A spring strip processing and conveying system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a spring strip processing and conveying system, belonging to the technical field of conveying devices. It includes a frame, linear modules, slides, clamping components, and a transfer mechanism. Multiple linear modules are mounted on the frame and arranged in a ring shape. There is a gap between the ends of adjacent linear modules. One set of adjacent linear modules has a slide, and the other set has a transfer mechanism. The clamping components are mounted on the slides, and the transfer mechanism is used to transfer the clamping components from one slide to another. Its structure is simple and easy to use. Multiple linear modules can be arranged into a ring-shaped circulating production line. Each linear module can work independently, offering strong expandability, high adaptability, and a small footprint. The transfer mechanism allows the clamping components to be transferred between different linear modules, enabling large-angle transfers and effectively ensuring the production efficiency and quality of the automated production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of conveying device technology, specifically to a spring strip processing and conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] The grid is a crucial component of nuclear fuel assemblies, serving to clamp and position fuel rods and maintain their center-to-center distance. Grids are typically assembled from multiple spring strips. The production of spring strips involves multiple processing and testing steps. Traditional spring strip processing and conveying primarily rely on manual labor or single linear conveying equipment, resulting in low efficiency, poor positioning accuracy, and insufficient automation. Furthermore, the moving modules on the conveyor line cannot move independently forward or backward, leading to poor flexibility, inconvenience, and negatively impacting production efficiency and quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a spring strip processing and conveying system, which has a simple structure, is easy to use, and can effectively improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows:

[0005] This utility model provides a spring strip processing and conveying system, including a frame, linear modules, slides, clamping components, and a transfer mechanism. The linear modules are mounted on the frame, and there are multiple sets of linear modules arranged in a ring structure. The ends of adjacent sets of linear modules abut each other or are spaced apart. One set of adjacent sets of linear modules is equipped with the slide, and the other set is equipped with the transfer mechanism. The slide and the transfer mechanism are slidably engaged with the linear modules. The clamping components are mounted on the slides, and the transfer mechanism is used to transfer the clamping components from one slide to another.

[0006] Furthermore, the linear module includes a feeding linear module, a discharging linear module, and a transfer linear module. The number of transfer linear modules is two sets, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. Both sets of transfer linear modules are provided with a transfer mechanism. The feeding linear module and the discharging linear module are arranged between the two sets of transfer linear modules. Both the feeding linear module and the discharging linear module are provided with a slide table.

[0007] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism includes a transfer slide, a lifting mechanism, and a pick-and-place mechanism. The transfer slide is slidably engaged with the transfer linear module, the lifting mechanism is disposed on the transfer slide, and the pick-and-place mechanism is disposed on the lifting mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a lifting cylinder, and the pick-and-place mechanism includes a bracket, a coupling cylinder, and a pick-and-place chuck. The lifting cylinder is mounted on the transfer slide, with the piston rod of the lifting cylinder facing upward. One end of the bracket is connected to the upper end of the piston rod of the lifting cylinder, the coupling cylinder is mounted at the other end of the bracket, and the pick-and-place chuck is connected to the coupling cylinder.

[0009] Furthermore, the slide table includes a zero-point base and a zero-point chuck. The zero-point base is slidably engaged with the linear module. The zero-point chuck is disposed at the upper end of the zero-point base. The clamping assembly includes a fixed clamp seat and a movable clamp seat. The movable clamp seat is slidably engaged with the fixed clamp seat. The bottom of the fixed clamp seat is provided with a zero-point pull stud, which is used to engage with the zero-point chuck. An installation cavity is provided between the fixed clamp seat and the movable clamp seat. A self-locking mechanism and an unlocking mechanism are provided in the installation cavity. The self-locking mechanism is used to keep the fixed clamp seat and the movable clamp seat in a clamped state, and the unlocking mechanism is used to keep the fixed clamp seat and the movable clamp seat in an open state.

