Device for bending FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) in batches

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for FPC batch bending, which comprises a rack, an upper bending assembly positioned at the upper end of the rack and a lower bending assembly positioned at the lower end of the rack, and is characterized in that the upper bending assembly and the lower bending assembly are both provided with forming surfaces with the same shape as the processing surface of the upper part of an FPC workpiece finished product so as to ensure that the shape of the finished product is accurately copied when a punch is pressed down. The upper bending assembly comprises a first driving mechanism and a plurality of punches driven by the first driving mechanism to move up and down. The lower bending assembly comprises a carrier material disc located below the upper bending assembly, machining stations which are the same as the punches in number and are correspondingly arranged are arranged on the carrier material disc, the upper bending assembly and the lower bending assembly work cooperatively, the FPC is clamped and shaped on the machining stations, multiple workpieces can be processed through one-time operation, in other words, batch bending is achieved, the production efficiency is greatly improved, and the production cost is reduced. And deformation or deviation of manual operation is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bending fixture technology, and more particularly to an apparatus for batch bending of FPC. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) are highly reliable and extremely flexible printed circuit boards. With the rapid development of electronic devices, FPCs are increasingly widely used in various electronic products due to their thinness, lightness, and flexibility.

[0003] FPCs require bending during production to meet specific installation needs. However, existing bending fixtures, such as the BLPB25-B manual bending fixture and the GS78 manual bending fixture, while ensuring bending results on the production line, have the following drawbacks due to their complex operation: 1. Manual placement, pushing into the fixture, and pressing down are required, severely impacting work efficiency. 2. Bending angles and creases depend on the operator's feel, making it impossible to guarantee consistent product specifications every time. 3. Products need to be placed quickly during bending to supply subsequent processes, resulting in high repeatability and low error tolerance. If a product is not placed in the required position, manual pressing can be performed, leading to defective products. 4. Each product requires a complete bending operation to achieve the desired shape, resulting in low efficiency and wasted effort for production line operators.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides an apparatus for batch bending of FPC, which aims to achieve efficient and accurate batch bending of FPC workpieces, improve production efficiency and bending quality, and meet the high requirements of modern industry for FPC processing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for batch bending of FPC, which solves the problems of low efficiency and unstable quality of existing bending fixtures using manual bending.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An apparatus for batch bending of FPC includes a frame, an upper bending assembly located at the upper end of the frame, and a lower bending assembly located at the lower end of the frame. Both the upper and lower bending assemblies have forming surfaces with the same shape as the upper part of the machined surface of the FPC workpiece. The upper bending assembly includes a first driving mechanism and a plurality of punches driven by the first driving mechanism to move up and down. The lower bending assembly includes a carrier tray located below the upper bending assembly, and the carrier tray has processing positions that are the same number as the number of punches and are correspondingly arranged.

[0007] Furthermore, the carrier tray includes a tray body and a gripping portion fixed on the tray body and extending away from the tray body, with a plurality of processing positions arranged on the tray body; The processing position includes a groove recessed in the material tray body, protrusions located on both sides of the groove and protruding from the material tray body, and limiting cavities located on both sides of the groove and recessed in the material tray body. The limiting cavities are set lower than the groove, and push blocks are placed in the limiting cavities to limit the FPC workpiece on the groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the processing station also includes a first through hole penetrating the material tray body, the first through hole being positioned directly opposite the groove; when the FPC workpiece is installed on the processing station, the FPC workpiece portion is located above the first through hole; The downward bending assembly further includes a support plate, a first support plate mounted above the support plate, a top block, and a second support plate. The support plate and the first support plate are respectively provided with a second through hole and a third through hole facing the first through hole. The first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole communicate with each other to form a channel. The lower end of the top block is connected to the second support plate, and the upper end of the top block is movably connected within the channel. The carrier tray is located above the first support plate. Both the punch and the ejector block have forming surfaces that have the same shape as the machined surface of the FPC workpiece. The frame is provided with several vertical guide rods, and the bearing plate is slidably connected to the guide rods; The tray body and the gripping part are combined to form a T-shape.

