Automatic torsional spring sorting equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses automatic torsional spring sorting equipment, which belongs to the technical field of torsional spring sorting, solves the problem of large measurement error in the prior art, and adopts the technical scheme that the automatic torsional spring sorting equipment comprises a rack, and a feeding mechanism, a discharging mechanism and a control unit which are arranged on the rack, the feeding mechanism and the discharging mechanism are both electrically connected with the control unit, the rack is provided with a feeding position, a measuring position and a grading position, the torsion spring at the feeding position is conveyed to the measuring position through the feeding mechanism, the measuring position is provided with a measuring mechanism for measuring the inner diameters of at least two different positions of the torsion spring, and the grading position is provided with a grading mechanism for grading the inner diameters of the torsion spring. The grading positions are provided with material boxes used for storing torsion springs with different inner diameter grades, and the control unit controls the discharging mechanism to sort the torsion springs on the measuring positions to the corresponding material boxes according to the minimum inner diameter value, measured by the measuring mechanism, of the torsion springs. According to the utility model, the measurement error is reduced, so that the measurement result is more accurate and reliable.

Description

An automatic sorting device using torsion springs Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of torsion spring sorting technology, and in particular to an automatic torsion spring sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of torsion springs, the accuracy of the inner diameter is not only a crucial quality indicator of whether the product meets design requirements, but also a key parameter for evaluating the stability and precision of the manufacturing process. To ensure product quality and assembly performance, torsion springs must undergo inner diameter inspection after manufacturing, and be sorted and classified based on the measurement results. However, current technologies generally only measure the inner diameter of a single location, which has certain limitations. Due to the elastic deformation characteristics of the torsion spring structure, the measurement results at a single location may be affected by random errors or local deformation, making it difficult to fully reflect its true inner diameter state. This leads to measurement data deviating from the actual value, affecting the accuracy of sorting and the reliability of subsequent applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic torsion spring sorting device that solves the problem of large measurement errors in the prior art, reduces measurement errors, and makes the measurement results more accurate and reliable.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic torsion spring sorting device, comprising a frame, and a feeding mechanism, a discharging mechanism, and a control unit disposed on the frame. The feeding mechanism and the discharging mechanism are electrically connected to the control unit. The frame is provided with a feeding position, a measuring position, and a sorting position. The torsion springs at the feeding position are conveyed to the measuring position through the feeding mechanism. The measuring position is provided with a measuring mechanism for measuring the inner diameter of the torsion spring at at least two different positions. The sorting position is provided with a material box for storing torsion springs with inner diameters of different positions. The control unit controls the discharging mechanism to sort the torsion springs at the measuring position into the corresponding material box according to the minimum inner diameter value of the torsion spring measured by the measuring mechanism.

[0005] After adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages: By measuring the inner diameter at at least two different locations and obtaining data from multiple angles, the limitations of single-location measurement are effectively avoided, and the inner diameter of the torsion spring is reflected more comprehensively, greatly improving the accuracy of measurement. Secondly, the minimum inner diameter value can better determine the compatibility of the torsion spring with other components. Using the measured minimum inner diameter value as the sorting basis meets the requirements for the inner diameter of the torsion spring in the actual assembly process, effectively ensuring sorting accuracy and improving the reliability of the product in actual application. Finally, through the coordinated work of the feeding mechanism, measuring mechanism and unloading mechanism, automation from feeding, measuring to sorting is realized, which not only improves production efficiency, but also avoids errors caused by human factors as much as possible.

[0006] Furthermore, the measuring position is provided with at least two tensioning mechanisms, which stretch and tension the torsion spring along two mutually perpendicular measuring directions.

[0007] Using the aforementioned technical solution, the torsion spring itself has elastic deformation characteristics. If it is not properly tensioned, the force during measurement will affect its inner diameter, leading to inaccurate measurement results. By using mutually perpendicular tensioning mechanisms to stretch and tension the torsion spring in two directions, the torsion spring can be kept in a stable force state, effectively eliminating the interference of elastic deformation on the inner diameter measurement. By measuring the inner diameter at two mutually perpendicular locations, the measurement data more accurately reflects the actual size of the torsion spring's inner diameter, greatly improving the measurement accuracy.

