An automatic nut insertion system

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic nut insertion system, relating to the field of in-mold injection molding technology for nuts. It includes an injection molding machine, with a nut feeding device on one side for automatically arranging and feeding nuts. A pressure-holding mechanism is located on the side of the nut feeding device away from the injection molding machine, which holds pressure on the injection molded parts flowing out of the machine. A conveyor belt is located on the side of the pressure-holding mechanism away from the nut feeding device, which transports the pressure-held injection molded parts. A transfer device is also located on one side of the injection molding machine, which can transfer nuts from the nut feeding device to the injection molding machine, transfer injection molded parts from the injection molding machine to the pressure-holding mechanism, and transfer pressure-held injection molded parts to the conveyor belt. This system can automatically complete nut arrangement and feeding, transfer, insertion into the injection molded parts, pressure holding, and conveying, moving the pressure holding work outside the injection molding machine, thereby reducing the usage time of the injection molding machine during product injection molding, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of in-mold injection molding technology for nuts, specifically an automatic nut insertion system. Background Technology

[0002] In manufacturing, to ensure a tight and stable connection between the nut and the injection-molded part, the nut is typically pre-positioned precisely within the molded part at a designated location before injection molding. In traditional manufacturing processes, this step often relies on manual operation, which is not only inefficient but also carries a high risk of human error, impacting the overall efficiency of the production line and product quality.

[0003] To overcome this limitation, modern manufacturing has introduced mechanical automation technology. Robotic arms precisely grasp nuts and place them in preset positions on injection molding machines. The injection molding machine then performs the injection molding process, integrating the nut with the molded part, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of nut insertion and ultimately increasing overall production efficiency.

[0004] However, injection-molded products still need to undergo a holding pressure process to ensure that they do not deform during cooling, thus guaranteeing the product's shaping effect and dimensional stability. In traditional production processes, holding pressure is usually completed inside the injection molding machine, causing the product to remain on the machine for a longer time to cool and set. While this approach ensures product quality, it undoubtedly prolongs the production cycle and reduces production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic nut insertion system. This automatic nut insertion system can automatically complete the arrangement, feeding, transfer, insertion into the injection molded part, pressure holding and conveying of nuts, and move the pressure holding work of the injection molded part outside the injection molding machine, thereby reducing the usage time of the injection molding machine during the product injection molding process, shortening the production cycle and improving production efficiency.

[0006] The above-mentioned optimized structure of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: an automatic nut insertion system, including an injection molding machine, a nut feeding device on one side of the injection molding machine, the nut feeding device being used for automatic nut arrangement and feeding, a pressure holding mechanism on the side of the nut feeding device away from the injection molding machine, the pressure holding mechanism being able to hold pressure on the injection molded parts flowing out of the injection molding machine, and a water flow pull on the side of the pressure holding mechanism away from the nut feeding device, the water flow pull being able to transport the injection molded parts after pressure holding;

[0007] The injection molding machine is also equipped with a transfer device on one side. The transfer device can transfer the nut on the nut feeding device to the injection molding machine, transfer the injection molded part on the injection molding machine to the pressure holding mechanism, and transfer the pressure-held injection molded part to the flow line.

[0008] In some embodiments, a vision inspection device is also included, which is located on the side of the injection molding machine near the nut feeding device, and the vision inspection device can inspect the nuts on the transfer device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the nut feeding device includes a feeding platform, on which a vibratory feeder assembly and a feeding assembly are provided, and at the bottom of the feeding platform is a control unit. The vibratory feeder assembly and the feeding assembly are both electrically connected to the control unit.

[0010] The vibratory feeder assembly includes a nut vibratory feeder, a linear vibration guide rail connected to the nut vibratory feeder, and a feeding component at the end of the linear vibration guide rail. The nut vibratory feeder can automatically sort and vibrate the nuts into the linear vibration guide rail, which can move the nuts from the nut vibratory feeder to the feeding component.

[0011] The feeding assembly includes a transverse cylinder, which is located at the end of the linear vibration guide rail. A feeding block is connected to the transverse cylinder. The feeding block is in contact with the linear vibration guide rail at one end. A placement groove is provided at the end of the feeding block near the linear vibration guide rail. The shape of the placement groove is adapted to the shape of the nut.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transfer device includes a base on which a robotic arm is mounted. The robotic arm can move between the injection molding machine, the nut feeding device, the pressure holding mechanism, and the conveyor belt. The robotic arm is equipped with a picking gripper, which can grasp and release nuts and injection molded parts.

