In-mold automatic rivet device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of in-mold automatic riveting rivet device, integrated in continuous stamping die, comprising: feed assembly, for sorting and output rivet;First conveying assembly, including vertically arranged first conveying channel and first drive cylinder, for pushing rivet downward;Second conveying assembly, including horizontally arranged second conveying channel, slidingly arranged in second conveying channel conveying push rod and second drive cylinder, second conveying channel and the bottom outlet of first conveying channel vertically intersect and communicate, and second drive cylinder drives conveying push rod and pushes rivet to rivet pressing station;Riveting assembly, including the riveting nitrogen cylinder arranged in die, and the riveting nitrogen cylinder is located above rivet pressing station;Detection control component, including first inductor and controller, for detecting rivet in place and controlling punch downward drive riveting nitrogen cylinder to complete riveting.The application has compact structure, small mold space, low manufacturing cost, constant riveting force, and has very high practical value and popularization prospect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of stamping die technology, and more specifically to an automatic riveting device integrated into a continuous stamping die. Background Technology

[0002] In continuous stamping die production, rivets are frequently required on workpieces, such as in the assembly of structural components in industries like automotive parts and electronic components. In-die riveting technology integrates a riveting mechanism within the die, enabling the simultaneous completion of stamping and riveting processes. This effectively improves production efficiency, reduces process flow, and lowers labor costs. Currently, the industry commonly uses externally purchased standard in-die riveting machines. For example, before proposing this design, our company also used commercially available standard in-die riveting machines. While standard in-mold riveting machines purchased externally can meet basic production needs, these standard machines have the following shortcomings: First, standard in-mold riveting machines are relatively large, requiring ample installation space during the mold design phase, leading to an increase in the overall mold size and manufacturing costs. Second, standard equipment often needs to be customized according to specific molds, resulting in long communication cycles with suppliers, as well as lengthy procurement and debugging periods, which severely impacts the development cycle of new products. Third, after the standard equipment arrives, it still needs to be adapted and debugged with the mold, including matching the feeding sequence, calibrating the riveting position, and coordinating with the punch press movements. The debugging workload is substantial, and the debugging process often requires repeated modifications to the mold or equipment, increasing the workload and technical difficulty in the later stages. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved is to provide an in-mold automatic riveting device that is compact, can automatically deliver rivets, and has high riveting accuracy, in order to overcome the technical defects of existing technologies, such as reliance on externally purchased equipment, large space occupation, and long debugging cycle.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the following technical solution is adopted: An in-mold automatic riveting device, integrated into a continuous stamping die, comprises: Feeding assembly for sorting and outputting rivets; The first conveying component includes a vertically arranged first conveying channel and a first driving cylinder that moves in a vertical direction. The inlet of the first conveying channel is connected to the output end of the feeding component. The first driving cylinder is located directly above the first conveying channel and is used to push the rivets entering the first conveying channel downward. The second conveying component includes a horizontally arranged second conveying channel, a conveying push rod slidably disposed in the second conveying channel, and a second driving cylinder that moves in a horizontal direction. The second driving cylinder is pulsatorically connected to the conveying push rod. The second conveying channel is located below the first conveying channel, and the second conveying channel intersects and connects perpendicularly with the bottom outlet of the first conveying channel. The first driving cylinder pushes the rivet onto the second conveying channel, and the second driving cylinder drives the conveying push rod to push the rivet located on the second conveying channel to the riveting station. A riveting assembly includes a riveting nitrogen cylinder disposed within a mold, the riveting nitrogen cylinder being located above the riveting station; The detection control component includes a first sensor and a controller, wherein the first sensor is used to detect whether the rivet has reached the riveting station; When the first sensor detects that the rivet has arrived at the riveting station, the controller controls the punch press to move downwards, driving the riveting nitrogen cylinder to press the rivet onto the product.

[0005] Preferably, after the first drive cylinder pushes the rivet onto the second conveying channel, it does not reset until the second drive cylinder completes the pushing action.

[0006] Preferably, the feeding assembly includes: a vibratory feeder for sorting rivets according to a preset orientation; and a rivet conveyor belt connecting the vibratory feeder to the entrance of the first conveying channel for conveying the sorted rivets to the area below the first drive cylinder.

