Torsion spring discharge device and torsion spring feeding system having the same

Abstract

The application discloses a torsion spring discharging device and a torsion spring feeding system with the same. The torsion spring discharging device comprises a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a dis

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of torsion spring installation equipment, in particular to a torsion spring arranging device and a torsion spring feeding system with the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Most lamps need to be installed with torsion springs. At present, the installation of torsion springs is realized by a mechanical hand. Before installation, the torsion springs need to be arranged on a track, and then the mechanical hand is used to install the torsion springs one by one on the lamps.

[0003] Since the ends of the torsion springs generally have hook-shaped short legs, the short legs of multiple torsion springs are easy to hook together during feeding, thereby affecting subsequent installation. In the current production line, a vibrating tray is generally used to arrange the torsion springs. However, when the vibrating tray is used to arrange the torsion springs, the short legs of the torsion springs are easy to jam the guide rail, thereby requiring more manpower for supervision. Moreover, the vibrating tray can only be applied to one specification of torsion springs. If different specifications of torsion springs need to be arranged, the vibrating tray needs to be reconfigured, which is not universal and flexible.

[0004] The prior application patent file "torsion spring arranging device" (application number 201910809221.6) can solve the above problems. This torsion spring arranging device can adapt to different specifications of torsion springs. However, in the actual use process, it is found that the torsion spring arranging device still has deficiencies, which may cause the material falling groove to accumulate a large amount of torsion springs. Moreover, the mechanical structure of the entire torsion spring arranging device is very complex, which is not conducive to the cost control of actual production. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application proposes a torsion spring arranging device. In addition, the present application also provides a torsion spring feeding system with the torsion spring arranging device.

[0006] The solution to the technical problem of the present application is:

[0007] A torsion spring arranging device, comprising:

[0008] An arranging mechanism, the arranging mechanism comprising a guide hopper and a guide rail, the guide hopper being hollow to form a material falling groove, an upper end of the material falling groove being open to form a feeding port, a lower end of the material falling groove being open to form a guide groove, the feeding port being wider than the guide groove, the guide rail being connected with the lower end of the guide hopper, the guide rail being arranged to extend along the front-rear direction and open towards the rear to form a discharging port, the guide hopper being provided with a material returning port, the material returning port being in communication with the material falling groove;

[0009] The discharging mechanism comprises a discharging hopper, a discharging conveying component, a magnetic assembly and a discharging driving component, the discharging hopper is hollowly formed with a storage cavity which is open upward and communicated with the feeding opening, the discharging conveying component is connected with the magnetic assembly, and the output end of the discharging driving component is connected with the discharging conveying component to drive the discharging conveying component to move and make the magnetic assembly move between the storage cavity and the feeding opening.

[0010] The present application has at least the following advantages: the torsion springs with different postures are placed in the storage cavity, the magnetic assembly is used to magnetically attract the torsion springs, under the driving action of the discharging driving component, the discharging conveying component conveys the torsion springs in the storage cavity to the upper side of the feeding opening, and the torsion springs enter the discharging chute from the feeding opening, the long legs of the torsion springs can be inserted into the guide groove, while the cylindrical segments of the torsion springs cannot be inserted into the guide groove, under the action of the guide groove, the torsion springs can be adjusted to the correct posture and removed from the discharging opening at the rear end of the guide track, while the torsion springs with incorrect postures are removed from the guide track through the feeding opening and fall back into the storage cavity, since the magnetic assembly cannot attract a large number of torsion springs at one time due to the limited range of the magnetic assembly, under the limiting action of the magnetic assembly, the torsion springs cannot enter the discharging chute in large quantities to cause the accumulation of the torsion springs in the discharging chute, the length of the guide groove is used more effectively to allow more torsion springs with correct postures to be inserted into the guide groove, and the efficiency of discharging is improved; the guide groove and the guide track can be adapted to torsion springs with different specifications, such as torsion springs with different lengths of cylindrical segments and torsion springs with different lengths of long legs, the long legs of the torsion springs can be inserted into the guide groove and moved along the guide track, which is highly versatile and very flexible; in addition, the torsion spring discharging device has a simple structure, which is conducive to cost control in actual production and easy to maintain daily.

[0011] As a further improvement of the above technical solution, the discharging conveying component comprises a discharging track in the shape of a ring, one end of the discharging track extends into the storage cavity, the other end of the discharging track extends to the upper side of the feeding opening, the discharging track is arranged along the direction from the storage cavity to the feeding opening, the magnetic assembly is connected with the surface of the discharging track, and the output end of the discharging driving component is connected with the discharging track to drive the discharging track to move and drive the magnetic assembly to move.

[0012] Under the attraction of the magnetic assembly, the torsion springs can be attracted on the discharging track and moved to the upper side of the feeding opening along with the discharging track under the driving action of the discharging driving component, and then fall into the discharging chute to complete the automatic feeding action of the torsion springs, which has a simple structure, good working continuity, high discharging efficiency and is easy to maintain daily.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the feeding track includes a track support, a material drop block, and a first belt in an annular shape. One end of the track support is connected to the feeding hopper, and the other end of the track support extends above the feed inlet. The first belt and the material drop block are respectively connected to the track support. The magnetic component is connected to the surface of the first belt. The output end of the feeding drive component is connected to the first belt to drive the first belt to feed along the extension direction of the track support. The material drop block is located above the feed inlet and on the side close to the lower surface of the first belt. A gap is provided between the material drop block and the lower surface of the first belt to allow the magnetic component to pass through.

[0014] The track bracket provides an installation position for the first belt and the material drop block. Under the driving action of the material drop drive component, the magnetic component with the torsion spring adsorbed on it moves above the feed inlet with the first belt. The magnetic component can pass through the gap between the material drop block and the first belt, while the torsion spring adsorbed on the magnetic component cannot enter the gap between the material drop block and the first belt. Under the blocking action of the material drop block, the torsion spring separates from the magnetic component and falls into the material drop chute under the action of gravity. The structure and principle are simple and easy to maintain.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the material discharge mechanism further includes a material return assembly and a material return drive component. The material return assembly has a moving part, and the output end of the material return drive component is connected to the material return assembly to drive the moving part to move back and forth along the side wall of the material drop chute and push the torsion spring towards the material return port.

[0016] The addition of a return assembly replaces manual return. The moving part of the return assembly moves along the side wall of the discharge chute under the action of the return drive component, and can apply a pushing force to the torsion springs leaning against the side wall, sending the incorrectly positioned torsion springs to the return port, allowing the torsion springs to return to the storage chamber through the return port. Therefore, the return is cyclical, which can accelerate the removal of incorrectly positioned torsion springs from the discharge chute and their return to the storage chamber, further avoiding the accumulation of a large number of torsion springs in the discharge chute, and further improving the screening efficiency of the guide rail for correctly positioned torsion springs, resulting in a higher degree of automation.

[0017] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the material return assembly includes a brush and a ring-shaped material return track. The material return track is fed along the extension direction of the guide track and is located above the guide hopper. The brush is connected to the material return track, and the lower end of the brush can extend into the discharge trough and is located above the guide trough. The output end of the material return drive component is connected to the material return track to drive the material return track and drive the brush through the material return port.

