Art knife automatic assembly equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses an art knife automatic assembling device which comprises a rack, a conveying mechanism and a feeding unit, the feeding unit comprises a first feeding mechanism, the first feeding mechanism is used for feeding a knife handle and comprises a knife handle feeding device used for conveying the knife handle, a detection device used for detecting the posture of the knife handle and a correction device used for correcting posture errors, and the first feeding mechanism is used for feeding the knife handle. The correcting device is integrated with a first correcting assembly and a second correcting assembly which are used for automatically overturning and rotationally correcting the knife handles with the reverse front and back faces and the inverted front and back ends correspondingly, full-automatic recognition and correction of the posture of the knife handles are achieved through detection and dual-mode correction, manual visual inspection is replaced, and the correction efficiency is improved. Assembly interruption and part damage caused by feeding errors are avoided fundamentally, and the automation level of an assembly line is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of utility knife assembly technology, specifically to an automatic utility knife assembly device, which is particularly suitable for performing posture detection and automatic correction of the handle assembly of a utility knife during the assembly process, so as to achieve efficient and precise automated assembly of the utility knife. Background Technology

[0002] Utility knives, as a cutting tool widely used in office, industrial, and handicraft production fields, have a huge market demand. With the continuous development of automation technology, automated assembly lines for utility knives are gradually becoming an industry trend. Compared with traditional manual assembly methods, automated assembly can significantly improve production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure the stability and consistency of product quality.

[0003] In the automated assembly process of utility knives, the handle, as a crucial component, is vital for the smooth installation of subsequent components and the final product's performance and user experience. However, in the actual handle loading process, various factors during storage, transportation, and loading, such as vibration, collisions, and the mechanical movements of the loading unit, can easily lead to incorrect orientation, primarily including two scenarios: the handle being upside down or the front and rear ends being reversed.

[0004] Currently, existing automated assembly equipment for utility knives lacks an effective detection and correction mechanism for incorrect knife handle posture during the loading stage. Some equipment relies solely on simple mechanical positioning structures to attempt to limit the knife handle's posture during loading, but this method has low reliability and cannot completely prevent posture errors. If the knife handle enters subsequent assembly processes in an incorrect posture, it will lead to assembly failure, requiring manual intervention for rework, reducing production efficiency, and potentially damaging the equipment, increasing production costs.

[0005] In addition, some equipment attempts to use manual visual inspection to check the posture of the tool holder. However, this method is not only inefficient, but also easily affected by factors such as human fatigue and lack of concentration, resulting in inaccurate inspection results and failing to meet the needs of large-scale automated production.

[0006] Therefore, developing a device capable of accurately detecting and promptly correcting the handle posture during automated assembly of utility knives has become a pressing technical problem in the field of utility knife assembly. This application addresses this issue by proposing an automated assembly device for utility knives with handle posture detection and correction functions, effectively improving the efficiency and product quality of automated assembly of utility knives. Summary of the Invention This application aims to provide an automated assembly device for utility knives, addressing the problems of low assembly efficiency and increased production costs caused by the lack of effective posture detection and correction mechanisms in existing automated utility knife assembly equipment during the handle feeding stage. This device can accurately detect the handle posture and promptly correct handles with incorrect postures, achieving efficient and precise automated assembly of utility knives.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: An automatic assembly device for utility knives includes a frame, a conveying mechanism mounted on the frame, and a feeding unit arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism. The feeding unit is configured to sequentially convey various components of the utility knife onto the conveying mechanism for assembly. The feeding unit includes a first feeding mechanism; the first feeding mechanism includes: A tool holder feeding device, configured to transport tool holders; A detection device, mounted on the frame, is used to detect whether the tool holder's posture is a preset assembly posture; and A correction device, configured on the frame, is used to correct the tool holder with an incorrect posture based on the detection result of the detection device; The correction device includes a first correction component and a second correction component. The first correction component is configured to correct a tool holder with its front and back sides reversed, and the second correction component is configured to correct a tool holder with its front and rear ends reversed.

[0008] Furthermore, the first correction assembly includes a first clamping member for clamping the tool handle and a first rotating member, the first rotating member being configured to drive the first clamping member to flip over to correct the tool handle being upside down; The second correction assembly includes a second clamping member for clamping the tool holder and a second rotating member, the second rotating member being configured to drive the second clamping member to rotate in order to correct the inverted front and rear ends of the tool holder.

