Automatic assembly machine for ball head plunger

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of automatic assembly equipment of plunger, and discloses a ball head plunger automatic assembly machine, which comprises a machining table, a mounting base and a heightening frame, a copper sleeve feeding vibration disc and a spring feeding vibration disc, the copper sleeve feeding vibration disc and the spring feeding vibration disc are respectively fixedly installed on the mounting base and the heightening frame, and feeding tracks are arranged on the copper sleeve feeding vibration disc and the spring feeding vibration disc, a station switching mechanism is mounted on the surface of the machining table, and the station switching mechanism comprises a supporting table fixed on the surface of the machining table. Through the copper sleeve feeding vibration disc, the spring feeding vibration disc, the station switching mechanism, a copper sleeve taking mechanism, a spring discharging mechanism, a detection mechanism one, a steel ball feeding mechanism, a pressing machine, a detection mechanism two, a blowing and discharging mechanism, a detection mechanism three and a discharging detection mechanism, the ball head plunger is automatically assembled in the whole process from copper sleeve feeding, spring assembly, steel ball pressing to finished product detection and discharging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic plunger assembly equipment, specifically an automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine. Background Technology

[0002] Ball plungers are standard components widely used in hydraulic, pneumatic and precision machinery fields. They are usually composed of a housing, spring, steel ball (or ball head) and seals. They rely on the elastic force of the spring to keep the steel ball (ball head) in a predetermined position or to provide positioning, locking and support functions.

[0003] Traditional assembly of ball-head plungers often involves manual or semi-automatic operation. This requires manually placing the outer casing in a fixture, manually inserting the spring, pressing the steel ball into the casing, closing the joint, and finally inspecting the finished product. However, this assembly method has the following problems: Manual operation is inefficient and cannot meet the needs of mass production. The skill level and process standards of different operators are inconsistent, resulting in poor product quality consistency. The springs are small and the steel balls are easy to roll. Manual operation is prone to omissions and misassemblies, resulting in a high defect rate. After assembly, each product needs to be manually inspected. The inspection standards are highly subjective and prone to omissions or misjudgments. Qualified and unqualified products are easily mixed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine, which solves the problems of low efficiency and difficulty in meeting the needs of mass production through manual operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine, comprising: Processing table, mounting base, and riser frame; A copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate and a spring feeding vibratory plate are respectively fixedly installed on the mounting base and the heightening frame, and both the copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate and the spring feeding vibratory plate are provided with feeding tracks. The surface of the processing table is equipped with a workstation switching mechanism. The workstation switching mechanism includes a support platform fixed to the surface of the processing table, a rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the support platform, and a rotating table fixedly mounted on the top of the rotating shaft. Multiple fixtures are provided on the surface of the rotating table. The rotating table is equipped with two sets of drive components inside, and a switching mechanism for switching between the two sets of drive components is provided inside the rotating table, as well as a blowing mechanism for blowing and cleaning the drive components. The processing table is equipped with a copper sleeve feeding mechanism, a spring feeding mechanism, a first detection mechanism, a steel ball feeding mechanism, a pressing machine, a second detection mechanism, a third detection mechanism, and a feeding detection mechanism, which are arranged sequentially at the positions of multiple fixtures on the surface of the rotating table. The detection mechanism 1, detection mechanism 2, detection mechanism 3 and the unloading detection mechanism are used to detect the spring position, the finished product height position and the unloading status, respectively. The detection mechanism 1, detection mechanism 2, detection mechanism 3 and the unloading detection mechanism are all equipped with probes through the detection components.

[0006] Preferably, the spring feeding mechanism includes a support frame fixed to the surface of the processing table, a control cylinder fixed to the top of the support frame, an installation plate fixed to the output end of the control cylinder, a spring feeding tube installed on the processing table, and the two ends of the spring feeding tube fixed to the feeding track of the spring feeding vibratory plate and the installation plate, respectively. The installation plate is provided with small push rods on both sides of the spring feeding tube, and the output end of the small push rod is fixed with a material distribution column. The material distribution columns on both sides are staggered vertically.

[0007] Preferably, the copper sleeve material handling mechanism includes a two-axis manipulator, with a material handling column fixedly installed at the end of the two-axis manipulator, and an air blowing pipe installed on the two-axis manipulator. The two ends of the air blowing pipe are respectively connected to an external air pump and an air hole of the material handling column.

[0008] Preferably, the steel ball feeding mechanism includes a feeding rack fixedly installed on the surface of the processing table, a feeding block is provided on the feeding rack and a servo cylinder is installed on the side of the feeding rack, a distributing rod is fixedly installed at the output end of the servo cylinder, a steel ball feeding box is fixedly installed on the processing table, and the steel ball feeding box and the feeding block are connected by a steel ball feeding pipe.