[0018] Driven by the return material drive component, the return material track can move in a circular motion, causing the brush connected to it to push the torsion spring in the discharge trough to move backward. This allows the correctly positioned torsion spring to leave the guide track from the rear end, while the incorrectly positioned torsion spring falls back from the return port into the storage chamber. Under the pushing action of the brush, some incorrectly positioned torsion springs will adjust to the correct position and insert into the guide track, improving the efficiency of torsion spring discharge. With this design, the brush will move in a circular reciprocating motion with the return material track, eliminating the need to wait for the brush to move to the front end of the guide hopper and reset before the torsion spring discharge can proceed. Therefore, the working efficiency of the discharge mechanism can be improved.

[0019] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the discharge mechanism also includes a movable baffle and a discharge driving component. The rear of the guide rail is provided with a discharge port, which is located below the return port and communicates with the storage chamber. The movable baffle is movably connected to the guide rail and can cover the discharge port. The output end of the discharge driving component is connected to the movable baffle to drive the movable baffle to open or cover the discharge port.

[0020] When the movable baffle covers the discharge port, it blocks the side of the guide rail, allowing the correctly positioned torsion springs to move smoothly backward to the discharge port. The correctly positioned torsion springs can move backward from the discharge port out of the guide rail, while the incorrectly positioned torsion springs can fall back into the storage chamber from the return port. However, some incorrectly positioned torsion springs may get stuck in the guide rail and, due to the obstruction, cannot fall back into the storage chamber from the discharge port, accumulating in front of the discharge port. When the discharge drive component moves the movable baffle to open the discharge port, the discharge port connects with the storage chamber, releasing the obstruction of the guide rail side by the movable baffle. The incorrectly positioned torsion springs stuck in the guide rail can then fall from the discharge port into the storage chamber, preventing them from blocking the guide rail.

[0021] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the discharge mechanism also includes a stop bar. The front end of the movable baffle is hinged to the guide rail. A return torsion spring is provided at the hinge point between the movable baffle and the guide rail. The stop bar is located on the rear side of the discharge port and above the guide rail. There is a gap between the stop bar and the guide rail. The discharge driving component is a cylinder. The cylinder and the movable baffle are located on the left and right sides of the guide rail, respectively. The piston rod of the cylinder extends left and right and can abut against the movable baffle.

[0022] The baffle is designed to prevent improperly positioned torsion springs from passing through the discharge port. With the movable baffle hinged to the guide rail, the piston rod of the cylinder pushes the movable baffle to open the discharge port, allowing the improperly positioned torsion springs to fall back into the storage chamber. The movable baffle automatically resets under the action of the reset torsion spring, covering the discharge port. This design allows for timed unloading of material from the rear of the guide rail, preventing a large accumulation of torsion springs at the discharge port.

[0023] A torsion spring feeding system includes a material distribution mechanism and a torsion spring discharge device as described in any of the above technical solutions. The material distribution mechanism includes a clamping component and a clamping drive component. The clamping component is located above the discharge port to clamp the torsion spring at the discharge port. The output end of the clamping drive component is connected to the clamping component to drive the clamping component to move to the discharge port.

[0024] Driven by the clamping drive component, the clamping component can clamp and move the torsion spring, and move the torsion spring from the torsion spring discharge device to the device for installing the lamp, thereby realizing the automation of torsion spring conveying and improving the efficiency of lamp assembly.

[0025] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the torsion spring feeding system further includes a torsion spring detection mechanism and a controller. The clamping drive component includes a translation cylinder and a rotary cylinder. The output end of the translation cylinder is connected to the rotary cylinder, and the output end of the rotary cylinder is connected to the clamping component to drive the clamping component to rotate around an upwardly extending axis. The torsion spring detection mechanism is located below the discharge port to detect the direction of the torsion spring. The controller is electrically connected to the torsion spring detection mechanism and the rotary cylinder respectively.

[0026] After the clamping component holds the torsion spring located at the discharge port, the torsion spring detection mechanism can detect the torsion spring at the discharge port, determine whether the direction of the torsion spring is correct, and control the rotary cylinder to adjust the direction of the torsion spring according to the direction of the torsion spring to ensure the correctness of subsequent torsion spring installation.

[0027] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the torsion spring detection mechanism includes a top rod, a detection drive component, a compression spring, a lever, and a limit switch; the output end of the detection drive component can move up and down and is provided with a support seat; the top rod and the support seat slide upward and downward; the compression spring is sleeved on the top rod; the upper end of the compression spring is connected to the upper part of the top rod; the lower end of the compression spring is connected to the support seat; the limit switch is connected to the support seat and is located above the lever; the lever is hinged to the support seat; one end of the lever abuts against the lower end of the top rod, and the other end can abut against the limit switch to trigger the limit switch.

[0028] When the clamping component grips the cylindrical section of the torsion spring, the push rod moves upward under the action of the detection drive component, and applies upward pressure to the long support leg of the torsion spring to determine whether the long support leg of the torsion spring has moved upward. If the long support leg of the torsion spring does not move upward under the action of the push rod, the push rod moves downward relative to the support seat and applies downward force to the end of the lever, thereby triggering the limit switch at the other end of the lever. By utilizing the lever principle, the movement of the long support leg of the torsion spring is amplified, thereby making the controller's judgment more accurate. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the torsion spring discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material feeding track according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material discharge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the material discharge mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the torsion spring feeding system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the material distribution mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the direct vibration mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the torsion spring detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a torsion spring in the prior art.

[0039] Reference numerals: 100, hopper; 110, storage chamber; 120, discharge track; 121, track support; 122, first belt; 123, discharge stop; 130, discharge drive component; 200, guide hopper; 210, discharge chute; 211, guide track; 212, movable baffle; 213, unloading drive component; 220, return track; 221, second belt; 222, second drive wheel; 223, second driven wheel; 230, brush; 24 0. Material return drive component; 300. Main support; 400. Material distribution mechanism; 410. Clamping component; 420. Clamping drive component; 430. Torsion spring support block; 440. Moving drive component; 500. Straight vibration mechanism; 510. Straight vibration track; 520. Straight vibration device; 600. Torsion spring detection mechanism; 610. Top rod; 620. Detection drive component; 630. Compression spring; 640. Lever structure; 710. Columnar section; 720. Long support leg; 730. Short support leg. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0043] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0044] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The various technical features of the present invention can be combined interactively without contradicting each other.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The present invention provides a torsion spring feeding device, which includes a feeding mechanism and a feeding mechanism, and can adjust the posture of the torsion springs so that the torsion springs are arranged according to the installation requirements so that the torsion springs can be installed on the lamps by a robot in subsequent processes.

[0046] In this embodiment, the torsion spring discharge device also includes a main support 300. The feeding mechanism and the discharge mechanism are both installed on the main support 300 to achieve stable placement of the torsion spring discharge device.

[0047] Specifically, the discharge mechanism includes a guide hopper 200 and a guide rail 211. The guide hopper 200 is hollow, forming a discharge trough 210. The upper opening of the discharge trough 210 forms a feed inlet, and the lower opening forms a guide groove. The width of the feed inlet is greater than the width of the guide groove so that the torsion spring can enter the discharge trough 210 through the feed inlet. Furthermore, the long support leg 720 of the torsion spring can be inserted into the guide groove, while the cylindrical section 710 of the torsion spring is stuck in the opening of the guide groove and cannot enter it. In this embodiment, the discharge trough 210 is V-shaped when viewed in the front-rear direction. The guide rail 211 extends in the front-rear direction and opens towards the rear to form a discharge outlet.

