Shifting fork forming machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a shifting fork forming machine which comprises a rack, the rack is provided with a forming mechanism and a transferring mechanism, the rack is provided with an index plate capable of rotating in a stepping mode, the index plate is annularly provided with a plurality of clamps, the clamps can enable the junction of a shifting part and two fork claws and the ends of the two fork claws to be located outside the clamps after clamping a shifting fork, and the rack is provided with a shaping mechanism. The shaping mechanism can apply downward pressure and upward pressure to the upper side and the lower side of the junction of the shifting part and the two fork claws, the rack is provided with a grinding mechanism capable of grinding and chamfering the outer end of one fork claw of the shifting fork, and the rack is provided with a collecting mechanism capable of directionally collecting the ground and chamfered shifting fork. And the shifting fork is leveled through bidirectional pressure given by the shaping mechanism. The pressure in the upper direction and the pressure in the lower direction adapt to upward bulging deformation and downward bulging deformation of the shifting fork. And the grinding mechanism grinds and chamfers the outer end part of one fork claw of the shifting fork, so that subsequent spring buckle assembly is facilitated, and the end part of the fork claw is inserted into the notch of the shell when a wearer shifts the shifting fork.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of spring buckle technology, and more specifically to a fork forming machine. Background Technology

[0002] Spring clasps are widely used as connectors at both ends of jewelry chains. Structurally, a spring clasp consists of a shell, a spring, and a fork. The fork, also called a movable clasp, includes two forks and a lever for easy operation by the wearer. The two ends of the curved tubular shell form notches, and the spring and fork are inserted into the shell. The fork closes and opens the notches.

[0003] The applicant filed a Chinese invention patent application with publication number CN118371626A entitled "An Extrusion Molding Machine for Spring-loaded Movable Buckles." The applicant discovered that in this molding machine, the extrusion molding mechanism forms the movable buckle from the wire, and then the clamping and unloading mechanism removes the buckle from the extrusion molding mechanism. The arc-shaped clamping surface of the clamp head is in contact with the outermost surface of the movable buckle. During clamping, the middle of the movable buckle may bulge upwards or downwards. This upward or downward bulging from the left and right sides to the middle can cause interference when the movable buckle is assembled into the outer shell, and can also cause the movable buckle to jam when the wearer moves it. Correcting this deformation during mass production of movable buckles is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0004] The applicant also discovered that during the forming of the movable buckle, a long metal wire needs to be cut to obtain a fixed length for making the buckle. During cutting, burrs appear on the cut surface of the wire, and after forming, these burrs are located at the ends of the two forks. When the movable buckle is moved to close one fork against the notch in the outer shell, this fork needs to enter one end of the shell; when the movable buckle is moved to open the notch by avoiding it, this fork needs to move out of one end of the shell. Due to the burrs at the fork ends, interference or jamming may occur when the wearer moves the movable buckle to insert one fork end into one end of the shell, affecting the wearer's operating feel. There is an urgent need for a fork forming machine that can ensure the overall shape of the fork after clamping and facilitate the insertion of the fork ends. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fork forming machine that can ensure the overall shape of the fork after it is clamped and facilitate the insertion of the fork claw end.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the invention includes a frame, which is equipped with a forming mechanism for shaping metal wire into shift forks, a conveying mechanism for transferring the shift forks produced by the forming mechanism to a preset position, and a step-rotating indexing plate. The indexing plate is surrounded by several clamps capable of gripping and releasing the upper and lower sides of the shift forks. The clamps, under the rotation of the indexing plate, can reach a position close to the forming mechanism and receive the shift forks from the conveying mechanism. Its structural feature is that the clamps, after gripping the shift forks, can... The junction of the actuating part and the two forks, and the ends of the two forks are located outside the clamp. The frame is equipped with a shaping mechanism that can apply downward and upward pressure to the upper and lower sides of the junction of the actuating part and the two forks. The frame is equipped with a grinding mechanism that can grind and chamfer the outer end of one fork of the actuating part. The frame is equipped with a collection mechanism that can collect the ground and chamfered actuating part in a directional manner. The forming mechanism, shaping mechanism, grinding mechanism and collection mechanism are arranged sequentially in the rotation direction of the indexing plate.

