An art knife knob pusher assembly device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of art knife knob pusher assembly equipment, be equipped with spring piece assembly station, knob assembly station and the base conveying mechanism of the base from spring piece assembly station is conveyed to knob assembly station;In the spring piece assembly station, a posture limiting piece is configured, the posture limiting piece is matched with the spring piece insertion slot on the base to form a spring piece insertion path, and the spring piece is configured to be inserted into the spring piece insertion slot along the spring piece insertion path in a set posture;A spring piece pressing device is configured between the spring piece assembly station and the knob assembly station, and during the conveying process of the spring piece, the spring piece pressing device presses the outer end of the spring piece in a manner that the outer end is closer to the base than it is at the spring piece assembly station, and the knob assembly station maintains this pressing state so that the stud of the knob passes through the through hole on the spring piece and is screwed with the base.The application can improve the assembly efficiency of the knob pusher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated assembly equipment technology, specifically to an assembly device for a utility knife knob pusher. Background Technology

[0002] Utility knives are common tools widely used in handicrafts, art, and everyday assembly / disassembly work. The knob handle is a key component in utility knives, controlling the extension and locking of the blade. This component typically consists of three parts: a base, a spring, and a rotating nut. The base has a slot and a threaded hole. One end of the spring has an insertion end for inserting into the slot, and the middle has a through hole. The rotating nut passes through the through hole of the spring and screws into the threaded hole of the base, thus adjustingly pressing the spring against the base to lock and release the blade position.

[0003] Currently, the assembly of these small, precision components still largely relies on manual or semi-automatic methods. Manual assembly suffers from low efficiency, poor consistency, and fatigue, and prolonged operation can lead to unstable product quality. While some existing semi-automatic assembly equipment can automatically feed some parts, it still has shortcomings in the overall assembly process, especially in the sequential assembly and precise positioning of multiple parts. For example, after accurately inserting the spring into the slot of the base, it is necessary to ensure that the rotating nut can be smoothly aligned and screwed into the threaded hole. This process requires high precision in the orientation and position of the parts, as well as coordination of the assembly rhythm. Existing equipment often experiences problems such as jamming, inaccurate alignment, and unsatisfactory assembly success rate.

[0004] Furthermore, on continuous automated assembly lines, ensuring a smooth and orderly transfer of the base from the feeding track to the assembly track, while avoiding interference, accumulation, or misalignment of parts during the transfer, is a key issue affecting assembly efficiency and reliability. Current technologies often employ fixed guides or simple mechanical pushing for transitions between tracks, making it difficult to achieve accurate and switchable connections and cycle time control between different workstations, easily leading to production bottlenecks.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an automated assembly device for utility knife knob pushers to improve assembly efficiency, ensure assembly quality, and achieve stable connection and precise positioning of each part during continuous assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems of low assembly efficiency and assembly quality in existing utility knife knob pusher assembly processes, this invention provides a utility knife knob pusher assembly device. Its purpose is to achieve efficient, stable, and reliable automated assembly.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a utility knife knob pusher assembly device, wherein the utility knife knob pusher includes a base, a spring, and a knob, the knob having a stud that is threadedly engaged with the base, and the spring having a plug-in end that is inserted into the base and a through hole through which the stud passes; the utility knife knob pusher assembly device is equipped with a spring assembly station, a knob assembly station, and a base conveying mechanism for conveying the base from the spring assembly station to the knob assembly station; An attitude limiting component is provided at the spring assembly station. The attitude limiting component cooperates with the spring insertion slot on the base to form a spring insertion path. The spring is configured to be inserted into the spring insertion slot along the spring insertion path in a set attitude. A spring-loaded pressing device is provided between the spring assembly station and the knob assembly station. During the conveying process of the spring, the spring-loaded pressing device presses against the outer end of the spring in such a way that the outer end of the spring is closer to the base than it is at the spring assembly station. And at the knob assembly station, the pressing state is maintained so that the stud of the knob passes through the through hole on the spring and engages with the base.

[0008] By using a "posture limiter" at the spring assembly station to cooperate with the insertion slot on the base to form a defined "spring insertion path," the spring is forcibly guided to be inserted in a precise, set posture. This feature avoids the uncertainty of the spring's angle and position during manual or simple fixture assembly, providing a standardized and high-precision initial state for all subsequent processes, which is the primary foundation for ensuring the reliability of the entire assembly process.