[0009] Preferably, the detection assembly includes a fixed frame, a pressing cylinder is mounted on the top of the fixed frame, and a sliding plate is slidably mounted on the fixed frame. The sliding plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the pressing cylinder. A probe is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the sliding plate through an elastic element, and a force sensor for sensing and checking the force of the probe is mounted on the sliding plate.

[0010] Preferably, the air-blowing feeding mechanism includes a feeding rack fixedly installed on the surface of the processing table. The feeding rack is fixedly installed with a dual air pipe and two air-blowing feeding pipes. The two air-blowing feeding pipes are respectively fixedly connected to the output end of the dual air pipe. The bottom end of the dual air pipe is connected to an air blower. The feeding rack is provided with a separator at the feeding port.

[0011] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a driven turntable connected to a rotating shaft, a support frame rotatably mounted on the outside of the driven turntable, the support frame being fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the support platform, and an arc-shaped cam rotatably mounted inside the support platform. A drive motor is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the support platform, the arc-shaped cam is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and a plurality of rollers cooperating with the arc-shaped cam are mounted on the bottom of the driven turntable, and a locking arc is provided on the contour surface of the arc-shaped cam.

[0012] Preferably, the switching mechanism includes a mounting base slidably disposed on the surface of the rotating shaft, a supporting turntable rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the mounting base, a driving cylinder mounted on the inner wall of the supporting turntable, the supporting turntable being fixedly connected to the output end of the driving cylinder, a plurality of docking rods being fixedly fixed at the top and bottom of the mounting base, a docking sleeve being fixedly fixed inside the driven turntable, a plurality of docking grooves being provided inside the docking sleeve for the docking rods to be inserted, and an arc-shaped guide surface being provided at the position opposite to the docking groove of the docking rod.

[0013] Preferably, the inner wall of the mounting base is provided with multiple protruding limiting ridges, and the surface of the rotating shaft is provided with multiple limiting grooves for the limiting ridges to slide.

[0014] Preferably, the purging mechanism includes an annular air pipe fixed inside the support platform, the annular air pipe being disposed outside the docking sleeve, an air supply cylinder being fixedly installed on the inner wall of the support platform, the air outlet end of the air supply cylinder being connected to the air inlet end of the annular air pipe through an air supply hose, a piston rod being slidably installed inside the air supply cylinder, and a rotating protrusion being fixedly installed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft opposite the position of the piston rod.

[0015] This invention provides an automatic assembly machine for ball-head plungers. It has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention, by setting up a copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate, a spring feeding vibratory plate, a station switching mechanism, a copper sleeve picking mechanism, a spring discharging mechanism, a first detection mechanism, a steel ball feeding mechanism, a pressing machine, a second detection mechanism, an air blowing unloading mechanism, a third detection mechanism, and a unloading detection mechanism, realizes the fully automated assembly of the ball plunger from copper sleeve feeding, spring assembly, steel ball pressing to finished product inspection and unloading, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs.

[0016] 2. This invention, by setting up a pressing cylinder, a sliding plate, an elastic element, a probe, and a force sensor, when it is necessary to detect whether the spring or steel ball inside the copper sleeve is in place, the pressing cylinder drives the sliding plate to move downward, and the probe moves downward synchronously with the sliding plate. When the probe contacts the workpiece, its contact force is transmitted to the force sensor through the elastic element. The force sensor outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the contact force. By analyzing the magnitude and trend of the contact force, it is possible to determine the assembly status of the workpiece, such as whether the spring is missing, whether the spring is in place, whether the steel ball is pressed in, and its height position.

[0017] 3. This invention, by setting up a feeding rack, an air-blowing feeding pipe, and a separator, allows the separator to switch to the qualified product channel when the second detection mechanism detects that the finished product assembly is qualified. The air blower is started, and compressed air is blown onto the finished product on the fixture through the dual air pipe and the air-blowing feeding pipe, blowing the finished product into the qualified product collection container. When the second detection mechanism detects that the finished product assembly is unqualified, the separator switches to the unqualified product channel, the air blower is started, and the unqualified product is blown into the unqualified product collection container, thus realizing the automatic separation of qualified and unqualified products.

[0018] 4. By setting up a drive cylinder, a supporting turntable, a mounting base, a docking rod, and a docking sleeve, this invention enables rapid switching and power engagement between two sets of drive components, ensuring that when one set of drive components fails or requires maintenance, the other set of drive components can seamlessly take over, avoiding forced shutdown of the equipment.

