A device and method for assembling a cable zinc head and a plastic piece

Abstract

The application relates to a device and a method for assembling a cable zinc head and a plastic part, the method comprising the following steps: step 1, feeding a single steel rope and positioning the same, keeping the steel rope vertical, and the end zinc head upward; step 2, feeding the plastic part, and positioning the same on an assembling station; step 3, after the assembling station senses that the plastic part is in place, inserting the steel rope into the plastic part; step 4, pressing the zinc head on the plastic part; and step 5, discharging. The device for assembling the cable zinc head and the plastic part comprises a plastic part feeding mechanism, a plastic part positioning mechanism, a steel rope feeding mechanism, a zinc head positioning mechanism, an inserting mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a rack, and a clamping mechanism; the plastic part positioning mechanism comprises a moving air cylinder and two clamping heads; the steel rope feeding mechanism comprises a feeding hopper and a transmission pipeline; and the inserting mechanism comprises a pressing assembly and a transmission track. The application has the advantages that manual assembly can be replaced, semi-automatic assembly of the zinc head and the plastic part is realized, and the production line capacity is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of zipper cable processing technology, and in particular to a device and method for assembling zinc heads and plastic parts of zipper cables. Background Technology

[0002] A plastic component needs to be assembled onto the zinc head of the automotive control cable. This component acts as a low-friction bushing, reducing friction, wear, and noise. Current assembly involves manually threading a steel cable through the plastic component, securing the zinc head to it. However, this manual method is inefficient and does not meet the requirements of mass production.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to invent a method and apparatus that can replace manual assembly to achieve efficient assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for assembling zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable, which can improve assembly efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an assembly device for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable, specifically including a plastic part feeding mechanism, a plastic part positioning mechanism, a steel rope feeding mechanism, a zinc head positioning mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a unloading mechanism, a frame, and a clamping mechanism; the plastic part positioning mechanism is located at the discharge end of the plastic part feeding mechanism, the steel rope feeding mechanism is located above the zinc head positioning mechanism, the clamping mechanism is located below the zinc head positioning mechanism, and the unloading mechanism is located on one side of the clamping mechanism;

[0006] The clamping mechanism includes a clamping cylinder, a hinge joint, a connecting seat, and a transmission rod. The transmission rod has two transmission rods, and the clamping cylinder is hinged to the transmission rod through the hinge joint.

[0007] The plastic part positioning mechanism includes a movable cylinder and two clamping heads. The movable cylinder is connected to a clamping mechanism, which is connected to the clamping heads and the movable cylinder.

[0008] The two clamping heads are arranged opposite to each other. Each clamping head includes a clamping plate and a clamping rod. The clamping plate is connected to the corresponding transmission rod, and the clamping rod is connected to the clamping plate.

[0009] The steel rope feeding mechanism includes a feeding hopper and a transmission pipe, wherein the transmission pipe is connected to the bottom of the feeding hopper;

[0010] The zinc head positioning mechanism includes two positioning heads arranged opposite each other, each positioning head having a vertical through groove, and the positioning head being connected to one of the clamping mechanisms;

[0011] The clamping mechanism includes a pressing assembly and a conveying track. The conveying track is inclined, with its inlet end at the highest position. A clearance groove is provided in the middle of the conveying track, and the size of the clearance groove is smaller than the size of the plastic part. The inlet end of the conveying component is located directly below the zinc head positioning mechanism, and the pressing assembly is located above the outlet end of the conveying component. The pressing assembly includes a pressing cylinder and a pressing rod, and the pressing rod is connected to the pressing cylinder.

[0012] The feeding mechanism includes a driving component and a connecting rod. The driving component is connected to one end of the connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is connected to a plastic part positioning mechanism.

[0013] The frame is equipped with a material collection frame, which is located below the connecting rod.

[0014] As a further improvement to the invention, the connecting seat is provided with a guide groove, and the transmission rod is connected to the connecting seat through the guide groove.

[0015] As a further improvement to the invention, a limiting block is provided on the inner side of the clamping plate.

