An automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for an injection molding machine

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automatic nut insert picking and placing device for an injection molding machine, comprising a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame connected in sequence with their top heights decreasing sequentially. A lifting platform is movably mounted on the first frame, and a handling robot is mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform. The handling robot includes a slide, a first motor, a swing arm, a pre-embedded component, and a picking component. The slide is movably mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform, and the first motor is mounted on the top surface of the slide. One end of the swing arm is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor. The pre-embedded component and the picking component are spaced apart on the swing arm. A nut supply mechanism is located at the top of the second frame, and a horizontally moving conveyor belt is located at the top of the third frame. This utility model solves the problem of instability caused by manual nut insert placement, ensures consistency in the product molding cycle and yield rate, and improves production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of injection molding technology, specifically to an automatic nut insert picking and placing device for an injection molding machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the injection molding industry, it is sometimes necessary to embed a varying number of metal inserts (such as nuts) into the mold before subsequent mold closing and molding to form a plastic product of a specific shape. After each mold opening, the nut inserts are removed along with the molded product, and then the inserts need to be re-embedded in the mold. Previously, nuts were typically placed into the mold one by one by hand. However, this manual or semi-automatic production method is not only time-consuming and inefficient, resulting in inconsistent product molding cycles, but also makes it difficult for manual alignment of the nut inserts within the mold, leading to unstable placement and reduced product yield. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic nut insert picking and placing device for injection molding machines, which solves the instability problem of manually placing nut inserts, ensures the consistency of product molding cycle and yield, and improves production efficiency, thereby solving the problem of low production efficiency and low yield caused by manually inserting nut inserts as mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An automatic nut insert picking and placing device for an injection molding machine includes a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame connected in sequence with their top heights decreasing sequentially. A lifting platform is movably mounted on the first frame, and a handling robot is mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform. The handling robot includes a slide, a first motor, a swing arm, a pre-embedded component, and a picking component. The slide is movably mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform, and the first motor is mounted on the top surface of the slide. One end of the swing arm is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor. The pre-embedded component and the picking component are spaced apart on the swing arm. A nut supply mechanism is mounted on the top of the second frame, and a horizontally moving conveyor belt is mounted on the top of the third frame.

[0006] Preferably, the pre-embedded component includes a first panel fixedly mounted on the swing arm, two nut clamps diagonally arranged on the bottom surface of the first panel, and two first cylinders diagonally arranged on the top surface of the first panel. The piston rods of the two first cylinders pass downward through the first panel and are connected to the corresponding nut clamps.

[0007] Preferably, the nut clamp includes a cylindrical body, a sleeve pin, and an elastic element. The cylindrical body is fixedly disposed on the bottom surface of the first panel. The sleeve pin is telescopically disposed within the cylindrical body, and one end of the sleeve pin is connected to the piston rod of the first cylinder. An annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical body away from the first panel, and the elastic element is embedded in the groove.

[0008] Preferably, the part-retrieving assembly includes a second panel fixedly mounted on the swing arm and a plurality of suction cups mounted on the bottom surface of the second panel, wherein the second panel is located at the end of the swing arm away from the first motor.

[0009] Preferably, the nut supply mechanism includes a nut fixture, a vibratory plate, a first slide rail, and a second slide rail. The nut fixture and the vibratory plate are both mounted on the second frame. The nut fixture, the pre-embedded component, the picking component, and the conveyor belt are located on the same straight line. The two ends of the first slide rail are connected to the nut fixture and the vibratory plate, respectively. The two ends of the second slide rail are connected to the nut fixture and the vibratory plate, respectively.

[0010] Preferably, the nut fixture and the vibratory plate have a height difference, the first slide rail has a first groove extending to one corner of the nut fixture, and the second slide rail has a second groove extending to the other corner of the nut fixture.

[0011] Preferably, the second frame is provided with two ejection mechanisms. Each ejection mechanism includes a second cylinder located below the nut fixture and a push rod connected to one end of the piston rod of the second cylinder. The push rod passes upward through the nut fixture and extends into the first or second slide groove.

[0012] Preferably, the top rod has a support flange formed on its periphery near its top end, and the first and second sliding grooves are respectively provided with clearance grooves.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the first frame is provided with a lifting mechanism located below the lifting platform. The lifting mechanism includes a base, a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the base, and a guide rod telescopically mounted on the base. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected upward to the bottom of the lifting platform. There are at least two guide rods, distributed on both sides of the hydraulic cylinder, and the top end of the guide rod is connected to the bottom of the lifting platform.

