Bulk particle terminal feeding device and wire harness processing equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a granular terminal feeding device and wire harness processing equipment, and relates to the field of wire harness processing. The bulk terminal feeding device comprises a first conveying assembly and a pressing assembly, the first conveying assembly comprises a first limiting piece and a first driving piece, the first limiting piece forms a first conveying channel, and a pressing station used for bearing terminals is formed at one end of the first conveying channel; the first driving piece can drive the terminal to move to the pressing station along the first conveying channel. The pressing assembly comprises a pressing block, the pressing block and the pressing station are oppositely arranged, and the pressing block is movably arranged relative to the pressing station so that the terminal can be pressed on the pressing station. According to the feeding device, stable and rapid feeding of the bulk terminals can be achieved, it is ensured that the terminals are accurately positioned and conveyed to the jaw of the crimping machine, and therefore the production efficiency is improved, and potential safety hazards of manual operation are eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wire harness processing, and more particularly to a loose terminal feeding device and wire harness processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Loose terminals are typically placed manually into the jaws of a terminal crimping machine, which is not only inefficient but also poses a safety risk of operator injury from accidental contact with the crimping mechanism. To automate the feeding process, current technologies often employ a vibratory feeder in conjunction with a transfer mechanism. However, the transfer mechanism between the vibratory feeder and the crimping jaws usually relies on a robotic arm or multi-stage grippers, which are complex in structure, have limited operating speed, and are difficult to adapt to the irregular shapes commonly found in loose terminals. Furthermore, the terminals are often in a free state when transferred to the crimping jaws, lacking effective constraint, resulting in insufficient positioning accuracy and affecting crimping quality and equipment stability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a loose terminal feeding device and wire harness processing equipment, which can realize stable and rapid feeding of loose terminals, ensure that the terminals are accurately positioned and fed to the crimping machine jaws, thereby improving production efficiency and eliminating the safety hazards of manual operation.

[0004] This application provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a bulk terminal feeding device, the bulk terminal feeding device comprising: A first conveying assembly includes a first limiting member and a first driving member. The first limiting member forms a first conveying channel, and one end of the first conveying channel forms a clamping station for carrying a terminal. The first driving member can drive the terminal to move along the first conveying channel to the clamping station. A clamping assembly, the clamping assembly including a clamping block, the clamping block being disposed opposite to the clamping station, the clamping block being movable relative to the clamping station to clamp a terminal at the clamping station.

[0005] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the spacing between at least a pair of opposing sidewalls of the first conveying channel gradually decreases along the extending direction of the first conveying channel.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the at least one pair of opposing sidewalls includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other along a first direction; The at least one pair of opposing sidewalls includes a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall disposed opposite to each other along a second direction; Wherein, the first direction and the second direction are respectively arranged perpendicular to the extension direction of the first conveying channel, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the first delivery channel is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the crimping end of the terminal.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the clamping assembly further includes a first position detection sensor located near the clamping station, the first position detection sensor being used to detect whether there is a terminal at the clamping station.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the clamping assembly further includes a clamping drive member, the drive end of which is drivenly connected to the clamping block to drive the clamping block away from the clamping station and move to the loosening position, so that the terminal is in a loose state; it can also drive the clamping block closer to the clamping station and move to the clamping position, so that the terminal is in a clamping state.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the clamping drive can also drive the clamping block to approach the clamping station and move to an intermediate position. When the clamping block moves to the intermediate position and the wire end of the terminal passes the clamping station, the wire end of the terminal contacts the clamping block and can slide relative to it. The intermediate position is located between the release position and the clamping position. When the pressure block moves to the pressing position and the contact end of the terminal passes the pressing station, the pressure block can press the contact end of the terminal.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the clamping drive is a pneumatic cylinder. When the contact end of the terminal passes through the clamping station and the pressure block disengages from the wire end, the pneumatic cylinder drives the pressure block to reset to the clamping position under pneumatic pressure, so as to clamp the contact end of the clamping station.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the clamping assembly further includes a controller electrically connected to the first position detection sensor and the clamping drive, respectively; when the clamping station is detected to have no terminal, the controller controls the clamping drive to move the pressure block to the intermediate position.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the bulk terminal feeding device further includes a second conveying assembly, the second conveying assembly including a second limiting member and a second driving member, the second limiting member forming a second conveying channel, the first conveying channel having a first feed port at one end away from the pressing station, and the second driving member capable of driving the terminal to move along the second conveying channel to the first feed port; wherein the extension direction of the first conveying channel and the extension direction of the second conveying channel are intersecting. The first driving member includes a power unit and a push rod, the power unit and the push rod being tractively connected. The power unit is used to drive the push rod to reciprocate along the first conveying channel so as to push the terminal input from the first feed port to move. The push rod has a blocking position at the first feed port on its moving path. When it is in the blocking position, the pushing end of the push rod blocks the connection between the second conveying channel and the first conveying channel.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second driving member includes a linear vibrator disposed on the second limiting member, the vibration direction of the linear vibrator being parallel to the extension direction of the second conveying channel; The second conveying assembly further includes a vibrating feeder, and a second feed inlet is formed at one end of the second conveying channel away from the first conveying channel. The discharge port of the vibrating feeder is connected to the second feed inlet to convey the terminal into the second conveying channel.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the extension direction of the first conveying channel and the extension direction of the second conveying channel are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first conveying assembly further includes a second position detection sensor, a transfer station is formed in the first conveying channel near the first feed inlet, the transfer station is used to receive a terminal input from the first feed inlet, the second position detection sensor is near the transfer station, the second position detection sensor is used to detect whether a terminal is present at the transfer station, and the transfer station can only accommodate a single terminal. The first conveying assembly further includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the second position detection sensor and the first drive unit respectively; when the terminal is detected at the transfer station, the controller controls the first drive unit to drive the terminal to move to the pressing station.

