Automatic rivet feeding mechanism and progressive die device comprising same
By designing an automatic riveting mechanism within the continuous die, the riveting and stamping processes are combined, solving the problem of low riveting efficiency for sheet metal stamping parts. This achieves efficient and precise in-die riveting, improving production efficiency and riveting quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 格力电器(洛阳)有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
The existing riveting methods for sheet metal stamping parts have problems such as low production efficiency, high labor intensity, poor riveting quality stability, and the riveting process after stamping has a lower cycle time than the previous process, resulting in slow material turnover and large investment in personnel and equipment.
Design an automatic riveting mechanism, including a sorting module, an export module, a feeding module, and a pick-and-place module. It achieves in-die riveting within a progressive die, using stamping pressure to press rivets into the sheet metal, combining the riveting and stamping processes. The mechanism adapts the operating frequencies of the feeding and pick-and-place modules to the stamping frequency of the progressive die, ensuring riveting accuracy and efficiency.
It significantly improves production efficiency, reduces human resource input, provides high riveting precision, meets the needs of various parts, solves the problem of inconsistent cycle times between upstream and downstream processes, shortens the production cycle, and reduces production costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224254646U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of stamping technology, and in particular to an automatic riveting mechanism and a continuous die device including the same. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the functional requirements of sheet metal stamping parts are becoming increasingly diversified, and stamping semi-finished parts still need subsequent processing to form finished components.
[0003] The applicant has discovered that the existing technology has at least the following technical problems: The riveting method for fixing nuts on sheet metal parts in the air conditioning manufacturing industry mainly relies on traditional single-process riveting dies or manual riveting guns. These traditional methods generally suffer from low production efficiency, high labor intensity, and poor riveting quality stability. Furthermore, the production cycle time of the riveting process after stamping is significantly lower than that of the previous stamping process, leading to secondary turnover and intermediate work-in-process inventory issues that contradict lean manufacturing principles. In addition, there are many other inefficiencies such as slow material turnover and high personnel and equipment investment. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic riveting mechanism for realizing continuous die riveting and a continuous die device including the same, so as to solve the technical problems of inconsistent cycle time and low production efficiency in the sheet metal stamping and riveting processes in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:
[0006] This utility model provides an automatic riveting mechanism, comprising a sorting module, an export module, a replenishment module, and a feeding module; wherein:
[0007] The sorting module is used to adjust the orientation of the material to be riveted and to provide a power source for movement;
[0008] The export module has a feeding position and a picking position; the feeding position is connected to the outlet of the sorting module and is used to receive the riveting material after the direction adjustment is completed.
[0009] The material replenishment module is located next to the export module and is used to replenish the material to be riveted in the export module to the material taking position.
[0010] The feeding module can reciprocate between the feeding position and the preset riveting hole in the continuous mold cavity.
[0011] The automatic riveting mechanism of this invention can automatically feed the material to be riveted into the preset riveting hole in the continuous die cavity. By adding an automatic riveting mechanism in the continuous die, the rivet is pressed into the sheet metal by stamping pressure to achieve in-die riveting. The subsequent riveting process is combined into the stamping process, avoiding the material transfer process and reducing human resource input. Since in-die riveting directly eliminates the separate riveting process, the production efficiency is significantly improved. The riveting accuracy is high and there is no deviation. It meets the riveting needs of various parts and can be extended to other parts.
[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the operating frequency of the feeding module and the material handling module is adapted to the stamping frequency of the continuous die.
[0013] This invention combines the riveting and stamping processes by setting the operating frequencies of the feeding module and the material handling module to the same frequency as the stamping frequency of the continuous die. Riveting is performed using a press riveting method. At the same time, the cycle time of the riveting process is significantly worse than that of the stamping process. Since in-die riveting directly eliminates the separate riveting process, the production efficiency is significantly improved. It can be extended to other parts. In-die riveting combines the riveting and stamping processes, solves the problem of inconsistent cycle times between sheet metal stamping and riveting processes, shortens the production cycle, and reduces production costs.
[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, the sorting module includes a vibratory feeder.
[0015] This invention utilizes a vibratory feeder to adjust the orientation of the material to be riveted, such as a hexagonal rivet nut, so that the head of the hexagonal rivet nut faces upward and the tail section faces downward as it falls into the feed position of the guide rail.
[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, the export module includes a guide rail, a feeding position, and a picking position. The guide rail has a sliding cavity for placing the material to be riveted. The cross-sectional shape of the sliding cavity is the same as the shape of the material to be riveted. The feeding position and the picking position are respectively located at both ends of the guide rail.
