Insert embedding tool

Abstract

The utility model discloses an embedded part burying tool relates to air chamber injection molding technical field, and this device includes: embedded part takes use module and burying module, and embedded part takes use module is equipped with the snap -jaw structure for positioning embedded part, and the snap -jaw structure is equipped with the profiling groove corresponding with embedded part shape, and the profiling groove is equipped with the opening for embedded part, and burying module includes manipulator, manipulator drive arrangement and moving mechanism, and manipulator drive arrangement is used for driving manipulator to execute clamping and releasing action, and moving mechanism is used for driving manipulator to move along first direction and second direction, and first direction is perpendicular with the burying surface of injection mold, and second direction is perpendicular with first direction. The utility model has realized embedded part burying whole process automation, and has improved production efficiency and precision greatly, and its flexible design can adapt to complex mould and multi -variety production, and significantly reduces the rate of defective product and artificial dependence, and guarantees the stability and consistency of product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of air chamber injection molding technology, specifically an insert embedding tooling. Background Technology

[0002] The air chamber is a core component of the air suspension system, and the insert embedding process plays a crucial role in its injection molding production. As a pressure-bearing component, the structural integrity, sealing reliability, and durability of the air chamber directly affect the performance and safety of the entire suspension system. By precisely embedding metal inserts during the injection molding process, a robust and sealed interface can be provided for the subsequent connection of the air chamber to pipes, sensors, and other components, making it a core manufacturing step in realizing its function. Therefore, the accuracy and quality of insert embedding are key to ensuring the performance of the air suspension air chamber product.

[0003] Currently, in production practice in this field, insert embedding mainly relies on two methods: one is purely manual operation, where operators manually place the insert into the mold cavity; the other is using simple mechanical grippers (robotic arms) for grasping and placing. These two methods constitute the current mainstream insert embedding operation mode.

[0004] However, these existing embedding methods have significant drawbacks and are no longer sufficient to meet the production requirements of high-quality air suspension chambers. First, manual insertion is not only inefficient and unsuitable for large-scale production, but also demands high worker skills, with variations in operation among different workers leading to inconsistent product quality. Second, even with mechanical clamps, while efficiency is improved to some extent, there are shortcomings in ensuring the accuracy of insert placement, easily resulting in misplacement, affecting product quality, and increasing the defect rate. Furthermore, in some complex mold structures, manual or existing mechanical methods struggle to accurately place inserts deep within the mold, further limiting the improvement of production efficiency and product quality. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides an insert embedding fixture that can solve the problems of low embedding efficiency, poor positional accuracy, and insufficient adaptability to complex molds in the existing manual operation and mechanical gripping methods.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, an insert embedding fixture is provided according to an embodiment of the first aspect of this utility model, comprising an insert picking module and an embedding module. The insert picking module is provided with a claw structure for positioning the insert. The claw structure is provided with a contour groove corresponding to the shape of the insert, and the contour groove is provided with an opening for the insert to pass through. The embedding module includes a robot arm, a robot arm driving device, and a moving mechanism. The robot arm driving device is used to drive the robot arm to perform gripping and releasing actions. The moving mechanism is used to drive the robot arm to move along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the embedding surface of the injection mold, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the robot arm moves along the first direction to the injection mold, the robot arm is used to grip the movable slider in the injection mold. The movable slider is provided with a fixing structure corresponding to the shape of the insert. The fixing structure is used to detachably connect with the insert to maintain the stability of the insert during movement and injection molding.

[0007] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the insert picking module also includes a stop block and a stop block driving device. The stop block driving device is used to drive the stop block to switch between a blocking position and a moving away position. When the stop block is in the blocking position, the insert is blocked from disengaging from the opening and the contour groove. When the stop block is in the moving away position, the insert can pass through the opening.

[0008] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the embedded tooling also includes a PLC controller, and the stop drive device, the robot drive device and the moving mechanism are electrically connected to the PLC controller respectively.

[0009] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the robotic arm includes a pneumatic parallel gripper, and the gripping surface of the robotic arm is provided with an elastic pad.