[0017] Secondly, this application also provides a wire harness processing device, which includes a wire harness crimping mold and a loose terminal feeding device as described in any of the above embodiments. The wire harness crimping mold has crimping jaws, and the crimping jaws are arranged opposite to the pressing position of the loose terminal feeding device, such that the terminal located at the pressing position is accommodated in the crimping jaws.

[0018] The embodiments of this application have the following advantages: This application provides a feeding device for loose terminals. Loose terminals are first fed into a first conveying assembly. Guided and constrained by a first conveying channel formed by a first limiting member, the terminals move along a predetermined path. Subsequently, a first driving member intervenes, providing power to precisely push the terminals along the channel to a pressing station at the end. This process ensures the initial positioning of the terminals from upstream (e.g., a vibratory feeder) to the position to be crimped. Once the terminals are conveyed to the pressing station, the pressing assembly begins operation. A pressing block positioned opposite the pressing station actuates, moving relative to the pressing station (e.g., pressing downwards or clamping laterally), thereby firmly pressing and fixing the terminals located at the station. At this point, the terminals are no longer in a free state but are precisely constrained in a preset crimping position, awaiting the jaws of the crimping die for the next crimping operation.

[0019] Therefore, by using a clamping assembly at the crimping station to actively clamp and constrain the terminals arriving at the station with pressure blocks, the problem of terminals being in a free state and lacking effective constraint when transferred to the crimping jaws in existing technologies is solved. This ensures that the terminals can be accurately positioned before crimping, thereby significantly improving crimping quality and equipment operational stability.

[0020] Furthermore, compared to the complex transfer mechanisms in existing technologies that rely on robotic grippers or multi-stage gripper transfers, this device has a simpler structure. Through the cooperation of the first conveying channel and the first driving component, rapid and stable terminal transfer can be achieved, which helps to improve the overall feeding speed.

[0021] Furthermore, the first conveying channel formed by the first limiting member can effectively guide and constrain the terminals, enabling them to better adapt to the common irregular shapes of loose terminals, thereby improving the versatility of the device and its ability to process terminals of different specifications.

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a pellet terminal feeding device according to an embodiment of this application from one perspective; Figure 2 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of a pellet terminal feeding device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of a pellet terminal feeding device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of a pellet terminal feeding device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This illustration shows a schematic structural view of a first conveying assembly provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Explanation of key component symbols: 100-First conveying assembly; 110-First feed inlet; 120-Clamping station; 130-First driving component; 131-Push rod; 140-Second position detection sensor; 150-First conveying channel; 151-Third side wall; 152-Fourth side wall; 153-First side wall; 154-Second side wall; 200 - Clamping assembly; 210 - Clamping drive; 220 - Clamping block; 230 - First position detection sensor; 300 - Second conveying assembly; 310 - Second conveying channel; 320 - Second feed inlet; 400-vibrating feeder; 500-terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed" to another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the template description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a feeding device for loose terminal 500. The feeding device for loose terminal 500 includes a first conveying component 100 and a pressing component 200. The first conveying component 100 includes a first limiting member and a first driving member 130. The first limiting member forms a first conveying channel 150. One end of the first conveying channel 150 is formed with a pressing station 120 for carrying the terminal 500. The first driving member 130 can drive the terminal 500 to move along the first conveying channel 150 to the pressing station 120. The pressing component 200 includes a pressing block 220. The pressing block 220 and the pressing station 120 are disposed opposite to each other. The pressing block 220 is movably disposed relative to the pressing station 120 so as to press the terminal 500 at the pressing station 120.