[0019] 5. This invention, through the arrangement of an annular air pipe, an air delivery cylinder, a piston rod, an air supply hose, and a rotating protrusion, utilizes a rotating shaft to drive the rotating protrusion to rotate until it contacts the piston rod. The rotating protrusion then pushes the piston rod into the air delivery cylinder, compressing the gas inside. The gas is then transported through the air supply hose to the annular air pipe and ejected from its outlet to purge the driven turntable, rollers, and arc-shaped cam. When the rotating protrusion passes the piston rod, the piston rod automatically resets under the action of a return spring or air pressure, completing one purging cycle. This avoids decreased indexing accuracy and roller jamming caused by dust accumulation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention from another angle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the processing table of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the processing table of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the copper sleeve feeding mechanism of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the spring feeding mechanism of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air-blowing feeding mechanism of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the steel ball feeding mechanism of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the detection component structure of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support platform structure of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the support platform of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the switching mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the workstation switching mechanism of the present invention.

[0021] 1. Processing table; 2. Mounting base; 3. Elevating frame; 4. Copper sleeve feeding vibratory feeder; 5. Spring feeding vibratory feeder; 6. Station switching mechanism; 601. Support table; 602. Rotary table; 603. Fixture; 604. Driven turntable; 605. Arc cam; 606. Drive motor; 607. Connecting sleeve; 608. Rotating shaft; 609. Support frame; 7. Copper sleeve picking mechanism; 701. Two-axis robot; 702. Picking column; 703. Air blowing pipe; 8. Feeding track; 9. Spring unloading mechanism; 901. Support frame; 902. Mounting plate; 903. Control cylinder; 904. Distributing column; 905. Small push rod; 10. Detection mechanism one; 11. Steel ball feeding mechanism; 1101. Feeding rack; 1102. Distributing rod; 1103. Servo cylinder; 1104. 1105 Steel ball feeding pipe; 12 Steel ball feeding box; 13 Pressing machine; 14 Detection mechanism II; 15 Air blowing feeding mechanism; 16 Feeding rack; 17 Spring feeding pipe; 18 Switching mechanism; 1901 Drive cylinder; 1002 Support turntable; 1103 Mounting base; 12 Air supply cylinder; 13 Detection mechanism II; 14 Spring feeding detection mechanism; 15 Spring feeding pipe; 16 Spring feeding detection mechanism; 17 Spring feeding pipe; 18 Switching mechanism; 1901 Drive cylinder; 1002 Support turntable; 1903 Mounting base; 1904 Connecting rod; 1905 Blowing mechanism; 1906 Rotating protrusion; 1907 Annular air pipe; 1908 Air supply cylinder; 1909 Piston rod; 19000 Air supply hose; 20 Detection assembly; 2001 Fixing frame; 2002 Pressing cylinder; 2003 Sliding plate; 2004 Force sensor; 2005 Elastic element; 2006 Probe. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Please see the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 3 This invention provides an automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine, comprising: Processing table 1, mounting base 2, and heightening frame 3; Copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate 4 and spring feeding vibratory plate 5 are fixedly installed on mounting base 2 and heightening frame 3 respectively, and both copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate 4 and spring feeding vibratory plate 5 are provided with feeding track 8. A workstation switching mechanism 6 is installed on the surface of the processing table 1. The workstation switching mechanism 6 includes a support platform 601 fixed on the surface of the processing table 1, a rotating shaft 608 rotatably mounted on the support platform 601, and a rotating table 602 fixedly mounted on the top of the rotating shaft 608. Multiple fixtures 603 are provided on the surface of the rotating table 602. Two sets of drive components are provided inside the rotating table 602. A switching mechanism 18 for switching between the two sets of drive components is provided inside the rotating table 602, as well as a blowing mechanism 19 for blowing and cleaning the drive components. The processing table 1 is mounted on the surface of the rotating table 602 at the positions of multiple fixtures 603, and the following are arranged in sequence: copper sleeve picking mechanism 7, spring feeding mechanism 9, detection mechanism one 10, steel ball feeding mechanism 11, pressing machine 12, detection mechanism two 13, air blowing feeding mechanism 14, detection mechanism three 15 and feeding detection mechanism 16. The detection mechanism 10, detection mechanism 2 13, detection mechanism 3 15 and unloading detection mechanism 16 are used to detect the spring position, the finished product height position and the unloading status, respectively. The detection mechanism 10, detection mechanism 2 13, detection mechanism 3 15 and unloading detection mechanism 16 are all equipped with probes 2006 through the detection assembly 20.