[0010] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the PLC controller is electrically connected to a vision inspection system and a position sensor via wires. The vision inspection system includes a camera and an image processing unit, which is used to identify the position and orientation of the insert in the contour groove. The position sensor is set on the insert picking module and is used to detect the position of the stop.

[0011] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the moving mechanism includes a first linear guide rail assembly and a second linear guide rail assembly. The first linear guide rail assembly is used to realize the linear movement of the robot arm along a first direction, and the second linear guide rail assembly is used to realize the linear movement of the robot arm along a second direction. The first linear guide rail assembly and the second linear guide rail assembly are connected by an adapter plate to form a multi-directional motion platform.

[0012] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the fixing structure is an electromagnetic chuck embedded in the movable slider, and the power-on and power-off state of the electromagnetic chuck is controlled by a PLC controller.

[0013] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the PLC controller integrates a parameterized programming module and a storage unit. The parameterized programming module is used to preset or adjust the action sequence, moving speed and dwell time of the stop drive device, the robot drive device and the moving mechanism.

[0014] As a further technical solution of this utility model, an elastic buffer pad is provided on the blocking surface of the block.

[0015] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the first linear guide rail assembly and the second linear guide rail assembly are respectively driven by servo motors, and the moving mechanism also includes a grating ruler. The grating ruler and the servo motor are both electrically connected to the PLC controller.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. In this utility model, by setting up an insert picking module and an embedding module, and having the robotic arm of the embedding module automatically pick up the movable slider in the mold, then connect it to the insert that has been positioned on the insert picking module, and finally embed the connecting body into the mold together, the entire process of insert picking, transfer and embedding is automated, replacing inefficient and tiring manual operation, significantly improving production efficiency and meeting the needs of large-scale continuous production.

[0017] 2. In this utility model, the insert picking module has a claw structure with a contour groove corresponding to the shape of the insert, which provides accurate initial positioning for the insert. At the same time, the moving mechanism of the embedded module can drive the robot and the movable slider to move in two mutually perpendicular directions, ensuring that the insert can be accurately moved and aligned to the designated position in the mold. This effectively solves the problem of insert misplacement caused by insufficient precision of traditional mechanical grippers, and ensures the quality of the final product.

[0018] 3. In this utility model, the moving mechanism designed by the embedded module can move in two mutually perpendicular directions (especially the first direction is perpendicular to the mold embedding surface), which gives the tooling flexible spatial movement capability, enabling it to penetrate into the mold cavity with complex internal structure and accurately complete the placement operation of the insert. This overcomes the problem of limited operation in complex molds by manual and traditional mechanical methods and expands the applicability of the tooling. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insert embedding tool according to the present invention; Figure 2This is a partial structural diagram of an insert embedding tool according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an insert embedding tool of this utility model when in use; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an insert embedding tool according to this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 100, Insert picking module; 101, Claw structure; 102, Contouring groove; 103, Stop; 104, Stop driving device; 200, Embedding module; 201, Robotic arm; 202, Robotic arm driving device; 203, Moving mechanism; 2031, First linear guide rail assembly; 2032, Second linear guide rail assembly; 2033, Grating ruler; 300, Insert; 400, PLC controller; 401, Parametric programming module; 402, Storage unit; 500, Vision inspection system; 501, Camera; 502, Image processing unit; 600, Position sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below, but it should be understood that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1-4 As shown, an insert embedding fixture includes an insert picking module 100 and an embedding module 200. The insert picking module 100 has a claw structure 101 for positioning the insert 300. The claw structure 101 has a contour groove 102 corresponding to the shape of the insert 300, and the contour groove 102 has an opening for the insert 300 to pass through. The embedding module 200 includes a robot arm 201, a robot arm drive device 202, and a moving mechanism 203. The robot arm drive device 202 is used to drive the robot arm 201 to perform the clamping action. The picking and releasing actions are performed by the moving mechanism 203, which drives the robot arm 201 to move along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the embedded surface of the injection mold, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the robot arm 201 moves to the injection mold along the first direction, it is used to pick up the movable slider in the injection mold. The movable slider is provided with a fixing structure corresponding to the shape of the insert 300. The fixing structure is used to detachably connect with the insert 300 to maintain the stability of the insert 300 during movement and injection molding.

