An automated assembly line for antenna radiation units

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated assembly line for antenna radiation units, which includes, in order of product flow, an automatic loading station, a microstrip board welding station, a post-welding cooling station, a process testing station, an automatic dispensing station, an automatic tightening station, a connector welding station, an AOI inspection station, and an automatic unloading station. The present invention can realize automated assembly line assembly of multiple varieties of antenna radiation unit products, and integrates multiple optomechanical inspection devices, which can realize high-efficiency and high-quality assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of antenna radiation unit assembly, and in particular to an automatic assembly line for a microstrip patch structure antenna radiation unit. Background Art

[0002] The radiating unit of the microstrip patch antenna structure is an antenna in which a thin metal layer is attached to one side of a thin dielectric substrate as a ground plane, and a metal microstrip patch of a certain shape is made on the other side by photolithography or other methods, and the patch is fed by a microstrip line and an axis probe. Compared with ordinary microwave antennas, microstrip antennas have the advantages of small size, low cost, light weight, low profile, easy conformity with the carrier, small scattering cross section, and wide lobe.

[0003] The microstrip patch structure antenna radiation unit is composed of a microstrip board, a metal base, a RF connector, etc. The assembly process includes welding, dispensing, assembly, testing, etc. The manual assembly method has problems such as large workload, long cycle, low assembly efficiency and low pass rate. It is urgent to study automated technical means to achieve high-quality and high-efficiency assembly of antenna radiation units; at the same time, in view of the characteristics of the various varieties of antenna radiation units, it is necessary to carry out carrier and assembly line design to realize multi-variety co-line mixed production.

[0004] In order to adapt to the new economic situation, strengthen the industry's own market competitiveness and promote enterprise transformation, various manufacturing companies have invested a lot of resources in the establishment and upgrading of automatic production lines and developed a modern and efficient production model.

[0005] Automated production lines are widely used in the fields of aviation, aerospace, electronics, etc. Automated production lines mainly include two types: single-station non-assembly production lines and automated assembly lines. The automated equipment in the single-station non-assembly production line does not have a transmission line, and the production materials between different equipment need to be manually circulated. The current production method has a relatively low degree of automation and production efficiency; the main problem is that there is no assembly line for material transmission, and material turnover needs to rely on manual assistance.

[0006] The difficulties in developing an automated assembly line for microstrip patch antenna radiating units include: (1) posture control and fixture design for multi-plane assembly. The antenna radiating unit has processes such as front microstrip board welding, process inspection, RF connector welding and solder joint inspection during assembly. In the middle, there are also processes such as back base gluing and RF connector tightening. The assembly line layout and clamping method need to be designed; (2) Assembly of multiple products. Antenna radiating units are of various types. During the assembly process, it is necessary to achieve rapid changeover and co-line mixed production of different products; (3) Automated design of the entire production process. The entire production process can be fully automated. Operation capability, and the ability to automatically supply and store materials for a long time; (4) High-reliability welding of the microstrip board and the metal base under the large flat thin-walled structure requires the design of welding clamping tooling and welding process; (6) High-quality dispensing and tightening under the complex deep hole structure. The reverse side of the base must be glued and the RF connector must be tightened when clamped. The presence of the carrier will affect the dispensing and tightening operations. The dispensing and tightening schemes must be designed; (6) Full-process online detection of the assembly process. In order to ensure the assembly quality, comprehensive automated detection means must be designed to conduct online detection of key assembly parameters and accurately eliminate unqualified products.

[0007] At present, there is no report on the automated assembly line for antenna radiation units that can fully solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated assembly line for antenna radiation units, which can realize automated assembly, welding and testing of products, and meet the functions of multi-plane assembly, rapid switching of multiple products, fully automatic operation and material turnover, large-area reliable welding of microstrip boards, high-quality gluing and tightening under complex deep holes, and full-process automated testing, so as to achieve high-quality and efficient assembly of products, shorten the production cycle, and reduce production costs.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides an antenna radiation unit automated assembly line, which is used for the automatic assembly line assembly, welding and inspection of microstrip patch structure antenna radiation units. It is characterized in that it includes, in order of product flow, the following: an automatic loading station, an automatic connection station, a microstrip board welding station, a post-weld cooling station, a process testing station, an automatic glue dispensing station, an automatic tightening station, a connector welding station, an AOI inspection station and an automatic unloading station.

