to the left and right are equal, the voltage difference is zero, and the output is zero. When the position of the movable iron core deviates from the center, a difference occurs in the induced voltages of the left and right coils, and an AC voltage proportional to the difference appears. When this AC voltage is compared with the AC voltage applied to the primary coil, the waveform (phase) is reversed when the movable iron core is on the right and when it is on the left. Utilizing this phenomenon, the displacement of the left and right of the movable iron core is converted into a positive and negative DC voltage, and the displacement of the movable iron core is measured. For this reason, it is possible to detect (detect) whether or not the band protrusion 75 is in contact with the contact surface 102 a of the block body 102.

  The rotation drive mechanism 101 is composed of an air injector 110. That is, the air injector 110 includes a main body 110a and an air injection nozzle 110b that protrudes from the main body 110a. That is, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 4, in a state where the band protrusion 75 is not in contact with the contact surface 102a of the block body 102, air is injected from the air injection nozzle 110b toward the band protrusion 75. The band 11 is rotated in the direction of the arrow X around its axis. As a result, the band protrusion 75 comes into contact with the contact surface 102 a of the block body 102.

  In FIG. 5, the band detecting means 108 is constituted by a non-contact type sensor 108b. The non-contact sensor 108b is a displacement sensor using a magnetic field, light, or sound wave as a medium. That is, non-contact type sensors include eddy current type, ultrasonic type, optical type, and capacitance type. For this reason, the non-contact type sensor of these various systems can be used for this detection means 108. FIG. In this embodiment, the optical type of the distance setting reflection type sensor is also used. The distance setting reflection type sensor has a light projecting lens and a light receiving lens, and the light received from the light projecting lens hits the detection object (band protrusion 75) and is reflected by the light receiving lens, and guides it to the two-divided photodiode. Here, the distance is determined based on the position where the ratio of the output voltage generated in the vertically divided photodiode is equal.

  For this reason, even if such a non-contact sensor 108b is used, it can be determined whether or not the band protrusion 75 is in contact with the positioning jig 100, and the circumferential positioning of the band 11 can be confirmed. .

  Incidentally, the positioning means 23 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is provided corresponding to the large-diameter side band 11 and the small-diameter side band 11 of each constant velocity universal joint SA, SB. In such a case, four positioning means 23 are required. For this reason, you may set so that it may respond | correspond by one or two positioning means moving.

  6 and 7 show the joint detection means 120 used for positioning the circumferential position of the constant velocity universal joint. In FIG. 6, a contact sensor 120a is used, and in FIG. 7, a non-contact sensor 120b is used. 6 and 7 show the position detecting means 120 of the sliding type constant velocity universal joint SB.

  The contact-type sensor 120a in FIG. 6 includes a displacement sensor such as a dial gauge or a differential transformer attached to the support mechanism 80. That is, the support mechanism 80 includes a receiving member 121 having a fitting portion 121a into which the large-diameter portion 71b of the outer joint member 62 of the constant velocity universal joint SB shown in FIG. And the contact type sensor 120a is arrange | positioned at this fitting part 121a. For this reason, the contact sensor 120 a detects the outermost diameter portion of the outer joint member 62.

  Therefore, the joint positioning means 24 can be configured by the joint detection means 120 and the joint rotation drive mechanism 81. That is, the constant velocity universal joint SB is rotated around its axis, and the contact sensor 120a detects the circumferential position of the large diameter portion 71b of the outer joint member 62, thereby stopping the rotation around the axis. To do. Thereby, the circumferential direction positioning of the constant velocity universal joint can be performed.

  In FIG. 7, the non-contact type sensor 120b is a non-contact type sensor similar to the non-contact type sensor 108b of the band detecting means 108, and is an eddy current type, an ultrasonic type, an optical type, a capacitance type or the like. A sensor can be used. For this reason, even if this non-contact type sensor 120b is used, the circumferential direction positioning of the constant velocity universal joint can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, this apparatus includes detection means 130 that detects the axial position of the boot band 11. This detection means 130 can be constituted by an image processing mechanism 130a, or can be constituted by a non-contact type sensor 130b as shown in FIG.