[0023] It should be noted that during use, the insert 300 first enters the contour groove 102 of the claw structure 101 of the insert picking module 100 through the opening. The contour groove 102 achieves initial positioning of the insert 300 by precisely matching its shape. Subsequently, the moving mechanism 203 of the embedded module 200 drives the robot arm 201 to move along the first direction to the injection mold. The robot arm drive device 202 drives the robot arm 201 to pick up the movable slider in the mold. Then, the moving mechanism 203 drives the robot arm 201 holding the movable slider to move, so that the movable slider is precisely aligned and connected with the insert 300 that has been positioned in the contour groove 102. The fixed structure ensures the stability of the insert 300 during the movement after connection. Finally, the moving mechanism 203 drives the robot arm 201 to move the movable slider of the connected insert 300 along the first direction and the second direction (which are perpendicular to each other) in a coordinated manner, and accurately deliver it into the designated position in the injection mold. The robot arm drive device 202 drives the robot arm 201 to release the movable slider, thereby completing the automatic and accurate embedding of the insert 300. The whole process significantly improves efficiency and positional consistency, and solves the accuracy and adaptability problems of manual operation and traditional mechanical methods.

[0024] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the insert taking module 100 also includes a stop 103 and a stop driving device 104. The stop driving device 104 is used to drive the stop 103 to switch between a blocking position and a moving away position. When the stop 103 is in the blocking position, the insert 300 is blocked from disengaging from the opening into the contour groove 102. When the stop 103 is in the moving away position, the insert 300 can pass through the opening.

[0025] It should be noted that the stop driving device 104 drives the stop 103 to move according to the control command. When the insert 300 enters the contour groove 102 through the opening, the stop driving device 104 drives the stop 103 to move to the blocking position, thereby closing the opening and preventing the insert 300 from accidentally falling out, ensuring that it maintains accurate positioning before being picked up. When it is necessary to transfer the insert 300 to the movable slider, the stop driving device 104 drives the stop 103 to move to a distant position, thereby opening the opening, so that the insert 300 can pass through smoothly and be picked up, effectively ensuring the stability and reliability of the insert 300 in the process of picking up and transferring.

[0026] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the embedded tooling also includes a PLC controller 400, a stop drive device 104, a robot drive device 202, and a moving mechanism 203, which are electrically connected to the PLC controller 400.

[0027] It should be noted that the PLC controller 400 sends precisely timed control commands to the stop drive device 104, the robot drive device 202, and the moving mechanism 203, which are electrically connected to it, thereby coordinating and automatically executing the entire sequence of actions for insert picking, transferring, and embedding. For example, it controls the opening and closing of the stop 103 to fix or release the insert 300, drives the robot 201 to complete the gripping and releasing of the movable slider, and directs the moving mechanism 203 to drive the robot 201 to perform multi-axial precise positioning and movement. This achieves a high degree of automation and synchronization of the entire embedding process, significantly improving the reliability of operation and production efficiency.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the robotic arm 201 includes a pneumatic parallel gripper, and the gripping surface of the robotic arm 201 is provided with an elastic pad.

[0029] It should be noted that the elastic pads on the clamping surface not only increase the friction with the surface of the movable slider to prevent slippage during clamping, but also buffer and distribute the pressure evenly during clamping, avoiding rigid scratches on the surface of the movable slider. Thus, while ensuring stable gripping, the integrity of the tooling and mold components is protected, improving the reliability and safety of operation.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the PLC controller 400 is electrically connected to the vision inspection system 500 and the position sensor 600 via wires. The vision inspection system 500 includes a camera 501 and an image processing unit 502, which is used to identify the position and orientation of the insert 300 in the contour groove 102. The position sensor 600 is installed on the insert picking module 100 and is used to detect the position of the stop 103.

