FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle axle sub-assemblies, more
specifically, rear axles.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not
necessarily prior art.
Generally, studs are press-fitted in slots configured on the axle sub-assembly of a
vehicle. Typically, this process of pressing the studs is performed by hydraulic press
machines, wherein a pressing tool is mounted on the ram of the press machine and the
axle sub-assembly is aligned on a base fixture of the press machine. An operator
presses a push button to release the ram of the press machine and allow the tool to
press the studs into the slots. When the operator stops pressing the push button, the
ram goes up to its original position.
However, human error may cause improper misalignment of the axle sub-assembly
on the base fixture or of the studs on the slots configured on the axle sub-assembly.
As a result, the studs will not be properly seated in the axle sub-assembly. This
failure becomes evident either when mounting of the tires on the axle sub-assembly
or when the studs become loose and cause an accident.
Therefore there is felt a need for a press machine that ensures proper seating of the
studs within the axle sub-assembly.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein
satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a press machine to ensure proper
pressing of studs within a vehicle axle sub-assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a press machine that has a
simple configuration.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a press machine that can be
configured in an existing apparatus.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a press machine that
eliminates human error while seating the studs within a vehicle axle sub-assembly.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the
following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a press machine. The press machine has a facility
for ensuring that studs are press-fitted within slots of vehicle axle sub-assembly up to
a predefined depth. The press machine comprises a base fixture, an operatively
vertically displaceable ram, a press tool, an arm and a sensor. The base fixture is
configured to mount the sub-assembly thereon. A press tool is mounted to an
operative bottom portion of the ram. The press tool is configured to press the studs
within the slots in vertical axis up to the predefined depth. The arm is fitted to the
ram. The sensor is located adjacent to the base fixture. The arm touches the sensor
only if the stud is fitted in the vertical axis within the slot up to the predefined depth
and closes the circuit, which is normally open, to facilitate upward displacement of
the ram, thus indicating that the stud has been properly press fitted in the slot.
In an embodiment, the sensor is configured to generate a sensed signal when touched
by the arm.
In another embodiment, the sensor is coupled to a control unit. The control unit is
configured to receive the sensed signal and allow upward displacement of the ram.
The control unit is further configured to prevent upward displacement of the ram in
the absence of the sensed signal.
In yet another embodiment, the press machine includes a pair of solenoid valves. A
first solenoid valve is configured to facilitate downward displacement of the ram. A
second solenoid valve is configured to cooperate with the control unit to either permit
or prevent upward displacement of the ram based on the presence or absence of the
sensed signal.
In still another embodiment, the press machine includes a first button configured to
actuate the first solenoid valve to facilitate downward displacement of the ram.
In one embodiment, the press machine includes a second button configured to actuate
the second solenoid valve to facilitate upward displacement of the ram in the absence
of the sensed signal.
In another embodiment, the control unit is further configured to generate an alert
signal in the absence of the sensed signal.
In yet another embodiment, the press machine includes a notification unit coupled to
the control unit, the notification unit configured to receive the alert signal, and further
configured to generate notifications based on the received alert signal.
In another embodiment, the notification provided by the notification unit is selected
from visual notification, audio notification or a combination thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the sensor is a proximity sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The press machine, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of
the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of a vehicle axle sub-assembly;
Figure IB illustrates an isometric view of a stud;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the press machine;
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the press machine depicting pressing of a stud of
Figure IB in the axle sub-assembly of Figure 1 A; and
Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting the working of a sensor, a first solenoid
valve and a second solenoid valve, a first button and a second button of the press
machine of Figure 3.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - Press machine
102-Stud
103 -Base fixture
104 - Axle sub-assembly
104A-Slot
106-Ram
107 -Base tower
108-Press tool
110-Arm
112 - Sensor
113 A - First solenoid valve
113B - Second solenoid valve
114A-First button
114B-Second button
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the
present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth,
relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the
art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the
scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, wellknown
apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining
a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the
scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an,"
and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and
"having," are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of
stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the
presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," or "coupled to" another
element, it may be mounted directly on, or coupled to the other element. As used
herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the
present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one
element, or component from another element or component. Terms such as first,
second, third etc.,when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless
clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and
the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between
different elements as depicted from the figures.