[0007] With the above structure, the forming mechanism shapes the metal wire into a shift fork. The unloaded clamp, driven by the rotating indexing plate, moves to a position close to the forming and transfer mechanisms. The transfer mechanism then transfers the shift fork formed by the forming mechanism onto the unloaded clamp, which holds the shift fork. After the clamp holds the shift fork, the junction of the shift fork's moving part and the two fork pawls, as well as the ends of the two fork pawls, are exposed outside the clamp for subsequent processing, avoiding interference. The clamp holding the shift fork, driven by the rotating indexing plate, moves to a position close to the shaping mechanism. The shaping mechanism applies downward and upward pressure to the upper and lower sides of the junction of the shift fork and the two fork pawls. If the shift fork bulges upward or downward during transfer, the bidirectional pressure from the shaping mechanism flattens the shift fork. The pressure in both directions adapts to the upward and downward bulging deformation of the shift fork and also prevents over-correction of the shift fork deformation. The shift fork is shaped by applying pressure to the junction of the actuating part and the two forks, preventing direct pressure contact with the actuating part or forks. This ensures the overall shape of the actuating part, making it easy for the wearer to operate and maintaining the overall aesthetics of the shift fork. It also prevents direct pressure contact with the forks, which could deform, ensuring smooth operation during subsequent assembly and wearing. A shaping mechanism ensures the overall shape of the shift fork after clamping. The clamp holding the shaped shift fork is moved near the grinding mechanism by a rotating indexing plate. The grinding mechanism chamfers the outer end of one fork, facilitating subsequent spring buckle assembly and the insertion of the fork end into the notch in the outer shell when the wearer operates the shift fork. A collecting mechanism is incorporated; the clamp holding the ground shift fork is moved near the collecting mechanism by a rotating indexing plate, releasing the shift fork and collecting it in a directional manner.

[0008] The shaping mechanism includes a first mounting bracket mounted on a frame. The first mounting bracket has a first slide block and a second slide block slidably connected to it, spaced vertically and capable of sliding up and down. The first mounting bracket has a first driving member for driving the first and second slide blocks to move in opposite directions in the vertical direction. The first slide block has a first pressure head, the bottom of which contacts the upper side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The second slide block has a second pressure head, the top of which contacts the lower side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. By setting up the shaping mechanism, during the shaping of the shift fork, the first driving member drives the first and second slide blocks to slide towards each other, bringing them closer together. The first and second pressure heads approach the upper and lower sides of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks, applying pressure in opposite directions to the shift fork. The upper and lower sides of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks have a preset ground clearance, and the shift fork as a whole is corrected, thus completing the shaping.

[0009] The grinding mechanism includes a second mounting bracket on the frame. The second mounting bracket has a platform that can approach and move away from the clamp. The platform is rotatably connected to a grinding cutter capable of chamfering the outer end of one pawl of a shift fork. The platform has a second driving member that drives the grinding cutter to rotate. By configuring the grinding mechanism, the platform moves, causing the grinding cutter and the second driving member to approach the shift fork on the clamp. The second driving member drives the grinding cutter to rotate, thereby chamfering the outer end of one pawl of the shift fork. After processing, the platform moves, causing the grinding cutter and the second driving member to move away from the chamfered shift fork on the clamp, preventing interference between the grinding cutter or the platform and the clamp near the grinding mechanism.

[0010] The clamp includes an upper clamp body hinged to the indexing plate and a lower clamp body fixed to the indexing plate. The upper clamp body is located above the lower clamp body. The sides of the upper and lower clamp bodies closest to the indexing plate are elastically connected by an elastic element. The sides of the upper and lower clamp bodies furthest from the indexing plate can contact the upper and lower sides of the two forks of the shift fork. The bottom surface of the side of the upper clamp body furthest from the indexing plate is provided with an upwardly recessed limiting groove that can limit the upper side of the two forks of the shift fork. The frame is provided with a drive assembly that can drive the upper clamp body close to the forming mechanism and the collecting mechanism to swing. By setting the clamp and the drive assembly, the limiting groove of the upper clamp body prevents the shift fork from deviating from its position on the clamp. The drive assembly drives the upper clamp body near the forming and collecting mechanisms to swing. The side of the upper clamp body closest to the indexing plate moves downward, while the side furthest from the indexing plate moves upward. The elastic element is compressed, increasing the distance between the side of the upper clamp body furthest from the indexing plate and the side of the lower clamp body furthest from the indexing plate. This allows the fork to be released or the clamp to be positioned to easily carry the fork from the transfer mechanism. When the drive assembly stops driving the upper clamp body, the elastic element returns to its original position, reducing the distance between the side of the upper clamp body furthest from the indexing plate and the side of the lower clamp body furthest from the indexing plate until the clamp grips the fork.

