A blade lock automatic assembly machine and a lock core automatic assembly machine

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of lock manufacturing, and more particularly to an automatic assembly machine for wafer locks and an automatic assembly machine for lock cylinders. An automatic wafer lock cylinder assembly machine includes an automatic wafer feeding and assembly device comprising a wafer feeding mechanism and a wafer loading mechanism for feeding wafers into wafer slots of a wafer sleeve. The wafer feeding mechanism is mounted on a lifting base and includes a positioning frame and a positioning rod movably passing through the positioning frame. The positioning frame includes an upper positioning block and a lower positioning block, and the positioning rod movably passes through a positioning through hole in the upper positioning block and a positioning groove in the lower positioning block, and is positioned by wafers passing through it. The lower end of the lower positioning block has wafer loading ports and wafer pushing ports connected to its positioning groove on both sides. The wafer loading mechanism includes a loading pusher plate disposed within the wafer pushing port. This automatic wafer lock cylinder assembly machine can automate the screening, sorting, loading, and installation of wafers, reducing worker workload and improving assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lock manufacturing, and in particular to an automatic assembly machine for leaf locks and an automatic assembly machine for lock cylinders. Background Technology

[0002] As a traditional lock, a padlock has a ring-shaped or "I"-shaped metal shank on its body, known as a "lock bar," which allows the padlock to be directly engaged with the lock body to form a closed lock. Current leaf spring padlocks, such as... Figure 1-2 As shown, the lock includes a lock body 101 and a lock beam 102. The general manufacturing steps for this type of leaf padlock are: drilling holes in the blank, installing pins and blinds, polishing, installing the lock beam 102, steel balls 204, and lock cylinder 203, and then pressing in the blind to seal the lock cylinder within the lock cylinder hole. The holes in the blank include a lock beam hole 103, a lock cylinder hole 104, a pin hole 105, and a steel ball assembly hole 106 connecting the lock beam hole and the lock cylinder hole for inserting the steel balls. As shown, the steel ball assembly hole is entirely inside the lock body; therefore, drilling must be performed through the side wall of the lock body, resulting in a process hole 107 on the side wall of the lock body. This process hole needs to be sealed by the blind 201. The applicant has recently filed the following three patent applications to achieve mechanized automatic insertion of the blind 201 into the process hole 107 and the pin 202 into the pin hole 105, thereby forming a complete lock body.

[0003] Application 1: Application number is “2019222620620”, invention title is: A blind assembly device for a blade padlock and its blind feeding mechanism.

[0004] Application 2: Application number is “2019222626839”, invention name is: a lock body processing equipment for a leaf padlock.

[0005] Application 3: Application number “2019222619394”, invention title: A pin assembly device for a leaf padlock and its pin feeding mechanism.

[0006] Based on the steps described above, a complete lock body can be obtained. The next steps are: installing the lock beam 102, steel ball 204, and lock cylinder 203, and then pressing in the end cap. The lock cylinder 203 of the wafer lock includes a wafer sleeve 206 and multiple wafers 207 disposed on the wafer sleeve. For example... Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the blade sleeve includes a sleeve body 206a and a shank body 206b. Multiple blade slots 2061 and needle roller grooves 2062 connecting the blade slots are arranged along one side of the sleeve body axially. A notch 2063 is provided on the other side of the blade sleeve. The shank body of the blade sleeve is formed by cutting off a portion from each of the two side walls of a cylinder, creating two planes of different sizes.

[0007] There are various specifications for the blades, and the required blades must be inserted into the blade slots of the blade sleeve in a prescribed direction and according to the key's teeth pattern. For specific blade shapes, please refer to the Chinese design patent publication text with application number "2019307021430". Chinese utility model patent publication number CN215469328U discloses a blade assembly mechanism and equipment, including a receiving seat, a blade holder, and multiple sets of blade pressing assemblies; the blade holder is mounted on the receiving seat, and multiple material rods for connecting different types of blades are detachably and longitudinally mounted on the blade holder; the receiving seat has multiple receiving slots corresponding to the material rods; each receiving slot is equipped with a set of blade pressing assemblies, the output end of which faces the bottom of the receiving slot and can horizontally push out the blade at the bottom of the receiving slot. The blades connected in series on the feed rod in the proposed solution also adopt the solution described in the Chinese invention patent application with publication number "CN110512947A" for blade selection and sorting. However, the proposed solution does not require the blades connected in series on the feed rod to be glued and fixed. Instead, the feed rod is set as a movable component.

[0008] However, in actual production, while the blade assembly mechanism described in patent CN215469328U has high efficiency, workers also frequently need to change blades, resulting in a heavy workload and limited efficiency. Furthermore, because the blade screening and sorting scheme described in patent CN110512947A has a certain error rate, the blades connected to the feed rod in the patent CN215469328U scheme will also have an error rate. In this situation, workers are required to manually inspect the blades and cut off those facing the wrong direction. Although incorrect blades are relatively easy to detect, the repetitive nature of this work increases the workload of workers and affects efficiency.