[0008] Furthermore, the tensioning mechanism includes a driver, a first spreading arm and a second spreading arm that can extend into the inner ring of the torsion spring. The first spreading arm is fixedly connected to the measuring position, and the second spreading arm is slidably connected to the measuring position. The driver is used to drive the second spreading arm to move away from the first spreading arm along the radial direction of the torsion spring so that the radial direction of the torsion spring is in a tensioned state. The measuring mechanism is used to measure the displacement of the second spreading arm relative to the first spreading arm to calculate the inner diameter of the torsion spring.

[0009] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, during operation, the second spreading arm moves away from the first spreading arm along the radial direction of the torsion spring. The first and second spreading arms apply tension to the torsion spring from two opposing directions, ensuring uniform force distribution in the radial direction. This uniform force distribution effectively prevents deformation of the torsion spring due to excessive localized force, and ensures that the torsion spring maintains its original shape and performance under tension. This provides a stable foundation for accurate inner diameter measurement. The inner diameter of the torsion spring is calculated by measuring the displacement of the second spreading arm relative to the first spreading arm, transforming inner diameter measurement into displacement measurement, simplifying the measurement process and further reducing errors caused by complex measurement methods. Since the actuator can flexibly control the movement distance of the second spreading arm, this tensioning mechanism can adapt to torsion springs of different specifications. Whether the inner diameter is small or large, effective tensioning and accurate measurement can be achieved by adjusting the position of the second spreading arm, greatly enhancing the applicability of the equipment to different types of torsion springs and expanding its application range.

[0010] Furthermore, the measuring mechanism is provided in at least two locations, and the at least two measuring mechanisms are arranged in two mutually perpendicular measuring directions.

[0011] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, the torsion spring can be measured from multiple angles by arranging measuring mechanisms in mutually perpendicular directions. This helps to obtain more comprehensive and accurate dimensional information about the torsion spring and avoids mechanical and positioning errors caused by moving a single measuring mechanism between different directions, further improving the accuracy of the torsion spring's inner diameter measurement.

[0012] Furthermore, the measuring mechanism includes a contact displacement sensor located in the moving direction of the second spreading arm, and the second spreading arm is provided with a contact portion for contacting the contact displacement sensor.

[0013] Through the above technical solution, the contact displacement sensor directly contacts the contact part on the second spreading arm to monitor the displacement change of the second spreading arm relative to the first spreading arm in real time. This allows for more intuitive acquisition of displacement data, avoids signal attenuation or errors that may occur with indirect measurement, more accurately reflects the inner diameter of the torsion spring, and ensures that the measurement results are as true and reliable as possible.

[0014] Furthermore, the measuring position is also provided with a limiting rod located in the moving direction of the second spreading arm to limit the amount of movement of the second spreading arm away from the first spreading arm.

[0015] With the above technical solution, if the movement of the second expansion arm is too large, the torsion spring will be subjected to tension exceeding its elastic limit, causing irreversible plastic deformation or even breakage of the torsion spring. By setting a limit rod, the function of the limit rod is to protect the contact displacement sensor. During debugging, the contact part of the second expansion arm is limited to prevent damage to the contact sensor. The limit rod can also control the tension force within a reasonable range as much as possible, thereby ensuring that the torsion spring only undergoes elastic deformation during the measurement process, maintaining the original performance and quality of the torsion spring, and minimizing product damage caused by the measurement process.

[0016] Furthermore, the frame is provided with at least two measurement positions.

[0017] With the above technical solution, multiple measuring positions can measure multiple torsion springs simultaneously. Compared with a single measuring position, more torsion springs can be measured per unit time, which greatly improves production efficiency and is especially suitable for large-scale sorting scenarios.

[0018] Furthermore, the unloading mechanism includes a unloading robot for gripping torsion springs, with material boxes arranged side by side on both sides of the unloading robot.

[0019] By using the above technical solution, compared with the traditional linear arrangement, the parallel arrangement of material boxes on both sides reduces the overall length of the equipment, makes the layout of the unloading mechanism more compact, and the robot arm does not need to move much to complete the unloading operation, reducing unloading time and improving overall production efficiency.

[0020] Furthermore, a guide trough is provided above the material box, and an opening is provided at the bottom of the guide trough for the torsion spring to enter the material box. A baffle plate is provided at the opening of the guide trough to cover the opening. The baffle plate holds the torsion spring in the hopper formed by the guide trough and the baffle plate. The baffle plate can be opened or closed relative to the opening.