[0011] The collecting mechanism includes a third mounting bracket mounted on the frame. The third mounting bracket is equipped with a third driving member. The third driving member has an output end that can extend and retract in the vertical direction. The output end of the third driving member is equipped with a push rod. After the push rod moves downward, the bottom of the push rod can abut against the upper part of the outer end of the fork opposite the ground end of the two forks located in the limiting groove. The third mounting bracket is equipped with an air nozzle that can blow the shift fork on the lower clamp body away from the lower clamp body. The third mounting bracket is equipped with a receiving pipe that can receive the shift fork from the lower clamp body. The frame is equipped with a collecting box that receives the shift fork from the receiving pipe. By setting up a collection mechanism, when the clamp holding the ground and chamfered shift fork reaches a position close to the collection mechanism, the third drive unit drives the push rod to move downwards. The push rod approaches the upper outer end of the fork pawl opposite the ground end, that is, the upper outer end of the fork pawl at the unground end. If the shift fork gets stuck in the limiting groove of the upper clamp body when the clamp releases the shift fork, and the shift fork swings with the upper clamp body, the bottom of the push rod can abut against the outer end of the fork pawl at the unground end of the shift fork, thereby disengaging the shift fork from the limiting groove and ensuring the continuity of operation. At the same time, the bottom of the push rod can abut against the outer end of the fork pawl at the unground end of the shift fork, avoiding damage to the fork pawl at the ground end. When the clamp opens on the side away from the indexing plate and the lower clamp body carries the ground and chamfered shift fork, the air nozzle blows the shift fork off the lower clamp body. The shift fork reaches the collection box through the receiving pipe to complete the directional collection of the shift fork.

[0012] The first pressure head includes a first body for mounting on a first slide. The lower part of the first body is provided with a first transition portion. The outer diameter of the first transition portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the first body. The first transition portion is provided with a first clearance groove for avoiding the upper clamp body. The first clearance groove is recessed from the outer side of the first transition portion into the interior of the first transition portion. The top of the upper clamp body is provided with a downwardly recessed second clearance groove. The second clearance groove can avoid the top of the first clearance groove and the outer side of the first transition portion when the first pressure head moves downward. The bottom of the first transition portion is provided with a first pressing portion. The bottom of the first pressing portion can contact the upper side of the junction between the actuating portion and the two forks. The second pressure head includes a second body for mounting on a second slide. The upper part of the second body has a second transition portion, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the second body. The second transition portion has a third clearance groove for avoiding the lower clamp body. The third clearance groove is recessed from the outer side of the second transition portion into the interior of the second transition portion. The bottom of the lower clamp body has an upwardly recessed fourth clearance groove. The fourth clearance groove can avoid the bottom of the third clearance groove and the outer side of the second transition portion when the second pressure head moves upward. The top of the second transition portion has a second pressing portion. The top of the second pressing portion can contact the lower side of the junction between the shifting part and the two forks. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are vertically opposite each other. By setting the first and second pressure heads, the first and second clearance grooves cooperate to prevent the downwardly moving first pressure head from interfering with the upper clamp body; the third clearance groove cooperates with the fourth clearance groove to prevent the upwardly moving second pressure head from interfering with the lower clamp body. The first and second pressing portions ensure accurate contact with the shifting fork.

[0013] The bottom of the first crimping part and the top of the second crimping part have the same outer diameter. The first and second crimping parts with the same outer diameter ensure that the upper and lower sides of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks are provided with accurate force application points, ensuring the uniformity of force on the forks.

[0014] In summary, the present invention has the advantages of reasonable structure and convenient use. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of area A in the middle; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of a section in area B; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section in area C; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the clamps; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of a section in area D; Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the frame, indexing plate, clamps and forming mechanism; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section in area E; Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the frame and shaping mechanism in use; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of a section in the F region; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first pressure head; Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second pressure head; Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the frame, indexing plate, clamp and grinding mechanism; Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A magnified view of a section in the G region; Figure 15 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the frame, indexing plate, clamps and collection mechanism; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of region H in the middle; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the changes in the state of the shift fork as it passes through the transfer mechanism, the shaping mechanism, and the grinding mechanism; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A diagram from another angle; In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Forming mechanism; 3. Transfer mechanism; 4. Indexing plate; 5. Clamp; 51. Upper clamp body; 511. Limiting groove; 512. Second clearance groove; 52. Lower clamp body; 521. Fourth clearance groove; 6. Shaping mechanism; 61. First mounting bracket; 62. First slide; 63. Second slide; 64. First driving component; 65. First pressure head; 651. First body; 652. First transition section; 6521. First... 653. Clearance groove; 66. First pressing part; 66. Second pressing head; 661. Second body; 662. Second transition part; 6621. Third clearance groove; 663. Second pressing part; 7. Grinding mechanism; 71. Second mounting bracket; 72. Platform; 73. Grinding cutter; 74. Second driving component; 8. Collection mechanism; 81. Third mounting bracket; 82. Third driving component; 83. Push rod; 84. Air nozzle; 85. Material receiving pipe; 86. Collection box. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention and therefore showing only the components relevant to the invention. For ease of understanding, Figure 15 The left side is the left side of the invention. Figure 15 The right side is the right side of the invention. Figure 15 The upper side is the upper side of the present invention. Figure 15 The lower side is the lower side of the present invention. Figure 1 The top is the front side of the invention. Figure 1 The rear side of the invention is shown below.