[0013] In some embodiments, the picking clamp includes a fixing plate, the fixing plate is provided with a plurality of clamping cylinders, the clamping cylinders are connected to clamps, and the clamping cylinders can drive the clamps to clamp and release nuts;

[0014] The bottom of the fixing plate is provided with a clamping plate, which is perpendicularly connected to the fixing plate. The clamping plate is provided with multiple suction cups, which can pick up the injection molded parts.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressure holding mechanism includes a pressure holding frame, which is disposed between the nut feeding device and the conveyor belt. The pressure holding frame is provided with a plurality of pressure holding platforms distributed at equal intervals. The pressure holding frame is also provided with a plurality of lifting components, which are arranged one-to-one with the pressure holding platforms. The bottom of the lifting component is provided with a flipping component, and the bottom of the flipping component is provided with a pressure holding component. The pressure holding component can grab and release the injection molded part. The flipping component is disposed above the pressure holding platform.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly includes a lifting cylinder mounted on the pressure holding frame. The output shaft of the lifting cylinder is connected to the tilting assembly. The lifting assembly also includes two lifting sleeves symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lifting cylinder and fixed on the pressure holding frame. Each lifting sleeve is provided with a lifting rod, the bottom of which is connected to the tilting assembly, and the tops of the two lifting rods are connected to a connecting plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flipping assembly includes a flipping cylinder fixedly disposed at the bottom of the lifting assembly. The flipping cylinder is slidably and sealingly provided with a piston. The flipping cylinder is provided with a connection port connected to an external pneumatic device. The connection port is disposed between the piston and the inner top wall of the flipping cylinder. The piston is provided with a movable tooth at its bottom. The flipping cylinder is provided with a flipping groove at its bottom. A flipping block is provided in the flipping groove. The flipping block meshes with the movable tooth. A flipping plate is provided at the end of the flipping block away from the flipping cylinder. The pressure-holding assembly is provided on the flipping plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pressure holding assembly includes a pressure holding plate disposed at the bottom of the flipping assembly, the pressure holding plate being disposed corresponding to the pressure holding platform, a pressure holding member being provided at the end of the pressure holding plate away from the flipping assembly, and a plurality of telescopic suction cups being provided at the end of the pressure holding plate away from the flipping assembly, the telescopic suction cups penetrating the pressure holding member, and injection molded parts being provided on the plurality of telescopic suction cups;

[0019] The pressure-holding component includes a bottom cover, which is located at the end of the pressure-holding plate away from the flipping assembly. The bottom of the bottom cover is provided with a slidable sliding cover, and a pressure-holding cavity is provided between the sliding cover and the bottom cover. Multiple pressure-holding springs are provided on the inner wall of the bottom cover, and a pressure-holding rod is provided at the end of the pressure-holding spring away from the bottom cover. The pressure-holding rod passes through the sliding cover.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pressure holding rod is transitionally fitted with the sliding cover, the pressure holding rod is a square rod, and all four sides of the pressure holding rod away from the bottom cover have rounded corners.

[0021] The above-described technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0022] This invention, through an injection molding machine, a nut feeding device, a pressure holding mechanism, a continuous conveyor, and a transfer device, can automatically complete the arrangement, feeding, transfer, insertion into the injection molded part, pressure holding, and conveying of nuts, thereby reducing manpower, minimizing human interference, ensuring product yield, and moving the pressure holding work of the injection molded part outside the injection molding machine, thereby reducing the usage time of the injection molding machine during the product injection molding process, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0023] This invention uses a visual inspection device to automatically detect nuts on the transfer device, thereby ensuring accurate nut gripping, improving the system's response speed, and preventing the transfer device from transporting nuts empty. This avoids the production of injection molded parts without nuts, thus preventing defective products caused by missing nuts, reducing waste, and lowering costs.