[0009] Furthermore, a first slide rail parallel to the extending direction of the gripping part is provided above the support plate, a first slider cooperating with the first slide rail is fixed at the lower end of the first tray, and a second driving mechanism for pushing the first tray to slide along the first slide rail is provided on the support plate; The top block and the channel are both inclined. The lower end of the top block is engaged with the second support plate. A second slide rail is provided on the bottom plate at the bottom of the frame. A second slider that cooperates with the second slide rail is fixed at the lower end of the second support plate. The extension direction of the second slide rail is parallel to the projection of the inclined top block on the horizontal plane. A return spring is provided between the bottom end of the support plate and the base plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the first pallet is provided with a plurality of positioning blocks for restricting the horizontal movement of the carrier tray, and the positioning blocks form a receiving cavity for placing the tray body; The tray body and the first tray are provided with corresponding positioning pin holes at corresponding positions; Both the tray body and the first tray are made of non-magnetic materials. Corresponding magnetic attraction holes are provided at corresponding positions on the tray body and the first tray. The magnetic attraction holes and the positioning pin holes are staggered.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper bending assembly also includes a mounting plate fixed to the output end of the first drive mechanism, an upper connector fixed to the lower end of the mounting plate, and a lower connector slidably connected to the upper connector. The punch is fixed to the lower end of the lower connector, and a buffer spring is provided between the upper connector and the lower connector. The frame is provided with several vertical guide rods, and the mounting plate is slidably connected to the guide rods.

[0012] Furthermore, a safety light curtain is provided on the side of the frame near the gripping part; when the processing position on the carrier tray is directly opposite the punch, the gripping part is completely located inside the plane of the safety light curtain. The device for batch bending of FPC also includes a control module. When the safety light curtain detects an obstruction on its plane, the safety light curtain sends a signal to the control module, which then controls the first drive mechanism to stop working.

[0013] Furthermore, the lower end of the mounting plate is fixed with a downwardly extending first limiting member, and the bottom plate at the bottom of the frame is vertically provided with a first limiting groove that cooperates with the first limiting member; when the bottom of the first limiting member abuts the bottom of the first limiting groove, the mounting plate reaches the maximum downward displacement.

[0014] Furthermore, a second limiting member extending downward is fixed at the lower end of the bearing plate, and a second limiting groove that cooperates with the second limiting member is vertically provided on the bottom plate at the bottom of the frame; when the bottom of the second limiting member abuts the bottom of the second limiting groove, the bearing plate reaches the maximum downward displacement. A limiting frame is fixed on the base plate, and a third limiting member extending downward is provided on the limiting frame. When the upper end of the bearing plate abuts against the third limiting member, the bearing plate reaches the maximum upward displacement. A fourth limiting member is provided on the side of the bearing plate away from the gripping part. When the first pallet abuts against the fourth limiting member, the processing position is directly opposite the corresponding punch. The second drive mechanism is one of an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes two start buttons and one emergency stop button. The first drive mechanism starts working only when both start buttons are pressed at the same time, and stops working when the emergency stop button is pressed. The first driving mechanism is one of an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention achieves simultaneous bending of multiple FPC workpieces in a single pressing motion by coordinating multiple processing stations on the carrier tray with multiple punches in the upper bending assembly, significantly improving overall production efficiency. Furthermore, the automated bending process, coupled with a forming surface that matches the finished shape of the FPC workpiece, avoids deformation or deviation caused by manual operation, ensuring stable production quality.

