A steel ball spring assembly mechanism for a multi-way switch and its production line

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steel ball spring assembly mechanism for a multi-way switch and a production line thereof. Automatic assembly of steel balls and springs to an assembly body is achieved through a positioning jig, a pre-assembly device, a connecting channel, a first feeding device, a second feeding device, a third feeding device, a first pushing device, a second pushing device, a third pushing device, and a fourth pushing device, thereby greatly improving production efficiency and ensuring assembly quality. Full-process automated operation of the multi-way switch is then achieved, greatly improving production efficiency and production quality of the multi-way switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of multi-way switch production, in particular to a steel ball spring assembly mechanism of a multi-way switch and a production line thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the current production process of multi-way switches, the assembly of springs and steel balls is performed manually. One steel ball, one spring, and another steel ball are manually installed into the assembly hole of the switch body in sequence. This manual operation makes production efficiency very low and is prone to missing parts. If the problem is not discovered in the subsequent process, defective products are likely to be produced and cannot be reworked. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a steel ball spring assembly mechanism for a multi-way switch and a production line thereof in view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a steel ball spring assembly mechanism for a multi-way switch, which includes a positioning fixture, a pre-assembly device, a connecting channel, a first feeding device, a second feeding device, a third feeding device, a first pushing device, a second pushing device, a third pushing device, and a fourth pushing device; wherein,

[0005] A positioning jig is used to fix the position of the switch body so that the assembly hole of the switch body is fixed at a preset position;

[0006] The pre-assembly device comprises a first feeding channel, a first pushing channel, a second feeding channel, a second pushing channel, a third feeding channel, a third pushing channel, a fourth pushing channel, a first connecting channel, a second connecting channel and a discharging channel, wherein the fourth pushing channel, the first connecting channel, the second connecting channel and the discharging channel are sequentially arranged on the same straight line, the first feeding channel is connected with the first feeding device, the first pushing channel is connected with the first pushing device, the second feeding channel is connected with the second feeding device, the second pushing channel is connected with the second pushing device, the third feeding channel is connected with the third feeding device, the third pushing channel is connected with the third pushing device, the fourth pushing channel is connected with the fourth pushing device, and the discharging channel is connected with the assembly hole through a connecting channel;

[0007] A first feeding device is used to arrange the springs one by one along a horizontal straight line and convey them to a first feeding channel of the preassembly device;

[0008] The first pushing device comprises a first pushing drive assembly and a third connecting channel, wherein the first pushing drive assembly is used to drive the third connecting channel to switch between a first position and a second position, and the third connecting channel is used to connect with the first feeding channel in the first position and to connect with the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel in the second position;

[0009] A second feeding device is used to arrange the steel balls one by one along a vertical line and convey them to the second feeding channel of the preassembly device;

[0010] The second pushing device comprises a second pushing drive assembly and a fourth connecting channel, wherein the second pushing drive assembly is used to drive the fourth connecting channel to switch between a third position and a fourth position; the fourth connecting channel is used to connect with the second feeding channel in the third position and to connect with the first connecting channel and the third pushing channel in the fourth position;

[0011] A third feeding device is used to arrange the steel balls one by one along a vertical line and convey them to the third feeding channel of the preassembly device;

[0012] The third pushing device comprises a third pushing drive assembly and a fifth connecting channel, wherein the third pushing drive assembly is used to drive the fifth connecting channel to switch between a fifth position and a sixth position; the fifth connecting channel is used to connect with the third feeding channel in the fifth position and to connect with the second connecting channel and the discharging channel in the sixth position;

[0013] a fourth pushing device having a fourth pushing drive assembly and a pushing rod, the fourth pushing drive assembly being used to drive the pushing rod to start in the fourth pushing channel to push the spring and steel ball located in the assembly channel out of the discharge channel and transport them through the connecting channel to the assembly hole of the switch body, the assembly channel being sequentially connected in a straight line by the first connecting channel, the third connecting channel, the second connecting channel, and the fourth connecting channel;

[0014] The connecting channel is used to be driven by the lifting drive assembly to enter and exit the seventh position, and the connecting channel is used to connect with the assembly hole and the discharge channel at the seventh position.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first detection device is further included, which is used to detect whether there is a spring in the third connecting channel of the first pushing device and output a first detection signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, a second detection device is further included for detecting whether a steel ball is present in the fourth connecting channel of the second pushing device and outputting a second detection signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, a third detection device is further included for detecting whether there is a steel ball in the fifth connecting channel of the third pushing device and outputting a third detection signal.