[0009] Throughout the entire transport and assembly process, from the completion of the spring assembly to the completion of the knob locking, the "spring pressing device" continuously acts on the outer end of the spring, keeping it in a stable posture closer to the base (i.e., a pre-compression state). This feature, in conjunction with the aforementioned precise initial assembly, solves the key problem of the spring swaying, rebounding, or changing posture during transport due to its own elasticity. Its technical effect is that when the base arrives at the knob assembly station, the through-hole position on the spring is reliably fixed, creating the necessary conditions for the smooth, interference-free passage of the knob stud, directly ensuring the smooth progress and success rate of knob assembly.

[0010] The "base conveying mechanism" organically connects the two core workstations, enabling the automatic transfer of parts carried by the base between workstations. The "attitude limiting component" solves the problem of "accurate installation," while the "spring-loaded pressing device" solves the problem of "stable transport and stable holding." Together, they ensure that the workpiece is transported to the final workstation in the correct and stable state. The "spring-loaded pressing device" maintains a pressing state at the knob assembly station, providing a stable force base for the knob's closing action at the final moment. These three features are interconnected, forming a complete automation solution that seamlessly integrates multiple actions (insertion, pressing, conveying, and final assembly) that might otherwise be step-by-step and dependent on manual intervention into a coherent and automated process.

[0011] Automated processes significantly reduce assembly time and manual labor reliance on individual products, thereby improving production efficiency. Simultaneously, the forced constraints of mechanical structures and pathways completely eliminate quality fluctuations caused by human operation, ensuring a high degree of consistency in the assembly state of each product (such as spring preload angle and knob locking position), significantly improving the stability of assembly quality and product reliability.

[0012] Furthermore, the spring sheet pressing device includes a limiting groove. During the conveying process of the spring sheet, the spring sheet passes through the limiting groove and is pressed by the inner wall of the limiting groove to elastically deform towards the base under the constraint of the insertion end.

[0013] Furthermore, the spring-loaded pressing device also includes a guide surface, which facilitates contact with the spring-loaded piece before it enters the limiting groove and guides it to bend and deform towards the base.

[0014] Furthermore, the base conveying mechanism includes: The base track is used to support and transport the base. An assembly track is provided at the spring assembly station and is staggered with the base track. The connecting rail is movably positioned between the base rail and the assembly rail; The connecting track is configured to move between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the connecting rail is connected to the base rail, and the base can enter the connecting rail from the base rail and be blocked by the assembly rail; In the second position, the connecting rail is connected to the assembly rail, and the base can enter the assembly rail from the connecting rail, while the base in the base rail is blocked by the connecting rail.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, a "buffer-gate" mechanism is cleverly constructed using a connecting track that can move between two workstations. When the connecting track is in the first position, it can receive and temporarily store individual bases from the continuously fed base track; when switching to the second position, it precisely guides the temporarily stored bases into the assembly track. This design fundamentally decouples the continuous feeding process from the rhythmic assembly process, ensuring the singular and orderly supply of parts on the assembly line, effectively preventing the accumulation, collision, and misalignment of parts at the transfer and handover points, laying a stable foundation for subsequent high-precision assembly, and significantly improving the orderliness and reliability of the entire assembly process.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a transition drive, the drive end of which is connected to the connecting rail and is used to drive the connecting rail to switch between the first position and the second position.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution and adding a transition drive component, precise and reliable automated switching of the connecting track between two key positions is achieved. This replaces manual or simple mechanical intervention, making the connection between material feeding and assembly rhythm completely controllable, ensuring the continuity and stability of equipment operation, and serving as the core driving guarantee for achieving fully automated and efficient assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, the assembly track and the base track are parallel to each other and stacked one on top of the other.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the assembly track and the base track for feeding are arranged in a parallel layout, making the overall structure of the equipment more compact and reducing the space occupied. This layout is conducive to the linear planning of the production line, simplifies the transmission path of parts from feeding to assembly, and then to unloading or the next stage, and facilitates the integration of equipment and its placement on the production line.