[0016] As a further improvement to the invention, the top of the through groove is provided with a flared opening.

[0017] As a further improvement to the invention, the feed end of the transmission track is provided with an arc-shaped transition section.

[0018] As a further improvement to the invention, stop side plates are provided on both sides of the transmission track.

[0019] As a further improvement to the invention, the frame is provided with two sensors, one of which is located below the zinc head positioning mechanism, and the other of which is located at the discharge end of the transmission track.

[0020] Based on the above-described assembly apparatus for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable, a second aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable, wherein operating the above-described assembly apparatus for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable includes the following steps:

[0021] Step 1: Insert a single steel rope and position it, keeping the rope vertical with the zinc end facing upwards;

[0022] Step 2: Load the plastic parts one by one and position the target plastic parts at the assembly station;

[0023] Step 3: After the assembly station senses the plastic part in place, the steel cable is released and inserted into the installation port of the plastic part as it falls vertically.

[0024] Step 4: Press the zinc end of the steel rope firmly onto the plastic part;

[0025] Step 5: Cut the assembled steel rope into pieces.

[0026] The key point of this invention is that a single steel rope is vertically inserted into the feeding hopper with the zinc head facing upwards. The zinc head positioning mechanism uses a clamping mechanism connected to it to stop the steel rope in the transmission pipe. The plastic part feeding mechanism feeds the plastic parts one by one. The plastic part positioning mechanism uses a clamping mechanism connected to it to quickly clamp a single target plastic part and transfer it to the assembly station, i.e., below the zinc head positioning mechanism. The zinc head positioning mechanism releases the steel rope, which falls through the mounting port of the plastic part, and the zinc head is stuck in the mounting port. Then, the plastic part positioning mechanism releases the target plastic part and resets. The assembled steel rope assembly continues to fall and enters the lower transmission track. After sliding along the inclined transmission track to its discharge end, the upper pressing assembly presses the zinc head and the plastic part together. Finally, the unloading mechanism clamps the assembled steel rope assembly away from the transmission track and transfers it to the collection frame.

[0027] The present invention provides an assembly device and method for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0028] It can replace manual assembly, enabling semi-automatic assembly of zinc heads and plastic parts, and increasing production line capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a zinc head and a plastic part of a cable according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an assembly device for zinc head and plastic parts of a cable;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an assembly device for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a positioning mechanism for plastic parts;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the plastic part positioning mechanism connection;

[0034] Figure 6 A sectional view of the positioning mechanism for plastic parts;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the zinc head positioning mechanism connection;

[0036] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the zinc head positioning mechanism;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission track structure;

[0038] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the zinc head and the plastic parts. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an assembly apparatus for a zinc head and a plastic part of a draw cable, such as... Figure 1-2 As shown, it specifically includes a plastic part feeding mechanism 1, a plastic part positioning mechanism 2, a steel rope feeding mechanism 3, a zinc head positioning mechanism 4, a clamping mechanism 5, a discharging mechanism 6, a frame 7, and a clamping mechanism 8; the plastic part positioning mechanism 2 is located at the discharge end of the plastic part feeding mechanism 1, the steel rope feeding mechanism 3 is located above the zinc head positioning mechanism 4, the clamping mechanism 5 is located below the zinc head positioning mechanism 4, and the discharging mechanism 6 is located on one side of the clamping mechanism 5.

[0042] Based on the above-described assembly apparatus for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable, a second aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable, wherein operating the above-described assembly apparatus for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable includes the following steps:

[0043] Step 1: Insert a single steel rope and position it, keeping the rope vertical with the zinc end facing upwards;

[0044] Step 2: Load the plastic parts one by one and position the target plastic parts at the assembly station;

[0045] Step 3: After the assembly station senses the plastic part in place, the steel cable is released and inserted into the installation port of the plastic part as it falls vertically.

[0046] Step 4: Press the zinc end of the steel rope firmly onto the plastic part;

[0047] Step 5: Cut the assembled steel rope into pieces.

