Laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpiece

Abstract

This invention provides a laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces, comprising a feeding device, a welding device, a first transferring device, a quality inspection device, a second transferring device, and a discharging device. The feeding device includes a positioning block, a first driver, and a second driver. The working end of the second driver is connected to a pressure block, which is used to drive the pressure block against the top of the product. The welding device includes a laser galvanometer that emits a laser beam horizontally towards the product to weld it. The quality inspection device seals both ends of the product and introduces gas into the product's internal cavity to test its 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 second transferring device and places it into the good or defective product container. Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the advantages of high automation, high processing efficiency, 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 mouthpieces. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic cigarettes are electronic products that mimic traditional cigarettes. Their structure mainly includes a device, atomizer, cartridge, and mouthpiece. Currently, mouthpieces typically consist of an inlet and a connecting part. The inlet directly contacts the user's mouth, while the connecting part connects to the cartridge, requiring a sealed connection. A sealing ring is usually placed between these two parts. However, significant temperature changes before and after each use cause the sealing ring to expand and contract, greatly affecting its seal and leading to leaks. Furthermore, installing the sealing ring is relatively cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, resulting in low productivity. While ultrasonic welding technology can achieve sealing, it is unsuitable for small and irregularly shaped products like mouthpieces, easily leading to incomplete welds or burn-throughs, breakage, or cracks, severely impacting the seal and resulting in low yield. 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 electronic cigarette mouthpieces, comprising a feeding device, a welding device, a first material transfer device, a quality inspection device, a second material transfer device, and a discharging device. The feeding device includes a positioning block, a first driver, and a second driver. The positioning block is used to clamp and position the product in a vertical direction. The first driver is used to drive the positioning block to rotate around the vertical direction. The working end of the second driver is connected to a pressure block, which is used to drive the pressure block to abut against the top of the product. The welding apparatus includes a laser galvanometer that can emit a laser beam towards the product in a horizontal direction to weld the product; The first transfer device is used to move the product on the feeding device to the second transfer device; The quality inspection device is used to seal both ends of the product and introduce gas into the inner cavity of the product to test the airtightness of the product; The second transfer device is used to move the product to the quality inspection device and move the product at the quality inspection device to the discharge device; 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 from the second 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 working end of the first linear module is equipped with a first bracket, and the positioning block is rotatably connected to the first bracket. The top of the positioning block has a positioning groove that matches the outer contour of the product. The first driver is mounted on the first bracket and is drively connected to the positioning block. A second bracket is provided on the side of the first linear module, and the second driver is mounted on the second bracket. The pressure block is rotatably connected to the working end of the second driver.

[0005] Furthermore, the input end of the feeding device is equipped with a protective device, which includes a third bracket spanning both sides of the input end of the feeding device. Safety light curtains are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the third bracket. A third driver is mounted on the third bracket, and a baffle is connected to the output shaft of the third driver. The third driver drives the baffle to move vertically, so that the baffle is positioned opposite the emitting end of the laser galvanometer. This improves safety and prevents injury to personnel or damage to equipment.

[0006] Furthermore, the welding device also includes a mounting platform and a fourth driver. A lead screw is rotatably connected to the mounting platform, and a nut is fitted onto the lead screw. A first sliding plate is fixed to the nut. The laser galvanometer is mounted on the first sliding plate, and a first slider is fixed to the first sliding plate. A first slide rail adapted to the first slider is fixed to the mounting platform. The fourth driver is mounted on the mounting platform and is driven by the lead screw. This effectively improves welding accuracy, allowing the laser focus to be accurately concentrated on the welding surface of the product, avoiding problems such as burn-through or incomplete welding, and is suitable for smaller products.

