Mechanism, equipment and method for automatically plugging FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) flat cable and FPC connector

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of electronic device assembly, and particularly relates to a mechanism, equipment and method for automatically plugging an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) flat cable and an FPC connector, and the mechanism for automatically plugging the FPC flat cable and the FPC connector can be mounted on a manipulator for automatically plugging the FPC flat cable and the FPC connector. The FPC flat cable can be clamped through the first FPC flat cable clamping device and the second FPC flat cable clamping device, the clamped FPC flat cable can be subjected to XY-axis position adjustment through the first moving device and the second moving device, the clamped FPC flat cable can be subjected to horizontal angle adjustment through the first rotating device and the second rotating device, the adjustment mode is flexible, and the adjustment efficiency is high. The automatic connection device is suitable for automatic connection of the FPC flat cable and the FPC connector, the automatic plugging mode can reduce damage of the FPC flat cable or the FPC connector caused by differences of manual plugging methods, the problems of poor contact and the like caused by manual plugging are reduced, and the plugging efficiency is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic device assembly, and particularly relates to a mechanism and method for automatically inserting an FPC flat cable and an FPC connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] The FPC flat cable is a flexible flat cable mainly used in electronic products such as mobile phones, and can realize high-density wiring and be responsible for signal transmission and power transmission. The FPC connector is a device corresponding to the FPC flat cable. At present, the insertion mode of the FPC flat cable and the FPC connector is mostly manually inserted, and the automatic assembly is not realized. The manual insertion has low efficiency, and the difference in manual insertion method leads to damage of the FPC flat cable or the FPC connector, poor contact and other problems. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application aims to provide a mechanism, device and method for automatically inserting an FPC flat cable and an FPC connector, so as to realize automatic insertion of the FPC flat cable and the FPC connector, standardize the insertion action, reduce the insertion failure rate and damage rate, and improve the insertion efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical scheme: A mechanism for automatically inserting an FPC flat cable and an FPC connector is provided, comprising a support seat, a first FPC flat cable clamping assembly and a second FPC flat cable clamping assembly are arranged on the support seat, the first FPC flat cable clamping assembly comprises a first FPC flat cable clamping device, a first rotating device for driving the first FPC flat cable clamping device to rotate, and a first moving device for driving the first rotating device to move left and right, the first moving device is arranged on the support seat; the second FPC flat cable clamping assembly comprises a second FPC flat cable clamping device opposite to the first FPC flat cable clamping device, a second rotating device for driving the second FPC flat cable clamping device to rotate, and a second moving device for driving the second rotating device to move forward and backward, the second moving device is arranged on the support seat; a separating hook for flipping the FPC connector is further arranged on the first FPC flat cable clamping device and the second FPC flat cable clamping device respectively.

[0005] Preferably, the first FPC flat cable clamping device and the second FPC flat cable clamping device respectively comprise a clamping support block, a clamping cylinder, an upper clamping plate and a lower clamping plate, the clamping cylinder is arranged on the clamping support block, and the upper clamping plate or the lower clamping plate is drivingly connected with the clamping cylinder.

[0006] Preferably, the lower clamping plate includes a bottom clamping plate portion and a clamping plate connecting rod on one side, the clamping plate connecting rod being connected to the cylinder rod of the clamping cylinder; the separating hook is connected to the front side of the cylinder rod of the clamping cylinder.

[0007] Preferably, the first rotating device and the second rotating device each include a rotary motor and a rotary gearbox, and the rotary motor is drivenly connected to the rotary gearbox.

[0008] Preferably, the first moving device includes a first support plate disposed on the front side of the support base, a first ball screw mechanism disposed on the first support plate, and a first moving motor for driving the first ball screw mechanism, wherein a first moving block is disposed on the first ball screw mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the second moving device includes a second support plate disposed on the side of the support base, a second ball screw mechanism disposed on the second support plate, and a second moving block disposed on the second ball screw mechanism.

[0010] Preferably, the support base is further provided with a clamp plate picking and placing assembly, the clamp plate picking and placing assembly includes a picking and placing frame, a plurality of negative pressure suction tubes are provided on the picking and placing frame, and a suction cup is provided at the bottom of the negative pressure suction tubes.