[0009] Furthermore, the first feeding mechanism also includes a gripping device configured to grip the tool holder with incorrect posture from the detection device onto the first correction component or the second correction component, and to grip the tool holder with correct posture onto the conveying mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the gripping device includes a slide rail base, a lifting drive component is movably disposed on the side of the slide rail base, a motor for driving the lifting drive component to slide on the slide rail base is disposed on the side of the slide rail base, a chain-type protective shell for protecting the wiring of the lifting drive component is disposed on the slide rail base, and a gripping component for gripping the handle is disposed on the lifting drive component.

[0011] Furthermore, the gripping device includes at least one gripping component, and at least one of the gripping components is configured to rotate to correct the inverted front and rear ends of the handle.

[0012] Furthermore, the tool holder feeding device is disposed at the front end of the conveying mechanism, and the tool holder feeding device includes: A material collection bin, configured to centrally store the tool holders to be loaded; A stepped feeding assembly, configured inside the collection bin, is used to progressively lift and output the tool holder at the bottom of the collection bin; and A conveying assembly, configured on the outlet side of the collection bin, is used to receive the cutter handle from the stepped feeding assembly and convey it toward the detection device.

[0013] Furthermore, the stepped feeding assembly includes: Fixed material plates are configured to be inclined at a preset angle within the material collection bin and are distributed in a stepped manner along the direction of the inclination angle; A movable material plate, configured to be adjacent to the fixed material plate, and capable of reciprocating in a direction parallel to the fixed material plate; and A feeding drive component is configured to be connected to the movable material plate for driving the movable material plate to perform the reciprocating sliding. The fixed material plate and the movable material plate are each configured with at least two, and are arranged alternately at intervals along the material conveying direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the feeding unit also includes: The second feeding mechanism is configured to convey and assemble the blade housing onto the blade holder on the conveying mechanism; A third feeding mechanism is configured to convey and assemble the blade and pusher onto the blade housing; and The fourth feeding mechanism is configured to transport and assemble the tailstock onto the tool holder; The first, second, third, and fourth feeding mechanisms are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism to automatically assemble the tool holder, tool shell, blade, pusher, and tailstock in sequence along the conveying direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism includes; A support base configured to have a plurality of first support positions arranged at uniform intervals along the conveying direction; A movable frame, disposed on both sides of the support base, and having a plurality of second support positions formed along the conveying direction that match the first support position; and A conveying drive device configured to drive the movable frame to reciprocate in the vertical direction and to drive the support base to reciprocate in the conveying direction; The conveying drive device includes a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly. The first drive assembly is configured to include an actuator and a connecting rod. The actuator is fixed to the frame, and the two ends of the connecting rod are respectively fixed to the support base and the actuator to drive the support base to reciprocate along the conveying direction. The second drive assembly is configured to include a drive shaft and an eccentric cam fixed on the drive shaft. The eccentric cam is movably connected to the movable frame via a vertical rod to drive the movable frame to reciprocate in the vertical direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the utility knife automatic assembly equipment also includes a feeding mechanism, which is disposed at the end of the conveying mechanism. The feeding mechanism includes a robotic arm and a finished product collection box, or an inclined slide and a sorting collection bin.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention, through a correction device comprising a detection unit and a first correction component (flipping correction) and a second correction component (rotation correction), can automatically identify two typical posture errors of the tool holder: reversed front and back sides and inverted front and rear ends, and perform corresponding corrections. It replaces traditional manual visual inspection or simple mechanical limiting methods, achieving fully automated and highly reliable posture correction. This fundamentally avoids assembly interruptions, part damage, or defective products caused by tool holder posture errors, significantly improving the continuous operating efficiency of the entire assembly line and the first-pass yield of products.

[0018] The corrective device features a compact and efficient design. The first corrective component is fixed to the frame, while the second is integrated into the gripping device. The gripping device combines slide rail movement, lifting, gripping, and rotational corrective functions. Through the cooperation of components such as the slide rail base and chain-type protective housing, it achieves rapid and orderly transfer and attitude adjustment of the tool holder between the inspection station, the corrective station, and the conveying mechanism. This integrated design not only saves equipment space and reduces interference between components, but also ensures a highly streamlined process for inspection, gripping, correcting, and loading, shortening the processing time per piece and improving the overall assembly cycle time.