[0024] This invention uses a pressure-holding component that can adapt to the shape of the injection molded part, thereby improving the uniformity of the pressure exerted by the pressure-holding component on the injection molded part and preventing deformation of the injection molded part under pressure, thus improving the shaping effect and dimensional stability of the pressure-holding component on the product. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention with the safety net removed;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the nut feeding device and control unit of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure-holding mechanism of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0034] Figure 9 For the present invention Figure 7 Enlarged view of point D in the middle;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the flipping component of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the pressure-holding component of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Injection molding machine; 11. Fixed mold; 12. Moving mold; 2. Nut feeding device; 21. Feeding platform; 22. Vibratory feeder assembly; 221. Nut vibratory feeder; 222. Straight vibration guide rail; 23. Loading assembly; 231. Lateral movement cylinder; 232. Loading block; 233. Placement slot; 3. Pressure holding mechanism; 31. Pressure holding frame; 32. Pressure holding platform; 33. Lifting assembly; 331. Lifting cylinder; 332. Lifting sleeve; 333. Lifting rod; 334. Connecting plate; 34. Tilting assembly; 341. Tilting cylinder; 342. Piston; 343. Moving part 344. Toothed bar; 345. Tilting groove; 346. Tilting block; 347. Tilting plate; 35. Pressure holding assembly; 351. Pressure holding plate; 352. Pressure holding component; 3521. Bottom cover; 3522. Sliding cover; 3523. Pressure holding chamber; 3524. Pressure holding spring; 3525. Pressure holding rod; 353. Telescopic suction cup; 4. Flow pull; 5. Transfer device; 51. Base; 52. Robotic arm; 53. Fixing plate; 54. Clamping cylinder; 55. Clamping clamp; 56. Clamping plate; 57. Suction cup; 6. Vision inspection device; 7. Safety net; 8. Control system. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", 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.

[0040] 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 technical features indicated. 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, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] 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 part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] refer to Figure 1-11 An automatic nut insertion system includes an injection molding machine 1, a nut feeding device 2, a pressure holding mechanism 3, a continuous conveyor 4, and a transfer device 5. These components work together to achieve automatic nut insertion and pressure holding and conveying of the injection molded parts. The injection molding machine 1 includes a fixed mold 11 and a moving mold 12. The fixed mold 11 and the moving mold 12 are pressed together to form an injection cavity for the injection molded part. The injection molding machine 1 injects plastic into the injection cavity to form the injection molded part. The fixed mold 11 has a reserved position for the nut, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. By placing the nut into the reserved position, the nut is inserted into the injection molded part. The injection molding machine 1 is responsible for the injection molding of the product. The nut feeding device 2 is provided on one side of the injection molding machine 1. The nut feeding device 2 can automatically arrange and supply nuts to ensure that the nuts can be transported to subsequent process stages in an orderly and accurate manner. The pressure holding mechanism 3 is provided on the side of the nut feeding device 2 away from the injection molding machine 1. The pressure holding mechanism 3 can hold the injection molded parts flowing out of the injection molding machine 1. Pressure holding is performed to prevent deformation of the injection molded parts during cooling, thereby ensuring the product's shaping effect and dimensional stability. A conveyor belt 4 is located on the side of the pressure holding mechanism 3 away from the nut feeding device 2. The conveyor belt 4 can transport the injection molded parts after pressure holding for subsequent processing or quality inspection. A transfer device 5 is also located on one side of the injection molding machine 1. The transfer device 5 can not only accurately transfer the nuts from the nut feeding device 2 to the injection molding machine 1 for insertion, but also transfer the injection molded parts that have completed injection molding on the injection molding machine 1 to the pressure holding mechanism 3 for pressure holding. After pressure holding, the injection molded parts are further transferred to the conveyor belt 4 for transport. The conveyor belt 4 can be a conveyor belt structure, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0043] In some embodiments, a vision inspection device 6 is also included. The vision inspection device 6 is located on the side of the injection molding machine 1 near the nut feeding device 2. The vision inspection device 6 can inspect the nuts on the transfer device 5 to ensure that the nuts are accurately placed on the transfer device 5, thereby effectively avoiding production failures or product quality problems caused by incorrect nut placement. The vision inspection device 6 can be a CCD vision inspection device, namely charge-coupled device vision inspection, which is a non-contact inspection technology based on CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensors. It can capture images of target objects through high-precision cameras, and then analyze and process the images through an image processing system to achieve accurate measurement and judgment of features such as size, shape, color, and position of the target object, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection by the vision inspection device 6. The vision inspection device 6 can be located above the nut feeding device 2 to facilitate real-time monitoring of the nut gripping situation of the transfer device 5, thereby improving the response speed. At the same time, it can avoid the occurrence of empty nut transport by the transfer device 5, avoid the production of nutless injection molded parts, thereby avoiding defective products caused by missing nut insertion and reducing waste.

[0044] In some embodiments, a safety net 7 is also included, which can isolate the work area from the operator, thereby protecting the operator.