[0014] Preferably, the top surface of the lifting platform is provided with a translation mechanism, which includes a mounting base, a screw, and a second motor. There are two mounting bases, which are arranged opposite each other on the top surface of the lifting platform. The screw is rotatably mounted on the two mounting bases through bearings. The second motor is horizontally mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform, and the output shaft of the second motor is connected to one end of the screw for transmission.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the nut insert is removed from the nut supply mechanism by the pre-embedded component, and then the first motor drives the swing arm to swing 90 degrees clockwise, and the lifting platform descends a preset distance; then the product is removed from the mold by the part-removing component, and the lifting platform continues to descend a preset distance; the nut insert is then embedded into the mold by the pre-embedded component; the lifting platform rises and resets, and the first motor drives the swing arm to swing 90 degrees counterclockwise. Finally, the handling robot moves horizontally to above the nut supply mechanism and the conveyor belt, and the part-removing component places the product on the conveyor belt while the pre-embedded component removes the nut insert from the nut supply mechanism again. The above process realizes the automated picking and placing of nut inserts by the handling robot, which solves the problem of instability when placing nut inserts manually, ensures the consistency of the product molding cycle and the yield rate, and improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of an automatic nut insert picking and placing device for an injection molding machine according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a top view of an automatic nut insert picking and placing device for an injection molding machine according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the handling robot of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the nut clamp;

[0020] Figure 5 A perspective view of the nut supply mechanism of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the top rod structure;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of an automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for an injection molding machine, according to the present invention, picking up nut inserts and placing products.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of an automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for an injection molding machine, according to this utility model, gripping the product and embedding the nut insert.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. First frame; 11. Notch; 2. Second frame; 3. Third frame; 4. Lifting platform; 5. Handling robot; 51. Slide; 52. First motor; 53. Swing arm; 54. Embedded component; 541. First panel; 542. Nut clamp; 5421. Cylinder; 5422. Sleeve ejector pin; 5423. Elastic element; 543. First cylinder; 55. Picking component; 551. Second panel; 552. Suction cup; 6. Nut Supply mechanism; 61. Nut fixture; 62. Vibratory feeder; 63. First slide rail; 631. First chute; 64. Second slide rail; 641. Second chute; 7. Conveyor belt; 8. Ejection mechanism; 81. Second cylinder; 82. Ejector rod; 821. Support flange; 9. Lifting mechanism; 91. Base; 92. Hydraulic cylinder; 93. Guide rod; 10. Translation mechanism; 101. Mounting base; 102. Screw; 103. Second motor; 12. Nut insert. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] Please see Figure 1-2 An automatic nut insert picking and placing device for an injection molding machine includes a first frame 1, a second frame 2, and a third frame 3 connected in sequence with their top heights decreasing sequentially. A lifting platform 4 is movably mounted on the first frame 1, and a handling robot 5 is mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform 4. The handling robot 5 includes a slide 51, a first motor 52, a swing arm 53, a pre-embedded component 54, and a picking component 55. The slide 51 is movably mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform 4. The first motor 52 is mounted on the top surface of the slide 51. One end of the swing arm 53 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor 52 and is perpendicular to the output shaft of the first motor 52. The first motor 52 drives the swing arm 53 to swing. The pre-embedded component 54 and the picking component 55 are spaced apart on the swing arm 53. A nut supply mechanism 6 is mounted at the top of the second frame 2, and a horizontally moving conveyor belt 7 is mounted at the top of the third frame 3.

[0028] In this embodiment, a mold (not shown) for injection molding is provided at the bottom of the first frame 1. The mold includes a fixed template and a movable template that opens and closes relative to the fixed template. The opening and closing direction of the movable template is horizontal, which is the same as the moving direction of the slide 51. Please refer to [link to previous document]. Figure 6 The nut insert 12 is a nut structure with a central hole, and an annular groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the nut insert 12; please refer to Figure 2A notch 11 is provided at the position corresponding to the output shaft of the first motor 52 on the first frame 1 to provide space for the output shaft of the first motor 52 to move up and down.