[0011] This invention provides a device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors, comprising: A plug-in robot arm, wherein the plug-in robot arm is equipped with a mechanism for automatically plugging in FPC cables and FPC connectors as described in any of the preceding items; The product placement bracket is equipped with a UVW platform and a product placement platform. The main controller is used to control the insertion robot, the mechanism for automatically inserting FPC cables and FPC connectors, and the product placement bracket; An FPC connector positioning camera is used to collect positioning data of the FPC connector and send it to the main controller; The FPC cable positioning camera is used to collect positioning data of the FPC cable and send it to the main controller.

[0012] Preferably, two FPC connector positioning cameras and two FPC cable positioning cameras are provided; the FPC cable positioning camera is located at the bottom of the product placement bracket in the gap between the UVW platform and the product placement platform; a camera stand is provided next to the product placement bracket, and a camera electric push rod is provided on the camera stand; the FPC connector positioning camera is connected to the camera electric push rod through a connecting plate.

[0013] This invention also provides a method for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors, using the aforementioned equipment for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors, the method comprising: Products with FPC cables are placed on the product placement platform; circuit boards with FPC connectors are placed on a fixture plate, which is placed on the UVW platform. The FPC connector positioning camera takes pictures of the FPC connector above the UVW platform, captures positioning feature point data, and transmits it to the main controller to obtain the positioning data of the FPC connector. The main controller controls the insertion robot to move the separation hook to the FPC connector and use the separation hook to open the flip cover of the FPC connector; The FPC cable positioning camera takes pictures of the FPC cable, captures positioning feature point data, and transmits it to the main controller to obtain the positioning data of the FPC cable. The main controller controls the insertion robot and the second moving device to move the second FPC cable clamping device and the first FPC cable clamping device to the clamping position, and clamps and fixes the FPC cable through the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device. The main controller controls the UVW platform to adjust the FPC connector to the insertion position; The main controller controls the operation of the first rotating device and the second rotating device to adjust the parallelism of the FPC cable clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device. The main controller controls the second moving device to adjust the front and rear positions of the FPC cable held by the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device. The main controller controls the movement of the plug-in robot arm to adjust the vertical position of the FPC cable held by the first FPC cable gripping device and / or the second FPC cable gripping device. The main controller controls the insertion robot to insert the FPC cable held by the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device into the corresponding FPC connector. The main controller controls the insertion robot to move the separation hook onto the FPC connector and flatten the flip cover of the FPC connector using the separation hook; The main controller issues a command to perform a lighting test on the connected FPC cable and FPC connector.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. The mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors can be installed on a robotic arm to automatically connect FPC cables and FPC connectors. The FPC cable can be clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device and the second FPC cable clamping device. The position of the clamped FPC cable can be adjusted along the XY axis by the first moving device and the second moving device. The horizontal angle of the clamped FPC cable can be adjusted by the first rotating device and the second rotating device. The adjustment method is flexible and suitable for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors. 2. The automatic FPC cable and connector insertion device has the following advantages: 1. By using this device to automatically insert FPC cables and connectors, the automated insertion method reduces the damage to FPC cables or connectors caused by differences in manual insertion techniques; 2. Automatic insertion reduces problems such as poor contact caused by manual insertion; 3. It improves insertion efficiency and solves the problem of fatigue from manual insertion; 4. During the automatic insertion process, the movement of the fixture (clamp plate) is standardized, eliminating collisions, extending the fixture's lifespan, and reducing fixture costs. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a side view of an embodiment of the mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a first FPC cable clamping device, a second FPC cable clamping device, a first rotating device, and a second rotating device in one embodiment of the mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first moving device in one embodiment of the mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second moving device in one embodiment of the mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a side view of an embodiment of the device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of the area where the FPC connector positioning camera is located in one embodiment of the device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the placement of a furniture board on a UVW platform in one embodiment of the device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to the present invention.