[0018] In some embodiments, a pressing device is further included, which has an upper pressing assembly and a lower pressing assembly. The upper pressing assembly is driven downward by the upper pressing drive assembly, and the lower pressing assembly is driven upward by the lower pressing drive assembly. The upper pressing assembly and the lower pressing assembly are used together to clamp the switch body located in the positioning fixture to fix the position of the switch body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the docking channel includes a first docking channel and an upper docking channel, the upper docking channel and the lower docking channel on the positioning fixture form a complete second docking channel, and the first docking channel and the second docking channel form a channel connecting the assembly hole and the discharge channel.

[0020] In some embodiments, the top of the fourth connecting channel has a first opening, and is provided with a first spring-pressing device for pressing down and limiting the steel ball located in the fourth connecting channel through the first opening.

[0021] In some embodiments, the top of the fifth connecting channel has a second opening, and is equipped with a second spring device for pressing down and limiting the steel ball located in the fifth connecting channel through the second opening.

[0022] In some embodiments, the top of the third connecting channel has a third opening, and is equipped with a third spring-pressing device for pressing down and limiting the steel ball located in the third connecting channel through the third opening.

[0023] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a production line for a multi-way switch, which includes a turntable, and along the circumference of the turntable are sequentially arranged a shaft sleeve assembly mechanism, a shaft core assembly mechanism, a brush assembly mechanism, a riveting assembly mechanism, a visual inspection mechanism, a shaft core combination assembly mechanism, a steel ball spring assembly mechanism, a terminal body assembly mechanism and a finished product unloading mechanism, wherein the steel ball spring assembly mechanism is the steel ball spring assembly mechanism of the multi-way switch of the first aspect.

[0024] Compared with the related art, the steel ball spring assembly mechanism and production line of the multi-way switch provided in the embodiment of the present invention realize the automatic assembly of steel balls and springs to the assembly body through a positioning jig, a pre-assembly device, a connecting channel, a first feeding device, a second feeding device, a third feeding device, a first pushing device, a second pushing device, a third pushing device and a fourth pushing device, greatly improving the production efficiency and ensuring the assembly quality, thereby realizing the full-process automated operation of the multi-way switch, greatly improving the production efficiency and production quality of the multi-way switch.

[0025] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below so that other features, objects, and advantages of the invention are more readily apparent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 1 is an overall structural diagram of a steel ball spring assembly mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram of part A in the middle.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the steel ball spring assembly mechanism before feeding according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of part B in the middle.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the steel ball spring assembly mechanism after feeding according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram of local C in the middle.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a partial structural diagram of the steel ball spring assembly mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram of local D in the middle.

