Automatic connection device for multilayer plastic panels

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of automatic connecting equipment of multilayer plastic plate, including conveying device and press-in device, the conveying device includes feeding unit, buffer unit and push unit, the press-in device includes bearing seat, pressing rod and the drive unit for controlling the distance between bearing seat and pressing rod, the feeding unit is used to send connector into buffer unit, first heating assembly for heating connector is arranged in the buffer unit, the push unit is used to push the heated connector between the bearing seat and the pressing rod, the bearing seat is used to bear multilayer plastic plate, the pressing rod is used to press the heated connector into multilayer plastic plate under the driving of the drive unit, the depth of connector into multilayer plastic plate is less than the total thickness of multilayer plastic plate.Bearing seat has bearing plane corresponding to the position of connector pressing-in, for contacting with the bottom surface of multilayer plastic plate and keeping the flatness of bottom surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automatic pressing technology, specifically relating to an automated pressing and connection device for multi-layer plastic sheet parts that can maintain a flat surface. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in materials science and technology, and the increasing demand for lightweighting, hybrid material joining has become widely used in various fields such as automobiles and home appliances. Especially in vehicle body manufacturing, combinations of steel-aluminum and steel-magnesium composites are prevalent. Furthermore, driven by the need for cost control and further lightweighting, reinforced engineering plastics are gradually expanding their application scenarios. Since vehicle body joining requires both high strength and stringent aesthetic standards, achieving reliable connections between plastic panels while simultaneously meeting requirements for aesthetics, automated mass production, and high efficiency has become a pressing technical challenge.

[0003] Currently, the main technical methods for connecting plastic sheet components are as follows:

[0004] 1) Non-destructive fixed connection: requires special design of the workpiece, resulting in high manufacturing and design costs;

[0005] 2) Adhesion technology: It has high requirements for the glue and the application process, and gaps in the glue layer will affect the flatness;

[0006] 3) Welding technology: such as laser welding, which has high energy consumption, large equipment investment, and the surface flatness cannot be precisely controlled.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, existing patent CN105188986A employs high-frequency electromagnetic induction heating to heat a self-piercing rivet. When the rivet is driven in, the heated rivet melts a portion of the resin component, allowing for bonding and fusion of the resin components. This method, which involves driving the rivet in while the resin component is molten, prevents breakage and achieves a high-strength bond. However, because this patent requires melting a portion of the resin component, it obviously leads to deformation, making it unsuitable for scenarios where aesthetically pleasing connections are crucial. Furthermore, using processes like high-frequency induction heating makes direct rivet temperature control difficult, easily resulting in overheating, material burning, and excessive deformation.

[0008] Therefore, in existing technologies, the connection area between plastic sheets is usually heated, which causes deformation of the plastic sheets and results in poor surface flatness after connection.

[0009] The above background information is provided only to aid in understanding the inventive concept and technical solution of this invention. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this invention. In the absence of clear evidence that the above information was disclosed before the filing date of this invention, the above background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic connection device for multi-layer plastic sheets, which realizes the automatic heating and pressing of the connecting parts of multi-layer plastic sheets, and keeps the surface of the connected plastic sheets flat.

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

[0012] An automatic connection device for multi-layer plastic sheets includes a conveying device and a pressing device. The conveying device includes a feeding unit, a buffer unit, and a pushing unit. The pressing device includes a support seat, a pressure rod, and a drive unit for controlling the distance between the support seat and the pressure rod. The feeding unit feeds the connector into the buffer unit, which contains a first heating component for heating the connector. The pushing unit pushes the heated connector between the support seat and the pressure rod. The support seat supports the multi-layer plastic sheet, and the pressure rod, driven by the drive unit, presses the heated connector into the multi-layer plastic sheet. The depth of the connector within the multi-layer plastic sheet is less than the total thickness of the multi-layer plastic sheet. The support seat has a flat bearing surface corresponding to the pressing position of the connector, which contacts the bottom surface of the multi-layer plastic sheet and maintains the flatness of the bottom surface.

[0013] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the buffer unit includes a base plate and a cover plate, the base plate and the cover plate having a first channel for movement of a connector, and a first heating assembly disposed on the base plate and / or the cover plate. The base plate and the cover plate are metal parts, and the first heating assembly is a heating rod inserted into the base plate and / or the cover plate.

[0014] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the connector includes a top, a middle portion, and a bottom portion arranged sequentially; the top portion is larger than the bottom portion, and the bottom surface is curved; the connector is vertically arranged within a first channel. The curved bottom surface protrudes away from the top to facilitate pressing into the plastic sheet; simultaneously, the middle portion is the smallest to facilitate the larger portions of the top and bottom portion hooking onto the plastic sheet. The connector remains vertically arranged throughout the buffer unit and during pressing. Preferably, the upper surface of the top portion is flat.

[0015] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a clamping assembly is provided within the buffer unit, and a receiving groove is provided on the cover plate. The clamping assembly includes a first elastic element and a pressure block. The pressure block is used to contact the top of the connector. One end of the first elastic element acts on the pressure block, and the other end of the first elastic element acts on the top of the receiving groove. The pressure block is made of metal, and the first elastic element ensures tight contact between the pressure block and the connector, guaranteeing the heat-receiving area and temperature of the connector. Multiple receiving grooves and clamping assemblies are provided within the buffer unit corresponding to the first channel, and the spacing between adjacent clamping assemblies corresponds to the size of the top of the connector.

