Intermittent step feed drive for fastener machining

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of fastener processing, and particularly relates to an intermittent step feed driving device for fastener processing, which comprises a flatness detection mechanism, after a workpiece is placed on a processing table, pressure is transmitted to an internal detection assembly of a balance plate, when a plane is inclined, the stress state of different position detection elements changes, an electric signal changes accordingly, and an abnormal signal is recognized by a controller to trigger an alarm to prompt a staff, without stopping the machine and disassembling the equipment, without manual repeated checking with external measuring tools, the plane inclination problem that is difficult to identify by naked eyes can be captured in time, after receiving the alarm prompt, the staff can adjust the posture of the balance plate through an adjusting assembly to compensate and correct the balance plate, eliminate the adverse effects caused by the inclination of the worktable, avoid the fastener workpiece from being inclined with the worktable, reduce the processing defects caused by the abnormal flatness, stabilize the fastener processing quality, reduce the production of defective products, and be suitable for long-time continuous processing production conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fastener processing technology, specifically to an intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing. Background Technology

[0002] In the cold heading, cutting, and tapping processes of fasteners, intermittent feed drive devices are commonly used to sequentially transport the workpieces to various processing stations, achieving automated continuous production. CN215142266U discloses an intermittent rotary nut inspection machine. This device uses a divider to drive the rotary table to achieve intermittent workpiece transport, and relies on a pallet to support the fastener workpieces to complete the inspection operation, which can meet the basic requirements of intermittent transport of fasteners. However, this existing solution can only realize the transfer of workpieces, and the worktable itself does not have a real-time flatness detection function.

[0003] In batch processing of fasteners, the worktable of the feed device is prone to tilting after long-term vibration and impact, accumulated assembly errors, and component wear. Due to the lack of effective online detection methods, operators find it difficult to detect even minor tilting deviations in a timely manner. When the worktable develops flatness defects, the fasteners placed on it will skew, causing a shift in the force direction of subsequent stamping and cutting processes. This directly leads to dimensional errors in fastener processing, non-perpendicular thread alignment, and an increased scrap rate.

[0004] Currently, the industry mainly relies on manual measurement of the worktable flatness after machine shutdown, which requires interrupting the production line, resulting in low inspection efficiency and the inability to achieve online real-time early warning. Once the worktable tilts, defective workpieces will continue to be produced undetected, leading to significant material waste and severely restricting the yield and production efficiency of fastener finished products. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an intermittent stepper feed drive device for fastener processing that can detect the flatness of the worktable online. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing, comprising a base, a profile column and a hydraulic cylinder fixedly mounted on the top of the base, a slide rail provided on the profile column, a lifting frame slidably mounted on the slide rail, a lifting plate fixedly connected to the lifting frame, and the lifting plate connected to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder; a balance plate and a processing table provided on the top of the lifting plate, a flatness detection mechanism and a buffer mechanism provided inside the balance plate, and a clamping mechanism provided inside the processing table; The profile column is also equipped with a cylinder connector, which is fitted with a limit switch. The output end of the limit switch is connected to a stepping rod. The side of the lifting frame is provided with a sliding groove, and a movable rod is slidably arranged in the sliding groove. A contact conductive sheet is provided on the movable rod.

[0007] Furthermore, the flatness detection mechanism includes several sets of mounting slots, telescopic springs, pins, conductive blocks, arc-shaped rubber pads, resistance plates, and ammeters inside the balance plate. A telescopic spring is fixed to the bottom of each mounting slot, and a pin is connected to the top of the spring. A conductive block is fixed to the top of the pin, and an arc-shaped rubber pad is provided on the top surface of the conductive block, extending 2mm beyond the upper surface of the mounting slot. A resistance plate that slides with the conductive block is provided on the wall of each mounting slot. Each mounting slot corresponds to one ammeter. The conductive block, resistance plate, and ammeter form a set of detection elements, and multiple sets of detection elements are connected in parallel to an external power supply. An alarm is provided on the base, and each ammeter is electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller, while the output terminal of the controller is connected to the alarm.