[0009] Furthermore, the applicant's earlier application, Chinese patent application with publication number "CN110900164A" (hereinafter referred to as the earlier application), describes a blade assembly device. This device has a clamping port on the side wall of a turntable, and an elastic clamping component is provided inside the turntable. The output end of the elastic clamping component is located within the clamping port. Specifically, the clamping port is used to clamp the handle of the blade sleeve, and the handle is pressed by the elastic clamping component to achieve initial positioning. The elastic clamping component includes a clamping spring and a clamping ball. The clamping port on the turntable first receives the blade sleeve from the end of the blade sleeve feeding mechanism, and then the clamping ball clamps the handle of the blade sleeve under the elasticity of the spring. However, this positioning method has poor stability and is prone to causing the blade sleeve to loosen or misalign during blade assembly. Furthermore, during the process of moving the assembled blade to the next station, the blade is also prone to falling out of the blade slot, which needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, the primary objective of this invention is to provide an automatic assembly machine for blade lock cylinders. This automatic assembly machine can automate the screening, sorting, feeding, and installation of blades, eliminating the need for manual installation of the pre-connected blades into the assembly device, as described in the patent with publication number CN215469328U. This reduces the workload of workers and improves assembly efficiency.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0012] An automatic assembly machine for a leaf lock cylinder includes a frame, a base turntable mounted on the frame, and a leaf sleeve feeding mechanism, multiple sets of automatic leaf discharge and assembly devices, and a lock cylinder unloading mechanism arranged circumferentially on the frame along the base turntable. A clamping station for fixing the leaf sleeve is provided on the outer edge of the base turntable, and the leaf sleeve feeding mechanism is used to transport the leaf sleeve to the clamping station. The automatic leaf discharge and assembly device includes a leaf feeding mechanism for receiving leaf sleeves with a specific orientation, and a leaf feeding mechanism for feeding the leaf sleeve into the leaf slot of the leaf sleeve. The leaf feeding mechanism is mounted on a lifting base and includes a positioning frame and a fixed frame movably passing through the positioning frame. Positioning rod; the positioning frame includes an upper positioning block and a lower positioning block, each having a positioning through hole and a positioning groove adapted to the outer contour of the blade, the positioning through hole and the positioning groove being axially opposite; the cross-sectional shape of the positioning rod is adapted to the shaft hole at the center of the blade, and the positioning rod is movably inserted through the positioning through hole of the upper positioning block and the positioning groove of the lower positioning block and positioned by the blade inserted therethrough; the lower end of the lower positioning block has a blade feeding port and a blade pushing port connected to its positioning groove on both sides, the blade feeding port and the blade pushing port are radially opposite and their height is adapted to the thickness of a single blade; the blade feeding mechanism includes a feeding pusher plate disposed in the blade pushing port, and a blade feeding component connected to the blade feeding pusher plate.

[0013] The present invention adopts the above-mentioned technical solution, which relates to an automatic assembly machine for a blade lock cylinder. The outer edge of the base turntable in the automatic assembly machine for a blade sleeve is provided with a clamping station for fixing the blade sleeve. The clamping station is used to fix the blade sleeve on the base turntable and switches between the loading station, multiple blade installation stations and unloading station as the base turntable switches. The blade sleeve loading mechanism is used to transport the blade sleeve to the clamping station. The blade sleeve loading mechanism can refer to the blade sleeve feeding mechanism described in publication number CN110900164A, which will not be described in detail here.

[0014] The automatic blade feeding and assembly device in this scheme is used to insert blades into the blade slots of the blade sleeves fixed on the base turntable. The automatic blade feeding and assembly device has multiple sets, typically three sets, for installing the three types of blades described in publication number CN305994624S. The vibratory feeder in the automatic blade feeding and assembly device outputs blades through vibration. During the conveying process, the blade screening and sorting described in patent publication number CN110512947A can be used to ensure that the blades at the vibratory feeder's output end are likely to be correctly oriented. Alternatively, this structure can be omitted, and the blade orientation can be adjusted by a material selection mechanism.

[0015] Based on this, this solution uses a material selection mechanism to place the correct blades onto a blade feeding mechanism. The positioning rod in the blade feeding mechanism is movably mounted on a positioning frame; specifically, the lower end of the positioning rod is positioned within the positioning groove of the lower positioning block, and the upper end passes through the positioning through hole of the upper positioning block. In use, the shaft hole at the center of the blade is passed through the positioning rod, and the selected blades are fed together using the positioning rod. In this solution, the positioning through hole and positioning groove are adapted to the outer contour of the blade. To ensure the positioning rod is properly positioned and does not wobble, sufficient blades should be fed onto the positioning rod before starting the machine, ensuring that its upper and lower ends are aligned with the positioning through hole and positioning groove. This eliminates the need for manual addition of blades during subsequent automated processing.

[0016] The purpose of the above scheme is to make the positioning rod of the connected blades movable, so that after the blades are inserted from the top, they can be pushed out from the bottom for feeding, thus providing a basis for automated blade screening, sorting, and feeding. In a specific implementation plan, the lower positioning block has blade feeding ports and blade pushing ports on both sides of its lower end, which are connected to the positioning groove. The blade feeding ports and blade pushing ports are radially opposite each other and their height is adapted to the thickness of a single blade; a blade feeding pusher is provided in the blade pushing port. In this scheme, by the blade feeding pusher moving in and out of the positioning groove, the bottommost blade can be pushed out of the blade pushing port, realizing the feeding of the blades.

