Laser welding machine for electronic cigarette cartridges

Abstract

This invention provides a laser welding machine for electronic cigarette cartridges, comprising a feeding device, a welding device, a transferring device, a quality inspection device, and a discharging device. The feeding device includes a fixture and a first driver, the working end of which is connected to a pressure plate. At least the area of ​​the pressure plate relative to the product is made of transparent material. The welding device includes a laser galvanometer capable of emitting a laser beam vertically toward the product. The quality inspection device includes a sealing mechanism and a pressure sensor. The sealing mechanism seals the feed port connecting the product and introduces gas into the product's inner cavity. The pressure sensor's detection end is connected to the product's inner cavity to detect the product's airtightness. The discharging device includes a first robotic arm, a good product container, and a defective product container. The first robotic arm grasps the product from the transferring device and places it into the good or defective product container. Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the advantages of high automation, fast processing efficiency, high welding precision, high yield, and wide applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electronic cigarettes, and in particular to a laser welding machine for electronic cigarette cartridges. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic cigarettes are electronic products that mimic traditional cigarettes. Their structure mainly includes a device, atomizer, mouthpiece, and e-liquid storage tank. The e-liquid storage tank is used to store e-liquid. Currently, e-liquid storage tanks mainly consist of a base and a cover, with a sealed connection between the cover and base. The cover has an inlet for injecting or dispensing e-liquid. A sealing ring is typically installed between the cover and base to achieve a tight seal. However, installing the sealing ring is relatively cumbersome, requiring the ring to be pried open, a process that can easily damage the ring, affecting the seal. This process is also time-consuming and laborious, resulting in low efficiency. Although ultrasonic welding technology can achieve a seal, it is unsuitable for small and irregularly shaped products like e-liquid storage tanks. Ultrasonic welding is prone to incomplete welds, burn-throughs, and even breakage or cracks, severely affecting the seal and resulting in a low yield rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solution: a laser welding machine for an electronic cigarette smoke chamber, comprising a feeding device, a welding device, a transferring device, a quality inspection device, and a discharging device. The feeding device includes a fixture and a first driver. The fixture is used to clamp and position the product. The working end of the first driver is connected to a pressure plate. The first driver drives the pressure plate to move vertically to press against the top surface of the product. At least the area of ​​the pressure plate relative to the product is made of transparent material. The welding device includes a laser galvanometer disposed above the feeding device, the laser galvanometer being able to emit a laser beam toward the product in a vertical direction to weld the product; The transfer device is used to move the product from the feeding device to the quality inspection device; The quality inspection device includes a sealing mechanism and a pressure sensor. The sealing mechanism is used to seal the material inlet connecting the product and to introduce gas into the inner cavity of the product. The detection end of the pressure sensor is connected to the inner cavity of the product to detect the airtightness of the product. The discharge device includes a first robotic arm, a good product container, and a defective product container. The first robotic arm is used to grab the product on the transfer device and place it into the good product container or the defective product container.

[0004] Furthermore, the feeding device also includes a first linear module that drives the product closer to or further away from the welding device. The fixture is mounted on the working end of the first linear module. A first support is provided on the side of the first linear module, the first driver is mounted on the first support, and the pressure plate is fixed to the working end of the first driver. Under the operation of the first linear module, the product can be automatically fed from the feeding point to the welding point for welding. Under the action of the first driver, the pressure plate can stably press the product, ensuring a tight fit between the cover and the base, preventing incomplete welding, and improving welding accuracy and yield.

[0005] Furthermore, the fixture includes a positioning seat and a second driver. The positioning seat has a positioning groove that matches the outer contour of the product. The second driver is mounted on the positioning seat, and its output shaft is fixedly connected to a limit block. The second driver drives the limit block to move closer to or away from the positioning groove. Under the action of the positioning groove, the product can be accurately positioned, and under the operation of the second driver, the limit block abuts against the product, thus securely clamping it in the positioning groove, ensuring the product is in the correct position and improving welding accuracy.

[0006] Furthermore, the working end of the first linear module is equipped with a floating connecting seat. The floating connecting seat includes a base and a connecting plate. The base is fixed to the working end of the first linear module and has a sliding sleeve. The positioning seat is fixed to the connecting plate, and the connecting plate has a guide post that slides with the sliding sleeve. The guide post extends vertically, and an elastic element connects the base and the connecting plate. Through the function of the floating connecting seat, the product can float up and down vertically when pressed by the pressure plate, avoiding rigid collisions that could damage the product and thus improving the yield rate.