[0007] Furthermore, the first transfer device includes two second robotic arms arranged side by side, with a transfer frame between the two second robotic arms. One second robotic arm is used to move the product from the feeding device to the transfer frame, and the other second robotic arm is used to move the product from the transfer frame to the second transfer device. This enables automatic movement of products from the feeding device to the first transfer device, improving automation, reducing manual operation, and increasing processing efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, the quality inspection device includes a sealing seat, a fourth bracket, and a pressure sensor. The sealing seat has a limiting groove on its top for clamping the product. A fifth actuator is mounted on the fourth bracket, and a sealing cover is connected to the output shaft of the fifth actuator. The fifth actuator drives the sealing cover closer to the sealing seat to seal both ends 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 via a pipe, and the pressure sensor is mounted on the pipe. This device effectively seals the product and detects the airtightness after welding, enabling automatic product inspection and improving automation.

[0009] Furthermore, the second material transfer device includes a sixth driver, the output shaft of which is connected to a turntable. The first material transfer device, the quality inspection device, and the discharge device are arranged at intervals along the outer circumferential edge of the turntable. The sealing seat is fixed on the turntable, and the sixth driver drives the turntable to rotate intermittently, so that the sealing seat rotates by a single interval angle. This allows the product to be gradually moved to a designated position, thereby enabling automatic feeding, inspection, and discharge without manual operation, improving automation and processing efficiency.

[0010] Furthermore, the second material transfer device also includes a pre-compression mechanism. The pre-compression mechanism includes a fifth bracket fixed to the sixth driver, a seventh driver mounted on the fifth bracket, an eighth driver mounted on the output shaft of the seventh driver, and a pressure plate connected to the output shaft of the eighth driver. The seventh driver drives the eighth driver to move horizontally, and the eighth driver drives the pressure plate to move vertically, so that the pressure plate abuts against the product on the sealing seat. This ensures that the product is correctly clamped onto the sealing seat, avoiding misalignment or other incorrect clamping situations. It also ensures a seamless fit between the sealing seat and the bottom of the product, guaranteeing a seal on the bottom of the product, preventing air leakage, and improving the accuracy of testing.

[0011] Furthermore, the quality inspection device also includes a support mechanism, which comprises a mounting base, a top plate, and a ninth actuator. The top plate is slidably connected to the mounting base and is disposed at the bottom of the turntable, opposite to the sealing cover. The output shaft of the ninth actuator is driven by the top plate, causing the top plate to press against the bottom of the turntable. This provides reliable support for the quality inspection device, preventing damage to the turntable and ensuring a tighter seal between the sealing base and the sealing cover, eliminating air leakage and guaranteeing the accuracy of the inspection.

[0012] Furthermore, the first robotic arm includes a sixth support, the sixth support having a second linear module arranged horizontally, and the working end of the second linear module having a first linear moving mechanism arranged vertically, the output end of the first linear moving mechanism being connected to a first gripper. This enables product unloading and, according to a quality inspection device, automatic sorting of good and defective products to facilitate subsequent processing.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up a feeding device, a welding device, a first material transfer device, a quality inspection device, a second material transfer device, and a discharging device, it can automatically clamp and position the product, automatically perform laser welding on the circumference of 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 electronic cigarette mouthpieces. This allows the mouthpiece to be sealed and connected as a single structure, resulting in a high yield and sealing performance, avoiding various problems 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 effectively achieves sealed welding of small and irregularly shaped products, reduces labor costs, improves production efficiency, and enables 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 welding device in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second material transfer device in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the quality inspection device in this invention; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the support mechanism in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second material transfer device in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the discharge device in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an explosion of an electronic cigarette mouthpiece in the prior art.