[0010] Furthermore, the self-locking mechanism includes a mounting block and a self-locking spring. The mounting block is connected to the fixed clamp seat, and one end of the self-locking spring is connected to the mounting block and the other end is connected to the movable clamp seat. The unlocking mechanism includes an unlocking cylinder and an air inlet seat. The air inlet seat is located at the upper end of the zero-point base, and the unlocking cylinder is located in the mounting cavity. The fixed clamp seat has a gas channel that connects the air inlet seat and the unlocking cylinder.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper end of the zero-point base is provided with a first conductive contact, and the lower end of the fixing fixture base is provided with a second conductive contact at a position corresponding to the first conductive contact. The first conductive contact abuts against the second conductive contact, and the unlocking cylinder is provided with a sensor. The second conductive contact is connected to the sensor via a wire.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixed clamp seat is provided with a first guide block, and the movable clamp seat is provided with a second guide block. The first guide block and the second guide block are slidably engaged, and the top of the movable clamp seat is provided with a pull pin hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixed clamp seat includes a first base portion and a first clamping portion, the first clamping portion being disposed on one side of the first base portion, and the movable clamp seat includes a second base portion and a second clamping portion, the second clamping portion being disposed on one side of the second base portion, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion forming a clamping area.

[0014] Furthermore, the first clamping part is provided with a first notch, and the second clamping part is provided with a second notch, with the first notch corresponding to the second notch.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] The spring strip processing and conveying system provided by this utility model has a simple structure and is easy to use. Multiple linear modules can be arranged into a ring-shaped circulating production line. Adjacent linear modules do not need to be connected together, and each linear module can work independently. It has strong expandability, high adaptability, and small footprint. The clamping components can be transferred between different linear modules through the transfer mechanism, which can achieve large-angle transfer and better ensure the production efficiency and quality of the automated production line. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the spring strip processing and conveying system provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the slide and the clamping assembly;

[0020] Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of the clamping component from one perspective;

[0021] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the clamping component from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spring strip processing and conveying system provided in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1-Frame; 11-Loading linear module; 12-Unloading linear module; 13-Transfer linear module; 2-Slide table; 21-Zero point base; 22-Zero point chuck; 23-First conductive contact; 24-Second conductive contact; 3-Clamping assembly; 31-Fixed fixture seat; 311-First base part; 312-First clamping part; 313-First guide block; 314-First notch; 315-Zero point rivet; 32-Modible fixture seat; 321-Second base part; 322-Second clamping part; 323-Second guide block; 324-Second notch; 325-Rack hole; 4-Transfer mechanism; 41-Transfer slide; 42-Lifting cylinder; 43-Bracket; 44-Coupling cylinder; 45-Pick-and-place chuck; 51-Mounting block; 52-Self-locking spring; 53-Unlocking cylinder; 54-Air inlet seat. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model; that is, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0028] refer to Figure 1As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a spring strip processing and conveying system, including a frame 1, a linear module, a slide table 2, a clamping assembly 3, and a transfer mechanism 4.

[0029] The rack 1 serves to support other components. The rack 1 can be a frame structure or a desktop structure.

[0030] The linear module can be a synchronous belt type linear module or a ball screw type linear module. In this embodiment, a ball screw type linear module is used, which has stable transmission and high transmission accuracy.

[0031] The linear module includes a feeding linear module 11, a discharging linear module 12, and a transfer linear module 13.

[0032] In one embodiment, there are two sets of transfer linear modules 13, one set of loading linear modules 11 and one set of unloading linear modules 12. The two sets of transfer linear modules 13 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The loading linear modules 11 and unloading linear modules 12 are arranged between the two sets of transfer linear modules 13. The loading linear modules 11 and unloading linear modules 12 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transfer linear modules 13. Both ends of the loading linear modules 11 and unloading linear modules 12 are in contact with the transfer linear modules 13 or have a gap between them.

[0033] In another embodiment, reference Figure 5 As shown, there are two sets of transfer linear modules 13, two or more sets of loading linear modules 11, and one or more sets of unloading linear modules 12. The two sets of transfer linear modules 13 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The loading linear module 11 and the unloading linear module 12 are arranged between the two sets of transfer linear modules 13. The loading linear module 11 and the unloading linear module 12 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transfer linear modules 13. Both ends of the loading linear module 11 and the unloading linear module 12 are in contact with the transfer linear modules 13 or have a gap.

[0034] Each transfer linear module 13 is equipped with a transfer mechanism 4, which can drive the transfer mechanism 4 to move along its length. Both the loading linear module 11 and the unloading linear module 12 are equipped with a slide table 2, and the clamping component 3 is mounted on the slide table 2. Both the loading linear module 11 and the unloading linear module 12 can drive the slide table 2 to move along its length.