[0032] In these embodiments, a feeding device for loose terminals 500 is provided for accurately conveying and positioning randomly stacked loose terminals 500 to the jaw position of a wire harness crimping machine.

[0033] The first conveying assembly 100 includes a first limiting member and a first driving member 130. The first limiting member consists of a pair of parallel lateral baffles, the distance between which is slightly greater than the maximum width of the terminal 500 to be conveyed, thereby forming a straight first conveying channel 150. The bottom of the first conveying channel 150 is provided with a guide bottom surface.

[0034] One end of the first conveying channel 150 extends to the front of the crimping machine jaws, forming a crimping station 120 there for temporarily supporting a single terminal 500 and providing it with initial positioning constraints.

[0035] For example, the first driving component 130 is a miniature linear actuator motor, the output of which is connected to a pushing block. The pushing block is located at the entrance side of the first conveying channel 150 and can reciprocate axially within the channel. When the loose terminal 500 falls into the channel entrance through the pre-feeding mechanism, the pushing block is driven forward by the first driving component 130, pushing the terminal 500 one by one along the first conveying channel 150 to the pressing station 120. Each pushing action only moves a set distance, ensuring single-material separation and orderly feeding.

[0036] In other embodiments, the first driving element 130 may also be a cylinder, a stepper motor with a lead screw, or a flexible paddle-type intermittent driving mechanism, as long as it can achieve controllable unidirectional movement of the terminal 500 along the channel.

[0037] The clamping assembly 200 includes a clamping block 220, which is mounted on the piston rod end of a vertical lifting cylinder and located directly above the clamping station 120.

[0038] The lower surface of the pressure block 220 is provided with a pressing surface that matches the top contour of the terminal 500. For example, for a U-shaped terminal 500, the pressing surface is an arc-shaped groove to fit the upper surface of the terminal 500 when pressed, preventing it from lifting or deflecting.

[0039] After terminal 500 is pushed to the clamping station 120, the control system triggers the vertical lifting cylinder to drive the pressure block 220 downward, firmly pressing terminal 500 onto the bottom surface of the clamping station 120. At this time, terminal 500 is effectively constrained in the X, Y, and Z directions, achieving high-precision positioning. After the crimping machine completes the crimping of the wire and terminal 500, the pressure block 220 rises and resets, and the crimped terminal 500 can be removed.

[0040] Clearly, this application does not require a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm or multi-stage grippers; it can complete loading and positioning solely through linear pushing and vertical clamping. The terminal 500 is fully constrained at the clamping station 120, preventing wobbling in a free state and ensuring consistent crimping.

[0041] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the spacing between at least one pair of opposing sidewalls of the first conveying channel 150 gradually decreases along the extending direction of the first conveying channel 150.

[0042] In these embodiments, along the extension direction of the first conveying channel 150 (i.e. the conveying direction of the terminal 500), the spacing between at least a pair of opposing sidewalls of the first conveying channel 150 gradually decreases, forming a tapered guide section.

[0043] Specifically, the tapered guide section is located in the end area of ​​the first conveying channel 150 near the pressing station 120. The width of the channel at its entrance and the width at its exit (i.e., the connection with the pressing station 120) are both slightly larger than the standard width of the terminal 500, so as to avoid the terminal 500 from getting stuck or flipping during the advancement process, and to move it to the pressing station in a set posture.

[0044] When terminal 500 is slightly skewed or laterally misaligned during the pushing process, the tapered sidewalls apply guiding forces to both sides, forcing terminal 500 to automatically center and adjust to the correct orientation before entering the clamping station 120. The initial position consistency of terminal 500 in the clamping station 120 is significantly improved, providing a more stable reference for subsequent clamping and crimping operations of the clamping block 220.

[0045] In other variations, one side of a pair of sidewalls can be a fixed wall, while the other side is an elastic adjustable wall (such as a guide plate with spring support), which provides a certain tolerance compensation capability while maintaining the tapering trend, further reducing the risk of material jamming.

[0046] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, at least one pair of opposing sidewalls includes a first sidewall 153 and a second sidewall 154 disposed opposite to each other along a first direction. At least one pair of opposing sidewalls includes a third sidewall 151 and a fourth sidewall 152 disposed opposite to each other along a second direction. The first and second directions are respectively perpendicular to the extension direction of the first conveying channel 150, and the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0047] In these embodiments, the first conveying channel 150 has an approximately rectangular cross-section, which is enclosed by two pairs of mutually perpendicular sidewalls to achieve full constraint on the terminal 500 in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0048] Specifically, the first sidewall 153 and the second sidewall 154 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction to limit the displacement of the terminal 500 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the left-right direction). The third sidewall 151 and the fourth sidewall 152 are arranged opposite each other along the second direction to limit the jumping or tilting of the terminal 500 in the vertical direction (i.e., the up-down direction).

