End edge folding assembly and washing machine inner barrel material sheet edge folding machine

Abstract

The invention discloses an end edge folding assembly and a washing machine inner barrel material sheet edge folding machine. Comprising a driving part, and the driving part comprises a first driving piece and a sliding way extending in the first direction; the edge folding part is arranged to be in sliding connection with the sliding way, and the first driving part is connected with the sliding way and used for driving the edge folding part to slide to a first position along the sliding way, so that the edge folding part conducts pre-edge folding treatment on the end portion of the material piece at the first position; the detection part is arranged on one side of the edge folding part, and the first driving part is used for driving the edge folding part to slide to a second position along the slide way, so that the detection part detects the edge folding height at the second position; and the alarm unit is arranged to be in communication connection with the detection part, and the alarm unit is used for receiving the edge folding height data detected by the detection part and giving an alarm when the edge folding height data is unqualified. According to the invention, the problem of how to realize online real-time detection of the folding height can be solved, and unqualified products can be automatically sorted in time, so that a manual inspection mode with insufficient reliability is replaced, and the connection strength, the overall quality and the use safety of products are guaranteed from the source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of folding machine technology, specifically to an end folding assembly and a folding machine for washing machine inner drum sheet material. Background Technology

[0002] The inner drum of a washing machine is typically manufactured from stainless steel sheet through processes such as stamping and bending. Before the sheet is rolled and welded to form the drum body, its ends need to be pre-folded to create a snap-fit ​​structure for subsequent riveting connections. The dimensional accuracy of this folded edge height is a critical technical parameter that must be strictly controlled within the design tolerance range. Insufficient folded edge height will directly result in the pull-out strength of the subsequent riveted connections failing to meet design requirements.

[0003] In existing production processes, there is a general lack of online real-time height detection devices integrated into the folding processing station. Quality control of folding height mainly relies on offline manual sampling or post-production measurement. This manual inspection method has significant inherent defects; the reliability of the inspection results is easily affected by factors such as operator fatigue, fluctuations in attention, and subjective interpretation differences, making it difficult to avoid missed or incorrect judgments.

[0004] Because it's impossible to identify and intercept workpieces with excessive folding height during production, these defective products will flow into subsequent fastening, riveting, and denting processes. This ultimately leads to hidden quality defects in the finished product due to insufficient connection strength. When the washing machine drum is under high-speed rotation load, this defect can cause serious malfunctions such as connection failure or even drum explosion, resulting not only in product scrap but also posing safety hazards.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a technical solution that can be integrated into the folding process, realize online real-time detection of folding height, and automatically reject unqualified stations, so as to overcome the defects of low reliability and poor consistency of manual inspection methods, thereby ensuring the structural strength and safety of products from the source of the process.

[0006] It should be noted that the above statements are only used to provide background information related to this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application discloses an end-folding assembly and a washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine, which can solve the problem of how to achieve online real-time detection of folding height and timely automatic sorting of defective products, replacing the unreliable manual inspection method, and ensuring the connection strength, overall quality and safety of the product from the source.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: End-folding assembly for use in a washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine, including: A driving component, the driving component including a first driving member and a slide rail extending along a first direction; A folding component is configured to be slidably connected to the slide rail. The first driving member is connected to and used to drive the folding component to slide along the slide rail to a first position, so that the folding component performs pre-folding processing on the end of the sheet at the first position. A detection component is disposed on one side of the folding component, and the first driving component is used to drive the folding component to slide along the slide to the second position, so that the detection component detects the folding height at the second position; An alarm unit is configured to communicate with the detection component. The alarm unit is used to receive the folded edge height data detected by the detection component and to issue an alarm when the folded edge height data is unqualified.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the detection component includes: A first detection driver is provided with a first detection bracket at the output end of the first detection driver; The detection probes are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the first detection bracket. The first detection drive is used to rotate the first detection bracket to a third position, so that the two detection probes are located at both ends of the folded edge to detect the height of the folded edge.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the detection component further includes a second detection drive, which is disposed on one side of the folded edge component. A second detection bracket is disposed at the output end of the second detection drive. The second detection drive is used to drive the second detection bracket to move in a second direction to adjust the relative position of the detection probe and the folded edge.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the folding component includes: Folding machine frame; The first mold is positioned at one end of the folding frame; The second mold is positioned at the other end of the folding frame; A folding drive is configured to connect a first mold and / or a second mold, the folding drive being used to drive the first mold and the second mold to move closer to each other in a second direction to pre-fold the end of the sheet material.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a first surface is formed in the first mold for pre-folding the end of the sheet from one side, and a second surface is formed in the second mold for pre-folding the end of the sheet from one side. The folding drive is used to drive the first surface and the second surface to move closer to each other to pre-fold the end of the sheet.

