Insole positioning module, insole conveying device and insole assembling system

By designing a foot pad positioning module and an automated conveying device, the problem of positioning deviation of laptop foot pads was solved, enabling efficient and safe automated assembly and improving product quality and production efficiency.

CN116534548BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-02GUANGDONG EVERWIN PRECISION TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG EVERWIN PRECISION TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-05-22
Publication Date
2026-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, the positioning of laptop feet is inaccurate, affecting aesthetics and yield rate. Furthermore, both manual and mechanical operations are inefficient and pose safety hazards.

Method used

A foot pad positioning module was designed, including a base, foot pad bosses, positioning components, and centering components. Through multiple positioning and automated conveying devices, the accurate positioning and fully automated assembly of the foot pads are ensured.

Benefits of technology

This technology enables accurate positioning of the foot pads, improves product aesthetics and yield, reduces manpower requirements and the probability of workplace injuries, and increases assembly efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a foot pad positioning module, which comprises a base, a foot pad boss supported on the base, the foot pad boss being provided with a foot pad supporting surface, a plurality of positioning members protruding above the foot pad supporting surface and surrounding a foot pad fixing position with the foot pad supporting surface, a spacing area being formed between adjacent positioning members, and a centering assembly comprising a centering member, the end of the centering member being capable of approaching or moving away from the spacing area. The foot pad profiling positioning area is formed by the foot pad boss and the plurality of positioning members, and the centering assembly is arranged to fill the spacing area between the positioning members, so that the centering effect is achieved on the foot pad, the fixing effect of the foot pad is further improved, the foot pad is always in the same position when being transmitted to the next process, and the assembly effect and the yield are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of supporting industries for the 3C industry, specifically to a foot pad positioning module, conveying device, and assembly system for use in laptop casings. Background Technology

[0002] Laptops and other terminal devices typically require the assembly of plastic feet to provide support. The assembly process involves dispensing adhesive, assembly, and pressure holding. During assembly, the feet need to be removed from the foot tray and placed in their designated positions. If the feet are applied manually, the small size of the feet can cause visual fatigue and even workplace injuries with prolonged handling. When using machinery, the lower assembly precision of the feet and tray can lead to positional deviations, affecting aesthetics and yield. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a foot pad positioning module to overcome the technical problems such as positioning deviations in existing foot pads.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a foot pad positioning module, including a base; a foot pad boss supported on the base, the foot pad boss having a foot pad support surface; a plurality of positioning members protruding above the foot pad support surface and forming a foot pad fixing position between the foot pad support surface and adjacent positioning members having a gap area; and a centering assembly including a centering member, the end of the centering member being able to approach or move away from the gap area.

[0005] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the positioning member is detachably connected to the base.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a mounting block is detachably mounted on the base, and a plurality of mounting holes are provided on the mounting block along the radial direction of the foot pad fixing position, and the positioning member is selectively connected to one of the mounting holes by screws.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a T-shaped slot is provided on the base along its radial direction, and the mounting block is inserted into the slot.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the edge of the foot pad boss is recessed in the radial direction to form a groove, and each of the positioning members is respectively limited to one of the grooves.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the positioning module includes four positioning members arranged in a cross shape, with a first interval area, a second interval area, a third interval area, and a fourth interval area formed between the four positioning members around the foot pad fixing position.

[0010] The centering assembly includes a first centering assembly and a second centering assembly disposed on opposite sides of the foot pad protrusion. The first centering assembly includes a first centering member, a second centering member, and a first driving member. The first driving member acts on both the first centering member and the second centering member simultaneously, and drives the ends of the first centering member and the second centering member to approach or move away from the first interval area and the second interval area, respectively.

[0011] The second centering component includes a third centering element, a fourth centering element, and a second driving element. The second driving element acts on both the third and fourth centering elements simultaneously, and drives the ends of the third and fourth centering elements to approach or move away from the third and fourth interval regions, respectively.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a positioning post protrudes from the base, and a positioning hole that mates with the positioning post is provided on the foot pad protrusion.