[0007] Furthermore, the welding device also includes a second linear module and a third linear module. The second linear module extends horizontally, and the third linear module is mounted on the working end of the second linear module and extends vertically. The laser galvanometer is mounted on the working end of the third linear module. This allows for precise movement of the laser galvanometer, ensuring the laser focus remains on the welding surface, improving welding accuracy, and preventing burn-through.

[0008] Furthermore, the sealing mechanism includes a limiting seat and a second bracket. The limiting seat has a limiting groove on its top for clamping the product. A third driver is mounted on the second bracket. The output shaft of the third driver is connected to a sealing cover. The third driver drives the sealing cover close to the limiting seat to seal the material inlet of the product. The sealing cover has an air inlet communicating with the inner cavity of the product. The air inlet is connected to an air source through a pipe, and a pressure sensor is installed on the pipe. This mechanism can automatically seal the material inlet of the connected product and detect the air pressure value of the inner cavity of the product in real time through the pressure sensor. This allows for automatic inspection of the welded product, facilitating subsequent processes and improving production efficiency.

[0009] Furthermore, the material transfer device includes a second robotic arm and a fourth driver. The output shaft of the fourth driver is connected to a turntable. The second robotic arm, the quality inspection device, and the first robotic arm are arranged at intervals along the outer circumferential edge of the turntable. The limiting seat is fixed on the turntable. The fourth driver drives the turntable to rotate intermittently, so that the limiting seat rotates by a single interval angle. The second robotic arm is used to pick up the product from the feeding device and transfer it to the turntable. This device can automatically transfer products between the various devices without manual intervention, improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs.

[0010] Furthermore, the material transfer device also includes a pre-compression mechanism, which includes a third bracket fixed to the fourth driver, a fifth driver mounted on the third bracket, a sixth driver mounted on the output shaft of the fifth driver, and a pressure block connected to the output shaft of the sixth driver. The fifth driver drives the sixth driver to move horizontally, and the sixth driver drives the pressure block to move vertically, so that the pressure block abuts against the product on the limiting seat. This allows for the correction of the position of the product placed on the limiting seat, facilitating subsequent sealing connections, preventing air leakage, and improving detection accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, a support mechanism is provided below the sealing mechanism. This support mechanism includes a mounting base, a top plate, and a seventh actuator. The top plate is slidably connected to the mounting base and is positioned at the bottom of the turntable. The output shaft of the seventh actuator is driven by the top plate, causing it to press against the bottom of the turntable. This provides stable support to the turntable, preventing deformation of the turntable during operation by the third actuator, ensuring a reliable sealing connection, and guaranteeing the accuracy of the detection.

[0012] Furthermore, the first robotic arm includes a fourth support, which has a fourth linear module arranged horizontally. The working end of the fourth linear module has a linear moving mechanism arranged vertically, and the output end of the linear moving mechanism is connected to a gripper. This enables accurate product gripping and sorting, improving processing efficiency.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up a feeding device, welding device, transferring device, quality inspection device, and discharging device, it can automatically clamp and position the product, automatically perform sealing welding on the product, automatically move the product between the devices, automatically detect the airtightness of the product, and automatically sort the product. The entire laser welding and quality inspection process can be completed automatically without human intervention, greatly improving production efficiency, reducing labor costs, and enabling automated laser welding of small-sized products such as e-cigarette cartridges, allowing the cartridges to be sealed and connected as a single structure. This results in a high yield and high sealing performance, avoiding various problems encountered in sealing rings or ultrasonic welding, thus solving the technical problems in existing technologies. Overall, this invention has the advantages of high automation, fast processing efficiency, high yield, and wide applicability. It possesses high laser welding precision, effectively achieves sealing welding of small and irregularly shaped products, and realizes integrated automated quality inspection and sorting, reducing labor costs, improving production efficiency, and enabling large-scale automated production. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention after the removal of the enclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the discharge device in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture in this invention; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the floating connector in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the welding device in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobile device in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-compression mechanism in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the quality inspection device in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the support mechanism in this invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the discharge device in this invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an explosion in a smoke chamber in the prior art.