[0019] This invention constructs a complete automated assembly system consisting of a multi-station loading unit, a conveying mechanism, and an unloading mechanism. The subsystems work collaboratively: a stepped loading assembly and isolation components ensure the orderly supply of tool holders; the conveying mechanism employs a lifting and stepping design with a support base and movable frame, achieving stable transport of components at each assembly station; and with the subsequent automatic assembly of tool housings, blades, tailstocks, and other components, a highly efficient and smooth automated production line is ultimately formed. This system fundamentally reduces manual intervention, ensures consistency in the assembly process and stability of product quality, and meets the demands of high-volume, high-quality production. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from another perspective of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first corrective component of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second correction component and the grasping component of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tool holder feeding device of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the stepped feeding assembly of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning device of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second and fourth feeding mechanisms of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third feeding mechanism in this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100-Frame; 200-Conveying mechanism; 210-Support base; 211-First support position; 220-Modible frame; 221-Second support position; 230-Conveying drive device; 231-First drive assembly; 2311-Drive shaft; 2312-Eccentric cam; 2313-Vertical rod; 232-Second drive assembly; 2321-Actuator; 2322-Connecting rod; 300-First feeding mechanism; 301-Knife holder feeding device; 3010-Collection bin; 3011-Step feeding assembly; 30110-Fixed material plate; 30111-Modible material plate; 30112-Feeding drive component; 3012-Transfer assembly; 30120-Isolation component; 302-Detection device; 3020-Camera; 303-Correction device; 3030-First Correction assembly; 30301-First clamping member; 30302-First rotating member; 3031-Second correction assembly; 30310-Second rotating member; 30311-Second clamping member; 3032-Gripping device; 30320-Gripping assembly; 310-Second feeding mechanism; 3101-Cutter shell chamber; 3102-Cutter shell ejection device; 320-Third feeding mechanism; 3201-Feeding track; 3202-First ejection device; 3203-Second ejection device; 3204-Third ejection device; 3205-Pressing device; 3206-Rotation transition device; 3207-Cutter shell chamber; 330-Fourth feeding mechanism; 400-Positioning device; 410-Crossbar; 420-Pneumatic push rod; 430-Positioning seat; 500-Unloading mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. These terms are only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1 to 11 This embodiment provides an automatic assembly equipment for utility knives, which aims to solve the problem of posture errors that easily occur during the automatic feeding process of the knife handle. Through an integrated detection and correction system, the accuracy of the assembly foundation is ensured, thereby achieving efficient and high-yield fully automated assembly of utility knives.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives mainly includes: a frame 100, a conveying mechanism 200, a feeding unit, a positioning device 400, and a discharging mechanism 500. The frame 100, as the basic support structure of the entire equipment, is made of welded or bolted steel sections and has sufficient rigidity and stability to support and install all other functional modules.

[0029] The conveying mechanism 200 is responsible for carrying and step-by-step conveying the various components of the utility knife, allowing them to pass through each assembly station in sequence. The feeding units are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 200. Its starting point is the first feeding mechanism 300 for feeding the knife handle, followed by a second feeding mechanism 310 for assembling the knife shell, a third feeding mechanism 320 for assembling the blade and pusher, and a fourth feeding mechanism 330 for assembling the tailstock, arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. The first feeding mechanism 300 is equipped with a detection device 302 and a correction device 303.

[0030] The positioning device 400 is located above the conveying mechanism 200, corresponding to the assembly station (such as blade housing assembly, blade and pusher assembly, and tailstock assembly), and is used to press down and position the already positioned components during assembly. The unloading mechanism 500 is located at the end of the conveying mechanism 200 and is used to remove and collect the assembled utility knife from the conveying mechanism.