[0017] This invention employs a top block and a punch to achieve bidirectional bending force, with the workpiece partially suspended above the through-hole, facilitating uniform pressure application, reducing stress concentration, and improving bending efficiency through overall coordination, thus avoiding defects caused by uneven local deformation of the workpiece. Furthermore, the inclined top block and channel in this invention optimize the force transmission path through angle design, decomposing the vertical load into an inclined extrusion force for bending the FPC workpiece and a tangential force driving the second support plate horizontally. The inclined extrusion force experienced by the FPC workpiece at the bending point can be decomposed into a vertical upward pushing force and a horizontal extrusion force. The vertical upward pushing force causes the top block to gradually move towards the next bending point of the FPC workpiece, while the horizontal extrusion force ensures that the bending area of ​​the FPC workpiece remains in contact with the forming surface. In other words, the two work together to achieve vertical displacement + horizontal pressing, ensuring that the bending area of ​​the workpiece always receives a composite force precisely matched with the forming surface, eliminating the springback deviation caused by traditional vertical lifting.

[0018] This invention integrates the real-time monitoring function of a safety light curtain and a control module. The safety light curtain monitors the operating area and triggers a signal when an object (such as the operator's hand or grip) enters the light curtain plane. The grip position is designed to ensure no obstruction during bending, providing real-time safety protection to prevent pinching accidents and improve the safety of the operating environment. On the other hand, it avoids the device starting to work before the material tray is properly installed, which would affect the bending quality of the FPC workpiece and prevent NG products. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, 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.

[0020] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the device for batch bending of FPC in this invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the device for batch bending of FPCs in this invention, with some structural elements hidden.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for batch bending of FPCs in this invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a right view of the apparatus for batch bending of FPCs in this invention, with some structural elements hidden.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the connection between the carrier tray, the support plate, the first pallet, and the second drive mechanism in this invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the carrier tray in this invention.

[0027] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connection between the limiting frame and the third limiting member of the present invention.

[0029] Illustration: 100, Frame; 110, Base plate; 111, Second slide rail; 112, First limit groove; 113, Second limit groove; 114, Limit frame; 115, Third limit component; 120, Guide rod; 130, Return spring; 140, Safety light curtain; 150, Start button; 160, Emergency stop button; 200. Upper bending assembly; 210. First drive mechanism; 220. Punch; 230. Mounting plate; 231. First limiting member; 240. Upper connector; 250. Lower connector; 260. Buffer spring; 300. Downward bending assembly; 310. Carrier tray; 311. Tray body; 3111. Groove; 3112. Protrusion; 3113. Limiting cavity; 3114. First through hole; 3115. Positioning pin hole; 3116. Magnetic suction hole; 312. Grip part; 320. Bearing plate; 321. Second through hole; 322. First slide rail; 323. Second limiting member; 324. Fourth limiting member; 330. First support plate; 331. Third through hole; 332. First slider; 333. Positioning block; 340. Top block; 350. Second support plate; 351. Second slider; 360. Second drive mechanism; 400. Control module; 500, FPC workpiece. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a component positioned centrally in the connection.

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] The apparatus for batch bending of FPCs described in this invention is used to perform batch bending of FPCs, where FPC is the abbreviation for Flexible Printed Circuit Board, a type of highly reliable and highly flexible printed circuit board. The apparatus for batch bending of FPCs described in this invention, combined with... Figures 1-4 As shown, the assembly includes a frame 100, an upper bending assembly 200 located at the upper end of the frame 100, and a lower bending assembly 300 located at the lower end of the frame 100. Both the upper bending assembly 200 and the lower bending assembly 300 have forming surfaces with the same shape as the upper processing surface of the FPC workpiece 500, ensuring accurate replication of the finished product shape when the punch 220 presses down. The upper bending assembly 200 includes a first drive mechanism 210 and several punches 220 driven up and down by the first drive mechanism 210. The lower bending assembly 300 includes a carrier tray 310 located below the upper bending assembly 200. The carrier tray 310 has processing positions that are the same number and corresponding to the number of punches 220. The upper bending assembly 200 and the lower bending assembly 300 work together, clamping and shaping the FPC at the processing positions. Multiple workpieces 500 can be processed in one operation, achieving batch bending, significantly improving production efficiency, and avoiding deformation or deviation caused by manual operation.