[0020] The use of a stacked, three-dimensional layout further optimizes space utilization, making the equipment more compact in the vertical direction. This design spatially separates the material supply flow from the assembly flow, reducing the possibility of mutual interference, and also provides clear movement space for the lifting and switching of the connecting rails.

[0021] Furthermore, the base track and the assembly track are located in the same plane, and the connecting track is parallel to both the base track and the assembly track.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, all main transmission tracks are placed on the same plane, simplifying the equipment's structure and motion logic. The connecting tracks only need to translate within the same plane to complete position switching, making the drive and control methods simpler and more direct. This helps reduce the equipment's manufacturing complexity and maintenance costs, and improves operational stability.

[0023] The connecting track remains parallel to both side tracks, ensuring a smooth and unobstructed straight-line connection with the docking track regardless of whether it is in the first or second position. This minimizes the risk of jamming caused by track misalignment or angular deviation during parts transfer, guaranteeing smooth transmission.

[0024] Furthermore, in the first position, the base within the connecting track is blocked by the end face of the assembly track; in the second position, the adapter drive drives the connecting track to move to be flush with the assembly track, and the base within the base track is blocked by the end face of the connecting track.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, a mechanism for physical blocking using the track end face is specifically defined for the connecting track at different positions. In the first position, the assembled track end face acts as a stop, ensuring the base is accurately positioned within the connecting track; in the second position, the raised connecting track end face acts as a new stop, preventing subsequent parts from following into the base track. This blocking method utilizing the track's own structure is simple and reliable, eliminating the need for additional complex stopping mechanisms, reducing costs and failure rates, while simultaneously achieving precise positioning of parts.

[0026] Furthermore, it also includes a spring clip loading mechanism, the spring clip loading mechanism comprising: Spring guide rail is used to orient and transport springs to a spring picking station; A limiting component, located at the exit end of the spring guide rail, is used to block and limit the first spring at the spring pick-up station; and A gripping component is used to pick up the first spring piece blocked by the limiting component and remove it from the spring piece guide rail; Wherein, after the clamping component picks up the spring piece, the limiting component releases its obstruction of the first spring piece and simultaneously blocks and limits the subsequent second spring piece.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting component and the gripping component form a coordinated "pick-up-limiting" cycle mechanism. This mechanism forcibly transforms the continuously conveyed spring feed into a precise, single-piece supply rhythm. In each action, the limiting component ensures that only one spring is precisely positioned at the pick-up station. After the gripping component completes the pick-up, the limiting component immediately switches its blocking object, thereby achieving reliable separation and orderly supply of springs. This fundamentally avoids the problems of multiple springs accumulating, sticking together, or being pushed out simultaneously at the exit, greatly improving the success rate and positional accuracy of the pick-up action, and laying a solid foundation for the subsequent precise insertion of the springs into the base slot.

[0028] Furthermore, the limiting component includes: The limiting frame is slidably disposed on the spring guide rail, and its sliding direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the spring. The first limiting block is fixed within the limiting frame; The second limiting block is fixed inside the limiting frame and is spaced apart from the first limiting block along the spring sheet conveying direction; Wherein, a limiting gap is formed between the first limiting block and the second limiting block, and the width of the limiting gap is greater than the thickness of a single spring piece and less than the sum of the thicknesses of the two spring pieces.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, a novel approach integrates two fixed limiting blocks into a single sliding limiting frame. Precisely designed limiting gaps enable the physical separation and sequential release of the spring clips. This gap dimension ensures that the first spring clip can be operated by the gripping component while the second spring clip is effectively blocked. When the limiting frame slides, the first limiting block moves away to release the picked-up first spring clip, while the second limiting block simultaneously reaches the blocking position to stop the subsequent second spring clip. This purely mechanical structure cleverly completes both "release" and "blocking" functions with a single action, eliminating the need for complex sensors and independent drive components. It features a simple and compact structure, reliable operation, low manufacturing cost, and stable separation performance, unaffected by minor deviations in spring clip dimensions.

[0030] Furthermore, it also includes a pushing mechanism, which is configured to: when the connecting rail moves to the second position, push the base in the connecting rail into the assembly rail, and simultaneously push the existing base on the assembly rail to move one workstation.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, the introduction of the pushing mechanism has enabled the automated advancement of the assembly line cycle. It not only delivers the new base to the starting point of the assembly line at the correct time, but also simultaneously and precisely moves all bases in production one workstation forward. This synchronous action ensures that each process, such as spring loading and nut tightening, can be carried out cyclically and strictly according to the cycle time, achieving step-by-step synchronization throughout the entire process, greatly improving assembly efficiency and rhythm stability.