[0031] The basic workflow of the equipment is as follows: First, the first feeding mechanism 300 feeds out the tool holders one by one, and the detection device 302 determines their posture (front and back, front and rear ends). Tool holders with correct posture are directly placed onto the designated station of the conveying mechanism 200 by the gripping device in the correction device 303; tool holders with incorrect posture are transferred by the gripping device to the corresponding first correction component 3030 (correcting front and back) or second correction component 3031 (correcting front and rear ends) for posture adjustment, and then placed onto the conveying mechanism 200 after being correctly adjusted. Subsequently, the conveying mechanism 200 moves the station carrying the tool holder to the next station, and the second feeding mechanism 310 assembles the tool housing onto the tool holder. Continuing to move forward, the third feeding mechanism 320 loads the blade and pusher into the tool housing. Moving forward again, the fourth feeding mechanism 330 assembles and initially fixes the tailstock to the tail of the tool holder. Throughout the process, the positioning device 400 operates as needed to stabilize the components. Finally, the assembled utility knife is conveyed to the end, where it is collected by the unloading mechanism 500. The entire process repeats continuously, achieving automated production.

[0032] The first feeding mechanism 300 includes three main functions: automatic feeding, visual inspection, and posture correction. It comprises a tool holder feeding device 301, an inspection device 302, and a correction device 303. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 6 to 7 The tool holder feeding device 301 is responsible for the automatic supply, sorting, and initial conveying of tool holders. It includes a material collection bin 3010, a stepped feeding assembly 3011, and a conveying assembly 3012.

[0033] The collection bin 3010 is an open-top box used for bulk storage of tool holders to be assembled. Its bottom is designed with guide ramps and inclined plates, causing the tool holders to converge towards the bottom under gravity. A stepped feeding assembly 3011 is installed inside the collection bin 3010 to separate the randomly stacked tool holders one by one and lift them to the discharge height. It includes at least two sets of alternately arranged fixed material plates 30110 and movable material plates 30111. All material plates are inclined at the same preset angle, with the inclination direction facing the collection bin outlet.

[0034] The fixed material plate 30110 is directly fixed to the inner wall of the collection bin 3010 and is arranged in a stepped manner along the inclined direction. The movable material plate 30111 is placed parallel to and adjacent to the fixed material plate 30110. It can reciprocate in a direction parallel to its own surface (i.e., the inclined direction) under the drive of the feeding drive component 30112. The movable material plate 30111 is fixed on a sliding frame. The two ends of the sliding frame are provided with sliding guides to guide the sliding direction of the movable material plate 30111. The feeding drive component 30112 is connected to the sliding frame through a crank rocker mechanism to drive the sliding frame to drive the movable material plate 30111 to reciprocate. In this embodiment, the feeding drive component 30112 is configured as a drive motor.

[0035] Working process: In the initial state, the movable material plate 30111 is in the retracted position (bottom), with the top surface of the bottom movable material plate 30111 slightly lower than the height of the adjacent inclined plate. The tool holder falls between the bottom fixed material plate 30110 and the movable material plate 30111. The feeding drive component 30112 pushes the movable material plate 30111 upward, its top surface supporting the tool holder as it rises until the tool holder is pushed to the top of the previous fixed material plate 30110, and then the movable material plate 30111 retracts. This cycle repeats, and through the alternating actions of multiple sets of fixed and movable material plates, the tool holder is gradually lifted upward and finally pushed to the top discharge port. This structure effectively prevents the tool holder from jamming and achieves smooth feeding.

[0036] The conveying assembly 3012 is located outside the outlet of the collection bin 3010 and is used to receive the tool holders output from the stepped feeding assembly 3011 and horizontally convey them to the inspection position of the inspection device 302. The conveying assembly 3012 can be a belt conveyor or a synchronous belt conveyor. An isolation member 30120 is provided above it. The movement of the isolation member 30120 is synchronized with the discharge rhythm of the stepped feeding assembly 3011, ensuring that only one tool holder is allowed to enter the inspection station at a time, preventing tool holder accumulation, and ensuring the order of inspection and subsequent processing. In this embodiment, the isolation member 30120 is a reciprocating square baffle, which can only isolate one tool holder within the square frame at a time, ensuring that only one tool holder is allowed to enter the inspection station at a time.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5The detection device 302 is located at the end of the conveying assembly 3012 and is used for non-contact detection of the tool holder's posture. It typically includes an industrial vision system, primarily composed of a camera 3020, a light source, and an image processing controller. The camera 3020 is fixedly mounted directly above the tool holder's conveying path, and its field of view covers a specific area of ​​the tool holder. The light source (such as a ring LED light source or a strip light source) is arranged at an appropriate angle around the camera to provide uniform, bright illumination of the tool holder, highlighting the features that need to be identified.