[0024] By setting up a copper sleeve feeding vibratory feeder 4, a spring feeding vibratory feeder 5, a station switching mechanism 6, a copper sleeve picking mechanism 7, a spring unloading mechanism 9, a detection mechanism 1 10, a steel ball feeding mechanism 11, a pressing machine 12, a detection mechanism 2 13, an air blowing unloading mechanism 14, a detection mechanism 3 15, and an unloading detection mechanism 16, the ball head plunger achieves fully automated assembly from copper sleeve feeding, spring assembly, steel ball pressing to finished product inspection and unloading. Furthermore, the copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate 4 and the spring feeding vibratory plate 5 transport the copper sleeve and spring to the picking station in an orderly manner through the feeding track 8, respectively. The copper sleeve picking mechanism 7 transfers the copper sleeve to the fixture 603 on the rotating table 602. The rotating table 602 rotates sequentially to each processing station under the drive of the station switching mechanism 6. Spring feeding mechanism 9 inserts the spring into the copper sleeve. Detection mechanism 10 detects whether the spring is in place using probe 2006. Steel ball feeding mechanism 11 supplies steel balls to the top of the copper sleeve. Pressing machine 12 presses the steel balls into the copper sleeve and completes the closing. Detection mechanism 2 13 detects the height and closing quality of the finished product. Air blowing and feeding mechanism 14 uses a double air pipe 1402 to blow the finished product out of fixture 603. Detection mechanism 3 15 confirms the feeding status. The workstation switching mechanism 6 adopts a dual drive assembly, which switches between two sets of drive assemblies through the switching mechanism 18. When one set of drive assemblies fails, it can seamlessly switch to the other set of drive assemblies to continue driving the rotary table 602 to rotate, thereby avoiding equipment downtime. The blowing mechanism 19 cleans the drive assemblies regularly to ensure the operating accuracy and lifespan of the drive assemblies. Through the collaborative work of the aforementioned multiple mechanisms, fully automated and efficient assembly of ball-head plungers is achieved, improving production efficiency and thereby reducing labor costs.

[0025] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 6 The spring feeding mechanism 9 includes a support frame 901 fixed on the surface of the processing table 1. A control cylinder 903 is fixed on the top of the support frame 901. An installation plate 902 is fixed to the output end of the control cylinder 903. A spring feeding tube 17 is installed on the processing table 1. Both ends of the spring feeding tube 17 are fixed to the feeding track 8 of the spring feeding vibratory plate 5 and the installation plate 902, respectively. Small push rods 905 are provided on both sides of the installation plate 902 located on the spring feeding tube 17. A material distribution column 904 is fixed to the output end of the small push rod 905. The material distribution columns 904 on both sides are staggered.

[0026] By setting up a control cylinder 903, mounting plate 902, small push rod 905, and material distribution column 904, when the spring enters the feeding tube through the feeding track 8, the upper material distribution column 904 retracts, allowing one spring to fall into the gap between the two material distribution columns 904. Then, the upper material distribution column 904 extends to block the subsequent spring, and the lower material distribution column 904 retracts, releasing the spring into the copper sleeve. Through the staggered extension and retraction of the two material distribution columns 904, the spring is alternately fed, ensuring that exactly one spring enters the copper sleeve each time, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of spring assembly.

[0027] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 5 The copper sleeve material handling mechanism 7 includes a two-axis manipulator 701. A material handling column 702 is fixedly installed at the end of the two-axis manipulator 701, and an air blowing pipe 703 is installed on the two-axis manipulator 701. The two ends of the air blowing pipe 703 are respectively connected to an external air pump and the air hole of the material handling column 702.

[0028] By setting up a two-axis robot 701, a material picking column 702 and an air blowing pipe 703, the two-axis robot 701 drives the material picking column 702 to move to the outlet of the copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate 4. The material picking column 702 is inserted into the inner hole of the copper sleeve, and the copper sleeve is taken out from the feeding track 8 and transferred to the fixture 603 above the rotating table 602 to complete the feeding of the copper sleeve. Furthermore, when the pick-up column 702 is inserted into the inner hole of the copper sleeve, the air pump does not start. The pick-up column 702 lifts the copper sleeve by relying on the friction between its outer wall and the inner hole of the copper sleeve. When the pick-up column 702 carrying the copper sleeve moves above the fixture 603 and the copper sleeve needs to be released, the air pump starts. Compressed air enters the air hole of the pick-up column 702 through the air pipe 703 and blows towards the inner wall of the copper sleeve, breaking the adsorption and friction between the outer wall of the pick-up column 702 and the inner hole of the copper sleeve, so that the copper sleeve can smoothly detach from the pick-up column 702 and fall into the fixture 603, ensuring the reliable release of the copper sleeve and improving the accuracy of picking up and releasing materials.