[0029] Please see Figure 8 When taking or removing the nut insert 12, first remove the nut insert 12 from the nut supply mechanism 6 via the pre-embedded component 54. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9 Then, the first motor 52 drives the swing arm 53 to swing clockwise by 90 degrees, and the lifting platform 4 descends a preset distance; next, the product is removed from the mold by the part removal component 55, and then the lifting platform 4 continues to descend a preset distance; then, the nut insert 12 is embedded into the mold by the pre-embedded component 54; then the lifting platform 4 rises and resets, and the first motor 52 drives the swing arm 53 to swing counterclockwise by 90 degrees. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 Finally, the handling robot 5 moves horizontally above the nut supply mechanism 6 and the conveyor belt 7. Simultaneously, the picking component 55 places the product onto the conveyor belt 7, while the pre-embedded component 54 removes the nut insert 12 from the nut supply mechanism 6. This process, automated by the handling robot 5, solves the problem of instability when manually placing the nut insert 12, ensuring consistency in the product molding cycle and high yield, while also improving production efficiency.

[0030] Please see Figure 3 The pre-embedded component 54 includes a first panel 541 fixedly mounted on the swing arm 53, two nut clamps 542 diagonally arranged on the bottom surface of the first panel 541, and two first cylinders 543 diagonally arranged on the top surface of the first panel 541. The piston rods of the two first cylinders 543 pass downward through the first panel 541 and are connected to the corresponding nut clamps 542, for driving the nut clamps 542 to clamp or embed the nut insert 12.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 4 The nut clamp 542 includes a cylindrical body 5421, an ejector pin 5422, and an elastic element 5423. The cylindrical body 5421 is fixedly disposed on the bottom surface of the first panel 541. The ejector pin 5422 is telescopically disposed within the cylindrical body 5421, and one end of the ejector pin 5422 is connected to the piston rod of the first cylinder 543. An annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical body 5421 away from the first panel 541, and the elastic element 5423 is embedded in the groove. In this embodiment, the elastic element 5423 is a rubber ring that protrudes towards the center of the cylindrical body 5421 relative to the groove. The elastic element 5423 clamps the nut insert 12 in the annular groove by its elasticity, preventing the nut insert 12 from falling off.

[0032] Please see Figure 4 as well as Figure 8When gripping the nut insert 12, the nut clamp 542 aligns with the nut insert 12 on the nut supply mechanism 6, and then the lifting platform 4 descends, causing the nut insert 12 to embed into the cylinder 5421. (See also...) Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 When the nut insert 12 is inserted, the nut clamp 542 is aligned with the mold. Driven by the first cylinder 543, the ejector pin 5422 pushes the nut insert 12 out of the cylinder 5421 and inserts it into the fixed template of the mold.

[0033] Please see Figure 3 The product retrieval assembly 55 includes a second panel 551 fixedly mounted on the swing arm 53 and a plurality of suction cups 552 mounted on the bottom surface of the second panel 551. The second panel 551 is located at the end of the swing arm 53 away from the first motor 52. The plurality of suction cups 552 are used to remove the product from the fixed template or place the product on the conveyor belt 7.

[0034] Please see Figure 5 The nut supply mechanism 6 includes a nut fixture 61, a vibratory feeder 62, a first slide rail 63, and a second slide rail 64. The nut fixture 61 and the vibratory feeder 62 are both mounted on the second frame 2. The nut fixture 61 is aligned with the pre-embedded component 54, the part-picking component 55, and the conveyor belt 7. The first slide rail 63 is connected to the nut fixture 61 and the vibratory feeder 62 at both ends, and the second slide rail 64 is also connected to the nut fixture 61 and the vibratory feeder 62 at both ends. The first slide rail 63 has a first groove 631 extending to one corner of the nut fixture 61, and the second slide rail 64 has a second groove 641 extending to the other corner of the nut fixture 61. The vibratory feeder 62 provides nut inserts 12 to the nut fixture 61 via the first groove 631 and the second groove 641. The nut fixture 61 and the vibratory feeder 62 have a height difference, allowing the nut inserts 12 to slide onto the nut fixture 61 along the first groove 631 and the second groove 641, respectively. In this embodiment, the vibratory feeder 62 is a mature existing technology, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 The second frame 2 is equipped with two ejection mechanisms 8 to facilitate the nut clamp 542 in gripping the nut insert 12. (See also...) Figure 1 as well as Figure 6 The ejection mechanism 8 includes a second cylinder 81 disposed below the nut fixture 61 and a push rod 82 connected to one end of the piston rod of the second cylinder 81. The push rod 82 passes upward through the nut fixture 61 and extends into the first slide groove 631 or the second slide groove 641. The push rods 82 of the two ejection mechanisms 8 are inserted into the central holes of the nut insert 12, and are used to lift the nut insert 12 in the first slide groove 631 and the second slide groove 641, respectively. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7In this embodiment, the top rod 82 has a support flange 821 formed on its periphery near its top end for supporting the nut insert 12. The first slide groove 631 and the second slide groove 641 are respectively provided with clearance grooves (not shown) to provide space for the support flange 821 to move up and down.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 The first frame 1 has a lifting mechanism 9 located below the lifting platform 4 at its bottom. The lifting mechanism 9 includes a base 91, a hydraulic cylinder 92 mounted on the base 91, and guide rods 93 telescopically mounted on the base 91. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 92 is connected upward to the bottom of the lifting platform 4 to drive the lifting platform 4 to rise and fall. There are at least two guide rods 93, distributed on both sides of the hydraulic cylinder 92, and the top of the guide rods 93 is connected to the bottom of the lifting platform 4. In this embodiment, several guide grooves are provided on both sides of the first frame 1, and several guide rails adapted to the guide grooves are provided on both sides of the lifting platform 4. Through the cooperation of the guide rails and guide grooves, the lifting platform 4 can be stably raised and lowered.