[0008] Furthermore, a miniature cylinder is installed at the bottom of the lifting plate. The output end of the miniature cylinder passes through the lifting plate and is connected to a buffer column. The top of the buffer column is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the balance plate. The miniature cylinder receives a signal from the controller to drive the buffer column to extend and retract, thereby compensating for and adjusting the levelness of the balance plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the buffer mechanism includes buffer chambers, airbags, limiting blocks, one-way valve one, one-way valve two, an air inlet pipe, an air outlet pipe, and air valves, all located on the left and right sides inside the balance plate. An airbag is arranged at the bottom of the buffer chamber, and a limiting block is installed at the top of the buffer chamber. One-way valve one and one-way valve two are assembled at the bottom of the balance plate. An air valve is provided on the cylinder connector, and the air valve is connected to one-way valve one through the air inlet pipe and to one-way valve two through the air outlet pipe, respectively. The air inlet rate of one-way valve one is greater than the air outlet rate of one-way valve two. An installation groove is provided on the movable rod, and a slip ring is installed in the installation groove. The air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe pass through the slip ring. The contact conductive plate on the movable rod cooperates with a contact switch on the balance plate, and the contact switch controls the opening and closing of one-way valve one.

[0010] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes an adjustment groove, a slider, a flexible clamping plate, an electromagnet, a connecting rod, and a magnetic plate. An adjustment groove is provided on the processing table, and a slider is slidably assembled within the adjustment groove. The flexible clamping plate is fixed to the upper end of the slider, and an electromagnet is built into the slider. A connecting rod is fixed to the side of the movable rod, and a magnetic plate is installed on the connecting rod. When the electromagnet is energized, the side adjacent to the magnetic plate exhibits mutual repulsion. When the contact conductive piece is connected to the contact switch, the electromagnet is energized, and the magnetic repulsion force drives the slider to move the flexible clamping plate to clamp the fastener. When the contact conductive piece disengages from the contact switch, the electromagnet is de-energized, and the clamping is released.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting frame is provided with multiple equally spaced assembly joints on its side. The hydraulic cylinder drives the lifting frame to rise and fall along the slide rail, so that the stepping push rod can be inserted into the assembly joints at different heights to realize intermittent stepping feed drive. The cylinder connector is connected to an external air compressor to provide compressed air source for the air valve and air bag.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This intermittent stepper feed drive for fastener processing, through the setting of a flatness detection mechanism, after the workpiece is placed on the processing table, the pressure is transmitted to the detection component inside the balance plate. When the plane tilts, the force state of the detection elements at different positions changes, and the electrical signal changes accordingly. After the controller recognizes the abnormal signal, it triggers an alarm to prompt the operator. There is no need to stop the machine and disassemble the equipment, and no need for manual repeated verification with external measuring tools. It can promptly capture plane tilt problems that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. After receiving the alarm prompt, the operator can compensate and correct the posture of the balance plate by adjusting the component, eliminating the adverse effects of the worktable tilt, preventing the fastener workpiece from tilting with the worktable, reducing processing defects caused by abnormal flatness, stabilizing the fastener processing quality, reducing the generation of defective products, and making it suitable for long-term continuous processing production conditions.

[0013] 2. The intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing has a buffer mechanism. After the feed mechanism is triggered, the buffer mechanism starts working synchronously. Compressed gas enters the air bladder inside the buffer chamber. The air bladder is inflated and expands to form an elastic buffer area. The mechanical vibration generated during the processing can be effectively absorbed and eliminated by the air bladder, reducing the transmission of vibration to the worktable and the entire machine frame, and mitigating the negative impact of processing impact.

[0014] 3. This intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing achieves linkage control of the mechanical movement of the step feed by setting up a clamping mechanism. It does not require an additional independent drive cylinder as a clamping power source. When the feed push rod extends to perform the feeding action, the circuit is turned on, and the clamping plate is driven to move by magnetic repulsion to complete the clamping and positioning of the fastener. After the feed push rod retracts and resets, the clamping force is automatically released. The clamping action and the step feed process are completed synchronously, which simplifies the overall air circuit and circuit layout of the equipment, reduces the number of components, and lowers the equipment manufacturing cost.