[0029] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 8 The steel ball feeding mechanism 11 includes a feeding rack 1101 fixedly installed on the surface of the processing table 1. The feeding rack 1101 is provided with a feeding block and a servo cylinder 1103 is installed on the side of the feeding rack 1101. A distributing rod 1102 is fixedly installed at the output end of the servo cylinder 1103. A steel ball feeding box 1105 is fixedly installed on the processing table 1. The steel ball feeding box 1105 and the feeding block are connected by a steel ball feeding pipe 1104.

[0030] By setting up a steel ball feeding box 1105, a servo cylinder 1103, a feeding block, a steel ball feeding pipe 1104, and a distributing rod 1102, in the initial state, the distributing rod 1102 extends into the channel of the feeding block to block the steel balls in the channel and prevent them from falling. When it is necessary to discharge the steel balls, the servo cylinder 1103 is activated, driving the distributing rod 1102 to be pulled out of the channel, allowing individual steel balls to fall to the discharge port under the action of gravity. Subsequently, the servo cylinder 1103 is reset, and the distributing rod 1102 extends into the channel again to block subsequent steel balls, completing the discharge of a single steel ball. This avoids the stacking or missing problems caused by multiple steel balls falling at the same time, and improves the accuracy and reliability of steel ball assembly.

[0031] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 9 The detection component 20 includes a fixed frame 2001, a pressing cylinder 2002 is mounted on the top of the fixed frame 2001, and a sliding plate 2003 is slidably mounted on the fixed frame 2001. The sliding plate 2003 is fixedly connected to the output end of the pressing cylinder 2002. A probe 2006 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the sliding plate 2003 through an elastic member 2005, and a force sensor 2004 for sensing and checking the force of the probe 2006 is mounted on the sliding plate 2003.

[0032] By setting up a pressing cylinder 2002, a sliding plate 2003, an elastic element 2005, a probe 2006, and a force sensor 2004, when it is necessary to detect whether the spring or steel ball inside the copper sleeve is in place, the pressing cylinder 2002 drives the sliding plate 2003 to move downward, and the probe 2006 moves downward synchronously with the sliding plate 2003. When the probe 2006 contacts the workpiece, its contact force is transmitted to the force sensor 2004 through the elastic element 2005. The force sensor 2004 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the contact force. By analyzing the magnitude and trend of the contact force, it is possible to determine whether the workpiece spring is missing, whether the spring is in place, whether the steel ball is pressed in, and the assembly status such as the height position.

[0033] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 7 The air-blowing feeding mechanism 14 includes a feeding rack 1401 fixedly installed on the surface of the processing table 1. The feeding rack 1401 is fixedly installed with a double air pipe 1402 and two air-blowing feeding pipes 1403. The two air-blowing feeding pipes 1403 are respectively fixedly connected to the output end of the double air pipe 1402. The bottom end of the double air pipe 1402 is connected to the air blower. The feeding rack 1401 is provided with a separator at the feeding port.

[0034] By setting up a feeding rack 1401, an air-blowing feeding pipe 1403, and a separator, when the second inspection mechanism 13 detects that the finished product assembly is qualified, the separator switches to the qualified product channel, the air blower starts, and compressed air is blown onto the finished product on the fixture 603 through the dual air pipe 1402 and the air-blowing feeding pipe 1403, blowing the finished product into the qualified product collection container. When the second inspection mechanism 13 detects that the finished product assembly is unqualified, the separator switches to the unqualified product channel, the air blower starts, and the unqualified product is blown into the unqualified product collection container, thus realizing the automatic separation of qualified and unqualified products.

[0035] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 10 and attached Figure 11 The drive assembly includes a driven turntable 604 connected to a rotating shaft 608. A support bracket 609 is rotatably mounted on the outside of the driven turntable 604. The support bracket 609 is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the support platform 601. An arc-shaped cam 605 is rotatably mounted inside the support platform 601. A drive motor 606 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the support platform 601. The arc-shaped cam 605 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 606. Multiple rollers that cooperate with the arc-shaped cam 605 are mounted on the bottom of the driven turntable 604. A locking arc is provided on the contour surface of the arc-shaped cam 605.