[0032] Furthermore, the pushing mechanism includes a pushing drive and multiple push plates, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the assembly track. The pushing drive is used to drive all push plates to move synchronously. The distance between two adjacent push plates is equal to the station distance between the spring inserting mechanism and the rotating nut assembly mechanism.

[0033] By adopting the above technical solution and employing a multi-push plate integrated synchronous drive design, the structure is ingenious. The fixed spacing of the push plates strictly corresponds to the spacing of the assembly stations, allowing the synchronous movement of the bases on all stations to be completed in a single push action. This ensures that each base stays at each station for a consistent time, enabling precise alignment of the assembly actions and avoiding process confusion or assembly interference caused by asynchronous conveying. This is the key to achieving high-precision, high-cycle assembly.

[0034] Furthermore, when the pushing mechanism pushes the base in the assembly track into the next station, the push plate continuously abuts against the base to limit the position of the base during the assembly process.

[0035] By adopting the above technical solution, the push plate does not immediately retract after pushing, but remains in a state of contact with the base. This provides a stable positioning reference for subsequent assembly operations such as inserting the spring clip and tightening the nut, preventing the base from shifting or vibrating under assembly stress, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of assembly actions, and thus directly improving the assembly quality of the final product.

[0036] In summary, this application has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By defining the spring insertion path through posture limiting components and spring insertion slots, assembly becomes more precise, reliable, and efficient. A movable and switchable connecting track is designed, constructing an efficient "buffer-gate" type material feeding connection mechanism. This transforms continuous material feeding into orderly single-piece supply matching the assembly rhythm, fundamentally solving the problems of parts piling up and colliding at transition points, and ensuring the smooth and stable operation of the automated assembly line.

[0037] 2. By adopting a collaborative approach between the connecting track and the pushing mechanism, synchronous and precise step-by-step conveying of multiple workstation bases on the assembly line is achieved, ensuring strict rhythm and alignment accuracy of each assembly process, and significantly improving overall assembly efficiency and product consistency.

[0038] 3. By optimizing the track layout (such as parallel, stacked or coplanar design) and using the track end face for positioning and blocking, the equipment structure is compact, the motion logic is clear, and the operation is reliable. While realizing complex automation functions, it reduces mechanical complexity, manufacturing costs and failure risks.

[0039] 4. The continuous abutment design of the push plate in the pushing mechanism provides dynamic positioning constraints for the base during the assembly process, effectively resisting the disturbances brought about by the assembly operation, ensuring the accuracy of key processes such as spring installation and nut engagement, thereby directly improving the quality and reliability of the assembled parts. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the push handle for a utility knife knob; Figure 2 A diagram showing the disassembled state of the utility knife knob pusher; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the assembly equipment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the assembly equipment; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram of area A in the middle; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram of region B in the middle; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the push mechanism; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the spring loading mechanism; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the spring loading mechanism from another angle; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the spring loading mechanism after concealing the spring guide rail; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the spring loading mechanism after the spring is hidden inside the limiting frame; Figure 12 for Figure 10 Enlarged structural diagram of region C; Figure 13 for Figure 11 Enlarged structural diagram of region D in the middle; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating nut assembly mechanism.

[0042] Reference numerals: 100, knob pusher; 101, base; 1011, slot; 1012, threaded hole; 102, spring; 1021, through hole; 103, knob; 2, vibratory feeder; 3, base track; 4, connecting track; 41, adapter drive component; 5, assembly track; 51, spring pressing device; 511, limiting groove; 5111, clearance groove; 512, guide surface; 52, posture limiting component; 6, pushing mechanism; 61. 62. Push drive component; 63. Push plate; 64. Support plate; 7. Transverse slide rail; 7. Spring insert mechanism; 71. Spring drive component; 72. Spring gripper; 73. Spring guide rail; 74. Limit frame; 741. First limit block; 742. Second limit block; 75. Limit drive component; 76. Clamping assembly; 8. Rotary nut assembly mechanism; 81. Nut guide rail; 82. Multi-axis motion platform; 83. Rotary cylinder; 84. Nut gripper. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0046] The technical solution of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The utility knife knob pusher 100 involved in this embodiment consists of a base 101, a spring piece 102, and a knob 103. The base 101 is provided with a slot 1011 and a threaded hole 1012. One end of the spring piece 102 is formed with an insertion end that can be inserted into the slot 1011, and a through hole 1021 is opened in the middle. During assembly, the insertion end of the spring piece 102 is first placed into the slot 1011 of the base 101, and then the threaded end of the knob 103 passes through the through hole 1021 of the spring piece 102 and finally screws into the threaded hole 1012 of the base 101, thereby adjustingly pressing and fixing the spring piece 102.

