A lock tongue automatic assembly and detection integrated device

Abstract

The application provides a lock tongue automatic assembly and detection integrated device and method, which comprises a positioning jig, an assembly execution assembly, a reciprocating driving assembly, a force measuring assembly, a marking assembly and a main control module. The reciprocating driving assembly drives the assembly execution assembly to move in a first direction, and press-fits multiple components in the positioning jig into a lock tongue assembly. The force measuring assembly collects the assembly force during the press-fitting process. After the assembly is completed, the lock tongue assembly is kept in the positioning jig, and the reciprocating driving assembly is reversely driven. The force measuring assembly applies a pulling force to the lock tongue assembly and collects the pulling force, so as to realize in-situ pull-out testing. The main control module detects the assembly result according to the assembly force and the pulling force. The qualified products are marked and transferred, so as to realize assembly, detection and marking integration and process forced interlocking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to the technical field of automated production equipment for automotive door locks, specifically to an integrated device for automatic assembly and testing of lock tongues. Background Technology

[0002] The emergency locking bolt (ELT) is a core safety component in automotive door lock systems. It performs the locking function in emergency situations such as vehicle collisions, and its assembly quality and mechanical strength directly affect the overall vehicle safety performance. The production of ELT bolts typically involves multiple processes, including the assembly of several small parts, component integrity inspection, bolt mechanical strength (pull-out force) testing, and finished product traceability marking.

[0003] Currently, the production of ELT locking tongues in the industry mainly suffers from the following shortcomings: Firstly, traditional production lines have independent division of labor. Automatic lock tongue assembly equipment, parts defect inspection equipment, tensile strength testing machine, and laser marking equipment are arranged independently. After the workpiece is assembled, it needs to be unloaded and transferred to the tensile testing machine for offline sampling inspection. The workpiece is transferred and repositioned multiple times between multiple machines, resulting in large positioning errors and low production cycle. Secondly, offline tensile testing is mostly based on sampling, which cannot achieve 100% full inspection of every finished product, resulting in loopholes in product safety control. Third, the lack of a mandatory interlocking mechanism between the various processes poses a quality risk that defective products may be transferred to the marking station and that defective products may be marked with traceability codes and then enter the market. Fourth, the production line has poor compatibility. When multiple ELT lock tongue models are produced on the same line, there is a lack of error prevention mechanisms that link tooling and equipment actions, which can easily lead to problems such as incorrect parts installation and incorrect process parameter adjustments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of this specification provide an integrated device and method for automatic assembly and testing of latches, in order to solve the technical problems in the prior art such as the dispersed production equipment of latches, the need for multiple transfers and repeated positioning of workpieces, the inability to achieve 100% online tensile strength inspection, the easy entry of defective products with traceability labels into the market, and the easy misassembly and misadjustment of multiple models produced on the same line.

[0005] This invention provides an integrated automatic assembly and testing device for a latch bolt, comprising: a positioning fixture having a positioning structure for accommodating and positioning multiple components of the latch bolt; an assembly execution component disposed opposite to the positioning fixture; a reciprocating drive component being driven by the assembly execution component to drive the assembly execution component to move along a first direction, thereby pressing and assembling the multiple components within the positioning fixture into a latch bolt assembly; a force measuring component being linked to the assembly execution component; a marking component for marking and tracing the latch bolt assembly; and a main control module connected to the reciprocating drive component, the force measuring component, and the assembly execution component. The marking component is connected to the signal; wherein, after the multiple components are pressed and assembled into a latch assembly, they are held in the positioning fixture. During the pressing and assembly process, the force measuring component collects the assembly force; after the pressing and assembly is completed, the reciprocating drive component drives the assembly execution component to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the force measuring component applies a pull force to the latch assembly held in the positioning fixture and collects the pull force; the main control module is used to control the marking action and the flow of the latch assembly according to the assembly force and the pull force, so as to prevent marking on the latch assembly or prevent the latch assembly from flowing out when the inspection is unqualified.