[0017] This invention features a feeding position and a dispensing position at both ends of the guide rail. The feeding position is used for the material to be riveted to fall from the outlet of the vibratory feeder into the feeding position, then enter the guide rail through the feeding position, and finally enter the dispensing position to be removed. By setting a sliding groove in the guide rail that matches the shape of the material to be riveted, the material to be riveted can be conveyed in a limited manner, preventing it from turning over or tilting during the conveying process.
[0018] As a further improvement of this utility model, the sliding cavity has a T-shaped cross-section and includes a head cavity and a tail cavity; the width of the head cavity is adapted to the head width of the material to be riveted; and the width of the tail cavity is adapted to the tail diameter of the material to be riveted.
[0019] This invention sets the sliding cavity in a T-shape to fit the shape of the hexagonal head rivet nut, thus forming a limiting conveying mode to prevent deviations in the conveying process of the material to be riveted, which has been adjusted in posture and direction by the vibratory plate. Furthermore, by setting the head cavity specifications to match the width of the hexagonal head rivet nut head, it can prevent the hexagonal head rivet nut from rotating coaxially during forward movement.
[0020] As another improvement of this utility model, the sliding cavity has a T-shaped cross-section and includes a head cavity and a tail cavity; the width of the head cavity is adapted to the head width of the material to be riveted; the width of the tail cavity is adapted to the tail diameter of the material to be riveted; and a limiting plate to prevent the material to be riveted from flipping is also provided at the top of the head cavity.
[0021] This invention establishes a T-shaped sliding cavity to fit the shape of a hexagonal head rivet nut, creating a limiting conveying mode to prevent deviations in the conveying process of materials to be riveted, whose posture and direction have been adjusted by a vibratory feeder. Furthermore, by configuring the head cavity to match the width of the hexagonal head rivet nut's head, it prevents the rivet nut from rotating coaxially during forward movement. A limiting plate at the top of the head cavity provides vertical limitation, preventing the hexagonal head rivet nut from shifting vertically and ensuring stable conveying.
[0022] As a further improvement of this utility model, the feed position has a funnel-shaped structure.
[0023] This invention provides a funnel-shaped feeding position at the outlet of the vibratory feeder, which serves as a guide during feeding. This allows the material to be riveted, whose posture has been adjusted by the vibratory feeder, to smoothly enter the feeding position and maintain its adjusted posture.
[0024] As a further improvement of this utility model, the material receiving position is a T-shaped groove structure, with the upper section width equal to the width of the head cavity and the lower section width equal to the width of the tail cavity.
[0025] This invention provides a material-grabbing position with an unrestricted T-shaped structure at the end of the guide rail, which facilitates the material-grabbing module to pick up the material to be riveted from the top.
[0026] As a further improvement of this utility model, the rear section of the guide rail and the material taking position are located inside the continuous mold cavity.
[0027] This invention improves the structure of a progressive die by incorporating part of the automatic riveting mechanism within the die cavity. This allows the automatic riveting mechanism to feed the material to be riveted into the riveting holes of the sheet metal awaiting stamping. Then, the stamping pressure is used to simultaneously rivet the material, combining the riveting and stamping processes into one. This not only significantly improves production efficiency but also avoids the problems of material transfer, material waiting, and low efficiency caused by differences between the stamping and riveting rhythms.
[0028] As a further improvement of this utility model, the feeding module includes a guillotine cutter and a drive mechanism for driving the guillotine cutter to move.
[0029] This invention uses a drive mechanism to move the guillotine. When the guillotine approaches the material to be riveted, it can push the material forward and into the material taking position.
[0030] As a further improvement of this utility model, the driving mechanism includes a telescopic cylinder, which is connected to the guillotine to drive the guillotine to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the extension of the guide rail.
[0031] As a further improvement of this utility model, the side of the guillotine blade facing the material taking position has an inclined structure.
[0032] This invention, by setting the cutter to an inclined structure, not only enables the material to be riveted to be pushed forward, but also allows the pointed front end to be easily inserted between two adjacent materials to be riveted. Furthermore, the inclined structure enables the material to be riveted to be pushed forward smoothly, ensuring the stability of the forward pushing action.
[0033] As a further improvement of this utility model, the widest part of the guillotine is not less than one diameter of the material to be riveted, and not more than twice the diameter of the material to be riveted.
[0034] This structural design allows the cutter to push the material to be riveted into the pick-up position without pushing it too far away due to excessive width.
[0035] As a further improvement of this utility model, the feeding module includes a cylinder and a robotic arm; the cylinder is connected to the robotic arm.