[0045] refer to Figure 5-6 The nut feeding device 2 includes a feeding platform 21, which provides a stable base platform. A vibratory feeder assembly 22 and a feeding assembly 23 are mounted on the platform. The coordinated operation of the vibratory feeder assembly 22 and the feeding assembly 23 ensures the automatic and orderly supply of nuts. A control unit is located at the bottom of the feeding platform 21. Both the vibratory feeder assembly 22 and the feeding assembly 23 are electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit can be a microcontroller unit, which precisely controls and coordinates the vibratory feeder assembly 22 and the feeding assembly 23 via electrical connection.

[0046] The vibratory feeder assembly 22 includes a nut vibratory feeder 221, on which a linear vibration guide rail 222 is connected. A feeding assembly 23 is provided at the end of the linear vibration guide rail 222. The nut vibratory feeder 221 can automatically sort the nuts and vibrate them into the linear vibration guide rail 222. The linear vibration guide rail 222 can move the nuts from the nut vibratory feeder 221 to the feeding assembly 23. The nut vibratory feeder 221 can automatically sort the nuts and transmit them to the connected linear vibration guide rail 222 by vibration. The linear vibration guide rail 222 moves the nuts from the nut vibratory feeder 221 to the feeding assembly 23 stably, preparing for subsequent nut supply.

[0047] The feeding assembly 23 includes a transverse cylinder 231, which is located at the end of the vertical vibration guide rail 222. A feeding block 232 is connected to the transverse cylinder 231. The end face of the feeding block 232 near the vertical vibration guide rail 222 is in contact with the guide rail 222, ensuring that after the nut enters the feeding block 232, subsequent nuts are blocked by the feeding block 232, preventing them from falling off the vertical vibration guide rail 222. A placement groove 233 is provided at the end of the feeding block 232 near the vertical vibration guide rail 222. The shape of the placement groove 233 is adapted to the shape of the nut, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the nut during the feeding process.

[0048] The transverse cylinder 231 can drive the feeding block 232 to reciprocate laterally, thereby enabling the transverse cylinder 231 to complete one stroke and grab a nut from the linear vibration guide rail 222, thus realizing the automatic, orderly and stable supply of nuts.

[0049] refer to Figure 3-4 The transfer device 5 includes a base 51, which provides a stable and reliable operating platform. A robot arm 52 is mounted on the base 51. The robot arm 52 can be a five-axis robot arm or a six-axis robot arm. The robot arm 52 can move between the injection molding machine 1, the nut feeding device 2, the pressure holding mechanism 3, and the conveyor belt 4. At the same time, the robot arm 52 can rotate at its end to realize the material transfer between the injection molding machine 1, the nut feeding device 2, the pressure holding mechanism 3, and the conveyor belt 4. The robot arm 52 is equipped with a picking gripper, which can grasp and release nuts and injection molded parts.

[0050] Specifically, the picking fixture includes a fixed plate 53 connected to the end of the robotic arm 52. The fixed plate 53 is equipped with multiple gripping cylinders 54, each connected to a clamp 55. The gripping cylinders 54 can drive the clamps 55 to grip and release the nuts, ensuring the stability and safety of the nuts during transport. A holding plate 56 is located at the bottom of the fixed plate 53, perpendicularly connected to it. The holding plate 56 is equipped with multiple suction cups 57. These suction cups 57, through suction, can easily remove the injection molded parts from the injection molding machine or other equipment and stably transport them to the designated location. The suction force and stability of the suction cups 57 ensure that the injection molded parts are not damaged during transport.

[0051] By rotating the robotic arm 52, the positions of the fixed plate 53 and the clamping plate 56 can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the picking fixture to simultaneously grab nuts and injection molded parts. This reduces the number of movement steps of the robotic arm 52 between the injection molding machine 1, the nut feeding device 2, the pressure holding mechanism 3, and the conveyor belt 4, thereby shortening the gripping and releasing time of nuts and injection molded parts and improving production efficiency.

[0052] refer to Figure 7-11The pressure holding mechanism 3 includes a pressure holding frame 31, which is located between the nut feeding device 2 and the flow puller 4. The pressure holding frame 31 is provided with multiple pressure holding platforms 32 distributed at equal intervals. The pressure holding platforms 32 provide a solid foundation for subsequent pressure holding operations. The pressure holding frame 31 is also provided with multiple lifting components 33, which are set one-to-one with the pressure holding platforms 32 to ensure the independent operation of each pressure holding platform 32. The bottom of the lifting component 33 is provided with a flipping component 34, and the bottom of the flipping component 34 is provided with a pressure holding component 35. The pressure holding component 35 can grab and release the injection molded parts. The flipping component 34 is located above the pressure holding platform 32. The flipping component 34 drives the pressure holding component 35 to flip, thereby driving the injection molded parts on the pressure holding component 35 to flip. Through the action of the lifting component 33, the injection molded parts are driven down to the pressure holding platform 32, thereby realizing the pressure holding of the injection molded parts.