[0049] The first direction and the second direction are both perpendicular to the extension direction of the first conveying channel 150 (i.e. the conveying direction of the terminal 500), and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0050] Through the aforementioned four-sided wall structure, the terminal 500 is completely enclosed in a closed or semi-closed guide cavity during its movement along the channel, effectively preventing it from flipping, tilting, stacking, or derailing during transport.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, one of the third sidewall 151 and the fourth sidewall 152 may be a base plate (i.e., a fixed support surface), and the other may be a top cover, which allows the terminal 500 to pass smoothly while suppressing its upward movement. The first sidewall 153 and the second sidewall 154 may adopt the aforementioned tapered design, that is, the distance between them gradually decreases along the Z direction to achieve automatic alignment in the horizontal direction.

[0052] Of course, in other examples, the spacing between the third sidewall 151 and the fourth sidewall 152 may also be slightly narrowed along the direction of the first conveying channel 150 to correct the height deviation of the terminal 500 in the vertical direction.

[0053] This four-sided wall structure is particularly suitable for irregularly shaped terminals 500, as they are prone to posture disorder in a free state. This embodiment significantly improves feeding stability and repeatability accuracy through three-dimensional limiting.

[0054] In actual manufacturing, the first limiting component can be composed of a single machined guide block with the first conveying channel 150 milled inside. Alternatively, it can be assembled from multiple detachable components.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first delivery channel 150 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the crimping end of the terminal 500.

[0056] In these embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first conveying channel 150 matches the cross-sectional shape of the crimping end of the terminal 500 to ensure that the terminal 500 maintains a stable posture during conveying and prevents rotation or displacement. For example, when the cross-section of the crimping end is rectangular, the inner cross-section of the first conveying channel 150 is also designed to be rectangular. When the crimping end is D-shaped (one side is flat, the other side is arc-shaped), the inner wall contour of the first conveying channel 150 also adopts a corresponding D-shaped structure. This shape-matching design helps to improve the accuracy and reliability of the terminal 500 positioning during automated assembly.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the clamping assembly 200 further includes a first position detection sensor 230, which is located near the clamping station 120 and is used to detect whether the clamping station 120 has a terminal 500.

[0058] In these embodiments, a first position detection sensor 230 is installed near the clamping station 120 to detect in real time whether the clamping station 120 has correctly borne the terminal 500 to be processed.

[0059] For example, the first position detection sensor 230 may be a photoelectric sensor (such as a through-beam or reflective type), an inductive proximity switch, or a miniature vision recognition module, whose sensing area precisely covers the expected stopping position of the terminal 500 at the pressing station 120. For instance, when using a through-beam photoelectric sensor, the transmitting end and the receiving end are respectively arranged on both sides of the first conveying channel 150, and the beam path passes through the center height of the pressing station 120. When the terminal 500 is pushed to this station, it blocks the beam, triggering the first position detection sensor 230 to output a material presence signal.

[0060] If terminal 500 is detected to be in place, the clamping assembly 200 is allowed to start, driving the pressure block 220 to press down and sending a pressing permission command to the crimping machine.

[0061] In other embodiments, the first position detection sensor 230 may also be integrated on the body of the pressure block 220 (e.g., a miniature proximity switch is embedded on the side of the pressure block 220) to simultaneously determine whether there is a terminal 500 below during the downward movement of the pressure block 220, thereby achieving a secondary confirmation before pressing.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the clamping assembly 200 further includes a clamping drive 210, the drive end of which is connected to the clamping block 220 to drive the clamping block 220 away from the clamping station 120 and move to the loosening position, so that the terminal 500 is in the loosening state; it can also drive the clamping block 220 closer to the clamping station 120 and move to the clamping position, so that the terminal 500 is in the clamping state.

[0063] In these embodiments, the driving end of the pressing drive 210 is connected to the pressing block 220 for driving the pressing block 220 to reciprocate between two preset positions.

[0064] Specifically, the clamping drive 210 can be a linear output actuator such as a linear cylinder, electric push rod, electromagnet, or servo electric cylinder. Its fixed end is mounted on the equipment frame, and its drive end (such as a piston rod or push rod) is connected to the pressure block 220 via threads, pins, or flanges.