[0007] Preferably, an inclined air groove is provided at the tail end of the rivet conveyor belt and between the end and the first conveying channel for the orderly entry of rivets into the first conveying channel. The inclined air groove is located above module one, and the first conveying channel is opened within module one.

[0008] Preferably, the second conveying channel is a chute-type structure, the width of which is adapted to the diameter of the rivet, for radial constraint of the rivet during horizontal movement.

[0009] Preferably, the chute structure includes a lower chute for the horizontal repeated movement of the transmission push rod and an upper chute located on the lower end face of the module for limiting the horizontal movement of the rivet; the lower chute and the upper chute are correspondingly connected.

[0010] Preferably, the detection and control component further includes a second sensor, which is located at the next station after the riveting station and is used to detect whether there is a missing riveting defect in the product after riveting at the previous station after the material strip has advanced one step.

[0011] Preferably, the riveting nitrogen cylinder is a closed elastic pressure element pre-filled with high-pressure nitrogen, and its elastic pressure remains constant within its working stroke range.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages: This in-mold automatic riveting device, designed by our institute, differs from traditional in-mold riveting machines that use a single-axis long-distance feeding mechanism, which occupies a large area of ​​the mold and forces an increase in mold size. By vertically setting the first conveying channel and horizontally setting the second conveying channel, which intersects perpendicularly, this invention fully utilizes the three-dimensional space within the mold, significantly reducing the area occupied by the riveting mechanism, thereby reducing mold size and manufacturing costs. The second conveying channel adopts a groove-type structure adapted to the rivet diameter, constraining the rivet along its entire path and ensuring that the rivet does not flip or deviate during high-speed pushing. Simultaneously, the first drive cylinder remains in a downward state during the handover process, closing the outlet of the first conveying channel, effectively preventing subsequent rivets from interfering with the current action, and ensuring the stability and positioning accuracy of rivet delivery.

[0013] This riveting nitrogen cylinder, pre-charged with high-pressure nitrogen, serves as the riveting actuator. Its spring force remains essentially constant within its working stroke range, effectively compensating for thickness tolerances in the product strip and fluctuations in the punch press stroke. This ensures consistent riveting force for each rivet, improving the consistency and reliability of riveting quality. A first sensor detects rivet placement and automatically triggers the punch press to descend, automating the riveting process. A second sensor detects missing rivets online, automating quality control and effectively reducing manual labor intensity, while also preventing defective products from being shipped out. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the in-mold automatic riveting device in the preferred embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another angle of the automatic riveting device in the mold in the preferred embodiment; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the in-mold automatic riveting device in the preferred embodiment (showing the intersection and cooperation of the first conveying channel and the second conveying channel). Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission component and the second transmission component in a preferred embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission component and the second transmission component in the preferred embodiment from another angle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission component and the second transmission component in the preferred embodiment from another angle; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first conveying channel in a preferred embodiment; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the inclined air groove in the preferred embodiment; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another angle of the inclined air groove in the preferred embodiment; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second conveying channel in a preferred embodiment; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the upper slide groove in a preferred embodiment; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission push rod and the upper slide groove in a preferred embodiment; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission push rod in a preferred embodiment; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding groove in a preferred embodiment.

[0015] The components in the attached diagram are labeled as follows: 1- Vibratory feeder; 2- Rivet conveyor belt; 3- First drive cylinder; 4- Second drive cylinder; 5- Riveting nitrogen cylinder; 6- First sensor; 7- Second sensor; 8- First conveying channel; 9- Conveying push rod; 10- Second conveying channel; 11- Sliding groove; 12- Inclined air groove; 13- Module 1; 14- Mounting base; 15- Base; 16- Upper sliding groove; 17- Module 2; 18- Riveting station; 19- Rivet. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby providing a clearer and more explicit definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Example: like Figure 1-7 As shown, this embodiment provides an in-mold automatic riveting device integrated into a continuous stamping die. The device mainly includes a feeding assembly, a first conveying assembly, a second conveying assembly, a riveting assembly, and a detection and control assembly.

[0018] The feeding assembly includes a vibratory feeder 1 and a rivet conveyor belt 2. The vibratory feeder 1 is used to sort randomly piled rivets according to a preset orientation, so that the rivets are output in a uniform posture. The rivet conveyor belt 2 connects the output end of the vibratory feeder 1 to the inlet of the first conveying assembly, and is used to transport the sorted rivets to the area below the first drive cylinder 3.