[0015] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are explained as follows: 1-Feeding device; 11-Jig; 111-Positioning seat; 1111-Positioning groove; 112-Second driver; 113-Limiting block; 12-First driver; 13-Pressure plate; 131-Annular clamping frame; 132-Transparent plate; 14-First linear module; 15-First bracket; 16-Floating connecting seat; 161-Base; 162-Connecting plate; 163-Sliding sleeve; 164-Guide post; 165-Elastic element; 2-Welding device; 21-Laser galvanometer; 22-Second linear module; 23-Third linear module; 3-Transfer device; 31-Second robotic arm; 32-Fourth actuator; 33-Turntable; 34-Pre-compression mechanism; 341-Third support; 342-Fifth actuator; 343-Sixth actuator; 344-Pressure block; 35-Fifth support; 36-Photoelectric sensor; 37-Transfer frame; 4-Quality inspection device; 41-Sealing mechanism; 411-Limit seat; 4111-Limit groove; 412-Second bracket; 413-Third actuator; 414-Sealing cover; 4141-Air inlet; 415-First slide rail; 416-First slider; 417-Shine rod; 42-Pressure sensor; 43-Support mechanism; 431-Mounting base; 4311-Slide groove; 4312-Slide hole; 432-Top plate; 433-Seventh actuator; 434-Push rod; 4341-Guide through hole; 435-Guide rod; 5-Discharge device; 51-First robotic arm; 511-Fourth support; 512-Fourth linear module; 513-Gripper; 514-Slide plate; 515-Eighth actuator; 52-Good product container; 53-Defective product container; 6-Rack; 7-Safety device; 71-Enclosure; 711-Inlet; 712-Outlet; 72-Sixth support; 73-Safety light curtain; 74-Alarm; 75-Control panel; 100-Bin seat; 101-Welding surface; 200-Bin cover; 201-Material inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0018] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the present invention provides a laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers, including a feeding device 1, a welding device 2, a material transfer device 3, a quality inspection device 4, and a discharging device 5. The feeding device 1 includes a fixture 11 and a first driver 12. The fixture 11 is used to clamp and position the product. The working end of the first driver 12 is connected to a pressure plate 13. The first driver 12 drives the pressure plate 13 to move in the vertical direction to press against the top surface of the product. At least the area of ​​the pressure plate 13 relative to the product is made of transparent material. The welding device 2 includes a laser galvanometer 21 disposed above the feeding device 1. The laser galvanometer 21 can emit a laser beam toward the product in a vertical direction to weld the product. The transfer device 3 is used to move the product from the feeding device 1 to the quality inspection device 4; The quality inspection device 4 includes a sealing mechanism 41 and a pressure sensor 42. The sealing mechanism 41 is used to seal the material port connecting the product and to introduce gas into the inner cavity of the product. The detection end of the pressure sensor 42 is connected to the inner cavity of the product to detect the airtightness of the product. The discharge device 5 includes a first robotic arm 51, a good product container 52, and a defective product container 53. The first robotic arm 51 is used to grab the product on the transfer device 3 and place it in the good product container 52 or the defective product container 53.

[0019] refer to Figures 3 to 5As shown, the feeding device 1 also includes a first linear module 14 that drives the product closer to or away from the welding device 2. A fixture 11 is mounted on the working end of the first linear module 14. A first support 15 is provided on the side of the first linear module 14, a first driver 12 is mounted on the first support 15, and a pressure plate 13 is fixed to the working end of the first driver 12. Specifically, the first driver 12 is preferably a cylinder, the pressure plate 13 is gantry-type and spans both sides of the first linear module 14. The two ends of the pressure plate 13 are slidably engaged with the first support 15 through a slide rail slider mechanism. A through hole is opened at the top of the pressure plate 13, and annular clamping frames 131 are fixed at the upper and lower ends of the through hole. A transparent plate 132 is pressed between the two annular clamping frames 131. An avoidance hole adapted to the material inlet is opened on the transparent plate 132. The transparent plate 132 is preferably made of high-transparency glass or acrylic sheet to reduce the attenuation of the laser beam and avoid incomplete welding. A sealing ring or other flexible gasket is pressed between the annular clamping frame 131 and the transparent plate 132 to ensure that the transparent plate 132 is securely connected between the annular clamping frame 131, preventing shaking or gaps. In practice, the annular clamping frame 131 can be disassembled and reassembled to quickly replace damaged or aged transparent plates 132, avoiding interference with laser beam transmission and ensuring normal welding. Compared to the integrated pressure plate 13 structure, this structure has lower installation costs, is easier to disassemble and assemble, and can effectively ensure production efficiency.

