Straight stroke clamping machine for assembling connector shielding cage

Abstract

The application discloses a straight-buckling positioner for assembling a connector shielding cage, the shielding cage comprising an outer cover and an inner frame installed inside the outer cover, a clamping hole being formed in the side wall of the outer cover, and a clamping buckle corresponding to the clamping hole being arranged around the inner frame, the clamping buckle being preliminarily bent after extending to the outside of the outer cover through the corresponding clamping hole; the straight-buckling positioner comprises a machine table and a positioning mechanism installed on the machine table and used for positioning the shielding cage to be assembled; the straight-buckling positioner is arranged around the positioning mechanism, the pressing block is driven by the pressing die to vertically press each clamping buckle from multiple directions at the same time, and the pressing and locking of all the clamping buckles are completed at one time, so that the assembling efficiency is greatly improved, the production rhythm is shortened, the consistency of the bending angle and the pressing force of each clamping buckle is ensured, the unstable quality problem caused by manual operation is effectively solved, and the labor intensity of the operator is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector assembly equipment technology, and more specifically, to a direct-mount fastening machine for assembling connector shielding cages. Background Technology

[0002] A connector shielding cage is an assembly used to house connectors and provide them with electromagnetic shielding protection. It typically includes an outer housing and an inner frame installed inside the outer housing. During assembly, the inner frame is installed inside the outer housing, and the two are locked together using snap-fit ​​fasteners and locking holes. In existing technology, snap-fit ​​fasteners are provided around the inner frame, and corresponding locking holes are provided on the side walls of the outer housing. After the snap-fit ​​fasteners pass through the locking holes, they need to be bent so that they abut against the outer wall surface of the outer housing, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the inner frame and the outer housing.

[0003] Currently, the bending of the clips is mostly done manually, with operators using tools to bend each clip one by one. However, this manual assembly method has many drawbacks: firstly, since the shielding cage has clips on all four sides, manual operation requires processing each clip sequentially, resulting in low efficiency and difficulty in meeting the needs of mass production; secondly, it is difficult to maintain consistent bending force and angle, easily leading to clips being under-bent or over-bent, affecting assembly quality and product consistency. Furthermore, manual operation is physically demanding, and prolonged work can easily lead to operator fatigue.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a device that can automatically complete the buckle bending and assembly of the shielding cage in order to improve production efficiency and assembly quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a direct-clamping machine for assembling connector shielding cages, so as to solve the problems of low assembly efficiency, poor product quality consistency, and high labor intensity of operators caused by manually bending and clamping one by one in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a direct-shot fastening machine for assembling a connector shielding cage, wherein the shielding cage includes an outer cover and an inner frame installed inside it, and the outer cover has slots on all four sides of its side walls, and the inner frame has corresponding buckles that match the slots on all four sides, wherein the buckles pass through the corresponding slots and extend to the outside of the outer cover to form a preliminary bend.

[0007] The direct-attachment machine includes a machine base, a positioning mechanism mounted on the machine base for positioning the shielding cage to be assembled, and direct-attachment mechanisms mounted around the positioning mechanism. The direct-attachment mechanism includes a pressing mold, on the side of the pressing mold facing the shielding cage, several pressing blocks are fixedly installed. The pressing blocks are positioned directly opposite the pre-bent buckles on the shielding cage. The pressing mold can reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the corresponding side of the outer cover and drive the pressing blocks to move synchronously, so that the pressing blocks press the buckles vertically, further pressing the pre-bent buckles to tightly abut against the outer wall surface of the outer cover.

[0008] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism includes a positioning fixture, which includes a base and several positioning blocks installed on the top of the base. The positioning blocks can be inserted into the shielding cage to limit and fix the shielding cage.

[0009] Furthermore, a through hole is provided at a position corresponding to the side wall of the outer cover on the base, and a push pin is movably disposed in the through hole. The push pin can move up and down relative to the through hole to push the shielding cage upward, so that the shielding cage is separated from the positioning block.