[0013] In addition, this application also discloses a washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine, including an end folding assembly, wherein the end folding assembly is the end folding assembly described in any of the above embodiments.

[0014] A preferred technical solution includes a folding machine frame, wherein the two end folding components are respectively symmetrically arranged at both ends of the folding machine frame.

[0015] A preferred technical solution includes a support component disposed between the two end folding assemblies, the support component including a support member for supporting the sheet material.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the supporting component includes a supporting drive member, one end of which is connected to the frame of the folding machine, and the other end of which is connected to a supporting member. The supporting drive member is used to drive the supporting member to move in a second direction to adjust the relative position of the sheet material and the folding component.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the two support drive members are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the support member.

[0018] This application discloses an end-folding assembly and a washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine, which has the following advantages: The core advancement of this application lies in achieving online, automated, and real-time inspection of folded edge height quality. Traditional methods relying on manual offline sampling suffer from drawbacks such as delays and a high risk of missed inspections. This application integrates the folding and inspection processes into the same equipment and utilizes a sliding mechanism to automatically switch workstations, ensuring that every sheet of material receives 100% online measurement immediately after processing. This eliminates fatal quality risks such as insufficient riveting strength due to unacceptable height at the source, significantly improving product reliability and safety.

[0019] This application replaces manual judgment with high-precision sensors and automatic control, greatly improving the objectivity, accuracy, and consistency of inspection. It eliminates human interference, allowing quality judgment to be based on unified and objective data standards. This not only improves the stability of the pass rate but also provides a reliable data foundation for process optimization.

[0020] This integrated design optimizes the production process. The seamless integration of folding and inspection avoids material transfers and waiting, enabling continuous assembly line operation, effectively shortening the production cycle, and improving equipment utilization and site efficiency. The equipment structure is compact and rationally laid out. The side-mounted and obstacle-avoiding design of the inspection components achieves functional integration without affecting the core folding function, making the overall equipment compact and facilitating production line integration and modification.

[0021] Furthermore, this application establishes an instant quality feedback closed loop of automatic alarm and rejection. Immediate response to abnormal situations and automatic isolation of defective products facilitate rapid troubleshooting of process problems, achieving preventative quality control and reducing material waste. The height-adjustable design of the detection components gives the equipment excellent flexibility and adaptability, enabling rapid adaptation to the production of products of different specifications, enhancing the flexibility and versatility of the production line.

[0022] In summary, this application effectively solves the core problems of missing online real-time detection and unreliable manual detection, and has significant technological progress and application value in improving quality, increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and realizing intelligent management and control.

[0023] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application, specific implementation methods of this application are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the folded edge component of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the component being tested in this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting components of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below.

[0030] This application provides an end-folding assembly and a washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine. This equipment aims to efficiently and precisely perform pre-folding processing on the ends of the stainless steel sheet 200 of the washing machine inner drum, and simultaneously achieves online real-time detection and quality judgment of the folding height during this processing, thereby fundamentally solving the problems of low efficiency, poor reliability, and potential quality risks caused by traditional reliance on manual offline inspection.