[0048] The present invention further describes in detail the various devices involved in a cable zinc head and plastic part assembly device.

[0049] Plastic parts feeding mechanism 1

[0050] The plastic part feeding mechanism 1 can be an existing vibratory feeder and a linear feeder. In this embodiment, the vibratory feeder and the linear feeder are used. The vibratory feeder transmits each plastic part one by one, and the linear feeder uses the vibration of an electromagnet to linearly transmit each plastic part 93 conveyed by the vibratory feeder.

[0051] Clamping mechanism 8

[0052] like Figure 6-7As shown, the clamping mechanism 8 includes a clamping cylinder 81, a hinge joint 82, a connecting seat 83, and a transmission rod 84. The transmission rod 84 has two transmission rods 84. The clamping cylinder 81 is hinged to the transmission rod 84 through the hinge joint 82. The piston rod of the clamping cylinder 81 extends and retracts, causing the two transmission rods 84 connected to it to move closer or further apart.

[0053] The connecting seat 83 is provided with a guide groove 85. The transmission rod 84 is connected to the connecting seat 83 through the guide groove 85. The two transmission rods 84 always follow the guide groove 85, and the guide groove 85 plays a role in limiting and guiding.

[0054] Plastic part positioning mechanism 2

[0055] like Figure 4-6 As shown, the plastic part positioning mechanism 2 includes a movable cylinder 21 and two clamping heads 22. The movable cylinder 21 is connected to a clamping mechanism 8, which is connected to the clamping heads 22 and the movable cylinder 21.

[0056] Two clamping heads 22 are arranged opposite to each other. Each clamping head 22 includes a clamping plate 221 and a clamping rod 222. The clamping plate 221 is connected to the corresponding transmission rod 84, and the clamping rod 222 is connected to the clamping plate 221.

[0057] Two clamping rods 222 are positioned opposite each other via corresponding clamping plates 221, and move closer or further apart through the clamping mechanism 8, thereby clamping the plastic part 93. The clamping plates 221 clamp a single target plastic part 93 from the plastic part feeding mechanism 1, and then the moving cylinder 21 transfers the clamping head 22 along with the plastic part 93 to below the zinc head positioning mechanism 4, awaiting the insertion of the steel rope 91.

[0058] The inner side of the clamping plate 221 is provided with a limiting block 223. The limiting block 223 is positioned opposite to each other and can limit the clamping stroke of the clamping rod 222 to prevent the clamping rod 222 from clamping too tightly and scratching the surface of the plastic part 93.

[0059] Steel rope unloading mechanism 3

[0060] The steel rope feeding mechanism 3 includes a feeding hopper 31 and a transmission pipe 32, with the transmission pipe 32 connected to the bottom of the feeding hopper 31. The transmission pipe 32 serves a positioning function, ensuring that the steel rope 91 fed into the feeding hopper 31 remains vertical.

[0061] Zinc head positioning mechanism 4

[0062] like Figure 7-8As shown, the zinc head positioning mechanism 4 includes two opposing positioning heads 41. Each positioning head 41 has a vertically oriented through groove 42. The positioning heads 41 are connected to a clamping mechanism 8. The clamping mechanism 8 allows the two opposing positioning heads 41 to move closer or further apart. When the two positioning heads 41 move closer, the steel rope 91 is stopped in the through groove 42. When the two positioning heads move further apart, the steel rope 91 is released and falls rapidly down along the through groove 42. The top of the through groove 42 has a funnel-shaped opening 43. When the steel rope 91 is fed down into the through groove 42 along the feed funnel 31, the funnel-shaped opening 43 facilitates the smooth entry of the steel rope 91 into the through groove 42, preventing jamming.