[0034] like Figures 5-6As shown, the carrier tray 310 includes a tray body 311 and a gripping part 312 fixed to the tray body 311 and extending away from the tray body 311. Several processing positions are arranged on the tray body 311. The gripping part 312 facilitates the operator's gripping and moving of the carrier tray 310, improving operational convenience and safety. The arrangement of several processing positions on the tray body 311 optimizes the spatial layout, allowing multiple FPC workpieces 500 to be placed simultaneously for batch processing. The tray body 311 and the gripping part 312 combine to form a T-shape. The T-shaped design provides a larger gripping area and stability, facilitating operator gripping. The extension direction of the gripping part 312 optimizes the tray balance.

[0035] The processing position includes a groove 3111 recessed in the tray body 311, protrusions 3112 located on both sides of the groove 3111 and protruding from the tray body 3111, and limiting cavities 3113 located on both sides of the groove 3111 and recessed in the tray body 3111. The limiting cavity 3113 is set lower than the groove 3111, and a pusher is placed in the limiting cavity 3113 to limit the FPC workpiece 500 on the groove 3111. The groove 3111 is used to accommodate the FPC workpiece 500, the protrusions 3112 provide lateral limiting to prevent the workpiece 500 from shifting, and the limiting cavity 3113 is lower than the groove 3111 to form a recessed space for placing the pusher, further limiting the FPC workpiece 500 on the groove 3111, ensuring that the workpiece 500 maintains a stable position under bending impact and reducing the risk of displacement.

[0036] The processing station also includes a first through hole 3114 penetrating the material tray body 311, with the first through hole 3114 directly opposite the groove 3111. When the FPC workpiece 500 is installed on the processing station, a portion of the FPC workpiece 500 is located above the first through hole 3114. The lower bending assembly 300 includes a support plate 320, a first support plate 330 installed above the support plate 320, a top block 340, and a second support plate 350. The support plate 320 and the first support plate 330 are respectively provided with a second through hole 321 and a third through hole 331 directly opposite the first through hole 3114. Figure 7As shown, the first through hole 3114, the second through hole 321, and the third through hole 331 are interconnected to form a channel. The lower end of the top block 340 is connected to the second support plate 350, and the upper end of the top block 340 is movably connected within the channel. The carrier tray 310 is located above the first support plate 330. The channel is formed by the interconnection of the first, second, and third through holes 331, allowing the top block 340 to move up and down within the channel, assisting the upper bending assembly 200 in completing the bending action; the workpiece 500 is partially suspended above the through holes, which facilitates the application of uniform pressure, realizes bidirectional bending force, reduces stress concentration, improves bending efficiency, and avoids defects caused by uneven local deformation of the workpiece 500. In this embodiment, both the punch 220 and the top block 340 have forming surfaces with the same shape as the processed surface of the upper part of the FPC workpiece 500; the forming surface of the punch 220 directly contacts the surface of the FPC workpiece 500, applying pressure to deform it to a predetermined shape; shape matching ensures uniform pressure distribution.

[0037] The frame 100 is provided with several vertical guide rods 120, and the support plate 320 is slidably connected to the guide rods 120. The guide rods 120 guide the support plate 320 to slide smoothly in the vertical direction, ensuring that the lower bending assembly 300 does not shift laterally during the bending process. A first slide rail 322 parallel to the extension direction of the gripping part 312 is provided above the support plate 320. A first slider 332 cooperating with the first slide rail 322 is fixed at the lower end of the first support plate 330. A second drive mechanism 360 is provided on the support plate 320 for pushing the first support plate 330 to slide along the first slide rail 322. The second drive mechanism 360 pushes the first support plate 330 horizontally so that the first slider 332 slides in the first slide rail 322, and the first support plate 330 moves horizontally. The direction of the slide rail is parallel to the gripping part 312, which facilitates the loading and unloading of the material tray. A fourth limiting member 324 is provided on the side of the support plate 320 away from the gripping part 312. When the first pallet 330 abuts against the fourth limiting member 324, the processing position is directly facing the corresponding punch 220. When the second drive mechanism 360 pushes the first pallet 330 to move, the fourth limiting member 324 can ensure that the first pallet 330 can return to its original position, avoiding product defects caused by the punch 220 not being aligned with the processing position due to the first pallet 330 not returning to its original position during processing.