[0017] When the above-mentioned automatic assembly machine for leaf lock cylinders is running, it can identify the order of the three types of leaf blades in the leaf slot by recognizing the arrangement of the key teeth. Therefore, the height of the leaf slots installed by the three sets of automatic leaf feeding and assembly devices is different. Thus, it is necessary to adjust the height of the leaf feeding mechanism by raising the base to keep it consistent with the height of the corresponding leaf slot.

[0018] The automatic assembly machine for the blade lock cylinder described above can realize the automated screening, sorting, feeding and installation of blades, eliminating the need for manual installation of the connected blades into the assembly device as described in the patent with announcement number CN215469328U, thus reducing the workload of workers and improving assembly efficiency.

[0019] In the aforementioned blade pushing process, in order to smoothly push the blade out of the blade by the blade feeding pusher, the lower end of the positioning rod needs to be provided with an inclined surface facing the blade pushing port. This inclined surface allows the positioning rod to be slightly raised during the blade pushing process, thereby avoiding the blade; after the blade is pushed out, the blade feeding pusher retracts and falls down.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the upper end of the positioning rod extends out of the positioning through hole of the upper positioning block, and the upper end of the positioning rod is constructed as an inlet end that widens from top to bottom. In this embodiment, the inlet end of the upper part of the positioning rod facilitates the placement of blades onto the positioning rod.

[0021] Preferably, the material selection mechanism includes an AI camera for capturing images of the leaves to be selected, a suction cup for adsorbing and fixing the leaves, a rotary drive assembly for driving the suction cup to rotate, and a movable bracket for driving the suction cup to move. In this solution, the AI ​​camera captures images of the leaves to determine their orientation, such as based on the needle grooves, protrusions, or straight cross-sections on the leaves. After the AI ​​camera captures the images of the leaves to be selected, the suction cup adsorbs the leaves, and the AI-based judgment controls the rotary drive assembly to rotate the suction cup and the adsorbed leaves to a suitable angle. The movable bracket then places the leaves on the positioning rod of the leaf feeding mechanism.

[0022] The movable support includes at least a horizontal sliding joint and a longitudinal sliding joint disposed on the horizontal sliding joint; the rotary drive assembly is disposed on the movable end of the longitudinal sliding joint. The horizontal sliding joint is mainly used for lateral movement, so that the suction cup can move from the discharge end of the vibratory feeder to directly above the positioning rod. The longitudinal sliding joint is used to move the suction cup to a suitable height when picking up and dropping blades. In a specific solution, the horizontal sliding joint includes a horizontal moving support, a horizontal slider slidably disposed on the horizontal moving support, and a lateral drive assembly for driving the horizontal slider; the lateral drive assembly can be a motor screw assembly for precise control. The longitudinal sliding joint includes a longitudinal slider slidably disposed on the horizontal slider, and a longitudinal drive assembly for driving the longitudinal slider; the longitudinal sliding joint can be driven by a cylinder. The rotary drive assembly is a CNC servo motor; the CNC servo motor controls the rotation of the suction cup and the blades it picks up to a suitable angle based on AI-captured photos of the blades to be screened. In this solution, since the blades delivered by the vibratory feeder have inconsistent orientations, a CNC servo motor is used to drive the rotation, which can precisely control the rotation angle each time.

[0023] Preferably, the base turntable has multiple positioning holes arranged circumferentially along its edge for inserting the handle portion of the blade sleeve. A mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the center of the base turntable, and the mounting bracket rotates synchronously with the base turntable. Above each positioning hole, the mounting bracket has a positioning seat and a positioning drive assembly. The positioning drive assembly includes a lifting drive component for driving the positioning seat to rise and fall, and a rotation drive component for driving the positioning seat to rotate. The positioning seat has a positioning cavity for accommodating the blade sleeve portion, and the positioning cavity has a slot on its side wall for exposing the blade slot. In this solution, the blade sleeve clamping device is similar to the prior art in that it has positioning holes on the base turntable for inserting the handle portion of the blade sleeve. The difference from the prior art is that this solution has a positioning seat above the positioning hole on the base turntable. The positioning seat can rise and fall under the action of the lifting drive component of the positioning drive assembly for pressing and releasing the blade sleeve; under the action of the rotation drive component, it can avoid obstacles during the blade sleeve installation and removal processes. In this design, the positioning base has a positioning cavity that accommodates the blade sleeve body. This cavity holds the blade sleeve in place, fixing it relative to the base turntable. The blade slot on the blade sleeve protrudes from the slot opening, allowing blades to be installed onto the blade sleeve. During rotation, the base turntable carries the blade sleeve through multiple stations, including loading, multiple blade installation stations, and unloading. Throughout this process, the mounting bracket rotates synchronously with the base turntable. The positioning base and positioning drive assembly on the mounting bracket always correspond to the blade sleeve at the positioning port, ensuring that the blade sleeve and the installed blades are securely positioned throughout the entire process.