[0063] Insertion mechanism 5

[0064] like Figure 9-10 As shown, the clamping mechanism 5 includes a pressing assembly 51 and a transmission track 52. The transmission track 52 is inclined, with the feeding end of the transmission track 52 at its highest position. A clearance groove 521 is provided in the middle of the transmission track 52. The size of the clearance groove 521 is smaller than the size of the plastic part 93, so that the steel rope 91 can pass through the clearance groove 521, but the plastic part 93 at its end is stuck on the transmission track 52. The feeding end of the transmission component 52 is located directly below the zinc head positioning mechanism 4, and the pressing assembly 51 is located above the discharge end of the transmission component 52. The pressing assembly 51 includes a pressing cylinder 511 and a pressing rod 512, and the pressing rod 512 is connected to the pressing cylinder 511.

[0065] The falling steel cable 91, carrying the plastic part 93, falls onto the transmission track 52 and slides down along the transmission track 52. The pressing cylinder 511 operates, pressing down the pressing rod 512 to press the zinc head 92 firmly onto the plastic part 93 to prevent it from loosening.

[0066] The feed end of the transmission track 52 is provided with an arc-shaped transition section 523 to provide a buffer distance for the rapidly falling steel rope assembly 9, so as to prevent the plastic part 93 that is about to collide from jumping up at the feed end of the transmission track 52 and affecting the precise docking of the steel rope 91 and the relief groove 521.

[0067] The transmission track 52 is provided with stop side plates 522 on both sides. The plastic part 93 slides along the stop side plates 522 on both sides to further limit the plastic part 93 and prevent the plastic part 93 from tilting too much during the sliding process, which would affect the pressing effect of the pressing rod 512.

[0068] Feeding mechanism 6

[0069] The unloading mechanism 6 includes a drive unit 62 and a connecting rod 61. The drive unit 62 is connected to one end of the connecting rod 61, and the other end of the connecting rod 61 is connected to a clamping mechanism 8. The clamping mechanism 8 is connected to a plastic part positioning mechanism 2. The plastic part positioning mechanism 2 connected to the unloading mechanism 6 can clamp the plastic part 93 at the discharge end of the transmission track 52. The drive unit 62 can be an existing motor. The motor drives the connecting rod 61 to rotate, bringing the clamped assembled steel rope assembly 9 out of the transmission track 52.

[0070] Rack 7

[0071] The frame 7 is equipped with a material collection frame 71, which is located below the connecting rod 61. The rotation direction and running time of the drive component 62 (motor) can be set by adjusting the machine and matched with the running time of the corresponding clamping mechanism 8. After the clamping mechanism 8 clamps the steel rope assembly 9 away from the transmission track 52, it releases the steel rope assembly 9 within a certain time. The steel rope assembly 9 falls into the material collection frame 71 below and the unloading is completed.

[0072] The frame 7 is equipped with two sensors 71, which can be existing photoelectric sensors for sensing the workpiece. One sensor 71 is located below the zinc head positioning mechanism 4. After the plastic part positioning mechanism 2 transfers the plastic part 3 to the area below the zinc head positioning mechanism 4, the sensor 71 senses the position of the plastic part 3. This sensor 71 converts the light signal into an electrical signal and transmits it to the terminal. The terminal processor sends the clamping mechanism 8 connected to the zinc head positioning mechanism 4 to release the stopped steel rope 91.

[0073] Another sensor 71 is located at the discharge end of the transmission track 52. When the assembled steel rope assembly 9 slides to the discharge end of the transmission track 52, the sensor 71 converts the sensed light signal into an electrical signal and transmits it to the terminal. The terminal processor sends a signal to the drive unit 62 to clamp the steel rope assembly 9 at the target position.

[0074] This invention discloses an assembly device for zinc heads and plastic parts of a cable. A single steel cable 91, with its zinc head 92 facing upwards, is vertically inserted into a feeding hopper 31. A zinc head positioning mechanism 4, using a connected clamping mechanism 8, stops the steel cable 91 in a transmission pipe 32. A plastic part feeding mechanism 1 feeds plastic parts 93 one by one. A plastic part positioning mechanism 2, using a connected clamping mechanism 8, quickly clamps and transfers a single target plastic part 93 to the assembly station, i.e., below the zinc head positioning mechanism 4. The zinc head positioning mechanism 4 then releases the steel cable 91, allowing it to fall through the mounting opening of the plastic part 93. Figure 11As shown, the zinc head 92 is stuck in the mounting port; then the plastic part positioning mechanism 2 releases the target plastic part 93 and resets, the assembled steel rope assembly 9 continues to fall and lands on the lower transmission track 52, and slides along the inclined transmission track 52 to its discharge end, after which the upper pressing assembly 51 presses the zinc head 92 and the plastic part 93 together; finally, the unloading mechanism 6 clamps the assembled steel rope assembly 9 away from the transmission track 52 and transfers it to the collection frame 71.