[0015] 4. The intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing adopts an intermittent step feed drive structure. It relies on the hydraulic cylinder to drive the lifting frame to lift as a whole. With the cooperation of the step push rod and multiple sets of assembly joints, intermittent feeding is achieved. It can be adapted to the production process of continuous processing of fasteners in multiple processes, ensure the orderly flow of workpieces, and improve the production continuity of the entire fastener processing process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting frame installation structure of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the balance plate structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer column installation structure of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the lifting plate of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a side sectional view of the balance plate of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a side sectional view of the processing table of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Profile column; 201. Slide rail; 202. Lifting frame; 203. Cylinder connector; 204. Limit switch; 205. Stepper rod; 206. Assembly joint; 207. Movable rod; 208. Contact conductive sheet; 209. Contact switch; 210. Connecting rod; 211. Magnetic plate; 212. Slide groove; 3. Hydraulic cylinder; 301. Lifting plate; 302. Miniature cylinder; 303. Buffer column; 304. Balance plate; 305. Safety pin. 306. Groove; 307. Arc-shaped rubber pad; 308. Conductive block; 309. Ejector pin; 310. Telescopic spring; 311. Ammeter; 312. Resistance plate; 4. Processing table; 401. Adjustment groove; 402. Slider; 403. Flexible clamping plate; 404. Buffer chamber; 405. Limiting block; 406. Airbag; 407. One-way valve one; 408. One-way valve two; 409. Air inlet pipe; 410. Air outlet pipe; 411. Mounting groove; 412. Slip ring; 413. Air valve. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below 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.

[0020] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] Please see Figures 1-10 This invention provides a technical solution: an intermittent stepping feed drive device for fastener processing, comprising a base 1, which serves as the foundation for the entire machine. A profile column 2 and a hydraulic cylinder 3 are fixedly mounted on the top of the base 1. The profile column 2 is vertically arranged, and a slide rail 201 is provided on its surface, extending along the height of the profile column 2. A lifting frame 202 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 201, and the lifting frame 202 can slide vertically along the slide rail 201. A lifting plate 301 is fixedly connected to the upper part of the lifting frame 202, and the lifting plate 301 is horizontally arranged. The bottom center of the lifting plate 301 is connected to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder 3, and the hydraulic cylinder 3 outputs power to drive the lifting plate 301 and the lifting frame 202 together to move up and down along the slide rail 201.

[0022] A cylinder connector 203 is also fixedly installed on the side wall of the profile column 2. A limit switch 204 is mounted on the cylinder connector 203. The output end of the limit switch 204 is connected to a stepping push rod 205, which can extend and retract horizontally. A sliding groove 212 is opened on the side of the lifting frame 202. The sliding groove 212 is arranged horizontally. A movable rod 207 is installed inside the sliding groove 212. The movable rod 207 and the sliding groove 212 form a sliding pair, and the movable rod 207 can slide back and forth inside the sliding groove 212. The front end of the movable rod 207 is provided with a contact conductive plate 208, and several assembly joints 206 are arranged on the side of the lifting frame 202. The multiple assembly joints 206 are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction. When the hydraulic cylinder 3 drives the lifting frame 202 to adjust the height, the stepping push rod 205 extends and can connect with the assembly joints 206 at different height positions. By relying on the stepping push rod 205 to push the assembly joints 206, the lifting frame 202 can achieve intermittent stepping feeding action.

[0023] A balance plate 304 is installed above the lifting plate 301, positioned between the lifting plate 301 and the processing table 4. The processing table 4 is mounted above the balance plate 304 and is used to support the fastener workpiece to be processed. A contact switch 209 is installed on the lower surface of the balance plate 304. The installation position of the contact switch 209 corresponds to the position of the contact conductive piece 208 on the movable rod 207. When the movable rod 207 extends outward, the contact conductive piece 208 can abut against the contact switch 209 to achieve circuit conduction. After the movable rod 207 retracts, the two separate, and the circuit is broken. A connecting rod 210 is fixed to the side of the movable rod 207, and a magnetic plate 211 is installed on the connecting rod 210. The magnetic plate 211 moves horizontally synchronously with the movable rod 207.