[0015] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are explained as follows: 1-Feeding device; 11-Positioning block; 111-Positioning groove; 12-First driver; 13-Second driver; 14-Pressure block; 15-First linear module; 16-First support; 17-Second support; 2-Welding device; 21-Laser galvanometer; 22-Mounting platform; 23-Fourth driver; 24-Lead screw; 25-Nut; 26-First slide plate; 27-First slider; 28-First slide rail; 29-Third linear module; 3-First material transfer device; 31-Transfer frame; 32-Seventh support; 33-Fourth linear module; 34-Second linear movement mechanism; 341-Second slide plate; 342-Second slide rail; 343-Tenth driver; 344-Second slider; 35-Second gripper; 4-Quality inspection device; 41-Sealing seat; 411-Limiting groove; 42-Fourth bracket; 43-Pressure sensor; 44-Fifth actuator; 45-Sealing cover; 451-Air inlet; 46-Support mechanism; 461-Mounting base; 4611-Slide groove; 4612-Slide hole; 462-Top plate; 463-Ninth actuator; 464-Push rod; 4641-Guide through hole; 465-Guide rod; 47-Third slide rail; 48-Third slider; 49-Smooth rod; 5-Second material transfer device; 51-Sixth driver; 52-Turntable; 53-Pre-compression mechanism; 531-Fifth support; 532-Seventh driver; 533-Eighth driver; 534-Pressure plate; 54-Eighth support; 55-Photoelectric sensor; 6-Discharge device; 61-Good product container; 62-Defective product container; 63-Sixth support; 64-Second linear module; 65-First linear movement mechanism; 66-First gripper; 7-Protective device; 71-Third support; 72-Safety light curtain; 73-Third actuator; 74-Baffle; 75-Enclosure; 751-Inlet; 752-Outlet; 76-Alarm; 77-Control panel; 8-Rack; 100 - Inlet section; 200 - Connecting section; 201 - Welding surface. 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 9 As shown, the present invention provides a laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces, including a feeding device 1, a welding device 2, a first material transfer device 3, a quality inspection device 4, a second material transfer device 5, and a discharging device 6. The feeding device 1 includes a positioning block 11, a first driver 12, and a second driver 13. The positioning block 11 is used to clamp and position the product in the vertical direction. The first driver 12 is used to drive the positioning block 11 to rotate around the vertical direction. The working end of the second driver 13 is connected to a pressure block 14 and is used to drive the pressure block 14 to abut against the top of the product. The welding device 2 includes a laser galvanometer 21, which can emit a laser beam towards the product in a horizontal direction to weld the product; The first transfer device 3 is used to move the product on the feeding device 1 to the second transfer device 5; The quality inspection device 4 is used to seal both ends of the product and introduce gas into the inner cavity of the product to test the airtightness of the product. The second transfer device 5 is used to move the product to the quality inspection device 4 and move the product at the quality inspection device 4 to the discharge device 6. The discharge device 6 includes a first robotic arm, a good product container 61, and a defective product container 62. The first robotic arm is used to grab the product on the second transfer device 5 and place it in the good product container 61 or the defective product container 62.

[0019] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the feeding device 1 also includes a first linear module 15 that drives the product closer to or away from the welding device 2. The working end of the first linear module 15 is equipped with a first bracket 16, and a positioning block 11 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 16. The top of the positioning block 11 is provided with a positioning groove 111 that matches the outline of the product. The first driver 12 is mounted on the first bracket 16 and is connected to the positioning block 11. A second bracket 17 is provided on the side of the first linear module 15, and a second driver 13 is mounted on the second bracket 17. The pressure block 14 is rotatably connected to the working end of the second driver 13.

[0020] Specifically, a rotating shaft is provided at the bottom of the positioning block 11. The rotating shaft is vertically oriented and rotatably connected to the first bracket 16 via a rolling bearing. A driven wheel is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and a driving wheel is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first driver 12. The driving wheel and the driven wheel are connected by a synchronous belt. The first driver 12 is preferably a servo motor or a stepper motor to ensure smooth operation. When the first driver 12 is working, it drives the driving wheel, which, under the action of the synchronous belt, causes the driven wheel to rotate, thereby driving the positioning block 11 to rotate. Preferably, three positioning blocks 11 are arranged side by side on the first bracket 16, and the corresponding rotating shaft, bearing, driven wheel, and other transmission components are also arranged accordingly, so that one first driver 12 can drive three positioning blocks 11 to rotate simultaneously, welding three products at the same time, thus improving welding efficiency. Of course, while maintaining welding accuracy and efficiency, the number of positioning blocks 11 can also be set according to the actual situation. This will not be elaborated here, and those skilled in the art can make additions or subtractions based on this application.