[0010] The automatic loading station is used to accommodate a carrier, which carries various accessories assembled into an antenna radiation unit; the automatic docking station receives the carrier from the automatic loading station; the microstrip board welding station receives the carrier from the automatic docking station and welds the various accessories transported by the carrier into intermediates; the various accessories of the antenna radiation unit are a microstrip board and a metal base; the post-weld cooling station receives the intermediate after welding and cools it; the process testing station detects the welding condition of the cooled intermediate; the automatic glue dispensing station receives qualified intermediates from the process testing station and adds glue; the automatic tightening station receives the intermediate added with glue from the automatic glue dispensing station and adds a radio frequency connector to the corresponding position of the intermediate; the connector welding station welds the radio frequency connector with the intermediate to make an antenna radiation unit; the AOI inspection station performs welding inspection on the manufactured antenna radiation unit; the automatic unloading station receives the finished antenna radiation unit from the AOI inspection station; the conveyor line circulates between various stations for transporting carriers.

[0011] Preferably, the carrier includes: a product pressure plate, a sub-carrier, and a mother carrier; the sub-carrier is provided with a mounting groove for accommodating the accessories, and is provided with a first connecting pin; the product pressure plate is arranged on the top surface of the sub-carrier, and is provided with an elastic block abutting against the first connecting pin, and a pressure plate body abutting against the accessories; the mother carrier is provided on the bottom surface of the sub-carrier, and is provided with a second connecting pin and a multi-point positioning pin; the second connecting pin is connected to the sub-carrier pin, and the multi-point positioning pin passes through the holes of the sub-carrier and is inserted into the accessories.

[0012] Preferably, the automatic docking station comprises: a pulling mechanism, a support rod, a docking line, a docking station frame, and a docking line block; the docking station frame is used to install the various components of the automatic docking station; the support rods are installed on both sides of the docking station frame, and the pulling mechanism is installed on the support rods, which is used to pull the carrier from the automatic loading station; the docking line block stops or releases the carrier according to the feedback information of the microstrip board welding station.

[0013] Preferably, the material pulling mechanism comprises: a pulling block mounting seat, a pulling block spring, a carrier pulling block, a pulling fixing seat, a pulling slider, a pulling cylinder and a pulling mechanism base; the pulling mechanism base is mounted on a support rod; the pulling fixing seat and the pulling cylinder are mounted on the pulling mechanism base; the pulling slider is connected to the pulling cylinder; the pulling block mounting seat is mounted on the pulling slider and moves together with the pulling slider under the action of the pulling cylinder; the carrier pulling block is rotatably connected to the pulling block mounting seat, and its lower surface abuts against the pulling block mounting seat through the pulling block spring; when the pulling cylinder moves, it can push the carrier pulling block on the pulling slider to engage with the pulling groove on the carrier or disengage from the pulling groove of the carrier.

[0014] Preferably, the process testing station comprises: a process station frame, a process station workbench, a first three-axis motion mechanism, a clamping mechanism, an elastic pressure plate cache device, and a multifunctional detection system; the process station frame is used to support the process testing station; the process station workbench is used to install the first three-axis motion mechanism and the elastic pressure plate cache device; the first three-axis motion mechanism is used to perform the movements required for removing and testing the product pressure plate; the clamping mechanism is used to remove the product pressure plate from the carrier and place it in the elastic pressure plate cache device; the multifunctional detection system is used to perform appearance inspection, deformation detection and insulation resistance test on the intermediate after welding.

[0015] Preferably, the automatic glue dispensing station comprises: a glue dispensing station frame, a glue dispensing station workbench, a first lifting and flipping mechanism, a straight needle glue dispensing device, a second visual inspection device, and a first four-axis robot; the glue dispensing station frame is used to install various components of the automatic glue dispensing station; the glue dispensing station workbench is fixed on the glue dispensing station frame, and is used to install the first lifting and flipping mechanism, the first four-axis robot and the conveyor line body; the first lifting and flipping mechanism is provided with a clamping plate for clamping the sub-carrier, and the clamping plate is provided with locating pin holes that cooperate with the locating pins at both ends of the sub-carrier; the first lifting and flipping mechanism is used to grab the sub-carrier from the conveyor line body, glue the intermediate object carried by the sub-carrier, and then put the sub-carrier back into the mother carrier; the first four-axis robot is installed on the glue dispensing station workbench, and is used to perform the movement required for glue dispensing; the straight needle glue dispensing device is installed on the moving arm of the first four-axis robot, and the straight needle glue dispensing device glues the intermediate object; the second visual inspection device is installed on the moving arm of the first four-axis robot, and after glue dispensing, the glue dispensing position is photographed, and the photographed image is analyzed and calculated to determine whether the glue dispensing position meets the requirements.

