Automatic punching and milling integrated machining machine for pipe fittings

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of automobile part machining tools, and particularly relates to an automatic punching and milling integrated machining machine for pipe fittings. The invention discloses an automatic punching and milling integrated machining machine for pipe fittings, which comprises a rack, a feeding and batching unit, a carrying and transplanting mechanical gripper unit, a first machining station punching machining unit and a second machining station unit are arranged on the rack, and the automatic punching and milling integrated machining machine comprises a punching machining mechanism and a rear positioning blowing chip removal mechanism; the second machining station unit comprises a hole detecting, guiding and positioning mechanism and a hole milling machining mechanism; the discharging and transplanting unit comprises a discharging and transplanting mechanical arm and a discharging air cylinder. The method has the beneficial effects that the problem of repeated positioning size deviation precision of secondary clamping is solved, the loss of the milling cutter is greatly reduced, and the consumable cost of a common single-face milling cutter is low. Automatic one-piece flow type production is achieved, and upstream and downstream processing equipment is linked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of automotive parts processing tools, and particularly relates to an automated punching and milling integrated processing machine for pipe fittings. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive airbag inflator is a device located inside the airbag. It is a core component of the airbag system. The airbag inflator tube requires the machining of irregularly shaped holes during processing. Common methods for machining these irregularly shaped holes in automotive airbag inflators include:

[0003] Option 1: Directly use a standard milling machine with a custom-designed milling cutter for milling. Disadvantages: Due to the hardness of the material, the amount of hole turning and milling is large, resulting in slow processing speed and reduced cycle time efficiency. Furthermore, custom-designed step-specific milling cutters are expensive.

[0004] To improve cycle time processing efficiency, method two involves purchasing one standard hydraulic punch press and one standard milling machine. First, punch the small holes to be machined, then mill the surface with a conventional milling cutter. Disadvantages: The investment in two machines is large, and there are two positioning processing steps. The two processing steps involve process separation, which carries the risk of missed processing steps, and requires two operators. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the aforementioned technical problems and provide a solution to the problem of dimensional deviation accuracy in repeated positioning during secondary clamping. The simultaneous punching and milling significantly improves the machining cycle time. Simultaneously, the use of ordinary milling cutters reduces the amount of turning material, greatly reducing cutter wear. Ordinary single-sided milling cutters have low consumable costs. This invention enables automated one-piece flow production, connecting upstream and downstream processing equipment in an automated punching and milling integrated processing machine for pipe fittings. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] An automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings includes a frame, characterized in that the frame is provided with a feeding and dispensing unit, a handling and transfer mechanical gripper unit, a first-station punching unit, a second-station unit, and an unloading and transfer unit.

[0007] The feeding and batching unit includes a storage ramp, a feeding ramp, and a top plate material detection sensor. A top plate is installed between the storage ramp and the feeding ramp. After the top plate material detection sensor detects the presence of material, the top plate lifts the single material and slides it down from the feeding ramp to the material preparation station.

[0008] The feeding and batching unit enables automated one-piece flow production, linking upstream and downstream processing equipment.

[0009] The mechanical gripper unit for transporting and transplanting crops includes a translation mechanism and a mechanical gripper mounted on the translation mechanism. The translation mechanism includes a rolling resistance screw and left and right linear guides. The mechanical gripper platform is slidably mounted on the left and right linear guides. The bottom of the mechanical gripper platform matches the rolling resistance screw, and a servo motor is connected to the rolling resistance screw. The mechanical gripper platform is equipped with a translation cylinder and front and rear linear guides. A gripper frame is mounted on the front and rear linear guides. Mechanical grippers are mounted at both ends of the gripper frame, and a translation cylinder is connected to the middle of the gripper frame.

[0010] The mechanical gripper and translation mechanism make it easier and faster to move the pipe fittings being processed within the entire equipment, and the simultaneous operation greatly improves the processing cycle.

