Key processing equipment

Abstract

A key processing device includes several processing mechanisms corresponding to key processing steps and fixtures that move between the processing mechanisms. The fixtures are used to hold the workpiece to be processed. Each processing mechanism includes a corresponding milling device and a rotating disk for moving the fixtures between the processing mechanisms. Several fixtures are distributed around the circumference of the rotating disk, and several processing mechanisms are located at corresponding positions outside the circumference of the rotating disk. Each processing mechanism also includes a tool retraction device for moving its respective milling device along the axial direction of the rotating disk. The beneficial effects of this invention are: by using a rotating disk to move the fixtures between multiple processing mechanisms in a coordinated manner, the processing method achieves continuous and automated key processing, significantly improving processing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a production equipment, and more particularly to a key processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Key processing equipment is widely used in lock manufacturing, automotive parts production, and key duplication services. In these scenarios, the equipment is primarily used to efficiently and accurately process the tooth structure of keys to meet the matching requirements of different lock cylinders. In practice, existing technologies typically employ a linear production line layout, with multiple processing units (such as milling, stamping, or laser cutting stations) fixed on it, and equipped with a reciprocating moving guide rail. Multiple clamps (each for holding a single key) are mounted on the same moving guide rail, and sequential movement between stations is achieved through the guide rail's drive system. In operation, after the key is gripped by the clamp, it moves along the guide rail to the designated processing station, where it undergoes processes such as tooth cutting or surface treatment. After processing, the clamp exits the station, and the guide rail drives it back to its starting position or moves to the next station to grip a new key or continue subsequent processing. This design ensures the continuity of the processing flow but relies on the reciprocating motion of the guide rail to transfer keys between stations, making it suitable for mass production environments.

[0003] However, existing technologies have significant drawbacks, primarily low production efficiency. Because the production line uses a linear layout and shared reciprocating guideways, each fixture must exit its station and return to its starting point after processing before it can re-grab keys for processing. This results in frequent idle time for the processing equipment while waiting for fixtures to return, and the return motion of the guideways consumes additional time, extending the overall cycle time. When multiple fixtures share the same guideway, the return operations interfere with each other, further exacerbating waiting time and limiting processing speed. Consequently, equipment utilization is significantly reduced, and the key output per unit time is insufficient to meet high-throughput production demands. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a key processing equipment that can improve production efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A key processing device includes several processing mechanisms corresponding to key processing steps and a fixture that moves between the processing mechanisms. The fixture is used to hold the workpiece to be processed. Each processing mechanism includes a corresponding milling device and a rotating disk for driving the fixture to move between the processing mechanisms. Several fixtures are distributed around the rotating disk, and several processing mechanisms are located at corresponding positions outside the rotating disk. Each processing mechanism also includes a tool retraction device for driving its respective milling device to move along the axial direction of the rotating disk.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By using a rotating disk to move the fixture between multiple machining mechanisms in a coordinated manner, the improved machining method achieves continuous and automated key machining, significantly improving machining efficiency. Specifically, after the milling device completes machining, the tool retraction device moves along the axial direction of the rotating disk to disengage from the key machining surface, avoiding continuous contact between the machining surface and the tool, reducing wear and machining errors. Simultaneously, the rotating disk can then quickly rotate to move the fixture to the next process position, shortening process changeover time. Furthermore, the machining mechanisms are distributed around the rotating disk, ensuring precise alignment of machining positions, facilitating multi-station parallel operation, and reducing the need for manual intervention. This structural design not only optimizes the equipment layout but also improves system stability by reducing mechanical interference.

[0007] In one preferred embodiment, the milling device can be symmetrically positioned on the upper and lower sides of the key. The tool retraction device is connected to the mounting bracket of the milling device using a linear actuator (such as a cylinder or motor), which slides axially via a slide rail structure. After machining is completed, a tool retraction drive signal is triggered, causing the linear actuator to push the milling device upward or downward, disengaging it from the key surface. Subsequently, a turntable drive signal is activated, rotating the fixture to the next workstation. This implementation avoids secondary damage to the key caused by residual tool stress and ensures rapid repositioning through axial separation. In another preferred embodiment, the tool retraction device integrates a spring buffer mechanism to absorb impact forces during axial movement, preventing the milling device from colliding with the fixture and thus extending equipment life. Overall, these structures optimize the timing control of the machining process, improving overall machining efficiency while reducing maintenance frequency.

[0008] Furthermore, the machining mechanism also includes a translation device for moving the milling device along the key machining surface.