[0016] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a detection assembly is provided within the buffer unit. The detection assembly includes a detection rod, a rotating shaft, a second elastic element, and a sensor. The rotating shaft is disposed on the cover plate, and the detection rod rotates around the rotating shaft. The second elastic element and the sensor are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the detection rod. The second elastic element drives the corresponding end of the detection rod to rotate downwards and press against the connecting member. The detection assembly is disposed at the end of the first channel. The connecting member passes through multiple pressing components within the first channel and enters below the detection rod, where it is pressed against the second elastic element. The placement of the detection rod allows the sensor to be located outside the cover plate, avoiding the influence of temperature.

[0017] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pushing unit is configured corresponding to the detection component. The pushing unit includes a push rod and a pushing drive for driving the push rod. The base plate and the cover plate have a second channel for moving the push rod, and the first channel and the second channel are angled together. The push rod is located below the detection rod. Preferably, the first channel and the second channel are vertically arranged, and the second channel is located at the end of the first channel. The pushing drive includes a pushing driver and a connecting rod, with the connecting rod connecting the pushing driver and the push rod. A first heat insulation block is provided on the cover plate, and the pushing driver is disposed on the first heat insulation block to avoid the influence of temperature on the pushing driver. When the connecting member enters below the detection rod, it pushes the end of the detection rod corresponding to the second elastic element upward and the end corresponding to the sensor downward. That is, after the sensor detects that the connecting member has moved into place, it controls the pushing drive to move, the push rod extends, and sends the connecting member directly below the pressure rod. Then the push rod retracts, and the end of the push rod retracts to below the corresponding second elastic element to receive the next moving connecting member. The shape of the end of the push rod matches the side shape of the connecting member.

[0018] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a clamping assembly is provided on the base plate, and the pushing unit is used to push the connector from the buffer unit onto the clamping assembly; the clamping assembly includes a pin, a clamping block, and a third elastic member, the pin is fixed to the base plate, the clamping block is rotatably disposed on the pin, and the third elastic member is used to cause the clamping block to rotate upward, forming a clamping groove between the two clamping blocks for accommodating the connector. The two clamping blocks clamp the connector pushed by the pushing unit under the action of the third elastic member, and can rotate downward and open to release the connector under the drive of the pressure rod. The clamping groove is located directly below the pressure rod.

[0019] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the feeding unit includes a feeding tube, a transition tube, and a cutting assembly disposed between the feeding tube and the transition tube. The transition tube is disposed close to the buffer unit, and the cutting assembly is used to switch the connector in the feeding tube into the transition tube. By providing the cutting assembly, isolation is achieved between the feeding tube and the transition tube. On the one hand, the connector in the feeding tube is switched into the transition tube; on the other hand, while performing cutting, force is applied to the connector in the transition tube, pushing the connector from the transition tube into the buffer unit and finally into the area below the detection assembly.

[0020] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cutting assembly includes a cutting plate, a first switching driver for driving the cutting plate to move, a pressure plate, and a second switching driver for driving the pressure plate to move, wherein the cutting plate and the pressure plate are arranged at an angle; the cutting plate has a switching hole that extends through its thickness and matches the shape of the connector, and the shape of the pressure plate matches the shape of the switching hole. Preferably, the cutting plate and the pressure plate are arranged perpendicularly.

[0021] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the feeding pipe has a first pipe for accommodating connectors, the transition pipe has a second pipe for accommodating connectors, the first switching driver drives the switching hole on the cutting plate to reciprocate between the first pipe and the second pipe, and the pressure plate is disposed corresponding to the second pipe. The first pipe is vertically arranged, the connectors are placed horizontally inside the first pipe and stacked vertically, with the tops of two adjacent connectors contacting each other; the second pipe is arc-shaped, vertically arranged on the side near the first pipe, with the direction of the connectors inside it consistent with that inside the first pipe, and horizontally arranged on the side near the buffer unit, with the direction of the connectors inside it consistent with that inside the buffer unit, that is, the second pipe gradually turns the horizontally arranged connectors to the vertically arranged, with the bottom facing down. Preferably, a second heat insulation block is also provided between the transition pipe and the buffer unit.

[0022] The thickness of the cutting plate matches the top dimension of a connector. The shapes of the first and second pipes match the shapes of the connectors. When the switching hole moves below the first pipe, the connector inside the first pipe falls into the switching hole. The first switching driver drives the switching hole to move between the second pipe and the pressure plate. The second switching driver drives the pressure plate to press down, pressing the connector inside the switching hole into the second pipe, and causing the last connector in the first channel to enter below the detection rod, waiting to be pushed.

[0023] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the pressing device includes a second heating assembly for heating the connector, the second heating assembly being disposed within the pressing rod.