[0031] The main frame of the washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine is the folding machine frame 300, which provides a stable mounting foundation for the entire equipment. Two identical end folding assemblies are symmetrically mounted at both ends of the folding machine frame 300 via their respective linear slide rails. This symmetrical layout design allows the equipment to simultaneously fold and inspect both ends of the rectangular sheet 200, greatly improving production efficiency. A liftable support component 400 is located in the area between the two end folding assemblies to precisely support and position the sheet 200 to be processed during the processing.

[0032] The drive component 1 is the core power and guiding mechanism for the end-folding assembly to achieve position switching. It mainly consists of a first drive element 11 and a slide rail 12. The slide rail 12 is a precision-machined linear guide rail firmly mounted on the frame 300 of the folding machine. Its extension direction is defined as the first direction, which is typically parallel to the length direction of the sheet material 200. The first drive element 11 preferably uses a high-precision servo motor, which drives a precision ball screw to rotate via a coupling. The nut seat on the ball screw is rigidly connected to the main frame of the folding component 2. When the servo motor receives a command from the control system, it drives the ball screw to rotate, thereby causing the nut seat and the entire folding component 2 connected to it to move smoothly and precisely in a straight line along the slide rail 12. By controlling the rotation angle and direction of the servo motor through a program, the folding component 2 can be accurately positioned in two preset positions: a first position for performing the folding operation and a second position for performing height detection. The first drive element 11 can also be implemented using a servo electric cylinder or a high-precision pneumatic cylinder in conjunction with a position sensor; its core function is to provide controllable linear reciprocating drive.

[0033] The folding component 2 is a functional module that directly plastically shapes the end of the sheet material 200. It is connected to the slide rail 12 of the driving component 1 via a slider, allowing it to move under the drive of the first driving component 11. The folding component 2 includes a folding frame 21, a first mold 22, a second mold 23, and a folding driving component 24.

[0034] The bending frame 21 is a robust steel structure that serves as a mounting platform for other sub-components. The first mold 22, commonly referred to as the lower mold, is fixedly mounted on one end of the bending frame 21 near the operator or the inside of the equipment. The upper surface of the first mold 22 is specially designed to form a first forming surface for bending the lower half of the profile of the sheet material 200. The radius of curvature and angle of this first forming surface are matched to the bending dimensions of the final product design. The second mold 23, commonly referred to as the upper mold, is movably mounted on the other end of the bending frame 21 via guide pillars and linear bearings, directly above the first mold 22. The lower surface of the second mold 23 correspondingly forms a second forming surface for bending the upper half of the profile of the sheet material 200.

[0035] The folding drive 24 is the power source that provides the pressure required for folding, and it is preferably a high-thrust servo electric cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder body of the folding drive 24 is fixed on the folding frame 21, and the output end of its piston rod is connected to the second mold 23. Of course, in another embodiment, the folding drive 24 can also be connected to the first mold 22, or designed to drive the first mold 22 and the second mold 23 to move towards each other simultaneously. The fundamental purpose is to make the forming surfaces of the two molds close together. When the end of the sheet 200 is accurately delivered to a predetermined position above the first forming surface of the first mold 22, the control system issues a command, and the folding drive 24 starts to work, driving the second mold 23 to move quickly and smoothly downward in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sheet 200, i.e., the second direction. During the downward pressing process of the second mold 23, the end of the sheet 200 is gradually pressed into the cavity between the first mold 22 and the second mold 23. Under the joint constraint and action of the first forming surface and the second forming surface, plastic bending deformation occurs, and finally a pre-folded shape that meets the design requirements is formed. After the folding is completed, the folding drive 24 drives the second mold 23 to return, releasing the formed sheet 200.