[0048] The feeding mechanism includes a feeding hopper 100, a feeding conveying component, a magnetic assembly, and a feeding drive component 130. The feeding hopper 100 is hollow, forming a storage cavity 110 with an upward opening. Operators can pour torsion springs of varying orientations into the storage cavity 110 from above for discharge. The output end of the feeding drive component 130 is connected to the feeding conveying component, which moves under the action of the feeding drive component 130.

[0049] A magnetic component is mounted on the feeding conveyor and can move with the feeding conveyor between the storage chamber 110 and the feed inlet. Notably, due to the presence of the magnetic component, it can attract a torsion spring placed inside the storage chamber 110 using magnetic force. Under the driving action of the feeding drive component 130, the feeding conveyor can cause the magnetic component to tilt upwards, thereby transferring the torsion spring from inside the storage chamber 110 to above it.

[0050] It is understandable that the feeding and conveying component can be a robotic arm, with the robotic arm's motor serving as the feeding drive component 130. A magnetic component is located at the robotic arm's movable connection end. Under the action of the magnetic component, the robotic arm can directly pick up the torsion spring from the storage cavity 110 and transfer the torsion spring above the feed inlet. Alternatively, the feeding and conveying component can be a YZ linear module, with the YZ linear module's motor serving as the feeding drive component 130. A magnetic component is located at the movable connection end of the YZ linear module, enabling the magnetic component to move in both left-right and up-down directions, thereby moving the magnetic component with the torsion spring above the storage cavity 110. Alternatively, the feeding and conveying component can be a cylinder, electric cylinder, etc., with the magnetic component located on the cylinder's piston rod. Driven by the cylinder's piston rod, the magnetic component can move to the storage cavity 110, magnetically attract the torsion spring, and deliver it above the feed inlet. Here, the magnetic component can be an electromagnet.

[0051] In this embodiment, the feeding conveying component includes a feeding track 120, which is annular. One end of the feeding track 120 extends into the storage cavity 110, while the other end extends above the feed inlet. The feeding track 120 is positioned to feed from the storage cavity 110 to the feed inlet. In this embodiment, the feeding hopper 100 is located to the lower right of the guide hopper 200, and the feeding track 120 slopes upward from right to left. A magnetic component is disposed on the surface of the feeding track 120, and the output end of the feeding drive component 130 is connected to the feeding track 120 to drive its movement. When the feeding drive component 130 drives the feeding track 120 to move, the magnetic component moves with the feeding track 120 from the storage cavity 110 to above the feed inlet.

[0052] In this embodiment, the feeding track 120 includes a track support 121, a first belt 122, and a feeding stop 123.

[0053] One end of the track bracket 121 extends downward to the storage chamber 110, and the track bracket 121 is connected to the discharge hopper 100. The other end of the track bracket 121 extends above the feed inlet. The track bracket 121 is fixedly connected to the main bracket 300 and is used to support the first belt 122 and the discharge drive component 130. In this embodiment, the track bracket 121 is fixedly connected to the discharge hopper 100, thereby achieving connection with the main bracket 300. It can be understood that the track bracket 121 can also be directly installed on the main bracket 300, or connected to other components fixed on the main bracket 300.

[0054] It is understood that the feeding track 120 can be a belt drive component or a chain drive component. That is, in some embodiments, the feeding track 120 is a belt, and in another embodiment, the feeding track 120 is a chain.

[0055] In this embodiment, the feeding track 120 is set as the first belt 122, the magnetic component is set on the surface of the first belt 122, and the torsion spring is attracted to the surface of the first belt 122 by the magnetic force of the magnetic component. Since the surface of the first belt 122 is clean and free of oil, the torsion spring can also be kept clean and does not need to be cleaned.

[0056] The first belt 122 is arranged in a ring and is mounted on the track support 121. Specifically, the track support 121 is provided with a first driving wheel and a first driven wheel. The first belt 122 is tensioned on the first driving wheel and the first driven wheel, and the transmission surfaces of the first belt 122 face upward and downward respectively. The magnetic component is mounted on the transmission surface of the first belt 122.

[0057] The output end of the unloading drive component 130 is driven and connected to the first belt 122 to drive the first belt 122 to move, so that the first belt 122 is fed along the extension direction of the track support 121. Specifically, the output end of the unloading drive component 130 is driven and connected to the first drive wheel.

[0058] It is understood that the unloading drive component 130 can be a servo motor, stepper motor, etc., and it has a body and an output shaft. The body of the unloading drive component 130 is mounted on the track bracket 121, and the output shaft of the unloading drive component 130 can rotate. In this embodiment, the output shaft of the unloading drive component 130 is connected to the first drive wheel to drive the first drive wheel to rotate, thereby causing the first belt 122 to move and realize the movement of the magnetic component.

[0059] It is understood that the first driving pulley can be located on the upper side or the lower side of the first belt 122, and no specific limitation is made here. In this embodiment, the first driving pulley is located on the upper side of the first belt 122, the first driven pulley is located on the lower side of the first belt 122, and the feeding drive component 130 is correspondingly located on the upper side of the first belt 122.

[0060] In other embodiments, the separation of the torsion spring from the magnetic component is achieved by a robotic arm, but compared with the structure in this embodiment, the structure and control method of the robotic arm are more complex, cumbersome, and costly.

[0061] The material discharge stop 123 is connected to the track support 121 and is located on the upper part of the first belt 122, that is, above the feed inlet. The material discharge stop 123 can be a round rod, a square rod, etc., and is not specifically limited here. Under the driving action of the material discharge drive component 130, the magnetic component with the torsion spring adsorbed moves along the material discharge track 120 to the upper end of the material discharge track 120, that is, the torsion spring can move above the feed inlet. Under the action of the material discharge stop 123, the torsion spring separates from the magnetic component and falls down from the material discharge track 120 into the material discharge trough 210, and enters the guide track 211 in the correct posture. Here, the magnetic component can be a permanent magnet. It can be understood that, compared with an electromagnet, the above structural design not only realizes the magnetic attraction and separation of the torsion spring and the magnetic component, but also simplifies the structure of the discharge mechanism, effectively solves the winding problem of the electromagnet, and provides good continuity of operation for the discharge mechanism.

[0062] In this embodiment, the material drop block 123 is disposed on the lower side of the first belt 122, and there is a gap between the material drop block 123 and the lower surface of the first belt 122. This gap allows the magnetic component to pass through, but the torsion spring cannot pass through.

[0063] Understandably, the first belt 122 and its magnetic components can move from the top of the discharge block 123 without interference, while the torsion springs adsorbed on the magnetic components will be blocked by the discharge block 123, thus detaching from the magnetic components and falling downward into the discharge chute 210.

[0064] It is understood that the first drive wheel can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. In this embodiment, the first belt 122 is inclined upward from right to left. The first drive wheel rotates clockwise under the drive of the feeding drive component 130, that is, the transmission surface located on the lower side of the first belt 122 moves from bottom to top, while the transmission surface located on the upper side of the first belt 122 moves from top to bottom. The torsion spring is attracted to the transmission surface on the lower side of the first belt 122 under the action of the magnetic component and moves to the upper left.