[0006] In the above technical solution, after multiple components of the locking tongue are positioned in the positioning fixture, the reciprocating drive assembly drives the assembly execution assembly to move along the first direction, pressing and assembling the multiple components into a locking tongue assembly. During the pressing process, the force measuring component synchronously collects the assembly force. After the pressing assembly is completed, the locking tongue assembly remains in the positioning fixture without disassembly or secondary positioning. The reciprocating drive assembly drives the assembly execution assembly to move in the opposite direction along the second direction, so that the force measuring component can apply a pull-out force to the locking tongue assembly and collect the pull-out force, realizing in-situ pull-out testing. The main control module controls the marking action and the flow of the locking tongue assembly according to the assembly force and pull-out force, and prevents marking or prevents the locking tongue assembly from flowing out when the test is unqualified. As a result, assembly, tensile testing, and marking are integrated into the same device, and the workpieces share a single tooling positioning reference throughout the process, eliminating errors caused by multiple transfers and repeated positioning, and significantly shortening the production cycle. Each product completes a pull-out force test online, achieving 100% online tensile force inspection. Through the interlocking control of the main control module, the risk of defective products carrying traceability marks entering the market is eliminated from the process.

[0007] Preferably, the assembly execution component is mounted on the movable output end of the reciprocating drive assembly and reciprocates synchronously with the movable output end; the force measuring component is arranged on the assembly execution component and connected in series on the force transmission path between the movable output end and the lock tongue assembly, and both the assembly force during the press-fitting assembly process and the pull-out force during the pull-out test process are collected by the same force measuring component. As a result, the assembly force and the pull-out force share the same force measuring component and the same calibration reference, loads in both the press-fitting and pull-out directions are transmitted truly and directly via the same sensor, which avoids switching errors and calibration deviations caused by the separate arrangement of multiple sensors, simplifies the device structure, reduces the cost, and simultaneously ensures the consistency and comparability of assembly force monitoring and pull-out force test data.

[0008] Preferably, the integrated automatic lock tongue assembly and detection device further comprises an error-proof identification component, which is in signal connection with the main control module and is used for collecting image information of the components in the positioning fixture before press-fitting assembly; the main control module is used for comparing the model of the lock tongue according to the image information and detecting whether any component is missing in the positioning fixture; when the lock tongue model does not match or any component is missing, the main control module outputs an interlock locking signal and / or an alarm signal to lock the reciprocating drive assembly and prohibit the start of press-fitting assembly. As a result, wrong model assembly and missing component assembly can be intercepted before press-fitting assembly, forming an error-proof mechanism with linked tooling and equipment actions, which avoids batch defects caused by wrongly assembled parts and incorrectly adjusted process parameters, and also avoids the risk of equipment damage caused by defective components entering the press-fitting process.

[0009] Preferably, the integrated automatic lock tongue assembly and detection device further comprises a pressing and positioning component, which is arranged above the positioning fixture, and is used for pressing and positioning the components in the positioning fixture before press-fitting assembly, and maintaining the pressing state during the press-fitting assembly and in-situ pull-out test; the main control module controls the pressing and positioning component to release the pressing and positioning of the lock tongue assembly only after the lock tongue model verification, component missing detection, assembly force detection, pull-out force test and marking reinspection are all judged to be qualified, so as to allow the lock tongue assembly to be taken out. As a result, the components and the lock tongue assembly are reliably pressed during the press-fitting assembly and pull-out test, the stress state is stable, which ensures the assembly accuracy and the reliability of force value detection data; at the same time, the release of the pressing and positioning component is set as the final release action after the whole process is judged to be qualified, forming a mandatory interlock at the mechanical level. The workpiece is kept in the fixture and cannot be taken out when any link is unqualified, which further prevents defective products from flowing out.

[0010] Preferably, the marking component is further used to scan and collect images of the marking area after marking is completed, in order to re-inspect the traceability label; the main control module is used to identify the clarity and / or completeness of the traceability label based on the scanned image, and to determine that the locking tongue assembly is a defective product when a marking defect is identified, and to keep the device locked. Thus, the quality of the traceability label itself is also incorporated into the interlocking control, avoiding the problem of traceability chain breakage and untraceable finished products due to unclear labels or missing characters, ensuring that every labeled product entering the market is completely labeled and traceable.