[0024] In a more specific embodiment, the positioning seat is further provided with a negative pressure suction port that communicates with the interior of the positioning cavity. During installation, the handle of the blade sleeve is first inserted into the positioning port of the base turntable. Then, the positioning cavity of the positioning seat accommodates and presses down on the sleeve body of the blade sleeve, while the blade slot on the blade sleeve protrudes from the slot, allowing the blade to be installed. The negative pressure suction port is connected to a negative pressure pipeline. When the sleeve body of the blade sleeve is inside the positioning cavity, suction is generated by negative pressure, which not only prevents the already installed blades from loosening and falling off during blade installation but also prevents the blades from loosening and falling off during station movement. In a specific embodiment, the through hole communicating with the negative pressure suction port is opened on the inner side wall of the positioning cavity corresponding to the slot. This placement of the through hole on the inner side wall corresponding to the slot is most effective in preventing the blades from falling off the slot.

[0025] In the specific design, the positioning drive assembly includes a lifting drive component for driving the positioning seat to rise and fall, and a rotary drive component for driving the positioning seat to rotate. The rotary drive component is located on the output end of the lifting drive component, the inner end of the positioning seat is connected to the output end of the rotary drive component, and the positioning groove is constructed on the outer end of the positioning seat. Here, the lifting drive component drives the positioning seat to rise and fall, controlling whether the positioning seat covers or disengages from the blade sleeve. The rotary drive component drives the positioning seat to rotate, thereby avoiding the disassembly and assembly of the blade sleeve.

[0026] Preferably, the lifting drive component is a lifting cylinder, and a mounting base is provided on the output end of the lifting cylinder; the rotation drive component is a rotation cylinder, and the rotation cylinder is mounted on the mounting base.

[0027] Preferably, the top of the mounting bracket is also provided with an air pipe connector, which includes a first component connected to the main air pipe and a second component fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket. The first component and the second component are rotatably connected and communicate with each other through an air passage at the axis. The second component of the air pipe connector is connected to the lifting drive component, the rotating drive component, and the negative pressure suction port of the positioning seat through a branch pipe. In this embodiment, the air pipe connector is connected to the air supply system through the main air pipe. The first component of the air pipe connector needs to be fixedly installed to avoid interference from the rotation of the main air pipe. The second component is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket and can rotate relative to the first component. In this way, the mounting bracket can also be connected through the air passage at the axis during the rotation of the base turntable. Then, the second component of the air pipe connector is connected to the lifting drive component, the rotating drive component, and the negative pressure suction port of the positioning seat through a branch pipe, thereby realizing air control.

[0028] The second objective of this invention is to provide an automatic assembly machine for wafer locks, characterized in that it includes an automatic assembly machine for wafer lock cylinders as described in any of the preceding claims. Other structures of the automatic wafer lock assembly machine, such as ball assembly and cover assembly, can be found in the scheme described in the prior patent with publication number "CN114833569B". Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the lock body opening for an existing leaf padlock.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an existing leaf padlock.

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the blade sleeve for an existing blade padlock Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the blade sleeve for an existing blade padlock Figure 2 .

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the blades involved in this invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a simplified structural diagram of an automatic assembly machine for leaf lock cylinders.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the coordination between the blade clamping device and the automatic blade feeding and assembly device.

[0036] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the blade sleeve clamping device.

[0038] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the blade clamping device Figure 2 .

[0039] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the top surface of the positioning base.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom surface of the positioning seat.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the blade feeding mechanism in the state where no blades are inserted.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning rod. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated 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 intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship 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 limitations on this invention.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless explicitly defined otherwise.

[0046] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Example 1

[0048] like Figures 6-14 As shown, this embodiment relates to an automatic assembly machine for a blade lock cylinder, including a frame 1, a base turntable 2 mounted on the frame 1, a blade sleeve feeding mechanism 3, multiple sets of automatic blade discharge and assembly devices 4, and a lock cylinder unloading mechanism 5 arranged circumferentially on the frame 1 along the base turntable 2. A clamping station for fixing the blade sleeve is provided on the outer edge of the base turntable 2, and the blade sleeve feeding mechanism 3 is used to transport the blade sleeve to the clamping station.

[0049] The automatic assembly machine for the blade lock cylinder has a clamping station on the outer edge of the base turntable 2 for fixing the blade sleeve. The clamping station is used to fix the blade sleeve to the base turntable 2 and switches between the loading station, multiple blade installation stations, and unloading station as the base turntable 2 moves. The blade sleeve loading mechanism 3 is used to transport the blade sleeve to the clamping station. The blade sleeve loading mechanism 3 can be referred to as the blade sleeve feeding mechanism described in publication number CN110900164A, and will not be described in detail here. The lock cylinder unloading mechanism 5 clamps the blade sleeve 206 through the unloading clamping cylinder 51 to realize unloading.