[0031] It should be noted that the camera 501 continuously captures images of the insert 300 in the contour groove 102. The image processing unit 502 processes the images to identify and calculate the precise position and orientation angle of the insert 300, and feeds this data back to the PLC controller 400. At the same time, the position sensor 600 detects the actual position status of the stop 103 in real time and transmits it to the PLC controller 400. The PLC controller 400 comprehensively processes this feedback information and can determine whether the insert 300 is in place, whether the orientation is compliant, and whether the stop 103 is in the correct open / closed state. Based on this, it makes decisions and adjusts subsequent action commands, thus forming a closed-loop control system that includes visual positioning and status monitoring, which greatly improves the intelligence level and reliability of the insert 300 picking and preparation process.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 3The moving mechanism 203 includes a first linear guide rail assembly 2031 and a second linear guide rail assembly 2032. The first linear guide rail assembly 2031 is used to realize the linear movement of the robot arm 201 along a first direction, and the second linear guide rail assembly 2032 is used to realize the linear movement of the robot arm 201 along a second direction. The first linear guide rail assembly 2031 and the second linear guide rail assembly 2032 are connected by an adapter plate to form a multi-directional motion platform.

[0033] It should be noted that when the spatial position of the robot arm 201 needs to be adjusted, the first linear guide rail assembly 2031 drives the robot arm 201 to move linearly along a first direction perpendicular to the mold embedding surface, thereby controlling the embedding and retraction depth of the insert 300. The second linear guide rail assembly 2032 drives the robot arm 201 to move along a second direction perpendicular to it, thereby achieving precise alignment on the horizontal plane. The movement of the two components can be controlled independently or act in concert, enabling the robot arm 201 to move the movable slider and insert 300 flexibly and accurately to the complex target position in the mold cavity according to a predetermined trajectory in three-dimensional space. This structure fundamentally overcomes the problem of limited movement in deep cavities or narrow molds in traditional methods.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixed structure is an electromagnetic chuck embedded in the movable slider, and the power on / off state of the electromagnetic chuck is controlled by the PLC controller 400.

[0035] It should be noted that when the movable slider is moved by the robot arm 201 to align with the insert 300, the PLC controller 400 sends an energizing command to the electromagnetic chuck, causing it to generate a strong magnetic force, thereby firmly adsorbing and fixing the insert 300 onto the movable slider; when the movable slider carrying the insert 300 reaches the final embedding position in the mold, the PLC controller 400 controls the electromagnetic chuck to immediately de-energize, and the magnetic force disappears instantly, thereby reliably releasing the insert 300 and accurately retaining it in the mold cavity. This not only achieves stable and reliable connection and clean and efficient separation, but also significantly improves the automation and intelligence level of the entire embedding process.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the PLC controller 400 integrates a parametric programming module 401 and a storage unit 402. The parametric programming module 401 is used to preset or adjust the action sequence, movement speed and dwell time of the stop drive device 104, the robot drive device 202 and the moving mechanism 203.

[0037] It should be noted that, through the parametric programming module 401, operators can intuitively preset or adjust online the timing of the stop drive device 104, the clamping force and speed of the robot drive device 202, and the motion sequence, precise moving speed, and dwell time of each component in the moving mechanism 203, as well as other core process parameters, according to the specifications of different inserts 300 and the specific structure of the mold. The storage unit 402 is used to save the optimized multiple sets of process parameters as recipes. In actual production, the PLC controller 400 can quickly call the corresponding recipe in the storage unit 402 to drive each actuator to act according to the preset refined program. This greatly enhances the adaptability of the tooling to different products and the convenience of production changeover, realizing the upgrade from rigid automation to flexible automation.

[0038] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the blocking surface of the stop 103 is provided with an elastic buffer pad.

[0039] It should be noted that the elastic buffer pad effectively absorbs and buffers the contact impact force that may occur between the stop 103 and the insert 300 through the deformation of its material. This not only prevents the insert 300 from slight displacement or surface damage that may be caused by rigid collision, ensuring positioning accuracy and product appearance quality, but also reduces the noise and wear of the parts generated by the action, thereby improving the smoothness and reliability of the entire picking action.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the first linear guide rail assembly 2031 and the second linear guide rail assembly 2032 are driven by servo motors, and the moving mechanism 203 also includes a grating ruler 2033. The grating ruler 2033 and the servo motor are both electrically connected to the PLC controller 400.