[0009] This translation device allows the milling device to move along the key's machining surface during processing, achieving uniform cutting and improving machining accuracy and surface quality. Specifically, when the tool retraction device operates, the translation device simultaneously retracts the milling device to its initial position, ensuring that when the key enters the new workstation after the rotary table rotates, the milling device can immediately reset and begin machining, reducing the preparation time of the machining mechanism. This avoids machining errors caused by tool position deviation, and is particularly suitable for continuous machining of complex key slot shapes. Simultaneously, the radial movement function allows the milling device to cover the entire length of the key, eliminating the need for multiple adjustments to the fixture position, simplifying the operation process and improving equipment adaptability.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the translation device employs a lead screw and nut transmission system. The output of the translation drive motor is connected to a precision lead screw, and the assembly table moves linearly via the nut engaging the lead screw. The guide rails utilize parallel double linear slide rails, constraining the assembly table to slide only radially and preventing circumferential offset. During machining, the translation drive motor controls the milling device to translate at a constant speed according to a preset program, completing the key surface milling. After machining, the motor reverses, driving the assembly table back to its original position, coordinating with the tool retraction action. This implementation ensures smooth movement and repeatability, and reduces cumulative errors through closed-loop control. In another preferred embodiment, the assembly table integrates a position sensor, providing real-time feedback of movement data to the control system, dynamically adjusting the translation path to accommodate different key sizes, thereby improving machining flexibility.

[0011] Furthermore, the translation device includes an assembly table, a guide rail that cooperates with the assembly table, and a translation drive motor for driving the assembly table to move along the guide rail. The milling device and the tool retraction device are fixed on the assembly table. The output end of the translation drive motor is a lead screw. The assembly table is provided with a transmission hole that cooperates with the lead screw.

[0012] This structure, through guide rails and lead screw transmission, achieves precise linear movement of the assembly table, avoiding the risk of circumferential rotation and ensuring stable operation of the milling device in the radial direction. The guide rails directly constrain the assembly table's degrees of freedom, allowing sliding only in a single direction, reducing vibration and offset, and improving machining repeatability. The engagement of the lead screw with the transmission hole provides high torque transmission efficiency, enabling the translation drive motor to respond quickly to control commands and shortening retraction and machining time. Simultaneously, the milling device and tool retraction device are integrated into the assembly table, simplifying the mechanical layout, reducing assembly complexity, and facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is made of hard alloy and fixed to the equipment base with bolts to form a rigid support. The lead screw is a ball screw, connected to the transmission hole of the assembly table through a preload nut to eliminate the influence of backlash. During translation, the drive motor controls the rotation of the lead screw in a step-by-step manner, moving the assembly table along the guide rail, and its stroke range is adjustable. This implementation scheme ensures the linearity of the movement trajectory through mechanical constraints, avoiding drift caused by load changes. In another preferred embodiment, wear-resistant bushings are added to both sides of the guide rail to reduce friction loss and extend service life; at the same time, the transmission hole is designed with a self-lubricating structure, and lubricating oil is injected periodically to ensure smooth operation of the lead screw and improve overall reliability.

[0014] Furthermore, the translation device also includes a limiting plate, with both ends of the guide rail fixed to the limiting plate, and the translation drive motor located on the outside of the limiting plate.

[0015] The limit plate provides a stable end-point fixation for the guide rails, restricting the movement range of the assembly table, preventing overshoot or overtravel damage to the equipment, and improving safety and durability. The translation drive motor is positioned outside the limit plate, avoiding motion interference with the assembly table, allowing for a larger stroke design, and expanding processing adaptability. At the same time, this layout optimizes space utilization, ensures good motor heat dissipation, reduces the impact of thermal deformation on accuracy, and ensures the stability of the translation device under high-speed operation.

[0016] In one preferred embodiment, the limiting plate employs a welded steel plate structure, bolted to the equipment frame. The guide rail ends are embedded in the limiting plate's slots and secured with locking pins. The translation drive motor is mounted on a bracket on the back of the limiting plate, its output shaft connected to a lead screw via a coupling. When the assembly table moves to the guide rail endpoint, the buffer pads on the limiting plate absorb impact, preventing hard collisions. This implementation defines the movement boundary through mechanical limits (e.g., positive and negative limit switches), automatically decelerating as the assembly table approaches the endpoint. In another preferred embodiment, the limiting plate integrates a fine-tuning mechanism, allowing the user to adjust the guide rail position via a screw, compensating for installation errors and ensuring the assembly table's movement trajectory is parallel to the key processing surface, thereby improving processing consistency.