[0024] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second heating assembly includes a heating rod disposed within the pressure rod; the pressure rod includes a hollow upper rod portion and a lower rod portion, the bottom end of the upper rod portion and the top end of the lower rod portion are connected, the inner diameter of the upper rod portion is larger than the outer diameter of the heating rod, a first airflow channel is formed between the inner wall of the upper rod portion and the outer wall of the heating rod, an adsorption hole is provided at the bottom end of the lower rod portion, and a second airflow channel is provided on the inner wall of the lower rod portion, the second airflow channel connecting the adsorption hole and the first airflow channel, the first airflow channel being connected to a pressure control mechanism. The pressure control mechanism, such as a negative pressure mechanism, is used to generate negative pressure in the first airflow channel, the second airflow channel, and the adsorption hole to achieve adsorption of the connector. The adsorption holes are evenly spaced on the bottom surface of the lower rod portion.

[0025] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the pressing device includes a first cooling assembly for cooling the multilayer plastic sheet after the connector has penetrated into it; and / or, a second cooling assembly is provided within the support base for cooling the multilayer plastic sheet supported by the support base. The first cooling assembly cools the connector after it has penetrated into place, preventing insufficient connection strength and deformation of the upper surface; the second cooling assembly maintains cooling, preventing deformation of the lower surface of the multilayer plastic sheet.

[0026] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first cooling assembly includes a cooling head and a cooling rod connected to the cooling head, the cooling rod being arranged parallel to the pressure rod; the cooling rod having a first air blowing channel for blowing air, the cooling head having a second air blowing channel and a pressure hole through which the pressure rod passes, the second air blowing channel connecting the pressure hole and the first air blowing channel. In the initial position, the cooling head is lower than the bottom surface of the pressure rod, and contacts the multilayer plastic sheet before the connector on the pressure rod, after which the connector extends into the plastic sheet, thus preventing deformation of the upper surface of the plastic sheet.

[0027] Due to the adoption of the above technical solutions, the advantages of the present invention compared with the prior art are as follows: The automatic connection equipment for multi-layer plastic sheets of the present invention uses a conveying device to heat and convey the connector to the position of the corresponding pressing device. The pressing device is used to carry the multi-layer plastic sheets and press the heated connector into the multi-layer plastic sheets. There is no need to heat the plastic sheets. At the same time, the pressing depth of the connector is controlled so that the connector penetrates through all the plastic sheets except the bottom layer and extends into the middle part of the thickness of the bottom layer of plastic sheets. That is, the connector does not penetrate the bottom layer of plastic sheets. Moreover, the bearing seat maintains the flatness of the multi-layer plastic sheets, especially the lower surface, after pressing, thus achieving an aesthetic appearance while ensuring the connection strength. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying 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.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automatic connection device for multi-layer plastic plates in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the conveying device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a top view of the conveying device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of BB;

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of CC.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cache unit and push unit after hiding some components in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cover plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the push rod in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the clamping component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pressing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pressing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the pressure bar and the first cooling assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the lower rod in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the connector in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] In the attached diagram, the components are: conveying device-1, pressing device-2, feeding unit-3, feeding pipe-31, first pipe-311, cutting assembly-32, cutting plate-321, pressure plate-322, first switching driver-323, second switching driver-324, switching hole-325, transition pipe-33, second pipe-331, buffer unit-4, base plate-41, cover plate-42, receiving groove-421, first channel-431, second channel-432, pressing assembly-44, first elastic element-441, pressure block-442, detection assembly-45, detection rod-451, rotating shaft-452, second elastic element-453, sensor-454, clamping assembly-46, pin-461, clamping block-462, third elastic element-463, and clamping mechanism. Slot-464, Pushing unit-5, Push rod-51, Connecting rod-52, Push driver-53, First heat insulation block-61, Second heat insulation block-62, Bearing seat-71, Pressure rod-72, Upper rod part-721, Lower rod part-722, First airflow channel-723, Second airflow channel-724, Adsorption hole-725, Drive unit-73, First cooling assembly-81, Cooling head-811, Cooling rod-812, First blowing channel-813, Second blowing channel-814, Pressure hole-815, Compression chamber-816, Second cooling assembly-82, First heating assembly-91, Second heating assembly-92, Connector-10, Top-101, Middle part-102, Bottom-103, Multi-layer plastic plate-11, Frame-12. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] like Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the connector 10 for connecting the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 includes a top 101, a middle portion 102, and a bottom 103 arranged sequentially. The top 101 is larger than the bottom 103. The upper surface of the top 101 is flat, while the bottom surface of the bottom 103 is curved, protruding away from the top 101 to facilitate pressing into the plastic sheet. Simultaneously, the middle portion 102 is the smallest to allow the portions of the top 101 and bottom 103 larger than the middle portion 102 to hook onto the plastic sheet, forming a locking mechanism to strengthen the connection. When pressed in, the connector 10 remains vertical, inserted from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the plastic sheet. In this embodiment, the depth of the connector 10 within the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 is less than the total thickness of the multi-layer plastic sheet 11. That is, the connector 10 penetrates all plastic sheets except the bottommost layer and extends into the middle portion of the thickness of the bottommost layer, but does not penetrate the bottommost layer.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 15 As shown, the automatic connection device for multi-layer plastic sheet 11 in this embodiment includes a frame 12, a conveying device 1 and a pressing device 2 mounted on the frame 12. The conveying device 1 heats and conveys the connector 10 to the corresponding position of the pressing device 2. The pressing device 2 carries the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 and presses the heated connector 10 into the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 without heating the plastic sheet. It also controls the pressing depth of the connector 10 to prevent it from penetrating the bottom layer of plastic sheet. Furthermore, the bearing seat 71 maintains the flatness of the multi-layer plastic sheet 11, especially the lower surface, after pressing, achieving an aesthetically pleasing appearance while ensuring connection strength. The specific structures of the conveying device 1 and the pressing device 2 are described in detail below:

[0049] 1) Conveying device 1:

[0050] The conveying device 1 includes a feeding unit 3, a buffer unit 4, a pushing unit 5, a pressing component 44, a detection component 45, and a first heating component 91 disposed within the buffer unit 4. The feeding unit 3 is used to feed the connector 10 into the buffer unit 4. The first heating component 91 disposed within the buffer unit 4 is used to heat the connector 10. The pushing unit 5 is used to push the heated connector 10 to the vertical direction of the pressing position. The buffer unit 4 is a heating preparation area, preheating the connector 10 and buffering a certain number of connectors 10, effectively improving the production cycle time.

[0051] The feeding unit 3 includes a feeding pipe 31, a transition pipe 33, a cutting assembly 32 disposed between the feeding pipe 31 and the transition pipe 33, and a second heat insulation block 62 connected between the transition pipe 33 and the buffer unit 4. The cutting assembly 32 is used to switch the connector 10 in the feeding pipe 31 to the transition pipe 33. By setting the cutting assembly 32, isolation is achieved between the feeding pipe 31 and the transition pipe 33. On the one hand, the connector 10 in the feeding pipe 31 is switched to the transition pipe 33. On the other hand, while cutting, force is applied to the connector 10 in the transition pipe 33, pushing the connector 10 from the transition pipe 33 into the buffer unit 4 and finally into the area below the detection assembly 45.

[0052] The cutting assembly 32 includes a cutting plate 321, a first switching driver 323 for driving the cutting plate 321 to move, a pressure plate 322, and a second switching driver 324 for driving the pressure plate 322 to move. The cutting plate 321 and the pressure plate 322 are arranged vertically. The cutting plate 321 has a switching hole 325 that penetrates its thickness and matches the shape of the connector 10. The shape of the pressure plate 322 matches the shape of the switching hole 325.

[0053] The feeding pipe 31 has a first pipe 311 for accommodating the connector 10, and the transition pipe 33 has a second pipe 331 for accommodating the connector 10. The first switching driver 323 drives the switching hole 325 on the cutting plate 321 to move back and forth between the first pipe 311 and the second pipe 331. The pressure plate 322 is set corresponding to the second pipe 331. The first pipe 311 is set vertically, and the connector 10 is placed horizontally in the first pipe 311 and stacked in the vertical direction. The tops 101 of two adjacent connectors 10 are in contact. The second pipe 331 is set in an arc shape. The side near the first pipe 311 is set vertically, and the direction of the connector 10 inside it is consistent with that inside the first pipe 311. The side near the buffer unit 4 is set horizontally, and the direction of the connector 10 inside it is consistent with that inside the buffer unit 4. That is, the second pipe 331 gradually turns the horizontal connector 10 into a vertical direction, and the bottom 103 of the connector 10 faces downward.

[0054] The thickness of the cutting plate 321 matches the size of the top 101 of a connector 10. The shapes of the first pipe 311 and the second pipe 331 match the shape of the connector 10. When the switching hole 325 moves below the first pipe 311, the connector 10 in the first pipe 311 falls into the switching hole 325. The first switching driver 323 drives the switching hole 325 to move between the second pipe 331 and the pressure plate 322. The second switching driver 324 drives the pressure plate 322 to press down, pressing the connector 10 in the switching hole 325 into the second pipe 331, and causing the last connector 10 in the first channel 431 to enter below the detection assembly 45, waiting to be pushed.

[0055] The buffer unit 4 includes a base plate 41 and a cover plate 42, both of which are metal. The base plate 41 and the cover plate 42 have a first channel 431 for the movement of the connector 10. A first heating assembly 91 is disposed on the cover plate 42. In this embodiment, the first heating assembly 91 is a heating rod inserted into the cover plate 42. The connector 10 is vertically arranged within the first channel 431.

[0056] The cover plate 42 has a receiving groove 421 for accommodating the clamping assembly 44. The clamping assembly 44 includes a first elastic member 441 and a pressing block 442. The pressing block 442 is used to contact the top 101 of the connector 10. One end of the first elastic member 441 acts on the pressing block 442, and the other end of the first elastic member 441 acts on the top 101 of the receiving groove 421. The pressing block 442 is made of metal. The first elastic member 441 ensures that the pressing block 442 is in close contact with the connector 10, thus guaranteeing the heat-receiving area and temperature of the connector 10. Multiple receiving grooves 421 and clamping assemblies 44 are provided in the buffer unit 4 corresponding to the first channel 431. The spacing between adjacent clamping assemblies 44 is set according to the size of the top 101 of the connector 10, so that one set of clamping assemblies 44 corresponds to one connector 10.