[0010] Furthermore, the number of through holes is four, and the four through holes are distributed in a rectangular array, with a pin slidably disposed inside each through hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the positioning fixture also includes a first driving device, the output end of which is connected to the ejector pin for driving the ejector pin to move up and down within the through hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism also includes a pressing component, which includes a pressing block disposed above the positioning fixture. The pressing block can move downward in the vertical direction to press and fix the shielding cage from above.

[0013] Furthermore, the pressing assembly also includes a second driving device, the output end of which is connected to the pressing block for driving the pressing block to rise and fall.

[0014] Furthermore, the straight-slap fastening mechanism also includes a third driving device, the output end of which is connected to the mold transmission and is used to drive the mold to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the corresponding side of the outer cover.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention include:

[0016] 1. This invention sets up a straight-slapping buckle mechanism around the positioning mechanism, and uses a pressure mold to drive the pressure block to press each buckle vertically from multiple directions simultaneously, completing the pressing and locking of all buckles in one go. This not only greatly improves assembly efficiency and shortens the production cycle, but also ensures the consistency of the bending angle and pressing force of each buckle, effectively solving the problem of unstable quality caused by manual operation, and reducing the labor intensity of operators.

[0017] 2. This invention achieves precise positioning and fixation by inserting a positioning block inside the shielding cage, ensuring that the shielding cage does not shift during the pressing process. At the same time, by opening a through hole on the base and setting a liftable ejector pin, the shielding cage is lifted upwards after the snap-fit ​​is completed, separating it from the positioning block, which facilitates the quick removal of the finished product. This not only ensures the pressing accuracy and product quality stability, but also improves the convenience of the unloading operation, effectively solving the problems of difficult product handling and low operating efficiency in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the direct-attachment machine for assembling the connector shielding cage according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning fixture structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the direct-attachment mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding cage structure of the present invention;

[0024] In the diagram: 1-Machine base; 2-Positioning mechanism; 21-Positioning fixture; 211-Base; 212-Positioning insert; 214-Ejector pin; 215-First driving device; 22-Pressing assembly; 221-Pressing block; 222-Second driving device; 33-Direct snap-fit ​​mechanism; 31-Pressure mold; 32-Pressure block; 33-Third driving device; 100-Shielding cage; 101-Outer cover; 102-Snap fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides a direct-clamping machine for assembling connector shielding cages, used to press and lock the clips 102 of the shielding cage 100. Figure 6 As shown, the shielding cage 100 includes an outer cover 101 and an inner frame installed inside it. The outer cover 101 has a rectangular frame structure, is formed by stamping metal material, and has good electromagnetic shielding performance. Multiple locking holes are provided on each of the four side walls of the outer cover 101. The inner frame has corresponding latches 102 around its perimeter, with the same number and position as the locking holes. The latches 102 are made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity and strength, with their base integrally formed or fixedly connected to the inner frame, and their ends extending outwards. During assembly, the inner frame is pressed into the outer cover 101, causing the latches 102 to pass through the corresponding locking holes and extend to the outside of the outer cover 101. To prevent the inner frame from detaching from the outer cover 101 in subsequent processes, the latches 102 are initially bent after the locking process to form a pre-position. The direct-positioning machine in this embodiment is used to further flatten these initially bent latches 102, making them tightly fit against the outer wall surface of the outer cover 101.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the direct-attachment machine includes a machine base 1, a positioning mechanism 2, and a direct-attachment mechanism 3. The positioning mechanism 2 is installed on the workbench of the machine base 1 and is used to position and fix the shielding cage 100 to be assembled. The positioning mechanism 2 includes two parts: a positioning fixture 21 and a pressing component 22. The two parts work together to achieve full constraint positioning of the shielding cage 100 in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0029] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the positioning fixture 21 includes a base 211 and several positioning blocks 212 mounted on top of the base 211. The base 211 is fixedly mounted on the workbench of the machine tool 1, and the shape and size of the positioning blocks 212 match the internal space of the shielding cage 100. When the shielding cage 100 is placed from top to bottom, the positioning blocks 212 can be inserted into the shielding cage 100 to limit and fix the shielding cage 100 in the horizontal direction. The number of positioning blocks 212 can be a single integral structure or multiple separate structures.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown, the base 211 has through holes at positions corresponding to the side walls of the outer cover 101. In this embodiment, there are four through holes, which are arranged in a rectangular array, located near the four corners of the bottom of the shielding cage 100. A pin 213 is movably disposed within each through hole, and the pin 213 can move up and down relative to the through hole. In its initial position, the upper surface of the pin 213 is slightly lower than or flush with the upper surface of the base 211 to avoid interfering with the normal placement of the shielding cage 100. When material needs to be removed, the pin 213 rises, lifting the shielding cage 100 upwards, thus separating the shielding cage 100 from the positioning block 212.