[0020] refer to Figure 4 As shown, the fixture 11 includes a positioning seat 111 and a second driver 112. The positioning seat 111 has a positioning groove 1111 that matches the outer contour of the product. The second driver 112 is mounted on the positioning seat 111, and the output shaft of the second driver 112 is fixedly connected to a limiting block 113. The second driver 112 drives the limiting block 113 to move closer to or away from the positioning groove 1111. Specifically, the second driver 112 is a cylinder. When the product is placed in the positioning groove 1111, the second driver 112 operates, driving the limiting block 113 to slide on the positioning seat 111 and move closer to the product until it touches one side of the product. The opposite side of the product will then abut against the inner side of the positioning groove 1111, achieving positioning and clamping the product in the positioning groove 1111. Conversely, when the limiting block 113 moves away from the product, the clamping of the product is released.

[0021] refer to Figure 5As shown, the working end of the first linear module 14 is equipped with a floating connecting seat 16. The floating connecting seat 16 includes a base 161 and a connecting plate 162. The base 161 is fixed to the working end of the first linear module 14, and a sliding sleeve 163 is provided on the base 161. The positioning seat 111 is fixed on the connecting plate 162, and a guide post 164 that slides and engages with the sliding sleeve 163 is provided on the connecting plate 162. The guide post 164 extends vertically. An elastic element 165 is connected between the base 161 and the connecting plate 162. The elastic element 165 is preferably a cylindrical spring. Specifically, sliding sleeves 163 are provided on the four sides of the base 161, and guide posts 164 are also provided accordingly. Elastic elements 165 are provided at the four corners of the base 161 to ensure force balance, prevent the clamped product from tilting, keep the product's cover and the base in tight fit, improve welding accuracy, and avoid incomplete welding.

[0022] In some embodiments, four sets of floating connectors 16 are arranged side by side on the first linear module 14. Each floating connector 16 is provided with a fixture 11, and a transparent plate is also provided accordingly, so that four products can be clamped and welded at the same time to improve processing efficiency. Of course, fewer or more floating connectors 16 and matching fixtures 11 and transparent plates can be set according to the actual situation, which will not be described in detail here.

[0023] refer to Figure 6 As shown, the welding device 2 also includes a second linear module 22 and a third linear module 23. The second linear module 22 extends horizontally, and the third linear module 23 is mounted on the working end of the second linear module 22 and extends vertically. A laser galvanometer 21 is mounted on the working end of the third linear module 23. Specifically, the extension direction of the second linear module 22 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first linear module 14. Preferably, the welding device 2 uses a galvanometer-type welding equipment, and its control system, power supply system, auxiliary system, and other supporting systems are all equipped accordingly. These can be directly purchased on the market. The specific structure and equipment debugging will not be described in detail here, as those skilled in the art will understand.

[0024] In some embodiments, two sets of feeding devices 1 are arranged side by side, and the extension direction of the second linear module 22 is perpendicular to the side-by-side direction of the two sets of feeding devices 1. This allows the laser galvanometer 21 to move to the corresponding feeding device 1 during actual operation, enabling alternating welding of products on the two sets of feeding devices 1 and improving processing efficiency. Of course, more sets of feeding devices 1 can be set according to actual needs, and the lengths of the second linear modules 22 can be matched to each other.

[0025] refer to Figure 9As shown, the sealing mechanism 41 includes a limiting seat 411 and a second bracket 412. The limiting seat 411 has a limiting groove 4111 for clamping the product on its top. The second bracket 412 is equipped with a third driver 413. The output shaft of the third driver 413 is connected to a sealing cover 414. The third driver 413 drives the sealing cover 414 to approach the limiting seat 411 to seal the material inlet of the product. The sealing cover 414 has an air inlet 4141 that communicates with the inner cavity of the product. The air inlet 4141 is connected to an air source through a pipe. The air pressure sensor 42 is installed on the pipe.