[0016] Preferably, the automatic tightening station comprises: a tightening station frame, a tightening station workbench, a second three-axis motion mechanism, a second lifting and flipping mechanism, a third visual inspection device, a connector tray, and an automatic tightening device; the tightening station frame is used to install various components of the automatic tightening station; the tightening station workbench is fixedly arranged on the tightening station frame, and is used to install the second three-axis motion mechanism, the second lifting and flipping mechanism, the connector tray and the conveyor line body; the second three-axis motion mechanism is used to realize the three-way movement required for tightening and detection; the second lifting and flipping mechanism is installed on the tightening station workbench, and is provided with a clamping plate for clamping the sub-carrier, and the clamping plate is provided with locating pin holes that cooperate with the locating pins at both ends of the sub-carrier; it is used to grasp the sub-carrier and perform lifting and rotating actions; the automatic tightening device and the third visual inspection device are installed on the second three-axis motion mechanism, and are used to perform tightening and detection functions of RF connectors respectively; the connector tray stores RF connectors for automatic tightening device to pick up.

[0017] Preferably, the connector welding station comprises: a welding station frame, a welding station workbench, a second four-axis robot, an automatic soldering device, and an automatic wire feeding device; the welding station frame is used to install the various components of the connector welding station; the welding station workbench is fixed on the welding station frame, and is used to install the second four-axis robot and the transmission line body; the second four-axis robot is used to achieve the movement required for welding; the automatic soldering device and the automatic wire feeding device are installed on the arm of the second four-axis robot, the automatic wire feeding device is used to automatically transport the tin wire, and the automatic soldering device provides heat to the tin wire and the welding position through high temperature to achieve the welding of the pin of the RF connector and the intermediate.

[0018] Preferably, the AOI inspection station comprises: an AOI station frame, an AOI station workbench, a third three-axis motion mechanism, an AOI inspection device, a pusher mechanism base, and a pusher mechanism; the AOI station frame is used to install various components of the AOI inspection station; the AOI station workbench is used to install the third three-axis motion mechanism and the conveyor line body; the third three-axis motion mechanism is used to achieve the movement required for AOI inspection; the AOI inspection device is installed on the third three-axis motion mechanism, which is used to take pictures of the pin solder joints of the RF connector one by one, and analyze the welding quality problems through images; the pusher mechanism base is installed on the conveyor line body on the AOI inspection station; the pusher mechanism is installed on the pusher mechanism base, which is used to push the carrier into the automatic unloading station.

[0019] The automatic unloading station includes: an unloading station frame, an unloading lifting mechanism, an unloading transfer line, an upper unloading line, and a lower unloading line; the unloading station frame is used to install various components of the automatic unloading station; the empty basket flows from the upper unloading line to the unloading transfer line, and after the carrier is pushed into the basket by the pushing mechanism, the unloading transfer line descends one layer along with the unloading lifting mechanism and continues to store the carrier until the basket is fully loaded, the unloading transfer line moves downward to be flush with the lower unloading line, and transfers the fully loaded basket to the lower unloading line.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. Realized the multi-plane automated assembly of antenna radiation units;

[0022] 2. Realized the rapid switching and co-line mixed production of multiple types of antenna radiation units;

[0023] 3. High-quality and high-efficiency assembly and welding of antenna radiation units are achieved, and the assembly qualification rate is greatly improved;

[0024] 4. Realize the automatic online detection of the assembly process and effectively control the assembly quality;

[0025] 5. The fully automatic circulation and assembly of materials are realized, and materials can be automatically supplied and stored for a long period of time;

[0026] 6. The entire assembly line only requires one person to perform loading and unloading and process problem handling operations, and the assembly process is fully automated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the antenna radiation unit of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 It is the general layout diagram of the automatic assembly line of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 It is an assembly flow chart of the automatic assembly line of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the product pressing plate of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a partial enlarged view of the elastic block in the product pressing plate of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 It is a partial enlarged view of the elastic pressing column in the product pressing plate of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the sub-carrier of the element automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the mother carrier of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 9 This is an assembly diagram of the automated assembly line carrier of the present invention;'