[0011] The first processing station, the punching unit, includes a punching mechanism and a rear positioning air-blowing chip removal mechanism. The punching mechanism includes an upper die, a lower die, and a stamping mandrel located between the upper and lower dies. The upper die is connected to a stamping cylinder, and a punch is connected to the end of the stamping cylinder. A rear positioning device is installed on the frame, which includes an ejector cylinder and a positioning tube. The workpiece is picked up from the preparation station and moved horizontally to the front end of the stamping mandrel, and then fed into the stamping mandrel. The positioning tube of the ejector cylinder advances and presses against the tail end of the workpiece for positioning. The rear positioning air-blowing chip removal mechanism includes a positioning tube, a stamping mandrel, and the workpiece. The positioning tube is hollow and has air holes on its side. When the positioning tube pushes the workpiece into the stamping mandrel for positioning, compressed air enters through the positioning tube, the workpiece, and the stamping mandrel.

[0012] The stamping mandrel has excellent positioning and fixing functions. The upper and lower clamping dies and the stamping mandrel can fix the workpiece in place, preventing the machined hole position from shifting. The rear positioning air blowing chip removal mechanism can better remove the chips generated at the machined hole, and the removal method is more reasonable.

[0013] The second processing station unit includes a hole inspection and positioning mechanism and a milling mechanism. The hole inspection and positioning mechanism includes a clamping mold, a mold clamping cylinder, and guide pillars. The clamping mold has a workpiece inspection and mounting slot, and a positioning pin guide sleeve is provided at the top of the clamping mold. A probe cylinder is provided on the frame, and the probe cylinder is connected to a floating device and a positioning probe. The positioning probe can enter the workpiece inspection and mounting slot after passing through the positioning pin guide sleeve. The milling mechanism includes a clamping mold cylinder and a milling cutter. The output end of the clamping mold cylinder is connected to the clamping mold.

[0014] The hole inspection and positioning mechanism solves the problem of dimensional deviation accuracy in repeated positioning during secondary clamping, which can greatly improve the machining cycle time and realize automated one-piece flow production. The milling machining mechanism allows the workpiece to be punched and then milled simultaneously, greatly improving the machining cycle time. At the same time, the use of ordinary milling cutters reduces the turning amount and greatly reduces the wear of milling cutters. Ordinary single-sided milling cutters have low consumable costs.

[0015] The unloading and transfer unit includes an unloading and transfer robot and an unloading cylinder. Driven by the unloading cylinder, the unloading and transfer robot moves forward to clamp the pipe to be processed. When the clamping mold is released, the unloading and transfer robot retracts and moves the pipe to be processed to the unloading chute, thus completing the unloading process.

[0016] The preferred embodiment is that the material preparation station consists of several material preparation V-blocks, and the several material preparation V-blocks together support a pipe fitting being processed.

[0017] The V-blocks used for material preparation can better support the pipe fittings being processed, allowing the pipe fittings to stop more quickly.

[0018] The preferred method is to fix the material preparation V-block supporting the rear end of the pipe fitting to a positioning cylinder, and the positioning cylinder is equipped with a rear positioning stop.

[0019] The position of the V-block for material preparation can be switched according to the different lengths of the pipe fittings to be processed, so that the equipment can automatically switch between processing various types of pipe fittings of different lengths. After the pipe fitting to be processed rolls to the V-block position, the rear positioning block pushes the front end of the pipe fitting to align with the end face reference.

[0020] The preferred embodiment is that the mechanical gripper includes a gripper cylinder and two gripping plates, which can be opened 180 degrees; when the gripping plates are opened 180 degrees, they are located below the workpiece being processed, which is supported by the V-shaped block; the center of the closed circle of the two grippers is higher than the center of the workpiece supported by the V-shaped block.

[0021] This design saves cycle time and unnecessary movements. The mechanical gripper for transplanting does not require an extra lifting step. The gripper closes 180 degrees to clamp the workpiece and then leaves the support surface, allowing it to be moved directly away, saving cycle time and improving efficiency.

[0022] The preferred embodiment is that the feed ramp has a clearance notch.

[0023] The grab plate needs space to open 180 degrees, so the clearance notch can provide the space for the grab plate to open 180 degrees, which can make the operation smoother.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a workpiece positioning micro-motion detection switch is provided on the back of the punching mechanism.

[0025] The workpiece positioning micro-motion detection switch can ensure that the processed pipe has moved to the designated position, and position the hole for punching.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the stamping mandrel has an internal clearance space.