[0013] The present invention also provides a foot pad conveying device, comprising a foot pad feeding module, a foot pad dispensing module, the aforementioned foot pad positioning module, and a foot pad assembly module arranged sequentially according to process steps. A track and a third driving component are provided between the foot pad dispensing module and the foot pad assembly module. The foot pad positioning module slides on the track, and the third driving component acts on the foot pad positioning module and can drive the foot pad positioning module to move between the foot pad dispensing module and the foot pad assembly module.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the third drive unit includes a servo motor and a lead screw connected between the servo motor and the foot pad positioning module.

[0015] The present invention also provides a foot pad assembly system, including a raw material conveying device; the aforementioned foot pad conveying device; and a foot pad assembly pressing device for assembling and pressing raw material from the raw material conveying device and foot pads from the foot pad conveying device.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention adds a foot pad positioning module between the foot pad material distribution module and the foot pad assembly module. By adding a secondary positioning operation for the foot pad, the foot pad can be assembled in the correct position, avoiding positional deviations and ensuring the aesthetics and yield of the product.

[0017] Secondly, the foot pad assembly system in this invention enables fully automated foot pad assembly, freeing up manpower and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a foot pad assembly system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a foot pad positioning module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a foot pad positioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view of a foot pad positioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a foot pad feeding module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a foot pad material distribution module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a foot pad assembly module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a foot pad conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a dispensing module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a foot pad assembly and pressing module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a flip-over unloading module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a mechanical gripper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0031] 1-Foot pad assembly machine, 10-Foot pad positioning module, 11-Foot pad boss, 111-Slot, 112-Positioning hole, 12-Positioning component, 121-First mounting hole, 13-Centering component, 131-Centering component, 132-Drive component, 14-Base, 141-Slot, 142-Groove, 143-Positioning post, 15-Mounting block, 151-Protrusion, 152-Second mounting hole, 16-Base, 17-Rail, 20-Foot pad distribution mold Group, 21-Distribution head, 211-Foot pad suction nozzle, 212-Hollow rotary motor, 30-Foot pad feeding module, 40-Foot pad assembly module, 41-Assembly head, 411-Foot pad suction nozzle, 412-Hollow rotary motor, 50-Foot pad assembly pressing device, 51-Transfer track, 52-Assembly platform, 60-Dispensing module, 70-Mechanical claw, 71-Tilting platform, 80-Tilting unloading module, 91-Raw material production line, 92-Cooked material production line. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0033] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.

[0034] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the foot pad positioning module 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base 16 and a foot pad positioning mechanism supported on the base 16 for fixing the position. The entire positioning mechanism includes a base 14, which in this embodiment is generally cylindrical, and a foot pad boss 11 is supported on its top, which is also generally cylindrical. Figure 3 As shown, the bottom diameters of the base 14 and the foot pad protrusion 11 are similar. A positioning hole 112 is made at the center of the foot pad protrusion 11, and a cylindrical positioning post 143 is provided on the top of the base 14. By inserting the positioning hole 112 of the foot pad protrusion 11 into the positioning post 143 of the base 14, the foot pad protrusion 11 can be fixed on the base 14 and will not shift during processing. At the same time, this arrangement can also achieve a certain degree of weight reduction.

[0035] Preferably, in this embodiment, the positioning post 143 on the base 14 has a two-section structure that is thinner at the top and thicker at the bottom, and a hollowed-out design is made below the center foot pad fixing position of the foot pad boss 11. Therefore, the two sections of the positioning post 143 can provide a certain supporting function and further reduce the weight of the foot pad boss 11. Figure 3In the middle, four slots 111 are provided on the foot pad boss 11. Therefore, the foot pad boss 11 can be regarded as two parts: the central contour foot pad fixing position and the surrounding support part. The support part and the thicker part of the positioning post 143 provide support at the same time.

[0036] Furthermore, other small holes are provided at the top center of the foot pad protrusion 11, which increases the friction between the foot pad and the foot pad, prevents it from shifting, and provides a certain degree of weight reduction.