[0025] The labels in the diagram are as follows: The system includes: an automatic FPC cable and FPC connector insertion mechanism 100, a support base 110, a first FPC cable clamping device 120, a first rotating device 130, a first moving device 140, a first support plate 141, a first ball screw mechanism 142, a first moving motor 143, a first moving block 144, a first guide rail 145, a second FPC cable clamping device 150, a clamping support block 151, a clamping cylinder 152, an upper clamping plate 153, a lower clamping plate 154, a second rotating device 160, a rotating motor 161, a rotating gearbox 162, a second moving device 170, a second support plate 171, a second ball screw mechanism 172, a second moving block 173, a pick-and-place rack 180, a negative pressure suction tube 181, a suction cup 182, and a separation hook 100-1. Fixture plate 200, FPC connector 210, insertion robot 300, product placement bracket 400, UVW platform 410, product placement platform 420, main controller 500, FPC connector positioning camera 600, camera stand 610, camera electric push rod 620, connecting plate 630, FPC cable positioning camera 700, FPC cable 800. Detailed Implementation

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

[0027] In one embodiment, a mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables to FPC connectors is provided, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors includes a support base 110. A first FPC cable clamping component and a second FPC cable clamping component are provided on the support base 110. The support base 110 is used to connect to a robotic arm. Both the first FPC cable clamping component and the second FPC cable clamping component can be used to clamp FPC cables.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the first FPC cable clamping assembly includes a first FPC cable clamping device 120, a first rotating device 130 for driving the first FPC cable clamping device 120 to rotate, and a first moving device 140 for driving the first rotating device 130 to move left and right. The first FPC cable clamping device 120 performs the action of clamping the FPC cable. The first FPC cable clamping device 120 is mounted on the first rotating device 130. The first rotating device 130 is used to drive the first FPC cable clamping device 120 to rotate in the horizontal direction to adjust the angle. The first rotating device 130 is mounted on the first moving device 140. The first moving device 140 is used to drive the first rotating device 130 to move left and right (in the Y-axis direction). The first moving device 140 is disposed on the support base 110.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the second FPC cable clamping assembly includes a second FPC cable clamping device 150 opposite to the first FPC cable clamping device 120, a second rotating device 160 for driving the second FPC cable clamping device 150 to rotate, and a second moving device 170 for driving the second rotating device 160 to move back and forth. The second FPC cable clamping device 150 performs the action of clamping the FPC cable. The second FPC cable clamping device 150 is mounted on the second rotating device 160. The second rotating device 160 is used to drive the second FPC cable clamping device 150 to rotate in the horizontal direction to adjust the angle. The second rotating device 160 is mounted on the second moving device 170. The second moving device 170 is used to drive the second rotating device 160 to move back and forth (in the X-axis direction). The second moving device 170 is disposed on the support base 110.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the first FPC cable clamping device 120 and the second FPC cable clamping device 150 are respectively provided with a separation hook 100-1 for flipping the cover of the FPC connector. The lower end of the separation hook 100-1 is provided with a bent hook part, which can flip open the cover covering the plug terminals on the FPC connector.

[0031] The automatic FPC cable and FPC connector insertion mechanism can be mounted on a robotic arm for automated insertion of FPC cables and FPC connectors. It can simultaneously grip the FPC cable using either the first FPC cable gripping device 120 or the second FPC cable gripping device 150. The XY axis position of the gripped FPC cable can be adjusted using the first moving device 140 and the second moving device 170. The horizontal angle of the gripped FPC cable can be adjusted using the first rotating device 130 and the second rotating device 160. The adjustment method is flexible and suitable for automated connection of FPC cables and FPC connectors.

[0032] Furthermore, in combination Figure 3 As shown, the first FPC cable clamping device 120 and the second FPC cable clamping device 150 are positioned opposite each other, with a symmetrical structure. Taking the second FPC cable clamping device 150 as an example, it includes a clamping support block 151, a clamping cylinder 152, an upper clamping plate 153, and a lower clamping plate 154. The clamping cylinder 152 is mounted on the clamping support block 151, and the lower clamping plate 154 is drivenly connected to the clamping cylinder 152. A clamping plate connecting rod 154-1 is integrally provided on one side of the lower clamping plate 154, and the clamping plate connecting rod 154-1 is connected to the cylinder rod of the clamping cylinder 152. The FPC cable can be clamped by the closing of the upper clamping plate 153 and the lower clamping plate 154. The separating hook 100-1 is connected to the front side of the cylinder rod of the clamping cylinder 152.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first rotating device 130 and the second rotating device 160 have the same structure. Taking the second rotating device 160 as an example, it includes a rotating motor 161 and a rotating gearbox 162. The rotating motor 161 is driven and connected to the rotating gearbox 162. The clamping support block 151 is connected to the output shaft at the bottom of the rotating gearbox 162 of the second rotating device 160.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the first moving device 140 includes a first support plate 141 disposed on the front side of the support base 110, a first ball screw mechanism 142 disposed on the first support plate 141, and a first moving motor 143 driving the first ball screw mechanism 142. A first moving block 144 is disposed on the first ball screw mechanism 142, and the screw nut of the first ball screw mechanism 142 is disposed in the first moving block 144. A rotary gearbox of the first rotating device 130 is connected to the bottom of the first moving block 144. A first guide rail 145 is disposed on the inner side of the first support plate 141, and the first moving block 144 is mounted on the first guide rail 145. The first moving motor 143 is connected to the first ball screw mechanism 142 via a belt, which can be a toothed belt.