[0017] Reference Figure 1The system includes a frame 1, which is equipped with a forming mechanism 2 for forming metal wire into a fork, and a transfer mechanism 3 for transferring the fork formed by the forming mechanism 2 to a preset position. The forming mechanism 2 is a common forming structure in the field of snap fastener manufacturing, and the transfer mechanism 3 is a common material transfer structure in the field of snap fastener manufacturing. Their structural principles have been published in Chinese invention patent applications CN118371626A (published as "A Spring Buckle Snap Fastener Extrusion Forming Machine") and CN113182469A (published as "A Snap Fastener Processing Equipment"). The structural principles are well known to those skilled in the art. This embodiment uses a similar structure and will not be described further here. The frame 1 is equipped with a step-rotating indexing plate 4. The frame 1 can be equipped with a cam divider or a servo motor, and the indexing plate 4 is located on the output end of the cam divider or servo motor, thereby achieving step-rotation.

[0018] Reference Figures 1 to 16 The indexing plate 4 is equipped with several clamps 5 that can grip and release the upper and lower sides of the shift fork. As the indexing plate 4 rotates, the clamps 5 can reach a position close to the forming mechanism 2 and receive the shift fork from the transfer mechanism 3. After gripping the shift fork, the clamps 5 can position the junction of the shifting part and the two fork claws, as well as the ends of the two fork claws, outside the clamps 5. The clamps 5 hold the two fork claws of the shift fork on the side closest to the shifting part, and the ends of the two fork claws on the side furthest from the shifting part. The frame 1 is equipped with a shaping mechanism 6, which can apply downward and upward pressure to the upper and lower sides of the junction of the shifting part and the two fork claws. The frame 1 is equipped with a grinding mechanism 7 that can grind and chamfer the outer end of one fork claw of the shift fork. The frame 1 is equipped with a collection mechanism 8 that can collect the ground and chamfered shift fork in a directional manner. The forming mechanism 2, shaping mechanism 6, grinding mechanism 7, and collection mechanism 8 are arranged sequentially in the rotation direction of the indexing plate 4.

[0019] Reference Figures 1 to 8 and Figures 13 to 16The clamp 5 includes an upper clamp body 51 hinged to the indexing plate 4 and a lower clamp body 52 fixed to the indexing plate 4. The upper clamp body 51 is hinged to the indexing plate 4 via a hinge shaft, and the lower clamp body 52 is fixed to the indexing plate 4 via screws and pins. The upper clamp body 51 is located above the lower clamp body 52. ​​The sides of the upper clamp body 51 and the lower clamp body 52 closest to the indexing plate 4 are elastically connected by an elastic element, which can be a compression spring. The top surface of the lower clamp body 52 may have a downwardly recessed spring groove, in which the elastic element is placed, with its bottom end abutting against the spring groove and its top end abutting against the upper clamp body 51. The sides of the upper clamp body 51 and the lower clamp body 52 furthest from the indexing plate 4 can contact the upper and lower sides of the two forks of the shift fork. The bottom surface of the side of the upper clamp body 51 furthest from the indexing plate 4 has an upwardly recessed limiting groove 511 that can limit the upper side of the two forks of the shift fork. The frame 1 is equipped with a drive assembly that can drive the upper clamp 51, which is close to the forming mechanism 2 and the collecting mechanism 8, to swing. The drive assembly includes a power component whose output end can reciprocate up and down. The output end of the power component is equipped with a pressure rod with two pressure heads, which are respectively close to the forming mechanism 2 and the collecting mechanism 8 and located above the clamp 5. The power component drives the pressure rod to move downward, thereby providing downward pressure on the side of the upper clamp 51 close to the indexing plate 4, causing the upper clamp 51 to swing and the side of the clamp 5 away from the indexing plate 4 to open. When the pressure rod moves upward, the upper clamp 51 swings back under the restoring action of the elastic component, and the side of the clamp 5 away from the indexing plate 4 clamps. The power component can be a cylinder or a linear module driven by a ball screw and nut, or a cam rocker arm mechanism driven by a motor, which can be mounted on the frame 1. The limiting groove 511 can have a certain gap with the fork before forming to adapt to the shape of the fork after forming.