[0021] Through the above technical solution, the guide box can guide the torsion spring more accurately, ensuring that the torsion spring can fall into the box accurately as much as possible. When the box is full or the feeding needs to be paused, the baffle plate is closed to cover the opening, forming a closed hopper that can temporarily store the torsion spring, thus improving the controllability and flexibility of the production process.

[0022] Furthermore, the feeding position is equipped with a storage tray, a conveying channel and a vibrator. The conveying channel is connected to the storage tray, and the vibrator is used to drive the conveying channel to vibrate so that the torsion spring in the storage tray moves along the conveying channel. The feeding mechanism includes a feeding robot for grabbing the torsion spring on the conveying channel and transferring it to the measuring position.

[0023] Through the above technical solution, the conveying channel is connected to the storage tray, and under the action of the vibrator, a stable conveying path is provided for the torsion spring. The loading robot can more accurately grab the torsion spring on the conveying channel and transfer it to the measurement position, ensuring that each torsion spring can be accurately placed on the measurement position as much as possible, improving the accuracy and consistency of the measurement, and helping to accurately detect and process the torsion spring in the future. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the torsion spring automatic sorting device of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the torsion spring automatic sorting device of this utility model from another perspective.

[0027] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the first support of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the first support of this utility model from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the second support of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the measuring position of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the sorting station structure of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the sorting station of this utility model from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third support of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the third support of this utility model from another perspective;

[0035] In the diagram, 10 is the frame; 11 is the first support; 111 is the cavity; 112 is the cover plate; 12 is the second support; 13 is the third support; 14 is the feeding position; 141 is the storage tray; 142 is the conveying channel; 1421 is the stopping platform; 143 is the vibrator; 15 is the measuring position; 151 is the driver; 152 is the first opening arm; 153 is the second opening arm; 1531 is the base; 1532 is the support rod; 154 is the contact part; 155 is the contact part. 156. Contact displacement sensor; 157. Limiting rod; 16. Slide rail; 16. Gear position; 161. Material box; 162. Material guide box; 163. Inlet; 164. Opening; 165. Inclined side wall; 166. Baffle plate; 167. Material bin; 168. Limiting plate; 169. Horizontal guide rail; 17. Suction cup; 18. Traveling wheel; 20. Loading robot; 21. Unloading robot; 22. Fixture; 30. Control unit; 40. Torsion spring. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0037] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0038] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this utility model, the number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0039] It should be understood that in this invention, "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0040] It should be understood that in this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, X and / or Y can represent: X alone, X and Y simultaneously, or Y alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "Contains X, Y, and Z", "Contains X, Y, and Z" means that all three X, Y, and Z are contained; "Contains X, Y, or Z" means that one of X, Y, and Z is contained; "Contains X, Y, and / or Z" means that any one, two, or three of X, Y, and Z are contained.

[0041] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be selected to be combined or substituted with each other according to the actual situation, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, this utility model provides an automatic sorting device for torsion springs, including a frame 10, and a feeding mechanism, a discharging mechanism, and a control unit 30 disposed on the frame 10. The feeding mechanism and the discharging mechanism are electrically connected to the control unit 30. The frame 10 is provided with a feeding position 14, a measuring position 15, and a sorting position 16. The torsion springs 40 at the feeding position 14 are conveyed to the measuring position 15 through the feeding mechanism. The measuring position 15 is provided with a measuring mechanism for measuring the inner diameter of the torsion springs 40 at at least two different positions. The sorting position 16 is provided with a material box 161 for storing torsion springs 40 with different inner diameters. The control unit 30 controls the discharging mechanism to sort the torsion springs 40 on the measuring position 15 into the corresponding material box 161 according to the minimum inner diameter value of the torsion springs 40 measured by the measuring mechanism.

[0043] By measuring the inner diameter at at least two different locations and acquiring data from multiple angles, the limitations of single-location measurement are effectively avoided, providing a more comprehensive reflection of the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40 and significantly improving measurement accuracy. Secondly, the minimum inner diameter value better determines the compatibility of the torsion spring 40 with other components. The minimum inner diameter value refers to the smallest value of the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40 obtained from multiple measurements by the measuring mechanism. Using the measured minimum inner diameter value as the sorting basis meets the requirements for the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40 in the actual assembly process, effectively ensuring sorting accuracy and improving the reliability of the product in actual applications. Finally, through the coordinated work of the feeding mechanism, measuring mechanism, and unloading mechanism, automation from feeding and measurement to sorting is achieved, which not only improves production efficiency but also minimizes errors caused by human factors.