[0036] By setting up a rotating shaft 608, a driven turntable 604, an arc-shaped cam 605, and a drive motor 606, the drive motor 606 is controlled to drive the arc-shaped cam 605 to rotate continuously. The contour surface of the arc-shaped cam 605 contacts the rollers on the driven turntable 604 in sequence and pushes the rollers. When the cam contour surface and the rollers are in the driving section, the driven turntable 604 is pushed to rotate to a set angle. When the cam contour surface rotates into the resting section, the rollers are locked in the locking arc of the cam contour, the driven turntable 604 stops rotating and remains locked, and the fixtures 603 on each station are sent to the corresponding processing positions in sequence to complete the station switching work.

[0037] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 12 The switching mechanism 18 includes a mounting base 1803 slidably disposed on the surface of the rotating shaft 608. A supporting turntable 1802 is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the mounting base 1803. A driving cylinder 1801 is installed on the inner wall of the support platform 601. The supporting turntable 1802 is fixedly connected to the output end of the driving cylinder 1801. Several docking rods 1804 are fixed on the top and bottom of the mounting base 1803. A docking sleeve 607 is fixed inside the driven turntable 604. Several docking grooves for the docking rods 1804 to be inserted are opened in the docking sleeve 607. An arc-shaped guide surface is provided at the position of the docking rod 1804 opposite to the docking groove. Multiple protruding limiting ridges are provided on the inner wall of the mounting base 1803. Multiple limiting grooves for the limiting ridges to slide are opened on the surface of the rotating shaft 608.

[0038] By setting up a drive cylinder 1801, a supporting turntable 1802, a mounting base 1803, a docking rod 1804, and a docking sleeve 607, the rapid switching and power engagement between the two sets of drive components are realized, ensuring that when one set of drive components fails or needs maintenance, the other set of drive components can seamlessly take over the work, avoiding forced shutdown of the equipment. Furthermore, in the initial state, the docking sleeve 607 of one set of drive components is engaged with the docking rod 1804. The drive motor 606 drives the rotating shaft 608 and the rotating table 602 to rotate through the arc-shaped cam 605, the driven turntable 604, the docking sleeve 607 and the docking rod 1804. When the drive component malfunctions or needs maintenance, the drive cylinder 1801 is activated, pushing the mounting base 1803 to move axially along the rotating shaft 608, causing the docking rod 1804 to disengage from the docking sleeve 607. At the same time, the docking rod 1804 on the other side engages with the docking sleeve 607 of another set of drive components, completing the switching of the drive mechanism, avoiding affecting work efficiency and reducing losses.

[0039] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 13The purging mechanism 19 includes an annular air pipe 1902 fixed inside the support platform 601. The annular air pipe 1902 is located outside the docking sleeve 607. An air supply cylinder 1903 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the support platform 601. The air outlet of the air supply cylinder 1903 is connected to the air inlet of the annular air pipe 1902 through an air supply hose 1905. A piston rod 1904 is slidably installed inside the air supply cylinder 1903. A rotating protrusion 1901 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft 608 at a position opposite to the piston rod 1904.

[0040] By configuring an annular air pipe 1902, an air delivery cylinder 1903, a piston rod 1904, an air supply hose 1905, and a rotating protrusion 1901, the rotating shaft 608 drives the rotating protrusion 1901 to rotate until it contacts the piston rod 1904. The rotating protrusion 1901 then pushes the piston rod 1904 into the air delivery cylinder 1903, compressing the gas inside. The gas is then transported through the air supply hose 1905 to the annular air pipe 1902 and ejected from its outlet to purge the driven turntable 604, rollers, and arc-shaped cam 605. When the rotating protrusion 1901 passes the piston rod 1904, the piston rod 1904 automatically resets under the action of a return spring or air pressure, completing one purging cycle. This prevents a decrease in indexing accuracy and roller jamming caused by dust accumulation.