[0065] Understandably, if the direction of the first drive wheel is changed, that is, if the transmission surface on the upper side of the first belt 122 moves from bottom to top, the torsion spring will be attracted to the transmission surface on the upper side of the first belt 122 and move to the upper left. When the torsion spring moves to the position of the material discharge block 123, the torsion spring is located on the upper left side of the material discharge block 123. After being obstructed, the torsion spring is likely to fly out to the upper left, or even fly out of the torsion spring discharge device. However, in this embodiment, when the torsion spring moves to the position of the material discharge block 123, the torsion spring is located on the lower right side of the material discharge block 123. After being obstructed, the torsion spring falls downward or to the lower right, which can ensure that the torsion spring falls into the material discharge groove 210 or falls back into the storage chamber 110, and will not fly out of the torsion spring discharge device.

[0066] In this embodiment, the left side of the discharge hopper 100 extends obliquely upwards and to the left, while the guide hopper 200 is located above the left side of the discharge hopper 100. That is, the left side of the discharge hopper 100 extends to the left side of the guide hopper 200, which is located above the storage chamber 110. This arrangement further ensures that the torsion spring, after being blocked by the discharge block 123, falls into the discharge trough 210 or returns to the storage chamber 110, preventing the torsion spring from flying out of the torsion spring discharge device and affecting other process equipment in the plant.

[0067] It is understandable that, such as Figure 9 As shown, the torsion spring installed on the lamp has a cylindrical section 710, a long support leg 720 and a short support leg 730. In this embodiment, the torsion spring feeding device allows the long support leg 720 of the torsion spring to be inserted into the guide rail 211, thereby achieving uniformity of the torsion spring posture.

[0068] It is understood that one or more magnetic components can be provided. In this embodiment, multiple magnetic components are provided. The multiple magnetic components are arranged along the extension direction of the feeding track 120, and there is a gap between two adjacent magnetic components. Each magnetic component can attract 1 to 2 torsion springs, thereby limiting the number of torsion springs entering the feeding trough 210, avoiding a large accumulation of torsion springs in the feeding trough 210, thereby avoiding blockage of the guide track 211 and increasing the probability that the torsion springs enter the guide track 211 in the correct posture.

[0069] Compared to robotic arms and YZ linear modules, in this embodiment, because the first belt 122 is provided with multiple spaced magnetic components, the torsion springs in the storage chamber 110 can be continuously conveyed to the feed inlet, thereby improving the discharge efficiency.

[0070] It is understood that the magnetic components can be magnets, electromagnets, etc., and their shapes can be cylindrical, prismatic, etc., without specific limitations.

[0071] In some embodiments, the feeding track 120 is provided in multiple stages, arranged vertically, i.e., it is provided with multiple track supports 121, multiple first belts 122, and multiple material discharge blocks 123. Each first belt 122 has multiple magnetic components on its surface. Furthermore, a transition hopper is provided between two adjacent feeding tracks 120, and the structure of the transition hopper can be the same as that of the feeding hopper 100. It is understood that in this embodiment, the feeding track 120 has two stages. The uppermost feeding track 120, after attracting the torsion spring from the storage chamber 110, can transfer the torsion spring to the transition hopper. Then, the next-level feeding track 120 delivers the torsion spring from the transition hopper to the guide hopper 200.

[0072] Understandably, the multi-stage feeding track 120 can further control the number of torsion springs entering the discharge chute 210 each time, further preventing the discharge chute 210 from becoming clogged, thus allowing the torsion springs to discharge more smoothly.

[0073] In this embodiment, the left side of the guide hopper 200 slopes upward from right to left, while the right side slopes upward from left to right, making the feed inlet wider than the guide groove. When the torsion spring is blocked by the discharge stop 123, it can fall more accurately into the discharge trough 210, and under the guidance of the left or right side of the guide hopper 200, it enters the guide track 211. For example, if the torsion spring falls downward to the right after being blocked by the discharge stop 123, it will be blocked by the right side of the guide hopper 200 and will not fall into the storage cavity 110. The torsion spring moves along the right side of the guide hopper 200 into the discharge trough 210, thereby increasing the probability of the torsion spring entering the guide track 211.

[0074] In this embodiment, the left and right sides of the guide bucket 200 are flat plates. It is understood that the left and right sides of the guide bucket 200 can also be arc-shaped plates, which can protrude or be recessed upwards. However, setting them as flat plates is more conducive to processing and also more conducive to the torsion spring entering the guide rail 211.

[0075] In some embodiments, the guide hopper 200 has multiple stages, i.e., multiple guide hoppers 200 are arranged vertically. Under the action of the feeding track 120, the torsion spring enters the uppermost guide hopper 200. Guided by the uppermost guide hopper 200, the torsion spring enters the next guide hopper 200, finally falling into the lowermost guide hopper 200. Under the action of the lowermost guide hopper 200, it discharges material and moves to the outlet in the correct posture. It can be understood that by setting multiple stages of guide hoppers 200, the number of torsion springs entering the lowermost guide hopper 200 can be limited, further preventing the torsion springs from clogging the outlet, thereby ensuring the efficiency of torsion spring discharge.

[0076] The guide hopper 200 is equipped with a return port, which can be located at the rear of the guide hopper 200. Specifically, the return port is located on the side of the guide hopper 200 near the storage chamber 110, and it is connected to both the discharge chute 210 and the storage chamber 110. Understandably, if the torsion spring is not in the correct orientation, it will fall back into the storage chamber 110 from the return port, thus preventing material from getting stuck in the guide rail 211.

[0077] In some embodiments, the discharge mechanism further includes a return assembly and a return drive component 240. The return assembly has a moving part, and the output end of the return drive component 240 is connected to the return assembly to drive the moving part of the return assembly to move back and forth along the side wall of the discharge chute 210, thereby pushing the incorrectly positioned torsion springs towards the return port to clean the incorrectly positioned torsion springs in the discharge chute 210 and allowing the incorrectly positioned torsion springs to fall back into the storage cavity 110.

[0078] Understandably, the guide bucket 200 is equipped with a return port, which is connected to the discharge chute 210 and the storage chamber 110 respectively. Under the action of the return component, the torsion springs with incorrect posture fall back into the storage chamber 110 through the return port, realizing the recovery of the torsion springs and avoiding the accumulation of many incorrectly positioned torsion springs in the discharge chute 210, which would prevent the discharge work from being unable to proceed.

[0079] It is understood that the rear opening of the guide rail 211 forms a discharge port, and the torsion spring can enter the guide rail 211 and then pass through the discharge port to enter the next process. In this embodiment, the return port is set on the right side of the guide hopper 200 and located at the rear end of the right side of the guide hopper 200, and the discharge port and return port of the guide rail 211 are connected.

[0080] In this embodiment, the return material assembly includes a brush 230 and a return material track 220. The return material track 220 is annular and is fed along the extension direction of the guide track 211. The return material track 220 is located above the guide hopper 200. The brush 230 is mounted on the return material track 220, and its lower end can extend into the discharge chute 210 and is located above the guide chute. The brush 230 is the moving part of the return material track 220. The output end of the return material drive component 240 is connected to the return material track 220 to drive the return material track 220 to move, thereby allowing the return material track 220 to carry the brush 230 to move along the front and back direction of the discharge chute 210, realizing the cleaning of the torsion spring.