[0036] The detection component 3 is a key module for realizing the online detection function in this application. It is cleverly arranged on one side of the folding component 2 along the moving direction of the slide 12. When the folding component 2 is driven by the first driving member 11 and moves from the first position of performing folding to the second position of performing detection, the end of the sheet 200 that has just completed folding but has not yet left the mold area just enters the working range of the detection component 3.

[0037] The detection component 3 is composed of a relatively fine structure, mainly including a first detection drive 31, a first detection bracket 32, a detection probe 33, a second detection drive 34, and a second detection bracket 35. The first detection drive 31 is preferably a rotary servo motor or rotary cylinder with angle positioning function, and its body is vertically fixed. The first detection bracket 32 ​​is in the shape of a long rod, with its proximal end firmly connected to the output shaft of the first detection drive 31. Two high-precision detection probes 33 are symmetrically installed at the two distal ends of the first detection bracket 32. These detection probes 33 can be laser displacement sensors, which measure distance non-contactly by emitting a laser beam and receiving reflected light; or they can be contact displacement sensors, such as an electrical probe modified from a lever-type dial indicator, which measures by contact with a probe. The arrangement of the two probes 33 ensures that their measuring axes are perpendicular to the folded surface to be measured.

[0038] The main function of the first detection drive unit 31 is to drive the first detection bracket 32 ​​and its probe 33 to switch between two states: a clearance state and a detection state. In the clearance state, the first detection bracket 32 ​​rotates to a direction parallel to the plane of the sheet 200, making room for the movement of the folding component 2 or the loading and unloading of the sheet 200. When the folding component 2 reaches the second position requiring detection, the first detection drive unit 31 drives the first detection bracket 32 ​​to rotate to the detection state. At this time, the two detection probes 33 are precisely aligned with two key measurement points in the folding area of ​​the sheet 200, usually near the start and end points of the folding arc, to comprehensively evaluate the folding height.

[0039] To accommodate variations in the thickness of different sized sheet materials 200 and to calibrate the folding height reference plane, the detection component 3 is further equipped with a second detection drive 34. The second detection drive 34 is preferably a linear module driven by a small servo cylinder or stepper motor, its mounting base fixed to the folding frame 21 of the folding component 2, and its driving direction is the second direction. A second detection bracket 35 is connected to the output end of the second detection drive 34, and the aforementioned first detection drive 31 is mounted on this second detection bracket 35. By controlling the movement of the second detection drive 34, the entire detection probe 33 assembly can be slightly raised and lowered in the vertical direction, thereby adjusting the detection probe 33 to the optimal measurement starting position and ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the measurement data.

[0040] The alarm unit, more precisely, is a quality judgment and alarm output module integrated into the equipment's electrical control system. It is electrically connected to the detection probe 33 via a signal line. The alarm unit is not a separate physical enclosure, but rather a combination of software logic and hardware output interfaces from a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial computer (IPC). The detection probe 33 transmits the real-time analog or digital height signal acquired during measurement to the control system. The control system internally presets upper and lower limits for the acceptable folded edge height, forming a tolerance zone. The system compares the real-time measured value with this tolerance zone and performs logical judgment. If the measured value falls within the tolerance zone, it is deemed acceptable, and the process continues. If the measured value exceeds the tolerance zone, whether too high or too low, the system immediately determines the workpiece is unacceptable. At this time, the alarm unit is triggered, which can manifest as a flashing red warning light on the control cabinet panel, a buzzer sounding, and a pop-up display of specific alarm information and fault codes on the operation interface. More importantly, the alarm signal will trigger subsequent automatic sorting devices, such as controlling a pneumatic pusher or robotic arm, to automatically remove the defective piece 200 from the production line, achieving immediate isolation of defective products.

[0041] The support component 400 is an auxiliary positioning system that ensures the accuracy of the entire processing. It is mounted on the bending machine frame 300 between the two end bending assemblies. Its main function is to provide stable and reliable support for the middle of the cantilevered sheet 200 during bending and inspection, preventing deformation or displacement caused by the sheet 200's own weight or stress, thereby ensuring dimensional consistency at both ends of the bending process. The support component 400 mainly includes a support member 401 and a support drive member 402.