[0024] A miniature cylinder 302 is mounted at the bottom of the lifting plate 301. The output end of the miniature cylinder 302 extends upward through the lifting plate 301 and is connected to a buffer column 303. The upper end of the buffer column 303 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the balance plate 304. The miniature cylinder 302 can drive the buffer column 303 to extend and retract. By changing the extension length of the buffer column 303, the support height of the balance plate 304 at different positions can be adjusted, thereby correcting the horizontal posture of the balance plate 304.

[0025] The balance plate 304 is internally equipped with a flatness detection mechanism, which includes multiple sets of distributed mounting slots 305. These slots 305 are located inside the balance plate 304 and are arranged in an array. A telescopic spring 309 is fixedly installed at the bottom of each mounting slot 305. The telescopic springs 309 are vertically arranged, and a pin 308 is connected to the top of each spring. The pin 308 can slide vertically along the inner cavity of the mounting slot 305. A conductive block 307 is fixed to the upper end of the pin 308. An arc-shaped rubber pad 306 is provided on the upper surface of the conductive block 307, protruding outward from the upper opening of the mounting slot 305. A resistance plate 311 is installed on the inner wall of the mounting slot 305. The conductive block 307 slides in contact with the resistance plate 311. When the conductive block 307 moves up and down, the contact position between the conductive block 307 and the resistance plate 311 changes accordingly. Each set of mounting slots 305 is equipped with a galvanometer 310. The conductive block 307, the resistance plate 311, and the galvanometer 310 constitute an independent detection element. All detection elements are connected in parallel to the external power supply circuit. An alarm is arranged on the base 1. Each galvanometer 310 is electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the output terminal of the controller is connected to the alarm. After the workpiece is placed on the surface of the processing table 4, the pressure is transmitted downward. The processing table 4 presses against the balance plate 304, and the arc-shaped rubber pad 306 is displaced downward under the pressure, which in turn drives the ejector pin 308 and the conductive block 307 to move downward, compressing the telescopic spring 309. If the balance plate 304 is in a horizontal state, the downward pressure of the ejector pins 308 at all positions tends to be consistent, and the electrical signals output by each detection element remain uniform. Once the balance plate 304 tilts, the compression of the ejector pins 308 at different positions will differ, resulting in differences in the electrical signals output by the corresponding detection elements. After the controller recognizes the abnormal signal, it can drive the alarm to issue a warning. Based on the alarm signal, the operator manipulates the micro cylinder 302 to extend and retract the buffer column 303, adjusting the height of the support point of the balance plate 304 to correct the tilt of the balance plate 304 and ensure that the processing table 4 is in a horizontal working state.

[0026] The balance plate 304 also has a buffer mechanism inside, which includes buffer cavities 404 on the left and right sides of the balance plate 304. A limit block 405 is fixed to the top of the inner cavity of the buffer cavity 404, and an airbag 406 is placed at the bottom of the inner cavity of the buffer cavity 404. The limit block 405 can limit the maximum upward expansion stroke of the airbag 406 to prevent the airbag 406 from being damaged by excessive deformation. One-way valve 407 and one-way valve 408 are respectively installed at the bottom of the balance plate 304. A valve 413 is installed on the cylinder connector 203. The valve 413 is connected to an external air supply source and is connected to the air inlet pipe 409 and the air outlet pipe 410 respectively. An installation groove 411 is provided on the movable rod 207. A slip ring 412 is installed inside the installation groove 411. The air inlet pipe 409 and the air outlet pipe 410 pass through the interior of the slip ring 412. The slip ring 412 can adapt to the sliding movement of the movable rod 207 to prevent the pipeline from twisting and wearing due to the reciprocating movement of the movable rod 207. The air inlet pipe 409 is connected to one-way valve 407, and the air outlet pipe 410 is connected to one-way valve 408. One-way valve 407 and one-way valve 408 control the gas filling and gas discharge, respectively. Contact switch 209 and one-way valve 407 are electrically linked. When contact conductive plate 208 contacts contact switch 209, one-way valve 407 opens. Compressed gas from the air supply source is filled into airbag 406 through air valve 413, air inlet pipe 409, and one-way valve 407. Airbag 406 is inflated in buffer chamber 404 to absorb vibration and impact generated during processing. One-way valve 408 remains open, and gas inside airbag 406 can be continuously discharged to maintain dynamic air pressure inside airbag 406 and achieve continuous buffering effect.