[0044] Because the torsion spring 40 has elastic deformation characteristics, if it is not properly tensioned, the force during measurement will affect its inner diameter, leading to inaccurate measurement results. Therefore, in this application, the measuring position 15 is equipped with at least two tensioning mechanisms. These mechanisms tension the torsion spring 40 along two mutually perpendicular measuring directions. This ensures the torsion spring 40 is in a stable stress state, effectively eliminating the interference of elastic deformation on the inner diameter measurement. This allows the measurement data to more accurately reflect the actual inner diameter of the torsion spring 40, greatly improving measurement accuracy.

[0045] Accordingly, at least two measuring mechanisms are provided, arranged in two mutually perpendicular measuring directions. The torsion spring 40 can be measured from multiple angles, which helps to obtain more comprehensive and accurate dimensional information of the torsion spring 40, and also avoids mechanical and positioning errors caused by moving a single measuring mechanism between different directions, further improving the accuracy of the inner diameter measurement of the torsion spring 40.

[0046] Preferably, there are two measuring mechanisms and two tensioning mechanisms. Each tensioning mechanism includes a driver 151, a first opening arm 152 that can extend into the inner ring of the torsion spring 40, and a second opening arm 153. The first opening arm 152 and the second opening arm 153 of each tensioning mechanism are located in the same plane. The two tensioning mechanisms open and tension the torsion spring 40 along two mutually perpendicular measuring directions. The first opening arm 152 is fixedly connected to the measuring position 15, and the second opening arm 153 is slidably connected to the measuring position 15. The driver 151 is used to drive the second opening arm 153 to move away from the first opening arm 152 along the radial direction of the torsion spring 40. This ensures that the torsion spring 40 is subjected to uniform force in the radial direction, keeping it under radial tension. This uniform force distribution effectively prevents deformation of the torsion spring 40 due to excessive localized force, and guarantees that the torsion spring 40 maintains its original shape and performance under tension. This provides a stable foundation for accurately measuring the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40. The measuring mechanism measures the displacement of the second spreading arm 153 relative to the first spreading arm 152 to calculate the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40. Converting the inner diameter measurement of the torsion spring 40 into a displacement measurement simplifies the measurement process and further reduces errors caused by complex measurement methods. Two measuring mechanisms measure the displacement of two mutually perpendicular second spreading arms 153 for measuring the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40 at two mutually perpendicular locations. This allows for more accurate measurement of the torsion spring's dimensions in different directions, resulting in a more accurate acquisition of the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40.

[0047] It should be noted that the position of the first spreading arm 152 is fixed, and the initial position of the second spreading arm 153 is fixed. The inner diameter of the torsion spring 40 can be obtained by measuring the displacement of the second spreading arm 153 relative to the first spreading arm 152 and then adding the initial position of the first spreading arm 152 and the distance between the second spreading arm 153.

[0048] Since the driver 151 can flexibly control the movement distance of the second spreading arm 153, the tensioning mechanism can adapt to torsion springs 40 of different specifications. Whether the torsion spring 40 has a small or large inner diameter, effective tensioning and accurate measurement can be achieved by adjusting the position of the second spreading arm 153, which greatly enhances the applicability of the equipment to different types of torsion spring 40 products and expands the application range of the equipment.

[0049] Specifically, both the first expansion arm 152 and the second expansion arm 153 include a base 1531 for supporting the torsion spring 40 and a support rod 1532 fixed on the base 1531. The support rod 1532 extends into the inner ring of the torsion spring 40. The driver 151 is a telescopic cylinder fixed on the measuring position 15. The push rod of the telescopic cylinder is fixedly connected to the base 1531 of the second expansion arm 153 to pull the second expansion arm 153 to move relative to the first expansion arm 152. In order to improve the sliding stability of the second expansion arm 153, a slide rail 157 extending along the measuring direction is provided on the measuring position 15. The base 1531 of the second expansion arm 153 is slidably connected to the slide rail 157. The slide rail 157 can provide more precise guidance for the second expansion arm 153, so that it can only move in a straight line extending along the measuring direction, minimizing the occurrence of deviation or swaying. This helps to further ensure the stability and accuracy of the measurement.