[0081] It is understood that the return track 220 passes through the return port, meaning the brush 230 can move at the return port, thereby sweeping the incorrectly positioned torsion spring from the discharge chute 210 through the return port into the storage chamber 110. It is also understood that the return assembly includes a return support and a transmission component. The return support is connected to the main support 300 and is used to support and fix the transmission component and the return drive component 240. In this embodiment, the return support is connected to the guide hopper 200, thus achieving the connection between the return support and the main support 300. It is also understood that the return support can be directly installed on the main support 300, or installed on components such as the discharge hopper 100 that are fixed to the main support 300.

[0082] It is understood that the return track 220 can be a belt drive component or a chain drive component. In this embodiment, the return track 220 is a second belt 221. The transmission component includes a second driving pulley 222 and a second driven pulley 223. The second belt 221 is tensioned on the second driving pulley 222 and the second driven pulley 223, and the second belt 221 passes through the return port. The transmission surfaces of the second belt 221 are respectively located on the inner and outer sides of the guide hopper 200, that is, one of the transmission surfaces of the second belt 221 is located inside the discharge chute 210. In this embodiment, the return port is located on the right side of the guide hopper 200, and the return support is connected and fixed to the right side of the guide hopper 200. The transmission surfaces of the second belt 221 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the right side of the guide hopper 200. It is understood that the transmission component can also be equipped with a tensioning pulley as needed to adjust the tension of the second belt 221.

[0083] It is understood that the material return drive component 240 can be a servo motor, stepper motor, etc., and it has a body and an output shaft. The body of the material return drive component 240 is mounted on the material return bracket, and the output shaft of the material return drive component 240 is the output end. The output shaft of the material return drive component 240 is connected to the second drive wheel 222 to drive the second drive wheel 222 to rotate, thereby causing the second belt 221 to move and realizing the movement of the brush 230.

[0084] It is understood that the second driving wheel 222 can be located in front of or behind the second driven wheel 223. In this embodiment, the second driving wheel 222 is located in front of the second driven wheel 223, and the return drive component 240 connected to the second driving wheel 222 is located at the front end of the second belt 221. This avoids interference of the return drive component 240 with other components, making the entire torsion spring discharge device structure more reasonable. It is understood that the front of the guide hopper 200 is provided with an inlet for the brush 230 to enter the discharge chute 210. This inlet can be located on the front side of the right side of the guide hopper 200, or the front side of the discharge chute 210 can be open. In this embodiment, the guide hopper 200 does not have a front side, that is, the front side of the discharge chute 210 is open, and the brush 230 can enter the discharge chute 210 from the front side.

[0085] In this embodiment, the transmission surface of the second belt 221 located in the material drop trough 210 is arranged in the front-to-back direction, that is, consistent with the extension direction of the guide rail 211. Under the driving action of the return drive component 240, the transmission surface of the second belt 221 located in the material drop trough 210 moves from front to back, thereby allowing the brush 230 connected to it to move from front to back in the material drop trough 210.

[0086] The second driven wheel 223 is located at the return port. When the brush 230 moves to the return port with the second belt 221, it will rotate around the second driven wheel 223 and leave the discharge chute 210 from the return port, reach the right side of the right side of the guide bucket 200, and then move to the second driving wheel 222 with the second belt 221, and enter the discharge chute 210 from the front side of the guide bucket 200, and so on.

[0087] In this embodiment, the brush 230 includes a handle and a brush portion. The handle is located at the upper end of the brush portion and is connected to the second belt 221. The brush portion can clean the torsion springs in the material discharge chute 210. It is understood that during the process of the brush 230 cleaning the torsion springs, the torsion springs whose long legs 720 are inserted into the guide rail 211 (i.e., the torsion springs with the correct posture) will not be swept out of the guide rail 211 by the brush 230. However, torsion springs with incorrect posture may be adjusted to the correct posture under the pushing action of the brush 230. That is, torsion springs whose long legs 720 were not originally inserted into the guide rail 211 may be adjusted by the brush 230 to have their long legs 720 inserted into the guide rail 211, increasing the number of torsion springs in the material discharge chute 210 that have been adjusted to the correct posture, thereby improving the efficiency of torsion spring discharge.

[0088] Understandably, brush 230 can push the torsion springs in the discharge chute 210 backward. Under the pushing action of brush 230, torsion springs that have not yet adjusted to the correct posture will be swept out of the return port by brush 230 when they reach the rear end of guide rail 211, falling back into storage chamber 110, waiting to be attracted into the discharge chute 210 by the magnetic component next time. Meanwhile, torsion springs that have adjusted to the correct posture will leave the discharge chute 210 from the discharge port of guide rail 211 and enter the next process.

[0089] In some embodiments, the brush 230 further includes a fixing plate, one side of which is connected to the handle, and the other end of which is connected to the second belt 221. The fixing plate and the brush 230 can be connected by one or more screws or other components, and the fixing plate and the second belt 221 can also be connected by one or more screws or other components. In this embodiment, the fixing plate and the brush 230 are fixed together using two screws, and the fixing plate and the second belt 221 are also fixed together using two screws, thus improving the fixing effect.

[0090] It is understood that the number of brushes 230 can be one or more; in this embodiment, two brushes 230 are provided. Increasing the number of brushes 230 can improve the cleaning efficiency of the material chute 210. Of course, increasing the rotation speed of the return drive component 240 can also achieve the effect of improving cleaning efficiency.

[0091] In some other embodiments, the return assembly includes a pusher block, which can be a brush 230, and the return drive component 240 is a linear drive device such as a cylinder or electric cylinder. Specifically, the upper part of the brush 230 is connected to the piston rod of the cylinder. When the piston rod of the cylinder extends or retracts, the brush 230 can reciprocate back and forth along the side wall of the guide bucket 200 to return the incorrectly positioned torsion spring through the return port into the storage chamber 110.

[0092] In this embodiment, the guide rail 211 is inclined downward from front to back. The torsion spring entering the guide rail 211 can accelerate to the discharge port and enter the next process under the action of gravity, thereby improving the discharge efficiency of the torsion spring.

[0093] In this embodiment, a discharge port is also provided at the rear end of the guide rail 211. The discharge port is connected to the storage chamber 110 and is located below the return port. The discharge mechanism also includes a movable baffle 212, which is movably connected to the guide rail 211 and can cover the discharge port.

[0094] Understandably, when the movable baffle 212 covers the discharge port, it can block the side of the guide rail 211, allowing the correctly positioned torsion spring to move smoothly backward to the discharge port, preventing it from falling out. The correctly positioned torsion spring can move backward from the discharge port out of the guide rail 211, while the incorrectly positioned torsion spring can fall back into the storage chamber 110 from the return port. However, some incorrectly positioned torsion springs may get stuck in the guide rail 211 and cannot fall back into the storage chamber 110 due to the obstruction of the guide rail 211, accumulating in front of the discharge port. When the movable baffle 212 is opened, the discharge port can connect with the storage chamber 110, removing the obstruction of the guide rail 212 on the side of the guide rail 211. The incorrectly positioned torsion springs stuck in the guide rail 211 can fall from the discharge port into the storage chamber 110, preventing them from blocking the guide rail 211.