[0027] A clamping mechanism is arranged on the processing table 4. An adjustment groove 401 is opened on the surface of the processing table 4. A slider 402 is slidably assembled inside the adjustment groove 401. A flexible clamping plate 403 is fixed to the upper end of the slider 402. An electromagnet is built into the slider 402. A magnetic plate 211 is fixed to the connecting rod 210 on the side of the movable rod 207. After the electromagnet is energized, the electromagnet and the opposite side of the magnetic plate 211 generate a repulsive magnetic force. When the movable rod 207 extends outward, the contact conductive plate 208 and the contact switch 209 are connected, and the internal electromagnet is simultaneously energized. Relying on the magnetic repulsion, the slider 402 is pushed to slide along the adjustment groove 401, which drives the flexible clamping plate 403 to move, thereby clamping and positioning the fastener placed on the processing table 4. When the movable rod 207 retracts, the contact conductive plate 208 disengages from the contact switch 209, the electromagnet is de-energized, the repulsive magnetic force disappears, and the clamping constraint is released. The flexible clamping plate 403 adopts a soft contact structure, which avoids squeezing damage to the surface of the fastener while clamping and fastening the workpiece.

[0028] After the entire device is assembled, the cylinder connector 203 is connected to an external air supply device to provide compressed air to the air valve 413 and the air bag 406. The controller arranged on the base 1 is electrically connected to the limit switch 204, the ammeter 310, the miniature cylinder 302, the alarm, and the contact switch 209 to coordinate the action sequence between the various mechanisms. The entire device integrates feed drive, online flatness detection, vibration damping, and workpiece clamping into one unit. The various mechanisms are linked by the sliding action of the movable rod 207, eliminating the need for too many independent drive components. The overall structure of the equipment is compact and easy to install at the fastener processing station.

[0029] Working principle: In actual operation, the fastener workpiece to be processed is first placed on the bearing surface of the processing table 4, the equipment is connected to the external power supply and air supply, and the whole machine enters the standby state.

[0030] Before the formal processing begins, the flatness detection mechanism first completes the plane condition detection. The workpiece is placed on the processing table 4, and its own weight applies downward pressure. The load is transferred to the balance plate 304, and the arc-shaped rubber pads 306 arranged in an array inside the balance plate 304 bear the pressure, causing the ejector pins 308 and conductive blocks 307 to compress the telescopic springs 309 downward. The conductive blocks 307 generate relative sliding displacement along the resistance plate 311. If the balance plate 304 and the processing table 4 are in an ideal horizontal state, the downward stroke of the ejector pins 308 at all points is consistent, and the electrical signal values ​​output by each set of detection elements tend to be uniform. After receiving the signal, the controller determines that the plane condition is normal, and the equipment can enter the feed processing flow. If the equipment has experienced assembly misalignment or wear of parts after long-term operation, causing the balance plate 304 to tilt, the ejector pins 308 at different positions will experience different degrees of compression, resulting in differences in the position of the conductive blocks 307 on the resistance plate 311, and significant deviations in the electrical signals collected by each ammeter 310. The controller compares the collected signals with the preset benchmark state. Upon detecting an abnormal signal, the alarm on the control base 1 sounds an alarm. After receiving the alarm, the operator can manipulate the micro cylinder 302 to drive the buffer column 303 to extend and retract, finely adjusting the support height of the balance plate 304 at the corresponding position, changing the tilt posture of the balance plate 304 until the output signals of each group of detection elements of the flatness detection mechanism return to consistency, completing the horizontal correction and avoiding problems such as workpiece skewing and poor processing caused by the tilt of the worktable.