[0042] The support component 401 is typically a metal tray or bracket with a flat top surface. Its length is less than the length of the sheet 200, and its width is moderate, providing sufficient support area for the sheet 200. Two support drive components 402 are symmetrically installed at both ends of the bottom of the support component 401. The support drive component 402 can be a pneumatic or electric cylinder. Its cylinder body is fixed to the bending machine frame 300, and the top of the piston rod or push rod is connected to the support component 401. The function of the support drive component 402 is to drive the support component 401 to move up and down in the second direction, i.e., the vertical direction. At the beginning of the work cycle, the support drive component 402 drives the support component 401 to descend to a low position, so that the robot or loading mechanism can place the sheet 200 to be processed into position. After the sheet 200 is initially positioned, the support drive component 402 then drives the support component 401 to rise to a pre-set working height, smoothly lifting the sheet 200 and placing it in the correct Z-axis coordinate that matches the bending components 2 molds at both ends. This liftable design avoids interference from the support component 401 in the loading and unloading process, and improves the automation level of the equipment.

[0043] Based on the above descriptions of the components, the workflow and control logic of the washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine described in this application embodiment are as follows.

[0044] The first stage is material loading and positioning. The support drive 402 of the support component 400 actuates, causing the support component 401 to descend. An automated loading device, such as a six-axis robot or a gantry crane, picks up a piece of stainless steel sheet 200 to be processed and transfers it to the equipment's working area, placing it on the descended support component 401. Subsequently, the support drive 402 actuates, driving the support component 401 to rise smoothly, lifting the sheet 200 to the precise processing height.

[0045] The second stage is the folding and forming. After the control system confirms that the sheet 200 is positioned, it simultaneously sends commands to the first drive members 11 of the two end folding components. The two first drive members 11 start synchronously, precisely moving their respective driven folding components 2 along the slide 12 from the initial standby position or detection position to the folding station, i.e., the first position. In this position, the two ends of the sheet 200 extend into the opening area between the first mold 22 and the second mold 23 of the corresponding end folding component 2. Subsequently, the folding drive members 24 of the two folding components 2 work synchronously, driving their respective second molds 23 to move downwards, cooperating with the first mold 22 to synchronously punch and fold the two ends of the sheet 200. This synchronous processing method is not only highly efficient, but also avoids sheet displacement or uneven stress that may be caused by step processing.

[0046] The third stage is relocation and preparation for inspection. After the folding action is completed, the folding drive 24 drives the second mold 23 to retract upwards, releasing the constraint on the formed fold. Immediately afterwards, the two first drive components 11 move synchronously again, driving the two folding components 2 to carry the folded but not yet demolded sheet 200 along the slide 12 from the first position to the second position. This movement process ensures that the folded areas at both ends of the sheet 200 are just removed from the mold cavity, exposed and positioned directly below the inspection component 3.

[0047] The fourth stage is height detection and judgment. After the folding component 2 stabilizes in the second position, the detection component 3 begins to work. First, the second detection drive 34 drives the detection probe 33 assembly to rise and fall according to the specifications of the current sheet 200, adjusting it to the preset measurement reference height. Then, the first detection drive 31 actuates, driving the first detection bracket 32 ​​to rotate from a parallel avoidance state to a vertical detection state, so that the probes or laser beam emission points of the two detection probes 33 are directly facing the two preset measurement target points on the folded edge. The detection probes 33 are triggered, instantly completing the measurement and sending the height data to the control system. The control system processes the received data and compares it with the stored qualified standard value.