[0036] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of the automated assembly line carrier of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the basket carrying device of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0038] Fig.12 It is a structural schematic diagram of an automatic loading station of an automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.13 It is a structural schematic diagram of the automatic docking station of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.14 It is a structural schematic diagram of the material pulling mechanism of the automatic assembly line of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the carrier pulling block of the material pulling mechanism of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.16 It is a structural schematic diagram of a post-welding cooling station of an automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automated assembly line process testing station of the present invention;

[0044] Fig.18 It is a partial enlarged view of the process testing station of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0045] Fig.19 This is a structural schematic diagram of an automatic glue dispensing station for an automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0046] Fig. 20 This is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting and flipping mechanism of the automatic glue dispensing station of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0047] Fig.21 It is a structural schematic diagram of an automatic tightening station of an automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0048] Fig. 22 It is a partial enlarged view of the automatic tightening station of the automatic assembly line of the present invention;

[0049] Fig.23 This is a structural schematic diagram of a connector welding station for an automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0050] Fig.24 This is a structural schematic diagram of the AOI inspection station of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0051] Fig.25 It is a working schematic diagram of the material pushing mechanism of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0052] Fig.26 It is a structural schematic diagram of the material pushing mechanism of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0053] Fig. 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic unloading tooling of the automatic assembly line of the present invention;

[0054] Fig.28 It is a structural schematic diagram of the transmission line body of the automated assembly line of the present invention;

[0055] Fig.29 A schematic diagram of a flipping mechanism of the present invention for clamping a carrier;

[0056] Fig.30 The present invention is a flow chart of the automated assembly line for producing antenna radiation units. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following is a further detailed description of an automated assembly line for antenna radiation units proposed by the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. According to the following description, the advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and are not in precise proportions, which are only used to conveniently and clearly assist in explaining the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention. In order to make the purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, please refer to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings of this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for people familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the limiting conditions for the implementation of the present invention, so they have no technical substantive significance. Any structural modification, change in proportional relationship or adjustment of size, without affecting the effects and purposes that can be achieved by the present invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed by the present invention.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0059] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "height", "thickness", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0060] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0061] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0062] The present invention will be further described below through specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0063] The present invention mainly solves the problem of automated assembly line assembly of antenna radiation units. Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the microstrip patch antenna radiation unit 21 is composed of a microstrip board 211, a metal base 212, and a radio frequency connector 213. The production process includes: firstly, the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 are welded together, then anaerobic glue is added to the threaded hole 2121 on the back of the metal base 212, and the radio frequency connector 213 with a slotted screw-in structure is screwed into the threaded hole 2121 from the back of the metal base 212, and finally the pin 2131 of the radio frequency connector 213 is welded to the microstrip patch of the microstrip board 211 on the front of the metal base 212. The position where each radio frequency connector 213 is located is regarded as a channel. According to the number of channels and the array form, the antenna radiation unit can be divided into multiple varieties such as 1×16, 1×24, 2×12, and 2×24.

[0064] like Figure 2As shown, the antenna radiation unit automatic assembly line includes, in the order of the assembly of the antenna radiation unit, an automatic loading station 11, an automatic connection station 12, a microstrip board welding station 13, a post-weld cooling station 14, a process testing station 15, an automatic dispensing station 16, an automatic tightening station 17, a connector welding station 18, an AOI inspection station 19, and an automatic unloading station 20. The structure and function of each station will be introduced in detail in the following content.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the antenna radiation unit automated assembly line adopts a three-layer split structure carrier 22 to realize the multi-plane assembly and rapid changeover of the antenna radiation unit in the whole process. The carrier 22 is used to fix the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 of the antenna radiation unit, and circulate between various workstations on the assembly line. The carrier 22 includes a product pressing plate 221, a sub-carrier 222, and a mother carrier 223 from top to bottom. The mother carrier 223 is connected to the assembly line, the sub-carrier 222 is fixedly connected to the mother carrier 223, and the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 are fixed between the sub-carrier 222 and the product pressing plate 221.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the product pressure plate 221 is used for pressing the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 during welding, and includes: an elastic block 2211, a pressure plate body 2212, and an elastic pressing column 2213; the elastic block 2211 abuts against the first connecting pin 2221 of the sub-carrier 222, and the pressure plate body 2212 and the elastic pressing column 2213 are used to press the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212, wherein the elastic pressing column 2213 is arranged in plurality and dispersed on the pressure plate body 2212, and the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 are pressed by the multi-point distributed elastic pressing column 2213, so that the pressure can be evenly distributed during the welding process and the welding quality can be guaranteed.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the elastic block 2211 includes a clamping spring 22111 and a block 22112. The first end of the block 22112 abuts against the clamping spring 22111, and the second end is located at the pin through hole 22113 and has a notch shape. The first connecting pin 2221 of the sub-carrier 222 abuts against the notch at the second end of the block 22112 when passing through the pin through hole 22113. As the second end is squeezed, the clamping spring 22111 is compressed to generate elastic force, which applies reverse force to the first connecting pin 2221, so that the second section of the notch and the first connecting pin 2221 form a friction force to fix the first connecting pin 2221, thereby realizing the connection between the sub-carrier 222 and the product pressure plate 221.