[0031] After the planar calibration is completed, the equipment starts the intermittent step feed process. The step push rod 205 is extended outward by the limit switch 204. The step push rod 205 pushes the movable rod 207 to slide horizontally inside the slide groove 212. During the outward extension of the movable rod 207, the contact conductive piece 208 on the movable rod 207 gradually approaches and presses against the contact switch 209 at the bottom of the balance plate 304, and the circuit is turned on. After the circuit is turned on, two mechanisms are triggered simultaneously. On the one hand, the electromagnet inside the slider 402 is energized, and a repulsive magnetic force is generated between the electromagnet and the magnetic plate 211. The magnetic force pushes the slider 402 to slide along the adjustment groove 401 on the processing table 4. The slider 402 drives the flexible clamping plate 403 to move towards the workpiece side, completing the clamping and limiting of the fastener workpiece. On the other hand, the contact switch 209 controls the one-way valve 407 to open. The compressed gas from the external air source passes through the air valve 413, the air inlet pipe 409, and the slip ring 412 before being filled into the airbag 406 through the one-way valve 407. The airbag 406 is inflated inside the buffer chamber 404. The limiting block 405 restricts the maximum expansion position of the airbag 406, and the airbag 406 forms an elastic buffer layer. One-way valve 408 remains open, and the gas inside airbag 406 is continuously discharged to the outside through air outlet pipe 410. Air intake and exhaust occur simultaneously, and airbag 406 maintains a stable buffer pressure. In subsequent fastener cutting and stamping processes, the impact vibration generated during processing can be effectively absorbed by airbag 406, weakening the transmission of vibration to the entire machine frame, suppressing workpiece position displacement, and reducing the wear and tear on various components caused by vibration impact.

[0032] The hydraulic cylinder 3 drives the lifting frame 202 to move vertically up and down along the slide rail 201 on the profile column 2. The side of the lifting frame 202 is provided with multiple sets of assembly joints 206 arranged vertically. As the height of the lifting frame 202 changes, the stepping push rod 205 can be aligned with the assembly joints 206 at different heights. The stepping push rod 205 extends into the assembly joint 206 to complete the docking, thereby realizing the intermittent stepping conveying of the lifting frame 202 together with the processing table 4, and sequentially conveying the clamped and positioned fasteners to each processing station to complete multiple processing steps.

[0033] After a single-step feed machining operation is completed, the limit switch 204 drives the stepper rod 205 to retract, and the stepper rod 205 drives the movable rod 207 to reset inward along the slide groove 212. The contact conductive plate 208 and the contact switch 209 separate, and the circuit is broken. The electromagnet is then de-energized, the repulsive force between the electromagnet and the magnetic plate 211 disappears, and the clamping mechanism no longer applies clamping constraints to the workpiece. At the same time, the one-way valve 407 closes, and compressed gas is no longer supplied to the airbag 406. The remaining gas inside the airbag 406 continues to be discharged from the other one-way valve 408, and the buffer mechanism is deactivated. At this point, the workpiece has completed the machining of one station and is waiting for the next step feed cycle.

[0034] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0035] 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 intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing, comprising a base (1), wherein a profile column (2) and a hydraulic cylinder (3) are fixedly mounted on the top of the base (1), a slide rail (201) is provided on the profile column (2), a lifting frame (202) is slidably mounted on the slide rail (201), a lifting plate (301) is fixedly connected to the lifting frame (202), and the lifting plate (301) is connected to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder (3), characterized in that: The top of the lifting plate (301) is fixedly provided with a balance plate (304) and a processing table (4). The balance plate (304) is provided with a flatness detection mechanism and a buffer mechanism inside, and the processing table (4) is provided with a clamping mechanism inside. The profile column (2) is also equipped with a cylinder connector (203), the cylinder connector (203) is equipped with a limit switch (204), the output end of the limit switch (204) is connected to a stepping push rod (205), the lifting frame (202) has a sliding groove (212) on its side, a movable rod (207) is slidably provided in the sliding groove (212), and a contact conductive sheet (208) is provided on the movable rod (207).