[0021] Preferably, the second actuator 13 is a cylinder, and the pressure block 14 is rotatably connected to the working end of the second actuator 13 through a rolling bearing to realize the vertical rotation connection of the pressure block 14. The pressure block 14 is preferably made of flexible materials such as rubber and silicone, which can firmly press the product and avoid damage or injury to the product.

[0022] The input end of the feeding device 1 is equipped with a protective device 7, which includes a third bracket 71. The third bracket 71 spans both sides of the input end of the feeding device 1. Safety light curtains 72 are provided on opposite sides of the third bracket 71. A third driver 73 is mounted on the third bracket 71. A baffle 74 is connected to the output shaft of the third driver 73. The third driver 73 drives the baffle 74 to move vertically so that the baffle 74 is positioned opposite the emitting end of the laser galvanometer 21. A slide rail slider mechanism is provided between the baffle 74 and the third bracket 71 to ensure the reliable connection and smooth operation of the baffle 74.

[0023] For details, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the protective device 7 also includes a barrier 75, with all devices housed within it. One side of the barrier 75 has a feed inlet 751 opposite to the feed end of the first linear module 15, where products can be manually or mechanically fed onto the positioning block 11. The other side of the barrier 75 has a discharge inlet 752 opposite to the discharge device 6, where the good product container 61 and the defective product container 62 collect the welded products, preventing manual contact with the internal operating mechanisms and enhancing safety. A safety light curtain 72 is positioned at the feed inlet 751; when a hand or other object is near the feed inlet 751, the laser welding machine will not operate. The baffle 74, driven by the third driver 73, blocks the laser beam from escaping when the laser galvanometer 21 is working, preventing injury to workers or damage to other objects and ensuring the safety of personnel and goods. An alarm 76 is installed on the top of the barrier 75, and an operation panel 77, control buttons, an emergency stop button, and other operating mechanisms are located on the front of the barrier 75.

[0024] It should be noted that, due to the high yield rate, the defective product container 62 has a smaller volume and can be placed inside the enclosure 75; while the good product container 61 has a larger volume and is located outside the enclosure 75. Only a portion of the good product container 61 is shown in the figure. In some other embodiments, the discharge port 752 may not have a good product container 61 and can be directly connected to the equipment of the next process to achieve assembly line production with higher efficiency.

[0025] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the welding device 2 also includes a mounting platform 22 and a fourth driver 23. A lead screw 24 is rotatably connected to the mounting platform 22, and a nut 25 is fitted onto the lead screw 24. A first sliding plate 26 is fixed on the nut 25. A laser galvanometer 21 is mounted on the first sliding plate 26, and a first slider 27 is fixed on the first sliding plate 26. A first slide rail 28 adapted to the first slider 27 is fixed on the mounting platform 22. The fourth driver 23 is mounted on the mounting platform 22 and is connected to the lead screw 24 for transmission. Preferably, the welding device 2 is a galvanometer-type welding equipment, and its control system, power supply system, auxiliary system, and other supporting systems are all equipped accordingly and can be directly purchased on the market. The specific structure and equipment debugging will not be described in detail here, and those skilled in the art will understand clearly.