[0036] This invention achieves automated feeding by using a vibratory feeder to deliver the rivet and then employing a cylinder-stroke robotic arm to replace manual rivet release.
[0037] The present invention provides a continuous die device, including the automatic riveting mechanism.
[0038] This utility model's continuous die device, by configuring an automatic riveting mechanism, utilizes in-die riveting technology to combine the previous stamping process with the subsequent riveting of rivet nuts, reducing the number of operators by two and increasing the riveting cycle time from 5-6 PCS / min to 7-8 PCS / min, significantly improving production efficiency. The increased production efficiency and reduced manual labor achieve the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement, enhancing the intelligence and automation level of air conditioner sheet metal parts production and realizing lean manufacturing. Improved riveting quality and functional diversity increase customer satisfaction. By combining the previous stamping process with the subsequent riveting process in the in-die riveting equipment, the problem of inconsistent cycle times between the two processes is solved, improving production efficiency and reducing intermediate work-in-process inventory; process merging avoids secondary turnover, reducing the labor intensity of operators and reducing manual positions; automatic riveting ensures no deviation or loosening, enhancing the competitiveness of air conditioner products. Attached Figure Description
[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0040] Figure 1 This is a top view of the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model;
[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the continuous mold device of this utility model;
[0042] Figure 3 This is a front view of the continuous mold device of this utility model;
[0043] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model;
[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the vibratory feeder in the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model;
[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;
[0046] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part B in the middle;
[0047] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the material replenishment module in the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model;
[0048] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder stroke manipulator in the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model;
[0049] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the guide rail containing material in the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model;
[0050] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model with no material in the guide rail;
[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hexagonal rivet nut processed in the automatic riveting mechanism of this utility model.
[0052] In the diagram: 1. Vibratory feeder; 2. Guide rail; 21. Sliding cavity; 211. Head cavity; 212. Tail cavity; 213. Limiting groove; 3. Feeding module; 31. Guillotine; 32. Telescopic cylinder; 4. Feeding module; 41. Cylinder; 42. Robotic arm; 5. Preset riveting hole; 6. Material picking position; 7. Stop seat. Detailed Implementation
[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0054] like Figures 1-12 As shown, this utility model provides an automatic riveting mechanism for simultaneously conveying materials to be riveted into a continuous die device for riveting and stamping. Specifically, the automatic riveting mechanism includes a sorting module, an export module, a replenishment module 3, and a feeding module 4; wherein:
[0055] The sorting module is used to adjust the direction of the material to be riveted and provide a power source for movement. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the material to be riveted is a hexagonal head rivet nut as an example for specific explanation. The sorting module can adjust the direction of the hexagonal head rivet nut and drop it out at the outlet with its head facing upwards. Since the sorting module will subsequently convey hexagonal head rivet nuts downwards, and the previous hexagonal head rivet nut entering the outlet module will move forward under the squeezing and pushing action of the next hexagonal head rivet nut entering, the sorting module not only completes the direction adjustment of the hexagonal head rivet nut during the sorting process, but also applies a certain vibration to the hexagonal head rivet nut during the sorting process. The vibration and squeezing and pushing of the hexagonal head rivet nut will cause the hexagonal head rivet nut to move forward sequentially in the outlet module.
[0056] The export module has a feeding position and a picking position; the feeding position is connected to the outlet of the sorting module and is used to receive the riveting material after the direction adjustment is completed; in this embodiment, the hexagonal head rivet nut is adjusted in direction by the sorting module and then falls into the feeding position through the outlet, and is then exported to the picking position by the export module.
[0057] The replenishment module is located next to the export module and is used to replenish the riveting material in the export module to the picking position. Considering that the vibration and pushing force of the sorting module is limited, and that it is difficult to guarantee that the next hexagonal head rivet nut can be in place after the picking and feeding module removes the hexagonal head rivet nut from the picking position, in this utility model, the replenishment module located next to the export module is used to replenish the hexagonal head rivet nut, so as to ensure that the next hexagonal head rivet nut can be replenished to the picking position after the picking and feeding module removes it.
[0058] The feeding module can reciprocate between the feeding position and the preset riveting hole in the continuous mold cavity, so as to take out the hexagonal head rivet nut from the feeding position and then put it into the preset riveting hole.
[0059] The automatic riveting mechanism of this invention can automatically feed the material to be riveted into the preset riveting hole in the continuous die cavity. By adding an automatic riveting mechanism in the continuous die, the rivet is pressed into the sheet metal by stamping pressure to achieve in-die riveting. The subsequent riveting process is combined into the stamping process, avoiding the material transfer process and reducing human resource input. Since in-die riveting directly eliminates the separate riveting process, the production efficiency is significantly improved. The riveting accuracy is high and there is no deviation. It meets the riveting needs of various parts and can be extended to other parts.