[0035] refer to Figure 2As shown, the slide table 2 includes a zero-point base 21 and a zero-point chuck 22. The two zero-point bases 21 are slidably engaged with the loading linear module 11 and the unloading linear module 12, respectively. The zero-point bases 21 are connected to the nuts of the lead screw mechanisms in the loading linear module 11 or the unloading linear module 12. The loading linear module 11 and the unloading linear module 12 drive the zero-point bases 21 to move along their length. Two zero-point chucks 22 are located at the upper end of the zero-point bases 21, symmetrically arranged on the upper end of the zero-point bases 21. Each zero-point chuck 22 has a pull pin hole 325 in the middle. Of course, the number of zero-point chucks 22 can also be four, six, or more, usually added in pairs. The zero-point chucks 22 can adopt existing technology or be designed according to requirements.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the clamping assembly 3 includes a fixed clamp base 31 and a movable clamp base 32.

[0037] The fixed clamp base 31 includes a first base portion 311 and a first clamping portion 312. The first clamping portion 312 is disposed on one side of the first base portion 311. The movable clamp base 32 includes a second base portion 321 and a second clamping portion 322. The second clamping portion 322 is disposed on one side of the second base portion 321. The second base portion 321 is slidably engaged with the first base portion 311. The first clamping portion 312 and the second clamping portion 322 form a clamping area. In this embodiment, the fixed clamp base 31 is provided with two first guide blocks 313, which are distributed at the upper end of the fixed clamp base 31 near both ends. The movable clamp base 32 is provided with two second guide blocks 323, which are fixed at the lower end of the movable clamp base 32 near both ends. The first guide blocks 313 and the second guide blocks 323 are snapped together and slidably engaged at the snap-fit ​​point. This not only connects the fixed clamp base 31 and the movable clamp base 32 together, making them difficult to separate, but also ensures that the movable clamp base 32 can slide relative to the fixed clamp base 31 without shifting. Alternatively, a groove can be provided on the first base portion 311, and a sliding portion can be provided on the second base portion 321, with the sliding portion slidably engaging with the groove.

[0038] The first clamping part 312 has a first notch 314, and the second clamping part 322 has a second notch 324, with the first notch 314 and the second notch 324 corresponding to each other. There are multiple first notches 314 distributed along the length of the first clamping part 312, and multiple second notches 324 distributed along the length of the second clamping part 322, with each first notch 314 and second notch 324 corresponding to the other. The first notch 314 and the second notch 324 are provided to facilitate the clamping and welding of the spring.

[0039] The bottom of the fixed clamp base 31 is provided with a zero-point rivet 315, which is used to snap and connect with the zero-point chuck 22. The number of zero-point rivets 315 is the same as the number of zero-point chucks 22 and they correspond one-to-one. The zero-point rivets 315 and the zero-point chucks 22 can be standard parts, which are stable in fit and easy to snap together or separate.

[0040] The upper side of the first base portion 311 and / or the lower side of the second base portion 321 are provided with grooves to form an installation cavity, and a self-locking mechanism and an unlocking mechanism are provided in the installation cavity.

[0041] The self-locking mechanism includes a mounting block 51 and a self-locking spring 52. The mounting block 51 is connected to the fixed clamp seat 31. One end of the self-locking spring 52 is connected to the mounting block 51, and the other end is connected to the movable clamp seat 32. The axial direction of the self-locking spring 52 is consistent with the sliding direction of the movable clamp seat 32 relative to the fixed clamp seat 31. After the self-locking spring 52 is installed, it is in a compressed state. Under the elastic force of the self-locking spring 52, the first clamping part 312 and the second clamping part 322 can be clamped together.