[0057] The detection assembly 45 includes a detection rod 451, a rotating shaft 452, a second elastic element 453, and a sensor 454. The rotating shaft 452 is mounted on the cover plate 42, and the detection rod 451 rotates around the rotating shaft 452. The second elastic element 453 and the sensor 454 are respectively positioned at both ends of the detection rod 451. The sensor 454 monitors the movement of the detection rod 451 to confirm whether the connecting member 10 has moved into place. The second elastic element 453 drives the corresponding end of the detection rod 451 to rotate downward and press against the connecting member 10. The detection assembly 45 is positioned at the end of the first channel 431. The connecting member 10 passes through multiple pressing components 44 within the first channel 431 and enters below the detection rod 451, where it is pressed against the second elastic element 453. The placement of the detection rod 451 ensures that the sensor 454 is located outside the cover plate 42, avoiding the influence of temperature.

[0058] The push unit 5 is configured corresponding to the detection component 45. The push unit 5 includes a push rod 51 and a push drive for driving the push rod 51. The base plate 41 and the cover plate 42 have a second channel 432 for the push rod 51 to move. The first channel 431 and the second channel 432 are arranged perpendicularly, and the second channel 432 is located at the end of the first channel 431. The push rod 51 is located below the detection rod 451. The push drive includes a push driver 53 and a connecting rod 52. The connecting rod 52 connects the push driver 53 and the push rod 51. The cover plate 42 is provided with a first heat insulation block 61, and the push driver 53 is disposed on the first heat insulation block 61 to avoid the influence of temperature on the push driver 53. When the connector 10 enters below the detection rod 451, it pushes one end of the detection rod 451 corresponding to the second elastic element 453 upwards and the other end corresponding to the sensor 454 downwards. After the sensor 454 detects that the connector 10 has moved into place, it controls the push drive to extend, and the push rod 51 extends, sending the connector 10 directly below the pressure rod 72. Then the push rod 51 retracts, and the end of the push rod 51 retracts to below the corresponding second elastic element 453 to receive the next moving connector 10. The shape of the end of the push rod 51 matches the circumferential shape of the connector 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, a clamping assembly 46 is provided on the base plate 41. The pushing unit 5 is used to push the connector 10 from the buffer unit 4 onto the clamping assembly 46. The clamping assembly 46 includes a pin 461, a clamping block 462, and a third elastic member 463. The pin 461 is fixed to the side of the base plate 41. The clamping block 462 is rotatably mounted on the pin 461. The third elastic member 463 is used to make the clamping block 462 rotate upward. A clamping groove 464 for accommodating the connector 10 is formed between the two clamping blocks 462. Under the action of the third elastic member 463, the two clamping blocks 462 clamp the connector 10 pushed by the pushing unit 5, and can rotate downward and open to release the connector 10 under the drive of the pressure rod 72. The clamping groove 464 is provided directly below the pressure rod 72.

[0060] In this embodiment, the channels for the movement of the connector 10 (first pipe 311, switching hole 325, second pipe 331, first channel 431, second channel 432, etc.) are all shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the connector 10, similar to an "I" shape, but the width at the bottom is smaller than the width at the top, so as to ensure that the connector 10 can pass through the channel smoothly and reach the pushing position. The first channel 431 and the second channel 432 are formed by the combination of the base plate 41 and the cover plate 42. At the same time, the second channel 432 matches the shape of the connector 10 and the push rod 51, so that the push rod 51 can push the connector 10 at its end to move.

[0061] 2) Pressing device 2:

[0062] The pressing device 2 includes a support base 71, a pressing rod 72, a drive unit 73, a second heating component 92, a first cooling component 81, and a second cooling component 82. The drive unit 73 controls the distance between the support base 71 and the pressing rod 72. In this embodiment, the drive unit 73 is connected to the pressing rod 72 and is used to drive the pressing rod 72 to move. The second heating component 92 is used to heat the connector 10 and is disposed inside the pressing rod 72. The first cooling component 81 is used to cool the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 after the connector 10 has penetrated into the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 and been pressed into place. The first cooling component 81 is disposed corresponding to the pressing rod 72 and is driven to move by the drive unit 73. The second cooling component 82 is disposed inside the support base 71 and is used to cool the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 supported by the support base 71. The first cooling component 81 cools the connector 10 after it has penetrated into place to prevent deformation of the upper surface and to prevent insufficient connection strength; the second cooling component 82 continuously cools to prevent deformation of the lower surface of the multi-layer plastic sheet 11. The drive unit 73 is preferably a servo driver, which can control the pressing pressure and the final position.

[0063] The support base 71 supports the multi-layer plastic sheet 11, and the pressure rod 72, driven by the drive unit 73, presses the heated connector 10 into the multi-layer plastic sheet 11. The depth of the connector 10 into the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 is less than the total thickness of the multi-layer plastic sheet 11. The support base 71 has a bearing surface corresponding to the pressing position of the connector 10, which is a plane, i.e., a bearing plane, used to contact the bottom surface of the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 and maintain the flatness of the bottom surface. The pushing unit 5 pushes the heated connector 10 between the support base 71 and the pressure rod 72.