[0050] To further reduce the deviation of the tension force, the telescopic cylinder is also connected to a pressure regulating valve, which provides stable air pressure to drive the actuator 151. The tension force output by the actuator 151 can be stabilized within a range with a small deviation.

[0051] The measuring mechanism includes a contact displacement sensor 155 located in the moving direction of the second spreading arm 153. The second spreading arm 153 is provided with a contact part 154 for contacting the contact displacement sensor 155. By directly contacting and monitoring the displacement change of the second spreading arm 153 relative to the first spreading arm 152 in real time, displacement data can be obtained more intuitively, avoiding signal attenuation or errors that may occur from indirect measurement, and more accurately reflecting the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40, so as to ensure that the measurement results are as true and reliable as possible.

[0052] It should be noted that only one tensioning mechanism operates at each measuring position 15 at a time, and correspondingly, only one measuring mechanism is running, measuring the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40 in a single direction. After measuring one direction, the telescopic cylinder will drive the second spreading arm 153 to reset, returning it to its initial position. Then, the tensioning mechanism in the other direction will operate, tensioning the torsion spring 40, and then the measuring mechanism in the other direction will measure, obtaining two sets of inner diameter dimensions. The control unit 30 takes the minimum value as the inner diameter of the torsion spring 40. If multiple tensioning mechanisms operate simultaneously, the torsion spring 40 will be subjected to tensile forces in multiple directions, resulting in significant deformation and inaccurate measurement results.

[0053] It should be noted that a force sensor, such as a strain gauge force sensor or a piezoelectric force sensor, is installed on the push rod of the telescopic cylinder. When the telescopic cylinder applies force, the force sensor can accurately measure the applied tension. Thus, when the tension reaches the target value, the torsion spring 40 is in a tensioned state, and the control unit controls the telescopic cylinder to stop pulling.

[0054] If the second spreading arm 153 moves too much, the torsion spring 40 will be subjected to tension exceeding its elastic limit, causing irreversible plastic deformation or even breakage. Therefore, in this application, the measuring position 15 is also provided with a limiting rod 156 located in the moving direction of the second spreading arm 153. The limiting rod 156 is away from the first spreading arm 152. The function of the limiting rod 156 is to protect the contact displacement sensor 155. During debugging, it limits the contact part of the second spreading arm 153 to prevent damage to the contact displacement sensor 155. It also limits the amount of movement of the second spreading arm 153 away from the first spreading arm 152, thus controlling the tension force within a reasonable range. This ensures that the torsion spring 40 only undergoes elastic deformation during measurement, maintaining the original performance and quality of the torsion spring 40 and minimizing product damage caused by the measurement process. The limiting rod 156 is fixed to the measuring position 15.

[0055] It should be noted that when the second spreading arm 153 moves to its maximum movement, the limiting rod 156 abuts against the contact part 154 on the second spreading arm 153, restricting the second spreading arm 153 from continuing to move.

[0056] To achieve automated feeding, the feeding position 14 is equipped with a storage tray 141, a conveying channel 142, and a vibrator 143. The conveying channel 142 is connected to the storage tray 141. The vibrator 143 is used to drive the conveying channel 142 to vibrate so that the torsion spring 40 in the storage tray 141 moves along the conveying channel 142, providing a stable conveying path for the torsion spring 40. The feeding mechanism includes a feeding robot 20 for grabbing the torsion spring 40 on the conveying channel 142 and transferring it to the measurement position 15. The feeding robot 20 can grab the torsion spring 40 on the conveying channel 142 more accurately and transfer it to the measurement position 15, ensuring that each torsion spring 40 can be accurately placed on the measurement position 15 as much as possible, improving the accuracy and consistency of the measurement, and helping to accurately detect and process the torsion spring 40 in the future. The frame 10 is equipped with a cavity 111, and a storage tray 141 is placed inside the cavity 111, making the storage of the torsion spring 40 more orderly. The frame 10 is also equipped with a cover plate 112, which is used to open or close the cavity 111. When the cavity 111 is open, the torsion spring 40 can be placed into the storage tray 141. When the torsion spring 40 is being measured, the cover plate 112 can close the cavity 111, which can prevent the operator from accidentally touching the torsion spring 40 or other parts during the operation of the equipment, reducing the risk of safety accidents and ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0057] It should be noted that the conveying channel 142 can be a closed channel at both ends, effectively preventing the torsion spring 40 from detaching from the conveying channel 142 when vibrating. The end of the conveying channel 142 away from the storage tray 141 is the stopping platform 1421. The torsion spring 40 of the conveying channel 142 is conveyed to the stopping platform 1421. The stopping platform 1421 stores one torsion spring 40 at a time. The stopping platform 1421 and the measuring position 15 can be set at 90° in different directions of the frame 10. The loading robot 20 grabs the torsion spring 40 of the stopping platform 1421 and then rotates it 90° to convey it to the measuring position 15.