[0019] like Figure 3-14 As shown, the first conveying assembly includes a vertically arranged first conveying channel 8 and a first driving cylinder 3 that moves in a vertical direction. The first driving cylinder 3 is mounted above the first conveying channel 8 via a mounting base 14. The inlet of the first conveying channel 8 is connected to the output end of the rivet conveyor belt 2, and the first driving cylinder 3 is located directly above the first conveying channel 8. When a rivet is conveyed to the inlet of the first conveying channel 8 via the conveyor belt, the first driving cylinder 3 moves downward, pushing the rivet entering the first conveying channel 8 downward.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first driving cylinder is a standard-acting cylinder, and its action is controlled by the first solenoid valve.

[0021] like Figure 6-14 As shown, the second conveying assembly includes a horizontally arranged second conveying channel 10, a conveying push rod 9 slidably disposed within the second conveying channel 10, and a second driving cylinder 4 that moves horizontally. The second driving cylinder 4 is fixedly mounted on the base 15. The second driving cylinder 4 is kinetically connected to the conveying push rod 9 and is used to drive the conveying push rod 9 to move horizontally along the second conveying channel 10.

[0022] In this embodiment, the second drive cylinder 4 is a standard double-acting cylinder, and its operation is controlled by the second solenoid valve.

[0023] The second conveying channel 10 is located below the first conveying channel 8, and the second conveying channel 10 intersects and connects perpendicularly with the bottom outlet of the first conveying channel 8. The first drive cylinder 3 pushes the rivet downward onto the second conveying channel 10 (specifically, to the preset intersection position on the second conveying channel 10), and then the second drive cylinder 4 drives the conveying push rod 9 to push the rivet located on the second conveying channel 10 horizontally to the riveting station 18.

[0024] This embodiment makes full use of the three-dimensional space inside the mold by setting the first conveying channel vertically and the second conveying channel parallel and intersecting perpendicularly. The compact design significantly reduces the plane area occupied by the riveting mechanism, an effect that cannot be achieved by those skilled in the art by purchasing standard equipment.

[0025] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, to prevent rivets from getting stuck during transport, an inclined air groove 12 is provided at the tail end of the rivet conveyor belt 2, between its entry into the first transport channel 8, to facilitate the orderly entry of rivets 19 into the first transport channel 8. The inclined air groove 12 is located on module 13, and the first transport channel 8 is also located within module 13. This inclined air groove is connected to an air source; after airflow is introduced, it can assist the rivets in moving smoothly along the rivet conveyor belt to the first transport channel, preventing rivets from getting stuck during transport.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second conveying channel 10 is a chute-type structure. The width of the chute is adapted to the diameter of the rivet, which can radially constrain the rivet during horizontal movement, ensuring that the rivet does not flip or deviate during high-speed pushing, ensuring pushing accuracy, and improving the positioning accuracy of the rivet when it reaches the riveting station.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the chute structure includes a lower slide groove 11 for conveying push rod 9 to move horizontally repeatedly and an upper slide groove 16 located on the lower end face of module 13 for limiting the horizontal movement of rivets; the lower slide groove 11 and the upper slide groove 16 are connected to each other, so as to smoothly and completely realize the horizontal pushing of the push rod along the upper slide groove and the lower slide groove to the riveting station from the rivet falling from the first conveying channel.

[0028] To ensure the stability of the handover process, the following timing control is adopted in this embodiment: After the first drive cylinder 3 pushes the rivet onto the second conveying channel 10, it remains in a downward state and does not reset temporarily. Its piston rod is used to seal the bottom outlet of the first conveying channel 8 to prevent subsequent rivets from accidentally falling and interfering with the current action. After the second drive cylinder 4 completes the pushing action (i.e., the conveying push rod 9 pushes the rivet away from the handover position) and resets, the first drive cylinder 3 resets again to prepare to receive the next rivet.

[0029] In this scheme, the second conveying channel adopts a groove structure that matches the diameter of the rivet, which provides radial constraint on the rivet along the entire path to ensure that the rivet does not flip or deviate during high-speed pushing. At the same time, the first drive cylinder remains in a downward state during the handover process, effectively sealing the outlet of the first conveying channel to prevent subsequent rivets from interfering with the current action, thus ensuring the stability and positioning accuracy of the rivet handover.