[0026] Specifically, the fourth driver 23 uses a servo motor or a stepper motor, and the output shaft of the fourth driver 23 is connected to one end of the lead screw 24 via a synchronous pulley assembly. The extension direction of the lead screw 24 is parallel to the extension direction of the first linear module 15, and the first slide rail 28 is parallel to the lead screw 24. The first slide rail 28 and the first slider 27 are respectively provided on both sides of the lead screw 24 to ensure smooth operation. In actual operation, the fourth actuator 23 activates, causing the lead screw 24 to rotate under the transmission of the synchronous pulley assembly. This, in turn, causes the first slide plate 26 to slide horizontally under the action of the nut 25, and the first slider 27 to slide relative to the first slide rail 28. This causes the laser galvanometer 21 to move closer to or further away from the product, ensuring that the laser focus is always on the welding surface of the product (i.e., the mating point between the inlet and the connecting part, relative to the circumferential surface of the product). It should be noted that when the product's cross-section is a perfect circle, the distance between the welding surface and the laser galvanometer 21 remains constant during the product's rotation, and the laser focus does not change. Therefore, the fourth actuator 23 is usually inactive. However, when the product's cross-section is not a perfect circle (in this embodiment, the product's cross-section is approximately elliptical), the distance between the welding surface and the laser galvanometer 21 changes during the product's rotation, causing the laser focus to become mismatched. Therefore, the fourth actuator 23 will activate accordingly to ensure that the laser focus remains on the product's welding surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, two sets of feeding devices 1 are arranged side by side. The welding device 2 also includes a third linear module 29. The mounting platform 22 is fixed to the output end of the third linear module 29. The extension direction of the third linear module 29 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 length of the third linear module 29 can be matched accordingly.

[0028] The first transfer device 3 includes two second robotic arms arranged side by side, with a transfer frame 31 between the two second robotic arms. One second robotic arm is used to move the product from the feeding device 1 to the transfer frame 31, and the other second robotic arm is used to move the product on the transfer frame 31 to the second transfer device 5.

[0029] For details, please refer to Figure 5As shown, the second robotic arm includes a seventh support 32. The seventh support 32 has a fourth linear module 33 arranged horizontally. The working end of the fourth linear module 33 has a second linear movement mechanism 34 arranged vertically. The output end of the second linear movement mechanism 34 is connected to a second gripper 35. The second linear movement mechanism 34 includes a second slide plate 341, a second slide rail 342, and a tenth actuator 343. The tenth actuator 343 and the second slide rail 342 are both mounted on the working end of the fourth linear module 33. The second slide rail 342 extends vertically. A second slider 344 adapted to the second slide rail 342 is fixed on the second slide plate 341, and the second gripper 35 is mounted on the second slide plate 341. The tenth actuator 343 is preferably a cylinder. When the second linear movement mechanism 34 is actually working, the tenth actuator 343 actuates, causing the second slide plate 341 to slide, and the second slider 344 to slide relative to the second slide rail 342, causing the second gripper 35 to move closer to or away from the product.

[0030] Specifically, a sealing seat 41 is fixed on the transfer frame 31 for placing the product. One of the second robotic arms omits the seventh support 32 and is directly mounted on the first support 16. In some embodiments, three matching second grippers 35 are arranged side-by-side. The second grippers 35 preferably employ pneumatic grippers, and gripping blocks adapted to the product are mounted on the fingers of the pneumatic grippers. The gripping blocks are preferably made of flexible materials such as rubber or silicone.

[0031] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the quality inspection device 4 includes a sealing seat 41, a fourth bracket 42, and a pressure sensor 43. The top of the sealing seat 41 is provided with a limiting groove 411 for clamping the product. The fourth bracket 42 is equipped with a fifth driver 44. The output shaft of the fifth driver 44 is connected to a sealing cover 45. The fifth driver 44 drives the sealing cover 45 to approach the sealing seat 41 to seal both ends of the product. The sealing cover 45 is provided with an air inlet 451 that communicates with the inner cavity of the product. The air inlet 451 is connected to an air source through a pipe. The pressure sensor 43 is installed on the pipe.