[0035] Figure 9 2 is a structural diagram of a positioning fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 4 is a structural diagram of a pre-assembly device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 It is a partial structural diagram of the connecting channel of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 12 1 is an overall structural diagram of a production line of a multi-way switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In the figure, 1, switch body; 2, assembly hole; 3, positioning fixture; 4, pre-assembly device; 5, connection channel; 6, first feeding device; 7, second feeding device; 8, third feeding device; 9, first pushing device; 10, second pushing device; 11, third pushing device; 12, fourth pushing device; 13, limit device; 14, first feeding channel; 15, first pushing channel; 16, second feeding channel; 17, second pushing channel; 18, third feeding channel; 19, third pushing channel; 20, fourth Pushing channel; 21. First connecting channel; 22. Second connecting channel; 23. Discharging channel; 24. First vibrating plate; 25. Straight vibration channel; 26. Straight vibration device; 27. Position-limiting drive assembly; 28. Position-limiting ejector rod; 29. ​​Position-limiting hole; 30. First pushing drive assembly; 31. Third connecting channel; 32. First position; 33. Second position; 34. First pushing block; 35. Material plate; 36. Vibrator; 37. Discharging joint; 38. Fourth connecting channel; 39. Second pushing block; 40. Second pushing Drive assembly; 41, third position; 42, fourth position; 43, fifth connecting channel; 44, third pushing block; 45, fifth position; 46, sixth position; 47, fourth pushing drive assembly; 48, pushing rod; 49, lifting drive assembly; 50, seventh position; 51, first connecting channel; 52, upper connecting channel; 53, lower connecting channel; 54, first detection device; 55, second detection device; 56, third detection device; 57, pressing device; 58, upper pressing assembly; 59, lower pressing assembly; 60. Upper pressing material drive assembly; 61. Lower pressing material drive assembly; 62. First opening; 63. Second opening; 64. Third opening; 65. Turntable; 66. Shaft sleeve assembly mechanism; 67. Shaft core assembly mechanism; 68. Brush assembly mechanism; 69. Riveting assembly mechanism; 70. Visual inspection mechanism; 71. Shaft core combination assembly mechanism; 72. Steel ball spring assembly mechanism; 73. Terminal body assembly mechanism; 74. Finished product unloading mechanism; 75. First springing device; 76. Second springing device; 77. Third springing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is described and illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, it can also be understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those of ordinary skill in the art related to the contents disclosed by the present invention, some changes such as design, manufacturing or production based on the technical contents disclosed by the present invention are only conventional technical means and should not be understood as the contents disclosed by the present invention being insufficient.

[0041] References to "embodiments" in this disclosure mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this disclosure may be combined with other embodiments, unless there is a conflict.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. As used herein, the terms "a," "an," "an," "the," and similar expressions do not denote limitations on quantity and may refer to either the singular or the plural. As used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," "have," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus. As used herein, the terms "connect," "connected," "coupled," and similar expressions are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. As used herein, "plurality" means greater than or equal to two. "And / or" describes an association between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. involved in the present invention are merely used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0043] like Figure 9As shown in the figure, a structural diagram of a multi-way switch according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, which includes a switch body and an assembly hole configured on the switch body. A steel ball, a spring, and another steel ball need to be assembled into the assembly hole in sequence. As shown in the figure, the two steel balls are located at both ends of the spring.

[0044] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the steel ball spring assembly mechanism for a multi-way switch provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a positioning fixture 3, a pre-assembly device 4, a connection channel 5, a first feeding device 6, a second feeding device 7, a third feeding device 8, a first pushing device 9, a second pushing device 10, a third pushing device 11, a fourth pushing device 12, and a limit device 13. The overall structure is simple and highly reliable.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, the positioning fixture 3 of this embodiment is used to support and fix the position of the switch body 1, so that the assembly hole 2 of the switch body 1 is fixed at a preset position and the assembly hole 2 is exposed.

[0046] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the pre-assembly device 4 of this embodiment is used to gather the springs and steel balls and place them in a straight line. The pre-assembly device 4 has a first feed channel 14, a first push channel 15, a second feed channel 16, a second push channel 17, a third feed channel 18, a third push channel 19, a fourth push channel 20, a first connecting channel 21, a second connecting channel 22 and a discharge channel 23. Among them, the fourth push channel 20, the first connecting channel 21, the second connecting channel 22 and the discharge channel 23 are arranged in the same straight line in sequence, the first feed channel 14 is arranged in a horizontal straight line direction and is perpendicular to the first push channel 15, and the second feed channel 16 and the third feed channel 18 are arranged in a vertical direction and are respectively perpendicular to the second push channel 17 and the third push channel 19. The first feed channel 14 is used to connect with the first feed device 6, the first push channel 15 is used to connect with the first push device 9, the second feed channel 16 is used to connect with the second feed device 7, the second push channel 17 is used to connect with the second push device 10, the third feed channel 18 is used to connect with the third feed device 8, the third push channel 19 is used to connect with the third push device 11, the fourth push channel 20 is used to connect with the fourth push device 12, and the discharge channel 23 is used to connect with the assembly hole 2 through the connecting channel 5. The pre-assembly device 4 of this embodiment has a simple structure and high reliability.