[0075] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A device for assembling a zinc head and plastic parts of a cable, characterized in that, Specifically, it includes a plastic parts feeding mechanism, a plastic parts positioning mechanism, a steel rope feeding mechanism, a zinc head positioning mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a discharging mechanism, a frame, and a clamping mechanism; the plastic parts positioning mechanism is located at the discharge end of the plastic parts feeding mechanism, the steel rope feeding mechanism is located above the zinc head positioning mechanism, the clamping mechanism is located below the zinc head positioning mechanism, and the discharging mechanism is located on one side of the clamping mechanism; The clamping mechanism includes a clamping cylinder, a hinge joint, a connecting seat, and a transmission rod. There are two transmission rods, and the clamping cylinder is hinged to the transmission rod through the hinge joint. The plastic part positioning mechanism includes a movable cylinder and two clamping heads. The movable cylinder is connected to a clamping mechanism, which is connected to the clamping heads. The two clamping heads are arranged opposite to each other. Each clamping head includes a clamping plate and a clamping rod. The clamping plate is connected to the corresponding transmission rod, and the clamping rod is connected to the clamping plate. The steel rope feeding mechanism includes a feeding hopper and a transmission pipe, wherein the transmission pipe is connected to the bottom of the feeding hopper; The zinc head positioning mechanism includes two positioning heads arranged opposite each other, each positioning head having a vertical through groove, and the positioning head being connected to one of the clamping mechanisms; The clamping mechanism includes a pressing assembly and a conveying track. The conveying track is inclined, with the feeding end of the conveying track at its highest position. A clearance groove is provided in the middle of the conveying track, and the size of the clearance groove is smaller than the size of the plastic part. The feeding end of the conveying track is located directly below the zinc head positioning mechanism, and the pressing assembly is located above the discharging end of the conveying track. The pressing assembly includes a pressing cylinder and a pressing rod, and the pressing rod is connected to the pressing cylinder. The feeding mechanism includes a driving component and a connecting rod. The driving component is connected to one end of the connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is connected to a plastic part positioning mechanism. The frame is equipped with a material collection frame, which is located below the connecting rod.

2. The assembly device for zinc head and plastic parts of a cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting seat is provided with a guide groove, and the transmission rod is connected to the connecting seat through the guide groove.

3. The assembly device for zinc head and plastic parts of a cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping plate is provided with a limiting block on its inner side.

4. The assembly device for zinc head and plastic parts of a cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the through slot is provided with a flared opening.

5. The assembly device for zinc head and plastic parts of a cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feed end of the transmission track is provided with an arc-shaped transition section.

6. The assembly device for zinc head and plastic parts of a cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission track is equipped with stop side plates on both sides.

7. The assembly device for zinc head and plastic parts of a cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is equipped with two sensors, one of which is located below the zinc head positioning mechanism, and the other of which is located at the discharge end of the transmission track.

8. A method for assembling a zinc head and a plastic part of a cable, characterized in that, The assembly device for assembling a zinc head and plastic part of a cable according to any one of claims 1-7 specifically includes the following steps: Step 1: Insert a single steel rope and position it, keeping the rope vertical with the zinc end facing upwards; Step 2: Load the plastic parts one by one and position the target plastic parts at the assembly station; Step 3: After the assembly station senses the plastic part in place, the steel cable is released and inserted into the installation port of the plastic part as it falls vertically. Step 4: Press the zinc end of the steel rope firmly onto the plastic part; Step 5: Cut the assembled steel rope into pieces.

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