[0053] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly 33 includes a lifting cylinder 331, which is stably mounted on the pressure holding frame 31. A tilting assembly 34 is connected to the output shaft of the lifting cylinder 331. To ensure the stability and accuracy of the lifting process, the lifting assembly 33 also includes two lifting sleeves 332, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lifting cylinder 331 and fixed on the pressure holding frame 31. A lifting rod 333 is provided through the lifting sleeve 332. The bottom of the lifting rod 333 is connected to the tilting assembly 34, and the top of the two lifting rods 333 is connected to a connecting plate 334 to form a stable overall structure.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tilting assembly 34 includes a tilting cylinder 341, which is fixed to the bottom of the lifting assembly 33. A piston 342 is slidably and sealingly disposed inside the tilting cylinder 341, so that the piston 342 remains sealed to the tilting cylinder 341 while sliding inside the tilting cylinder 341. The tilting cylinder 341 is provided with a connection port, which is connected to an external pneumatic device. The external pneumatic device supplies or extracts gas into the tilting cylinder 341 through the connection port, thereby providing power for the piston 342 to rise and fall inside the tilting cylinder 341. The connection port is located between the piston 342 and the inner top wall of the tilting cylinder 341 to ensure the efficiency and stability of power transmission. The bottom of the piston 342 is provided with a moving rack 343, and the bottom of the tilting cylinder 341 is provided with a tilting groove 344. A tilting block 345 is provided in the tilting groove 344, and the tilting block 345 meshes with the moving rack 343. A tilting plate 346 is provided at the end of the tilting block 345 away from the tilting cylinder 341, and a pressure-holding assembly 35 is provided on the tilting plate 346.

[0055] When the external pneumatic device supplies air into the connection port, the air pressure between the piston 342 and the inner top wall of the flipping cylinder 341 increases, forcing the piston 342 to move downward, thereby driving the moving rack 343 to descend. Through the engagement of the moving rack 343 with the flipping block 345, the flipping block 345 is driven to rotate, thereby driving the flipping plate 346 and the pressure holding assembly 35 to flip together, realizing the flipping of the injection molded part. Then, the lifting cylinder 331 drives the injection molded part to fit onto the pressure holding table 32, realizing the pressure holding of the injection molded part.

[0056] In some embodiments, the pressure holding assembly 35 includes a pressure holding plate 351, which is disposed at the bottom of the flipping assembly 34 and is disposed corresponding to the pressure holding platform 32. A pressure holding member 352 is provided at the end of the pressure holding plate 351 away from the flipping assembly 34, and a plurality of telescopic suction cups 353 are provided at the end of the pressure holding plate 351 away from the flipping assembly 34. The telescopic suction cups 353 penetrate the pressure holding member 352, and injection molded parts are provided on the plurality of telescopic suction cups 353. When the telescopic suction cups 353 are extended, they protrude from the pressure holding member 352. The injection molded parts are picked up by the suction force of the plurality of telescopic suction cups 353. When the telescopic suction cups 353 are retracted, they form an embedded structure with the pressure holding member 352, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bottom surface of the pressure holding member 352 and thus ensuring the pressure holding effect of the pressure holding member 352 on the injection molded parts.

[0057] Specifically, the pressure holding component 352 includes a bottom cover 3521, which is located at the end of the pressure holding plate 351 away from the flipping assembly 34. The bottom of the bottom cover 3521 is provided with a sliding cover 3522. The bottom cover 3521 has a groove-shaped cross-section. The top of the sliding cover 3522 is provided with an annular groove. The bottom cover 3521 and the sliding cover 3522 are inserted into each other. The bottom of the bottom cover 3521 is provided with a protruding ring, and the top of the sliding cover 3522 is provided with a limiting groove. The diameter of the limiting groove is smaller than the diameter of the protruding ring, so that the bottom cover 3521 and the sliding cover 3522 can slide together. At the same time, the binding effect between the protruding ring and the limiting groove prevents the bottom cover 3521 and the sliding cover 3522 from separating.