[0047] like Figure 1-11As shown, the first feeding device 6 of this embodiment is used to arrange the springs one by one along a horizontal straight line and convey them to the first feeding channel 14 of the preassembly device 4. The first feeding device 6 includes a first vibrating plate 24 and a straight vibrating channel 25. The first vibrating plate 24 conveys a batch of springs one by one to the straight vibrating channel 25. The straight vibrating channel 25 relies on the straight vibrating device 26 to provide a vibration source so that the springs move forward one by one and enter the first feeding channel 14. After the third connecting channel 31 is connected to the first feeding channel 14, a single spring is conveyed to the third connecting channel 31 at a time. The first feeding device 6 of this embodiment has a simple structure and high reliability, and can realize the automatic feeding of springs one by one.

[0048] like Figure 1-11 As shown, in this embodiment, before the third connecting channel 31 is connected to the first feed channel 14, the position of the spring located in the first feed channel 14 is limited by the limiting device 13, so that the spring cannot move forward. The limiting device 13 in this embodiment includes a limiting drive assembly 27 and a limiting push rod 28 linearly driven by the limiting drive assembly 27. The limiting push rod 28 extends from the limiting hole 29 into the first feed channel 14 and passes through or blocks the spring located in the first feed channel 14, so that the spring cannot move forward. After the third connecting channel 31 is connected to the first feed channel 14, the limiting drive assembly 27 drives the limiting push rod 28 to retract into the limiting hole 29 to unlock the limiting state of the spring, so that the spring can continue to move forward. The limiting device 13 of this embodiment has a simple structure and high reliability, can realize the control of the spring feeding, and improve the smoothness of the automated operation. The limiting drive assembly 27 is a driving cylinder in this embodiment.

[0049] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the first pusher device 9 of this embodiment has a first pusher drive assembly 30 and a third connecting channel 31. The first pusher drive assembly 30 is used to drive the third connecting channel 31 to switch between a first position 32 and a second position 33. In this embodiment, the first pusher drive assembly 30 is a drive cylinder that linearly drives the first pusher block 34 where the third connecting channel 31 is located. When the first pusher drive assembly 30 drives the first pusher block 34 to extend, the third connecting channel 31 is located in the second position 33. When the first pusher drive assembly 30 drives the first pusher block 34 to retract, the third connecting channel 31 is located in the first position 32. The third connecting channel 31 is connected to the first feed channel 14 in the first position 32. When the third connecting channel 31 is in the second position 33, it is connected to the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 on the same straight line. The first pusher device 9 of this embodiment has a simple structure and high reliability. It automatically realizes the delivery of the spring from the first position 32 to the second position 33, so that the spring reaches the assembly channel of the pre-assembly device 4.

[0050] like Figure 1-11As shown, the second feeding device 7 of this embodiment is used to arrange steel balls one by one along a vertical line and convey them to the second feeding channel 16 of the preassembly device 4. The second feeding device 7 includes a tray 35, a vibrator 36, and a feed pipe. The tray 35 is stacked with a batch of steel balls. Two discharge ports are located at the bottom of the tray 35. Discharge connectors 37 extend from the outer surface of the tray 35. The discharge connectors 37 are connected to the second feeding channel 16 and the third feeding channel 18 of the preassembly device 4 through the feed pipe. The second feeding device 7 of this embodiment relies on the gravity of the steel balls as the feeding power, and the vibration of the tray 35 by the vibrator 36 assists the steel balls to enter the feed pipe one by one from the discharge ports, realizing automated steel ball feeding. The second feeding device 7 has a simple structure and high reliability. The second feeding channel 16 of this embodiment is arranged vertically. The steel balls are arranged vertically one by one in the second feeding channel 16. The steel balls at the bottom are pushed by gravity into the fourth connecting channel 38. After the steel ball falls into the fourth connecting channel 38 through the second feeding channel 16 , it is located at one end of the spring in the third connecting channel 31 .