[0058] The unloading mechanism includes an unloading robot 21 for gripping the torsion spring 40, with material boxes 161 arranged side by side on both sides of the unloading robot 21. Compared with the traditional linear arrangement, the material boxes 161 arranged side by side on both sides reduce the overall length of the equipment, making the layout of the unloading mechanism more compact. The robot can also complete the unloading operation without large movements, reducing unloading time and improving overall production efficiency.

[0059] To make the feeding more stable, a guide box 162 is provided above the material box 161. The bottom of the guide box 162 is provided with an opening 164 for the torsion spring 40 to enter the material box 161. A baffle plate 166 is provided at the opening 164 of the guide box 162 to cover the opening 164. The baffle plate 166 holds the torsion spring 40 in the hopper 167 formed by the guide box 162 and the baffle plate 166. The baffle plate 166 can be opened or closed relative to the opening 164. When the baffle plate 166 is open relative to the opening 164, the guide trough 162 can guide the torsion spring 40 more precisely, ensuring that the torsion spring 40 falls accurately into the material box 161. When the material box 161 is full or feeding needs to be paused, the baffle plate 166 is closed to cover the opening 164, forming a closed material hopper 167. The torsion spring 40 can be temporarily stored, and the full material box 161 can be replaced, improving the controllability and flexibility of the production process. The baffle plate 166 is slidably connected to the bottom of the guide trough 162. Pulling the baffle plate 166 away from the opening 164 will open the opening 164, and pushing the baffle plate 166 into the opening 164 will close the opening 164.

[0060] It should be noted that the frame 10 can be divided into a first support 11 for mounting the storage tray 141, a second support 12 with a measuring position 15, and a third support 13 for mounting the material box 161 and the guide trough 162. The material box 161 can be detached from the third support 13, making it convenient to remove the sorted torsion spring 40 from the third support 13 and transfer it to another location for further processing. The bottom of the first support 11 is equipped with a suction cup 17, which can firmly attach the first support 11 to the ground or other flat support surface to prevent the first support 11 from shaking or shifting during equipment operation. The bottom of the second support 12 and the bottom of the third support 13 are both equipped with casters 18, which allows the entire device to be moved easily and its position to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual needs of the production site, adapting to different workflows and site layouts.

[0061] It should be noted that torsion springs 40 with different inner diameters are stored in different material boxes 161. Torsion springs 40 with the same inner diameter refer to all torsion springs 40 with an inner diameter within a certain range. Each material box 161 is provided with a guide trough 162. One inner wall of the guide trough 162 is inclined, allowing the torsion springs 40 to slide down the inclined inner wall to the opening 164. The friction between the torsion springs 40 and the inclined inner wall reduces the falling speed of the torsion springs 40, thereby reducing the impact on the torsion springs 40 when they fall into the material box 161, and making the torsion springs 40 less prone to deformation. Limiting plates 168 are also provided on both sides of the unloading robot 21. The inlet 163 of the guide trough 162 is located between the two limiting plates 168 to prevent the torsion springs 40 from rebounding and detaching from the guide trough 162 after falling.

[0062] To improve sorting efficiency, the frame 10 is equipped with two measuring positions 15, which can simultaneously measure two torsion springs 40. Compared with a single measuring position 15, more torsion springs 40 can be measured per unit time, greatly improving production efficiency, especially suitable for large-scale sorting scenarios. Correspondingly, the feeding position 14 is equipped with two storage trays 141, two conveying channels 142, and two vibrators 143. The loading robot 20 has two grippers 22, which can simultaneously transport the torsion springs 40 from the two conveying channels 142 to the two measuring positions 15. Similarly, the unloading robot 21 also has two grippers 22, which can simultaneously drive the two measured torsion springs 40 for sorting. The two first spreading arms 152 on the two measuring positions 15 are fixedly connected, close to each other and located on the same axis of the torsion springs 40, so that the first spreading arms 152 of the two measuring positions 15 form a stable integral structure. During operations such as measuring the torsion springs 40, they can share the external force, reducing the possibility of shaking and deformation, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the measurement. The third support 13 is equipped with a horizontal guide rail 169, which is located between the material guide box 162 and the measuring position 15. The unloading robot 21 is slidably mounted on the horizontal guide rail 169 by a slider. The slider is driven to slide on the horizontal guide rail 169 by a linear drive mechanism, so that the unloading robot 21 can transfer the two torsion springs 40 after measurement to the material guide box 162 for unloading.