[0032] Preferably, the bottom of the limiting groove 411 and the bottom of the sealing cover 45 are respectively provided with flexible sealing materials such as silicone sheets and rubber sheets to ensure that both ends of the product are sealed. The sealing material of the sealing cover 45 has a through hole connecting the product and the air inlet 451 to ensure that gas can only enter the inner cavity of the product from this point. The fourth bracket 42 is fixedly provided with a third slide rail 47 in the vertical direction. A third slider 48 is slidably fitted on the third slide rail 47. The third slider 48 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the fifth driver 44. The fifth driver 44 is preferably a cylinder. A light rod 49 is slidably connected to the third slider 48 in the vertical direction. The sealing cover 45 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the light rod 49. The top end of the light rod 49 is stopped by the third slider 48 to prevent the light rod from falling. An elastic element is provided between the sealing cover 45 and the third slider 48 to realize the floating connection of the sealing cover 45. The elastic element is preferably a cylindrical spring. The elastic element is sleeved on the light rod 49 (the elastic element is not shown in the figure). When the quality inspection device 4 is in operation, the fifth actuator 44 drives the sealing cover 45 downwards towards the sealing seat 41, and the third slider 48 slides relative to the third slide rail 47. Until the sealing cover 45 touches the product on the sealing seat 41, it continues to move downwards, and the smooth rod 49 slides relative to the third slider 48. The elastic element will deform, which can provide a certain pre-tightening force to the product, thereby sealing both ends of the product. Then, the air source is input into the inner cavity of the product through the air inlet 451 through the pipe, and the air pressure sensor 43 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 43 will be smaller than that under normal circumstances, and it can be judged that the product is unqualified and is a defective product.

[0033] refer to Figure 8As shown, the second material transfer device 5 includes a sixth driver 51, and a turntable 52 is connected to the output shaft of the sixth driver 51. The first material transfer device 3, the quality inspection device 4, and the discharge device 6 are arranged at intervals along the outer circumferential edge of the turntable 52. A sealing seat 41 is fixed on the turntable 52. The sixth driver 51 drives the turntable 52 to rotate intermittently, so that the sealing seat 41 rotates one interval angle at a time. Specifically, a station is set on the turntable 52 at 90-degree intervals, and a sealing seat 41 is set on each of the four stations. Preferably, six sealing seats 41 are arranged side by side on each station. The first material transfer device 3, the quality inspection device 4, and the discharge device 6 are respectively set with three of the stations, and the remaining station is a buffer station. The second transfer device 5 has a "7"-shaped eighth bracket 54 on its side, and a through-beam photoelectric sensor 55 is installed on the eighth bracket 54. A photoelectric sensor 55 is also installed at the input end of the turntable 52 (between the first transfer device 3 and the quality inspection device 4), and at the output end of the turntable 52 (between the discharge device 6 and the first transfer device 3). When the sixth driver 51 drives the turntable 52 to rotate at an interval angle (ninety degrees), the sealing seat 41 passes the corresponding photoelectric sensor 55. The input photoelectric sensor 55 detects in real time whether a product is properly placed on the sealing seat 41, and the output photoelectric sensor 55 detects in real time whether all products on the sealing seat 41 have been removed. The sixth driver 51 preferably uses a geared motor to maintain sufficient rotational accuracy and load capacity.

[0034] The second material transfer device 5 also includes a pre-pressing mechanism 53. The pre-pressing mechanism 53 includes a fifth bracket 531 fixed on the sixth driver 51, a seventh driver 532 mounted on the fifth bracket 531, an eighth driver 533 mounted on the output shaft of the seventh driver 532, and a pressure plate 534 connected to the output shaft of the eighth driver 533. The seventh driver 532 drives the eighth driver 533 to move horizontally, and the eighth driver 533 drives the pressure plate 534 to move vertically, so that the pressure plate 534 abuts against the product on the sealing seat 41. Preferably, both the seventh driver 532 and the eighth driver 533 are cylinders. When the pre-compression mechanism 53 is in operation, the seventh driver 532 will work first, driving the pressure plate 534 to the top of the product. Then the eighth driver 533 will work, driving the pressure plate 534 to fall, thereby pressing against the top of the product to correct the position of the product on the sealing seat 41, avoiding problems such as product tilting and incorrect positioning, and ensuring the sealing fit between the bottom of the product and the sealing seat 41. Finally, the pre-compression mechanism 53 will reverse its movement to return to the initial state.

[0035] refer to Figure 7As shown, the quality inspection device 4 also includes a support mechanism 46, which includes a mounting base 461, a top plate 462, and a ninth driver 463. The top plate 462 is slidably connected to the mounting base 461 and is located at the bottom of the turntable 52, and is positioned below the sealing cover 45. The output shaft of the ninth driver 463 is connected to the top plate 462 to drive the top plate 462 against the bottom of the turntable 52.