[0011] Based on the same inventive concept, this invention also provides an automatic assembly and inspection method for a locking tongue, comprising the following steps: placing multiple components of the locking tongue in a positioning fixture for positioning; driving an assembly execution component to move along a first direction to press and assemble the multiple components in the positioning fixture into a locking tongue assembly, and collecting the assembly force through a force measuring component during the pressing and assembly process; after assembly, keeping the locking tongue assembly in the positioning fixture, driving the assembly execution component to move along a second direction opposite to the first direction, applying a pull-out force to the locking tongue assembly through the force measuring component and collecting the pull-out force to perform an in-situ pull-out test; when the pull-out force meets a preset qualification condition, marking the locking tongue assembly with a traceability mark through a marking component; when the assembly force and / or pull-out force does not meet the preset qualification condition, interlocking is performed to prevent marking the locking tongue assembly or to prevent the locking tongue assembly from circulating. Thus, the locking tongue completes assembly, pull-out testing, and marking in situ sequentially, achieving process-level forced interlocking and 100% online pull-out force inspection for each product, possessing the same technical effects as the aforementioned device embodiment.

[0012] Preferably, a pre-inspection step to prevent errors is included before the pressing assembly: image information of the components within the positioning fixture is acquired, and the latch model is compared and missing components are detected based on the image information; when the latch model does not match or a component is missing, interlocking is executed and an alarm signal is output to prevent the pressing assembly from starting; when the latch model matches and all components are present, the pressing and positioning assembly is controlled to press and position the components within the positioning fixture, and then the pressing assembly step is executed. Thus, model comparison and missing component detection are performed before the pressing process, achieving pre-emptive error prevention and avoiding defects and losses caused by incorrectly installed or missing workpieces entering subsequent processes.

[0013] Preferably, during the pressing assembly process, the assembly force is collected in real time and an assembly force curve is generated. The assembly force is compared with a preset qualified assembly force range. When the assembly force exceeds the preset qualified assembly force range, the pressing is deemed defective, and all subsequent processes are blocked. During the in-situ pull-out test, the collected pull-out force is compared with a preset pull-out force threshold. When the pull-out force is lower than the preset pull-out force threshold, the mechanical performance of the latch assembly is deemed unqualified, and it is prohibited from proceeding to the marking process. When the assembly force is within the preset qualified assembly force range and the pull-out force is not lower than the preset pull-out force threshold, it is deemed qualified and proceeds to the marking step. Thus, the assembly process is monitored by both force value and curve criteria, and the mechanical performance is quantitatively determined by the pull-out force threshold. The judgment criteria are clear, the data is traceable, and unqualified products are intercepted at the corresponding stage.

[0014] Preferably, after the pull-out test is passed, a stripping action is performed to disengage the latch assembly from the positioning fixture. Simultaneously, during the resetting process of the assembly execution component, a marking component is activated to mark the latch assembly with a traceability identifier. During marking, a fume extraction component continuously extracts and collects the fume generated during marking, targeting the marking area. After marking is completed, an image of the marking area is scanned back to re-inspect the traceability identifier. If a marking defect is detected, the latch assembly is determined to be defective, and the mechanism remains locked. Thus, the stripping, resetting, and marking actions overlap in time, further reducing the production cycle time; the marking fume is simultaneously extracted and collected, improving the working environment; and the marking quality is confirmed through a closed-loop re-inspection, ensuring the traceability identifier is reliable and effective.

[0015] Preferably, when the positioning fixture is changed to accommodate different models of latches, the latch model corresponding to the current positioning fixture is identified, and the qualified assembly force range and tensile force threshold corresponding to that latch model are automatically retrieved. Assembly force and pull-out force determinations are then performed based on the retrieved parameters. Thus, the process parameters are automatically matched after the model change, eliminating the need for manual setting and preventing incorrect process parameter adjustments. This supports flexible co-line production of multiple latch specifications.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that this application can achieve include at least the following: The assembly, inspection, and marking processes are integrated, with a single tooling positioning benchmark used for the entire workpiece. Missing parts inspection and tensile testing are completed in situ, eliminating the need for material handling, transfer, and secondary positioning. This eliminates repeated positioning errors and significantly shortens the production cycle. It enables 100% online tensile testing of every finished lock tongue, replacing traditional offline sampling inspection and improving the quality control level of door lock safety components. It also achieves mandatory interlocking between assembly missing parts inspection, tensile testing, and marking processes. Products that fail the tensile test cannot be marked or removed from the market, thus preventing defective products with traceability codes from entering the market. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the integrated automatic assembly and testing device for the locking tongue. Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of the integrated automatic assembly and testing device for the locking tongue. Figure 3 This is a third-view structural diagram of the integrated automatic assembly and testing device for the locking tongue.