[0026] Preferably, the bottom of the sealing cover 414 is provided with a flexible sealing material such as a silicone sheet or a rubber sheet to ensure a sealed connection to the product's inlet. The sealing material also has a through hole connecting the product and the air inlet 451, ensuring that gas can only enter the product's inner cavity from this point. The second bracket 412 is vertically fixed with a first slide rail 415, on which a first slider 416 is slidably fitted. The first slider 416 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the third driver 413, which is preferably a cylinder. A smooth rod 417 is slidably connected to the first slider 416 in the vertical direction. The sealing cover 414 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the smooth rod 417, and the top end of the smooth rod 417 engages with a stop on the first slider 416 to prevent the smooth rod from falling. An elastic element is provided between the sealing cover 414 and the first slider 416 to achieve a floating connection of the sealing cover 414. The elastic element is preferably a cylindrical spring, which is sleeved on the smooth rod 417 (the elastic element is not shown in the attached drawing). When the quality inspection device 4 is in operation, the third driver 413 drives the sealing cover 414 downwards towards the sealing seat 41, and the first slider 416 slides relative to the first slide rail 415. Until the sealing cover 414 touches the product on the sealing seat 41, it continues to move downwards, and the smooth rod 417 slides relative to the first slider 416. The elastic element will deform, which can provide a certain pre-tightening force to the product, thereby sealing the product's inlet. Then, the air source is input into the product's inner cavity through the air inlet 4141 through the pipe, and the air pressure sensor 42 will detect the pressure in real time. When the product is not welded properly or is welded through, the gas will leak outwards. At this time, the value detected by the air pressure sensor 42 will be smaller than that under normal circumstances, which can be used to determine that the product is unqualified and is a defective product.

[0027] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the material transfer device 3 includes a second robotic arm 31 and a fourth driver 32. The output shaft of the fourth driver 32 is connected to a turntable 33. The second robotic arm 31, the quality inspection device 4, and the first robotic arm 51 are arranged at intervals along the outer circumferential edge of the turntable 33. A limiting seat 411 is fixed on the turntable 33. The fourth driver 32 drives the turntable 33 to rotate intermittently, so that the limiting seat 411 rotates by one interval angle at a time. The second robotic arm 31 is used to pick up the products from the feeding device 1 and transfer them to the turntable 33. Specifically, a station is set on the turntable 33 at 90-degree intervals. Each of the four stations is provided with a limiting seat 411. Preferably, six limiting seats 411 are arranged side by side on each station. The second robotic arm 31, the quality inspection device 4, and the first robotic arm 51 are respectively set with three of the stations, and the remaining station is a buffer station. A fifth support 35 in the shape of a "7" is provided on the side of the turntable 33. A through-beam photoelectric sensor 36 is mounted on the fifth support 35. A photoelectric sensor 36 is located at the input end of the turntable 33 (between the second robotic arm 31 and the quality inspection device 4), and also at the output end of the turntable 33 (between the first robotic arm 51 and the second robotic arm 31). When the fourth driver 32 drives the turntable 33 to rotate at an interval angle (ninety degrees), the limit seat 411 will pass the corresponding photoelectric sensor 36. The photoelectric sensor 36 at the input end will detect in real time whether a product is properly placed on the limit seat 411, and the photoelectric sensor 36 at the output end will detect in real time whether all products on the limit seat 411 have been removed. The fourth driver 32 preferably uses a geared motor to maintain sufficient rotational accuracy and load capacity.

[0028] Specifically, two sets of second robotic arms 31 are connected end-to-end, with a transfer frame 37 positioned between the two sets of second robotic arms 31. A limiting seat 411 is fixed on the transfer frame 37 for temporary product placement. One set of second robotic arms 31 spans both sides of the feeding device 1, while the other set is positioned opposite the side of the turntable 33. In actual operation, the second robotic arms 31 first pick up products from the feeding device 1 and transfer them to the transfer frame 37, then transfer the products from the transfer frame 37 to the turntable 33. It should be noted that the specific structure of the second robotic arm 31 is the same as that of the first robotic arm 51, and will not be described in detail here; please refer to the detailed description of the first robotic arm 51.