[0038] The top block 340 and the channel are both inclined. The lower end of the top block 340 is engaged with the second support plate 350. The bottom plate 110 at the bottom of the frame 100 is provided with a second slide rail 111. The lower end of the second support plate 350 is fixed with a second slider 351 that cooperates with the second slide rail 111. The extension direction of the second slide rail 111 is parallel to the projection of the inclined top block 340 on the horizontal plane. The inclined top block 340 and channel optimize the force transmission path through angle design, decomposing the vertical load into an inclined extrusion force for bending the FPC workpiece 500 and a tangential force driving the second support plate 350 horizontally. The inclined extrusion force on the FPC workpiece 500 at the bending point can be decomposed into a vertical upward pushing force and a horizontal extrusion force. The vertical upward pushing force causes the top block 340 to gradually move towards the next bending point of the FPC workpiece 500, while the horizontal extrusion force ensures that the bending area of ​​the FPC workpiece 500 is always in contact with the forming surface. This combination of vertical displacement and horizontal pressing ensures that the bending area of ​​the workpiece 500 always receives a composite force that precisely matches the forming surface, eliminating the springback deviation caused by traditional vertical lifting. A return spring 130 is provided between the bottom end of the support plate 320 and the base plate 110. The return spring 130 provides a restoring force after bending, helping the support plate 320 automatically return to its initial position. Figure 8 As shown, a limiting frame 114 is fixed on the base plate 110, and a third limiting member 115 extending downward is provided on the limiting frame 114. When the upper end of the bearing plate 320 abuts against the third limiting member 115, the bearing plate 320 reaches the maximum upward displacement. The third limiting member 115 limits the upward displacement of the bearing plate 320 to avoid excessive restoring force of the reset spring 130, which could cause collisions between the device components, especially to avoid collisions with the punch 220.

[0039] The first pallet 330 is provided with a plurality of positioning blocks 333 for limiting the horizontal movement of the carrier tray 310. The positioning blocks 333 form a receiving cavity for placing the tray body 311. The positioning blocks 333 surround the receiving cavity, fix the position of the tray body 311, and prevent horizontal movement. During the bending process, the tray is kept stable, ensuring that the processing position is accurately aligned with the punch 220, improving bending accuracy. It also reduces displacement caused by vibration, improving safety and consistency.

[0040] The tray body 311 and the first support plate 330 are provided with corresponding positioning pin holes 3115 at corresponding positions. The positioning pin holes 3115 achieve mechanical locking between the tray body 311 and the first support plate 330 through positioning pins, ensuring that the relative positions are fixed. The tray body 311 and the first support plate 330 are both made of non-magnetic materials. Corresponding magnetic suction holes 3116 are provided at corresponding positions on the tray body 311 and the first support plate 330. The magnetic suction holes 3116 and the positioning pin holes 3115 are staggered. The magnetic suction holes 3116 have embedded magnetic elements to generate an adsorption force to assist in fixing the tray body 311. The staggered arrangement avoids interference with the positioning pin holes 3115, and the fact that the tray body 311 and the first support plate 330 are both made of non-magnetic materials avoids affecting the positioning of the magnetic suction holes 3116.

[0041] The upper bending assembly 200 also includes a mounting plate 230 fixed to the output end of the first drive mechanism 210, an upper connector 240 fixed to the lower end of the mounting plate 230, and a lower connector 250 slidably connected to the upper connector 240. The punch 220 is fixed to the lower end of the lower connector 250. A buffer spring 260 is provided between the upper connector 240 and the lower connector 250. The buffer spring 260 absorbs the impact force when the punch 220 presses down, allowing the lower connector 250 to slide relative to the upper connector 240, reducing the damage to the FPC workpiece 500 caused by bending impact, especially since the FPC workpiece 500 is a vulnerable part, thereby improving the quality of the finished product; protecting the drive mechanism and reducing the maintenance frequency. Several vertical guide rods 120 are provided on the frame 100, and the mounting plate 230 is slidably connected to the guide rods 120. The guide rods 120 guide the vertical movement of the mounting plate 230, ensuring the accurate pressing path of the punch 220; the sliding connection reduces deviation. The mounting plate 230 has a fifth limiting member fixedly extending downward at its lower end. When the upper end of the bearing plate 320 abuts against the fifth limiting member, the mounting plate 230 and the bearing plate 320 reach their minimum distance. The fifth limiting member is provided to prevent the distance between the mounting plate 230 and the bearing plate 320 from being too small, to avoid excessive bending, and to avoid excessive impact on the FPC workpiece 500, the punch 220, and other components. At the same time, the fifth limiting member can also act as a force transmission member, transmitting the downward movement power of the mounting plate 230 to the bearing plate 320, causing the bearing plate 320 to move downward together.