[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 8 and Figures 13 to 16 By setting clamp 5 and drive assembly, the limiting groove 511 of upper clamp 51 prevents the shift fork from deviating from its position on clamp 5. The drive assembly drives the upper clamp 51, which is close to the forming mechanism 2 and the collecting mechanism 8, to swing. The side of upper clamp 51 closest to indexing plate 4 moves downward, while the side away from indexing plate 4 moves upward. The elastic element is compressed, and the distance between the side of upper clamp 51 away from indexing plate 4 and the side of lower clamp 52 away from indexing plate 4 increases, thereby releasing the shift fork or positioning clamp 5 in a posture that facilitates carrying the shift fork from transfer mechanism 3. When the drive assembly stops driving upper clamp 51, under the restoring action of the elastic element, the distance between the side of upper clamp 51 away from indexing plate 4 and the side of lower clamp 52 away from indexing plate 4 decreases until clamp 5 clamps the shift fork.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 12The shaping mechanism 6 includes a first mounting frame 61 mounted on the frame 1. The first mounting frame 61 is slidably connected to a first slide block 62 and a second slide block 63 that are spaced vertically apart and can slide vertically. The first mounting frame 61 may be provided with a vertically arranged slide rail. The first slide block 62 and the second slide block 63 can be slidably connected to the first mounting frame 61 via the slide rail. The first mounting bracket 61 is provided with a first driving member 64 for driving the first slide block 62 and the second slide block 63 to move towards each other and away from each other in the vertical direction. The first driving member 64 may include two bent crank arms, which are arranged symmetrically vertically. The middle of the two crank arms is hinged to the first mounting bracket 61. The first slide block 62 can be elastically connected to the first mounting bracket 61 by a tension spring or a compression spring. The tension spring or compression spring prevents the first slide block 62 from moving downward under the action of gravity. One end of the upper crank arm abuts against the upper part of the first slide block 62, and one end of the lower crank arm abuts against the lower part of the second slide block 63. The first mounting bracket 61 is provided with a cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder is provided with a top block. The top block is located between the two crank arms on the side away from the first slide block 62 and the second slide block 63. The top block is triangular, and the vertical distance between the top block is from the side closest to the first slide block 62 to the side furthest from the second slide block 63. The first slide 62 and the second slide 63 gradually increase in size from one side towards the cylinder. The cylinder output end extends and drives the top block to move towards the first slide 62 and the second slide 63. The top block abuts against the two crank arms away from the first slide 62 and the second slide 63. The top block causes the two crank arms to swing synchronously around the hinge point. The two crank arms swing in opposite directions. The upper crank arm applies downward pressure to the first slide 62, causing it to move down, while the lower crank arm applies upward pressure to the second slide 63, causing it to move up. The first slide 62 and the second slide 63 move towards each other and move closer to each other. When the cylinder output end retracts, the upper and lower crank arms swing back under the restoring action of the elastic element and the gravity of the second slide 63, respectively. The first slide 62 and the second slide 63 move away from each other and move further apart. The sides of the two crank arms closest to the cylinder can be elastically connected by tension springs to ensure that the two crank arms maintain close contact with the upper and lower sides of the top block, respectively. Two first driving members 64 can be provided, and a screw-nut mechanism driven by a cylinder, an electric push rod, or a motor can be selected. The output ends of the two first driving members 64 directly drive the first slide 62 and the second slide 63 to move, respectively. The first slide 62 is provided with a first pressure head 65, the bottom of which can contact the upper side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The second slide 63 is provided with a second pressure head 66, the top of which can contact the lower side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The first pressure head 65 can move downward to a preset position, and the second pressure head 66 can move upward to a preset position.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 7 to 12By setting the shaping mechanism 6, when shaping the shift fork, the first driving member 64 drives the first slide block 62 and the second slide block 63 to slide towards each other. The first slide block 62 and the second slide block 63 approach each other, and the first pressure head 65 and the second pressure head 66 approach the upper and lower sides of the junction between the shifting part and the two fork claws and apply pressure in opposite directions to the shift fork. The upper and lower sides of the junction between the shifting part and the two fork claws have a preset height from the ground and the shift fork as a whole is corrected, thereby completing the shaping.