[0030] The riveting assembly includes a riveting nitrogen cylinder 5 disposed within the mold, located directly above the riveting station 18. In this embodiment, the riveting nitrogen cylinder 5 is a closed elastic pressure element pre-filled with high-pressure nitrogen. This element is pre-filled with high-pressure nitrogen, utilizing the compressibility of the gas to achieve its elastic function. Due to its closed structure, the elastic pressure remains essentially constant within the working stroke range. This characteristic ensures that when there are thickness tolerances in the product strip, the riveting force will not fluctuate significantly due to small changes in compression, thus guaranteeing consistent riveting quality.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the detection control assembly includes a first sensor 6, a second sensor 7, and a controller (not shown in the figure). The first sensor and the second sensor are electrically connected to the controller.

[0032] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the first sensor 6 is located at the riveting station 18 to detect whether the rivet has accurately reached the riveting station. When the first sensor 6 detects that the rivet has reached the correct position, it sends a position signal to the controller. In this embodiment, the first sensor 6 can be a proximity switch or a photoelectric sensor, installed below or to the side of the riveting station. When the rivet is pushed into the sensing area, the sensor outputs a signal. The installation position of the sensor is adjustable to adapt to the detection requirements of rivets of different specifications.

[0033] The second sensor 7 is located at the next station after the riveting station (e.g., Figure 2 As shown, this device is used to detect whether there are any missing rivets on the product riveted at the previous station after the material bar has advanced one step. If a missing rivet is detected, the controller can control the alarm to sound or control the feeding mechanism to stop to prevent defective products from flowing out.

[0034] For the controller, any one of the following can be selected: PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), microcontroller, industrial control computer, or relay logic control circuit. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the input terminal of the controller is electrically connected to the first sensor 6 and the second sensor 7 to receive the rivet positioning signal, and the output terminal of the controller is electrically connected to the main control system of the punch press, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve. The built-in control logic of the controller is as follows: When the positioning signal of the first sensor 6 is received, the controller sends a downward command to the punch press; the downward movement of the punch press drives the riveting cylinder 5 to descend accordingly, pressing the rivet located at the riveting station into the product on the product strip 11 and resetting it; the controller controls the second drive cylinder 4 to reset through the second solenoid valve; after the second drive cylinder 4 is reset, the controller controls the first drive cylinder 3 to reset through the first solenoid valve, preparing for the next cycle; when the second sensor 7 detects a missing rivet defect, the controller controls the alarm to sound an alarm and controls the feeding mechanism to stop.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first sensor detects the rivet in place and automatically triggers the punch press to descend, realizing fully automatic operation of the riveting process; the second sensor detects missing rivet defects online and alarms in time, realizing automated quality control, effectively reducing the intensity of manual operation and preventing defective products from flowing out.

[0036] It should also be noted that: Regarding the stroke control of drive cylinder 1, how can we ensure that the downward position is consistent each time, thereby guaranteeing the repeatability and accuracy of the rivet's intersection from the first conveying channel to the second conveying channel? For precise stroke limiting of the first drive cylinder, physical limiting can be used, such as installing an adjustable stop bolt on the structure of the first drive cylinder. When the cylinder descends to a certain position, a certain part of the cylinder will hit this bolt and stop. Alternatively, the cylinder's inherent stopping characteristics can be utilized. For example, if the first drive cylinder is a standard double-acting cylinder with a fixed stroke, it will automatically stop when it reaches the correct downward position.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first drive cylinder 3 is a standard cylinder with a fixed stroke. Its downward endpoint is determined by the inherent endpoint of the cylinder's stroke, which is set to precisely push the rivet to a predetermined handover position on the second conveying channel. By selecting a cylinder with a suitable stroke, the function of "transferring to a predetermined position" can be achieved without the need for an additional independent limiting structure.

[0038] Brief description of the work process: Material feeding and sorting: After the vibratory plate 1 sorts the rivets, they are conveyed to the entrance of the first conveying channel 8 via the rivet conveyor belt 2.

[0039] First-stage conveying: The first drive cylinder 3 moves downward, pushing the rivet into the first conveying channel 8 and onto the second conveying channel 10.