[0042] The unlocking mechanism includes an unlocking cylinder 53 and an air inlet seat 54. The air inlet seat 54 is located at the upper end of the zero-point base 21. The unlocking cylinder 53 is located inside the mounting cavity, and its cylinder body is fixed to the fixed clamp seat 31. The piston rod of the unlocking cylinder 53 is connected to the movable clamp seat 32. The fixed clamp seat 31 has a gas passage that connects the air inlet seat 54 and the unlocking cylinder 53. The air inlet seat 54 is connected to an air generator via an air pipe. Thus, when the zero-point rivet 315 and the zero-point chuck 22 are engaged, the air intake seat 54 and the unlocking cylinder 53 are connected through the gas channel. Controlling the piston rod of the unlocking cylinder 53 to retract will cause the movable clamping seat 32 to slide, so that the first clamping part 312 and the second clamping part 322 are in the open state. At this time, the workpiece can be placed into the clamping area or removed from the clamping area. Controlling the piston rod of the unlocking cylinder 53 to extend will cause the first clamping part 312 and the second clamping part 322 to be in the clamping state. The first clamping part 312 and the second clamping part 322 can clamp the workpiece. At this time, if the zero-point rivet 315 and the zero-point chuck 22 are separated, that is, the clamping assembly 3 is separated from the slide table 2, the first clamping part 312 and the second clamping part 322 can still maintain the workpiece in the clamping state under the action of the self-locking mechanism.

[0043] The top of the movable clamp base 32 is also provided with a rivet hole 325. The number of rivet holes 325 is one, two or more. In this embodiment, the number of rivet holes 325 is two. The rivet holes 325 are provided to facilitate other mechanisms to grasp them, thereby separating the clamping component 3 from the slide table 2 and transferring the clamping component 3.

[0044] The upper end of the zero-point base 21 is also provided with a first conductive contact 23, and a conductive wire is connected to the first conductive contact 23 for connection to a power source. The lower end of the fixing clamp base 31 is provided with a second conductive contact 24 at a position corresponding to the first conductive contact 23. The first conductive contact 23 and the second conductive contact 24 abut against each other. The unlocking cylinder 53 is provided with a sensor, and the second conductive contact 24 is connected to the sensor through a wire. The sensor is used to detect the position status of the unlocking cylinder 53.

[0045] The clamping assembly 3 is disposed on the slide table 2, and the transfer mechanism 4 is used to transfer the clamping assembly 3 from one slide table 2 to another slide table 2.

[0046] The transfer mechanism 4 includes a transfer slide 41, a lifting mechanism, and a pick-and-place mechanism. The transfer slide 41 is slidably engaged with the transfer linear module 13, and is connected to the nut of the lead screw mechanism in the transfer linear module 13. The transfer linear module 13 drives the transfer slide 41 to move along its length. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting cylinder 42, which is mounted on the transfer slide 41, with its piston rod pointing upwards. Alternatively, a hydraulic cylinder or a scissor lift platform can also be used as the lifting mechanism. The pick-and-place mechanism includes a bracket 43, a coupling cylinder 44, and a pick-and-place chuck 45. The bracket 43 is horizontally arranged, and one end of the bracket 43 is connected to the upper end of the piston rod of the lifting cylinder 42. The bracket 43 is also provided with a guide rod, and the cylinder body of the lifting cylinder 42 is provided with a guide hole. The guide rod slides with the guide hole, which can prevent the lifting cylinder 42 from deflecting during the lifting and lowering of the bracket 43. The coupling cylinder 44 is located at the other end of the bracket 43. The pick-and-place chuck 45 is connected to the coupling cylinder 44. The lower end of the pick-and-place chuck 45 has a pick-and-place pull stud that engages with the pull stud hole 325 on the top of the movable clamp seat 32.

[0047] A vision camera is also installed on the frame 1. The vision camera is located on one side of the feeding linear module 11. The vision camera is used to identify and detect whether the material being conveyed on the feeding linear module 11 is qualified.

[0048] The working principle of the spring strip processing and conveying system provided in this embodiment of the invention is as follows:

[0049] The loading linear module 11 drives the slide 2 and moves the clamping assembly 3 toward the transfer linear module 13 at one end. When it reaches the set position, the transfer mechanism 4 on the transfer linear module 13 drives the pick-and-place chuck 45 to pick up the clamping assembly 3 holding the spring from the slide 2. At the same time, the slide 2 on the loading linear module 11 returns to the starting point. Then, the transfer linear module 13 drives the transfer mechanism 4 to move the clamping assembly 3 toward the unloading linear module 12. When it reaches the set position, the slide 2 on the unloading linear module 12 is also in the corresponding position. At this time, the transfer mechanism 4 places the clamping assembly 3 on the lower... On the slide 2 of the material unloading linear module 12, the material unloading linear module 12 drives the slide 2 to move to the unloading station, and the robot removes the spring assembly on the clamping component 3 and places it in the designated position. The material unloading linear module 12 continues to drive the slide 2 forward to the set position. Then, the transfer mechanism 4 on the transfer linear module 13 at the other end clamps the clamping component 3. The transfer linear module 13 drives the transfer mechanism 4 to move the clamping component 3 toward the loading linear module 11 and places the clamping component 3 on the slide 2 on the loading linear module 11, completing one closed-loop processing cycle. This cycle repeats, thereby achieving automated continuous production.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and does not constitute any limitation on this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of this utility model, or modify it into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technology of this utility model without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model shall fall within the protection scope of this technical solution.