[0051] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the second pusher device 10 of this embodiment has a second pusher drive assembly 40 and a fourth connecting channel 38. The second pusher drive assembly 40 is used to drive the fourth connecting channel 38 to switch between a third position 41 and a fourth position 42. In this embodiment, the second pusher drive assembly 40 is a drive cylinder that linearly drives the second pusher block 39 where the fourth connecting channel 38 is located. When the second pusher drive assembly 40 drives the second pusher block 39 to extend, the fourth connecting channel 38 is located in the fourth position 42. When the second pusher drive assembly 40 drives the second pusher block 39 to retract, the fourth connecting channel 38 is located in the third position 41. When the fourth connecting channel 38 is in the third position 41, it connects with the second feed channel 16. When the fourth connecting channel 38 is in the fourth position 42, it connects with the first connecting channel 21 and the third pusher channel 19 on the same straight line. The second pusher device 10 of this embodiment has a simple structure and high reliability. It automatically realizes the delivery of steel balls from the third position 41 to the fourth position 42, so that the steel balls reach the assembly channel of the pre-assembly device 4.

[0052] like Figure 1-11As shown, the third feeding device 8 of this embodiment is used to arrange the steel balls one by one along a vertical line and convey them to the third feeding channel 18 of the preassembly device 4. The third feeding device 8 is identical to or the same as the second feeding device 7. Another feeding pipe installed at the other outlet of the material tray 35 of the second feeding device 7 is connected and communicated with the third feeding channel 18 of the preassembly device 4. The third feeding channel 18 is also arranged vertically like the second feeding channel 16. The steel balls are vertically arranged one by one in the third feeding channel 18, and the steel balls at the bottom are pushed by gravity into the fifth connecting channel 43. After passing through the third feeding channel 18 and falling into the fifth connecting channel 43, the steel balls are located at the other end of the spring in the third connecting channel 31.

[0053] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the third pushing device 11 of this embodiment has a third pushing drive assembly and a fifth connecting channel 43. The third pushing drive assembly is used to drive the fifth connecting channel 43 to switch between the fifth position 45 and the sixth position 46. The third pushing drive assembly in this embodiment is a driving cylinder and is the same driving assembly as the second pushing drive assembly 40, that is, the second pushing block 39 and the third pushing block 44 are assembled on the same pushing drive assembly and operate synchronously, linearly driving the third pushing block 44 where the fifth connecting channel 43 is located. When the third pushing drive assembly drives the third pushing block 44 to extend, the fifth connecting channel 43 is located in the sixth position 46. When the third pushing drive assembly drives the third pushing block 44 to retract, the fifth connecting channel 43 is located in the fifth position 45. The fifth connecting channel 43 is connected to the third feed channel 18 when it is in the fifth position 45. When the fifth connecting channel 43 is in the sixth position 46, it is connected to the second connecting channel 22 and the discharge channel 23 on the same straight line. The third pushing device 11 of this embodiment has a simple structure and high reliability, and automatically delivers the steel balls from the fifth position 45 to the sixth position 46 , so that the steel balls reach the assembly channel of the pre-assembly device 4 .

[0054] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the fourth pushing device 12 of this embodiment has a fourth pushing drive assembly 47 and a pushing rod 48. The fourth pushing drive assembly 47 is used to drive the pushing rod 48 to start in the fourth pushing channel 20 to push the spring and steel ball located in the assembly channel out of the discharge channel 23, and transport them to the assembly hole 2 of the switch body 1 through the connecting channel 5. The assembly channel is composed of the first connecting channel 21, the third connecting channel 31, the second connecting channel 22, and the fourth connecting channel 38 connected in the same straight line. The fourth pushing drive assembly 47 is a driving cylinder in this embodiment, which linearly drives the pushing rod 48 to achieve linear pushing. The fourth pushing device 12 of this embodiment has a simple structure and high reliability, and can automatically achieve linear pushing action for the spring and steel ball located in the assembly channel.