[0040] Second-stage conveying: The first drive cylinder 3 remains in the downward state and closes the outlet of the first conveying channel 8 (that is, the first drive cylinder does not reset after it moves downward); the second drive cylinder 4 drives the conveying push rod 9 to push the rivet along the second conveying channel 10 to the riveting station.

[0041] Position detection: The first sensor 6 detects that the rivet is in place and sends a signal to the controller.

[0042] Riveting execution: The punch press continues to descend, and the riveting nitrogen cylinder 5 presses the rivet onto the product.

[0043] Quality inspection: As the material bar moves to the next station, the second sensor 7 detects the riveting quality.

[0044] Reset cycle: The controller controls the second drive cylinder 4 to reset via the second solenoid valve, and then controls the first drive cylinder 3 to reset via the first solenoid valve, in preparation for the next cycle.

[0045] In summary, the in-mold automatic riveting device provided in this embodiment integrates the feeding assembly, two-stage conveying assembly, riveting assembly, and detection and control assembly inside the continuous stamping die, forming a complete, compact, and highly automated in-mold riveting system. This device is designed, processed, and assembled synchronously with the die, eliminating the need to purchase standard in-mold riveting equipment and its lengthy procurement and adaptation / debugging cycle. This significantly shortens the time from die trial to customer approval (PPAP) and accelerates the product's transition from development to mass production.

[0046] This device effectively solves the problems of large space occupation, high cost and long cycle of existing in-mold riveting equipment while ensuring riveting accuracy and stability. It has extremely high practical value and promotion prospects.

[0047] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An in-mold automatic riveting device, integrated into a continuous stamping die, characterized in that, include: Feeding assembly for sorting and outputting rivets; The first conveying component includes a vertically arranged first conveying channel and a first driving cylinder that moves in a vertical direction. The inlet of the first conveying channel is connected to the output end of the feeding component. The first driving cylinder is located directly above the first conveying channel and is used to push the rivets entering the first conveying channel downward. The second conveying component includes a horizontally arranged second conveying channel, a conveying push rod slidably disposed in the second conveying channel, and a second driving cylinder that moves in a horizontal direction. The second driving cylinder is pulsatorically connected to the conveying push rod. The second conveying channel is located below the first conveying channel, and the second conveying channel intersects and connects perpendicularly with the bottom outlet of the first conveying channel. The first driving cylinder pushes the rivet onto the second conveying channel, and the second driving cylinder drives the conveying push rod to push the rivet located on the second conveying channel to the riveting station. A riveting assembly includes a riveting nitrogen cylinder disposed within a mold, the riveting nitrogen cylinder being located above the riveting station; The detection control component includes a first sensor and a controller, wherein the first sensor is used to detect whether the rivet has reached the riveting station; When the first sensor detects that the rivet has arrived at the riveting station, the controller controls the punch press to move downwards, driving the riveting nitrogen cylinder to press the rivet onto the product.

2. The in-mold automatic riveting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the first drive cylinder pushes the rivet onto the second conveying channel, it does not reset until the second drive cylinder completes the pushing action.

3. The in-mold automatic riveting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding assembly includes: A vibratory feeder is used to sort rivets according to a preset orientation. A rivet conveyor belt connects the vibratory feeder to the entrance of the first conveying channel, and is used to convey the sorted rivets to the area below the first drive cylinder.

4. The in-mold automatic riveting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, An inclined air groove is provided at the tail end of the rivet conveyor belt and between the end and the beginning of the first conveying channel for the orderly entry of rivets into the first conveying channel. The inclined air groove is connected to an air source.

5. The in-mold automatic riveting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second conveying channel is a chute-type structure, the width of which is adapted to the diameter of the rivet, and is used to radially constrain the rivet during horizontal movement.

6. The in-mold automatic riveting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The chute-type structure includes a lower sliding groove for the transmission push rod to move horizontally repeatedly and an upper sliding groove located on the lower end face of the module for limiting the horizontal movement of the rivet; the lower sliding groove and the upper sliding groove are connected accordingly.

7. The in-mold automatic riveting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection and control component also includes a second sensor, which is located at the next station after the riveting station. The second sensor is used to detect whether there is a missing riveting defect in the product after riveting at the previous station after the material strip has advanced one step.

8. The in-mold automatic riveting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The riveting nitrogen cylinder is a closed elastic pressure element pre-filled with high-pressure nitrogen, and its elastic pressure remains constant within its working stroke range.

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