[0060] To ensure consistent feeding and stamping frequencies during riveting, allowing for simultaneous stamping and riveting, in this embodiment, the operating frequencies of the feeding module and the pick-and-place module are matched to the stamping frequency of the progressive die. Specifically, after the pick-and-place module retrieves a hexagonal rivet nut from its pick-up position and inserts it into the preset riveting hole in the progressive die, it returns to the pick-up position to retrieve the next hexagonal rivet nut. Simultaneously, after the previous hexagonal rivet nut is inserted, the progressive die performs a closing stamping action. While the pick-and-place module returns to the pick-up position to retrieve the next hexagonal rivet nut, the feeding module simultaneously completes the insertion of the next rivet nut. After the next hexagonal rivet nut is retrieved by the returning feeding module, it is again inserted into the preset riveting hole on the next sheet metal part to be stamped, and the stamping and riveting actions continue, repeating this cycle. The cycle time is set through program settings to ensure the continuous and stable operation of these three actions. The specific cycle time setting can be determined by considering factors such as the stroke time of each module. Since this part involves software programming, it will not be discussed in detail.
[0061] This invention combines the riveting and stamping processes by setting the operating frequencies of the feeding module and the material handling module to the same frequency as the stamping frequency of the continuous die. Riveting is performed using a press riveting method. At the same time, the cycle time of the riveting process is significantly worse than that of the stamping process. Since in-die riveting directly eliminates the separate riveting process, the production efficiency is significantly improved. It can be extended to other parts. In-die riveting combines the riveting and stamping processes, solves the problem of inconsistent cycle times between sheet metal stamping and riveting processes, shortens the production cycle, and reduces production costs.
[0062] In one optional embodiment of this invention, the sorting module includes a vibratory feeder. The vibratory feeder, purchased commercially, is used in this invention to generate vibrations that allow the hexagonal head rivet nut to move forward at the vibration frequency.
[0063] It should be noted that the vibratory feeder is an existing technology product, purchased from the market. The feed inlet of the vibratory feeder is located in the middle, and the outlet is located at the edge. The hexagonal head rivet nut vibrates continuously inside the vibratory feeder and moves towards the edge, then moves circumferentially at the edge, finally falling out of the outlet and into the feed position in the output module.
[0064] This invention utilizes a vibratory feeder to adjust the orientation of the material to be riveted, such as a hexagonal rivet nut, so that the head of the hexagonal rivet nut faces upward and the tail section faces downward as it falls into the feed position of the guide rail.
[0065] like Figures 1-11 As shown, in this embodiment, the export module includes a guide rail, a feeding position, and a picking position. The guide rail has a sliding cavity for placing the material to be riveted. The cross-sectional shape of the sliding cavity is the same as the shape of the material to be riveted. The feeding position and the picking position are respectively located at both ends of the guide rail.
[0066] The feeding position is used for hexagonal head rivet nuts that fall out of the vibratory feeder outlet. The nuts then move along the sliding cavity from the feeding position. It should be noted that to prevent the hexagonal head rivet nuts from accumulating at the feeding position, in this embodiment, the feeding position has a funnel-shaped structure. When the hexagonal head rivet nuts fall downwards from the outlet, they are guided by the funnel-shaped structure and eventually reach the bottom of the feeding position. Due to the kinetic energy of their fall, they undergo a small displacement in the guide rail direction. When the next hexagonal head rivet nut falls, its tail section enters the gap between the head of the previous hexagonal head rivet nut and the side of the funnel at the feeding position, generating a pushing force on the previous hexagonal head rivet nut, causing it to move forward. The next hexagonal head rivet nut then follows suit, and the cycle continues.
[0067] This invention features a feeding position and a dispensing position at both ends of the guide rail. The feeding position is used for the material to be riveted to fall from the outlet of the vibratory feeder into the feeding position, then enter the guide rail through the feeding position, and finally enter the dispensing position to be removed. By setting a sliding groove in the guide rail that matches the shape of the material to be riveted, the material to be riveted can be conveyed in a limited manner, preventing it from turning over or tilting during the conveying process.
[0068] Considering that the material to be riveted in this embodiment is a hexagonal head rivet nut, in order to adapt to the shape of the hexagonal head rivet nut, the cross-sectional shape of the sliding cavity in this embodiment is T-shaped, including a head cavity and a tail cavity; the width of the head cavity is adapted to the width of the head of the material to be riveted; and the width of the tail cavity is adapted to the diameter of the tail section of the material to be riveted.