[0065] When the clamping drive 210 is in the extended state, the drive block 220 approaches the clamping station 120 and moves to the clamping position (clamping position). At this time, the clamping block 220 presses down on the terminal 500, so that it is firmly clamped between the bottom surface of the clamping station 120 and the clamping block 220, and the terminal 500 is in the clamping state.

[0066] When the clamping drive 210 is in the retracted state, the drive block 220 moves away from the clamping station 120 and to the release position (release position). At this time, there is a sufficient gap between the clamping block 220 and the terminal 500 so that the terminal 500 can be removed.

[0067] In other embodiments, one end of the pressure block 220 is hinged to the first limiting member, the other end of the pressure block 220 is hinged to the driving end of the pressing drive member 210, and the fixed end of the pressing drive member 210 is hinged to the first limiting member, so as to drive the pressure block 220 to rotate through the pressing drive member 210.

[0068] In some embodiments, the clamping drive 210 can also drive the clamping block 220 to approach the clamping station 120 and move to an intermediate position. When the clamping block 220 moves to the intermediate position and the wire end of the terminal 500 passes the clamping station 120, the wire end of the terminal 500 contacts the clamping block 220 and can slide relative to it. The intermediate position is located between the loosened position and the clamping position. When the clamping block 220 moves to the clamping position and the contact end of the terminal 500 passes the clamping station 120, the clamping block 220 can clamp the contact end of the terminal 500.

[0069] In these embodiments, the clamping drive 210 is configured to drive the clamping block 220 to reciprocate along a predetermined path, sequentially passing through a loose position, an intermediate position, and a clamping position. The intermediate position is located between the loose position and the clamping position.

[0070] When the pressure block 220 is in the middle position, if the wire end of the terminal 500 is passing through the clamping station 120, the outer surface of the wire end will contact the inner surface of the pressure block 220. At this time, since the pressure block 220 has not fully applied the clamping force, the wire end can slide relative to the surface of the pressure block 220, so as to pass through the clamping station 120 smoothly and avoid the terminal 500 from getting stuck or deformed due to rigid obstruction.

[0071] Subsequently, when the contact end of terminal 500 moves to the clamping station 120, the clamping drive 210 continues to drive the clamping block 220 to move to the clamping position; when the clamping block 220 reaches the clamping position, it applies sufficient clamping force to the contact end of terminal 500 so that the contact end is reliably clamped to the wire or connector.

[0072] The aforementioned phased control strategy (first sliding guidance, then pressing and fixing) effectively balances the smoothness of terminal 500 conveying with the reliability of crimping, and is especially suitable for high-speed automatic assembly scenarios.

[0073] In some embodiments, the clamping drive 210 is a pneumatic cylinder. When the contact end of the terminal 500 passes through the clamping station 120 and the clamping block 220 is disengaged from the wire clamping end, the pneumatic cylinder drives the clamping block 220 to reset to the clamping position under the action of air pressure, so as to clamp the contact end of the clamping station 120.

[0074] In these embodiments, the clamping drive 210 is a pneumatic cylinder. When the terminal 500 moves along the conveying direction, its wire end first passes through the clamping station 120, at which time the clamping block 220 is in the middle position, maintaining contact with the wire end, but allowing it to pass smoothly.

[0075] Subsequently, when the contact end of the terminal 500 reaches the clamping station 120, and the control system confirms that the pressure block 220 has disengaged from the pressure end, the pneumatic cylinder drives the pressure block 220 to move downward from the middle position and reset to the clamping position under the action of compressed air at a constant pressure within itself.

[0076] When the pressure block 220 reaches the pressing position, its working surface abuts against the contact end and applies a predetermined pressing force, so that the contact end is reliably pressed against the wire or connector.

[0077] This pneumatic control strategy ensures that the clamping action is performed only after the contact end is accurately positioned and the wire end has completely passed through, effectively avoiding mis-clamping, jamming, or damage to the wire end, improving the stability and yield of automatic assembly, and eliminating the need for an additional control system.

[0078] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly 200 further includes a controller electrically connected to the first position detection sensor 230 and the clamping drive 210, respectively. When the clamping station 120 is detected to have no terminal 500, the controller controls the clamping drive 210 to drive the pressure block 220 to move to the intermediate position.

[0079] In these embodiments, the controller is electrically connected to the first position detection sensor 230 and the clamping drive 210 respectively, and is used to intelligently control the clamping action according to the terminal 500's position status to prevent misoperation.

[0080] The first position detection sensor 230 monitors in real time whether the terminal 500 exists in the clamping station 120 and transmits the detection signal (high / low level or digital signal) to the controller.