[0027] The clearance space can temporarily store the waste generated during processing, preventing the waste from affecting the accuracy and various detection components during processing.

[0028] The internal clearance space of the stamping mandrel can accommodate 2-3 pieces of waste. There is a detection switch for waste removal. When waste is not removed multiple times, the system PLC will automatically alarm and stop stamping to prevent waste from accumulating inside the mold mandrel and causing the mold to burst.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are: it solves the problem of dimensional deviation accuracy in repeated positioning during secondary clamping; the simultaneous punching and milling significantly improves the machining cycle time; and the use of ordinary milling cutters reduces the amount of turning work, greatly reducing cutter wear, while ordinary single-sided milling cutters have low consumable costs. It also enables automated one-piece flow production, linking upstream and downstream processing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding and batching unit.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a gripper unit for transporting and transplanting machinery.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the punching processing unit for the first processing station.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second processing station unit.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the material discharge and transfer unit.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a punching mechanism.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the second processing station unit. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following is combined Figures 1 to 8 Detailed explanation of the example:

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention is mainly divided into 5 structural units:

[0040] 1. Feeding and batching unit 1; 2. Handling and transplanting machinery gripper unit 2; 3. Processing first station punching unit 3; 4. Processing second station unit 4; 5. Discharge and transplanting unit 5.

[0041] The remaining section consists of the frame (6), the HMI (Human Machine Interface) for operation display (7), and the hydraulic station system piping on the back of the equipment. The bottom of the frame houses the control distribution box and pneumatic components such as pneumatic solenoid valves. The overall layout of the equipment is reasonable, with the frame featuring a semi-enclosed structure and an oil collection tray on the frame platform.

[0042] The following describes each structural unit.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the feeding and batching unit 1

[0044] The pipe fittings processed in this invention are generally circular. The pipe fittings are connected to the previous processing equipment via a conveyor belt. They enter the storage ramp 12 directly from the conveyor belt. When the material detection sensor 13 on the top plate detects material, the top plate cylinder lifts, causing the top plate 14 to rise and lift the pipe fitting. After being lifted, the pipe fitting rolls down from the inlet ramp 15 to the preparation station. The preparation station uses a V-block structure 16, with one preparation V-block at each end. After rolling down, the two preparation V-blocks jointly support the pipe fitting. The preparation V-block supporting the rear end of the pipe fitting is fixed to a positioning cylinder 17. This preparation V-block can be adjusted in position according to the different lengths of the pipe fitting using the positioning cylinder. This enables automatic switching processing of multiple length types of pipe fittings according to this invention. The selection cylinder is also equipped with a rear positioning block 18. When the workpiece rolls to the preparation V-block station, the rear positioning block moves forward with the selection cylinder, pushing the front end of the workpiece to align with its end face reference.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the handling and transplanting mechanical gripper unit 2

[0046] The handling and transplanting mechanical gripper unit includes a translation mechanism and a mechanical gripper 21 mounted on the translation mechanism.

[0047] The translation mechanism includes a rolling resistance screw 22 and left and right linear guides 23. A mechanical gripper platform 24 is slidably mounted on the left and right linear guides. The bottom of the mechanical gripper platform matches the rolling resistance screw, and a servo motor drives the translation, ensuring smooth and high-speed translation. The mechanical gripper platform is equipped with a translation cylinder 25 and front and rear linear guides 26. A gripper frame 27 is mounted on the front and rear linear guides, with mechanical grippers 21 at both ends of the gripper frame. The translation cylinder is connected to the middle of the gripper frame. The forward and backward movement of the mechanical gripper is controlled by the translation cylinder and the linear guides.

[0048] The mechanical gripper uses a gripper cylinder 28 and double gripper plates 29, allowing the two gripper plates to open 180 degrees, ensuring a secure clamping action. The translation mechanism is equipped with an origin sensor, left limit switch, and right limit switch. Through PLC programming control and a servo system, it can achieve automatic origin return, variable speed start / stop, and smooth start / stop process with acceleration / deceleration time control.