[0036] Specifically, the mounting base 461 has a vertical groove 4611, and the bottom end of the top plate 462 is slidably connected to the groove 4611; the mounting base 461 has a horizontal sliding hole 4612, which is connected to the groove 4611; a push rod 464 is fixed on the output shaft of the ninth driver 463, and the push rod 464 is slidably connected to the sliding hole 4612; a strip-shaped guide hole 4641 is opened on the push rod 464, which is horizontally opened; both ends of the guide hole 4641 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 465 is provided at the bottom end of the top plate 462, which passes through the guide hole 4641. When the support mechanism 46 is in operation, the ninth driver 463 is activated, causing the push rod 464 to slide in the sliding hole 4612. Due to the height difference between the two straight sections of the guide through hole 4641, relative to the guide rod 465 moving from the lower straight section to the higher straight section, the top plate 462 will slide in the sliding groove 4611 and rise upward to abut against the bottom surface of the turntable 52, forming a reliable support; conversely, the top plate 462 will fall downward and leave the bottom surface of the turntable 52, allowing the turntable 52 to rotate normally.

[0037] refer to Figure 9 As shown, the first robotic arm includes a sixth support 63. The sixth support 63 has a second linear module 64 arranged horizontally. The working end of the second linear module 64 has a first linear movement mechanism 65 arranged vertically. The output end of the first linear movement mechanism 65 is connected to a first gripper 66. Preferably, the first linear movement mechanism 65 and the second linear movement mechanism 64 have the same structure, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0038] The specific working principle of this application is as follows: First, the connecting part of the product is placed in the positioning groove 111, and then the inlet part of the product is placed on the connecting part. The laser welding machine is started, the feeding device 1 works first, the first linear module 15 moves the product inside, close to the welding device 2, and after reaching the designated position, the second driver 13 drives the pressure block 14 to move downward to hold the product. Then the laser galvanometer 21, the first driver 12 and the fourth driver 23 work at the same time, so that the product is rotated while the welding operation is performed, so that the product is welded to a full circle in the circumferential direction, so that the inlet part and the connecting part are sealed together. At the same time, the pressure block 14 will also rotate relative to the product. Then the second driver 13 drives the pressure block 14 to move upward and return to the initial state. The first linear module 15 moves the welded product to the first transfer device 3. The second robot arm set on the first bracket 16 moves. The fourth linear module 33 moves the second gripper 35 above the product. Then the second linear moving mechanism 34 moves the second gripper 35 downward. Then the second gripper 35 clamps the product. The second robot arm places the product on the sealing seat 41 of the transfer frame 31. Then another second robot arm moves to grab the product on the transfer frame 31 and move it to the sealing seat 41 of the turntable 52. Next, the pre-compression mechanism 53 operates, first pressing the product to correct its position on the sealing seat 41. Then, the sixth driver 51 drives the turntable 52 to rotate, moving the product and the sealing seat 41 together to the bottom of the quality inspection device 4. Then, the support mechanism 46 operates, causing the top plate 462 to abut against the bottom surface of the turntable 52. Subsequently, the fifth driver 44 drives the sealing cover 45 downwards towards the sealing seat 41 until it reaches the designated position, sealing both ends of the product. The air source is input into the inner cavity of the product through the air inlet 451 via the pipe. The air pressure sensor 43 detects the pressure in real time, and the PLC controller records whether the current product is qualified. Then the sixth drive 51 drives the turntable 52 to rotate again, so that the product and the sealing seat 41 move together to the bottom of the discharge device 6. According to the record of whether the product is qualified, the first robot arm drives the first gripper 66 to place the product into the good product container 61 or the defective product container 62. This cycle is repeated, so that the electronic cigarette mouthpiece can be continuously and automatically welded and inspected.

[0039] It is worth mentioning that each device is mounted on the rack 8, and the devices are electrically connected through a PLC controller, which can coordinate and control the operation of each device to achieve automation. The specific implementation of 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.