[0069] Of course, if the material to be riveted is of a different shape, the sliding cavity shape does not need to be T-shaped; it can be set to a shape that matches the material. A T-shaped sliding cavity is not mandatory.
[0070] This invention sets the sliding cavity in a T-shape to fit the shape of the hexagonal head rivet nut, thus forming a limiting conveying mode to prevent deviations in the conveying process of the material to be riveted, which has been adjusted in posture and direction by the vibratory plate. Furthermore, by setting the head cavity specifications to match the width of the hexagonal head rivet nut head, it can prevent the hexagonal head rivet nut from rotating coaxially during forward movement.
[0071] It should be further explained that the head cavity specification is set to match the width of the hexagonal head rivet nut, which means that the width of the head cavity is slightly larger than the width of the hexagonal head rivet nut, and the gap between the two is small. However, in order to prevent the hexagonal head rivet nut from not being able to move smoothly, the width of the head cavity should be larger than the width of the hexagonal head rivet nut. The two are in a clearance fit relationship.
[0072] Because the head of a hexagonal head rivet nut is hexagonal with two relatively parallel surfaces, and the distance between these two surfaces is the width of the head, the width of the sliding cavity is designed to match the width of the head of the hexagonal head rivet nut to prevent it from rotating.
[0073] To prevent the hexagonal head rivet nut from shifting in the vertical direction, as another optional embodiment of this utility model, the sliding cavity has a T-shaped cross-section, including a head cavity and a tail cavity; the width of the head cavity is adapted to the width of the head of the material to be riveted; the width of the tail cavity is adapted to the diameter of the tail section of the material to be riveted; a limiting plate to prevent the material to be riveted from overturning is also provided at the top of the head cavity.
[0074] Specifically, there are two limiting plates, located on both sides of the head cavity, and the distance between the two limiting plates is less than the width of the head of the hexagonal head rivet nut.
[0075] This invention utilizes a T-shaped sliding cavity to accommodate the shape of a hexagonal head rivet nut, creating a limiting conveying mode to prevent deviations in the conveying process of the material to be riveted, which has been adjusted in posture and direction by a vibratory feeder. Furthermore, by configuring the head cavity to match the width of the hexagonal head rivet nut's head, it prevents the rivet nut from rotating coaxially during forward movement. A limiting plate at the top of the head cavity provides vertical limitation, preventing the hexagonal head rivet nut from shifting vertically and ensuring stable conveying.
[0076] Specifically, the height of the head cavity should be slightly greater than the head height of the hexagonal head rivet nut to ensure smooth movement of the hexagonal head rivet nut. In addition, the limiting plate should be used to block part of the head of the hexagonal head rivet nut to prevent it from moving vertically.
[0077] This invention provides a funnel-shaped feeding position at the outlet of the vibratory feeder, which serves as a guide during feeding. This allows the material to be riveted, whose posture has been adjusted by the vibratory feeder, to smoothly enter the feeding position and maintain its adjusted posture.
[0078] In one optional embodiment of this utility model, the material picking position is a T-shaped groove structure, with the upper section width equal to the head cavity width and the lower section width equal to the tail cavity width. This means there are no limiting structures at the material picking position, facilitating the robotic arm to grip the hexagonal head rivet nut from the top.
[0079] This invention provides a material-grabbing position without limits at the end of the guide rail, which facilitates the material-grabbing module to pick up the material to be riveted from the top.
[0080] As a further improvement of this utility model, the rear section of the guide rail and the material pick-up position are located inside the continuous mold cavity.
[0081] This invention improves the structure of a progressive die by incorporating part of the automatic riveting mechanism within the die cavity. This allows the automatic riveting mechanism to feed the material to be riveted into the riveting holes of the sheet metal awaiting stamping. Then, the stamping pressure is used to simultaneously rivet the material, combining the riveting and stamping processes into one. This not only significantly improves production efficiency but also avoids the problems of material transfer, material waiting, and low efficiency caused by differences between the stamping and riveting rhythms.
[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, as a further improvement of this utility model, the feeding module includes a guillotine cutter and a drive mechanism for driving the guillotine cutter to move.
[0083] This invention uses a drive mechanism to move the guillotine. When the guillotine approaches the material to be riveted, it can push the material forward and into the material taking position.
[0084] As a further improvement of this utility model, the driving mechanism includes a telescopic cylinder, which is connected to the guillotine to drive the guillotine to reciprocate along the direction perpendicular to the extension of the guide rail.