[0037] Please see Figure 1-2 A translation mechanism 10 is provided on the top surface of the lifting platform 4. The translation mechanism 10 includes a mounting base 101, a screw 102, and a second motor 103. There are two mounting bases 101, which are arranged opposite each other on the top surface of the lifting platform 4. The screw 102 is rotatably mounted on the two mounting bases 101 through bearings. The second motor 103 is horizontally mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform 4. The output shaft of the second motor 103 is connected to one end of the screw 102 for driving the screw 102 to rotate. In this embodiment, a nut sleeve is provided at the bottom of the slide block 51 and is sleeved on the screw 102. The nut sleeve and the screw 102 are threaded together. When the second motor 103 drives the screw 102 to rotate, the nut sleeve on the screw 102 moves along the axial direction of the screw 102, thereby driving the slide block 51 and the first motor 52, swing arm 53, pre-embedded component 54, and picking component 55 on the slide block 51 to move horizontally, so as to realize the clamping of the nut insert 12 and the placement of the product.

[0038] The working principle of this utility model's automatic nut insert picking and placing device for injection molding machines is as follows: Please refer to... Figure 1 as well as Figure 8The second motor 103 drives the screw 102 to rotate, causing the slide 51 and the first motor 52, swing arm 53, embedded component 54, and part-retrieving component 55 on the slide 51 to move horizontally to the right until the embedded component 54 moves above the nut fixture 61 and the part-retrieving component 55 is also above the conveyor belt 7; then the lifting mechanism 9 drives the lifting platform 4 to descend, so that the nut clamp 542 clamps the nut insert 12 while the suction cup 552 places the product formed in the previous mold onto the conveyor belt 7, and then the lifting mechanism 9 drives the lifting platform 4 to rise; the second motor 103 drives the screw 102 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the slide 51 and the first motor 52, swing arm 53, embedded component 54, and part-retrieving component 55 on the slide 51 to move horizontally to the left to reset; please refer to Figure 9 When the mold opens, the first motor 52 drives the swing arm 53 to swing clockwise by 90 degrees, and the lifting mechanism 9 drives the lifting platform 4 to descend a preset distance. When the part-removing component 55 is aligned with the fixed template of the mold, the second motor 103 first drives the slide 51 to move to the left, so that the suction cup 552 picks up the product. Then, the second motor 103 drives the slide 51 to move to the right to remove the product. The lifting mechanism 9 continues to drive the lifting platform 4 to descend a preset distance. When the embedded component 54 is aligned with the fixed template of the mold, the second motor 103... Motor 103 drives slide 51 to move to the left, and nut clamp 542 embeds nut insert 12 into the moving template of the clamp. Then, second motor 103 drives slide 51 to move to the right, so that nut clamp 542 disengages from moving template. Finally, with the cooperation of lifting mechanism 9, second motor 103 and translation mechanism 10, lifting platform 4 and handling robot 5 are reset, completing one action of picking up and placing nut insert 12 and product. By repeating this cycle, the automated picking up and placing of nut insert 12 and product can be achieved.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A nut insert automatic pick-and-place device for an injection molding machine, characterized by: The system includes a first frame (1), a second frame (2), and a third frame (3) connected in sequence with their top heights decreasing sequentially. A lifting platform (4) is mounted on the first frame (1), and a handling robot (5) is mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform (4). The handling robot (5) includes a slide (51), a first motor (52), a swing arm (53), a pre-embedded component (54), and a picking component (55). The slide (51) is movably mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform (4), and the first motor (52) is mounted on the top surface of the slide (51). One end of the swing arm (53) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor (52). The pre-embedded component (54) and the picking component (55) are spaced apart on the swing arm (53). A nut supply mechanism (6) is mounted on the top of the second frame (2), and a horizontally moving conveyor belt (7) is mounted on the top of the third frame (3).