[0050] The automatic blade feeding and assembly device 4 in this scheme is used to insert blades 207 into the blade slots 2061 of the blade sleeves 206 fixed on the base turntable 2. The automatic blade feeding and assembly device 4 has multiple sets, generally three sets, which are used to install the three types of blades 207 described in the announcement number CN305994624S.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown in Figures 7, 9-12, the base turntable 2 has multiple positioning holes 21 arranged circumferentially along its edge for inserting the handle portion 206b of the blade sleeve 206. A mounting bracket 22 is fixedly connected to the center of the base turntable 2, and the mounting bracket 22 rotates synchronously with the base turntable 2. Above each positioning hole 21, the mounting bracket 22 is provided with a positioning seat 23 and a positioning drive assembly. The positioning drive assembly can at least drive the positioning seat 23 to rise and fall. The positioning seat 23 has a positioning cavity 231 that accommodates the sleeve portion 206a of the blade sleeve 206. The positioning cavity 231 has a slot 232 on the side wall of the positioning seat 23 for exposing the blade slot 2061. In this embodiment, the blade sleeve clamping device is similar to the prior patent in that it has positioning holes 21 on the base turntable 2, which are also for inserting the handle portion 206b of the blade sleeve 206. Unlike prior art patents in the background art, this solution features a positioning seat 23 above the positioning port of the base turntable. The positioning seat 23 can be raised and lowered by the lifting drive component of the positioning drive assembly, used for pressing and releasing the blade sleeve 206. Under the action of the rotation drive component, it can avoid obstructing the installation and removal processes of the blade sleeve 206. In this solution, the positioning seat 23 has a positioning cavity 231 that accommodates the sleeve body of the blade sleeve 206. The positioning cavity 231 accommodates the sleeve body and presses down on the blade sleeve 206, fixing the blade sleeve 206 relative to the base turntable. The blade slot on the blade sleeve 206 protrudes from the slot, allowing blades to be installed on the blade sleeve 206. During rotation, the base turntable carries the blade sleeve 206 through multiple stations, including loading, multiple blade installation stations, and unloading. During this process, the mounting bracket 22 rotates synchronously with the base turntable. The positioning seat 23 and positioning drive assembly on the mounting bracket 22 always correspond to the blade sleeve 206 on the positioning port, so as to ensure that the blade sleeve 206 and the installed blade are firmly positioned throughout the process.

[0052] exist Figure 9 and 10In a further specific embodiment, the positioning seat 23 is further provided with a negative pressure suction port 233 that communicates with the interior of the positioning cavity 231. During installation, the handle of the blade sleeve 206 is first inserted into the positioning port of the base turntable. Then, the positioning cavity 231 of the positioning seat 23 accommodates and presses down on the sleeve body of the blade sleeve 206, and the blade slot on the blade sleeve 206 protrudes from the slot, allowing the blade to be installed on the blade sleeve 206. The negative pressure suction port 233 is connected to a negative pressure pipeline. When the sleeve body of the blade sleeve 206 is inside the positioning cavity 231, suction is generated by negative pressure. This not only prevents the already installed blades from loosening and falling off during blade installation, but also prevents the blades from loosening and falling off during station movement. In a specific embodiment, the through hole 234 communicating with the negative pressure suction port 233 is opened on the inner side wall of the positioning cavity 231 corresponding to the slot. Setting the through hole on the inner side wall corresponding to the slot here is most effective in preventing the blades from falling off the slot.

[0053] In the specific embodiment, the positioning drive assembly includes a lifting drive component 24 for driving the positioning seat 23 to rise and fall, and a rotation drive component 25 for driving the positioning seat 23 to rotate. The rotation drive component 25 is disposed on the output end of the lifting drive component 24, the inner end of the positioning seat 23 is connected to the output end of the rotation drive component 25, and the positioning cavity 231 is constructed on the outer end of the positioning seat 23. Here, the lifting drive component 24 drives the positioning seat 23 to rise and fall, thereby controlling the positioning seat 23 to cover or disengage the blade sleeve 206. The rotation drive component 25 is used to drive the positioning seat 23 to rotate, thereby avoiding the disassembly and assembly of the blade sleeve 206. The lifting drive component 24 is a lifting cylinder, and a mounting base 26 is disposed on the output end of the lifting cylinder; the rotation drive component 25 is a rotation cylinder, and the rotation cylinder is disposed on the mounting base 26.

[0054] exist Figure 7In a further embodiment shown, the top of the mounting bracket 22 is also provided with an air pipe connector 27. The air pipe connector 27 includes a first component 271 connected to the main air pipe and a second component 272 fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket 22. The first component 271 and the second component 272 are rotatably connected and communicate with each other through an air passage at the axis. The second component 272 of the air pipe connector 27 is connected to the lifting drive component 24, the rotating drive component 25, and the negative pressure suction port 233 of the positioning seat 23 through a branch pipe. In this design, the air pipe connector 27 is connected to the air supply system via the main air pipe 273. The first component 271 of the air pipe connector 27 needs to be fixedly installed to avoid interference from the rotation of the main air pipe 273. The second component 272 is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket 22 and can rotate relative to the first component 271. Thus, the mounting bracket 22 can also be connected through the air passage at the axis during the rotation of the base turntable 2. Then, the second component 272 of the air pipe connector 27 is connected to the lifting drive component 24, the rotation drive component 25, and the negative pressure suction port 233 of the positioning seat 23 via the branch air pipe, thereby realizing air control.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown in Figures 8, 13, and 14, the automatic blade feeding and assembly device 4 includes a blade feeding mechanism for receiving blades 207 with a specific orientation, and a blade loading mechanism for feeding blades 207 into blade slots 2061 of blade sleeves 206. The blade feeding mechanism is mounted on a lifting base 40, which, as shown in the figures, uses a motor lead screw assembly. The blade feeding mechanism includes a positioning frame 41 and a positioning rod 42 movably passing through the positioning frame 41. The positioning frame 41 includes an upper positioning block 43 and a lower positioning block 44, each having a positioning through hole 431 and a positioning groove 441 adapted to the outer contour of the blade 207, respectively. The positioning through hole 431 and the positioning groove 441 are axially opposite to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the positioning rod 42 is adapted to the shaft hole at the center of the blade 207, and the positioning rod 42 is movably inserted into the positioning through hole 431 of the upper positioning block 43 and the positioning groove 441 of the lower positioning block 44, and positioned by the blade 207 inserted thereon. The lower end of the lower positioning block 44 has a blade feeding port 442 and a blade pushing port 443 connected to its positioning groove 441 on both sides. The blade feeding port 442 and the blade pushing port 443 are radially opposite each other and their heights are adapted to the thickness of a single blade 207. The blade feeding mechanism includes a blade feeding pusher 444 disposed in the blade pushing port 443, and a blade feeding component 445 connected to the blade feeding pusher 444.