[0019] In the diagram, 1 is the positioning fixture; 2 is the assembly execution component; 3 is the reciprocating drive component; 4 is the force measuring component; 5 is the marking component; 6 is the error prevention identification component; 7 is the clamping and positioning component; 8 is the unloading component; and 9 is the flue gas extraction component. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this application, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number and aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0023] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. The drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0024] Furthermore, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0025] The technical problem solved by this invention is that existing lock tongue production line equipment is scattered, the assembly, testing and marking processes are disconnected, the workpiece needs to be transferred and repositioned multiple times, the repeated positioning error is large, the production cycle is low, the tensile test can only be carried out offline by sampling, defective products can easily carry traceability marks into the market, and when multiple models are produced on the same line, it is easy to misassemble parts and misadjust process parameters.

[0026] The solution adopted in this invention includes: using a positioning fixture to uniformly position multiple components of the latch; using a reciprocating drive assembly to drive the assembly execution assembly along a first direction to complete the pressing assembly; after pressing, the latch assembly remains in place within the positioning fixture; the reciprocating drive assembly reverses the direction to complete the in-situ pull-out test through the same force measuring assembly connected in series on the force transmission path; and then the main control module performs a step-by-step interlocking judgment on the results of model comparison, missing parts detection, assembly force, pull-out force, and marking re-inspection to control the marking action and the flow of the latch assembly.

[0027] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment provides an integrated automatic assembly and testing device for locking tongues, including a frame and a positioning fixture 1, an assembly execution component 2, a reciprocating drive component 3, a force measuring component 4, a marking component 5, an error prevention and identification component 6, a clamping and positioning component 7, a material removal component 8, and a smoke extraction component 9 mounted on the frame. The device is also equipped with a main control module (not shown in the figure). The main control module is connected to the drive elements of the reciprocating drive component 3, the force measuring component 4, the marking component 5, the error prevention and identification component 6, the clamping and positioning component 7, and the material removal component 8. The positioning fixture 1 is fixedly installed on the worktable of the frame; the assembly execution component 2 is arranged opposite to the positioning fixture 1; the reciprocating drive component 3 is connected to the assembly execution component 2 for driving the assembly execution component 2 to reciprocate along a first direction (towards the positioning fixture 1) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (away from the positioning fixture 1); the force measuring component 4 is linked to the assembly execution component 2; the clamping positioning component 7 is arranged above the positioning fixture 1; the error prevention identification component 6 is located above the positioning fixture 1 and is arranged towards the positioning fixture 1; the marking head of the marking component 5 is aligned with the marking station of the locking tongue assembly; the unloading component 8 is arranged opposite to the unloading channel of the positioning fixture 1; and the suction port of the flue gas suction component 9 is aligned with the marking area.

[0029] In this embodiment, the locking tongue is taken as an example of an emergency locking tongue for a car door ELT. The locking tongue comprises several components, including a tongue plate, a cover plate, and rivets that connect the two. Of course, in other embodiments, the composition of the locking tongue components can be adjusted according to the locking tongue model, and this invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0030] In some embodiments, the positioning fixture 1 has a positioning structure for accommodating and positioning multiple components of the locking tongue. Specifically, the positioning fixture 1 includes a fixture base with contoured positioning cavities adapted to the shapes of each component of the locking tongue. Multiple components are placed in their respective contoured positioning cavities according to their assembly sequence and relative positions. The inner walls of the contoured positioning cavities limit the circumferential and axial positioning of the components, ensuring accurate relative positioning of each component before press-fit assembly. The positioning fixture 1 is mounted on a workbench via a quick-change structure, which includes a positioning pin and a locking element (such as a locking bolt or quick clamp). When changing the fixture, simply loosening the locking element allows the entire positioning fixture 1 to be removed.

[0031] Furthermore, the positioning fixture 1 is equipped with a model identification carrier, such as a QR code label or an RFID electronic tag, for the main control module to identify the lock tongue model currently adapted to the positioning fixture 1.