[0035] Furthermore, such asFigure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the second moving device 170 includes a second support plate 171 disposed on the side of the support base 110, a second ball screw mechanism 172 disposed on the second support plate 171, a guide groove disposed on the second support plate 171, a corresponding guide block disposed on the second moving block 173, a nut fixedly connected to the front end of the screw of the second ball screw mechanism 172, and a rotary gearbox 162 of the second rotating device 160 connected to the bottom of the second moving block 173, so that the second moving block 173 can be pushed to move back and forth (moving in the X-axis direction) by the second ball screw mechanism 172.

[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a clamping plate pick-and-place assembly is also provided on the support base 110. The clamping plate pick-and-place assembly includes a pick-and-place frame 180, which is fixed to the rear side of the support base 110. Negative pressure suction tubes 181 are provided at the four corners of the pick-and-place frame 180, and suction cups 182 are provided at the bottom of the negative pressure suction tubes 181. The four suction cups 182 are used to hold the four corners of the clamping plate 200, and the circuit board with the FPC connector is placed on the clamping plate 200 so that the circuit board can be picked up and placed and moved during the insertion process.

[0037] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a device is provided for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors, combined with... Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the device includes a plug-in robot 300, a product placement bracket 400, a main controller 500, an FPC connector positioning camera 600, and an FPC cable positioning camera 700. The main controller 500 is a PLC controller. The plug-in robot 300 is a multi-degree-of-freedom robot capable of three-dimensional motion. The plug-in robot 300 is equipped with the automatic plug-in mechanism 100 for FPC cables and FPC connectors as described in the previous embodiment, which is connected to the front end of the plug-in robot 300 via a support base 110. The product placement bracket 400 is located next to the plug-in robot 300. The product placement bracket 400 is equipped with a UVW platform 410 and a product placement platform 420. The UVW platform 410 is a precision alignment platform that can move forward, backward, left, and right in the XY plane and rotate slightly in the θz direction to precisely adjust the orientation of the fixture plate. The product placement platform 420 is used for placing and feeding FPC cables. The product placement bracket 400 can drive the UVW platform 410 and the product placement platform 420 on it to move forward and backward.

[0038] The main controller 500 controls the insertion robot 300, the automatic insertion mechanism 100 for FPC cables and FPC connectors, and the product placement bracket 400 to perform related actions. The FPC connector positioning camera 600 collects positioning data of the FPC connectors and sends it to the main controller 500, and the FPC cable positioning camera 700 collects positioning data of the FPC cables and sends it to the main controller 500. Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, two FPC connector positioning cameras 600 and 700 are provided, enabling them to photograph the two sets of FPC connectors 210 and the two sets of FPC cables 800, allowing for simultaneous insertion of FPC cables into the two FPC connectors 210 on the circuit board. For circuit boards with only one FPC connector, they can also be individually clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device 120 or the second FPC cable clamping device 150.

[0039] Combination Figure 8 As shown, the UVW platform 410 is mounted on the frame extending from the front of the product placement platform 420. There is a gap 430 between the UVW platform 410 and the product placement platform 420. The FPC cable positioning camera 700 is mounted at the bottom of the product placement bracket 400 at the location of the gap 430 between the UVW platform and the product placement platform, so as to take pictures and position the FPC cable above.