[0056] The vibratory feeder in the automatic blade feeding and assembly device 4 outputs blades 207 via vibration. During the conveying process, the blades 207 described in the patent with publication number CN110512947A can be selected and sorted to ensure that the blades 207 at the discharge end of the vibratory feeder are likely to be correctly oriented. Alternatively, this structure can be omitted, and the orientation of the blades 207 can be adjusted by the material selection mechanism. Based on this, this solution uses the material selection mechanism to place the correct blades 207 onto the blade feeding mechanism. The positioning rod 42 in the blade feeding mechanism is movably mounted on the positioning frame 41. Specifically, the lower end of the positioning rod 42 is located in the positioning groove 441 of the lower positioning block 44, and the upper end passes through the positioning through hole 431 of the upper positioning block 43. In use, the shaft hole at the center of the blade 207 is passed through the positioning rod 42, and the selected blades 207 are strung together by the positioning rod 42. In this design, the positioning through hole 431 and positioning groove 441 are adapted to the outer contour of the blade 207. In order to ensure that the positioning rod 42 can be positioned and not wobble, enough blades 207 should be threaded on the positioning rod 42 before starting the machine so that its upper and lower ends can be aligned with the positioning through hole 431 and positioning groove 441. In the subsequent automated processing, there is no need to manually add blades 207.

[0057] The purpose of the above scheme is to make the positioning rod 42 of the connected blades 207 movable. After the blades 207 are inserted from the top, they can be pushed out from the bottom for feeding, thus realizing automated screening, sorting, and feeding of the blades 207. In a specific implementation, the lower positioning block 44 has a blade feeding port 442 and a blade pushing port 443 on both sides of its lower end, which are connected to its positioning groove 441. The blade feeding port 442 and the blade pushing port 443 are radially opposite each other and their heights are adapted to the thickness of a single blade 207. A blade feeding pusher 444 is provided in the blade pushing port 443. In this scheme, the blade feeding pusher 444 moves in and out of the positioning groove 441, which pushes the bottommost blade 207 out of the blade pushing port 443, thus realizing the feeding of the blades 207. When the above-mentioned automatic assembly machine for the blade lock cylinder is running, it can identify the order of the three types of blades 207 arranged in the blade slot 2061 by the key tooth arrangement. Therefore, the height of the blade slot 2061 installed by the three sets of automatic blade feeding and assembly devices 4 is different. Therefore, the lifting base 40 needs to adjust the height of the blade feeding mechanism to keep it consistent with the height of the corresponding blade slot 2061.

[0058] like Figure 13 and 14As shown, during the pushing process of the blade 207, in order for the blade feeding pusher 444 to smoothly push out the blade 207, the lower end of the positioning rod 42 needs to be provided with an inclined surface 421 facing the blade feeding port 443. This inclined surface 421 allows the positioning rod 42 to be slightly raised during the pushing process of the blade feeding pusher 444, thereby avoiding the blade 207. After the blade 207 is pushed out, the blade feeding pusher 444 retracts and falls down. In a further preferred embodiment, the upper end of the positioning rod 42 extends out of the positioning through hole 431 of the upper positioning block 43, and the upper end of the positioning rod 42 is constructed as an inlet end 422 that widens from top to bottom. In this embodiment, the inlet end 422 provided at the upper end of the positioning rod 42 facilitates the placement of the blade 207 onto the positioning rod 42.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, the material selection mechanism includes an AI camera for capturing images of the blades 207 to be selected, a suction cup 45 for adsorbing and fixing the blades 207, a rotary drive assembly 46 for driving the suction cup 45 to rotate, and a movable bracket for driving the suction cup 45 to move. In this scheme, the AI ​​camera captures images of the blades 207 to determine the orientation of the blades 207, such as based on the blade roller grooves 2071, protrusions 2072, or straight cross-sections 2073 on the blades 207. After the AI ​​camera captures images of the blades 207 to be selected, the suction cup 45 adsorbs the blades 207. Based on the AI ​​judgment, the rotary drive assembly 46 is controlled to rotate the suction cup 45 and the adsorbed blades 207 to a suitable angle. The movable bracket places the blades 207 on the positioning rod 42 of the blade feeding mechanism. The movable bracket includes at least a horizontal sliding joint and a longitudinal sliding joint disposed on the horizontal sliding joint. The rotary drive assembly 46 is disposed on the moving end of the longitudinal sliding joint. The horizontal moving pair is mainly used for lateral movement, allowing the suction cup 45 to move from the discharge end of the vibratory feeder to directly above the positioning rod 42. The longitudinal moving pair is used to move the suction cup 45 to a suitable height when it picks up and drops the blades 207. Specifically, the horizontal moving pair includes a horizontal moving bracket 471, a horizontal slider 472 slidably mounted on the horizontal moving bracket 471, and a lateral drive assembly 473 driving the horizontal slider 472. The lateral drive assembly 473 can be a motor-screw pair for precise control. The longitudinal moving pair includes a longitudinal slider 481 movably mounted on the horizontal slider 472, and a longitudinal drive assembly 482 driving the longitudinal slider 481. The longitudinal moving pair can be driven by a cylinder. The rotary drive assembly 46 is specifically a CNC servo motor; the CNC servo motor controls the rotation of the suction cup and the blades it picks up to a suitable angle based on AI-captured photos of the blades to be screened. In this design, because the blades delivered by the vibratory feeder have inconsistent orientations, a CNC servo motor is used to drive the rotation, allowing for precise control of the rotation angle each time.