[0032] In some embodiments, the assembly execution component 2 is mounted on the active output end of the reciprocating drive component 3 and reciprocates synchronously with the active output end. The assembly execution component 2 includes a pressure head seat and a contour pressure head fixed to the side of the pressure head seat facing the positioning fixture 1. The end face shape of the contour pressure head is adapted to the shape of the locking tongue assembly to be pressed. During pressing assembly, the contour pressure head abuts against the uppermost component and presses each component into place along the first direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the contouring pressure head or pressure head seat is provided with a pull-out engagement part, which can be a hook, a claw, or a pin, etc. After the pressing assembly is completed, the pull-out engagement part hooks and engages with the locking tongue assembly. When the reciprocating drive assembly 3 drives the assembly execution assembly 2 to move in the opposite direction in the second direction, the pull-out engagement part can apply a pull-out force in the second direction to the locking tongue assembly, so that the locking tongue assembly bears the tensile load.

[0034] In some embodiments, the reciprocating drive assembly 3 employs a servo electric cylinder, including a servo motor, a ball screw, a slide, and a linear guide. The slide is the movable output end of the reciprocating drive assembly 3. The servo motor is connected to the ball screw via a transmission, and the ball screw is connected to the slide through a screw nut. The linear guide guides the slide. Under the control of the main control module, the servo motor rotates forward or backward, driving the slide to precisely reciprocate along the first or second direction. The displacement, speed, and output force of the servo electric cylinder can be controlled and monitored in real time by the main control module, facilitating closed-loop control of the pressing displacement and pressing force. It is understood that the reciprocating drive assembly 3 can also employ other linear drive mechanisms such as a servo screw module, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic slide, as long as it can drive the assembly execution assembly 2 to reciprocate along the first and second directions.

[0035] In some embodiments, the force measuring component 4 is mounted on the assembly execution component 2 and connected in series in the force transmission path between the movable output end of the reciprocating drive component 3 and the locking tongue assembly. Specifically, the force measuring component 4 employs a strain gauge tensile / compression sensor (such as a spoke-type sensor or an S-type sensor). One end of the sensor is connected to the slide or pressure head seat, and the other end is connected to the pressure head seat or conformal pressure head, so that the assembly force transmitted along the first direction during the pressing assembly process and the pull-out force transmitted along the second direction during the pull-out test both pass through this sensor. The sensor signal is transmitted to the main control module via a signal amplifier and a data acquisition card. The main control module acquires and plots the assembly force curve and pull-out force curve in real time at a high sampling frequency. Since both the assembly force and pull-out force are acquired by the same force measuring component 4, they share the same calibration reference, avoiding system errors caused by switching between multiple sensors and reducing the cost of the device.

[0036] In some implementations, the marking component 5 uses a laser engraving machine, which includes a laser, a galvanometer scanning head, and a field lens. The marking station is set above or to the side of the positioning fixture 1. After the laser beam is deflected by the galvanometer scanning head, it is focused on the surface of the latch assembly to engrave a traceability mark containing information such as product model, batch number, and serial number. The main control module has a pre-stored marking content template corresponding to the latch model, which is automatically called during marking.

[0037] Furthermore, the marking component 5 is also used to scan back and collect images of the marking area after marking is completed. Specifically, this can be achieved by integrating a coaxial imaging optical path in the galvanometer optical path or by setting up a separate scan camera opposite to the marking area. The main control module identifies the clarity and / or completeness of the traceability mark (such as missing strokes, broken strokes, uneven depth, etc.) based on the image collected by the scan. When a marking defect is identified, the locking tongue assembly is determined to be a defective product, and the device is kept locked to prevent defective products from being released.

[0038] In some embodiments, the error-proofing identification component 6 includes an industrial camera and a light source (such as a ring light source or a backlight source). The industrial camera is mounted above and facing the positioning fixture 1, and is used to acquire image information of the components within the positioning fixture 1 before pressing assembly. The main control module or the image processing unit integrated into the main control module extracts the product's outline features based on the image information, compares them with a pre-stored model template, completes the lock tongue model comparison, and simultaneously detects whether any components within the positioning fixture 1 are missing based on the presence or absence of components in the contour positioning cavity in the image. When the lock tongue model does not match or a component is missing, the main control module outputs an interlocking signal and / or an alarm signal (such as an audible and visual alarm), locks the reciprocating drive component 3, and prohibits the start of pressing assembly, thereby avoiding incorrect component installation and incorrect process parameter adjustment.