[0068] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, the pressure plate body 2212 is provided with a plurality of through holes for accommodating the elastic clamping column 2213, the elastic clamping column 2213 includes a column 22131, a column spring 22132 and a clamping nut 22133, the first end of the column 22131 is capped and has an external thread, the column 22131 is installed in the through hole of the pressure plate body 2212, the second end of the column 22131 is threadedly connected with the clamping nut 22133, the column spring 22132 is sleeved on the column 22131 and is located between the pressure plate body 2212 and the clamping nut 22133, the diameter of the column spring 22132 is larger than the aperture of the through hole of the pressure plate body 2212, when the pressure plate body 2212 is pressed downward, the column spring 22132 is compressed to generate elastic force, thereby achieving the clamping of the product (microstrip board 211, metal base 212).

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the sub-carrier 222 is used to install the product (microstrip board 211, metal base 212), including: a first connecting pin 2221, a QR code block 2222, a mounting slot 2223, and a clearance hole 2224; four first connecting pins 2221 are arranged circumferentially to provide positioning and fixation for the product pressure plate 221, and the mounting slot 2223 adopts a double-hole form, which can install two products at the same time; the sub-carrier 222 is provided with a clearance hole 2224 that matches the channel, which is used for subsequent operations such as gluing and tightening the channel through the clearance hole 2224.

[0070] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown, the mother carrier 223 is used for product positioning and circulation on the assembly line, including: a second connecting pin 2231, a multi-point positioning pin 2232, a pushing groove 2233, a pulling groove 2234, and a bottom plate 2235; the second connecting pin 2231 is used to position and support the sub-carrier 222, the multi-point positioning pin 2232 is used to position the product, the pulling groove 2234 is used for the pulling mechanism 121 to pull the carrier 22 out of the basket 23 in subsequent production, and the pushing groove 2233 is used for the pushing mechanism 196 in subsequent production to push the carrier 22 into the basket 23 placed in the automatic unloading station 20.

[0071] like Figure 1 , 10 As shown, in the above production process, the product includes a microstrip board 211 and a metal base 212. The microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 are provided with a hole for installing a radio frequency connector 213, and the hole is also called a channel. The multi-point positioning pin 2232 passes through the holes of the sub-carrier 222, the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 from one side in turn to position the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212.

[0072] Furthermore, the product pressing plate 221 and the mother carrier 223 are universal parts for various antenna radiation unit 21 products, and the mounting slot 2223 of the sub-carrier 222 is designed according to the product structure, but the clamping interface is universal, so when producing different types of products, fast changeover of different products can be achieved by replacing the sub-carrier 222. Figure 7 As shown, the clamping interface includes the first positioning pin 2221 between the sub-carrier 222 and the product pressure plate 221, the positioning pin hole 2226 of the mother carrier, and the subsequent clamping interface of the sub-carrier 222, including the two end surfaces of the sub-carrier 222 and the positioning pins 2225 on the end surfaces.

[0073] Furthermore, a two-dimensional code block 2222 is provided on the surface of the sub-carrier 222 , which corresponds one to one with the product. Different products can be identified by reading the information of the two-dimensional code block 2222 .

[0074] Furthermore, the product pressing plate 221 of the carrier 22 is used for welding the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 . After welding, the product pressing plate 221 will affect the subsequent assembly, so the product pressing plate 211 will be disassembled in the process testing station 15 .