[0037] To position the foot pad, a positioning element 12 is provided in each slot 111, with a protrusion at its top facing the center of the foot pad boss 11. This protrusion is located above the foot pad boss 11. Therefore, under the action of the four positioning elements 12, after the foot pad is placed on top of the foot pad boss 11, the four protrusions cooperate to fix the foot pad from four directions, preventing it from shifting.

[0038] Preferably, the four slots 111 are equidistantly distributed on the side of the foot pad protrusion 11, so the protrusions of the four positioning members 12 perform cross positioning of the foot pad. There is a gap between adjacent positioning members 12, and the distance between adjacent protrusions is the same. There is no excessive gap, so the foot pad is not easy to detach from the gap, ensuring the stability during processing.

[0039] Specifically, the positioning element 12 is fixed on the base 14. In this embodiment, a slot 141 is provided on the base 14, and a mounting block 15 is provided in conjunction with it. Preferably, the overall side view profile of the slot 141 and the mounting block 15 is T-shaped, thus making the fixing of the mounting block 15 more stable. And as... Figure 4 As shown, a groove 142 is provided inside the slot 141, and a protrusion 151 that can be engaged in the groove 142 is provided at the bottom of the mounting block 15. When the mounting block 15 is inserted into the slot 141, the two cooperate to make the mounting block 151 less likely to fall off, further improving stability.

[0040] A first mounting hole 121 is provided at the bottom of the positioning member 12, and a second mounting hole 152 is provided on the mounting block 15. The positioning member 12 and the mounting block 15 are fixed by bolts. Preferably, two second mounting holes 152 are provided on the mounting block 15, which are arranged radially along the foot pad protrusion 11. Therefore, the position of the positioning member 12 is adjustable. The distance between the protrusions can be changed by fixing it in different second mounting holes 152 to adapt to foot pads of different sizes and improve versatility.

[0041] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of second mounting holes 152 can be increased to accommodate more sizes of foot pads. However, it should be noted that the number of second mounting holes 152 should be set within a reasonable range to avoid making the mounting block 15 too long, which would affect the stability of the mounting block 15 and the overall rationality of the equipment.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the first mounting hole 121 is located at the bottom of the positioning member 12, and the top of it is hollowed out, so that shorter bolts can be used and the weight of the positioning member 12 can be reduced.

[0043] To further improve the positioning effect of the foot pad, this embodiment also includes a secondary clamping mechanism, namely, a centering assembly 13 is provided on the side of the base 14, each centering assembly 13 having a pair of extended centering members 131. The positioning member 12 is clamped between the pair of centering members 131, the function of which is the space between two adjacent positioning members 12, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Preferably, a pair of centering components 13 are used, which are arranged opposite each other. Therefore, the gaps between all positioning elements 12 are filled, and the probability of the foot pad falling out of position is reduced again, thus improving stability.

[0044] Furthermore, to accommodate foot pads of different sizes, in this embodiment, the centering component 13 is also position-adjustable. Specifically, it is fixed on a support base and driven by a power source commonly used in the art (such as a cylinder) to move. This, in conjunction with the movement of the positioning component 12, expands or shrinks the size of the foot pad fixing position, thereby improving versatility.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown, to facilitate fully automated assembly of the foot pads, this paper describes a foot pad conveying device consisting of the aforementioned foot pad positioning module 10, foot pad dispensing module 20, foot pad feeding module 30, and foot pad assembly module 40. The foot pad feeding module 30 supplies the foot pads, the foot pad dispensing module 20 transfers the foot pads from the foot pad feeding module 30 to the foot pad positioning module 10, and the foot pad assembly module 40 takes the foot pads from the foot pad positioning module 10 and assembles them onto the bottom shell of the laptop computer, thereby achieving fully automated assembly of the foot pads.

[0046] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the base 14 is fixed to a base 16, which is supported on a track 17 and driven to move by a servo motor (not shown) and a lead screw (not shown). Since a typical laptop computer case requires four feet to be assembled, in this embodiment, two tracks 17 are provided, and each base 16 is provided with two sets of positioning mechanisms. Therefore, a single foot positioning operation can transfer the required number of feet for assembling a laptop computer case, avoiding repetitive operations, reducing operation time, and improving overall efficiency.