[0041] It should be noted that the servo motor drives the first linear guide assembly 2031 and the second linear guide assembly 2032 to move precisely. At the same time, the grating ruler 2033 detects the actual movement position of the robot arm 201 in the corresponding direction in real time and feeds this position signal back to the PLC controller 400 in real time. The PLC controller 400 compares and calculates the actual position fed back by the grating ruler 2033 with the target position set in the program at high speed. If there is a deviation, it immediately generates a correction command and sends it to the corresponding servo motor to drive it to adjust its movement until the deviation is eliminated. This closed-loop control principle effectively overcomes the errors caused by gaps, elastic deformation and temperature drift that are common in mechanical transmission, so that the robot arm 201 and the insert 300 it carries can achieve micron-level repeatability positioning accuracy, which fundamentally ensures the absolute accuracy and consistency of the embedding position of the insert in the complex mold.

[0042] The above-disclosed embodiments are only a few specific examples of the present utility model. However, the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited thereto. Any changes that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An insert embedding tooling, characterized in that, The device includes an insert retrieval module (100) and an embedding module (200). The insert retrieval module (100) has a claw structure (101) for positioning the insert (300). The claw structure (101) has a contour groove (102) corresponding to the shape of the insert (300), and the contour groove (102) has an opening for the insert (300) to pass through. The embedding module (200) includes a robot arm (201), a robot arm drive device (202), and a moving mechanism (203). The robot arm drive device (202) is used to drive the robot arm (201) to perform gripping. In the take-up and release action, the moving mechanism (203) is used to drive the robot (201) to move along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the embedded surface of the injection mold, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. When the robot (201) moves to the injection mold along the first direction, the robot (201) is used to grip the movable slider in the injection mold. The movable slider is provided with a fixed structure corresponding to the shape of the insert (300). The fixed structure is used to detachably connect with the insert (300) to maintain the stability of the insert (300) during movement and injection molding.

2. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insert taking module (100) also includes a stop (103) and a stop driving device (104). The stop driving device (104) is used to drive the stop (103) to switch between a blocking position and a moving away position. When the stop (103) is in the blocking position, the blocking insert (300) disengages from the opening and moves away from the contour groove (102). When the stop (103) is in the moving away position, the insert (300) can pass through the opening.

3. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a PLC controller (400), and the stop drive device (104), the robot drive device (202) and the moving mechanism (203) are electrically connected to the PLC controller (400).

4. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm (201) includes a pneumatic parallel gripper, and the gripping surface of the robotic arm (201) is provided with an elastic pad.

5. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PLC controller (400) is electrically connected to a vision inspection system (500) and a position sensor (600) via wires. The vision inspection system (500) includes a camera (501) and an image processing unit (502), which is used to identify the position and orientation of the insert (300) in the contour groove (102). The position sensor (600) is set on the insert picking module (100) and is used to detect the position of the stop (103).

6. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving mechanism (203) includes a first linear guide rail assembly (2031) and a second linear guide rail assembly (2032). The first linear guide rail assembly (2031) is used to realize the linear movement of the robot (201) along a first direction, and the second linear guide rail assembly (2032) is used to realize the linear movement of the robot (201) along a second direction. The first linear guide rail assembly (2031) and the second linear guide rail assembly (2032) are connected by an adapter plate to form a multi-directional motion platform.

7. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixed structure is an electromagnetic chuck embedded in the movable slider, and the power-on / off state of the electromagnetic chuck is controlled by a PLC controller (400).

8. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PLC controller (400) integrates a parametric programming module (401) and a storage unit (402). The parametric programming module (401) is used to preset or adjust the action sequence, movement speed and dwell time of the stop drive device (104), the robot drive device (202) and the moving mechanism (203).

9. The insert embedding fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The blocking surface of the stop (103) is provided with an elastic buffer pad.

10. An insert embedding fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first linear guide assembly (2031) and the second linear guide assembly (2032) are driven by servo motors respectively, and the moving mechanism (203) also includes a grating ruler (2033), and the grating ruler (2033) and the servo motor are electrically connected to the PLC controller (400).

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