[0029] refer to Figure 8As shown, the material transfer device 3 also includes a pre-compression mechanism 34. The pre-compression mechanism 34 includes a third bracket 341 fixed on the fourth driver 32. A fifth driver 342 is mounted on the third bracket 341. A sixth driver 343 is mounted on the output shaft of the fifth driver 342. A pressure block 344 is connected to the output shaft of the sixth driver 343. The fifth driver 342 drives the sixth driver 343 to move horizontally, and the sixth driver 343 drives the pressure block 344 to move vertically, so that the pressure block 344 abuts against the product on the limiting seat 411. Preferably, both the fifth driver 342 and the sixth driver 343 are cylinders. When the pre-compression mechanism 34 is in operation, the fifth driver 342 will work first to drive the pressure block 344 to the top of the product. Then the sixth driver 343 will work to drive the pressure block 344 to fall down, thereby pressing against the top of the product to correct the position of the product on the limit seat 411, avoiding problems such as product tilting and incorrect positioning, and ensuring the sealing fit between the bottom of the product and the limit seat 411. Finally, the pre-compression mechanism 34 will reverse to return to the initial state.

[0030] refer to Figure 10 As shown, a support mechanism 43 is provided below the sealing mechanism 41. The support mechanism 43 includes a mounting base 431, a top plate 432, and a seventh actuator 433. The top plate 432 is slidably connected to the mounting base 431 and is located at the bottom of the turntable 33. The output shaft of the seventh actuator 433 is connected to the top plate 432 to drive the top plate 432 against the bottom of the turntable 33. The seventh actuator 433 is preferably a cylinder, which operates quickly and smoothly.

[0031] Specifically, the mounting base 431 has a vertical groove 4311, and the bottom end of the top plate 432 is slidably connected to the groove 4311; the mounting base 431 has a horizontal sliding hole 4312, which is connected to the groove 4311; a push rod 434 is fixed on the output shaft of the seventh driver 433, and the push rod 434 is slidably connected to the sliding hole 4312; a strip-shaped guide hole 4341 is opened on the push rod 434, which is horizontally opened; both ends of the guide hole 4341 are straight sections, and the two straight sections are smoothly connected by a transition section; there is a horizontal height difference between the two straight sections; and a guide rod 435 is provided at the bottom end of the top plate 432, which passes through the guide hole 4341. When the support mechanism 43 is in operation, the seventh actuator 433 is activated, causing the push rod 434 to slide within the sliding hole 4312. Due to the height difference between the two straight sections of the guide through hole 4341, relative to the guide rod 435 moving from the lower straight section to the higher straight section, the top plate 432 will slide within the sliding groove 4311 and rise upward to abut against the bottom surface of the turntable 33, forming a reliable support and preventing the turntable 33 from tilting to one side. Conversely, the top plate 432 will fall downward and leave the bottom surface of the turntable 33, allowing the turntable 33 to rotate normally.

[0032] refer to Figure 11 As shown, the first robotic arm 51 includes a fourth support 511. The fourth support 511 has a fourth linear module 512 arranged horizontally. The working end of the fourth linear module 512 has a linear moving mechanism arranged vertically, and the output end of the linear moving mechanism is connected to a gripper 513. Specifically, the linear moving mechanism includes a slide plate 514 and an eighth actuator 515. The eighth actuator 515 is mounted on the working end of the fourth linear module 512. The working end of the fourth linear module 512 and the slide plate 514 are slidably connected via a slide rail slider mechanism. The slide plate 514 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the eighth actuator 515, and the gripper 513 is mounted on the slide plate 514. The eighth actuator 515 is preferably a cylinder. When the linear moving mechanism is actually working, the eighth actuator 515 actuates, causing the slide plate 514 to slide vertically, making the gripper 513 move closer to or away from the product. In some embodiments, three grippers 513 are arranged side by side to match each other. The grippers 513 are preferably pneumatic grippers, and gripping blocks adapted to the product are installed on the fingers of the pneumatic grippers. The gripping blocks are preferably made of flexible materials such as rubber and silicone.