[0085] As a further improvement of this utility model, the side of the guillotine facing the material taking position has an inclined structure.
[0086] This invention, by setting the cutter to an inclined structure, not only enables the material to be riveted to be pushed forward, but also allows the pointed front end to be easily inserted between two adjacent materials to be riveted. Furthermore, the inclined structure enables the material to be riveted to be pushed forward smoothly, ensuring the stability of the forward pushing action.
[0087] As a further improvement of this utility model, the widest part of the guillotine is not less than one diameter of the material to be riveted, and not more than twice the diameter of the material to be riveted.
[0088] This structural design allows the cutter to push the material to be riveted into the pick-up position without pushing it too far away due to excessive width.
[0089] like Figure 9 As shown, as a further improvement of this utility model, the feeding module includes a cylinder and a robotic arm; the cylinder is connected to the robotic arm.
[0090] This invention achieves automated feeding by using a vibratory feeder to deliver the rivet and then employing a cylinder-stroke robotic arm to replace manual rivet release.
[0091] like Figures 1-12 As shown, the present invention provides a continuous die device, including the above-mentioned automatic riveting mechanism.
[0092] Furthermore, the progressive die device is an electrical box progressive die. It uses the most commonly used hexagonal rivet nuts for riveting, and optimizes the progressive die process by adding an automatic riveting mechanism inside the die to achieve automatic feeding of the hexagonal rivet nuts. This utility model follows a modular design concept, and the entire automatic riveting mechanism consists of four parts: a vibratory feeder, a guide rail, a feeding module, and a cylinder-stroke robotic arm.
[0093] 1. Vibratory feeder
[0094] The automatic riveting mechanism's feeding function is achieved by a vibratory feeder. The vibratory feeder transports the hexagonal head rivet nuts through high-frequency vibration, allowing the rivet nuts to enter the guide rail in an orderly manner from the feeder.
[0095] It should be noted that the vibratory feeder is the power source for adjusting the direction of the rivet nut and also the power source for transmitting the rivet nut. The vibratory feeder uses the kinetic energy generated by vibration to push the rivet nut forward. According to the field test, it only takes about ten seconds from the start of the equipment to the first rivet nut moving to the picking position. When the first rivet nut has not reached the picking position, the contact sensor located below the picking position will not send a signal and the robot will not start. After the rivet nut is in place and the sensor sends a signal, the robot will receive the signal and operate normally.
[0096] The distance the vibratory feeder moves the rivet nut is related to its kinetic energy, which is provided by vibration. Therefore, the vibration frequency is a direct factor affecting the rivet nut's moving speed and distance. The vibration frequency can be directly adjusted. The vibration frequency used in this invention is determined based on multiple experiments and does not have a fixed calculation formula or parameter. When purchasing a vibratory feeder, the model and size should be referenced to the mold size. Figure 2 As shown, select the diameter that can be placed in the mold cavity when purchasing.
[0097] 2. Guide rail
[0098] The sequential arrangement and uniform directional movement of the rivet nuts are achieved by guide rails. Because the riveting direction of hexagonal rivet nuts is critical, the guide rails are used to uniformly align the rivet nuts, ensuring they are conveyed in a fixed direction. Therefore, the shape and dimensions of the guide rails are strictly designed according to the shape of the hexagonal rivet nuts. After the rivet nuts enter the feeding position via the vibratory feeder, they then enter the mold cavity via the guide rails. The guide rails guide and limit the sliding path of the rivet nuts within the mold cavity. After automatically aligning the hexagonal rivet nuts, the guide rails arrange them in sequence and convey them one by one to the picking position where the robotic arm grips them.
[0099] 3. Feeding module
[0100] The rivet nuts at the robotic arm's pick-up position are replenished by a replenishment module. This module consists of a guillotine cutter and a telescopic cylinder, preventing the robotic arm from missing any rivets. When a rivet nut reaches the robotic arm's pick-up position, the guillotine cutter retracts, and the next rivet nut is pushed in, ensuring the next rivet nut is in place and ready to go.
[0101] It should be noted that, in order to prevent the feeding module from being unable to feed if the rivet nuts are neatly arranged and successfully enter the feeding position when the vibratory plate vibrates, a contact sensor is set below the feeding position in this embodiment. When there is a rivet nut at the feeding position, a signal is sent to the robot, and the robot performs feeding. At this time, the feeding module will receive the idle command sent by the program, that is, it will idle for one cycle and not move.