[0042] A safety light curtain 140 is provided on the frame 100 near the gripping part 312. When the processing position on the carrier tray 310 is directly opposite the punch 220, the gripping part 312 is completely located within the plane of the safety light curtain 140. The device for batch bending of FPC also includes a control module 400. When the safety light curtain 140 detects an obstruction on its plane, it sends a signal to the control module 400, which then controls the first drive mechanism 210 to stop working. The safety light curtain 140 monitors the operating area and triggers a signal when an object (such as the operator's hand or the gripping part 312) enters the light curtain plane. The gripping part 312 is designed to ensure no obstruction during bending, providing real-time safety protection to prevent pinching accidents and improve the safety of the operating environment. It also prevents the device from starting work before the carrier tray is properly installed, which could affect the bending quality of the FPC workpiece 500 and prevent defective products.

[0043] The mounting plate 230 has a downwardly extending first limiting member 231 fixed at its lower end. A first limiting groove 112, which mates with the first limiting member 231, is vertically arranged on the bottom plate 110 at the bottom of the frame 100. When the bottom of the first limiting member 231 abuts against the bottom of the first limiting groove 112, the mounting plate 230 reaches its maximum downward displacement. The first limiting member 231 and the first limiting groove 112 physically limit the downward stroke of the mounting plate 230, preventing over-bending and protecting the punch 220 and workpiece 500 from excessive pressure damage; simultaneously, it ensures consistent bending depth and improves product quality.

[0044] The lower end of the bearing plate 320 is fixed with a downwardly extending second limiting member 323. A second limiting groove 113 that cooperates with the second limiting member 323 is vertically arranged on the bottom plate 110 at the bottom of the frame 100. When the bottom of the second limiting member 323 abuts against the bottom of the second limiting groove 113, the bearing plate 320 reaches the maximum downward displacement. The second limiting member 323 cooperates with the second limiting groove 113 to limit the downward position of the bearing plate 320, avoid overtravel, and at the same time maintain a consistent bending depth to improve product quality.

[0045] This embodiment also includes two start buttons 150 and one emergency stop button 160, all mounted on the frame 100. The first drive mechanism 210 only starts operating when both start buttons 150 are pressed simultaneously, and stops operating when the emergency stop button 160 is pressed. The dual start buttons 150 require simultaneous operation of both hands to activate the drive mechanism, forcing two-hand operation and preventing accidental start-up. The emergency stop button 160 provides a rapid response, improving efficiency in handling emergencies. In this embodiment, a baffle is also hinged to the frame 100, directly opposite the bending assembly 200. The baffle provides protection, and its hinged design facilitates opening. Furthermore, the baffle does not obstruct the carrier tray 310, allowing for easy handling of the carrier tray 310. A handle is provided on each side of the frame 100 for easy transport of the entire device.