[0055] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the docking channel 5 of this embodiment is driven by the lifting drive assembly 49 to enter and exit the seventh position 50. The docking channel 5 is used to connect with the assembly hole 2 and the discharge channel 23 at the seventh position 50. The lifting drive assembly 49 of this embodiment is a lifting drive cylinder that linearly drives the docking block where the docking channel 5 is located to achieve vertical lifting. In order to be able to drive the positioning fixture 3 along the workstation via the turntable 65, the positioning fixture 3 and the pre-assembly device 4 are respectively located on independent machines. Specifically, the positioning fixture 3 is configured on the turntable 65, and the pre-assembly device 4 is configured on a fixed frame outside the turntable 65. Therefore, the docking channel 5 is used to intervene as a bridge to connect during assembly. The docking channel 5 of this embodiment includes a first docking channel 51 and an upper docking channel 52. The upper docking channel 52 and the lower docking channel 53 on the positioning fixture 3 form a complete second docking channel. The first docking channel 51 and the second docking channel form a complete channel connecting the assembly hole 2 and the discharge channel 23. The connecting channel 5 of this embodiment can be rested on the positioning jig 3, and the position of the connecting channel 5 is fixed based on the positioning jig 3, which is relatively stable in its own position, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the connecting channel 5, so that the connecting channel 5 and the assembly hole 2 and the discharge channel 23 can be accurately maintained in the same straight line, thereby improving the reliability of the assembly.

[0056] like Figure 1-11 As shown, this embodiment also includes a first detection device 54, a second detection device 55 and a third detection device 56. The first detection device 54 is used to detect whether there is a spring in the third connecting channel 31 of the first pushing device 9 and output a first detection signal. The second detection device 55 is used to detect whether there is a steel ball in the fourth connecting channel 38 of the second pushing device 10 and output a second detection signal. The third detection device 56 is used to detect whether there is a steel ball in the fifth connecting channel 43 of the third pushing device 11 and output a third detection signal. The first detection device 54, the second detection device 55 and the third detection device 56 are used to detect whether the spring and the steel ball are in place, and then the signal is transmitted to the electronic control module in a timely manner. The electronic control module coordinates and transmits the drive instructions to the corresponding drive components to realize automatic operation.

[0057] like Figure 1-11As shown, this embodiment further includes a pressing device 57, which includes an upper pressing assembly 58 and a lower pressing assembly 59. The upper pressing assembly 58 is driven downward by an upper pressing drive assembly 60, while the lower pressing assembly 59 is driven upward by a lower pressing drive assembly 61. The upper pressing assembly 58 and the lower pressing assembly 59 are used together to clamp the switch body 1 located in the positioning fixture 3 and fix the position of the switch body 1. The switch body 1 is already fixed in the circumferential position on the positioning fixture 3. However, to further fix the axial position of the switch body 1 and ensure that the assembly hole 2 remains constant in the vertical direction, the pressing device 57 is used to clamp and press the switch body 1 from top to bottom, greatly improving the reliability of the assembly. The pressing device 57 has a simple structure and high reliability.

[0058] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the top of the fourth connecting channel 38 of this embodiment has a first opening 62, equipped with a first springing device 75 for pressing the steel balls in the fourth connecting channel 38 downward through the first opening 62. The top of the fifth connecting channel 43 has a second opening 63, equipped with a second springing device 76 for pressing the steel balls in the fifth connecting channel downward through the second opening 63. The top of the third connecting channel 31 has a third opening 64, equipped with a third springing device 77 for pressing the steel balls in the third connecting channel downward through the third opening 64. The above structure is only used to temporarily position the steel balls and springs in the assembly channel before activating the fourth pushing device 12, preventing them from shifting in the assembly pushing direction and ensuring assembly reliability. The first opening 62 of the fourth connecting channel 38 also serves as an entry channel for steel balls from the second feed channel 16, and the second opening 63 of the fifth connecting channel 43 also serves as an entry channel for steel balls from the third feed channel 18.