Claims

1. A spring strip processing conveyor system characterized by: The device includes a frame, linear modules, slides, clamping components, and a transfer mechanism. The linear modules are mounted on the frame, and there are multiple sets of linear modules arranged in a ring shape. The ends of adjacent sets of linear modules are either abutted together or have a gap. One set of adjacent sets of linear modules is equipped with the slide, and the other set is equipped with the transfer mechanism. The slide and the transfer mechanism are slidably engaged with the linear modules. The clamping components are mounted on the slides, and the transfer mechanism is used to transfer the clamping components from one slide to another.

2. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linear module includes a feeding linear module, a discharging linear module, and a transfer linear module. There are two sets of transfer linear modules arranged in parallel and spaced apart. Each set of transfer linear modules is equipped with a transfer mechanism. The feeding linear module and the discharging linear module are arranged between the two sets of transfer linear modules. Each feeding linear module and the discharging linear module is equipped with a slide table.

3. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism includes a transfer slide, a lifting mechanism, and a pick-and-place mechanism. The transfer slide is slidably engaged with the transfer linear module. The lifting mechanism is disposed on the transfer slide, and the pick-and-place mechanism is disposed on the lifting mechanism.

4. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism includes a lifting cylinder, and the pick-and-place mechanism includes a bracket, a coupling cylinder, and a pick-and-place chuck. The lifting cylinder is mounted on the transfer slide, with the piston rod of the lifting cylinder facing upward. One end of the bracket is connected to the upper end of the piston rod of the lifting cylinder, the coupling cylinder is mounted on the other end of the bracket, and the pick-and-place chuck is connected to the coupling cylinder.

5. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide table includes a zero-point base and a zero-point chuck. The zero-point base is slidably engaged with the linear module. The zero-point chuck is disposed at the upper end of the zero-point base. The clamping assembly includes a fixed clamp seat and a movable clamp seat. The movable clamp seat is slidably engaged with the fixed clamp seat. The bottom of the fixed clamp seat is provided with a zero-point pull pin, which is used to engage with the zero-point chuck. An installation cavity is provided between the fixed clamp seat and the movable clamp seat. The installation cavity is provided with a self-locking mechanism and an unlocking mechanism. The self-locking mechanism is used to keep the fixed clamp seat and the movable clamp seat in a clamped state. The unlocking mechanism is used to keep the fixed clamp seat and the movable clamp seat in an open state.

6. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The self-locking mechanism includes a mounting block and a self-locking spring. The mounting block is connected to the fixed clamp seat, and one end of the self-locking spring is connected to the mounting block and the other end is connected to the movable clamp seat. The unlocking mechanism includes an unlocking cylinder and an air inlet seat. The air inlet seat is located at the upper end of the zero-point base, and the unlocking cylinder is located in the mounting cavity. The fixed clamp seat has a gas channel that connects the air inlet seat and the unlocking cylinder.

7. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper end of the zero-point base is also provided with a first conductive contact, and the lower end of the fixing clamp seat is provided with a second conductive contact at a position corresponding to the first conductive contact. The first conductive contact and the second conductive contact abut against each other. The unlocking cylinder is provided with a sensor, and the second conductive contact is connected to the sensor through a wire.

8. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixed clamp seat is provided with a first guide block, and the movable clamp seat is provided with a second guide block. The first guide block and the second guide block are slidably engaged, and the top of the movable clamp seat is provided with a pull pin hole.

9. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixed clamp seat includes a first base portion and a first clamping portion, the first clamping portion being disposed on one side of the first base portion. The movable clamp seat includes a second base portion and a second clamping portion, the second clamping portion being disposed on one side of the second base portion. The first clamping portion and the second clamping portion form a clamping area.

10. The spring strip processing and conveying system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first clamping part has a first notch, and the second clamping part has a second notch, with the first notch corresponding to the second notch.

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