[0038] The image processing controller has pre-stored standard images or feature templates (such as specific markings, hole shapes, asymmetrical contours, etc.) of the tool holder in a preset assembly posture. When the tool holder is conveyed to the detection position and stops, the camera 3020 captures the current image of the tool holder. The image processing controller quickly determines the current posture of the tool holder using algorithms such as pattern recognition, contour comparison, or feature point matching.

[0039] If the identified features match the preset posture, the posture is considered correct. If the identified features show that the tool holder is flipped upside down (i.e., the front and back are reversed), it is considered a Type I error. If the identified features show that the tool holder is reversed end-to-end (i.e., the front and back ends are inverted), it is considered a Type II error. The detection results (including coordinates and error type) are sent to the device's main control system in real time.

[0040] The correction device 303 precisely corrects the tool holder with incorrect posture based on the detection results of the detection device 302. It includes a gripping device 3032, a first correction component 3030, and a second correction component 3031.

[0041] The first correction assembly 3030 is fixedly mounted on the frame 100, located on one side of the inspection station, and is specifically used to correct errors caused by reverse rotation. It includes a first clamping member 30301 and a first rotating member 30302. The first clamping member 30301 is a fixed-shaped slot driven by a small cylinder, used to clamp or receive the tool holder during correction. The first rotating member 30302 is typically a rotary cylinder. The first clamping member 30301 is mounted on its output shaft. When correction is required, the first rotating member 30302 drives the first clamping member 30301 and the clamped tool holder to rotate 180 degrees around a horizontal axis, achieving the flipping.

[0042] As described above, the second correction component 3031 is fixed to the gripping device 3032 and is used to correct errors caused by inverted front and rear ends. It includes a second clamping member 30311 and a second rotating member 30310. When rotational correction is required, the second clamping member 30311 first clamps the tool holder. The second rotating member 30310 is a rotary cylinder mounted on the housing of the lifting drive component 30321. The mounting base of the second clamping member 30311 is connected to the output end of the second rotating member 30310. When correction is required, the second rotating member 30310 drives the second clamping member 30311 and the clamped tool holder to rotate 180 degrees around the vertical axis, achieving a reversal.

[0043] The gripping device 3032 is responsible for transferring the tool holder between the inspection station, the correction station, and the conveying mechanism 200. It is a multi-degree-of-freedom robot module, which includes a slide rail base, a lifting drive, and gripping components.

[0044] The slide rail base is a precision linear guide pair, horizontally mounted (usually parallel to the conveying direction) on the frame 100. The lifting drive is a vertically mounted cylinder or electric slide, whose cylinder / slider is connected to the slider of the slide rail base via a connecting block, allowing it to slide horizontally along the slide rail base. The horizontal drive motor is a servo motor that drives the lifting drive to reciprocate on the slide rail base via a synchronous belt or lead screw mechanism, achieving positioning in the conveying direction. A chain-type protective shell covers the slide rail base to house and protect the air pipes / cables of the lifting drive, ensuring its safety and cleanliness during operation. The gripping assembly 30320 is mounted on the piston rod end of the lifting drive or on the moving plate of the electric slide, achieving vertical lifting movement.

[0045] In this embodiment, the gripping device 3032 includes at least one gripping component, and the at least one gripping component is configured to rotate to correct the inverted front and rear ends of the tool handle. In this embodiment, the gripping device 3032 is provided with two gripping components 30320, one of which is configured to rotate along a vertical axis to correct the inverted front and rear ends of the tool handle. That is, one of the gripping components 30320 is the second correction component 3031.

[0046] In another embodiment, the second correction assembly 3031 is fixed to the frame 100 and is located downstream of the first correction assembly 3030. It includes a rotating platform and a second rotating member 30310, which corrects the inverted tool holder by rotation.

[0047] The correction process is as follows: Inspection and gripping: The tool holder undergoes photographic inspection at the inspection station. The gripping device 3032 moves above the tool holder according to the main control command, the lifting drive 30321 descends, the gripping assembly 30320 clamps the tool holder, and then rises.