[0095] It is understood that the movable baffle 212 can be movably connected to the guide rail 211 via a hinge, allowing the movable baffle 212 to rotate around the hinge, thereby covering or opening the discharge port. Alternatively, the movable baffle 212 can be movably connected to the guide rail 211 via a movable rail, which is located on the outer wall of the guide rail 211. The movable baffle 212 is slidably connected to the movable rail, allowing it to move back and forth to cover or open the discharge port. Of course, the movable baffle 212 can also move in the left-right direction to open the discharge port, allowing the torsion spring to fall back into the storage chamber 110 through the discharge port.

[0096] In some embodiments, the movement of the movable baffle 212 is achieved manually. In other embodiments, the discharge mechanism further includes a discharge drive component 213 and a stop bar. The output end of the discharge drive component 213 is connected to the movable baffle 212. Under the driving action of the discharge drive component 213, the movable baffle 212 can automatically open or cover the discharge port.

[0097] Understandably, by controlling the movable baffle 212 to open or cover the discharge port through the unloading drive component 213, manual operation can be replaced, further reducing labor costs. Moreover, the unloading can be performed on the rear of the guide rail 211 at regular intervals, avoiding the accumulation of torsion springs at the discharge port.

[0098] It is understandable that the unloading drive component 213 can be started at a time. A time period can be preset so that the unloading drive component 213 can unload the rear of the guide rail 211 at regular intervals, thereby avoiding the accumulation of torsion springs and eliminating the need for manual monitoring.

[0099] It is understood that the unloading drive component 213 can be a cylinder, an electric cylinder, etc., and no specific limitation is made here. In this embodiment, the front end of the movable baffle 212 is hinged to the guide rail 211. A return spring is provided at the hinge point between the movable baffle 212 and the guide rail 211. One end of the return spring is connected to the inner wall of the guide rail 211, and the other end of the return spring is connected to the movable baffle 212. The unloading drive component 213 is a cylinder. The cylinder and the movable baffle 212 are located on the left and right sides of the guide rail 211, respectively. The cylinder body can be fixed to the guide rail 211. The piston rod of the cylinder extends in the left and right direction and passes through the guide rail 211. The piston rod of the cylinder can abut against the movable baffle 212 and push the movable baffle 212 to swing around its hinge point with the guide rail 211, thereby opening the unloading port.

[0100] Understandably, after the unloading drive component 213 drives the movable baffle 212 to open the unloading port, the reset spring can reset the movable baffle 212, allowing it to return to the position of blocking the unloading port, so that the torsion spring with the correct posture can smoothly leave the guide rail 211.

[0101] The stop bar is located behind the discharge port and in front of the outlet. The cross-sectional shape of the stop bar can be circular, square, etc., and is not specifically limited here. The stop bar is located above the guide rail 211, and there is a gap between the stop bar and the guide rail 211, which allows a correctly positioned torsion spring to pass through. It is understood that the stop bar can intercept incorrectly positioned torsion springs on the guide rail 211, preventing them from moving out of the guide rail 211 through the outlet. The stop bar can be mounted on the guide rail 211 using a bracket.

[0102] Reference Figures 5 to 8This invention also proposes a torsion spring feeding system, which includes a material distribution mechanism 400 and a torsion spring discharge device as described in any of the above embodiments. The material distribution mechanism 400 is used to convey the torsion springs from the discharge port of the guide rail 211 to the device for installing the lamps, thereby realizing automated conveying of the torsion springs.

[0103] The material distribution mechanism 400 includes a clamping component 410 and a clamping drive component 420. The clamping component 410 is located above the discharge port, and the clamping drive component 420 can be fixed to the main support 300 by a bracket. The output end of the clamping drive component 420 is connected to the clamping component 410. Under the driving action of the clamping drive component 420, the clamping component 410 can clamp and move the torsion spring, and the clamping component 410 clamps the torsion spring from the discharge port.

[0104] It is understood that the gripping component 410 is a finger cylinder with two gripping fingers that can open and close to grip the torsion spring. In this embodiment, each of the two gripping fingers of the finger cylinder is provided with a clamping plate, and multiple grooves are provided on the opposite side of each clamping plate. The two clamping plates are used to clamp the cylindrical segment 710 of the torsion spring. It is understood that providing multiple grooves can increase the friction between the clamping plates and the cylindrical segment 710 of the torsion spring, thereby improving the clamping ability of the clamping plates to hold the torsion spring.

[0105] The clamping drive component 420 includes a translation cylinder. The output end of the translation cylinder, i.e., the piston rod, is connected to the clamping component 410, which can drive the clamping component 410 to move horizontally, thereby enabling the clamping component 410, carrying a torsion spring, to move from the discharge port to the device for installing the lamp.

[0106] In some embodiments, the gripping drive component 420 further includes a rotary cylinder. The rotary cylinder can be mounted on the piston rod of the translation cylinder via a connecting plate. The output end of the rotary cylinder, i.e., the rotary table, is connected to the gripping component 410, enabling the gripping component 410 to rotate about an vertically extending axis, thereby allowing the gripping component 410 to rotate 180° with the torsion spring to adjust the direction of the torsion spring. It is understood that the device for installing lamps may change the orientation of the workstation according to the actual conditions of the factory. Since the gripping drive component 420 can control the rotation of the finger cylinder, it can adjust the direction of the torsion spring to suit workstations with different placement orientations.

[0107] In some embodiments, the feeding mechanism 400 further includes a torsion spring support block 430 and a moving drive component 440. The torsion spring support block 430 is located behind the discharge port. Under the action of the clamping drive component 420, the clamping component 410 clamps the torsion spring from the discharge port onto the torsion spring support block 430. The torsion spring support block 430 is connected to the output end of the moving drive component 440. Under the driving action of the moving drive component 440, the torsion spring support block 430 can be moved to the device for installing the lamp, thereby realizing the automation of torsion spring conveying and improving the efficiency of lamp assembly.

[0108] In this embodiment, the moving drive component 440 includes a first linear drive component and a second linear drive component. The output end of the first linear drive component is connected to the second linear drive component, and the output end of the second linear drive component is connected to the torsion spring support block 430. The first linear drive component and the second linear drive component respectively drive the torsion spring support block 430 to move in different directions. For example, the first linear drive component drives the torsion spring support block 430 to move back and forth, and the second linear drive component drives the torsion spring support block 430 to move left and right.

[0109] In this embodiment, both the first linear drive component and the second linear drive component have a body and an output shaft. The body of the first linear drive component is mounted on the main frame, and the output shaft of the first linear drive component is movably connected to its body. The body of the second linear drive component is connected to the output shaft of the first linear drive component, and the torsion spring support block 430 is connected to the output shaft of the second linear drive component.

[0110] It is understood that the first linear drive component and the second linear drive component can both be cylinders, electric cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, etc., and no specific limitation is made here. In this embodiment, both the first linear drive component and the second linear drive component are cylinders. Cylinders are reliable in operation, simple in structure, and easy to install and maintain.

[0111] Understandably, the upper end of the torsion spring support block 430 is provided with a placement groove that matches the cylindrical section 710 of the torsion spring. The placement groove opens upwards, and the torsion spring held by the clamping component 410 can be placed smoothly in the placement groove in the same posture.