[0033] It is worth mentioning that all devices are mounted on the frame 6, and the devices are electrically connected through a PLC controller, thereby coordinating and controlling the operation of each device to achieve automation. The specific implementation of the electrical connection and debugging will be clear and understandable to those skilled in the art after reading this application, and will not be elaborated here. A protective device 7 is provided on the frame 6, including a barrier 71 surrounding the outer edge of the frame 6. Each device is located inside the barrier 71. One side of the barrier 71 has a feed port 711 opposite to the feed end of the first linear module 14, where products can be manually or mechanically fed into the positioning slot 1111. The other side of the barrier 71 has a discharge port 712 opposite to the discharge device 5. Good product containers 52 and defective product containers 53 are located here to collect the corresponding welded products, ensuring that personnel do not come into contact with the internal operating devices, thus enhancing safety. Sixth supports 72 are installed on both sides of the inner side of the feed inlet 711. Safety light curtains 73 are installed on the sixth supports 72. When a hand or other object is located in the feed inlet 711, the safety light curtains 73 will detect and provide feedback, preventing the laser welding machine from operating. This ensures relative safety and avoids injury to the operator. An alarm 74 is installed on the top of the enclosure 71, and the front of the enclosure 71 is equipped with a control panel 75, control buttons, an emergency stop button, and other operating mechanisms, making operation more convenient and safer.

[0034] It should be noted that, due to the high yield rate of this equipment, the defective product container 53 has a smaller volume and can be placed inside the enclosure 71; while the good product container 52 has a larger volume and is located outside the enclosure 71. Only a portion of the good product container 52 is shown in the figure. In some other embodiments, the discharge port 712 may not have a good product container 52 and can be directly connected to the equipment of the next process, realizing assembly line production with higher efficiency.

[0035] The specific working principle of this application is as follows: First, the product's storage compartment is placed in the positioning groove 1111, and then the product's storage cover is placed on the storage compartment. The laser welding machine is started, and the feeding device 1 works first. The first linear module 14 moves the product inside, close to the welding device 2, and reaches below the laser galvanometer 21. The fixture 11 moves to position and clamp the storage compartment. Then, the first driver 12 drives the pressure block 13 to move downward, so that the transparent plate 132 abuts against the storage cover, making the storage cover and the storage compartment fit tightly. Then, the welding device 2 works. Under the joint action of the second linear module 22 and the third linear module 23, the laser beam emitted by the laser galvanometer 21 is focused on the welding surface and a full ring welding is performed along the welding surface to complete the welding operation, so that the storage compartment and the storage cover achieve a sealed connection. Then the first driver 12 drives the pressure block 13 to move upward and return to the initial state. The first linear module 14 moves the welded product to the second robot arm 31. At the same time, the second driver 112 in the fixture 11 releases the clamp on the chamber seat. Then, with the cooperation of the two sets of second robots 31, the product is placed on the limit seat 411 of the turntable 33. Next, the pre-compression mechanism 34 works, first pressing the product to correct its position on the limit seat 411. Then, the fourth drive 32 drives the turntable 33 to rotate one station interval, allowing the product and the limit seat 411 to move together to the bottom of the quality inspection device 4. Then, the support mechanism 43 works, allowing the top plate 432 to abut against the bottom surface of the turntable 33. Subsequently, the third drive 413 drives the sealing cover 414 downwards towards the limit seat 411 until it reaches the designated position, sealing the product's inlet. The air source is input into the product's inner cavity through the air inlet 4141 via the pipe. The air pressure sensor 42 detects the pressure in real time, and the PLC controller records whether the current product is qualified. Then the fourth drive 32 drives the turntable 33 to rotate by one station interval, so that the product and the limit seat 411 move together to the bottom of the discharge device 5. According to the record of whether the product is qualified, the first robot arm 51 drives the gripper 513 to place the product into the good product container 52 or the defective product container 53. This cycle is repeated to continuously and automatically weld and inspect the electronic cigarette smoke chamber.

[0036] In summary, the technical solution of this invention can fully and effectively achieve the above-mentioned objectives. Furthermore, the structure and functional principles of this invention have been fully verified in the embodiments, achieving the expected effects and objectives. Without departing from the principles and essence of this invention, various changes or modifications can be made to the embodiments. Therefore, this invention includes all substitutions within the scope mentioned in the patent application claims, and any equivalent changes made within the scope of this patent application are within the scope of the patent application.