[0040] 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 mouthpieces, characterized in that: The device includes a feeding device, a welding device, a first transferring device, a quality inspection device, a second transferring device, and a discharging device. The feeding device includes a positioning block, a first driver, and a second driver. The positioning block is used to clamp and position the product in the vertical direction. The first driver is used to drive the positioning block to rotate around the vertical direction. The working end of the second driver is connected to a pressure block and is used to drive the pressure block to abut against the top of the product. The welding apparatus includes a laser galvanometer that can emit a laser beam towards the product in a horizontal direction to weld the product; The first transfer device is used to move the product on the feeding device to the second transfer device; The quality inspection device is used to seal both ends of the product and introduce gas into the inner cavity of the product to test the airtightness of the product; The second transfer device is used to move the product to the quality inspection device and move the product at the quality inspection device to the discharge device; 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 from the second transfer device and place it into the good product container or the defective product container.

2. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding device further includes a first linear module that drives the product closer to or further away from the welding device. The working end of the first linear module is equipped with a first bracket, and the positioning block is rotatably connected to the first bracket. The top of the positioning block is provided with a positioning groove that matches the outer contour of the product. The first driver is mounted on the first bracket and is drively connected to the positioning block. A second bracket is provided on the side of the first linear module, and the second driver is mounted on the second bracket. The pressure block is rotatably connected to the working end of the second driver.

3. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input end of the feeding device is provided with a protective device, which includes a third bracket. The third bracket spans across both sides of the input end of the feeding device. Safety light curtains are provided on both sides of the third bracket. A third driver is mounted on the third bracket. A baffle is connected to the output shaft of the third driver. The third driver drives the baffle to move vertically so that the baffle is positioned opposite the emitting end of the laser galvanometer.

4. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The welding device further includes a mounting platform and a fourth driver. A lead screw is rotatably connected to the mounting platform, and a nut is fitted onto the lead screw. A first sliding plate is fixed on the nut. The laser galvanometer is mounted on the first sliding plate, and a first slider is fixed on the first sliding plate. A first slide rail adapted to the first slider is fixed on the mounting platform. The fourth driver is mounted on the mounting platform and is driven by the lead screw.

5. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transfer device includes two second robotic arms arranged side by side, with a transfer frame between the two second robotic arms. One of the second robotic arms is used to move the product from the feeding device to the transfer frame, and the other second robotic arm is used to move the product on the transfer frame to the second transfer device.

6. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The quality inspection device includes a sealing seat, a fourth bracket, and a pressure sensor. The top of the sealing seat has a limiting groove for clamping the product. A fifth driver is mounted on the fourth bracket. A sealing cover is connected to the output shaft of the fifth driver. The fifth driver drives the sealing cover to approach the sealing seat to seal both ends of the product. An air inlet is provided on the sealing cover to communicate with the inner cavity of the product. The air inlet is connected to an air source through a pipe. The pressure sensor is mounted on the pipe.

7. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second material transfer device includes a sixth driver, and a turntable is connected to the output shaft of the sixth driver. The first material transfer device, the quality inspection device, and the discharge device are arranged at intervals along the circumferential outer edge of the turntable. The sealing seat is fixed on the turntable. The sixth driver drives the turntable to rotate intermittently so that the sealing seat rotates by an interval angle at a time.

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

9. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 7, characterized in that: The quality inspection device also includes a support mechanism, which includes a mounting base, a top plate, and a ninth driver. The top plate is slidably connected to the mounting base and is disposed at the bottom of the turntable, and is positioned below the sealing cover. The output shaft of the ninth driver is driven to the top plate to drive the top plate against the bottom of the turntable.

10. The laser welding machine for electronic cigarette mouthpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first robotic arm includes a sixth support, the sixth support is provided with a second linear module in the horizontal direction, the working end of the second linear module is provided with a first linear movement mechanism in the vertical direction, and the output end of the first linear movement mechanism is connected to a first gripper.

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