[0048] Please see Figures 3 to 14 This embodiment discloses an automatic assembly device specifically for assembling the above-mentioned utility knife knob pusher 100. The device mainly consists of the following parts connected and coordinated in a specific manner: The feeding and conveying system includes a vibratory feeder 2 and a base track 3, which are responsible for the automatic sorting and initial conveying of the bases 101. The vibratory feeder 2 is used to automatically arrange the scattered bases 101 in a specific direction (such as slot 1011 facing upwards) and output them in an oriented manner. The base track 3 receives the bases 101 from the vibratory feeder 2 and conveys them in an orderly manner to form a continuous feeding flow.

[0049] Assembly execution system: including spring inserting mechanism 7 and rotating nut assembly mechanism 8, responsible for completing specific part assembly actions at designated workstations.

[0050] Track routing and conversion system: This is the core of the equipment, including assembly track 5, movable connecting track 4, and conversion drive component 41 that drives the connecting track 4. This system is responsible for establishing a controllable connection channel between the material supply flow and the assembly flow, realizing a smooth conversion of parts from continuous material supply to rhythmic assembly, thereby achieving efficient and precise fully automatic assembly.

[0051] Synchronous stepping drive system: namely the pushing mechanism 6, which is linked with the track routing system and is responsible for pushing the parts into the assembly line at the correct time and driving all the bases 101 on the assembly line to move synchronously by one station.

[0052] The utility knife knob pusher assembly equipment is equipped with a spring assembly station, a knob assembly station, and a base conveying mechanism that transports the base from the spring assembly station to the knob assembly station.

[0053] Please see Figure 5 The base conveying mechanism includes a base track, an assembly track, and a connecting track. The base track 3 is used to carry and transport the base. The assembly track 5 is located at the spring assembly station and is staggered with the base track 3. The connecting track 4 is movably disposed between the base track 3 and the assembly track 5.

[0054] Assembly track 5 is positioned at the spring assembly station and is staggered with base track 3 to support base 101 and allow it to pass sequentially through each assembly station. In one embodiment, assembly track 5 and base track 3 are arranged parallel to each other. Further, a preferred embodiment is a stacked arrangement, where assembly track 5 is located above or below base track 3, forming a three-dimensional layout to save planar space. In this embodiment, assembly track 5 is located above base track 3. In another alternative embodiment, base track 3, connecting track 4, and assembly track 5 may also be located in the same plane, with connecting track 4 switching positions by horizontal sliding within this plane.

[0055] The connecting track 4 is movably positioned between the outlet of the base track 3 and the starting end of the assembly track 5. In this embodiment, the connecting track 4 is configured to be parallel to both the base track 3 and the assembly track 5 to ensure a smooth transition during docking. The connecting track 4 can be driven by a converter drive 41, switching between a first position and a second position. The drive end of the converter drive 41 (such as the piston rod of a cylinder or the slider of a linear module) is connected to the connecting track 4, providing it with power.

[0056] When the connecting rail 4 is in the first position, it is connected to the base rail 3. The base 101 can enter the connecting rail 4 from the base rail 3, but its forward movement is temporarily blocked by the end face (or side wall) of the assembly rail 5. When the connecting rail 4 is in the second position, it is connected to the starting end of the assembly rail 5. At this time, the base 101 temporarily stored in the connecting rail 4 can enter the assembly rail 5, while the subsequent base 101 in the base rail 3 is blocked by the displaced end face of the connecting rail 4. In the embodiment of stacked layers, specifically: in the first position, the connecting rail 4 is flush with the lower base rail 3, and the base 101 in it is blocked by the bottom end face of the upper assembly rail 5; in the second position, the adapter drive 41 (such as a lifting cylinder) drives the connecting rail 4 to rise to be flush with the upper assembly rail 5, and the base 101 in the lower base rail 3 is blocked by the raised bottom end face of the connecting rail 4.