[0040] like Figure 8 As shown, a camera stand 610 is provided next to the product placement bracket 400. The camera stand 610 is located between the product placement bracket 400 and the insertion robot 300. The camera stand 610 is similar to a gantry and will not obstruct the movement of the insertion robot 300. Figure 9 As shown, a camera electric push rod 620 is provided on the camera stand 610. The camera electric push rod 620 can be a ball screw mechanism. The FPC connector positioning camera 600 is connected to the camera electric push rod 620 through the connecting plate 630. The camera electric push rod 620 drives the FPC connector positioning camera 600 to move left and right (in the Y-axis direction) so that the FPC connector positioning camera 600 can take pictures of the FPC connector.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, the main components of the automatic FPC cable and FPC connector insertion device function as follows: 1. FPC connector positioning camera: This camera is used to position the FPC connector, and the data is uploaded to the main controller PLC; 2. FPC cable positioning camera: This camera is used to position the FPC cable, and the data is uploaded to the main controller PLC; 3. Insertion robot arm is used to grip the FPC cable. Before insertion, the main controller PLC transmits the positioning data of the FPC connector and FPC cable to the robot arm, and the robot arm calculates the corresponding insertion path based on this data; 4. The UVW platform on the product placement bracket is used to support the fixture plate. The circuit board with the FPC connector is placed on the fixture plate, and the circuit board moves together with the fixture plate. Before adjusting the position of the FPC connector, the main controller PLC transmits the positioning data of the FPC connector and FPC cable to the UVW platform, and the position is adjusted by the UVW platform.

[0042] The automatic FPC cable and connector insertion device has the following advantages: 1. By automatically inserting FPC cables and connectors, the device reduces damage to FPC cables or connectors caused by variations in manual insertion techniques; 2. Automatic insertion reduces problems such as poor contact caused by manual insertion; 3. It improves insertion efficiency and solves the problem of fatigue from manual insertion; 4. During the automatic insertion process, the movement of the fixture (clamp plate) is standardized, eliminating collisions, extending the fixture's lifespan, and reducing fixture costs.

[0043] In one embodiment, a method for automatically connecting an FPC cable and an FPC connector is provided, employing the device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors described in the preceding embodiments, combined with... Figures 1-10 As shown, the method includes: (1) Place the product with FPC cable on the product placement platform 420; place the circuit board with FPC connector on the fixture plate 200; place the fixture plate 200 on the UVW platform 410.

[0044] Here, the products with FPC cables are glass panels such as TV screens, mobile phone screens, or computer screens. In the previous process, the products have been placed on the product placement platform 420 and preliminarily positioned. That is, the position of the FPC cables connected to the products on the product placement platform 420 has been preliminarily fixed. The FPC cable positioning camera 700 is aimed at the position of the FPC cable 800 and can directly take pictures. For the placement of the fixture plate 200, the insertion robot 300 carries the mechanism 100 for automatically inserting FPC cables and FPC connectors, and the fixture plate 200 is placed on the UVW platform 410 by negative pressure adsorption through the pick-and-place rack 180.

[0045] (2) The FPC connector positioning camera 600 takes a picture of the FPC connector 210 above the UVW platform 410, captures the positioning feature point data and transmits it to the main controller 500 to obtain the positioning data of the FPC connector 210.

[0046] Before taking a picture, the main controller 500 can control the camera's electric push rod 620 to adjust the position of the FPC connector positioning camera 600 so that the FPC connector positioning camera 600 is facing the FPC connector 210 to take a picture. The captured positioning feature point data includes the coordinates of the FPC connector 210 on the X and Y axes, which is used to obtain the orientation of the FPC connector 210 and determine whether the orientation of the FPC connector 210 is suitable for insertion, so that the UVW platform 410 can subsequently adjust the FPC connector 210 to a suitable insertion orientation.

[0047] (3) The main controller 500 controls the insertion robot 300 to move the separation hook 100-1 to the FPC connector 210 and open the flip cover of the FPC connector 210 through the separation hook 100-1.

[0048] The flip cover of the FPC connector 210 is a component built into the FPC connector 210 and is used to protect the wiring terminals. The FPC cable can only be inserted after it is flipped open. When the insertion robot 300 moves, it moves the entire automatic insertion mechanism 100 of the FPC cable and FPC connector.