[0112] In this embodiment, the material distribution mechanism 400 further includes a guide plate with a sliding rail on its side. The guide plate is mounted on the main support 300, and a slider is mounted on the guide plate. The slider is slidably connected to the sliding rail, and the body of the second linear drive component is mounted on the slider. It is understood that the output end of the first linear drive component is connected to the slider. Under the driving action of the first linear drive component, the slider drives the second linear drive component, the entire torsion spring support block 430, and the torsion spring located on the torsion spring support block 430 to move along the extension direction of the sliding rail.

[0113] Understandably, the extension direction of the sliding track can be adjusted according to actual spatial conditions. In this embodiment, the sliding track extends in the front-to-back direction. The first linear drive component can drive the torsion spring support block 430 to move in the front-to-back direction, while the output shaft of the second linear drive component is set in the left-to-right direction, and the second linear drive component can drive the torsion spring support block 430 to move in the left-to-right direction. Under the combined action of the first and second linear drive components, the torsion spring support block 430 can move forward, backward, left, and right, accurately reaching the device for installing the lamp. The entire conveying process is closely coordinated to ensure the high efficiency of lamp assembly.

[0114] In some embodiments, the torsion spring feeding system further includes a linear vibration mechanism 500, which is disposed between the discharge port and the distribution mechanism 400 for linear transmission of the torsion spring, extends the discharge port of the discharge mechanism, avoids interference with the movement of the distribution mechanism 400, and makes the overall structure of the torsion spring feeding system more reasonable.

[0115] It is understood that the direct vibration mechanism 500 includes a direct vibration device 520 and a direct vibration track 510. The direct vibration track 510 is located above the direct vibration device 520 and connected to the output end of the direct vibration device 520. The direct vibration device 520 is mounted on the main support 300. The front end of the direct vibration track 510 is connected to the rear end of the guide track 211. The torsion spring that moves to the discharge port can directly enter the direct vibration track 510 and move along the direct vibration track 510 to the material distribution mechanism 400 under the action of the direct vibration device 520.

[0116] Understandably, the linear vibration track 510 is provided with a torsion spring slot, which is open upwards. In this embodiment, the linear vibration track 510 extends in the front-to-back direction, and the torsion spring slot also extends in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the torsion spring slot is the linear vibration outlet, which is a new discharge port. The clamping member 410, in conjunction with the clamping drive member 420, can clamp the torsion spring from the linear vibration outlet onto the torsion spring support block 430. When the torsion spring enters the linear vibration track 510, the cylindrical section 710 of the torsion spring is engaged on the upper surface of the linear vibration track 510, while the long support leg 720 extends into the torsion spring slot.

[0117] In this embodiment, the torsion spring feeding system also includes a torsion spring detection mechanism 600 and a controller. The torsion spring detection mechanism 600 is located below the discharge port to detect the direction of the torsion spring. When the linear vibration mechanism 500 is set, the torsion spring detection mechanism 600 is located below the linear vibration outlet, with the torsion spring slot opening downwards, meaning the torsion spring slot passes through the upper and lower surfaces of the linear vibration track 510. The torsion spring detection mechanism 600 can detect the torsion spring moving to the linear vibration outlet to ensure the correct direction of the torsion spring. The controller is electrically connected to both the torsion spring detection mechanism 600 and the rotary cylinder of the clamping drive component 420. After detecting the direction of the torsion spring, the torsion spring detection mechanism 600 transmits the detection data to the controller. The controller determines whether the direction of the torsion spring is correct and then controls the rotary cylinder to perform the corresponding action.

[0118] When the torsion spring is oriented incorrectly, the rotary cylinder of the clamping drive component 420, after the clamping component 410 clamps the torsion spring, drives the clamping component 410 to rotate 180°, adjusting the torsion spring to the correct orientation. Then, it drives the clamping component 410 to move horizontally towards the torsion spring support block 430, placing the torsion spring onto the torsion spring support block 430. Conversely, when the torsion spring is oriented correctly, the rotary cylinder of the clamping drive component 420, after the clamping component 410 clamps the torsion spring, drives the clamping component 410 to move horizontally towards the torsion spring support block 430, directly placing the torsion spring onto the torsion spring support block 430.

[0119] Specifically, the torsion spring detection mechanism 600 includes a push rod 610, a detection drive component 620, a compression spring 630, and a lever structure 640. The detection drive component 620 has a body and an output shaft. The body of the detection drive component 620 is mounted on a main frame, and the output shaft of the detection drive component 620 is provided with a support seat. The push rod 610 extends in the vertical direction and slides vertically and horizontally connected to the support seat. The compression spring 630 is sleeved on the outer side of the push rod 610. The upper end of the compression spring 630 is connected to the push rod 610, and the lower end of the compression spring 630 is connected to the support seat. The compression spring 630 can apply an upward elastic force to the push rod 610 so that the push rod 610 can move upward relative to the support seat.

[0120] Under the driving action of the detection drive component 620, the push rod 610 can move in the up and down direction, so that the upper end of the push rod 610 abuts against the lower end of the torsion spring in the torsion spring slot, thereby helping to detect the position of the torsion spring.

[0121] It is understood that the detection drive component 620 can be a cylinder, electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc., and is not specifically limited here. In this embodiment, the detection drive component 620 is a cylinder.

[0122] The lever structure 640 is mounted on a support base and moves with the support base. The lever structure 640 includes a connecting base and a lever. The connecting base is fixedly connected to the support base, and the lever is hinged to the connecting base, so that one end of the lever abuts against the lower end of the push rod 610. A limit switch is provided at the other end of the lever, located on the support base, and electrically connected to the controller. If the lever extends forward and backward, it swings around its left-right extension axis. It can be understood that the end of the lever closest to the push rod 610 is the short end, and the other end is the long end. Because the center of gravity is located at the long end, the short end is higher than the long end, allowing it to maintain abutment against the lower end of the push rod 610.

[0123] Understandably, the long leg 720 of the torsion spring is inserted into one end of the cylindrical section 710 of the torsion spring, connecting to the short leg 730, to seal the long leg 720. There is a gap between the portion of the long leg 720 inserted into the cylindrical section 710 and the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical section 710. When the push rod 610 abuts against the lower end of the long leg 720, if the abutment position is at the end inserted into the cylindrical section 710, the long leg 720 can move upwards a certain distance until it is fully inserted into the cylindrical section 710. The part of the rod 610 abuts against the upper side of the cylindrical section 710; when the position of the rod 610 abuts against the end of the long support leg 720 directly connected to the cylindrical section 710, the long support leg 720 cannot move upward. If the detection drive component 620 continues to drive the rod 610 upward, the rod 610 will move downward relative to the support seat and compress the compression spring 630, and push the lever located at the lower end of the rod 610 to swing downward, so that the other end of the lever contacts the limit switch, triggering the limit switch, and the limit switch will transmit an electrical signal to the controller.

[0124] Understandably, during torsion spring direction detection, the clamping component 410 clamps the cylindrical segment 710 of the torsion spring, preventing it from moving up or down under the action of the push rod 610. The lever structure 640 amplifies the movement of the long support leg 720, making the controller's judgment more accurate. By determining whether the long support leg 720 can move upward, the direction of the torsion spring is determined, and then the direction of the torsion spring is adjusted to achieve a unified torsion spring direction, ensuring the correctness of subsequent torsion spring installation.