  By the way, the detection means 130 shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9, etc. is provided corresponding to each of the large-diameter side band 11 and the small-diameter side band 11 of each constant velocity universal joint SA, SB. In such a case, four detection means 130 are required. For this reason, you may set so that one or two detection means 130 may respond | correspond by moving.

  As the image processing mechanism 130a, for example, a CCD camera or the like is provided, and an image of an object captured by the CCD camera is converted into a digital signal, and various arithmetic processes are performed. , A feature such as a position is extracted, and a determination result is output based on a set standard.

  With the image processing mechanism 130a, an image of the boot band 11 can be captured, and the axial position of the boot band 11 can be detected based on this image. Based on this position, the caulking portion 13 of the caulking means 12 can be moved. It can be moved along the axial direction of the product. Thereby, the axial alignment of the boot band 11 can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the detection means 130 can be constituted by a non-contact type sensor 130b. In this case, the non-contact type sensor 130b is a non-contact type sensor such as an eddy current type, an ultrasonic type, an optical type, or a capacitance type as in the non-contact type sensor 108b.

  With the non-contact sensor 130b, the position of the boot band 11 in the axial direction can be detected by the non-contact sensor 130b. Based on this position, the caulking portion 13 of the caulking means 12 is connected to the shaft of the product M. It can be moved along the direction. Thereby, the axial alignment of the boot band 11 can be performed.

  Next, a method for caulking the boot band with the caulking device configured as described above will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the product M (shaft assembly) is fixed to the product fixing device 200. That is, the support mechanism 80 supports the other constant velocity universal joint SB and chucks the stem portion 41 of the outer joint member 33 of the one constant velocity universal joint SA by the chuck mechanism 82. At this time, the boot band 11 (11A, 11B) is externally fitted to the large diameter portions 10Aa, 10Ba and the small diameter portions 10Ab, 10Bb of the boots 10A, 10B.

  Thereafter, the band positioning means 23 aligns each boot band 11 in the circumferential direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the boot band 11 is rotated around its axis by the rotation drive mechanism 101, and the band protrusion 75 is brought into contact with the contact portion of the positioning jig 100. At this time, the detection means 108 confirms that the contact is made. Thus, the boot band 11 is positioned in the circumferential direction.

  Next, the constant velocity universal joints SA and SB are positioned by the joint positioning means 24. That is, the joint rotational drive mechanism 81 rotates the product M around its axis to align the constant velocity universal joints SA and SB with the band in the circumferential direction.

  Thereafter, the aligning means 26 aligns the crimping portion 13 of the crimping means 12 with the axial position of the boot band 11. That is, the axial position of the crimping portion 13 of the crimping means 12 is matched with the axial position of the boot band 11. Next, the caulking portion 13 of each caulking means 12 is lowered and the convex portion 75 of each boot band 11 is caulked. Thereby, the boots 10 can be fixed by the boot bands 11.

  In the present invention, circumferential phase alignment between the boot band 11 and the constant velocity universal joint S and axial alignment between the band 11 and the crimping portion 13 of the crimping means 12 can be automatically performed, The caulking work by the caulking means 12 can be performed in a state where the circumferential phase alignment and the axial alignment are completed. For this reason, the band 11 positioned at the regular position can be crimped, and the boot 10 can be fixed to the constant velocity universal joint S in a stable state. In addition, it is not necessary to perform the caulking work manually by the skilled person, the work of the operator can be reduced, and high-precision caulking work can be performed regardless of the skill level of the worker.

  The band detecting means 108 and the joint detecting means 120 may be a contact type sensor or a non-contact type sensor, and the axial direction detecting means 130 may be an image processing mechanism or a non-contact type. A type sensor may be used, and the degree of freedom of design as a device increases, and this caulking device can be stably installed according to the installation location.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the product M is not limited to the shaft assembly shown in FIG. For example, only a fixed type constant velocity universal joint or a sliding type constant velocity universal joint may be used. In addition, the fixed constant velocity universal joint is the Rzeppa type in the above-described embodiment, but it may be an undercut free type having a large operating angle, and the sliding constant velocity universal joint is a tripod. A double offset type other than the type or a Lebro type may also be used.