[0081] When the sensor detects that terminal 500 is present at the clamping station 120 (i.e., the "position signal" is valid), the controller outputs a control command to start the clamping drive 210, which drives the clamping block 220 to move downward from the released position to the middle position, so that terminal 500 can form sliding friction with the clamping block 220, ensuring smooth movement, so that the clamping block 220 can then clamp the contact end for precise positioning.

[0082] When the sensor detects that the terminal 500 of the clamping station 120 is invalid (i.e., the "position signal" is invalid), the controller prohibits the clamping drive 210 from operating, and the clamping block 220 remains in the released position.

[0083] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the first driving member 130 includes a power unit and a push rod 131, which are tractively connected. The power unit drives the push rod 131 to reciprocate along the first conveying channel 150, thereby pushing the terminal 500 input from the first feed port 110 to move. The push rod 131 has a blocking position at the first feed port 110 along its movement path. When in the blocking position, the pushing end of the push rod 131 blocks the communication between the second conveying channel 310 and the first conveying channel 150.

[0084] The feeding device for bulk terminal 500 also includes a second conveying assembly 300, which includes a second limiting member and a second driving member. The second limiting member forms a second conveying channel 310. A first feed inlet 110 is formed at the end of the first conveying channel 150 away from the pressing station 120. The second driving member can drive the terminal 500 to move along the second conveying channel 310 to the first feed inlet 110. The extending directions of the first conveying channel 150 and the second conveying channel 310 intersect.

[0085] In these embodiments, the second limiting member forms a second conveying channel 310, the inlet end of which is connected to an upstream feeding device (such as a vibratory feeder outlet chute), and the outlet end is aligned with the first feed port 110 of the first conveying channel 150.

[0086] The second driving component can be a micro stepper motor in conjunction with a dial, a reciprocating push rod, or a flexible belt mechanism, used to push the loose terminal 500 one by one along the second conveying channel 310 to the first feed port 110.

[0087] It is worth noting that the extension directions of the first conveying channel 150 and the second conveying channel 310 are intersecting (usually perpendicular at 90°, but can also be acute or obtuse), which makes the overall layout compact and easy to integrate into the limited space of the wire harness processing equipment.

[0088] The first drive unit 130 in the first conveying assembly 100 includes a power unit and a push rod 131. The power unit is a linear cylinder or an electric push rod, and its output shaft is rigidly connected to the push rod 131.

[0089] The push rod 131 is arranged axially along the first conveying channel 150, and its pushing end can move back and forth in the channel to push the terminals 500 located at the first feed port 110 one by one to the pressing station 120.

[0090] Crucially, a blocking position is provided on the moving path of the push rod 131, which corresponds to the first feed inlet 110. When the push rod 131 is in the blocking position, its pushing end extends into the first feed inlet 110, physically blocking the second conveying channel 310 and preventing the second conveying assembly 300 from continuing to feed material into the first conveying channel 150.

[0091] When the push rod 131 retracts to the initial position, the push end exits the first feed port 110, and the second conveying channel 310 resumes communication with the first conveying channel 150, allowing the next terminal 500 to enter.

[0092] The entire feeding process is executed cyclically according to the following timing sequence: Initial state: The push rod 131 is in the initial position, and the second conveying assembly 300 feeds a terminal 500 into the first feed port 110.

[0093] Blocking phase: The push rod 131 moves forward to the blocking position, blocking the feed port and preventing subsequent terminals 500 from entering, ensuring that only one terminal 500 is to be pushed.

[0094] Pushing phase: The push rod 131 continues to move forward, pushing the terminal 500 along the first conveying channel 150 to the pressing station 120.

[0095] Crimping and crimping: The crimping component 200 is activated to complete the positioning and crimping of the terminal 500; Reset phase: The push rod 131 retracts to the initial position, releasing the obstruction, and the second conveying assembly 300 feeds the next terminal 500, entering the next cycle.

[0096] The dual functions of "blocking + pushing" are achieved by a single top rod 131, eliminating the need for additional gates or material distribution mechanisms. This significantly simplifies the structure, reduces costs, and improves the synchronization and reliability of the actions.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second driving member includes a linear vibrator disposed on the second limiting member, and the vibration direction of the linear vibrator is parallel to the extension direction of the second conveying channel 310.

[0098] The second conveying assembly 300 also includes a vibrating feed plate 400. A second feed port 320 is formed at the end of the second conveying channel 310 away from the first conveying channel 150. The discharge port of the vibrating feed plate 400 and the second feed port 320 are connected to convey the terminal 500 into the second conveying channel 310.

[0099] In these embodiments, the linear vibrator is fixedly mounted on the bottom or side wall of the second limiting member.