[0058] To improve the uniformity of the force distribution of the pressure-holding component 352 on the injection molded part, thereby enhancing the pressure-holding effect of the pressure-holding component 352, the structural design of the pressure-holding component 352 allows the bottom of the pressure-holding component 352 to self-adjust the force distribution according to the external shape of the injection molded part. A pressure-holding cavity 3523 is provided between the sliding cover 3522 and the bottom cover 3521. Multiple pressure-holding springs 3524 are provided on the inner wall of the bottom cover 3521. A pressure-holding rod 3525 is provided at the end of the pressure-holding spring 3524 away from the bottom cover 3521, and the pressure-holding rod 3525 passes through the sliding cover 3522.

[0059] Specifically, when the injection molded part is placed between the pressure holding member 352 and the pressure holding table 32, the pressure holding plate 351 applies a force to the bottom cover 3521. Under the action of the force, the bottom cover 3521 moves towards the injection molded part. The movement of the bottom cover 3521 drives the pressure holding spring 3524 and the pressure holding rod 3525 to move towards the injection molded part. When the end of the pressure holding rod 3525 is in contact with the surface of the injection molded part, the injection molded part applies a reverse force to the pressure holding rod 3525. The pressure holding spring 3524 acts in the opposite direction to the bottom cover 3521 and the injection molded part. When force is applied, the parts are compressed and deformed. The magnitude of the reverse force on the pressure holding rod 3525 varies at different heights on the surface of the injection molded part. This results in different amounts of compression deformation of the pressure holding spring 3524. Consequently, the ends of multiple pressure holding rods 3525 exhibit the same shape as the surface of the injection molded part. While applying pressure to the injection molded part, the pressure holding rods 3525 also constrain the protruding parts of the injection molded part, preventing deformation of the protruding parts under pressure. This improves the shaping effect and dimensional stability of the pressure holding assembly 35 on the product.

[0060] In some embodiments, the pressure holding rod 3525 is transitionally fitted with the sliding cover 3522. Due to the deformation properties of the pressure holding spring 3524 under stress, the pressure holding rod 3525 moves within the sliding cover 3522 while the connection between the pressure holding rod 3525 and the pressure holding spring 3524 has a certain offset. This results in a certain amount of deformation when the end of the pressure holding rod 3525 contacts a protrusion on the surface of the injection molded part, allowing the rod surfaces of the multiple pressure holding rods 3525 to fit more closely to the protruding side of the injection molded part, thus improving the pressure on the protruding portion of the injection molded part. The constraint performance further enhances the anti-deformation ability of the injection molded part surface; the pressure holding rod 3525 can be a square rod, which can increase the contact area between the rod surface of the pressure holding rod 3525 and the protruding side of the injection molded part surface, thereby enhancing the anti-deformation ability of the pressure holding rod 3525 on the protruding part of the injection molded part surface. The four sides of the end face of the pressure holding rod 3525 away from the bottom cover 3521 are all rounded, which can make the pressure holding rod 3525 make smooth contact with the protruding part of the injection molded part surface, avoiding damage to the injection molded part by the sharp edges of the pressure holding rod 3525, thereby affecting the quality of the injection molded part.

[0061] In some embodiments, a control system 8 is also included. The control system 8 is electrically connected to the injection molding machine 1, the nut feeding device 2, the pressure holding mechanism 3, the conveyor belt 4, the transfer device 5, and the vision inspection device 6. The control system 8 may include devices such as a display and an input keyboard. Corresponding parameters can be input through the input keyboard, thereby realizing the automated control of the entire nut automatic implantation system. The specific structure and control principle of the control system 8 can be adjusted according to actual needs. This is the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The specific working principle is as follows:

[0063] In operation, the nut vibratory feeder 221 transmits the vibration of the nuts in a sorting manner to the linear vibration guide rail 222, which moves the nuts into the placement slot 233 of the feeding assembly 23. The transverse cylinder 231 moves the feeding block 232 carrying the nuts to the transfer device, where it awaits the gripper 52 to pick them up. At the same time, the end face of the feeding block 232 constrains the nuts at the end of the linear vibration guide rail 222 to prevent them from falling off.

[0064] The robotic arm 52 moves to the transfer position of the nut. By rotating the robotic arm 52, the fixing plate 53 is made vertical. The clamping cylinder 54 drives the clamp 55 to clamp the nut in the slot 233 of the loading block 232. Then the robotic arm 52 moves the nut to above the injection molding machine 1. During the movement, the visual inspection device 6 detects whether there is a nut on the transfer device 5 to ensure accurate nut gripping.