[0057] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 6 A spring-loaded pressing device 51 is mounted on the assembly track 5. The spring-loaded pressing device 51 includes a limiting groove 511. During the conveying process of the spring 102, the spring 102 passes through the limiting groove 511 and is pressed against the inner wall of the limiting groove 511, causing it to elastically deform towards the base 101 under the constraint of the spring 102's insertion end. This pressing state is maintained at the knob assembly station, allowing the knob's stud to pass through the through hole on the spring 102 and engage with the base 101. An attitude limiting member 52 is provided on the assembly track 5. The attitude limiting member 52 cooperates with the slot 1011 on the base 101 to form a spring-loaded insertion path. The spring 102 is inserted into the spring-loaded slot 1011 along the spring-loaded insertion path in a set attitude. The spring-loaded pressing device 51 also includes a guide surface 512, which facilitates contact with the spring 102 before it enters the limiting groove 511 and guides it to bend and deform towards the base 101. The limiting groove 511 is also connected to the relief groove 5111. When the spring piece 102 passes through the limiting groove 511, the relief groove can be used to avoid the tip of the spring piece 102, so as to reduce the transmission resistance and reduce the damage to the spring piece 102.

[0058] Please see Figure 7To achieve synchronized and precise stepping on the assembly line, the equipment also includes a pushing mechanism 6. The pushing mechanism 6 is configured to perform a pushing action when the connecting rail 4 moves to the second position. This action simultaneously completes two tasks: 1) pushing the base 101 in the connecting rail 4 into the starting position of the assembly rail 5; 2) synchronously pushing all existing bases 101 on the assembly rail 5 forward one position.

[0059] The specific structure of the pushing mechanism 6 includes a pushing drive component 61 and multiple push plates 62. The multiple push plates 62 are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the assembly track 5 and fixed to the driving end of the pushing drive component 61, moving synchronously driven by the pushing drive component 61 (such as a cylinder or linear module). The pushing drive component 61 is fixed to a support plate 63, which has a guide portion. The push plates 62 are slidably connected to the support plate 63 through the guide portion. The support plate 63 is slidably connected to a transverse slide rail 64, and the length direction of the transverse slide rail 64 (the sliding direction of the support plate 63 relative to the transverse slide rail 64) is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the push plates 62 relative to the support plate 63. The distance between two adjacent push plates 62 is designed to be equal to the station spacing between the spring insert mechanism 7 and the rotating nut assembly mechanism 8. This design ensures that after each pushing action, each base 101 moves exactly from one station to the next adjacent station.

[0060] After completing the pushing action, the pusher plate 62 of the pushing mechanism 6 can maintain its current position, thus continuously abutting against the base 101. This design provides effective limiting for the base 101 during assembly processes such as inserting the spring 102 and tightening the nut, preventing displacement of the base 101 under force and ensuring assembly accuracy. After completing the assembly cycle, the pushing mechanism 6 resets, ready for the next action.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 and Figures 8-13 The spring inserting mechanism 7 specifically includes a spring guide rail 73, a limiting component, and a clamping component 76. The spring inserting mechanism 7 is set along the assembly rail 5 at the spring assembly station and is used to assemble the insertion end of the spring 102 into the slot 101 of the base 101.

[0062] The spring guide rail 73 is a guide channel, the inlet end of which can be connected to a spring vibrating feeder (not shown in the figure) to receive the springs 102 that have been sorted and oriented by the vibrating feeder. The springs 102 slide along the length of the guide rail 73 by gravity, vibration or a small thrust, and are eventually transported in an orderly manner to a fixed position at the exit end of the guide rail. This position is defined as the spring picking station.