[0046] In this embodiment, the device for batch bending of FPCs performs bending by pushing out the carrier tray 310 through the second drive module. After the operator removes the carrier tray 310 through the gripping part 312 and installs and positions the PFC workpiece 500, the carrier tray 310 is placed in the receiving cavity of the first pallet 330 through the gripping part 312 and precisely fixed by the positioning pin hole 3115 and the magnetic suction hole 3116. Then, the carrier tray 310 is pushed in through the second drive module to ensure that the processing position is aligned with the punch 220. Pressing the start button 150 with both hands simultaneously activates the first drive mechanism 210. The safety light curtain 140 monitors the area in real time. The first drive mechanism 210 will only work when the carrier tray 310 is fully pushed in and the hand leaves the plane where the safety light curtain 140 is located. This provides real-time safety protection and prevents pinching accidents, while also preventing the device from starting to work before the carrier tray is properly installed, which would affect the bending quality of the FPC workpiece 500. The first drive mechanism 210 drives the mounting plate 230 to move downwards, and the punch 220 presses against the FPC workpiece 500, causing the first support plate 330 and the bearing plate 320 to move downwards, resulting in relative movement between the through hole and the top block 340 until the FPC workpiece 500 contacts the top block 340. The FPC workpiece 500 is bent into shape under the bidirectional bending force of the punch 220 and the top block 340. During the bending process, the buffer spring 260 and the return spring 130 absorb the impact, and the guide rod 120 ensures that the movement is vertical. The first limiting member 231, the second limiting member 323, the first limiting groove 112, and the second limiting groove 113 limit the maximum displacement. After bending is completed, the punch 220 returns to its original position, and the return spring 130 pushes the bearing plate 320 to reset. The second drive module then pushes out the carrier tray 310. The operator holds the gripping part 312 to remove the carrier tray 310 and takes out the FPC workpiece 500 from it, before proceeding to the next set of FPC workpieces 500. This device utilizes the synergistic effect of the upper and lower bending components 300, and through precision forming surface and channel design, achieves efficient and accurate batch bending of FPC workpieces 500. The safety and control module 400 ensures reliable operation; and the bending angle and crease are no longer based on the operator's feel, but automated bending ensures that the product specifications are completely consistent each time.

[0047] The above-described 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 apparatus for batch bending of FPC, characterized in that: The assembly includes a frame (100), an upper bending assembly (200) located at the upper end of the frame (100), and a lower bending assembly (300) located at the lower end of the frame (100). Both the upper bending assembly (200) and the lower bending assembly (300) have a forming surface with the same shape as the upper part of the processing surface of the FPC workpiece (500). The upper bending assembly (200) includes a first driving mechanism (210) and a plurality of punches (220) driven up and down by the first driving mechanism (210). The lower bending assembly (300) includes a carrier tray (310) located below the upper bending assembly (200). The carrier tray (310) has the same number of processing positions as the punches (220) and correspondingly arranged.

2. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 1, characterized in that: The carrier tray (310) includes a tray body (311) and a gripping part (312) fixed on the tray body (311) and extending away from the tray body (311), with a plurality of processing positions arranged on the tray body (311); The processing position includes a groove (3111) recessed in the tray body (311), a protrusion (3112) located on both sides of the groove (3111) and protruding from the tray body (3111), and a limiting cavity (3113) located on both sides of the groove (3111) and recessed in the tray body (3111). The limiting cavity (3113) is set lower than the groove (3111), and a pusher is placed in the limiting cavity (3113) to limit the FPC workpiece (500) on the groove (3111).

3. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 2, characterized in that: The processing station also includes a first through hole (3114) penetrating the tray body (311), the first through hole (3114) being positioned opposite the groove (3111); when the FPC workpiece (500) is installed on the processing station, part of the FPC workpiece (500) is located above the first through hole (3114); The lower bending assembly (300) further includes a support plate (320), a first support plate (330) mounted above the support plate (320), a top block (340), and a second support plate (350). The support plate (320) and the first support plate (330) are respectively provided with a second through hole (321) and a third through hole (331) facing the first through hole (3114). The first through hole (3114), the second through hole (321), and the third through hole (331) are connected to form a channel. The lower end of the top block (340) is connected to the second support plate (350), and the upper end of the top block (340) is movably connected within the channel. The carrier tray (310) is located above the first support plate (330). Both the punch (220) and the top block (340) have forming surfaces with the same shape as the machined surface of the finished FPC workpiece (500); The frame (100) is provided with a plurality of vertical guide rods (120), and the bearing plate (320) is slidably connected to the guide rods (120); The tray body (311) and the gripping part (312) are combined to form a T-shape.

4. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first slide rail (322) parallel to the extension direction of the grip (312) is provided above the support plate (320), and a first slider (332) cooperating with the first slide rail (322) is fixed at the lower end of the first support plate (330). A second drive mechanism (360) for pushing the first support plate (330) to slide along the first slide rail (322) is provided on the support plate (320). The top block (340) and the channel are both inclined. The lower end of the top block (340) is engaged with the second support plate (350). A second slide rail (111) is provided on the bottom plate (110) at the bottom of the frame (100). A second slider (351) that cooperates with the second slide rail (111) is fixed at the lower end of the second support plate (350). The extension direction of the second slide rail (111) is parallel to the projection of the inclined top block (340) on the horizontal plane. A return spring (130) is provided between the bottom end of the bearing plate (320) and the base plate (110).

5. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first pallet (330) is provided with a plurality of positioning blocks (333) for restricting the horizontal movement of the carrier tray (310), and the positioning blocks (333) form a receiving cavity for placing the tray body (311); The tray body (311) and the first tray (330) are provided with corresponding positioning pin holes (3115) at corresponding positions. The tray body (311) and the first tray (330) are both made of non-magnetic materials. Corresponding magnetic suction holes (3116) are provided at corresponding positions on the tray body (311) and the first tray (330). The magnetic suction holes (3116) and the positioning pin holes (3115) are staggered.

6. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper bending assembly (200) also includes a mounting plate (230) fixed to the output end of the first drive mechanism (210), an upper connector (240) fixed to the lower end of the mounting plate (230), and a lower connector (250) slidably connected to the upper connector (240). The punch (220) is fixed to the lower end of the lower connector (250), and a buffer spring (260) is provided between the upper connector (240) and the lower connector (250). The frame (100) is provided with several vertical guide rods (120), and the mounting plate (230) is slidably connected to the guide rods (120).

7. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 2, characterized in that: A safety light curtain (140) is provided on the side of the frame (100) near the gripping part (312); when the processing position on the carrier tray (310) is directly opposite the punch (220), the gripping part (312) is completely located inside the plane of the safety light curtain (140); The device for batch bending of FPC also includes a control module (400). When the safety light curtain (140) detects that its plane is blocked, the safety light curtain (140) sends a signal to the control module (400), and the control module (400) controls the first drive mechanism (210) to stop working.

8. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting plate (230) is fixed with a downwardly extending first limiting member (231) at its lower end. A first limiting groove (112) that cooperates with the first limiting member (231) is vertically provided on the bottom plate (110) at the bottom of the frame (100). When the bottom of the first limiting member (231) abuts against the bottom of the first limiting groove (112), the mounting plate (230) reaches its maximum downward displacement.

9. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower end of the bearing plate (320) is fixed with a downwardly extending second limiting member (323), and a second limiting groove (113) that cooperates with the second limiting member (323) is vertically provided on the bottom plate (110) at the bottom of the frame (100); when the bottom of the second limiting member (323) abuts against the bottom of the second limiting groove (113), the bearing plate (320) reaches the maximum downward displacement; The base plate (110) is fixed with a limiting frame (114), and the limiting frame (114) is provided with a downwardly extending third limiting member (115). When the upper end of the bearing plate (320) abuts against the third limiting member (115), the bearing plate (320) reaches the maximum upward displacement. A fourth limiting member (324) is provided on the side of the bearing plate (320) away from the gripping part (312). When the first pallet (330) abuts against the fourth limiting member (324), the processing position is directly facing the corresponding punch (220). The second drive mechanism (360) is one of an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

10. The apparatus for batch bending of FPC according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes two start buttons (150) and one emergency stop button (160). The first drive mechanism (210) starts working when the two start buttons (150) are pressed at the same time, and stops working when the emergency stop button (160) is pressed. The first drive mechanism (210) is one of an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

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