[0048] If the posture is correct: the gripping device 3032 moves horizontally directly to above the currently empty station of the conveying mechanism 200, descends, and accurately places the tool handle on the first support position 211 and the second support position 221 of the station (at this time, the first support position and the second support position are at the same height), then releases and rises, returning to standby.

[0049] If it is a Type I error (front and back reversed): The gripping device 3032 moves the tool handle horizontally above the first corrective component 3030. The tool handle is placed on the first clamping member 30301. After the first clamping member 30301 fixes the tool handle, the first rotating member 30302 drives it to rotate 180 degrees around the transverse axis. After completion, the gripping component 30320 of the gripping device 3032 retrieves the rotated tool handle again, and then performs the same placement action as for "correct posture".

[0050] For Type II errors (front and rear ends reversed): After gripping the tool holder and raising it, one of the gripping components 30320 of the gripping device 3032 does not need to move to a fixed station. This gripping component 30320 is the second correction component 3031, and the second rotation mechanism 30310 of the second correction component 3031 drives the second clamping member 30311 and the tool holder to rotate 180 degrees. After the rotation is completed, the gripping device 3032 moves directly to the station above the conveying mechanism 200 to place the tool holder. This application integrates the most common rotation correction (Type II error) into the moving gripper, reducing the number of tool holder transfers and greatly improving correction efficiency; while the flipping correction (Type I error) is completed at the fixed station, resulting in a stable structure.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1 or Figure 9 or Figure 10 After the tool holder is correctly loaded and positioned on the conveyor mechanism 200, the equipment will proceed with the assembly of subsequent components in sequence.

[0052] The second feeding mechanism 310 is located at the next station in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 200. It includes a cutter housing 3102, in which cutter housings are stacked vertically. A cutter housing ejection device 3102 is located at the bottom of the cutter housing. After the positioning device 400 presses down to fix the cutter handle, the cutter housing ejection device pushes the cutter housing into a predetermined position on the cutter handle. The cutter housing ejection device includes a cylinder and a cutter housing push rod.

[0053] The third feeding mechanism 320 is a composite feeding mechanism, comprising a feeding track 3201 for conveying the blade and the pusher. A first ejection device 3202 ejects the pusher, and a second ejection device 3203 ejects the blade from the blade magazine 3207; the ejection directions may be opposite. To ensure correct assembly orientation, a rotary transition device 3206 is provided between the two, which receives the pusher from the first ejection device 3202, rotates it to the correct orientation, and then transfers it to the feeding track to meet the blade. The blade and pusher are combined on the track and conveyed to the assembly point. The third ejection device 3204 pushes the two as a whole into the blade housing groove already mounted on the blade holder. Typically, before pushing, a pressing device 3205 (such as a small pressure head) initially secures the blade to the pusher.

[0054] The fourth feeding mechanism 330 is located at a more downstream station. It typically includes a tailstock vibratory feeder, a feeding track, and a tailstock pushing device. The pushing device pushes the tailstock, aligning it with the tail of the tool holder, and then a pressing cylinder or servo press presses it into or tightens it onto the tail of the tool holder, completing the initial fixing.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 11 The conveying mechanism 200 needs to meet the requirements of precise stepping and stable load bearing. This embodiment adopts a lifting stepping conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism 200 mainly includes a support base 210, a movable frame 220, and a conveying drive device 230.

[0056] Support base 210 is fixedly installed on frame 100 by support columns, along the conveying direction ( Figure 1 Extending from right to left, its top surface is equipped with several first support positions 211 at fixed intervals. These first support positions 211 can be V-blocks for supporting cylindrical tool holders or tailstocks; they can also be positioning pins for initial positioning by inserting them into specific holes in the tool holder; or they can be contour blocks whose outlines fit the shape of part of the bottom surface of the tool holder or other components to achieve more stable support.

[0057] The movable frame 220 is positioned above the support base 210 and can reciprocate vertically relative to the support base 210. The movable frame 220 also extends along the conveying direction, and its top is equipped with several second support positions 221 at equal intervals, similar in form to the first support position 211 (V-blocks, locating pins, or contour blocks). The second support positions 221 cooperate with the first support positions 211. When the movable frame 220 descends to its lowest position, the second support positions 221 are lower than the support surface of the first support position 211, at which point the utility knife assembly is supported by the first support position 211. When the movable frame 220 rises, the second support positions 221 lift the assembly from the first support position 211.