[0063] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 10The gripping assembly 76 is used to grasp and transfer the spring sheet 102. It typically includes a gripper and a drive mechanism (e.g., a linear cylinder or electric slide) that drives the gripper. The spring sheet drive mechanism drives the gripper to move horizontally, gripping the spring sheet 102 from the spring sheet guide rail 73. The gripper can be a pneumatic finger or a specific gripping block driven by a cylinder, its shape matching the spring sheet 102 to ensure stable gripping. At the spring sheet pick-up station, the gripping assembly 76 grips the spring sheet 102 from the spring sheet guide rail, and the spring sheet drive mechanism 71 drives the spring sheet gripper 72 to grip the spring sheet 102 from the gripping assembly 76 and assemble the spring sheet 102 into the slot 101 of the base 101.

[0064] Please see Figures 10 to 13 A limiting component is located at the exit end of the spring guide rail 73. Its main function is to precisely physically block and release the spring 102 at the pick-up station. In a specific embodiment, the limiting component includes a limiting frame 74, a first limiting block 741, a second limiting block 742, and a limiting drive component 75 for driving the limiting frame 74. The limiting frame 74 is slidably mounted on the spring guide rail 73, and its sliding direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the spring 102 in the guide rail. The first limiting block 741 and the second limiting block 742 are fixedly mounted inside the limiting frame 74, and are spaced apart and opposite to each other along the spring conveying direction. A limiting gap is formed between them. The width of this gap is designed such that its size is greater than the thickness of a single spring 102, allowing one spring to be located within it; but less than the sum of the thicknesses of the two springs 102, thereby effectively preventing a second spring from passing through. When the limiting frame 74 is in the first working position, the first limiting block 741 extends into the center hole of the first spring piece 102 (i.e., the spring piece to be picked up) in the queue, while the second limiting block 742 is located outside the guide rail and does not contact the spring piece 102. When it is necessary to release the spring piece, the limiting drive 75 (e.g., a miniature cylinder or electromagnet) drives the limiting frame 74 to slide to the second working position. At this time, the first limiting block 741 moves away from the station, releasing the limitation on the first spring piece 102; while the second limiting block 742 moves synchronously to the picking station, precisely inserting into the center hole of the subsequent second spring piece 102 to prevent the movement of the subsequent spring piece 102.

[0065] The collaborative operation of the aforementioned components is as follows: In the initial state, the first limiting block 741 of the limiting assembly blocks the first spring piece 102 at the spring piece pickup station. The clamping assembly 76 moves to the pickup station and clamps the first spring piece 102. Subsequently, the limiting drive 75 actuates, driving the limiting frame 74 to slide, causing the first limiting block 741 to move away to release the first spring piece 102. At the same time, the second limiting block 742 immediately comes into position to block subsequent spring pieces 102. Finally, the clamping assembly 76, carrying the clamped first spring piece 102, moves out of the spring piece guide rail 73. The spring piece gripper 72 clamps the spring piece 102 and moves it to the pre-positioned base 101 on the assembly track 5, accurately pressing the insertion end of the spring piece 102 into the slot 1011 of the base 101, completing the spring piece loading operation.

[0066] Through the above specific implementation methods, the spring inserting mechanism 7 realizes the automatic, orderly, and single-piece supply and assembly of the spring 102. The linkage design of its limiting component and clamping component 76 effectively prevents the spring from overlapping or interfering during the picking process, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the assembly.

[0067] Please see Figure 14 The rotary nut assembly mechanism 8 is located at the next station after the spring inserting mechanism 7 along the assembly track 5, and is used to screw the knob 103 into the threaded hole 1012 of the base 101. The knobs 103 in the nut guide rail 81 are arranged in sequence and conveyed to the clamping station. The multi-axis motion platform 82 drives the rotary cylinder 83 and the nut gripper 84 to clamp the knob 103 and move it to the assembly position. The rotary cylinder 83 drives the nut to rotate and assemble it with the base 101.

[0068] The equipment's workflow forms an automated closed loop: Connecting rail 4 receives and temporarily stores a base 101 in the first position; the transfer drive 41 actuates, switching it to the second position; the pushing mechanism 6 actuates, simultaneously loading the new base 101 and completing the full-line stepping; the spring inserting mechanism 7 and the rotating nut assembly mechanism 8 sequentially perform assembly operations (during which the push plate 62 remains in a supporting state for positioning); after assembly, the pushing mechanism 6 resets, and connecting rail 4 switches back to the first position. This cycle repeats continuously, achieving automated production.