[0041] Working principle: S1. Loading operation: The copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate 4 and the spring feeding vibratory plate 5 transport the copper sleeve and spring to the picking station in an orderly manner through the feeding track 8. At the same time, the two-axis robot 701 drives the picking column 702 to move to the discharge port of the copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate 4. The picking column 702 inserts into the inner hole of the copper sleeve, takes the copper sleeve out from the feeding track 8 and transfers it to the fixture 603 above the rotating table 602, thus completing the loading operation of the copper sleeve. S2, Station Switching: The control drive motor 606 drives the arc cam 605 to rotate continuously. The contour surface of the arc cam 605 contacts the rollers on the driven turntable 604 in sequence and pushes the rollers. When the cam contour surface and the rollers are in the driving section, the driven turntable 604 is pushed to rotate to the set angle. When the cam contour surface rotates into the resting section, the rollers are locked in the locking arc of the cam contour. The driven turntable 604 stops rotating and remains locked. The fixtures 603 on each station are sent to the corresponding processing positions in sequence to complete the station switching work. S3, Spring feeding: After the spring enters the feeding tube through the feeding track 8, the upper feeding column 904 retracts, allowing a spring to fall into the gap between the two feeding columns 904. Then, the upper feeding column 904 extends to block the subsequent spring, and the lower feeding column 904 retracts, releasing the spring into the copper sleeve. The alternating extension and retraction of the two feeding columns 904 is used to realize the alternating feeding of springs. S4. Inspection work: When it is necessary to check whether the spring or steel ball inside the copper sleeve is in place, the pressing cylinder 2002 drives the sliding plate 2003 to move downward. The probe 2006 moves downward synchronously with the sliding plate 2003. When the probe 2006 contacts the workpiece, its contact force is transmitted to the force sensor 2004 through the elastic element 2005. The force sensor 2004 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the contact force. By analyzing the magnitude and trend of the contact force, it is possible to determine whether the workpiece spring is missing, whether the spring is in place, whether the steel ball is pressed in, and the assembly status such as the height position. S5. Unloading Operation: When the inspection mechanism 2 13 detects that the finished product assembly is qualified, the separator switches to the qualified product channel, the air blower starts, and compressed air is blown onto the finished product on the fixture 603 through the dual air pipe 1402 and the air blowing unloading pipe 1403, blowing the finished product into the qualified product collection container. When the inspection mechanism 2 13 detects that the finished product assembly is unqualified, the separator switches to the unqualified product channel, the air blower starts, and the unqualified product is blown into the unqualified product collection container, realizing the automatic separation of qualified and unqualified products. S6. Drive Switching: In the initial state, the docking sleeve 607 of one set of drive components is engaged with the docking rod 1804. The drive motor 606 drives the rotating shaft 608 and the rotating table 602 to rotate through the arc cam 605, the driven turntable 604, the docking sleeve 607 and the docking rod 1804. When the drive component fails or needs maintenance, the drive cylinder 1801 is activated, pushing the mounting base 1803 to move axially along the rotating shaft 608, causing the docking rod 1804 to disengage from the docking sleeve 607. At the same time, the docking rod 1804 on the other side engages with the docking sleeve 607 of another set of drive components, completing the switching of the drive mechanism, avoiding affecting work efficiency and reducing losses. S7. Dust Removal Operation: When the rotating shaft 608 drives the rotating protrusion 1901 to rotate until it contacts the piston rod 1904, the rotating protrusion 1901 pushes the piston rod 1904 to slide into the air supply cylinder 1903, compressing the gas inside the air supply cylinder 1903. The gas is then transported through the air supply hose 1905 to the annular air pipe 1902 and ejected from the air outlet of the annular air pipe 1902 to clean the driven turntable 604, rollers, and arc-shaped cam 605. When the rotating protrusion 1901 passes the piston rod 1904, the piston rod 1904 automatically resets under the action of the return spring or air pressure, completing one cleaning cycle. This avoids a decrease in indexing accuracy and roller jamming caused by dust accumulation.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic assembly machine for ball-head plungers, characterized in that, include: Processing table (1), mounting base (2) and heightening frame (3); Copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate (4) and spring feeding vibratory plate (5) are respectively fixedly installed on the mounting base (2) and the heightening frame (3), and both the copper sleeve feeding vibratory plate (4) and the spring feeding vibratory plate (5) are provided with feeding rails (8). The surface of the processing table (1) is equipped with a station switching mechanism (6). The station switching mechanism (6) includes a support table (601) fixed on the surface of the processing table (1). A rotating shaft (608) is rotatably mounted on the support table (601), and a rotating table (602) is fixedly mounted on the top of the rotating shaft (608). A plurality of fixtures (603) are provided on the surface of the rotating table (602). Two sets of drive components are provided inside the rotating table (602), and a switching mechanism (18) for switching between the two sets of drive components is provided inside the rotating table (602), as well as a blowing mechanism (19) for blowing and cleaning the drive components. The processing table (1) is equipped with a copper sleeve feeding mechanism (7), a spring feeding mechanism (9), a first detection mechanism (10), a steel ball feeding mechanism (11), a pressing machine (12), a second detection mechanism (13), an air blowing feeding mechanism (14), a third detection mechanism (15), and a feeding detection mechanism (16) in sequence at the positions of multiple fixtures (603) on the surface of the rotating table (602). The detection mechanism 1 (10), detection mechanism 2 (13), detection mechanism 3 (15) and unloading detection mechanism (16) are respectively used for spring position detection, finished product height position detection and unloading status detection, and the detection mechanism 1 (10), detection mechanism 2 (13), detection mechanism 3 (15) and unloading detection mechanism (16) are all equipped with probes (2006) through detection components (20).