[0047] It is understandable that the above-mentioned components, including the positioning component 12, the centering component 13, the base 14 and the mounting block 15, which are supported on the base 16, are all detachably fixed (such as with bolts) to facilitate disassembly, maintenance and movement.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the foot pad distribution module 20 includes a support frame consisting of a bracket and a horizontal support supported thereon. A distribution head 21 that can move horizontally and vertically is supported on the horizontal support, and four foot pad suction nozzles 211 are correspondingly arranged on the distribution head 21. The distribution head 21 can realize three-axis movement, and transfers the foot pads on the foot pad supply module 30 to the foot pad boss 11 through the foot pad suction nozzles 211.

[0049] Preferably, the foot pad suction nozzle 211 is also connected to a hollow rotary motor 212, which can realize the rotation of the foot pad suction nozzle 211 so as to adjust the installation direction of the foot pad when assembling non-circular foot pads, thereby improving ease of use.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the foot pad assembly module 40 also consists of a support frame composed of a bracket and a horizontal bracket. The difference is that the bracket supports two horizontal brackets, each of which is equipped with a movable assembly head 41. Each assembly head 41 is equipped with two foot pad suction nozzles 411 and a hollow rotary motor 412, which is preferably provided, to achieve rotation and adjust the direction of the foot pad.

[0051] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, because space needs to be reserved for the bottom of the laptop, and the feet to be assembled are located on both sides of the bottom of the laptop, one of the tracks 17 is shorter.

[0052] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the foot pad feeding module 30 is located upstream of the foot pad positioning module 10, below the first support of the foot pad dispensing module 20, and uses a magazine feeding method. The bottom of the foot pad feeding module 30 is provided with a feeding port. After multiple foot pad trays are stacked up and down, they are placed into the receiving chamber through the feeding port. A servo motor and a lead screw module are used to lift the trays to a predetermined position, and a stepper motor is used to push the trays to the bottom of the first support for the dispensing head 21 to pick up.

[0053] Preferably, three foot pad feeding modules 30 are distributed below the first support, forming multiple foot pad feeding stations, so that when some foot pad feeding modules 30 need to be replaced or malfunction, the remaining foot pad feeding modules 30 can be activated at any time to ensure that the processing is not interrupted.

[0054] In this embodiment, the feet to be assembled in a single operation can be considered as two sets assembled on both sides of the laptop's bottom shell, with each set consisting of two feet. Therefore, both the foot positioning module 10 and the foot assembly module 40 correspond to this design. The two positioning mechanisms in the foot positioning module 10 correspond to the two assembly heads 41 in the foot assembly module 40, enabling simultaneous foot application to the positions on both sides of the laptop. Compared to applying only one foot at a time, the aforementioned foot assembly device significantly reduces working time; simultaneously, compared to the manual foot application and mechanical assembly method, it improves the yield rate and reduces the probability of workplace injuries.

[0055] This article also provides a foot pad assembly machine 1, which realizes fully automated assembly of laptop foot pads. In addition to the above-mentioned module device, it also includes a dispensing module 60, a robotic gripper 70, a flipping and unloading module 80, a foot pad assembly and pressing device 50, and a raw material conveying device. The raw material conveying device includes a raw material production line 91 and a finished material production line 92, both of which have lifting and buffering functions and are universally compatible with 13-16 inch trays. The raw material production line 91 is used to transfer the tray with the laptop bottom shell to the buffer position, and after the robotic gripper 70 removes the bottom shell, the tray flows out from the finished material production line 92.