2. The intermittent stepper feed drive device for fastener processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flatness detection mechanism includes several sets of mounting slots (305) formed inside the balance plate (304), a telescopic spring (309), a pin (308), a conductive block (307), an arc-shaped rubber pad (306), a resistance plate (311), and a galvanometer (310). The bottom of each set of mounting slots (305) is fixed with a telescopic spring (309), the top of the telescopic spring (309) is connected to the pin (308), the upper end of the pin (308) is fixed with a conductive block (307), and the top surface of the conductive block (307) is... An arc-shaped rubber pad (306) is provided. The groove wall of the mounting groove (305) is provided with a resistance plate (311) that slides with the conductive block (307). Each mounting groove (305) is configured with a current meter (310). The conductive block (307), the resistance plate (311), and the current meter (310) form a set of detection elements. Multiple sets of detection elements are connected in parallel to an external power supply. An alarm is provided on the base (1). Each current meter (310) is electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the output terminal of the controller is connected to the alarm.

3. The intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing according to claim 2, characterized in that: A miniature cylinder (302) is installed at the bottom of the lifting plate (301). The output end of the miniature cylinder (302) passes through the lifting plate (301) and is connected to the buffer column (303). The top of the buffer column (303) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the balance plate (304). The miniature cylinder (302) receives the controller signal to drive the buffer column (303) to extend and retract, thereby compensating for and adjusting the level of the balance plate (304).

4. The intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer mechanism includes buffer chambers (404) located on the left and right sides inside the balance plate (304), an airbag (406), a limiting block (405), a one-way valve (407), a one-way valve (408), an air inlet pipe (409), an air outlet pipe (410), and an air valve (413). The airbag (406) is arranged at the bottom of the buffer chamber (404), and the limiting block (405) is set at the top of the buffer chamber (404). The one-way valve (407) and the one-way valve (408) are assembled at the bottom of the balance plate (304). The second valve (408) is provided with a valve (413) on the cylinder connector (203). The movable rod (207) has an installation groove (411). A slip ring (412) is installed in the installation groove (411). The air inlet pipe (409) and the air outlet pipe (410) pass through the slip ring (412). The contact conductive plate (208) on the movable rod (207) cooperates with the contact switch (209) on the balance plate (304). The contact switch (209) controls the opening and closing of the first check valve (407).

5. The intermittent stepper feed drive device for fastener processing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air valve (413) is connected to one-way valve one (407) through the air inlet pipe (409) and to one-way valve two (408) through the air outlet pipe (410), and the air inlet rate of one-way valve one (407) is greater than the air outlet rate of one-way valve two (408).

6. The intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism includes an adjustment groove (401), a slider (402), a flexible clamping plate (403), an electromagnet, a connecting rod (210), and a magnetic plate (211). The adjustment groove (401) is provided on the processing table (4). The slider (402) is slidably assembled in the adjustment groove (401). The flexible clamping plate (403) is fixed at the upper end of the slider (402). An electromagnet is built into the slider (402). The connecting rod (210) is fixed on the side of the movable rod (207). The magnetic plate (211) is installed on the connecting rod (210). When the electromagnet is energized, the side adjacent to the magnetic plate (211) is mutually repulsive. When the contact conductive piece (208) is connected to the contact switch (209), the electromagnet is energized. The slider (402) is driven by the magnetic repulsion force to drive the flexible clamping plate (403) to clamp the fastener. The contact conductive piece (208) is disengaged from the contact switch (209), the electromagnet is de-energized, and the clamping is released.

7. The intermittent stepper feed drive device for fastener processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting frame (202) has multiple equally spaced assembly joints (206) on its side. The hydraulic cylinder (3) drives the lifting frame (202) to rise and fall along the slide rail (201), so that the stepping push rod (205) can be inserted into the assembly joints (206) at different heights to realize intermittent stepping feed drive.

8. The intermittent step feed drive device for fastener processing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cylinder connector (203) is connected to an external air compressor to provide compressed air for the air valve (413) and air bag (406).

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