[0064] The second heating component 92 includes a heating rod disposed within the pressure rod 72. The pressure rod 72 includes a hollow upper rod portion 721 and a lower rod portion 722. The bottom end of the upper rod portion 721 and the top end of the lower rod portion 722 are connected. The inner diameter of the upper rod portion 721 is larger than the outer diameter of the heating rod. A first airflow channel 723 is formed between the inner wall of the upper rod portion 721 and the outer wall of the heating rod. An adsorption hole 725 is provided at the bottom end of the lower rod portion 722. A second airflow channel 724 is provided on the inner wall of the lower rod portion 722, connecting the adsorption hole 725 and the first airflow channel 723. The first airflow channel 723 is connected to a pressure control mechanism. The pressure control mechanism, such as a negative pressure mechanism, is used to generate negative pressure in the first airflow channel 723, the second airflow channel 724, and the adsorption hole 725 to achieve adsorption of the connector 10. The adsorption holes 725 are evenly spaced on the bottom surface of the lower rod portion 722.

[0065] The first cooling assembly 81 includes a cooling head 811 and a cooling rod 812 connected to the cooling head 811. The cooling rod 812 is arranged parallel to the pressure rod 72. The cooling rod 812 has a first air blowing channel 813 for blowing air. The cooling head 811 has a second air blowing channel 814 and a pressure hole 815 through which the pressure rod 72 passes. The second air blowing channel 814 connects the pressure hole 815 and the first air blowing channel 813. The outlet of the second air blowing channel 814 is aligned with the pressing position to achieve air blowing cooling. In the initial position, the cooling head 811 is lower than the bottom surface of the pressure rod 72 and contacts the multilayer plastic sheet 11 before the connector 10 on the pressure rod 72. Then, the connector 10 penetrates into the plastic sheet. The cooling head 811 continuously presses the periphery of the pressing position, which can prevent deformation of the upper surface of the plastic sheet and prevent rebound. In this embodiment, the second cooling assembly 82 also adopts air blowing cooling. The support seat 71 has an air blowing hole to achieve cooling of the lower surface of the multilayer plastic sheet 11. The first air blowing channel 813 and the second cooling component 82 are connected to the air blowing mechanism, such as an air compressor, or are connected to low-temperature gas (minus 20°C or below) generated by the vortex tube, to further improve the cooling effect.

[0066] In this embodiment, since the cooling head 811 is lower than the bottom surface of the pressure rod 72, it contacts the multilayer plastic plate 11 before the connector 10 on the pressure rod 72. After the cooling head 811 contacts the multilayer plastic plate 11, the pressure rod 72 and the connector 10 at its bottom 103 need to continue pressing down. Therefore, a compression chamber 816 is provided at the upper end of the cooling rod 812. A fourth elastic member is provided in the compression chamber 816. When the pressure rod 72 and the connector 10 at its bottom end continue to press down, the upper end of the cooling rod 812 compresses the fourth elastic member, causing the cooling head 811 to move upward relative to the pressure rod 72, while simultaneously pressing tightly against the upper surface of the multilayer plastic plate 11, quickly cooling the pressed area to prevent rebound and ensuring flatness. In this embodiment, the first elastic element 441 and the second elastic element 453 can preferably be springs, the third elastic element 463 can preferably be torsion springs, and the fourth elastic element can preferably be springs or gas springs, more preferably gas springs. The clamping force of the cooling head 811 is controlled by the controllable air pressure input to avoid the pressure being too small or too large, ensuring that the plastic sheet is clamped without producing obvious indentations.

[0067] The first heating component 91 of the buffer unit 4 and the second heating component 92 of the pressing device 2 form a progressive heating structure: the first heating component 91 is used to preheat the connector 10, reducing the heating time required for subsequent heating by the second heating component 92; the second heating component 92 can accurately control the heating temperature and is equipped with a temperature sensing sensor, enabling closed-loop control and accurate temperature control. The set temperature of the second heating component 92 is greater than or equal to the set temperature of the first heating component 91.

[0068] The following is a brief description of the working process of the automatic connection device for the multi-layer plastic sheet 11 in this embodiment:

[0069] The connectors 10 are placed horizontally within the first pipe 311 (horizontally, they are bottom 103, middle 102, and top 101 in sequence), and stacked vertically, with the tops 101 of two adjacent connectors 10 contacting each other. The first switching driver 323 drives the switching hole 325 to move below the first pipe 311, causing the connectors 10 in the first pipe 311 to fall into the switching hole 325. Then, the first switching driver 323 drives the switching hole 325 to move between the second pipe 331 and the pressure plate 322. The second switching driver 324 drives the pressure plate 322 to press down, pressing the connectors 10 in the switching hole 325 into the second pipe 331, and causing the last connector 10 in the first channel 431 to enter below the detection component 45, awaiting push.