[0049] (4) Take a picture of the FPC cable 800 with the FPC cable positioning camera 700, capture the positioning feature point data and transmit it to the main controller 500 to obtain the positioning data of the FPC cable 800.

[0050] The positioning feature point data of FPC cable 800 is the XY axis coordinate of FPC cable 800. Similarly, this is used to obtain the attitude of FPC cable 800 and determine whether the attitude of FPC cable 800 is suitable for insertion, so that the insertion robot 300 can adjust FPC cable 800 to a suitable insertion attitude in the future.

[0051] (5) The main controller 500 controls the insertion robot 300 and the second moving device 170 to move to the clamping position, and the FPC cable 800 is clamped and fixed by the first FPC cable clamping device 120 and / or the second FPC cable clamping device 150.

[0052] During clamping, the second moving device 170 drives the second FPC cable clamping device 150 to separate from the first FPC cable clamping device 120, so that the distance between them corresponds to the clamping position. Then, the insertion robot 300 moves the second FPC cable clamping device 150 and the first FPC cable clamping device 120 to the clamping position. Here, there are two FPC cables 800 and two FPC connectors 210. Therefore, the first FPC cable clamping device 120 and the second FPC cable clamping device 150 each clamp one FPC cable 800. If there is only one FPC cable and one FPC connector, the FPC cable can be clamped by either the first FPC cable clamping device or the second FPC cable clamping device alone.

[0053] (6) The main controller 500 controls the UVW platform 410 to adjust the FPC connector 210 to the insertion position.

[0054] Since the orientation of the FPC connector 210 has been photographed, it can be determined whether the orientation of the FPC connector 210 is suitable for insertion, and adjusted to the insertion position. The insertion position is the orientation of the FPC connector 210 that is suitable for insertion.

[0055] (7) The main controller 500 controls the first rotating device 130 and the second rotating device 160 to adjust the parallelism of the FPC cable clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device 120 or / and the second FPC cable clamping device 150.

[0056] The parallelism of the two FPC cables is adjusted here based on the adjusted insertion data of the FPC connector 210.

[0057] (8) The main controller 500 controls the second moving device 170 to adjust the front and rear positions of the FPC cable clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device 120 or / and the second FPC cable clamping device 150.

[0058] Similarly, the front and rear positions of the two FPC connectors 210 are also adjusted specifically based on the adjusted posture of the FPC connectors 210.

[0059] (9) The main controller 500 controls the action of the plug-in robot 300 to adjust the up and down position of the FPC cable clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device 120 or / and the second FPC cable clamping device 150.

[0060] Similarly, the vertical position of the two FPC connectors 210 is also adjusted based on the adjusted posture of the FPC connectors 210. The vertical position is the Z-axis position, which can be adjusted directly by moving the insertion robot 300 up and down.

[0061] (10) The main controller 500 controls the plug-in robot 300 to insert the FPC cable clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device 120 or / and the second FPC cable clamping device 150 into the corresponding FPC connector.

[0062] Since the insertion position of the FPC connector 210 and the posture of the FPC cable have been adjusted, the insertion robot 300 directly performs the insertion action based on the micro-needles of the FPC connector 210.

[0063] (11) The main controller 500 controls the insertion robot 300 to move the separation hook 100-1 to the FPC connector 210 and flatten the flip cover of the FPC connector 210 through the separation hook 100-1.

[0064] (12) The main controller 500 issues a command to perform a lighting test on the connected FPC cable 800 and FPC connector 210.

[0065] Here, a test device with power supply and indicator light functions can be set up. The plugged-in product is moved onto the test device, and the main controller 500 issues a test command. Only products that pass the test are considered good products.

[0066] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0067] Although embodiments of the 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 invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors, characterized in that, The device includes a support base, on which a first FPC cable clamping assembly and a second FPC cable clamping assembly are mounted. The first FPC cable clamping assembly includes a first FPC cable clamping device, a first rotating device for driving the first FPC cable clamping device to rotate, and a first moving device for driving the first rotating device to move left and right. The first moving device is mounted on the support base. The second FPC cable clamping assembly includes a second FPC cable clamping device opposite to the first FPC cable clamping device, a second rotating device for driving the second FPC cable clamping device to rotate, and a second moving device for driving the second rotating device to move back and forth. The second moving device is mounted on the support base. Separation hooks for flipping the FPC connector are also provided on the first and second FPC cable clamping devices, respectively.