Vehicle axle sub-assemblies (104) including rear axles, are provided with slots
(104A) configured thereon to facilitate pressing of studs (102) therein. It is required
that the studs (102) are pressed in the slots (104A) up to a predetermined height so
that tires are properly mounted on the axle sub-assembly (104) or no accidents are
caused by the improper pressing of the studs (102). However during the assembly, the
axle sub-assembly (104) or the studs (102) may not be aligned correctly which results
in improper pressing of the studs (102) within the slots (104A).
A press machine (100), of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with
respect to Figure 1 through Figure 4.
The press machine (100) is configured with a facility for ensuring that studs (102) are
press-fitted within slots (104A) of vehicle axle sub-assembly (104) up to a predefined
depth.
The press machine (100) comprises a base fixture (103), an operatively vertically
displaceable ram (106), mounting means, an arm (110) and a sensor (112). The base
fixture (103) is configured to allow the sub-assembly (104) to be mounted thereon.
The mounting means is provided at an operative bottom portion of the ram. The
mounting means is configured to attach a press tool (108) to the ram (106) for
pressing the studs (102) within the slots (104A) in a vertical axis up to the predefined
depth. The arm (110) is fitted to the ram (106). The sensor (112) is located adjacent to
the base fixture (103). The arm (110) touches the sensor (112) only if the stud (102)
is fitted in the vertical axis within the slot (104A) up to the predefined depth and
closes the circuit, which is otherwise normally open, to facilitate upward
displacement of the ram, thus indicating that the stud (102) has been properly press
fitted in the slot (104A).
In one embodiment, the sensor (112) is installed on a base tower (107) located near
the base fixture (103). In another embodiment, the sensor (112) is a proximity sensor.
The sensor (112) is coupled to a control unit (not specifically shown in figures). The
control unit comprises a processor. The processor is configured to store a set of predefined
rules and is further configured to generate processing commands. The
processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers,
digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries,
and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
The sensor (112) is configured to generate a sensed signal when touched by the arm
(110). The control unit is configured to receive the sensed signal and allow upward
displacement of the ram (106), and is further configured to prevent upward
displacement of the ram (106) in the absence of the sensed signal. More specifically,
if no sensed signal is generated, the ram (106) remains stuck in the downwardly
displaced position.
The upward and downward displacement of the ram (106) is facilitated by a pair of
solenoid valves. A first solenoid valve (113A) of the pair of solenoid valves is
configured to facilitate downward displacement of the ram (106). A second solenoid
valve (113B) of the pair of solenoid valves is configured to cooperate with the control
unit to either permit or prevent upward displacement of the ram (106) based on the
presence or absence of the sensed signal generated by the sensor (112).
The press machine (100) includes a first button (114A) configured to actuate the first
solenoid valve (113A) of the pair of solenoid valves to facilitate downward
displacement of the ram (106), when pressed.
The press machine (100) includes a second button (114B) which is a repair button,
and used only in the case of absence of the sensed signal which indicates improper
pressing of the stud (102) in the slot (104A) or in case of any other fault. In both the
cases, the second button (114B) is configured to actuate the second solenoid valve
(113B) of the pair of solenoid valves to facilitate upward displacement of the ram
(106), when pressed.
In an embodiment, the solenoid valves (113 A, 113B) are 3/2 valves that either shutoff
or allow fluid flow therethrough when electrically actuated by the control unit.
In an operative configuration, an operator attaches the pressing tool (105) to the ram
(106) and mounts the axle sub-assembly (104) on the base fixture (103). After
checking the prerequisite operating conditions of the press machine (100), the
operator presses the first button (114A) to actuate the first solenoid valve (113A), and
facilitate the downward displacement of the ram (106) such that the pressing tool
(105) presses the studs (102) into the slots (104A) configured on the axle subassembly
(104) up to the predetermined depth. When the pressing tool (105) has
presses the studs (102) into the slots (104A) up to the predetermined depth, the arm
(110) comes in contact with the sensor (112) and touches the sensor (112), thereby
closing the circuit. The sensor (112) generates a sensed signal which is received by
the sensed signal to actuate the second solenoid valve (113B) to allow the upward
displacement of the ram (106).