[0100] The linear vibrator is an electromagnetic or piezoelectric linear vibrating device, and its vibration direction (i.e. the direction of vibration force output) is parallel to the extension direction of the second conveying channel 310.

[0101] During operation, the linear vibrator generates high-frequency, micro-amplitude reciprocating motion, driving the second limiting member and its terminal 500 forward along the second conveying channel 310 toward the first feed port 110. The vibration frequency and amplitude can be adjusted according to the material, weight, and surface friction coefficient of the terminal 500 to avoid jamming or stacking.

[0102] The second conveying assembly 300 also includes a vibrating feed plate 400 (also called a vibrating plate or circular vibrator), whose outlet is directly connected to the second feed inlet 320 formed at the end of the second conveying channel 310 away from the first conveying channel 150.

[0103] The vibrating feeder 400 has a spiral rising track inside, driven by an electromagnetic vibrator at the bottom, which causes the bulk terminals 500 to automatically orient and align under the action of centrifugal force and friction, and to be output in an orderly manner from the top discharge port. The discharge port is connected to the second feed port 320 through a flexible guide tube or a rigid slide, ensuring that the terminals 500 are smoothly transferred to the second conveying channel 310.

[0104] During operation, the bulk terminals 500 are first sorted and oriented by the vibrating feeder 400 and then enter the second conveying channel 310 through the discharge port. Subsequently, under the continuous excitation of the linear vibrator, the terminals 500 move along the channel toward the first feed port 110, waiting for the push rod 131 of the first conveying assembly 100 to push them one by one to the pressing station 120.

[0105] This two-stage vibratory feeding system effectively balances the needs of large-capacity material storage and high-precision single-particle conveying, making it particularly suitable for high-speed wire harness processing production lines.

[0106] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first conveying assembly 100 further includes a second position detection sensor 140. A transfer station is formed in the first conveying channel 150 near the first feed port 110. The transfer station is used to receive the terminal 500 input from the first feed port 110. The second position detection sensor 140 is near the transfer station and is used to detect whether the terminal 500 exists at the transfer station. The transfer station can only accommodate a single terminal 500.

[0107] The first conveying assembly 100 also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the second position detection sensor 140 and the first drive unit 130, respectively. When the presence of terminal 500 at the transfer station is detected, the controller controls the first drive unit 130 to drive terminal 500 to move to the pressing station 120.

[0108] In these embodiments, the volume of the transfer station can only accommodate a single terminal 500 (e.g., its length is slightly larger than the body of terminal 500, but smaller than the total length of two terminals 500), thus naturally achieving physical single-particle isolation and preventing multiple materials from being stacked. After the terminal 500 enters through the first feed port 110 from the second conveying component 300, it first falls into the transfer station for temporary storage, awaiting the push command.

[0109] The second position detection sensor 140 is installed near the transfer station and can be a through-beam photoelectric switch, a reflective fiber optic sensor, or a miniature inductive proximity switch. Its sensing area precisely covers the expected stopping position of terminal 500 at the transfer station, used to detect in real time whether terminal 500 is present at the station. The sensor signal is output to the controller as a prerequisite for the operation of the first driving element 130.

[0110] The first drive unit 130 is in its initial position, and the push rod 131 retracts from the transfer station. The second conveying assembly 300 feeds a terminal 500 into the first feed port 110, and the terminal 500 naturally slides down to the transfer station. The second position detection sensor 140 detects the presence of the terminal 500 at the transfer station and sends a signal to the controller. After receiving a valid signal, the controller starts the first drive unit 130, driving the push rod 131 to move forward, pushing the terminal 500 in the transfer station along the first conveying channel 150 to the pressing station 120.

[0111] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, this application also provides a wire harness processing device, which includes a wire harness crimping mold and a loose terminal 500 feeding device as described in any of the above embodiments. The wire harness crimping mold has crimping jaws, which are disposed opposite to the pressing station 120 of the loose terminal 500 feeding device, such that the terminal 500 located at the pressing station 120 is accommodated in the crimping jaws.

[0112] In these embodiments, this application also provides a wire harness processing device for achieving integrated operation of automatic feeding, precise positioning, and efficient crimping of terminals 500. The crimping jaws and the clamping station 120 of the loose terminal 500 feeding device are arranged opposite each other, precisely aligned in space. When the terminal 500 is pushed to the clamping station 120 by the first conveying component 100 and clamped by the pressure block 220, the terminal 500 is completely contained within the crimping jaws, its axis coinciding with the center of the jaws, and the positional deviation controlled within a set range.