[0023] Reference Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 7 to 12The first pressure head 65 includes a first body 651 for mounting on a first slide 62. The first slide 62 can be screwed with a tightening screw that abuts against the outer side of the first body 651. The first body 651 can be interference-fitted onto the first slide 62. The lower part of the first body 651 is provided with a first transition portion 652. The outer diameter of the first transition portion 652 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first body 651. The first transition portion 652 is provided with a first clearance groove 6521 for avoiding the upper clamp body 51. The first clearance groove 6521 is recessed from the outer side of the first transition portion 652 towards the inside of the first transition portion 652. The top of the upper clamp body 51 is provided with a downwardly recessed second clearance groove 512. The second clearance groove 512 can avoid the top of the first clearance groove 6521 and the outer side of the first transition portion 652 when the first pressure head 65 moves downward. The bottom of the first transition portion 652 is provided with a first pressing portion 653. The bottom of the first pressing portion 653 can contact the upper side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The second pressure head 66 includes a second body 661 for mounting on a second slide 63. The second slide 63 can be screwed with a tightening screw that abuts against the outer side of the second body 661. The second body 661 can be interference-fitted onto the second slide 63. The upper part of the second body 661 is provided with a second transition part 662. The outer diameter of the second transition part 662 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second body 661. The second transition part 662 is provided with a third clearance groove 6621 for avoiding the lower clamp body 52. ​​The third clearance groove 6621 is recessed from the outside of the second transition part 662 towards the inside of the second transition part 662. The bottom of the lower clamp body 52 is provided with an upwardly recessed fourth clearance groove 521. The fourth clearance groove 521 can avoid the bottom of the third clearance groove 6621 and the outer side of the second transition part 662 when the second pressure head 66 moves upward. The top of the second transition part 662 is provided with a second pressing part 663. The top of the second pressing part 663 can contact the lower side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The first pressing part 653 and the second pressing part 663 are vertically opposite each other. By setting a first pressure head 65 and a second pressure head 66, the first clearance groove 6521 and the second clearance groove 512 cooperate to prevent the downward-moving first pressure head 65 from interfering with the upper clamp body 51; the third clearance groove 6621 can cooperate with the fourth clearance groove 521 to prevent the upward-moving second pressure head 66 from interfering with the lower clamp body 52. ​​Preferably, the bottom of the first pressing part 653 and the top of the second pressing part 663 have the same outer diameter. The first pressing part 653 and the second pressing part 663 with the same outer diameter ensure that accurate force application points are provided on the upper and lower sides of the junction of the actuating part and the two forks, ensuring the uniformity of force on the fork.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 13 and Figure 14The grinding mechanism 7 includes a second mounting bracket 71 mounted on the frame 1. The second mounting bracket 71 has a platform 72 that can approach and move away from the clamp 5. The second mounting bracket 71 can be equipped with a slide cylinder assembly, which may include a slide cylinder whose output end can move back and forth and a slide cylinder whose output end can move left and right. One slide cylinder is mounted on the output end of another slide cylinder, and the platform 72 is mounted on the slide cylinder whose output end is unloaded, thereby enabling the platform 72 to approach and move away from the clamp 5 in both left-right and back-forward directions. Of course, the output end orientation and the number of slide cylinders in the slide cylinder assembly can be set as needed according to the actual processing conditions, with the aim of enabling the platform 72 and the parts on the platform 72 to approach and move away from the clamp 5 and the fork held by the clamp 5 while avoiding interference. The platform 72 is rotatably connected via bearings to a grinding cutter 73 capable of grinding and chamfering the outer end of one fork claw of the fork. The platform 72 is equipped with a second driving member 74 that drives the grinding cutter 73 to rotate. The second drive unit 74 can be a servo motor and a belt and pulley assembly that can transmit the rotational force output from the servo motor to the grinding cutter 73. The grinding cutter 73 can rotate around the outer end of one of the forks of the shift fork to grind the chamfer. Since the jewelry clasp is small and the shift fork is also small, the grinding cutter 73, driven by the platform 72, approaches the outer end of one of the forks of the shift fork held by the clamp 5 to lightly abut against the outer end. When the grinding cutter 73 grinds the outer end of the fork, linear feed of the grinding cutter 73 is not required. By setting the grinding mechanism 7, the platform 72 moves to drive the grinding cutter 73 and the second drive unit 74 to approach the shift fork on the clamp 5. The second drive unit 74 drives the grinding cutter 73 to rotate to grind the chamfer on the outer end of one of the forks of the shift fork. After processing, the platform 72 moves to drive the grinding cutter 73 and the second drive unit 74 away from the chamfered shift fork on the clamp 5 to prevent the grinding cutter 73 or the platform 72 from interfering with the clamp 5 near the grinding mechanism 7.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 15 and Figure 16The collecting mechanism 8 includes a third mounting bracket 81 mounted on the frame 1. The third mounting bracket 81 is equipped with a third driving member 82, which has an output end that can extend and retract in the vertical direction. The third driving member 82 can be a cylinder. The output end of the third driving member 82 is equipped with a push rod 83. After the push rod 83 moves downward, its bottom can abut against the upper part of the outer end of the fork opposite the ground fork in the two forks located in the limiting groove 511. The third mounting bracket 81 is equipped with an air nozzle 84 that can blow the fork on the lower clamp 52 away from the lower clamp 52. One end of the air nozzle 84 is connected to an external air source, and the other end of the air nozzle 84 can be connected to a universal bamboo tube to ensure that the fork on the clamp 5 is accurately blown away from the clamp 5 when the clamp 5 is opened. The third mounting bracket 81 is equipped with a receiving pipe 85 that can receive the fork from the lower clamp 52, and the frame 1 is equipped with a collecting box 86 that receives the fork from the receiving pipe 85. By setting up the collection mechanism 8, when the clamp 5 holding the ground and chamfered shift fork reaches a position close to the collection mechanism 8, the third driving member 82 drives the push rod 83 to move down. The push rod 83 approaches the upper part of the outer end of the fork pawl opposite to the ground end, that is, the push rod 83 approaches the upper part of the outer end of the fork pawl at the unground end. If the shift fork gets stuck in the limiting groove 511 of the upper clamp body 51 when the clamp 5 releases the shift fork, and the shift fork swings with the upper clamp body 51, the bottom of the push rod 83 can abut against the outer end of the fork pawl at the unground end of the shift fork, thereby disengaging the shift fork from the limiting groove 511 and ensuring the continuity of operation. At the same time, the bottom of the push rod 83 can abut against the outer end of the fork pawl at the unground end of the shift fork, avoiding damage to the fork pawl at the ground end. When the clamp 5 opens away from the indexing plate 4 and the lower clamp body 52 carries the ground and chamfered shift fork, the air nozzle 84 blows the shift fork off the lower clamp body 52. ​​The shift fork then reaches the collection box 86 through the receiving pipe 85 to complete the directional collection of the shift fork.