[0102] 4. Cylinder-stroke robotic arm
[0103] The feeding function of the automatic riveting mechanism is realized by a cylinder-stroke robot. When the rivet nut reaches the picking position at the end of the guide rail, the feeding module can provide a rivet nut for the robot to grasp. After the robot completes the grasping action, it moves into the mold cavity, places the rivet nut at the preset riveting position of the part, and then returns to the starting position.
[0104] The robotic arm uses the opening and closing of the clamps and their up-and-down movement to grip and place the rivet nuts. When gripping the rivet nut, the clamps move down and close inward, clamping and fixing it under the rivet nut's cap-shaped position. At this time, the clamps carry the rivet nut up and move along a predetermined path to the riveting position. The clamps then move down, opening the clamps and allowing the rivet nut to fall into the riveting hole.
[0105] It should be noted that the material handling process uses contact sensors to ensure that the rivet nuts are in place, and uses a fixed path (the path is determined by the shape of the part to be processed and the riveting position) and the robot's electrical signals to ensure that the rivet nuts are delivered to the correct position. The use of sensors and the robot's electrical signals ensures the accurate operation of the equipment.
[0106] The nut to be riveted is precisely aligned with the hexagonal hole to be riveted on the part. After receiving the signal, the punch press moves downwards to complete one stroke, using the die to press the nut completely into the part sheet, thus completing a single in-die riveting operation. After the automatic riveting mechanism receives the die opening signal from the punch press, it automatically repeats the feeding and material feeding actions, thus achieving automated continuous riveting and realizing the purpose of continuous in-die riveting.
[0107] The automatic riveting mechanism is assembled with the continuous die device, which combines the riveting process with the stamping process in advance. The original riveting process after stamping is a single-machine riveting, which is inefficient and has a long cycle time, and is a bottleneck process. By merging the bottleneck process through the above structural settings, the bottleneck process can be eliminated. The single-machine riveting and stamping process are combined and riveting is performed by press riveting, which belongs to the in-die riveting technology.
[0108] The entire riveting process of this continuous die device is as follows: from the start of feeding by the vibratory feeder to the complete riveting connection of the sheet metal parts, the entire process can be divided into three stages: the first stage is the feeding stage, in which the vibratory feeder causes the hexagonal head rivet nuts to enter the feeding position in a fixed direction in sequence, and then enter the die cavity through the guide rail; the second stage is the feeding stage, in which the robot arm grabs the hexagonal head rivet nuts at the picking position at the end of the guide rail and places them in the preset hexagonal hole position of the part, and the feeding module ensures that there is a hexagonal head rivet nut waiting each time the robot arm grabs it; the third stage is the riveting stage, after the hexagonal head rivet nuts are precisely matched with the hexagonal holes of the sheet metal part, the robot arm returns to the starting position outside the die cavity, and the punch press receives the signal and moves down to complete one stroke of motion to realize one riveting.
[0109] This utility model's continuous die device, by configuring an automatic riveting mechanism, combines the previous stamping process with the subsequent riveting of rivet nuts using in-die riveting technology. This reduces the number of operators by two, increasing the riveting cycle time from 5-6 PCS / min to 7-8 PCS / min, significantly improving production efficiency. The increased production efficiency and reduced manual labor achieve the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement, enhancing the intelligence and automation level of air conditioning sheet metal parts production and realizing lean manufacturing. Improved riveting quality and functional versatility also increase customer satisfaction. By combining the stamping and riveting processes of sheet metal parts with in-mold riveting equipment, compared to traditional single-process riveting dies or manual riveting guns, the in-mold riveting technology achieved by the automatic riveting mechanism solves the problem of inconsistent cycle times between the front and rear processes, eliminates production bottlenecks, improves production efficiency, and reduces intermediate work-in-process inventory. Process merging avoids secondary turnover, further reducing work-in-process inventory. The application of a cylinder-stroke robotic arm to replace manual rivet nut placement ensures precise and error-free riveting positions, meeting the needs of mass production of parts, reducing the labor intensity of operators, reducing manual positions, facilitating personnel control, improving the level of production automation, and increasing core market competitiveness. Automatic riveting without deviation or loosening enhances the competitiveness of air conditioning products. The riveting position of the robotic arm can be customized according to the riveting requirements of the parts, making it applicable to different models and industries of sheet metal parts riveting scenarios, and it can be promoted. The equipment is simple to operate, requiring only simple training and guidance for employees to work independently.
[0110] It should be noted that in-mold riveting technology is not commonly used in air conditioner products. This utility model designs a novel automatic riveting mechanism, specifically the guide rail and robotic arm stroke, tailored to the characteristics of electrical box parts and the shape of hexagonal rivet nuts. This ultimately enables mass production of sheet metal parts, using electrical boxes as an example, through in-mold riveting. Experiments and production verification have shown that, while meeting production and design requirements, this technology can be widely applied to riveting of sheet metal parts in other models and industries, offering reliable precision and quality to meet the demands of mass production.