[0063] Understandably, in other embodiments, the measuring mechanism can also be a non-contact displacement sensor, such as a laser displacement sensor that emits a laser beam and obtains the inner diameter data of the torsion spring by measuring the reflected light. The vision measurement system, on the other hand, uses a camera to capture images of the torsion spring and then calculates the inner diameter of the torsion spring using image processing algorithms.

[0064] Understandably, in other embodiments, three or four measurement positions can also be set on the frame to enable simultaneous measurement of multiple torsion springs and improve measurement efficiency.

[0065] Understandably, in other embodiments, the inner diameter of the torsion spring can also be measured at at least two points where they intersect, such as measuring the inner diameter of the torsion spring at three points where they intersect, or measuring the inner diameter of the torsion spring at four points where they intersect. The angle of intersection can be 30°, 45°, etc., which effectively avoids the limitations of measuring at a single location. The torsion springs can be sorted and graded according to the minimum inner diameter value.

[0066] In addition to the preferred embodiments described above, there are other embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for automatic sorting of torsion springs, characterized in that The device includes a frame, and a feeding mechanism, a discharging mechanism, and a control unit mounted on the frame. The feeding mechanism and the discharging mechanism are electrically connected to the control unit. The frame is provided with a feeding position, a measuring position, and a sorting position. The torsion springs at the feeding position are conveyed to the measuring position by the feeding mechanism. The measuring position is provided with a measuring mechanism for measuring the inner diameter of the torsion springs at at least two different locations. The sorting position is provided with a material box for storing torsion springs with inner diameters of different grades. The control unit controls the discharging mechanism to sort the torsion springs at the measuring position into the corresponding material box based on the minimum inner diameter value of the torsion springs measured by the measuring mechanism.

2. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The measuring position is provided with at least two tensioning mechanisms, which stretch and tension the torsion spring along two mutually perpendicular measuring directions.

3. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The tensioning mechanism includes a driver, a first opening arm and a second opening arm that can extend into the inner ring of the torsion spring. The first opening arm is fixedly connected to the measuring position, and the second opening arm is slidably connected to the measuring position. The driver is used to drive the second opening arm to move away from the first opening arm along the radial direction of the torsion spring so that the radial direction of the torsion spring is in a tensioned state. The measuring mechanism is used to measure the displacement of the second opening arm relative to the first opening arm to calculate the inner diameter of the torsion spring.

4. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The measuring mechanism is provided in at least two locations, and the at least two measuring mechanisms are arranged in two mutually perpendicular measuring directions.

5. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The measuring mechanism includes a contact displacement sensor located in the moving direction of the second spreading arm, and the second spreading arm is provided with a contact part for contacting the contact displacement sensor.

6. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The measuring position is also provided with a limiting rod located in the moving direction of the second spreading arm to limit the amount of movement of the second spreading arm away from the first spreading arm.

7. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The frame is equipped with at least two measurement positions.

8. The automatic torsion spring sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes a feeding robot for gripping torsion springs, and the material boxes are arranged side by side on both sides of the feeding robot.

9. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The material box is provided with a guide trough above it. The bottom of the guide trough is provided with an opening for the torsion spring to enter the material box. A baffle plate is provided at the opening of the guide trough to cover the opening. The baffle plate holds the torsion spring in the hopper formed by the guide trough and the baffle plate. The baffle plate can be opened or closed relative to the opening.

10. The torsion spring automated singulating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The feeding position is equipped with a storage tray, a conveying channel and a vibrator. The conveying channel is connected to the storage tray. The vibrator is used to drive the conveying channel to vibrate so that the torsion spring in the storage tray moves along the conveying channel. The feeding mechanism includes a feeding robot for grabbing the torsion spring on the conveying channel and transferring it to the measuring position.

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