[0049] Because the mechanical gripper has a cooperating gripper, the transfer gripper opens 180 degrees. When the gripper is 180 degrees open, it is located below the workpiece supported by the V-shaped block. To facilitate the closing of the gripper, a clearance notch 19 is provided at the feed ramp. The gripper cylinder clamps, the gripper closes, and thus firmly grips the workpiece.

[0050] For easy translation of the pipe fitting being processed, it is essential that the pipe fitting is exactly away from the support plane of the V-block after the two grippers close. At this point, the center of the gripper's closure circle can be higher than the center of the workpiece supported by the V-block. This design saves cycle time and unnecessary movements. The transferring robot arm does not need an additional lifting step; the gripper closes 180 degrees to clamp the pipe fitting, which then leaves the V-block support surface and can be directly translated away, saving cycle time and improving efficiency.

[0051] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the first processing station is the punching unit 3.

[0052] The first processing station, the punching unit, includes a punching mechanism and a rear positioning air blowing chip removal mechanism.

[0053] The pipe to be processed moves via the aforementioned transport and transfer mechanical gripper unit. After being gripped from the pre-worked V-block, the pipe to be processed is moved horizontally to the first punching station, then forward and positioned, and fed into the stamping mandrel 31. Simultaneously, the rear positioning device 32, fixed to the frame at the rear end, moves forward and holds the workpiece, at which point the front end of the pipe to be processed enters the stamping mandrel. The tail end of the pipe to be processed is held by the positioning tube 34 of the ejector cylinder 33, and the gripper of the translation mechanism releases and returns.

[0054] After the workpiece is positioned, a workpiece positioning micro-motion detection switch 35 is located at the front end of the workpiece (on the back of the punching mechanism) to ensure that the front end of the workpiece is facing it and in position. The stamping is started, and the stamping cylinder 36 presses down the mold 39 (driving the upper clamping mold, which together with the lower clamping mold presses the workpiece first). As the stamping stroke continues to descend, the punch 37 breaks the workpiece and presses the waste into the stamping mandrel.

[0055] The positioning tube of the rear positioning device is hollow, and an air hole 38 is opened on the side of the positioning tube to connect with the compressed air pipeline. The stamping mandrel is hollow. After the positioning tube pushes the workpiece into the stamping mandrel for positioning, a compressed air inlet channel is formed inside the positioning tube, the workpiece, and the stamping mandrel.

[0056] After stamping is completed, compressed air is used to discharge the waste chips from the rear end of the die. Furthermore, the stamping mandrel has an internal clearance space that can accommodate 2-3 pieces of waste chip. A detection switch is installed to detect waste chip removal; if multiple instances of waste chip failure are detected, the system PLC will automatically alarm and stop stamping to prevent waste chip accumulation inside the stamping mandrel from causing the die to burst.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, processing station 4 is the second station unit.

[0058] The second processing station unit includes a hole inspection and positioning mechanism and a milling mechanism.

[0059] After the first station of processing is completed, the pipe fitting processed at station 1 is transferred to the inspection and repositioning station of the second milling station via the two grippers of the mechanical gripper of the translation mechanism. After the mechanical gripper sends the pipe fitting into the workpiece inspection and mounting slot 41, the positioning probe 42 is first inserted to guide the workpiece. The positioning probe adopts a conical guide and has a floating function (floating device) to achieve soft contact. When the positioning probe is fully inserted into the pipe fitting from the positioning pin guide sleeve 44 under the drive of the probe cylinder 43, it indicates that the secondary positioning is completed (to prevent secondary clamping accuracy errors during the transfer process). The upper and lower molds are closed and clamped by the mold clamping cylinder 45 and four guide pillars 46 to form a clamping mold 47. After the hydraulic pressure fully clamps the pipe fitting without relative movement, the probe resets, the mechanical gripper releases, and the pipe fitting is pushed out.

[0060] The entire clamping mold 47 is connected to the clamping cylinder 48. The entire clamping mold, carrying the clamped workpiece, is moved to the milling cutter station by the clamping cylinder, and the milling cutter 49 automatically begins the milling operation.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the material discharge and transfer unit 5

[0062] After the milling operation is completed, the milling cutter 49 retracts upward to its original position, and the material transfer robot 51 moves forward under the drive of the material transfer cylinder 52 to clamp the processed pipe. At the same time, the clamping mold is released, the material transfer robot retracts, and the processed pipe is moved to the material transfer chute 53 via the translation track 54. The material transfer is completed, and the clamping mold returns to the second processing station.