[0059] like Figure 12As shown, a production line for a multi-way switch provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes a turntable 65, along the circumference of the turntable 65, a shaft sleeve assembly mechanism 66, a shaft core assembly mechanism 67, a brush assembly mechanism 68, a riveting assembly mechanism 69, a visual inspection mechanism 70, a shaft core combination assembly mechanism 71, a steel ball spring assembly mechanism 72, a terminal body assembly mechanism 73 and a finished product unloading mechanism 74 are sequentially arranged. There are multiple positioning jigs 3 arranged in sequence along the circumference of the turntable 65, the sleeve assembly mechanism 66 is used to assemble the sleeve to the positioning jig 3 by a robot, the core assembly mechanism 67 is used to assemble the core to the positioning jig 3 and stack it on the sleeve by a robot, the brush assembly mechanism 68 is used to assemble the brush to the positioning jig 3 and on the core by a robot, the riveting assembly mechanism 69 is used to rivet the brush to the core by a riveting head, the visual inspection mechanism 70 is used to detect the riveted position of the brush by a CCD camera, the core combination assembly mechanism 71 is used to assemble another core to the assembled core by a robot to complete the core combination, the steel ball spring assembly mechanism 72 is used to automatically push the spring and the steel ball into the assembly hole 2, the terminal body assembly mechanism 73 is used to snap-fit ​​the terminal body and the sleeve by a robot, and the finished product unloading mechanism 74 is used to unload the finished product by a robot. The embodiment of the present invention realizes full-process automated assembly production through the above-mentioned automated production line of the multi-way switch, greatly saving manpower and ensuring product quality.

[0060] Those skilled in the art should understand that the various technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0061] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steel ball spring assembly mechanism for a multi-way switch, characterized in that: It comprises a positioning jig (3), a pre-assembly device (4), a connecting channel (5), a first feeding device (6), a second feeding device (7), a third feeding device (8), a first pushing device (9), a second pushing device (10), a third pushing device (11) and a fourth pushing device (12); wherein, The positioning jig (3) is used to fix the position of the switch body (1) so that the assembly hole (2) of the switch body (1) is fixed at a preset position; the pre-assembly device (4) has a first feeding channel (14), a first pushing channel (15), a second feeding channel (16), a second pushing channel (17), a third feeding channel (18), a third pushing channel (19), a fourth pushing channel (20), a first connecting channel (21), a second connecting channel (22) and a discharging channel (23), wherein the fourth pushing channel (20), the first connecting channel (21), the second connecting channel (22) and the discharging channel (23) are sequentially arranged on the same straight line. The first feed channel (14) is connected to the first feed device (6), the first push channel (15) is connected to the first push device (9), the second feed channel (16) is connected to the second feed device (7), the second push channel (17) is connected to the second push device (10), the third feed channel (18) is connected to the third feed device (8), the third push channel (19) is connected to the third push device (11), the fourth push channel (20) is connected to the fourth push device (12), and the discharge channel (23) is connected to the assembly hole (2) through the connecting channel (5); The first feeding device (6) is used to arrange the springs one by one along a horizontal straight line and convey them to the first feeding channel (14) of the pre-assembly device (4); The first pushing device (9) comprises a first pushing drive assembly (30) and a third connecting channel (31), wherein the first pushing drive assembly (30) is used to drive the third connecting channel (31) to switch between a first position (32) and a second position (33), and the third connecting channel (31) is used to connect with the first feeding channel (14) in the first position (32) and to connect with the first connecting channel (21) and the second connecting channel (22) in the second position (33); The second feeding device (7) is used to arrange the steel balls one by one along a vertical line and convey them to the second feeding channel (16) of the pre-assembly device (4); The second pushing device (10) comprises a second pushing drive assembly (40) and a fourth connecting channel (38), wherein the second pushing drive assembly (40) is used to drive the fourth connecting channel (38) to switch between a third position (41) and a fourth position (42); the fourth connecting channel (38) is used to connect with the second feeding channel (16) at the third position (41) and to connect with the first connecting channel (21) and the fourth pushing channel (20) at the fourth position (42); The third feeding device (8) is used to arrange the steel balls one by one along a vertical line and convey them to the third feeding channel (18) of the pre-assembly device (4); The third pushing device (11) has a third pushing drive assembly and a fifth connecting channel (43), wherein the third pushing drive assembly is used to drive the fifth connecting channel (43) to switch between a fifth position (45) and a sixth position (46); the fifth connecting channel (43) is used to connect with the third feeding channel (18) at the fifth position (45) and to connect with the second connecting channel (22) and the discharging channel (23) at the sixth position (46); The fourth pushing device (12) has a fourth pushing drive assembly (47) and a pushing rod (48), wherein the fourth pushing drive assembly (47) is used to drive the pushing rod (48) to start in the fourth pushing channel (20) to push the spring and the steel ball located in the assembly channel out of the discharge channel (23), and transport them to the assembly hole (2) of the switch body (1) through the connecting channel (5), and the assembly channel is composed of the first connecting channel (21), the third connecting channel (31), the second connecting channel (22), and the fifth connecting channel (43) connected in the same straight line. The connecting channel (5) is used to be driven by the lifting drive assembly (49) to enter and exit the seventh position (50), and the connecting channel (5) is used to connect with the assembly hole (2) and the discharge channel (23) at the seventh position (50); It also includes a first detection device (54) for detecting whether a spring exists in the third connecting channel (31) of the first pushing device (9) and outputting a first detection signal; It also includes a second detection device (55) for detecting whether a steel ball exists in the fourth connecting channel (38) of the second pushing device (10) and outputting a second detection signal.