[0060] The operation of the automatic assembly machine for the blade lock cylinder is roughly as follows: The blade sleeve feeding mechanism 3 loads the blade sleeve 206 into the positioning port 21 of the base turntable 2, and the handle part 206b of the blade sleeve 206 is inserted into the positioning port 21. Then, the positioning drive assembly drives the positioning seat 23 to sink and sleeve the sleeve part 206a of the blade sleeve 206, thereby positioning the blade sleeve 206 and fixing it on the clamping station. During the rotation of the base turntable 2, the blade sleeve 206 passes through the feeding station, multiple blade 207 installation stations, and the unloading station. After the blade 207 is assembled, it is removed from the unloading station. During this process, the positioning seat 23 on the mounting bracket 22 and the positioning drive assembly always correspond to the blade sleeve 206 on the positioning port 21 to ensure that the blade sleeve 206 and the installed blades 207 are firmly positioned throughout the process, and the blades 207 on the blade sleeve 206 can be further fixed by negative pressure adsorption. During the rotation of the base turntable 2, the three sets of automatic blade feeding and assembly devices 4, based on the recognition of the key tooth arrangement, respectively insert three types of blades 207 into the blade slots 2061 of the blade sleeve 206. The vibratory plate of the automatic blade feeding and assembly device 4 outputs the blades 207 through vibration. The material selection mechanism uses an AI camera to take pictures of the blades 207 to determine the orientation of the blades 207. The suction cup 45 adsorbs the blades 207 to be selected. Based on AI judgment, the rotation drive component 46 is controlled to rotate the drive suction cup 45 and the adsorbed blades 207 to a suitable angle. The moving bracket places the blades 207 on the positioning rod 42 of the blade feeding mechanism. Finally, the lifting base 40 adjusts the height of the blade feeding mechanism to keep it consistent with the height of the corresponding blade slot 2061. The blade feeding pusher 444 moves in and out of the positioning groove 441, which can push the bottom blade 207 out of the blade pushing port 443 to realize the feeding of the blades 207.

[0061] It is particularly important to emphasize that during the operation of the above-mentioned automatic assembly machine for blade lock cylinders, the feeding station for feeding blade sleeves, the three sets of automatic blade feeding and assembly devices at the three installation stations for installing the three types of blades respectively, and the unloading of blade sleeves can all be carried out simultaneously. That is, each station is working at the same time, which greatly improves the assembly efficiency.

[0062] In summary, the automatic assembly machine for the blade lock cylinder described above achieves automated screening, sorting, feeding, and installation of the blades 207. This eliminates the need for manual installation of the pre-connected blades 207 into the assembly device, as described in the patent with announcement number CN215469328U, thereby reducing the workload of workers and improving assembly efficiency. Example 2

[0063] This embodiment provides an automatic assembly machine for wafer locks, including the automatic assembly machine for wafer lock cylinders as described in Embodiment 1. Other structures of the automatic assembly machine for wafer locks, such as steel ball assembly and cover assembly, can be found in the scheme described in the prior patent with publication number "CN114833569B".