2. The mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first FPC cable clamping device and the second FPC cable clamping device each include a clamping support block, a clamping cylinder, an upper clamping plate and a lower clamping plate. The clamping cylinder is disposed on the clamping support block, and the upper clamping plate or the lower clamping plate is drivenly connected to the clamping cylinder.

3. The mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower clamping plate includes a clamping plate portion at the bottom and a clamping plate connecting rod on one side, the clamping plate connecting rod being connected to the cylinder rod of the clamping cylinder; the separating hook is connected to the front side of the cylinder rod of the clamping cylinder.

4. The mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating device and the second rotating device each include a rotary motor and a rotary gearbox, and the rotary motor is driven by the rotary gearbox.

5. The mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first moving device includes a first support plate disposed on the front side of the support base, a first ball screw mechanism disposed on the first support plate, and a first moving motor for driving the first ball screw mechanism. A first moving block is disposed on the first ball screw mechanism.

6. The mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second moving device includes a second support plate disposed on the side of the support base, a second ball screw mechanism disposed on the second support plate, and a second moving block disposed on the second ball screw mechanism.

7. The mechanism for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support base is also provided with a clamp plate picking and placing assembly, which includes a picking and placing frame, a plurality of negative pressure suction tubes, and a suction cup at the bottom of the negative pressure suction tubes.

8. A device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors, characterized in that, include: A plug-in robot arm, wherein the plug-in robot arm is provided with a mechanism for automatically plugging in FPC cables and FPC connectors as described in any one of claims 1-5; The product placement bracket is equipped with a UVW platform and a product placement platform. The main controller is used to control the insertion robot, the mechanism for automatically inserting FPC cables and FPC connectors, and the product placement bracket; An FPC connector positioning camera is used to collect positioning data of the FPC connector and send it to the main controller; The FPC cable positioning camera is used to collect positioning data of the FPC cable and send it to the main controller.

9. The device for automatically connecting FPC cables and FPC connectors according to claim 8, characterized in that: Two FPC connector positioning cameras and two FPC cable positioning cameras are provided. The FPC cable positioning camera is located at the bottom of the product placement bracket in the gap between the UVW platform and the product placement platform. A camera stand is provided next to the product placement bracket, and a camera electric push rod is provided on the camera stand. The FPC connector positioning camera is connected to the camera electric push rod through a connecting plate.

10. A method for automatically connecting an FPC cable to an FPC connector, characterized in that, The method of using the automatic insertion device for FPC cables and FPC connectors as described in claim 8 includes: Products with FPC cables are placed on the product placement platform; circuit boards with FPC connectors are placed on the fixture plate; the fixture plate is placed on the UVW platform. The FPC connector positioning camera takes pictures of the FPC connector above the UVW platform, captures positioning feature point data, and transmits it to the main controller to obtain the positioning data of the FPC connector. The main controller controls the insertion robot to move the separation hook to the FPC connector and use the separation hook to open the flip cover of the FPC connector; The FPC cable positioning camera takes pictures of the FPC cable, captures positioning feature point data, and transmits it to the main controller to obtain the positioning data of the FPC cable. The main controller controls the insertion robot and the second moving device to move the second FPC cable clamping device and the first FPC cable clamping device to the clamping position, and clamps and fixes the FPC cable through the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device. The main controller controls the UVW platform to adjust the FPC connector to the insertion position; The main controller controls the operation of the first rotating device and the second rotating device to adjust the parallelism of the FPC cable clamped by the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device. The main controller controls the second moving device to adjust the front and rear positions of the FPC cable held by the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device. The main controller controls the movement of the plug-in robot arm to adjust the vertical position of the FPC cable held by the first FPC cable gripping device and / or the second FPC cable gripping device. The main controller controls the insertion robot to insert the FPC cable held by the first FPC cable clamping device and / or the second FPC cable clamping device into the corresponding FPC connector. The main controller controls the insertion robot to move the separation hook onto the FPC connector and flatten the flip cover of the FPC connector using the separation hook; The main controller issues a command to perform a lighting test on the connected FPC cable and FPC connector.

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