2. The nut insert automatic pick-and-place apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The pre-embedded component (54) includes a first panel (541) fixedly mounted on the swing arm (53), two nut clamps (542) diagonally arranged on the bottom surface of the first panel (541), and two first cylinders (543) diagonally arranged on the top surface of the first panel (541). The piston rods of the two first cylinders (543) pass downward through the first panel (541) and are connected to the corresponding nut clamps (542).

3. The nut insert automatic pick-and-place apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The nut clamp (542) includes a cylindrical body (5421), a sleeve pin (5422), and an elastic element (5423). The cylindrical body (5421) is fixedly disposed on the bottom surface of the first panel (541). The sleeve pin (5422) is telescopically disposed inside the cylindrical body (5421), and one end of the sleeve pin (5422) is connected to the piston rod of the first cylinder (543). An annular groove is provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical body (5421) away from the first panel (541), and the elastic element (5423) is embedded in the groove.

4. The nut insert automatic pick and place apparatus of claim 1 wherein: The part-retrieving assembly (55) includes a second panel (551) fixedly mounted on the swing arm (53) and a plurality of suction cups (552) mounted on the bottom surface of the second panel (551). The second panel (551) is located at the end of the swing arm (53) away from the first motor (52).

5. The automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for injection molding machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nut supply mechanism (6) includes a nut fixture (61), a vibratory plate (62), a first slide rail (63), and a second slide rail (64). The nut fixture (61) and the vibratory plate (62) are both mounted on the second frame (2). The nut fixture (61) is located on the same straight line as the pre-embedded component (54), the picking component (55), and the conveyor belt (7). The two ends of the first slide rail (63) are connected to the nut fixture (61) and the vibratory plate (62) respectively. The two ends of the second slide rail (64) are connected to the nut fixture (61) and the vibratory plate (62) respectively.

6. The automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for injection molding machines according to claim 5, characterized in that: The nut fixture (61) and the vibratory plate (62) have a height difference. The first slide rail (63) has a first groove (631) extending to one corner of the nut fixture (61), and the second slide rail (64) has a second groove (641) extending to the other corner of the nut fixture (61).

7. The automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for injection molding machines according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second frame (2) is provided with two ejection mechanisms (8). The ejection mechanism (8) includes a second cylinder (81) located below the nut fixture (61) and a push rod (82) connected to one end of the piston rod of the second cylinder (81). The push rod (82) passes upward through the nut fixture (61) and extends into the first slide groove (631) or the second slide groove (641).

8. The automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for an injection molding machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The top rod (82) has a support flange (821) formed on its periphery near its top end, and the first slide groove (631) and the second slide groove (641) are respectively provided with clearance grooves.

9. The automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for an injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The first frame (1) is provided with a lifting mechanism (9) located below the lifting platform (4). The lifting mechanism (9) includes a base (91), a hydraulic cylinder (92) mounted on the base (91), and a guide rod (93) telescopically mounted on the base (91). The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (92) is connected upward to the bottom of the lifting platform (4). There are at least two guide rods (93) distributed on both sides of the hydraulic cylinder (92). The top of the guide rod (93) is connected to the bottom of the lifting platform (4).

10. The automatic nut insert pick-and-place device for an injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The top surface of the lifting platform (4) is provided with a translation mechanism (10). The translation mechanism (10) includes a mounting base (101), a screw (102), and a second motor (103). There are two mounting bases (101), which are arranged opposite to each other on the top surface of the lifting platform (4). The screw (102) is rotatably mounted on the two mounting bases (101) through bearings. The second motor (103) is horizontally mounted on the top surface of the lifting platform (4). The output shaft of the second motor (103) is connected to one end of the screw (102) for transmission.

Images