[0070] The transition tube 33 is arc-shaped. After passing through the transition tube 33, the connector 10 gradually changes from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction, with its bottom 103 facing downwards. It then passes through the second heat insulation block 62 and enters the first channel 431 of the buffer unit 4. The buffer unit 4 is equipped with multiple pressing components 44 corresponding to the first channel 431. The pressing blocks 442 of the pressing components 44 are tightly pressed against the top 101 of the connector 10 under the pressure of the first elastic member 441, transferring the heat from the first heating component 91 to the connector 10 to heat it.

[0071] After passing through multiple clamping components 44, the connector 10 enters below the detection rod 451 and is located at the end of the push rod 51. The connector 10 pushes the end of the detection rod 451 corresponding to the second elastic member 453 upward, and the end corresponding to the sensor 454 downward. The sensor 454 detects that the connector 10 has moved into place and sends a signal. Based on this signal, the automatic connection device controls the push driver 53 to move, pushing the push rod 51 forward along the second channel 432 through the connecting rod 52. This causes the connector 10 at the end of the push rod 51 to enter the clamping groove 464 of the clamping component 46. Under the action of the clamping block 462 and the third elastic member 463, the connector 10 is clamped and held in the vertical direction to be pressed in.

[0072] Then, the drive unit 73 actuates, causing the pressure rod 72 and the first cooling component 81 to move downwards synchronously. After the pressure rod 72 contacts the connector 10, it is attracted to the bottom surface of the pressure rod 72 through the adsorption hole 725, the second airflow channel 724, the first airflow channel 723, and the air pressure control mechanism. At the same time, as the pressure rod 72 moves the connector 10 downwards, the second heating component 92 inside the pressure rod 72 continuously heats the connector 10 through the bottom end of the lower rod portion 722. When the pressure rod 72 pushes the connector 10 down, it pushes the clamping block 462 downwards, opening the space between the two clamping blocks 462.

[0073] When the pressure rod 72 and the first cooling assembly 81 move downwards synchronously until the cooling head 811 of the first cooling assembly 81 contacts the upper surface of the multilayer plastic plate 11, the drive unit 73 continues to push the pressure rod 72 downwards. The top of the cooling rod 812 moves upwards in the compression chamber 816 and compresses the fourth elastic element in the compression chamber 816, so that the cooling head 811 presses tightly against the corresponding area to be pressed in.

[0074] Then the bottom 103 of the connector 10 contacts the multi-layer plastic plate 11, and the drive unit 73 continues to move downward, pushing the connector 10 into the interior of the multi-layer plastic plate 11. By controlling the stroke, the connector 10 penetrates through all the plastic plates except the bottommost layer and extends into the middle part of the thickness of the bottommost plastic plate.

[0075] Once pressed into place, the first cooling assembly 81 activates, blowing air through the first air channel 813 of the cooling rod 812 and the second air channel 814 of the cooling head 811 to cool the connector 10 and the pressed position. Simultaneously, the drive unit 73 moves the pressure rod 72 upwards, and the first cooling assembly 81, under the action of the fourth elastic element, continuously presses and cools the multi-layer plastic sheet 11, preventing rebound and ensuring the flatness of the upper surface of the multi-layer plastic sheet 11. When the top of the cooling rod 812 moves to the bottom surface of the compression chamber 816, the drive unit 73 moves the pressure rod 72 and the first cooling assembly 81 further upwards, and the cooling head 811 disengages from the multi-layer plastic sheet 11.

[0076] Meanwhile, during the pressing process of the connector 10 and the upward movement of the pressure rod 72 driven by the drive unit 73, the second cooling component 82 continues to work, constantly cooling the multilayer plastic plate 11, and in conjunction with the bearing plane of the bearing seat 71 and the pressing depth of the connector 10, maintaining the flatness of the lower surface of the multilayer plastic plate 11.

[0077] This completes one pressing action. Repeat the above steps to perform the next pressing cycle.

[0078] The automatic connection equipment for multi-layer plastic sheet 11 of the present invention achieves the connection between multi-layer plastic sheets by automatically heating the connector 10 and pressing it into the plastic sheet. While realizing automated continuous production and accurate control of pressure stroke, it can ensure that the surface of the bearing part of the plastic sheet is flat and beautiful.

[0079] The automatic connection device of the present invention automatically heats the connector 10. Based on the low melting point of plastic materials, the heated connector 10 is pressed into two or more layers of plastic sheets. The pressing stroke is controlled, and the connection between the two or more layers of plastic sheets 11 is effectively and reliably achieved through the melting of the plastic material within a limited area and the locking mechanism of the connector 10. Furthermore, the first cooling component 81 and the second cooling component 82 cool the surface of the plastic sheets, thereby ensuring that the surface of the plastic sheets is smooth and flat, and not melted by the high-temperature connector 10.

[0080] The automatic connection equipment of the present invention has the following advantages: automated continuous production, realizing automatic feeding and automatic heating preparation of high-speed connectors 10; precise control of pressing pressure, pressing speed and final pressing stroke, thereby accurately ensuring pressing quality; through the configured support seat with second cooling component 82, the lower end face of the plastic sheet can be effectively guaranteed not to deform, thereby ensuring end face quality; the equipment can be compatible with connectors 10 of different lengths, thus applicable to different plastic sheet thicknesses; heating temperature and cooling temperature can be set, and it can be matched with different process conditions.