[0113] During operation, the operator or upstream robot feeds the stripped insulation end of the wire harness into the crimping jaws, inserting it into the pre-positioned terminal 500 cavity. Subsequently, the crimping die closes the jaws under hydraulic or servo drive, completing the reliable crimping of the terminal 500 to the wire harness. After crimping, the clamping assembly 200 releases the terminal 500, and the crimped product is removed for the next process, such as inspection or packaging.

[0114] In all examples shown and described herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations; therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0115] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0116] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A bulk terminal feeding device, characterized in that, The bulk terminal feeding device includes: A first conveying assembly includes a first limiting member and a first driving member. The first limiting member forms a first conveying channel, and one end of the first conveying channel forms a clamping station for carrying a terminal. The first driving member can drive the terminal to move along the first conveying channel to the clamping station. A clamping assembly, the clamping assembly including a clamping block, the clamping block being disposed opposite to the clamping station, the clamping block being movable relative to the clamping station to clamp a terminal at the clamping station.

2. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the extension direction of the first conveying channel, the distance between at least one pair of opposing sidewalls of the first conveying channel gradually decreases.

3. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one pair of opposing sidewalls includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other along a first direction; The at least one pair of opposing sidewalls includes a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall disposed opposite to each other along a second direction; Wherein, the first direction and the second direction are respectively arranged perpendicular to the extension direction of the first conveying channel, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged perpendicular to each other.

4. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the first conveying channel is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the crimping end of the terminal.

5. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly also includes a first position detection sensor, which is located near the clamping station and is used to detect whether there is a terminal at the clamping station.

6. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping assembly further includes a clamping drive, the drive end of which is connected to the clamping block to drive the clamping block away from the clamping station and move to the loosening position, so that the terminal is in a loosening state; it can also drive the clamping block closer to the clamping station and move to the clamping position, so that the terminal is in a clamping state.

7. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping drive can also drive the clamping block to approach the clamping station and move to the middle position. When the clamping block moves to the middle position and the terminal's wire end passes the clamping station, the terminal's wire end contacts the clamping block and can slide relative to it. The intermediate position is located between the loosened position and the tightened position; When the pressure block moves to the pressing position and the contact end of the terminal passes the pressing station, the pressure block can press the contact end of the terminal.

8. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clamping drive is a pneumatic cylinder. When the contact end of the terminal passes the clamping station and the pressure block is disengaged from the wire end, the pneumatic cylinder drives the pressure block to reset to the clamping position under the action of air pressure, so as to clamp the contact end of the clamping station.

9. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clamping assembly also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the first position detection sensor and the clamping drive. When the clamping station is detected to have no terminal, the controller controls the clamping drive to move the pressure block to the intermediate position.

10. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The granular terminal feeding device further includes a second conveying component, which includes a second limiting member and a second driving member. The second limiting member forms a second conveying channel, and the end of the first conveying channel away from the pressing station forms a first feed port. The second driving member can drive the terminal to move along the second conveying channel to the first feed port. The extension direction of the first conveying channel and the extension direction of the second conveying channel are intersected. The first driving member includes a power unit and a push rod, the power unit and the push rod being tractively connected. The power unit is used to drive the push rod to reciprocate along the first conveying channel so as to push the terminal input from the first feed port to move. The push rod has a blocking position at the first feed port on its moving path. When it is in the blocking position, the pushing end of the push rod blocks the connection between the second conveying channel and the first conveying channel.

11. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second driving component includes a linear vibrator, which is disposed on the second limiting component, and the vibration direction of the linear vibrator is parallel to the extension direction of the second conveying channel; The second conveying assembly further includes a vibrating feeder, and a second feed inlet is formed at one end of the second conveying channel away from the first conveying channel. The discharge port of the vibrating feeder is connected to the second feed inlet to convey the terminal into the second conveying channel.

12. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The extension direction of the first conveying channel and the extension direction of the second conveying channel are perpendicular to each other.

13. The bulk terminal feeding device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first conveying assembly further includes a second position detection sensor. A transfer station is formed in the first conveying channel near the first feed inlet. The transfer station is used to receive the terminal input from the first feed inlet. The second position detection sensor is located near the transfer station and is used to detect whether there is a terminal at the transfer station. The transfer station can only accommodate a single terminal. The first conveying assembly further includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the second position detection sensor and the first drive unit respectively; when the terminal is detected at the transfer station, the controller controls the first drive unit to drive the terminal to move to the pressing station.

14. A wire harness processing equipment, characterized in that, The wire harness processing equipment includes a wire harness crimping mold and a loose terminal feeding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13. The wire harness crimping mold has crimping jaws, which are disposed opposite to the clamping station of the loose terminal feeding device, such that the terminal located at the clamping station is accommodated in the crimping jaws.

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