[0111] Compared with traditional riveting technology, this research and development of in-mold riveting technology, by modifying the mold and merging bottleneck processes, can significantly improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and achieve lean manufacturing. Taking an air conditioner electrical box assembly as an example, this utility model designs a novel automatic riveting feeding mechanism to realize continuous in-mold riveting.
[0112] Design challenges:
[0113] 1. Precise feeding is crucial. Due to the large vibration during stamping, there is a risk of misalignment after the hexagonal rivet nut is delivered to the correct position, which can lead to poor riveting. Since the riveting height requirement is strict, height deviation and riveting misalignment can cause the riveting to loosen. Ensuring precise feeding position is essential to guarantee riveting quality.
[0114] 2. To ensure smooth feeding, the large fluctuations in the dimensions of the rivet nuts make them prone to jamming and overturning during conveying. It is necessary to solve the problem of rivet nut feeding jamming.
[0115] The rivet nuts should be conveyed in the same direction, and the riveting position has directional requirements. The rivet nuts should be conveyed in the same direction.
[0116] It should be noted that hexagonal rivet nuts are existing technology products, also known as pull rivet nuts, pull nuts, or instant pull nuts. They are used in the fastening of various metal sheet and pipe manufacturing industries and are widely used in the assembly of electromechanical and light industrial products such as automobiles, aviation, railways, refrigeration, elevators, switches, instruments, furniture, and decoration.
[0117] First, it should be noted that "inward" refers to the direction towards the center of the storage space, while "outward" refers to the direction away from the center of the storage space.
[0118] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the appendix. Figure 1 The orientations or positional relationships shown are for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0119] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0120] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0121] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0122] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0123] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model 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 utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An automatic rivet feeding mechanism characterized by comprising: It includes a sorting module, an export module, a replenishment module, and a material handling module; among which: The sorting module is used to adjust the orientation of the material to be riveted and to provide a power source for movement; The export module has a feeding position and a picking position; the feeding position is connected to the outlet of the sorting module and is used to receive the riveting material after the direction adjustment is completed. The material replenishment module is located next to the export module and is used to replenish the material to be riveted in the export module to the material taking position. The feeding module can reciprocate between the feeding position and the preset riveting hole in the continuous mold cavity.
2. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by The operating frequency of the feeding module and the material handling module is adapted to the stamping frequency of the continuous die.
3. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by The sorting module includes a vibratory feeder.
4. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by The export module includes a guide rail, a feeding position, and a picking position. The guide rail has a sliding cavity for placing the material to be riveted. The cross-sectional shape of the sliding cavity is the same as the shape of the material to be riveted. The feeding position and the picking position are respectively located at both ends of the guide rail.
5. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized by The sliding cavity has a T-shaped cross-section and includes a head cavity and a tail cavity; the width of the head cavity is adapted to the width of the head of the material to be riveted; the width of the tail cavity is adapted to the diameter of the tail section of the material to be riveted.
6. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 4, wherein The sliding cavity has a T-shaped cross-section and includes a head cavity and a tail cavity. The width of the head cavity is adapted to the width of the head of the material to be riveted. The width of the tail cavity is adapted to the diameter of the tail section of the material to be riveted. A limiting plate is also provided at the top of the head cavity to prevent the material to be riveted from overturning.
7. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 4, wherein The feed station has a funnel-shaped structure.
8. The automatic riveting mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by The material receiving position has a T-shaped groove structure, with the upper section width equal to the head cavity width and the lower section width equal to the tail cavity width.
9. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 3, wherein The rear section of the guide rail and the material pick-up position are located inside the continuous mold cavity.
10. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by The feeding module includes a guillotine cutter and a drive mechanism for moving the guillotine cutter.
11. The automatic rivet feeding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein The driving mechanism includes a telescopic cylinder connected to the guillotine cutter to drive the guillotine cutter to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the extension of the guide rail.
12. The automatic riveter mechanism according to claim 11, wherein The side of the guillotine blade facing the material taking position has an inclined structure.
13. The automatic riveter mechanism of claim 11, wherein, The widest part of the guillotine shall not be less than one diameter of the material to be riveted, and not more than twice the diameter of the material to be riveted.
14. The automatic riveter mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The material handling module includes a cylinder and a robotic arm; the cylinder is connected to the robotic arm.
15. A progressive die apparatus characterized by, Includes the automatic riveting mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-14.