[0058] The conveying drive unit 230 is used to drive the movable frame 220 to move up and down and the support base 210 to move horizontally. It includes a first drive assembly 231 and a second drive assembly 232.

[0059] The first drive assembly 231 is used to drive the movable frame 220 to rise and fall. It includes a drive shaft 2311 driven by a servo motor (or stepper motor). At least two eccentric cams 2312 are fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 2311. The lower end of a vertical rod 2313 contacts the contour of the eccentric cam 2312 or is connected via a bearing, and the upper end is fixedly connected to the bottom of the movable frame 220. When the motor drives the drive shaft 2311 to rotate, the eccentric cams 2312 push the vertical rod 2313 to move up and down, thereby driving the movable frame 220 to perform vertical reciprocating motion.

[0060] The second drive assembly 232 drives the support base 210 to reciprocate along the conveying direction. It includes a linear actuator 2321, such as a servo electric cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or hydraulic cylinder, which is fixedly mounted on the frame 100. A connecting rod 2322 has its two ends fixedly connected to the support base 210 and the actuator 2321, respectively. When the actuator 2321 actuates, the connecting rod 2322 pushes the support base 210 to move the entire structure one station distance along the conveying direction. The sequence of actions of the first drive component 231 and the second drive component 232 is as follows: First, the first drive component 231 drives the movable frame 220 to descend, placing the component on the first support position 211 of the current workstation; then, the second drive component 232 drives the support base 210 to move one workstation distance; next, the movable frame 220 rises, preparing for the next step gripping; finally, the second drive component 232 drives the support base 210 to move one step in the opposite direction (at this time, the utility knife component is held by the second support position 211, and the support base returns unloaded).

[0061] Please refer to Figure 8 The positioning device 400 provides downward stabilizing pressure during the assembly process to prevent component displacement. It is typically positioned above the conveyor mechanism 200.

[0062] It includes a crossbar 410. Multiple pneumatic actuators 420 (or electric actuators) are fixed to the crossbar 410, the number corresponding to the workstations that need to be positioned simultaneously. The piston rod end of each pneumatic actuator 420 is connected to a positioning seat 430. The bottom surface of the positioning seat 430 has a contoured positioning groove whose shape matches the top contour of the utility knife assembly (such as a handle with a blade case) to be positioned below.

[0063] Working process: After the conveying mechanism 200 delivers the component to the assembly station and stops, the pneumatic push rod 420 of the positioning device 400 drives the positioning seat 430 to descend, and the contour positioning groove accurately engages with the upper surface of the component, firmly pressing it onto the first support position 211 below. At this time, the corresponding feeding device (such as the second feeding mechanism 310) performs the assembly action. After assembly is completed, the positioning seat 430 rises and resets, and the conveying mechanism proceeds to the next step.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 1 The feeding mechanism 500 is located at the end of the production line and is responsible for removing the finished products.

[0065] In this embodiment, the unloading mechanism includes a simple inclined slide, with the outlet facing the last station of the conveying mechanism. When the finished product is conveyed here, after the movable frame 220 descends, the finished product stays on the first support position 211. A lateral push rod (not shown in the figure) or other pushing element pushes the finished product into the inclined slide, and the finished product slides into the classification collection bin below by gravity (which can be classified according to the test results, such as qualified product box and untested product box).

[0066] Another more flexible approach is to use multi-jointed robotic arms equipped with flexible grippers or suction cups at their ends. The robotic arms pick up finished products from the conveyor and place them into different finished product collection bins according to a preset program, or place them directly onto the packaging line.

[0067] The entire equipment is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial computer. The main control system receives signals from various sensors (such as position sensors and vision inspection results) and coordinates the actions of the servo motors and cylinders of the conveyor drive device 230, the cylinders / vibratory feeders / motors of each feeding device, the drive elements of the correction device 303, the cylinders of the positioning device 400, and the unloading mechanism 500. All actions are performed according to pre-programmed timing and logic, forming a fully automatic closed-loop control.