However, if the studs (102) are not pressed up to the predetermined depth, it would
mean that the ram (106) has not been displaced up to the required depth. This
condition occurs when the axle sub-assembly (104) is not properly mounted on the
base fixture (103) or the studs (102) are not properly oriented on the slots in the
vertical axis. In both the conditions, the arm (110) cannot touch the sensor (112), as a
result of which the sensor (112) will not generate a sensed signal. In the absence of
the sensed signal, the communication between the control unit and the second
solenoid valve (113B) is prevented, thereby causing the second solenoid valve (113B)
to remain de-actuated. As a result, the ram (106) remains stuck at its downwardly
displaced position, thereby indicating improper pressing of studs (102).
In such a case, in order to allow the ram (106) to regain its original retracted position,
the operator presses the second button (114B) to actuate the second solenoid valve
(113B) and allow the upward displacement of the ram (106). The operator thereafter
checks for proper alignment of the axle sub-assembly (104) on the base fixture (103)
and the studs (102) in the axle sub-assembly (104) slots, and again presses the first
button (114A) to enable the downward displacement of the ram (106) for restarting
the process of pressing the studs (102) in the slots (104A).
In an embodiment, the control unit is further configured to generate an alert signal in
the absence of the sensed signal. The press machine (100) includes a notification unit
coupled to the control unit. The notification unit is configured to receive the alert
signal. The notification unit is further configured to generate notifications based on
the received alert signal. The notifications generated by the notification unit helps in
alerting the operator about the improper pressing of the studs (102) in the slots
(104A) configured on the axle sub-assembly (104). In an embodiment, the
notification provided by the notification unit is selected from visual notification,
audio notification or any combination thereof.
The press machine (100) has a simple configuration which contributes to the costeffectiveness
of the press machine (100). Further, the press machine (100) eliminates
human error which in turn reduces post-assembling cost.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of
illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual
components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular
embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be
within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages
including, but not limited to, the realization of a press machine, that:
• ensures that studs are press-fitted within slots of vehicle axle sub-assembly;
• has a simple configuration; and
• eliminates human error while pressing the studs on the axle sub-assembly.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof
are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are
omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general
nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge,
readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments
without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and
range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not
of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms
of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of
the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more
elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this
specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is
not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior
art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as
it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and
component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred
embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other
changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to
be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted
merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

WE CLAIM:
1. A press machine (100) having a facility for ensuring that studs (102) are
press-fitted within slots (104A) of vehicle axle sub-assembly (104) up to a
predefined depth, said press machine (100) comprising:
• a base fixture (103) onto which said sub-assembly (104) is mounted;
• an operatively vertically displaceable ram (106);
• mounting means provided at an operative bottom portion of said ram,
said mounting means configured to attach a press tool (108) to said
ram (106) for pressing said studs (102) within said slots (104A) in a
vertical axis up to the predefined depth;
• an arm (110) fitted to said ram (106);
• a sensor (112) located adjacent to the base fixture (103);
wherein, said arm (110) touches said sensor (112) only if said stud (102) is
fitted in the vertical axis within said slot (104A) up to the predefined
depth and closes the circuit, which is normally open, to facilitate upward
displacement of said ram, thus indicating that the stud (102) has been
properly press fitted in said slot (104A).
2. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor (112) is
configured to generate a sensed signal when touched by said arm (110).
3. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor (112) is
coupled to a control unit, said control unit is configured to receive said sensed
signal and allow upward displacement of said ram (106), and is further
configured to prevent upward displacement of said ram (106) in the absence
of said sensed signal.
4. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a pair of
solenoid valves, wherein a first solenoid valve (113A) is configured to
facilitate downward displacement of said ram (106), and a second solenoid
valve (113B) is configured to cooperate with said control unit to either permit
or prevent upward displacement of said ram (106) based on the presence or
absence of said sensed signal.
5. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 4, which includes a first button
(114A) configured to actuate the first solenoid valve (113A) to facilitate
downward displacement of said ram (106).
6. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 4, which includes a second
button (114B) configured to actuate said second solenoid valve (113B) to
facilitate upward displacement of said ram (106) in the absence of said sensed
signal.
7. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit is
further configured to generate an alert signal in the absence of said sensed
signal.
8. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a notification
unit coupled to said control unit, said notification unit configured to receive
said alert signal, and further configured to generate notifications based on said
received alert signal.
9. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the notification
provided by said notification unit is selected from visual notification, audio
notification or a combination thereof.
10. The press machine (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor (112) is a
proximity sensor.