[0048] The fifth stage is sorting and resetting. Based on the comparison results, the control system makes a decision. If the data from all four measuring points at both ends are within the tolerance range, the sheet 200 is deemed qualified. The system controls the support drive 402 to descend, releasing the sheet 200, and the unloading robot moves the qualified sheet 200 to the next process, such as the rolling and welding station. Simultaneously, the two folding components 2 return to their initial standby position under the drive of the first drive 11, ready for the next work cycle. If the data from any measuring point exceeds the tolerance, the alarm unit is immediately activated, emitting an audible and visual alarm signal. At the same time, the control system locks the unqualified sheet 200 and may push it into the unqualified product collection box through a special movement of the support component 400 or a dedicated rejection mechanism, thereby preventing it from being mixed with qualified products. Afterward, the equipment is also reset, waiting to process the next sheet 200.

[0049] As can be seen from the above detailed description, the technical solution of this application integrates the folding and forming function with the high-precision online inspection function into a single automated device. Through a clever sliding station switching design, seamless connection between the folding and inspection processes is achieved. This not only greatly improves production efficiency but also replaces subjective and error-prone manual sampling with fully automated, real-time inspection based on objective data, ensuring absolute reliability and consistency of product quality. Simultaneously, the instant alarm and automatic rejection mechanism establishes an effective quality firewall, eliminating the risk of defective products flowing into subsequent expensive assembly processes, reducing overall production costs, and improving product safety. It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this application and are not intended to limit it. Modifications or substitutions to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. End folding assembly, used in washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine, wherein, include: A driving component, the driving component including a first driving member and a slide rail extending along a first direction; A folding component is configured to be slidably connected to the slide rail. The first driving member is connected to and used to drive the folding component to slide along the slide rail to a first position, so that the folding component performs pre-folding processing on the end of the sheet at the first position. A detection component is disposed on one side of the folding component, and the first driving component is used to drive the folding component to slide along the slide to the second position, so that the detection component detects the folding height at the second position; An alarm unit is configured to communicate with the detection component. The alarm unit is used to receive the folded edge height data detected by the detection component and to issue an alarm when the folded edge height data is unqualified.

2. The end-flanging assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The detection component includes: A first detection driver is provided with a first detection bracket at the output end of the first detection driver; The detection probes are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the first detection bracket. The first detection drive is used to rotate the first detection bracket to a third position, so that the two detection probes are located at both ends of the folded edge to detect the height of the folded edge.

3. The end-flanging assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The detection component further includes a second detection drive, which is disposed on one side of the folded edge component. A second detection bracket is disposed at the output end of the second detection drive. The second detection drive is used to drive the second detection bracket to move in a second direction to adjust the relative position of the detection probe and the folded edge.

4. The end-flanging assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The folded edge component includes: Folding machine frame; The first mold is positioned at one end of the folding frame; The second mold is positioned at the other end of the folding frame; A folding drive is configured to connect a first mold and / or a second mold, the folding drive being used to drive the first mold and the second mold to move closer to each other in a second direction to pre-fold the end of the sheet material.

5. The end-flanging assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The first mold has a first surface for pre-folding the end of the sheet from one side, and the second mold has a second surface for pre-folding the end of the sheet from one side. The folding drive is used to drive the first surface and the second surface to move closer to each other to pre-fold the end of the sheet.

6. A washing machine inner drum sheet bending machine, including an end bending assembly, wherein, The end folding assembly is the end folding assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine according to claim 6, comprising a folding machine frame, wherein, The two end folding assemblies are respectively symmetrically arranged at both ends of the folding machine frame.

8. The washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine according to claim 6, wherein, It includes a support member disposed between the two end-folding assemblies, the support member including a support element for supporting the sheet.

9. The washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine according to claim 8, wherein, The support component includes a support drive member, one end of which is connected to the frame of the folding machine, and the other end of which is connected to a support member. The support drive member is used to drive the support member to move in a second direction to adjust the relative position of the sheet and the folding component.

10. The washing machine inner drum sheet folding machine according to claim 9, wherein, The two support drive members are respectively symmetrically arranged at both ends of the support member.

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