[0064] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic assembly machine for a blade lock cylinder, comprising a frame (1), a base turntable (2) mounted on the frame (1), a blade sleeve feeding mechanism (3), multiple sets of automatic blade discharge and assembly devices (4), and a lock cylinder unloading mechanism (5) arranged circumferentially on the frame (1) along the base turntable (2); a clamping station for fixing the blade sleeve (206) is provided on the outer edge of the base turntable (2), and the blade sleeve feeding mechanism (3) is used to transport the blade sleeve (206) to the clamping station; characterized in that: The automatic blade feeding and assembly device (4) includes a blade feeding mechanism for receiving blades (207) with a specific orientation, and a blade loading mechanism for feeding the blades (207) into the blade slots (2061) of the blade sleeve (206). The blade feeding mechanism is mounted on a lifting base (40) and includes a positioning frame (41) and a positioning rod (42) movably mounted on the positioning frame (41). The positioning frame (41) includes an upper positioning block (43) and a lower positioning block (44). The upper positioning block (43) and the lower positioning block (44) are respectively equipped with positioning through holes (431) and positioning grooves (441) that are adapted to the outer contour of the blade (207). The positioning through holes (431) and positioning grooves (441) are axially opposite to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the rod (42) is adapted to the shaft hole at the center of the blade (207), and the positioning rod (42) is movably inserted into the positioning through hole (431) of the upper positioning block (43) and the positioning groove (441) of the lower positioning block (44) and positioned by the blade (207) inserted on it; the lower end of the lower positioning block (44) is provided with a blade feeding port (442) and a blade pushing port (443) connected to its positioning groove (441) on both sides, the blade feeding port (442) and the blade pushing port (443) are radially opposite and their height is adapted to the thickness of a single blade (207); the blade feeding mechanism includes a blade feeding pusher (444) disposed in the blade pushing port (443) and a blade feeding component (445) connected to the blade feeding pusher (444). The lower end of the positioning rod (42) is provided with an inclined surface (421) facing the blade pusher (443); the upper end of the positioning rod (42) extends out of the positioning through hole (431) of the upper positioning block (43), and the upper end of the positioning rod (42) is constructed as an inlet end (422) that is narrower to wider from top to bottom. The automatic blade feeding and assembly device (4) further includes a vibratory plate for outputting specific blades (207), a material selection mechanism set on the discharge end of the vibratory plate, and a blade feeding mechanism for receiving the blades (207). The material selection mechanism includes an AI camera for taking pictures of the blades (207) to be screened, a suction cup (45) for adsorbing and fixing the blades (207) to be screened, a rotary drive component (46) for driving the suction cup (45) to rotate, and a moving bracket for driving the suction cup (45) to move. After the AI ​​camera takes pictures of the blades (207) to be screened, the suction cup (45) adsorbs the blades (207) to be screened. Based on the AI ​​judgment, the rotary drive component (46) is controlled to rotate the suction cup (45) and the blades (207) it adsorbs to a suitable angle. The moving bracket places the blades (207) on the positioning rod (42) of the blade feeding mechanism. The base turntable (2) has multiple positioning ports (21) arranged circumferentially along its edge for inserting the handle (206b) of the blade sleeve (206). A mounting bracket (22) is fixedly connected to the center of the base turntable (2), and the mounting bracket (22) rotates synchronously with the base turntable (2). The mounting bracket (22) is provided with a positioning seat (23) and a positioning drive assembly above each positioning port (21). The positioning drive assembly includes a lifting drive component (24) for driving the positioning seat (23) to rise and fall, and a rotation drive component (25) for driving the positioning seat (23) to rotate. The positioning seat (23) has a positioning cavity (231) that accommodates the sleeve part (206a) of the blade sleeve (206). The positioning cavity (231) has a slot (232) on the side wall of the positioning seat (23) for the blade slot (2061) to be exposed. The positioning seat (23) is also provided with a negative pressure suction port (233) that communicates with the inside of the positioning cavity (231), and a through hole (234) that communicates with the negative pressure suction port (233) is opened on the inner side wall of the positioning cavity (231) corresponding to the slot (232).

2. The automatic assembly machine for a leaf lock cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable support includes at least a horizontal movable pair and a longitudinal movable pair disposed on the horizontal movable pair; the rotary drive assembly (46) is disposed on the movable end of the longitudinal movable pair; the horizontal movable pair includes a horizontal movable support (471), a horizontal slider (472) slidably disposed on the horizontal movable support (471), and a transverse drive assembly (473) for driving the horizontal slider (472); the longitudinal movable pair includes a longitudinal slider (481) slidably disposed on the horizontal slider (472), and a longitudinal drive assembly (482) for driving the longitudinal slider (481); the rotary drive assembly (46) is a CNC servo motor; the CNC servo motor controls the suction cup (45) and the blades it adsorbs to rotate to a suitable angle based on AI-captured photos of the blades to be screened.

3. The automatic assembly machine for a leaf lock cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotary drive component (25) is disposed on the output end of the lifting drive component (24), the inner end of the positioning seat (23) is connected to the output end of the rotary drive component (25), and the positioning groove (441) is constructed on the outer end of the positioning seat (23).

4. The automatic assembly machine for a leaf lock cylinder according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting drive component (24) is a lifting cylinder, and a mounting base (26) is provided on the output end of the lifting cylinder. The rotation drive component (25) is a rotation cylinder, and the rotation cylinder is mounted on the mounting base (26).

5. An automatic assembly machine for a leaf lock cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the mounting bracket (22) is also provided with an air pipe connector (27). The air pipe connector (27) includes a first component (271) connected to the main air pipe (273) and a second component (272) fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket (22). The first component (271) and the second component (272) are rotatably connected and communicate with each other through the air passage at the axis. The second component (272) of the air pipe connector (27) is connected to the lifting drive component (24), the rotating drive component (25) and the negative pressure suction port (233) of the positioning seat (23) through the bronchus.

6. An automatic assembly machine for leaf locks, characterized in that: The automatic assembly machine for the blade lock cylinder as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images