[0039] In some embodiments, the clamping and positioning assembly 7 is disposed above the positioning fixture 1, including a clamping cylinder and a pressure plate or pressure arm connected to the piston rod of the clamping cylinder. The clamping cylinder is connected to the control output of the main control module through a solenoid valve. Before pressing and assembly, the main control module controls the clamping cylinder to extend, and the pressure plate descends to clamp and position the parts in the positioning fixture 1, preventing the parts from moving or tilting in the contour positioning cavity during the pressing process. During the pressing and assembly and in-situ pull-out test, the clamping and positioning assembly 7 always maintains the clamping state to ensure the stability of the workpiece's stress state and the reliability of the test data.

[0040] In some embodiments, the stripping assembly 8 includes a stripping cylinder and a stripping push rod. The bottom of the contour positioning cavity of the positioning fixture 1 has a stripping channel, and the stripping push rod is arranged opposite to the stripping channel. After the in-situ pull-out test is qualified, the stripping cylinder is activated, and the stripping push rod lifts the locking tongue assembly from the contour positioning cavity, causing the locking tongue assembly to disengage from the contour positioning cavity, thereby stripping the workpiece for subsequent material removal. At the same time, the reciprocating drive assembly 3 drives the assembly execution assembly 2 to move and reset to the initial position along the second direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fume extraction assembly 9 includes a fume extraction pipe, a suction fan, and a filtration and purification unit. The suction port of the fume extraction pipe is aligned with the marking area. The fume generated during the laser marking process is drawn into the fume extraction pipe by the suction fan and discharged after being filtered by the filtration and purification unit (such as a filter cartridge or activated carbon adsorption unit), thus preventing the laser marking fume from spreading to the workshop environment and ensuring a clean working environment and the health of the operators.

[0042] In some implementations, the main control module can be a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an industrial computer, which is connected to the servo driver of the reciprocating drive component 3, the data acquisition card of the force measuring component 4, the image processing unit of the marking component 5 and the error prevention and identification component 6, as well as the solenoid valve signals of the clamping cylinder and the unloading cylinder. The main control module stores a parameter database, which records the qualified assembly force range, tensile force threshold, marking content template, and model comparison template corresponding to each locking tongue model. The main control module performs interlocking judgment step by step according to the signals of each detection link and controls the execution or locking of the corresponding process.

[0043] refer to Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment also provides an automatic assembly and inspection method for the latch, which is implemented by the aforementioned integrated automatic assembly and inspection device for the latch, and includes the following steps: S1. Loading and Error Prevention Pre-inspection. Multiple components of the latch are placed in the respective contour positioning cavities of the positioning fixture 1 for positioning. The error prevention identification component 6 collects image information of the components within the positioning fixture 1. The main control module performs latch model comparison and component omission detection based on the image information. When the latch model does not match or a component is missing, interlocking is executed and an alarm signal is output, prohibiting the start of pressing assembly. When the latch model matches and all components are complete, proceed to step S2.

[0044] S2. Pressing and Positioning Assembly. The main control module controls the extension of the pressing cylinder of the pressing and positioning component 7 to press and position the parts in the positioning fixture 1. Then, the main control module controls the reciprocating drive component 3 to drive the assembly execution component 2 to move along the first direction. The contour pressing head gradually presses and assembles multiple parts in the positioning fixture 1 into a locking tongue assembly. During the pressing and assembly process, the force measuring component 4 collects the assembly force in real time and forms an assembly force curve. The main control module compares the assembly force with the preset assembly force qualified range. When the assembly force exceeds the preset assembly force qualified range (such as the peak pressing force exceeding the limit or the curve shape being abnormal), it is determined that the pressing is defective and all subsequent processes are locked. When the assembly force is within the preset assembly force qualified range, the assembly of the locking tongue assembly is completed.