[0031] The positioning fixture 21 also includes a first driving device 214. The output end of the first driving device 214 is connected to the ejector pin 213 for driving the ejector pin 213 to rise and fall within the through hole. To enable the four ejector pins 213 to rise and fall synchronously, the first driving device 214 can be connected to all four ejector pins 213 simultaneously via a lifting plate. Specifically, the piston rod of the first driving device 214 is connected to a horizontally positioned lifting plate, and the lower ends of the four ejector pins 213 are fixed to this lifting plate. In this way, one first driving device 214 can drive the four ejector pins 213 to move synchronously, which simplifies the structure and ensures synchronization. The first driving device 214 is a cylinder and is installed below the base 211.

[0032] The pressing assembly 22 includes a pressing block 221 disposed above the positioning fixture 21 and a second driving device 222. The second driving device 222 is mounted on a gantry bracket spanning above the positioning fixture 21 and fixed to the machine base 1. The output end of the second driving device 222 is vertically downward and is connected to the pressing block 221 for driving the pressing block 221 to move up and down vertically. The bottom surface shape of the pressing block 221 is adapted to the top surface of the shielding cage 100. For example, if the top surface of the shielding cage 100 is flat, the bottom surface of the pressing block 221 is also flat; if the top surface of the shielding cage 100 has protrusions or depressions, the bottom surface of the pressing block 221 is correspondingly provided with clearance grooves or protrusions to ensure uniform pressure application.

[0033] The function of the pressing component 22 is as follows: after the shielding cage 100 is placed on the positioning fixture 21, the second driving device 222 drives the pressing block 221 to move downward, pressing the shielding cage 100 from above. At this time, the shielding cage 100 is subjected to the downward pressure of the pressing block 221 and the supporting force of the positioning fixture 21 in the vertical direction, and is limited by the positioning insert 212 in the horizontal direction, thereby achieving complete constraint of six degrees of freedom, providing a guarantee for subsequent precise pressing.

[0034] The direct-clamping mechanism 3 is installed around the positioning mechanism 2 to press the latches 102 around the shielding cage 100. In this embodiment, there are four direct-clamping mechanisms 3, which are respectively located on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the positioning mechanism 2, so that the latches 102 around the shielding cage 100 can be pressed simultaneously from four directions. The design of simultaneous pressing in four directions ensures that the shielding cage 100 is subjected to uniform force during the pressing process, avoiding product deformation or incomplete latch pressing caused by force on one side.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, each snap-fit ​​mechanism 3 includes a pressing mold 31, a pressing block 32, and a third driving device 33. The side of the pressing mold 31 away from the shielding cage 100 is connected to the output end of the third driving device 33, and the pressing block 32 is fixedly installed on the side of the pressing mold 31 close to the shielding cage 100. The number and position of the pressing blocks 32 correspond one-to-one with the number and position of the buckles 102 on the corresponding side wall of the shielding cage 100. Each pressing block 32 is positioned directly opposite a pre-bent buckle 102 on the shielding cage 100.