[0026] Reference Figures 17 to 18 State a shows the overall posture of the shift fork after it is clamped and moved by the transfer mechanism 3, with the shift fork deforming upwards from the left and right sides to the middle. State b shows the overall posture of the shift fork after it has been shaped by the shaping mechanism 6, with the shift fork being relatively flat. State c shows the overall posture of the shift fork after the outer end of one of its fork claws has been ground and chamfered by the grinding mechanism 7.

[0027] This invention provides a shift fork forming machine. The forming mechanism 2 forms shift forks from metal wire. An unloaded clamp 5, driven by a rotating indexing plate 4, moves to a position close to the forming mechanism 2 and the transfer mechanism 3. The transfer mechanism 3 transfers the shift fork formed by the forming mechanism 2 to the unloaded clamp 5, which holds the shift fork. After the clamp 5 holds the shift fork, the junction of the shift fork's moving part and the two fork claws, as well as the ends of the two fork claws, are exposed outside the clamp 5 for subsequent processing and to avoid interference. The clamp 5, holding the shift fork, moves to a position close to the shaping mechanism 6, driven by the rotating indexing plate 4. The shaping mechanism 6 applies downward and upward pressure to the upper and lower sides of the junction of the shift fork and the two fork claws. If the middle of the shift fork bulges upward or downward during transfer, the bidirectional pressure applied by the shaping mechanism 6 flattens the shift fork. The pressure in both the upper and lower directions adapts to the upward and downward deformation of the shift fork, and also prevents overcorrection of the shift fork deformation. Applying pressure to the junction of the shifting part and the two fork claws completes the overall shaping of the shift fork, avoiding direct pressure contact with the shifting part or fork claws, ensuring the overall shape of the shifting part for easy operation and maintaining the overall aesthetics of the shift fork; it also prevents direct pressure contact with the fork claws, thus avoiding deformation and ensuring smooth operation during subsequent assembly and wearing. A shaping mechanism 6 ensures the overall shape of the shift fork after it is clamped. The clamp 5, holding the shaped shift fork, moves to a position close to the grinding mechanism 7 under the drive of the rotating indexing plate 4. The grinding mechanism 7 grinds and chamfers the outer end of one fork claw, facilitating subsequent spring buckle assembly and the insertion of the fork end into the notch in the outer shell when the wearer moves the shift fork. By setting up a collection mechanism 8, the clamp 5 holding the ground shift fork is driven by the rotating indexing plate 4 to a position close to the collection mechanism 8. The clamp 5 releases the shift fork and the shift fork is collected in a directional manner by the collection mechanism 8.

[0028] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or additions to the specific embodiments described, or use similar methods to replace them, as long as they do not deviate from the structure of the invention or exceed the scope defined by the claims of this patent, all of which should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fork forming machine, comprising a frame (1), wherein the frame (1) is provided with a forming mechanism (2) capable of forming metal wire into forks, the frame (1) is provided with a transfer mechanism (3) capable of transferring the forks formed by the forming mechanism (2) to a preset position, the frame (1) is provided with a step-rotating indexing plate (4), the indexing plate (4) is surrounded by a plurality of clamps (5) capable of clamping and releasing the upper and lower sides of the forks, the clamps (5) being able to reach a position close to the forming mechanism (2) and receiving the forks from the transfer mechanism (3) under the rotation of the indexing plate (4), characterized in that: The clamp (5) can clamp the fork so that the junction of the moving part and the two fork claws and the ends of the two fork claws are outside the clamp (5). The frame (1) is provided with a shaping mechanism (6). The shaping mechanism (6) can apply downward and upward pressure to the upper and lower sides of the junction of the moving part and the two fork claws. The frame (1) is provided with a grinding mechanism (7) that can grind and chamfer the outer end of one fork claw of the fork. The frame (1) is provided with a collection mechanism (8) that can collect the fork after grinding and chamfering. The forming mechanism (2), shaping mechanism (6), grinding mechanism (7), and collection mechanism (8) are arranged in sequence in the rotation direction of the indexing plate (4).