[0045] S3. In-situ pull-out test. After the pressing assembly is completed, the latch assembly remains within the positioning fixture 1 without disassembly or secondary positioning. The main control module controls the reciprocating drive component 3 to drive the assembly execution component 2 to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The pull-out mating part applies a pull-out force to the latch assembly held within the positioning fixture 1. The same force measuring component 4 synchronously collects the pull-out force to achieve in-situ pull-out test. The main control module compares the collected pull-out force with the preset pull-out force threshold. When the pull-out force is lower than the preset pull-out force threshold, the mechanical performance of the latch assembly is determined to be unqualified, and it is prohibited from being transferred to the marking process. The system remains locked. When the assembly force is within the preset assembly force qualified range and the pull-out force is not lower than the preset pull-out force threshold, it is determined to be qualified and proceeds to step S4.

[0046] S4. Material Reset and Synchronous Marking. After the pull-out test is passed, the material stripping component 8 performs the material stripping action. The material stripping cylinder uses the material stripping push rod to disengage the locking tongue assembly from the contour positioning cavity of the positioning fixture 1. During the reciprocating drive component 3 driving the assembly execution component 2 to reset, the main control module synchronously starts the marking component 5, and the laser engraving machine engraves a traceability mark on the locking tongue assembly. During the marking process, the smoke extraction component 9 continuously extracts smoke from the marking area through its smoke extraction pipe, collecting the smoke generated by the laser engraving.

[0047] S5. Marking Re-inspection. After marking is completed, the marking component 5 scans back to collect images of the marking area. The main control module identifies the clarity and / or completeness of the traceability mark. When a marking defect is detected (such as missing strokes in characters or unclear markings), the locking tongue assembly is determined to be defective and the device is kept locked. When the re-inspection is qualified, proceed to step S6.

[0048] S6. Qualified Release and Finished Product Unloading. Only after all items, including lock tongue model verification, missing parts detection, assembly force detection, pull-out force test, and marking re-inspection, are deemed qualified, will the main control module control the clamping cylinder of the clamping and positioning component 7 to retract, releasing the clamping and positioning of the lock tongue assembly, allowing the operator or unloading mechanism to remove the finished product; if any of the above steps fail, the device will remain in an interlocked state, and the lock tongue assembly cannot be marked or can not be unloaded.

[0049] Through the above steps, the error prevention pre-inspection, press-fit assembly, in-situ pull-out test, marking and marking re-inspection of the locking tongue are completed continuously in the same station and under the same set of positioning benchmarks. The workpiece does not need to be unloaded, transported and repositioned throughout the process. Moreover, the results of each inspection link are interlocked step by step through the main control module, realizing 100% online tensile force inspection and forced retention of defective products.

[0050] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the method embodiments described later are relatively simple in description since they correspond to the system, and relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the system embodiments.

[0051] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An integrated automatic assembly and testing device for locking tongues, characterized in that, include: A positioning fixture having a positioning structure for accommodating and positioning multiple components of the locking tongue; The assembly execution component is positioned opposite to the positioning fixture; A reciprocating drive assembly is connected to the assembly execution assembly for driving the assembly execution assembly to move along a first direction to press and assemble multiple parts in the positioning fixture into a locking tongue assembly. The force measuring component is configured in conjunction with the assembly execution component. A marking component is used to mark the latch assembly with traceability markings. The main control module is connected to the reciprocating drive component, the force measuring component, and the marking component via signals, respectively. The multiple components are press-fitted and assembled into a latch assembly and then held within the positioning fixture. During the press-fitting and assembly process, the force measuring component collects the assembly force. After the press-fitting and assembly is completed, the reciprocating drive component drives the assembly execution component to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the force measuring component applies a pull-out force to the latch assembly held within the positioning fixture and collects the pull-out force. The main control module is used to control the marking action and the flow of the latch assembly based on the assembly force and the pull-out force, so as to prevent marking of the latch assembly or prevent the latch assembly from flowing out when the inspection is unqualified.

2. The integrated automatic assembly and testing device for the locking tongue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly execution component is installed on the active output end of the reciprocating drive component and reciprocates synchronously with the active output end; the force measuring component is disposed on the assembly execution component and connected in series on the force transmission path between the active output end and the locking tongue assembly. The assembly force during the pressing assembly process and the pull-out force during the pull-out test process are both collected by the same force measuring component.