[0036] The pressing mold 31 can reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the corresponding side of the outer cover 101, and drive the pressing block 32 to move linearly along a direction perpendicular to the side wall of the outer cover 101, so that the pressing block 32 presses the buckle 102 vertically. This vertical pressing method has the following significant advantages: First, the direction of the force is consistent with the bending direction of the buckle 102, which can achieve the most thorough pressing effect with the least force; Second, the force at the root of the buckle 102 is uniform, and no additional bending moment is generated, thereby avoiding cracks or breakage at the root of the buckle 102 due to stress concentration; Third, the buckle 102 after pressing has a higher fit with the outer wall of the outer cover 101, and the locking is more reliable.

[0037] Each straight-fitting mechanism 3 also includes a third drive device 33. The output end of the third drive device 33 is connected to the pressing mold 31 for driving the pressing mold 31 to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the corresponding side of the outer cover 101. In this embodiment, the third drive device 33 is preferably a dual-axis cylinder, which has the advantages of precise stroke, rapid action, and convenient installation. Of course, in other embodiments, the third drive device 33 can also be an electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder to adapt to different pressing forces and precision requirements.

[0038] To ensure the straightness and stability of the movement of the mold 31, each straight-clamping mechanism 3 is preferably equipped with a linear guide component, such as limiting guide blocks installed on both sides of the mold 31, or a guide post and guide sleeve structure. The third drive device 33 drives the mold 31 to move along the linear guide component, further ensuring the accuracy of the pressing action.

[0039] The direct-action positioning machine also includes a controller. The controller can be a programmable logic controller (PLC), such as a Mitsubishi FX series or a Siemens S7-200 series. The controller is electrically connected to the first drive unit 214, the second drive unit 222, and the third drive unit 33, respectively, to control the start-up, shutdown, and sequence of operations of the entire equipment. The controller can also be connected to a human-machine interface, such as a touch screen, for operators to set parameters, monitor status, and perform manual operation. To achieve automated control, the equipment is also equipped with multiple sensors, such as: a material sensing sensor on the positioning fixture 21 to detect whether the shielding cage 100 has been placed; a magnetic switch or proximity switch on the movement path of the pressing mold 31 to detect whether the pressing mold 31 is in position and whether it has retracted; and limit sensors at the upper and lower limit positions of the lower pressing block 221 to control the pressing stroke.

[0040] Work process:

[0041] The operator places the shielding cage 100, which has undergone preliminary installation of the inner frame and has had its clips 102 passed through the clip holes and preliminarily bent, onto the positioning fixture 21. During placement, the positioning insert 212 is aligned and inserted into the shielding cage 100 to achieve horizontal positioning. At this time, the ejector pin 213 is in the initial downward position, and the bottom edge of the shielding cage 100 directly contacts the upper surface of the base 211.

[0042] When the operator presses the start button, the controller receives the start signal and first controls the second drive device 222 to operate. The second drive device 222 drives the lower pressure block 221 to move downwards until the bottom surface of the lower pressure block 221 is in close contact with the top surface of the shielding cage 100, applying a certain clamping force. At this time, the shielding cage 100 is firmly clamped between the lower pressure block 221 and the positioning fixture 21, and cannot be displaced. The controller can determine whether the clamping is in place by detecting the current or air pressure of the second drive device 222.

[0043] After the lower pressure block 221 is pressed into place, the controller simultaneously sends action commands to the third drive devices 33 of the four straight-button latching mechanisms 3. The four third drive devices 33 synchronously extend their piston rods, driving their respective pressure molds 31 to move towards the shielding cage 100 in a direction perpendicular to the side of the corresponding outer cover 101. The pressure molds 31 drive the pressure blocks 32 to move synchronously in a straight line, causing the pressure blocks 32 to press each latch 102 vertically from the opposite direction. Since the latches 102 have already undergone preliminary bending, the pressure applied by the pressure blocks 32 further presses the latches 102 together. As the pressure molds 31 continue to advance, the bending angle of the latches 102 gradually increases, eventually being pressed tightly against the outer wall surface of the outer cover 101. At this point, the latches 102 and the latch holes are locked in the final state. To ensure the pressing quality, the stroke of the third drive device 33 needs to be precisely controlled. Excessive stroke will cause the latches 102 to be over-bent or even break, while insufficient stroke will result in loose pressing. In this embodiment, the final stop position of the mold 31 can be precisely controlled by setting a mechanical limit or setting the cylinder stroke parameters in the controller.