[0017] Furthermore, the tool retraction device includes a mounting base, on which a slide rail is provided, an assembly plate slidably disposed on the slide rail, and a tool retraction drive motor for driving the assembly plate to move axially along the rotating disk. The milling device is fixed on the assembly plate, and the output end of the tool retraction drive motor is engaged in the assembly plate and used to drive the assembly plate to move axially along the rotating disk.

[0018] This structure, through the sliding design of the slide rail and mounting plate, enables precise axial movement of the milling device, ensuring rapid response of the retraction action. The mounting base provides a rigid foundation, reducing vibration transmission and improving retraction stability; the retraction drive motor directly drives the mounting plate, avoiding cumulative errors in the transmission chain, allowing the milling device to smoothly disengage from the key machining surface. Simultaneously, the milling device is fixed to the mounting plate, facilitating overall disassembly and maintenance, and reducing the failure rate.

[0019] In one preferred embodiment, the slide rail employs a linear guide system. The assembly disc engages with the slide rail via a slider, and the output end of the tool retraction drive motor is a lead screw structure, inserted into a threaded hole in the assembly disc. When the motor starts, the lead screw rotates, pushing the assembly disc to move axially. This implementation provides high thrust through threaded transmission, ensuring a uniform distribution of the tool retraction force. In another preferred embodiment, the assembly disc integrates a position encoder to monitor the movement distance in real time. The control system dynamically adjusts the motor speed based on the encoded data to prevent overshoot. This optimizes the tool retraction timing, allowing it to seamlessly connect with the rotation of the rotating disc and improving overall efficiency.

[0020] Furthermore, after the key on the fixture is processed at the machining mechanism, the tool retraction device and the translation device are activated simultaneously and used to drive the milling device away from the key processing surface and to drive the milling device back to the initial processing position, respectively. Once the milling device is away from the key processing surface, the rotating disk rotates to drive the fixture to move.

[0021] Compared to existing technologies where the fixture enters and exits the machining mechanism, resulting in the need to wait for the fixture to retract after key machining before entering the next machining mechanism, and the linear layout and shared reciprocating guide rails requiring the fixture to return to the starting point after machining to re-grab the material, leading to low machining efficiency, this solution transfers the tool retraction process to the machining mechanism. After the key is machined in the machining mechanism, the tool retraction device and the translation device are activated simultaneously, respectively driving the milling device to detach from the key machining surface and return to the initial machining position. Once the milling device detaches from the machining surface, the rotary table immediately rotates, driving the fixture to move and allowing the key to quickly enter the next machining mechanism. At the same time, the circulating rotary table avoids the cumbersome process of reciprocating the movement of the fixture and material, effectively reducing machining waiting time, significantly improving overall machining efficiency, and optimizing the production process.

[0022] Furthermore, the clamp includes a clamping lever for clamping the key head, one end of which is engaged with the key head and exposes the key handle outside the rotating disk, and the other end of which abuts against a clamping spring.

[0023] The combination of the clamping lever and the clamping spring ensures reliable key clamping, preventing it from falling out during machining and guaranteeing machining accuracy. The key shank is exposed outside the rotating disk, allowing the machining mechanism direct access to the machining surface and avoiding obstruction of the tool by the rotating disk structure, thus improving machining accessibility and efficiency. The clamping spring provides a constant clamping force, adapting to changes in key size and reducing the need for manual adjustments.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment, the clamping lever employs an L-shaped design, with one end featuring a V-shaped bayonet to engage the key head, and the other end hinged to the fixture base via a pin. A compression spring, installed between the lever and the base, applies a preload to ensure the bayonet is firmly against the key. During machining, the spring force maintains the clamping state and resists vibration. This implementation amplifies the spring force through the lever principle, ensuring reliable clamping. In another preferred embodiment, a rubber gasket is added to the bayonet to increase the coefficient of friction, preventing key slippage. Furthermore, the exposed key handle design allows the machining mechanism to operate from multiple angles, enhancing flexibility.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes a feeding mechanism and a discharging mechanism, which are located at corresponding positions on the outer periphery of the rotating disk. Both the feeding mechanism and the discharging mechanism include an unlocking device for releasing the clamp from locking the key. The unlocking device includes a pressure rod with a clamping spring at one end that abuts against the clamping lever. As the pressure rod moves toward the clamping lever, the clamping lever releases the lock on the key.

