Lock plates inserting machine and method of inserting said lock plates

Abstract

A lock plates inserting machine and a method of automatically and mechanically inserting a plurality of lock plates into corresponding openings defined in the key cylinder. The lock plates inserting machine includes a key holder having a plurality of grooves corresponding to respective serrations of a key to be inserted. At least one key serrations detecting member having a key serrations detecting convex portion is inserted into one of the grooves of the key holder. At least one slide member is slidable upon pivotal movement of the key serrations detecting member and upon concave portions equal in number to the different sizes of the key serrations. A plurality of first push members corresponding to respective concave portions of the slide member are positioned so that a proper one of the first push members is inserted into its corresponding concave portion of the slide member in accordance with the slide members's position. A plurality of lock plates support members are provided for supporting lock plates of different sizes. An elevating member sequentially receives the lock plates into grooves defined on it, and a plurality of second push members are provided for inserting the lock plates placed in regular order in the elevating member into the openings of the key cylinder.