[0081] The above embodiments prepared by the method of the present invention are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0082] The endpoints and any values ​​of the ranges disclosed herein are not limited to the precise ranges or values, and these ranges or values ​​should be understood to include values ​​close to these ranges or values. For numerical ranges, the endpoint values ​​of the various ranges, the endpoint values ​​of the various ranges and individual point values, and individual point values ​​can be combined with each other to obtain one or more new numerical ranges, which should be considered as specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic connection device for multi-layer plastic sheets, characterized in that, The device includes a conveying device and a pressing device. The conveying device includes a feeding unit, a buffer unit, and a pushing unit. The pressing device includes a support seat, a pressure rod, and a driving unit for controlling the distance between the support seat and the pressure rod. The feeding unit is used to feed the connector into the buffer unit. The buffer unit is provided with a first heating component for heating the connector. The pushing unit is used to push the heated connector between the support seat and the pressure rod. The support seat is used to support a multi-layer plastic sheet. The pressure rod is used to press the heated connector into the multi-layer plastic sheet under the drive of the driving unit. The depth of the connector into the multi-layer plastic sheet is less than the total thickness of the multi-layer plastic sheet. The buffer unit includes a base plate and a cover plate, the base plate and the cover plate having a first channel for the movement of the connector, and the first heating component is disposed on the base plate and / or the cover plate; The buffer unit is provided with a clamping component, and the cover plate has a receiving groove. The clamping component includes a first elastic element and a pressure block. The pressure block is used to contact the top of the connector. One end of the first elastic element acts on the pressure block, and the other end of the first elastic element acts on the top of the receiving groove.

2. The automatic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a top, a middle part, and a bottom part arranged sequentially; the size of the top part is larger than the size of the bottom part, and the bottom surface of the bottom part is curved; the connector is vertically arranged in the first channel.

3. The automatic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer unit is equipped with a detection component, which includes a detection rod, a rotating shaft, a second elastic element, and a sensor. The rotating shaft is disposed on the cover plate, and the detection rod rotates around the rotating shaft. The second elastic element and the sensor are respectively disposed at the two ends of the detection rod. The second elastic element is used to drive the corresponding end of the detection rod to rotate downward and press against the connecting member.

4. The automatic connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pushing unit is configured corresponding to the detection component. The pushing unit includes a push rod and a pushing drive for driving the push rod. The base plate and the cover plate have a second channel for the push rod to move. The first channel and the second channel are set at an angle. The push rod is located below the detection rod.

5. The automatic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A clamping assembly is provided on the base plate. The pushing unit is used to push the connector from the buffer unit to the clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a pin, a clamping block and a third elastic element. The pin is fixed on the base plate. The clamping block is rotatably mounted on the pin. The third elastic element is used to make the clamping block rotate upward. A clamping groove for accommodating the connector is formed between the two clamping blocks.

6. The automatic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding unit includes a feeding pipe, a transition pipe, and a cutting assembly disposed between the feeding pipe and the transition pipe. The transition pipe is disposed close to the buffer unit, and the cutting assembly is used to switch the connector in the feeding pipe to the transition pipe.

7. The automatic connection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cutting assembly includes a cutting plate, a first switching driver for driving the cutting plate to move, a pressure plate, and a second switching driver for driving the pressure plate to move. The cutting plate and the pressure plate are set at an angle. The cutting plate has a switching hole that penetrates its thickness and matches the shape of the connector. The shape of the pressure plate matches the shape of the switching hole.

8. The automatic connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The feeding pipe has a first pipe for accommodating a connector, and the transition pipe has a second pipe for accommodating a connector. The first switching driver drives the switching hole on the cutting plate to reciprocate between the first pipe and the second pipe. The pressure plate is configured corresponding to the second pipe.

9. The automatic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing device includes a second heating component for heating the connector, the second heating component being disposed within the pressing rod.

10. The automatic connection device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second heating component includes a heating rod disposed within the pressure rod. The pressure rod includes an upper rod portion and a lower rod portion, with the bottom end of the upper rod portion and the top end of the lower rod portion connected. The inner diameter of the upper rod portion is larger than the outer diameter of the heating rod. A first airflow channel is formed between the inner wall of the upper rod portion and the outer wall of the heating rod. An adsorption hole is provided at the bottom end of the lower rod portion, and a second airflow channel is provided on the inner wall of the lower rod portion. The second airflow channel connects the adsorption hole and the first airflow channel, and the first airflow channel is connected to a pressure control mechanism.

11. The automatic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing device includes a first cooling component for cooling the multi-layer plastic sheet after the connector is inserted into it; and / or, the support seat is provided with a second cooling component for cooling the multi-layer plastic sheet supported by the support seat.

12. The automatic connection device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first cooling assembly includes a cooling head and a cooling rod connected to the cooling head, the cooling rod being arranged parallel to the pressure rod; the cooling rod having a first air blowing channel for blowing air, the cooling head having a second air blowing channel and a pressure hole through which the pressure rod passes, the second air blowing channel connecting the pressure hole and the first air blowing channel.

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