[0068] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic assembly device for utility knives, comprising a frame, a conveying mechanism disposed on the frame, and a feeding unit arranged along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism, the feeding unit being configured to sequentially convey various components of the utility knife onto the conveying mechanism for assembly, the feeding unit comprising a first feeding mechanism; characterized in that, The first feeding mechanism includes: A tool holder feeding device, configured to transport tool holders; A detection device configured to detect whether the orientation of the tool holder is a preset assembly orientation; and A correction device configured to correct the tool holder with an incorrect posture based on the detection result of the detection device; The correction device includes a first correction component and a second correction component. The first correction component is configured to correct a tool holder with its front and back sides reversed, and the second correction component is configured to correct a tool holder with its front and rear ends reversed.

2. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first correction assembly includes a first clamping member for clamping a tool holder and a first rotating member, the first rotating member being configured to drive the first clamping member to flip in order to correct the tool holder being upside down; The second correction assembly includes a second clamping member for clamping the tool holder and a second rotating member, the second rotating member being configured to drive the second clamping member to rotate in order to correct the inverted front and rear ends of the tool holder.

3. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first feeding mechanism further includes a gripping device configured to grip the tool holder with incorrect posture from the detection device onto the first correction component or the second correction component, and to grip the tool holder with correct posture onto the conveying mechanism.

4. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gripping device includes a slide rail base, a lifting drive component is movably disposed on the side of the slide rail base, a motor for driving the lifting drive component to slide on the slide rail base is disposed on the side of the slide rail base, a chain-type protective shell for protecting the wiring of the lifting drive component is disposed on the slide rail base, and a gripping component for gripping the handle is disposed on the lifting drive component.

5. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gripping device includes at least one gripping component, and at least one of the gripping components is configured to rotate to correct the inverted front and rear ends of the tool holder.

6. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool holder feeding device is disposed at the front end of the conveying mechanism, and the tool holder feeding device includes: A material collection bin, configured to centrally store the tool holders to be loaded; A stepped feeding assembly, configured inside the collection bin, is used to progressively lift and output the tool holder at the bottom of the collection bin; and A conveying assembly, configured on the outlet side of the collection bin, is used to receive the cutter handle from the stepped feeding assembly and convey it toward the detection device.

7. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stepped feeding assembly includes: Fixed material plates are configured to be inclined at a preset angle within the material collection bin and are distributed in a stepped manner along the direction of the inclination angle; A movable material plate, configured to be adjacent to the fixed material plate, and capable of reciprocating in a direction parallel to the fixed material plate; and A feeding drive component is configured to be connected to the movable material plate for driving the movable material plate to perform the reciprocating sliding. The fixed material plate and the movable material plate are each configured with at least two, and are arranged alternately at intervals along the material conveying direction.

8. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding unit also includes: The second feeding mechanism is configured to convey and assemble the blade housing onto the blade holder on the conveying mechanism; A third feeding mechanism is configured to convey and assemble the blade and pusher onto the blade housing; and The fourth feeding mechanism is configured to transport and assemble the tailstock onto the tool holder; The first, second, third, and fourth feeding mechanisms are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism to automatically assemble the tool holder, tool shell, blade, pusher, and tailstock in sequence along the conveying direction.

9. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes; A support base configured to have a plurality of first support positions arranged at uniform intervals along the conveying direction; A movable frame, disposed on both sides of the support base, and having a plurality of second support positions formed along the conveying direction that match the first support position; and A conveying drive device configured to drive the movable frame to reciprocate in the vertical direction and to drive the support base to reciprocate in the conveying direction; The conveying drive device includes a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly. The first drive assembly is configured to include an actuator and a connecting rod. The actuator is fixed to the frame, and the two ends of the connecting rod are respectively fixed to the support base and the actuator to drive the support base to reciprocate along the conveying direction. The second drive assembly is configured to include a drive shaft and an eccentric cam fixed on the drive shaft. The eccentric cam is movably connected to the movable frame via a vertical rod to drive the movable frame to reciprocate in the vertical direction.

10. The automatic assembly equipment for utility knives according to claim 1, characterized in that, The utility knife automatic assembly equipment also includes a feeding mechanism, which is located at the end of the conveying mechanism. The feeding mechanism includes a robotic arm and a finished product collection box, or an inclined slide and a sorting collection bin.

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