[0056] like Figure 10 As shown, the foot pad assembly and pressing device 50 includes a transfer track 51 and an assembly platform 52 supported thereon, with the transfer track 51 extending below the support frame of the foot pad assembly module 40. The laptop bottom shell is fixed to the assembly platform 52. Before foot pad assembly, a vision system positions the foot pads for assembly. Subsequently, a pressure-holding mechanism performs secondary pressing of the foot pads, while a displacement sensor detects whether the foot pads are properly assembled.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, the dispensing module 60 is located on one side of the raw material production line 91, and has two dispensing stations and a vision system. The vision system is used for dispensing positioning and post-dispensing glue path detection, while the dual-station design allows dispensing operations to be performed alternately, ensuring that while one station is loading or unloading, the other station can perform dispensing operations, thus ensuring the smoothness of loading / unloading and dispensing, and improving dispensing efficiency.

[0058] like Figure 12 As shown, the mechanical claw 70 adopts a six-axis design to realize the transfer of the bottom shell between the raw material production line 91, the dispensing module 60, the foot pad assembly and pressing device 50, etc., and a flipping platform 71 is also provided on one side to flip the bottom shell for easy back-end operation.

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, the flipping and unloading module 80 is located at the downstream end of the foot pad assembly and pressing device 50, which flips the bottom shell of the pressed foot pad and allows it to flow out.

[0060] The foot pad assembly system 1 described in this paper separates the main operations of the foot pads from those of the laptop bottom shell, allowing each to be operated independently before being combined into the assembly step. Compared to the traditional single-line assembly method, the system described in this paper has higher assembly efficiency, requires no human intervention under normal working conditions, frees up manpower, greatly reduces the probability of workplace injuries, and has higher risk resistance overall.

[0061] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many changes and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to implement and utilize various different exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various different choices and variations. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foot pad positioning module, characterized in that, include: Base; A foot pad protrusion is supported on the base, and the foot pad protrusion has a foot pad support surface; Multiple positioning elements protrude above the foot pad support surface and form a foot pad fixing position with the foot pad support surface, with a gap area formed between adjacent positioning elements; A centering assembly includes a centering member, the end of which can approach or move away from the spacing region, wherein The positioning module includes four positioning components arranged in a cross shape. These four positioning components form a first interval area, a second interval area, a third interval area, and a fourth interval area arranged around the foot pad fixing position. The centering assembly includes a first centering assembly and a second centering assembly disposed on opposite sides of the foot pad protrusion. The first centering assembly includes a first centering member, a second centering member, and a first driving member. The first driving member acts on both the first centering member and the second centering member simultaneously, and drives the ends of the first centering member and the second centering member to approach or move away from the first interval area and the second interval area, respectively. The second centering component includes a third centering element, a fourth centering element, and a second driving element. The second driving element acts on both the third and fourth centering elements simultaneously, and drives the ends of the third and fourth centering elements to approach or move away from the third and fourth interval regions, respectively.

2. The footbed positioning module of claim 1, wherein, The positioning element is detachably connected to the base.

3. The foot pad positioning module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The base is detachably mounted with a mounting block, and the mounting block has multiple mounting holes radially along the foot pad fixing position. The positioning member is selectively connected to one of the mounting holes by a screw.

4. The foot pad positioning module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The base has a T-shaped slot along its radial direction, and the mounting block is inserted into the slot.

5. The foot pad positioning module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the foot pad protrusion is recessed radially to form a groove, and each positioning element is respectively limited to one of the grooves.

6. The foot pad positioning module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base has a protruding positioning post, and the foot pad protrusion has a positioning hole that mates with the positioning post.

7. A foot pad conveying device, characterized in that, The device includes a foot pad feeding module, a foot pad dispensing module, a foot pad positioning module as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and a foot pad assembly module arranged sequentially according to process steps. A track and a third driving component are provided between the foot pad dispensing module and the foot pad assembly module. The foot pad positioning module slides on the track, and the third driving component acts on the foot pad positioning module and can drive the foot pad positioning module to move between the foot pad dispensing module and the foot pad assembly module.

8. The foot pad conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The third driving component includes a servo motor and a lead screw connecting the servo motor and the foot pad positioning module.

9. A foot pad assembly system, characterized in that, include: Raw material conveying device; The foot pad conveying device as described in claim 7; The foot pad assembly and pressing device assembles and presses the raw material from the raw material conveying device and the foot pad from the foot pad conveying device.