[0026] The unlocking device quickly releases or clamps the key via a lever action, enabling automatic loading and unloading and improving the equipment's continuous operation capability. The lever acts directly on the spring end of the clamping lever; the lever principle makes operation labor-saving and efficient, reducing processing cycle time. The loading and unloading mechanisms correspond to the position of the rotating disk, ensuring seamless key transfer between workstations and avoiding manual intervention.

[0027] In one preferred embodiment, the lever is driven by a cylinder and has a roller at its end. During movement, the roller rolls and contacts the end of the clamping lever. When the lever is pressed down, the lever rotates around a pin, opening the latch and releasing the key. During loading, the loading mechanism pushes the key into place after the lever's movement; similarly, during unloading, the key falls onto the conveyor belt. This implementation ensures reliable unlocking through mechanical linkage. In another preferred embodiment, the lever stroke is adjustable to accommodate different lever sizes, and the unlocking status is detected by a sensor, feeding back to the control system to optimize the timing.

[0028] Furthermore, it also includes a burr trimming mechanism, which is located at a corresponding position on the outer periphery of the rotating disk. The burr trimming mechanism includes a clamping device for pressing the key and a shaving device that can be moved horizontally to trim the burrs on both sides of the key.

[0029] The deburring mechanism is integrated into the processing flow, automatically clamping and deburring the key when it rotates to this station, improving the quality of the finished product. The clamping device ensures the key is fixed and prevents it from shaking during deburring; the deburring device can slide to cover both sides of the key, evenly removing burrs and reducing rework. This design expands the equipment's functionality, achieving fully automated post-processing.

[0030] In one preferred embodiment, the clamping device employs a pneumatic clamp with jaws adapted to the shape of a key; the deburring device is a rotating cutter head driven by a servo motor to translate along a linear guide. When the key is in position, the clamping device closes to secure the key, and the cutter head starts and translates to trim both sides. This implementation scheme ensures trimming accuracy by controlling the cutter head path through a program. In another preferred embodiment, the cutter head integrates a cooling system to reduce the heat impact, and sensors monitor the deburring effect to improve consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the processing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the retraction device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the translation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the clamp and unlocking device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the burr trimming mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This utility model embodiment provides a key processing device, such as... Figure 1-6As shown: The system includes a rotating disk 1, several clamps 2, several processing mechanisms 3, a loading mechanism 4, a unloading mechanism 5, and a burr trimming mechanism 6. The rotating disk 1 drives the clamps 2 to move between the processing mechanisms 3. The clamps 2 are evenly distributed around the periphery of the rotating disk 1, and the processing mechanisms 3 are located at corresponding positions on the outer periphery of the rotating disk 1. Each processing mechanism 3 corresponds to a key processing step. The clamps 2 are used to hold the workpiece to be processed, i.e., the key, and include a clamping lever 21 and a clamping spring 22. One end of the clamping lever 21 is clamped onto the key head, exposing the key handle outside the rotating disk 1. The other end of lever 21 abuts against a clamping spring 22, which is used to clamp the other end of lever 21 tightly against the key head to prevent the key from falling off; each machining mechanism 3 includes a milling device 31, a tool retraction device 32, and a translation device 33. The milling device 31 is a standard milling component in the prior art, used to process grooves on the surface of the key; the tool retraction device 32 includes a mounting base 321, a slide rail 322, an assembly plate 323, and a tool retraction drive motor 324. The milling device 31 is fixed on the assembly plate 323, the mounting base 321 is provided with a slide rail 322, and the assembly plate 323 is slidably mounted on the slide rail. On 322, the output end of the retraction drive motor 324 is engaged within the assembly plate 323 and is used to drive the assembly plate 323 to move axially along the rotating plate 1; the translation device 33 includes an assembly table 331, a guide rail 332, a translation drive motor 333, and a limiting plate 335. The assembly table 331 is used to fix the mounting base 321 of the milling device 31 and the retraction device 32. The guide rail 332 cooperates with the assembly table 331. The output end of the translation drive motor 333 is a lead screw 334. The assembly table 331 is provided with a transmission hole (not shown in the figure) that cooperates with the lead screw 334. The two ends of the guide rail 332 are respectively fixed to On the limiting plate 335, the translation drive motor 333 is set on the outside of the limiting plate 335, and the guide rail 332 restricts the assembly table 331 from rotating circumferentially; the loading mechanism 4 and the unloading mechanism 5 are set at corresponding positions on the outside of the rotating plate 1, and both include unlocking devices 41. The unlocking device 41 includes a pressure rod 411 set at one end of a clamping spring 22 against a corresponding clamping lever 21; the burr trimming mechanism 6 is set at corresponding positions on the outside of the rotating plate 1, and includes a clamping device 61 and a burr trimming device 62. The clamping device 61 is used to clamp the key, and the burr trimming device 62 can be translated to trim the burrs on both sides of the key.