[0065] The robot arm 52 rotates to change the position of the fixed plate 53 and the clamping plate 56, making the clamping plate 56 vertical and facing the fixed mold 11. The suction cup 57 picks up the injection molded part from the fixed mold 11. The robot arm 52 then rotates to make the fixed plate 53 vertical, aligning the nut with the nut pre-reserved position on the fixed mold 11. The clamping cylinder 54 drives the clamp 55 to release the nut, placing it in the nut pre-reserved position on the fixed mold 11. The robot arm 52 moves to the pressure holding position, and at the same time, the injection molding machine 1 moves the moving mold 12. The moving mold 12 is pressed against the fixed mold 11, and injection molding begins, realizing the insertion of the nut.

[0066] After the robot arm 52 moves to the pressure holding station, it rotates to make the clamping plate 56 vertical and parallel to the pressure holding assembly 35. The telescopic suction cup 353 extends and adheres to the surface of the injection molded part. At the same time, the suction cup 57 releases the injection molded part. The robot arm 52 moves above the pressure holding table 32 and rotates to make the clamping plate 56 horizontal. The suction cup 57 picks up the injection molded part after pressure holding. The robot arm 52 moves above the flow line 4 and the suction cup 57 releases the injection molded part, allowing the injection molded part after pressure holding to flow with the flow line 4 to the next station. The robot arm 52 returns to the nut clamping station to perform the next round of operation.

[0067] After the telescopic suction cup 353 picks up the injection molded part, the piston 342 moves upward in the flipping cylinder 341 under the drive of the external pneumatic device, thereby causing the flipping block 345 to flip the injection molded part to a horizontal state. The lifting cylinder 331 drives the flipping assembly 34 and the injection molded part to descend, so that the injection molded part is attached to the pressure holding table 32. During this process, the telescopic suction cup 353 slowly retracts. Through the joint action of the lifting cylinder 331 and the pressure holding table 32, the pressure holding of the injection molded part is achieved.

[0068] After the pressure holding is completed, the telescopic suction cup 353 extends to pick up the molded part after pressure holding. The lifting cylinder 331 drives the pressure holding component 35, the flipping component 34 and the molded part to rise to the set position. The external pneumatic device acts in the opposite direction, causing the piston 342 to move downward in the flipping groove 344. Through the engagement of the moving rack 343 with the flipping block 345, the flipping plate 346 is flipped to a horizontal state, waiting for the robot arm 52 to move it to the flow line 4.

[0069] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic nut insertion system, characterized in that: Includes an injection molding machine (1), on one side of the injection molding machine (1) is a nut feeding device (2), the nut feeding device (2) is used for automatic arranging and feeding of nuts, the nut feeding device (2) is provided with a pressure holding mechanism (3) on the side away from the injection molding machine (1), the pressure holding mechanism (3) can hold pressure on the injection molded parts flowing out of the injection molding machine (1), the pressure holding mechanism (3) is provided with a water flow pull (4) on the side away from the nut feeding device (2), the water flow pull (4) can transport the injection molded parts after pressure holding; The injection molding machine (1) is also provided with a transfer device (5) on one side. The transfer device (5) can transfer the nut on the nut feeding device (2) to the injection molding machine (1), transfer the injection molded part on the injection molding machine (1) to the pressure holding mechanism (3), and transfer the pressure-held injection molded part to the flow line (4). The pressure holding mechanism (3) includes a pressure holding frame (31), which is located between the nut feeding device (2) and the flow pull (4). The pressure holding frame (31) is provided with multiple pressure holding platforms (32) distributed at equal intervals. The pressure holding frame (31) is also provided with multiple lifting components (33). The lifting components (33) are arranged one-to-one with the pressure holding platforms (32). The bottom of the lifting components (33) is provided with a flipping component (34). The bottom of the flipping component (34) is provided with a pressure holding component (35). The pressure holding component (35) can grab and release the injection molded parts. The flipping component (34) is located above the pressure holding platform (32). The flipping assembly (34) includes a flipping cylinder (341), which is fixed to the bottom of the lifting assembly (33). The flipping cylinder (341) is slidably and sealed with a piston (342). The flipping cylinder (341) is provided with a connection port, which is connected to an external pneumatic device. The connection port is located between the piston (342) and the inner top wall of the flipping cylinder (341). The piston (342) is provided with a moving tooth (343) at its bottom. The flipping cylinder (341) is provided with a flipping groove (344) at its bottom. A flipping block (345) is provided in the flipping groove (344). The flipping block (345) meshes with the moving tooth (343). A flipping plate (346) is provided at one end of the flipping block (345) away from the flipping cylinder (341). The pressure holding assembly (35) is provided on the flipping plate (346). The pressure holding assembly (35) includes a pressure holding plate (351), which is located at the bottom of the flipping assembly (34). The pressure holding plate (351) is positioned corresponding to the pressure holding platform (32). A pressure holding component (352) is provided at one end of the pressure holding plate (351) away from the flipping assembly (34). A plurality of telescopic suction cups (353) are provided at one end of the pressure holding plate (351) away from the flipping assembly (34). The telescopic suction cups (353) penetrate the pressure holding component (352). Injection molded parts are provided on the plurality of telescopic suction cups (353). The pressure-holding component (352) includes a bottom cover (3521), which is located at the end of the pressure-holding plate (351) away from the flipping assembly (34). The bottom of the bottom cover (3521) is provided with a sliding cover (3522), and a pressure-holding cavity (3523) is provided between the sliding cover (3522) and the bottom cover (3521). A plurality of pressure-holding springs (3524) are provided on the inner wall of the bottom cover (3521), and a pressure-holding rod (3525) is provided at the end of the pressure-holding spring (3524) away from the bottom cover (3521). The pressure-holding rod (3525) passes through the sliding cover (3522).