2. The shift fork forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shaping mechanism (6) includes a first mounting bracket (61) mounted on a frame (1). The first mounting bracket (61) is slidably connected to a first slide block (62) and a second slide block (63) that are spaced apart vertically and can slide vertically. The first mounting bracket (61) is provided with a first driving member (64) for driving the first slide block (62) and the second slide block (63) to move towards each other and away from each other in the vertical direction. The first slide block (62) is provided with a first pressure head (65). The bottom of the first pressure head (65) can contact the upper side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The second slide block (63) is provided with a second pressure head (66). The top of the second pressure head (66) can contact the lower side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks.

3. The shift fork forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The grinding mechanism (7) includes a second mounting bracket (71) mounted on the frame (1). The second mounting bracket (71) is provided with a platform (72) that can approach and move away from the clamp (5). The platform (72) is rotatably connected to a grinding cutter (73) that can grind and chamfer the outer end of one fork of the shift fork. The platform (72) is provided with a second driving member (74) that drives the grinding cutter (73) to rotate.

4. The fork forming machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamp (5) includes an upper clamp body (51) hinged to the indexing plate (4) and a lower clamp body (52) fixed to the indexing plate (4). The upper clamp body (51) is located above the lower clamp body (52). The upper clamp body (51) and the lower clamp body (52) are elastically connected by an elastic element on the side of the indexing plate (4). The side of the upper clamp body (51) and the lower clamp body (52) away from the indexing plate (4) can contact the upper and lower sides of the two forks of the shift fork. The bottom surface of the side of the upper clamp body (51) away from the indexing plate (4) is provided with a limiting groove (511) that is recessed upward and can limit the upper side of the two forks of the shift fork. The frame (1) is provided with a driving component that can drive the upper clamp body (51) close to the forming mechanism (2) and the collecting mechanism (8) to swing.

5. The fork forming machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The collecting mechanism (8) includes a third mounting bracket (81) mounted on the frame (1). The third mounting bracket (81) is provided with a third driving member (82). The third driving member (82) has an output end that can extend and retract in the vertical direction. The output end of the third driving member (82) is provided with a push rod (83). After the push rod (83) moves downward, the bottom of the push rod (83) can abut against the upper part of the outer end of the fork opposite to the fork with the ground end in the two fork located in the limiting groove (511). The third mounting bracket (81) is provided with an air nozzle (84) that can blow the shift fork on the lower clamp (52) away from the lower clamp (52). The third mounting bracket (81) is provided with a receiving pipe (85) that can receive the shift fork from the lower clamp (52). The frame (1) is provided with a collecting box (86) that receives the shift fork from the receiving pipe (85).

6. The shift fork forming machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first pressure head (65) includes a first body (651) for mounting on a first slide (62). The lower part of the first body (651) is provided with a first transition part (652). The outer diameter of the first transition part (652) is smaller than the outer diameter of the first body (651). The first transition part (652) is provided with a first clearance groove (6521) for avoiding the upper clamp body (51). The first clearance groove (6521) is recessed from the outside of the first transition part (652) towards the inside of the first transition part (652). The top of the upper clamp body (51) is provided with a downwardly recessed second clearance groove (512). The second clearance groove (512) can avoid the top of the first clearance groove (6521) and the outer side of the first transition part (652) when the first pressure head (65) moves downward. The bottom of the first transition part (652) is provided with a first pressing part (653). The bottom of the first pressing part (653) can contact the upper side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The second pressure head (66) includes a second body (661) for mounting on a second slide (63). A second transition portion (662) is provided on the upper part of the second body (661). The outer diameter of the second transition portion (662) is smaller than the outer diameter of the second body (661). The second transition portion (662) is provided with a third clearance groove (6621) for avoiding the lower clamp body (52). The third clearance groove (6621) is recessed from the outer side of the second transition portion (662) towards the interior of the second transition portion (662). The lower clamp body (52) is provided with an upwardly recessed fourth relief groove (521) at the bottom. The fourth relief groove (521) can avoid the bottom of the third relief groove (6621) and the outer side of the second transition part (662) when the second pressure head (66) moves upward. The second transition part (662) is provided with a second pressing part (663) at the top. The top of the second pressing part (663) can contact the lower side of the junction between the actuating part and the two forks. The first pressing part (653) and the second pressing part (663) are vertically opposite each other.

7. The fork forming machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the first crimping part (653) has the same outer diameter as the top of the second crimping part (663).

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