10, 10A, 10B Boot 11, 11A, 11B Boot band 12, 12A, 12B Clamping means 13 Clamping part 23 Band positioning means 24 Positioning means 25 Control means 26 Joint positioning means 27 Storage means 75 Band protrusion (convex part) )
81 Joint rotation drive mechanism 100 Positioning jig 101 Band rotation drive mechanism 108 Band detection means 108a Contact sensor 108b Non-contact sensor 120 Joint detection means 120a Contact sensor 120b Non-contact sensor 130 For axial position Detection means 130a Image processing mechanism 130b Non-contact type sensor S Constant velocity universal joint SB Sliding type constant velocity universal joint SA Fixed type constant velocity universal joint

Claims (18)

A method for caulking a boot band for fixing a boot to be mounted on a constant velocity universal joint,
After performing phase alignment in the circumferential direction between the boot band and the constant velocity universal joint, the axial position of the caulking portion of the caulking means is aligned with the axial position of the boot band, and the boot band is moved by the caulking means. A caulking method characterized by caulking.   The caulking according to claim 1, wherein after positioning the circumferential position of the boot band, the circumferential phase alignment is performed by rotating a constant velocity universal joint with respect to the boot band in the circumferential direction. Method.   After positioning the boot band in the circumferential direction and confirming the completion of the positioning, the constant velocity universal joint is rotated in the circumferential direction to detect the position and perform the circumferential phase alignment. The caulking method according to claim 1.   The caulking method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the circumferential direction detection portion of the constant velocity universal joint is an outermost diameter portion of an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint.   The axial position of the caulking portion of the caulking means is corrected based on the detected axial position of the boot band, and the axial position of the boot band is corrected. The caulking method described in the paragraph.   Used for assembling a shaft assembly including a shaft, a fixed type constant velocity universal joint connected to one end portion of the shaft, and a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end portion of the shaft. The caulking method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:   A shaft assembly comprising a shaft, a fixed type constant velocity universal joint connected to one end portion of the shaft, and a sliding type constant velocity universal joint connected to the other end portion of the shaft, A shaft assembly assembled by using the caulking method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A boot band caulking device for fixing a boot mounted on a constant velocity universal joint,
Clamping means for crimping the boot band, band positioning means for positioning the boot band in the circumferential direction, joint positioning means for positioning the circumferential position of the constant velocity universal joint, and the band positioning means Positioning means for adjusting the axial position of the caulking portion of the caulking means to the axial position of the boot band in a state where the circumferential phase of the boot band and the constant velocity universal joint is matched by the joint positioning means. A crimping device characterized by comprising.   The band positioning means includes a positioning jig with which a band projection that is a caulking part abuts, and a band rotation drive mechanism that rotates the boot band along the circumferential direction and abuts the band projection with the positioning jig. The crimping device according to claim 8, comprising:   The caulking apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the band positioning means includes a detection means for confirmation for confirming the positioning.   The joint positioning means includes a joint detection means for detecting a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the constant velocity universal joint, and the constant velocity universal joint along the circumferential direction based on the predetermined circumferential position detected by the joint detection means. The caulking device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a rotation driving mechanism for the joint to be rotated.   The caulking device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising an axial position detecting unit that detects an axial position of the boot band.   The crimping apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the axial position detection means is constituted by an image processing mechanism.   The caulking device according to claim 12, wherein the axial position detecting means is constituted by a non-contact type sensor.   The caulking device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the detection means of the band positioning means and the joint positioning means is constituted by a contact type sensor.   The caulking device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the detection means of the band positioning means and the joint positioning means is constituted by a non-contact type sensor.   The detection means of the band positioning means is constituted by a contact type sensor, and the detection means of the joint positioning means is constituted by a non-contact type sensor. The crimping device described in 1.   The detection means of the band positioning means is constituted by a non-contact type sensor, and the detection means of the joint positioning means is constituted by a contact type sensor. The crimping device described in 1.

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