2. The automatic assembly machine for ball-head plungers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring feeding mechanism (9) includes a support frame (901) fixed on the surface of the processing table (1). A control cylinder (903) is fixed on the top of the support frame (901). An installation plate (902) is fixed on the output end of the control cylinder (903). A spring feeding tube (17) is installed on the processing table (1). The two ends of the spring feeding tube (17) are respectively fixed on the feeding track (8) of the spring feeding vibratory plate (5) and the installation plate (902). The installation plate (902) is provided with small push rods (905) on both sides of the spring feeding tube (17). A material distribution column (904) is fixed on the output end of the small push rod (905). The material distribution columns (904) on both sides are staggered.

3. The automatic assembly machine for ball-head plungers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The copper sleeve material handling mechanism (7) includes a two-axis manipulator (701), with a material handling column (702) fixedly installed at the end of the two-axis manipulator (701), and an air blowing pipe (703) installed on the two-axis manipulator (701). The two ends of the air blowing pipe (703) are respectively connected to an external air pump and the air hole of the material handling column (702).

4. The automatic assembly machine for ball-head plungers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ball feeding mechanism (11) includes a feeding rack (1101) fixedly installed on the surface of the processing table (1). The feeding rack (1101) is provided with a feeding block and a servo cylinder (1103) is installed on the side of the feeding rack (1101). A distributing rod (1102) is fixedly installed at the output end of the servo cylinder (1103). A ball feeding box (1105) is fixedly installed on the processing table (1). The ball feeding box (1105) and the feeding block are connected by a ball feeding pipe (1104).

5. The automatic assembly machine for ball-head plungers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection component (20) includes a fixed frame (2001), a pressing cylinder (2002) is mounted on the top of the fixed frame (2001), and a sliding plate (2003) is slidably mounted on the fixed frame (2001). The sliding plate (2003) is fixedly connected to the output end of the pressing cylinder (2002). A probe (2006) is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the sliding plate (2003) through an elastic element (2005), and a force sensor (2004) for sensing and checking the force of the probe (2006) is mounted on the sliding plate (2003).

6. The automatic assembly machine for ball-head plungers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air-blowing feeding mechanism (14) includes a feeding rack (1401) fixedly installed on the surface of the processing table (1). The feeding rack (1401) is fixedly installed with a double air pipe (1402) and two air-blowing feeding pipes (1403). The two air-blowing feeding pipes (1403) are respectively fixedly connected to the output end of the double air pipe (1402). The bottom end of the double air pipe (1402) is connected to the air blower. The feeding rack (1401) is provided with a separator at the feeding port.

7. An automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a driven turntable (604) connected to a rotating shaft (608). A support frame (609) is rotatably mounted on the outside of the driven turntable (604). The support frame (609) is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of a support platform (601). An arc-shaped cam (605) is rotatably mounted inside the support platform (601). A drive motor (606) is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the support platform (601). The arc-shaped cam (605) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (606). A plurality of rollers that cooperate with the arc-shaped cam (605) are mounted on the bottom of the driven turntable (604). A locking arc is provided on the contour surface of the arc-shaped cam (605).

8. An automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The switching mechanism (18) includes a mounting base (1803) slidably disposed on the surface of the rotating shaft (608). A supporting turntable (1802) is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the mounting base (1803). A driving cylinder (1801) is installed on the inner wall of the support platform (601). The supporting turntable (1802) is fixedly connected to the output end of the driving cylinder (1801). Several docking rods (1804) are fixed at the top and bottom of the mounting base (1803). A docking sleeve (607) is fixed inside the driven turntable (604). Several docking slots for the docking rods (1804) to be inserted are opened in the docking sleeve (607). An arc-shaped guide surface is provided at the position of the docking rod (1804) opposite to the docking slot.

9. An automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner wall of the mounting base (1803) is provided with multiple protruding limiting ridges, and the surface of the rotating shaft (608) is provided with multiple limiting grooves for the limiting ridges to slide.

10. An automatic ball-head plunger assembly machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The purging mechanism (19) includes an annular air pipe (1902) fixed inside the support platform (601). The annular air pipe (1902) is located outside the docking sleeve (607). An air supply cylinder (1903) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the support platform (601). The air outlet of the air supply cylinder (1903) is connected to the air inlet of the annular air pipe (1902) through an air supply hose (1905). A piston rod (1904) is slidably installed inside the air supply cylinder (1903). A rotating protrusion (1901) is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft (608) at a position opposite to the piston rod (1904).

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