Claims

1. A laser welding machine for electronic cigarette cartridges, characterised in that: It includes a feeding device, a welding device, a transferring device, a quality inspection device, and a discharging device. The feeding device includes a jig and a first driver. The jig is used to clamp and position the product. The working end of the first driver is connected to a pressure plate. The first driver drives the pressure plate to move in the vertical direction to press against the top surface of the product. At least the area of ​​the pressure plate relative to the product is made of transparent material. The welding device includes a laser galvanometer disposed above the feeding device, the laser galvanometer being able to emit a laser beam toward the product in a vertical direction to weld the product; The transfer device is used to move the product from the feeding device to the quality inspection device; The quality inspection device includes a sealing mechanism and a pressure sensor. The sealing mechanism is used to seal the material inlet connecting the product and to introduce gas into the inner cavity of the product. The detection end of the pressure sensor is connected to the inner cavity of the product to detect the airtightness of the product. The discharge device includes a first robotic arm, a good product container, and a defective product container. The first robotic arm is used to grab the product on the transfer device and place it into the good product container or the defective product container.

2. A laser welding machine for electronic cigarette cartridges as defined in claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding device further includes a first linear module that drives the product closer to or away from the welding device, and the fixture is mounted on the working end of the first linear module; a first bracket is provided on the side of the first linear module, the first driver is mounted on the first bracket, and the pressure plate is fixed to the working end of the first driver.

3. A laser welding machine for electronic cigarette cartridges as defined in claim 2, characterized in that: The fixture includes a positioning seat and a second driver. The positioning seat has a positioning groove that matches the outer contour of the product. The second driver is mounted on the positioning seat, and the output shaft of the second driver is fixed to a limit block. The second driver drives the limit block to move closer to or away from the positioning groove.

4. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers according to claim 3, characterized in that: The working end of the first linear module is equipped with a floating connecting seat. The floating connecting seat includes a base and a connecting plate. The base is fixed to the working end of the first linear module and a sliding sleeve is provided on the base. The positioning seat is fixed to the connecting plate and a guide post that slides with the sliding sleeve is provided on the connecting plate. The guide post extends in the vertical direction. An elastic element connects the base and the connecting plate.

5. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The welding device further includes a second linear module and a third linear module. The second linear module extends horizontally, and the third linear module is mounted on the working end of the second linear module. The third linear module extends vertically, and the laser galvanometer is mounted on the working end of the third linear module.

6. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism includes a limiting seat and a second bracket. The top of the limiting seat has a limiting groove for clamping the product. The second bracket is equipped with a third driver. The output shaft of the third driver is connected to a sealing cover. The third driver drives the sealing cover to approach the limiting seat to seal the material inlet connecting the product. The sealing cover has an air inlet that communicates with the inner cavity of the product. The air inlet is connected to an air source through a pipe. The air pressure sensor is installed on the pipe.

7. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers according to claim 6, characterized in that: The material transfer device includes a second robotic arm and a fourth driver. The output shaft of the fourth driver is connected to a turntable. The second robotic arm, the quality inspection device, and the first robotic arm are arranged at intervals along the outer circumferential edge of the turntable. The limiting seat is fixed on the turntable. The fourth driver drives the turntable to rotate intermittently so that the limiting seat rotates by an interval angle at a time. The second robotic arm is used to pick up the product from the feeding device and transfer it to the turntable.

8. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers according to claim 7, characterized in that: The material transfer device further includes a pre-pressing mechanism, which includes a third bracket fixed on the fourth driver, a fifth driver mounted on the third bracket, a sixth driver mounted on the output shaft of the fifth driver, and a pressure block connected to the output shaft of the sixth driver. The fifth driver drives the sixth driver to move horizontally, and the sixth driver drives the pressure block to move vertically, so that the pressure block abuts against the product on the limiting seat.

9. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers according to claim 7, characterized in that: A support mechanism is provided below the sealing mechanism. The support mechanism includes a mounting base, a top plate, and a seventh driver. The top plate is slidably connected to the mounting base and is located at the bottom of the turntable. The output shaft of the seventh driver is driven to the top plate to drive the top plate to abut against the bottom of the turntable.

10. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette smoke chambers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first robotic arm includes a fourth support, the fourth support having a fourth linear module arranged in the horizontal direction, the working end of the fourth linear module having a linear movement mechanism arranged in the vertical direction, and the output end of the linear movement mechanism being connected to a gripper.

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