2. The steel ball spring assembly mechanism of a multi-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a third detection device (56) for detecting whether a steel ball exists in the fifth connecting channel (43) of the third pushing device (11) and outputting a third detection signal.

3. The steel ball spring assembly mechanism of a multi-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a pressing device (57), wherein the pressing device (57) has an upper pressing assembly (58) and a lower pressing assembly (59), wherein the upper pressing assembly (58) is driven downward by an upper pressing driving assembly (60), and the lower pressing assembly (59) is driven upward by a lower pressing driving assembly (61), and the upper pressing assembly (58) and the lower pressing assembly (59) are used together to clamp the switch body (1) located in the positioning fixture (3) to fix the position of the switch body (1).

4. The steel ball spring assembly mechanism of a multi-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting channel (5) comprises a first connecting channel (51) and an upper connecting channel (52); the upper connecting channel (52) and the lower connecting channel (53) on the positioning fixture (3) form a complete second connecting channel; the first connecting channel (51) and the second connecting channel form a channel connecting the assembly hole (2) and the discharge channel (23).

5. The steel ball spring assembly mechanism of a multi-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the fourth connecting channel (38) has a first opening (62), and is provided with a first spring pressing device (75) for pressing down and limiting the steel ball located in the fourth connecting channel (38) through the first opening (62).

6. The steel ball spring assembly mechanism of a multi-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the fifth connecting channel (43) has a second opening (63), and is provided with a second spring pressing device (76) for pressing down and limiting the steel ball located in the fifth connecting channel through the second opening (63).

7. The steel ball spring assembly mechanism of a multi-way switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the third connecting channel (31) has a third opening (64), and is provided with a third spring pressing device (77) for pressing down and limiting the steel ball located in the third connecting channel through the third opening (64).

8. A production line for multi-way switches, characterized in that: The invention comprises a turntable (65), and is provided with a shaft sleeve assembly mechanism (66), a shaft core assembly mechanism (67), a brush assembly mechanism (68), a riveting assembly mechanism (69), a visual inspection mechanism (70), a shaft core combination assembly mechanism (71), a steel ball spring assembly mechanism (72), a terminal body assembly mechanism (73) and a finished product unloading mechanism (74) in sequence along the circumference of the turntable (65), wherein the steel ball spring assembly mechanism (72) is the steel ball spring assembly mechanism (72) of the multi-way switch as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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