2. The automatic nut insertion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a vision inspection device (6), which is located on the side of the injection molding machine (1) near the nut feeding device (2). The vision inspection device (6) can inspect the nuts on the transfer device (5).

3. The automatic nut insertion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nut feeding device (2) includes a feeding platform (21), on which a vibratory feeder assembly (22) and a feeding assembly (23) are provided. A control unit is provided at the bottom of the feeding platform (21). The vibratory feeder assembly (22) and the feeding assembly (23) are both electrically connected to the control unit. The vibratory feeder assembly (22) includes a nut vibratory feeder (221), a linear vibration guide rail (222) is connected to the nut vibratory feeder (221), and the feeding assembly (23) is provided at the end of the linear vibration guide rail (222). The nut vibratory feeder (221) can automatically transmit the nut sorting vibration into the linear vibration guide rail (222), and the linear vibration guide rail (222) can move the nut from the nut vibratory feeder (221) to the feeding assembly (23). The feeding assembly (23) includes a transverse cylinder (231), which is located at the end of the linear vibration guide rail (222). A feeding block (232) is connected to the transverse cylinder (231). The feeding block (232) is close to the linear vibration guide rail (222) at one end and fits against the linear vibration guide rail (222). A placement groove (233) is provided at one end of the feeding block (232) close to the linear vibration guide rail (222). The shape of the placement groove (233) is adapted to the shape of the nut.

4. The automatic nut insertion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer device (5) includes a base (51), on which a robot (52) is provided. The robot (52) can move between the injection molding machine (1), the nut feeding device (2), the pressure holding mechanism (3), and the flow pull (4). The robot (52) is provided with a picking clamp, which can realize the gripping and releasing of nuts and injection molded parts.

5. The automatic nut insertion system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The picking clamp includes a fixed plate (53), on which a plurality of clamping cylinders (54) are provided. Each clamping cylinder (54) is connected to a clamp (55). The clamping cylinder (54) can drive the clamp (55) to clamp and release the nut. The bottom of the fixing plate (53) is provided with a clamping plate (56), which is vertically connected to the fixing plate (53). The clamping plate (56) is provided with multiple suction cups (57), which can pick up the injection molded parts.

6. The automatic nut insertion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting assembly (33) includes a lifting cylinder (331), which is mounted on the pressure holding frame (31). The output shaft of the lifting cylinder (331) is connected to the flipping assembly (34). The lifting assembly (33) also includes two lifting sleeves (332), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lifting cylinder (331) and fixed on the pressure holding frame (31). The lifting sleeves (332) are provided with lifting rods (333) through them. The bottom of the lifting rods (333) is connected to the flipping assembly (34), and the tops of the two lifting rods (333) are connected to connecting plates (334).

7. The automatic nut insertion system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure holding rod (3525) is transitionally fitted with the sliding cover (3522). The pressure holding rod (3525) is a square rod, and the four sides of the end face of the pressure holding rod (3525) away from the bottom cover (3521) are all rounded.

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