3. The integrated automatic assembly and testing device for the locking tongue according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fault-prevention identification component, which is signal-connected to the main control module and is used to acquire image information of the components inside the positioning fixture before pressing and assembly; the main control module is used to compare the model of the lock tongue according to the image information and detect whether there are any missing components inside the positioning fixture. When the locking tongue model is mismatched or some parts are missing, the main control module outputs an interlocking signal and / or an alarm signal to lock the reciprocating drive assembly and prevent the start of the pressing assembly.

4. The integrated automatic assembly and testing device for the locking tongue according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a clamping and positioning component, which is disposed above the positioning fixture and is used to clamp and position the components inside the positioning fixture before pressing and assembly, and to maintain the clamping state during pressing and assembly and in-situ pull-out test; the main control module is used to control the clamping and positioning component to release the clamping and positioning of the lock tongue assembly only after the lock tongue model verification, component missing detection, assembly force detection, pull-out force test and marking re-inspection are all qualified, so as to allow the lock tongue assembly to be removed.

5. The integrated automatic assembly and testing device for the locking tongue according to claim 1, characterized in that, The marking component is also used to scan back and collect images of the marking area after marking is completed, so as to re-inspect the traceability mark; the main control module is used to identify the clarity and / or integrity of the traceability mark based on the scanned image, and to determine that the locking tongue assembly is defective when a marking defect is identified, and to keep the device locked.

6. An automatic assembly and inspection method for a locking tongue, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The multiple components of the locking tongue are placed and positioned within the positioning fixture; The drive assembly execution component moves along the first direction to press and assemble multiple parts in the positioning fixture into a locking tongue assembly, and the assembly force is collected by the force measuring component during the pressing and assembly process. After assembly, the latch assembly is held within the positioning fixture, and the assembly execution component is driven to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The force measuring component applies a pull-out force to the latch assembly and collects the pull-out force to perform an in-situ pull-out test. When the pull-out force meets the preset qualified conditions, the locking tongue assembly is marked with a traceability mark by the marking component; When the assembly force and / or pull-out force do not meet the preset qualified conditions, interlocking is performed to prevent marking of the latch assembly or to prevent the latch assembly from rotating.

7. The automatic assembly and detection method for the locking tongue according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before the pressing assembly, a pre-inspection step to prevent errors is also included: acquiring image information of the components inside the positioning fixture, comparing the lock tongue model and detecting missing components based on the image information; when the lock tongue model does not match or there are missing components, interlocking is performed and an alarm signal is output to prevent the pressing assembly from starting; when the lock tongue model matches and all components are complete, the pressing and positioning component is controlled to press and position the components inside the positioning fixture, and then the pressing assembly step is performed.

8. The automatic assembly and detection method for the locking tongue according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the pressing and assembly process, the assembly force is collected in real time and an assembly force curve is generated. The assembly force is compared with a preset assembly force qualified range. When the assembly force exceeds the preset assembly force qualified range, the pressing is deemed defective and all subsequent processes are blocked. During the in-situ pull-out test, the collected pull-out force is compared with a preset pull-out force threshold. When the pull-out force is lower than the preset pull-out force threshold, the mechanical performance of the latch assembly is deemed unqualified and it is prohibited from proceeding to the marking process. When the assembly force is within the preset assembly force qualified range and the pull-out force is not lower than the preset pull-out force threshold, it is determined to be qualified and proceeds to the marking step.

9. The automatic assembly and detection method for the locking tongue according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the pull-out test is passed, the material removal action is performed to disengage the latch assembly from the positioning fixture. During the resetting process of the assembly execution component, the marking component is simultaneously activated to mark the latch assembly with a traceability mark. During the marking process, the smoke extraction component continuously extracts and collects the smoke generated during marking by aiming at the marking area. After marking is completed, the image of the marking area is scanned back to re-inspect the traceability mark. When a marking defect is identified, the latch assembly is determined to be defective and the mechanism is kept locked.

10. The automatic assembly and detection method for the locking tongue according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the positioning fixture is replaced to adapt to different models of lock tongues, the lock tongue model corresponding to the current positioning fixture is identified, the assembly force qualified range and tensile force threshold corresponding to the lock tongue model are automatically called, and the assembly force judgment and pull-out force judgment are performed according to the called parameters.

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