[0069] In summary, the equipment provided in this embodiment, through the design of the movable connecting track 4 and its coordination with the pushing mechanism 6, transforms continuous material feeding into orderly single-piece supply and synchronous stepping that strictly matches the assembly rhythm, effectively solving the problems of parts accumulation and misalignment at transition points. The various technical features work together to ensure smooth equipment operation and precise positioning, thereby significantly improving the assembly efficiency and quality consistency of the utility knife knob pusher 100.

[0070] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A utility knife knob pusher assembly device, the utility knife knob pusher comprising a base, a spring plate, and a knob, the knob having a stud threadedly engaged with the base, the spring plate having a plug-in end inserted into the base and a through hole for the stud to pass through; characterized in that: The utility knife knob pusher assembly equipment is equipped with a spring assembly station, a knob assembly station, and a base conveying mechanism that transports the base from the spring assembly station to the knob assembly station. An attitude limiting component is provided at the spring assembly station. The attitude limiting component cooperates with the spring insertion slot on the base to form a spring insertion path. The spring is configured to be inserted into the spring insertion slot along the spring insertion path in a set attitude. A spring-loaded pressing device is provided between the spring assembly station and the knob assembly station. During the conveying process of the spring, the spring-loaded pressing device presses against the outer end of the spring in such a way that the outer end of the spring is closer to the base than it is at the spring assembly station. And at the knob assembly station, the pressing state is maintained so that the stud of the knob passes through the through hole on the spring and engages with the base.

2. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring sheet pressing device includes a limiting groove. During the conveying process of the spring sheet, the spring sheet passes through the limiting groove and is pressed by the inner wall of the limiting groove to elastically deform towards the base under the constraint of the insertion end.

3. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring clip pressing device also includes a guide surface, which facilitates contact with the spring clip before it enters the limiting groove and guides it to bend and deform towards the base.

4. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base conveying mechanism includes: The base track is used to support and transport the base. An assembly track is provided at the spring assembly station and is staggered with the base track. The connecting rail is movably positioned between the base rail and the assembly rail; The connecting track is configured to move between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the connecting rail is connected to the base rail, and the base can enter the connecting rail from the base rail and be blocked by the assembly rail; In the second position, the connecting rail is connected to the assembly rail, and the base can enter the assembly rail from the connecting rail, while the base in the base rail is blocked by the connecting rail.

5. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a conversion drive, the drive end of which is connected to the connecting rail and is used to drive the connecting rail to switch between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the base in the connecting rail is blocked by the end face of the mounting rail; in the second position, the conversion drive drives the connecting rail to move to be flush with the mounting rail, and the base in the base rail is blocked by the end face of the connecting rail.

6. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a pushing mechanism, which is configured to push the base in the connecting track into the assembly track when the connecting track moves to the second position, and simultaneously push the existing base on the assembly track to move one workstation.

7. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism includes a pushing drive and multiple push plates, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the assembly track. The pushing drive is used to drive all push plates to move synchronously. The distance between two adjacent push plates is equal to the station distance between the spring inserting mechanism and the rotating nut assembly mechanism.

8. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the pushing mechanism pushes the base in the assembly track into the next station, the push plate continuously abuts against the base to limit the position of the base during the assembly process.

9. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a spring clip loading mechanism, which includes: Spring guide rail is used to orient and transport springs to a spring picking station; A limiting component, located at the exit end of the spring guide rail, is used to block and limit the first spring at the spring pick-up station; and A gripping component is used to pick up the first spring piece blocked by the limiting component and remove it from the spring piece guide rail; Wherein, after the clamping component picks up the spring piece, the limiting component releases its obstruction of the first spring piece and simultaneously blocks and limits the subsequent second spring piece.

10. The utility knife knob pusher assembly device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The limiting component includes: The limiting frame is slidably disposed on the spring guide rail, and its sliding direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the spring. The first limiting block is fixed within the limiting frame; The second limiting block is fixed inside the limiting frame and is spaced apart from the first limiting block along the spring sheet conveying direction; Wherein, a limiting gap is formed between the first limiting block and the second limiting block, and the width of the limiting gap is greater than the thickness of a single spring piece and less than the sum of the thicknesses of the two spring pieces.

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