Claims

1. An automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings, comprising a frame, characterized in that, The frame is equipped with a feeding and dispensing unit, a handling and transplanting mechanical gripper unit, a first processing station punching unit, a second processing station unit, and a discharge and transplanting unit. The feeding and batching unit includes a storage ramp, a feeding ramp, and a top plate material detection sensor. A top plate is installed between the storage ramp and the feeding ramp. After the top plate material detection sensor detects the presence of material, the top plate lifts the single material and slides it down from the feeding ramp to the material preparation station. The mechanical gripper unit for transporting and transplanting crops includes a translation mechanism and a mechanical gripper mounted on the translation mechanism. The translation mechanism includes a rolling resistance screw and left and right linear guides. The mechanical gripper platform is slidably mounted on the left and right linear guides. The bottom of the mechanical gripper platform matches the rolling resistance screw, and a servo motor is connected to the rolling resistance screw. The mechanical gripper platform is equipped with a translation cylinder and front and rear linear guides. A gripper frame is mounted on the front and rear linear guides. Mechanical grippers are mounted at both ends of the gripper frame, and a translation cylinder is connected to the middle of the gripper frame. The first processing station, the punching unit, includes a punching mechanism and a rear positioning air-blowing chip removal mechanism. The punching mechanism includes an upper die, a lower die, and a stamping mandrel located between the upper and lower dies. The upper die is connected to a stamping cylinder, and a punch is connected to the end of the stamping cylinder. A rear positioning device is installed on the frame, which includes an ejector cylinder and a positioning tube. The workpiece is picked up from the preparation station and moved horizontally to the front end of the stamping mandrel, and then fed into the stamping mandrel. The positioning tube of the ejector cylinder advances and presses against the tail end of the workpiece for positioning. The rear positioning air-blowing chip removal mechanism includes a positioning tube, a stamping mandrel, and the workpiece. The positioning tube is hollow and has air holes on its side. When the positioning tube pushes the workpiece into the stamping mandrel for positioning, compressed air enters through the positioning tube, the workpiece, and the stamping mandrel. The second processing station unit includes a hole inspection and positioning mechanism and a milling mechanism. The hole inspection and positioning mechanism includes a clamping mold, a mold clamping cylinder, and guide pillars. The clamping mold has a workpiece inspection and mounting slot, and a positioning pin guide sleeve is provided at the top of the clamping mold. A probe cylinder is provided on the frame, and the probe cylinder is connected to a floating device and a positioning probe. The positioning probe can enter the workpiece inspection and mounting slot after passing through the positioning pin guide sleeve. The milling mechanism includes a clamping mold cylinder and a milling cutter. The output end of the clamping mold cylinder is connected to the clamping mold. The unloading and transfer unit includes an unloading and transfer robot and an unloading cylinder. Driven by the unloading cylinder, the unloading and transfer robot moves forward to clamp the pipe to be processed. When the clamping mold is released, the unloading and transfer robot retracts and moves the pipe to be processed to the unloading chute, thus completing the unloading process.

2. The automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material preparation station consists of several material preparation V-blocks, which together support a pipe fitting being processed.

3. The automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The V-shaped block supporting the rear end of the pipe fitting being processed is fixed on a positioning cylinder, and a rear positioning stop is provided on the positioning cylinder.

4. The automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical gripper includes a gripper cylinder and two gripping plates, which can be opened 180 degrees. When the gripping plates are 180 degrees open, they are located below the workpiece being processed, which is supported by the V-block. The center of the two grippers when they are closed is higher than the center of the workpiece supported by the V-block.

5. The automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An avoidance gap is provided at the feed ramp.

6. The automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The punching mechanism is equipped with a workpiece positioning micro-motion detection switch on its back.

7. The automated punching and milling machine for pipe fittings as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stamping mandrel has an internal clearance space.

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