[0125] In other embodiments, the torsion spring detection mechanism 600 may adopt the structure of the torsion spring position detection device disclosed in the invention patent with publication number CN110026760A.

[0126] The working principle of the torsion spring feeding system in this embodiment is as follows:

[0127] Workers or robotic arms place torsion springs of varying orientations into the storage chamber 110. The torsion springs in the storage chamber 110 are attracted by the magnetic components on the feeding track 120 and, under the action of the feeding drive component 130, move upwards along the feeding track 120 to above the guide hopper 200. Blocked by the drop block 123, the torsion springs separate from the magnetic components and fall into the drop trough 210 under gravity. Torsion springs with correct orientation have their long legs 720 extending downwards and can be inserted into the guide track 211, while torsion springs with incorrect orientation cannot be inserted into the guide track 211.

[0128] Under the action of the return drive component 240, the brush 230 moves along the return track 220 and pushes the torsion spring in the discharge chute 210 toward the discharge port. The torsion spring with the correct posture leaves the guide track 211 from the discharge port and enters the straight vibration track 510 under the restriction of the guide track 211. The torsion spring with the incorrect posture is adjusted to the correct posture by the action of the brush 230 or is swept back into the storage chamber 110 from the return port.

[0129] The torsion spring entering the linear vibration track 510 moves along the linear vibration track 510 under the action of the linear vibration device 520 and reaches the linear vibration outlet. After being detected by the torsion spring detection mechanism 600, the clamping drive component 420 controls the clamping component 410 to move horizontally with the torsion spring after the clamping component 410 clamps the torsion spring, causing the torsion spring to leave the linear vibration outlet. Furthermore, the clamping drive component 420 can adjust the direction of the torsion spring according to the control signal of the controller. After the adjustment is completed, the clamping component 410 places the torsion spring with the correct orientation on the torsion spring support block 430. Under the driving action of the first linear drive component and the second linear drive component, the torsion spring support block 430 and the torsion spring on it are transported to the device for installing the lamp. At this time, the posture and orientation of the torsion spring are correct.

[0130] The torsion spring feeding system of this invention is adaptable to torsion springs of different specifications and can prevent torsion springs from getting stuck on the torsion spring discharge device. It can automatically adjust the posture and direction of the torsion spring, ensuring the correct installation of the torsion spring and improving the degree of automation, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of lamps and torsion springs, and also saving a lot of manpower and reducing labor costs.

[0131] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A torsion spring discharge device, characterized in that, include: The material discharge mechanism includes a guide hopper, a guide rail, a return assembly, a return drive component, a movable baffle, and a discharge drive component. The guide hopper is hollow, forming a discharge trough. The upper opening of the discharge trough forms a feed inlet, and the lower opening forms a guide groove. The feed inlet is wider than the guide groove. The guide rail is connected to the lower end of the guide hopper and extends in a front-to-back direction, opening towards the rear to form a discharge outlet. The guide hopper has a return port that communicates with the discharge trough. The return assembly has a moving part, and the output end of the return drive component is connected to the return assembly to drive the moving part. The moving part can move back and forth along the side wall of the material chute and push the torsion spring towards the return port. The movement direction of the moving part in the material chute is consistent with the extension direction of the guide rail. When the moving part moves in the material chute, some torsion springs with incorrect posture are adjusted to the correct posture under the pushing action of the moving part. The rear of the guide rail is provided with a discharge port, which is located below the return port and communicates with the storage chamber. The movable baffle is movably connected to the guide rail and can cover the discharge port. The output end of the discharge driving component is connected to the movable baffle to drive the movable baffle to open or cover the discharge port. The feeding mechanism includes a feeding hopper, a feeding conveying component, a magnetic component, and a feeding drive component. The feeding hopper is hollow to form a storage cavity, which opens upwards and is connected to the return port. The feeding conveying component is connected to the magnetic component, and the output end of the feeding drive component is connected to the feeding conveying component to drive the feeding conveying component to move and to move the magnetic component between the storage cavity and the feed port. Multiple magnetic components are provided, arranged along the extension direction of the feeding track, and there is a gap between two adjacent magnetic components. Each magnetic component can attract one or two torsion springs.

2. The torsion spring discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding conveying component includes a ring-shaped feeding track, one end of which extends into the storage cavity and the other end of which extends above the feed inlet. The feeding track is fed along the direction from the storage cavity to the feed inlet. The magnetic component is connected to the surface of the feeding track, and the output end of the feeding drive component is connected to the feeding track to drive the feeding track to move and move the magnetic component.

3. The torsion spring discharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The feeding track includes a track support, a material drop block, and a first belt in an annular shape. One end of the track support is connected to the feeding hopper, and the other end of the track support extends above the feeding inlet. The first belt and the material drop block are respectively connected to the track support. The magnetic component is connected to the surface of the first belt. The output end of the feeding drive component is connected to the first belt to drive the first belt to feed along the extension direction of the track support. The material drop block is located above the feeding inlet and on the side close to the lower surface of the first belt. A gap is provided between the material drop block and the lower surface of the first belt to allow the magnetic component to pass through.

4. The torsion spring discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material return assembly includes a brush and a ring-shaped material return track. The material return track is fed along the extension direction of the guide track and is located above the guide hopper. The brush is connected to the material return track, and the lower end of the brush can extend into the discharge trough and is located above the guide trough. The output end of the material return drive component is connected to the material return track to drive the material return track and move the brush through the material return port.

5. The torsion spring discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge mechanism also includes a stop bar. The front end of the movable baffle is hinged to the guide rail. A return torsion spring is provided at the hinge point between the movable baffle and the guide rail. The stop bar is located on the rear side of the discharge port and above the guide rail. There is a gap between the stop bar and the guide rail. The discharge driving component is a cylinder. The cylinder and the movable baffle are located on the left and right sides of the guide rail, respectively. The piston rod of the cylinder extends left and right and can abut against the movable baffle.

6. A torsion spring feeding system, characterized in that, The device includes a material distribution mechanism and a torsion spring discharge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5. The material distribution mechanism includes a clamping component and a clamping drive component. The clamping component is located above the discharge port to clamp the torsion spring at the discharge port. The output end of the clamping drive component is connected to the clamping component to drive the clamping component to move to the discharge port.

7. The torsion spring feeding system according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a torsion spring detection mechanism and a controller. The clamping drive component includes a translation cylinder and a rotary cylinder. The output end of the translation cylinder is connected to the rotary cylinder, and the output end of the rotary cylinder is connected to the clamping component to drive the clamping component to rotate around an upwardly extending axis. The torsion spring detection mechanism is located below the discharge port to detect the direction of the torsion spring. The controller is electrically connected to the torsion spring detection mechanism and the rotary cylinder respectively.

8. The torsion spring feeding system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The torsion spring detection mechanism includes a push rod, a detection drive component, a compression spring, a lever, and a limit switch. The output end of the detection drive component is movable up and down and is provided with a support seat. The push rod and the support seat slide upward and downward. The compression spring is sleeved on the push rod. The upper end of the compression spring is connected to the upper part of the push rod, and the lower end of the compression spring is connected to the support seat. The limit switch is connected to the support seat and is located above the lever. The lever is hinged to the support seat. One end of the lever abuts against the lower end of the push rod, and the other end abuts against the limit switch to trigger the limit switch.

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