[0038] The working principle of the key processing equipment is as follows: At the start of the processing, the unlocking device 41 of the feeding mechanism 4 moves towards the clamping lever 21 via the pressure rod 411, causing the clamping lever 21 to be unlocked. The feeding mechanism 4 then feeds the key to be processed into the fixture 2. After the unlocking device 41 resets, the clamping lever 21 clamps the key head under the action of the clamping spring 22. The rotating disk 1 rotates, driving the key to the processing position of the processing mechanism 3. The translation drive motor 333 of the translation device 33 drives the assembly table 331 to move radially toward the key along the guide rail 332 via the lead screw 334, causing the milling device 31 to contact the key surface for milling. After processing is completed, the retraction drive motor of the retraction device 32... 324 drives the assembly plate 323 to move upward or downward axially, causing the milling device 31 to disengage from the key processing surface. At the same time, the translation device 33 synchronously drives the milling device 31 to retract to the initial position. Once the milling device 31 disengages from the key processing surface, the rotating plate 1 continues to rotate, moving the key to the next processing mechanism 3 and repeating the above process until all processes are completed. When the key moves to the burr trimming mechanism 6, the clamping device 61 clamps the key, the burr trimming device 62 translates and trims the burrs on both sides of the key before retracting, and the clamping device 61 unlocks. Finally, the key moves to the unloading mechanism 5, the pressure rod 411 of the unlocking device 41 moves to open the clamping lever 21, and the finished key falls to the unloading mechanism 5 for delivery.

[0039] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A key processing device, comprising a plurality of processing mechanisms corresponding to key processing steps and a clamp that moves between the processing mechanisms, the clamp being used to hold a workpiece to be processed, each processing mechanism including a corresponding milling device, characterized in that: It also includes a rotating disk for moving the fixtures between the various machining mechanisms, with several fixtures distributed around the periphery of the rotating disk and several machining mechanisms located at corresponding positions outside the periphery of the rotating disk; each machining mechanism also includes a tool retraction device for moving its respective milling device along the axial direction of the rotating disk.

2. The key processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The machining mechanism also includes a translation device for moving the milling device along the key machining surface.

3. The key processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The translation device includes an assembly table, a guide rail that cooperates with the assembly table, and a translation drive motor for driving the assembly table to move along the guide rail. The milling device and the tool retraction device are fixed on the assembly table. The output end of the translation drive motor is a lead screw. The assembly table is provided with a transmission hole that cooperates with the lead screw.

4. The key processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The translation device also includes a limiting plate, with both ends of the guide rail fixed to the limiting plate, and the translation drive motor located on the outside of the limiting plate.

5. The key processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tool retraction device includes a mounting base, on which a slide rail is provided, an assembly plate slidably disposed on the slide rail, and a tool retraction drive motor for driving the assembly plate to move axially along the rotating disk. The milling device is fixed on the assembly plate, and the output end of the tool retraction drive motor is engaged in the assembly plate and is used to drive the assembly plate to move axially along the rotating disk.

6. The key processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: After the key on the fixture is processed at the machining mechanism, the tool retraction device and the translation device are activated simultaneously and used to drive the milling device away from the key processing surface and to drive the milling device back to the initial processing position, respectively. Once the milling device is away from the key processing surface, the rotating disk rotates to drive the fixture to move.

7. The key processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The clamp includes a clamping lever for clamping the key head, one end of which is engaged with the key head and exposes the key handle outside the rotating disk, and the other end of which is abutted against a clamping spring.

8. The key processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a feeding mechanism and a discharging mechanism, which are located at corresponding positions on the outer periphery of the rotating disk. Both the feeding mechanism and the discharging mechanism include an unlocking device for releasing the clamp from locking the key. The unlocking device includes a pressure rod with a clamping spring at one end that abuts against the clamping lever. As the pressure rod moves toward the clamping lever, the clamping lever releases the lock on the key.

9. The key processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a burr trimming mechanism, which is located at a corresponding position on the outer side of the rotating disk. The burr trimming mechanism includes a clamping device for pressing the key and a shaving device that can be moved to trim the burrs on both sides of the key.

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