[0044] After pressing is completed, the controller first controls the third drive device 33 to drive the mold 31 to retract and reset to its initial position. Then, the controller controls the second drive device 222 to drive the lower pressure block 221 to rise and reset. At this point, the shielding cage 100 has been assembled. Finally, the controller controls the first drive device 214 to move, driving the ejector pins 213 to rise. The four ejector pins 213 simultaneously push upwards to lift the bottom edge or bottom corner of the shielding cage 100, causing the shielding cage 100 to move upwards as a whole and completely separate from the positioning insert 212. Thus, a complete shielding cage assembly and pressing process is completed.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1, except for the structure of the positioning insert 212. In Embodiment 1, the positioning insert 212 is fixedly mounted on the base 211. However, in this embodiment, to accommodate shielding cages 100 of different sizes, the positioning insert 212 is designed to be replaceable. Specifically, the base 211 has a mounting groove, and the positioning insert 212 is detachably mounted in the mounting groove using screws. When it is necessary to produce shielding cages 100 of different specifications, only the positioning insert 212 of the corresponding shape and size needs to be replaced, without replacing the entire positioning fixture 21, which greatly reduces changeover costs and time.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A direct-mount fastening machine for assembling a connector shielding cage, the shielding cage comprising an outer cover and an inner frame installed therein, wherein the outer cover has locking holes on all four sides of its side walls, and the inner frame has corresponding fasteners on all four sides that match the locking holes, the fasteners passing through the corresponding locking holes and extending to the outside of the outer cover to form a preliminary bend; characterized in that: The direct-attachment machine includes a machine base, a positioning mechanism mounted on the machine base for positioning the shielding cage to be assembled, and direct-attachment mechanisms mounted around the positioning mechanism. The direct-attachment mechanism includes a pressing mold, on the side of the pressing mold facing the shielding cage, several pressing blocks are fixedly installed. The pressing blocks are positioned directly opposite the pre-bent buckles on the shielding cage. The pressing mold can reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the corresponding side of the outer cover and drive the pressing blocks to move synchronously, so that the pressing blocks press the buckles vertically, further pressing the pre-bent buckles to tightly abut against the outer wall surface of the outer cover.

2. The direct-attachment machine for assembling connector shielding cages according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism includes a positioning fixture, which includes a base and several positioning blocks installed on the top of the base. The positioning blocks can be inserted into the shielding cage to limit and fix the shielding cage.

3. The direct-attachment machine for assembling connector shielding cages according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base has a through hole at a position corresponding to the side wall of the outer cover. A pin is movably disposed in the through hole. The pin can move up and down relative to the through hole to lift the shielding cage upward, so that the shielding cage is separated from the positioning block.

4. The direct-attachment machine for assembling connector shielding cages according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of through holes is four, and the four through holes are distributed in a rectangular array. Each through hole has a sliding pin inside.

5. The direct-attachment machine for assembling connector shielding cages according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning fixture also includes a first driving device, the output end of which is connected to the ejector pin for driving the ejector pin to move up and down within the through hole.

6. The direct-attachment machine for assembling connector shielding cages according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism further includes a pressing component, which includes a pressing block disposed above the positioning fixture. The pressing block can move downward in the vertical direction to press and fix the shielding cage from above.

7. The direct-attachment machine for assembling connector shielding cages according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressing assembly also includes a second driving device, the output end of which is connected to the pressing block for driving the pressing block to rise and fall.

8. The direct-attachment machine for assembling connector shielding cages according to claim 1, characterized in that, The straight-button fastening mechanism also includes a third driving device, the output end of which is connected to the mold transmission and is used to drive the mold to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the corresponding side of the outer cover.

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