[0075] like Fig.11 As shown, the basket 23 is used to place multiple sets of carriers 22 and is used in the automatic loading station 11 and the automatic unloading station 20, including: a basket frame 231, a basket positioning pin 232, a carrier protection rod 233, a basket handle 234, and a carrier slot 235; the basket frame 231 is a supporting structure; the basket positioning pin 232 is used to position the basket 23 in the automatic loading station 11 and the automatic unloading station 20; the carrier protection rod 233 is used to protect the carrier 22. After the carrier 22 is placed in the basket 23, the carrier protection rod 233 is turned to the front to prevent the carrier 22 in the basket 23 from being stuck. 2 slips during transportation. Before the basket is placed on the automatic loading station 11 or the automatic unloading station 20, the carrier guard bar 233 must be flipped to the side to avoid affecting the normal pulling or pushing of materials. Pulling and pushing refer to pulling out or pushing out the carrier 22 carrying the product from the basket 23; the basket handle 234 is used to manually take the basket 23. The carrier slot 235 is 0.1mm to 0.2mm larger than the size of the carrier mother carrier 223 on one side, so the mother carrier 223 can be placed in the carrier slot 235. Each basket 23 is provided with 4 carrier slots 235, and a total of 4 sets of carriers 22 can be placed.

[0076] The automatic loading station 11 is located at the head of the assembly line. Fig.12As shown, it includes: a loading lower line body 111, a loading upper line body 112, a loading station frame 113, a loading transfer line body 114, and a loading lifting mechanism 115; the loading station frame 113 plays a supporting role and is used to install various components of the automatic loading station 11. The various components of the automatic loading station 11 are fixed by the loading station frame 113. The carrier 22 is placed in the basket 23, and the basket 23 is placed on the assembly line. The opening of the basket 23 faces the transportation direction of the assembly line. The material flows from the upper loading line 112 to the intermediate loading line 114, and the carrier 22 at the bottom is pulled to the right from the lifting basket 23 to the automatic docking station 12. The intermediate loading line 114 descends one layer along with the loading lifting mechanism 115, and continues to convey the carrier 22 until all the carriers 22 in the lifting basket 23 are taken out. Then the intermediate loading line 114 moves downward to be flush with the lower loading line 111, and conveys the empty lifting basket 23 to the lower unloading line 111.

[0077] The automatic docking station 12 is located on the right side of the automatic loading station 11. Fig.13 As shown, it includes: a pulling mechanism 121, a support rod 122, a docking line 123, a docking station frame 124, and a docking line block 125; the docking station frame 124 plays a supporting role, and the various components of the automatic docking station 12 are fixed by the docking station frame 124. The support rods 122 are installed on both sides of the docking station frame 124. The pulling mechanism 121 is installed on the two support rods 122, which is used to pull the carrier 22 from the automatic loading station 11. The docking line 123 rotates to the right to transport the carrier 22 forward. The docking line block 125 stops or releases the carrier 22 according to the feedback information of the microstrip board welding station 13.

[0078] The microstrip board welding station 13 is located on the right side of the automatic docking station 12 and adopts an online vapor phase welding device. It can weld 2 to 3 sets of carriers 22 at a time, and each welding time is about 10 minutes. The transfer mechanism inside the vapor phase welding equipment transports the carrier 22 from the docking line body 12 to the welding chamber for welding. After welding, the carrier 22 is transported again to the conveying line body 10 in front of the post-weld cooling station 14.

[0079] like Fig.14 , 15As shown, the material pulling mechanism 121 includes: a pulling block mounting seat 1211, a pulling block spring 1212, a carrier pulling block 1213, a pulling material fixing seat 1214, a pulling material sliding block 1215, a pulling material cylinder 1216, and a pulling material mechanism base 1217; the pulling material mechanism base 1217 is installed on the support rod 122; the pulling material fixing seat 1214 and the pulling material cylinder mounting 1216 are installed on the pulling material mechanism base 1217; the pulling block mounting seat 1211 is installed on the pulling material sliding block 1215, and moves left and right together with the pulling material sliding block 1215 under the action of the pulling material cylinder 1216; one end of the carrier pulling block 1213 is inserted into the pulling block mounting seat 1211, and the middle part of the lower surface is connected to the pulling block mounting seat 1211 through the pulling block spring 1212; when the pulling cylinder 1216 pushes the pulling material sliding block 1215 to the left (towards the automatic When the loading station 11 moves, the pull block mounting seat 1211 passes under the mother carrier 223 of the carrier 22, and the tilted end of the carrier pull block 1213 rotates downward and compresses the pull block spring 1212. When the carrier pull block 1213 reaches the pulling groove 2234 position of the carrier bottom plate 221, the tilted end of the carrier pull block 1213 bounces upward under the action of the pull block spring 1212 and is stuck in the pulling groove 2234, and the pulling cylinder 1216 pushes the pulling slider 1215 to the right (towards the microstrip board welding station 13). At this time, the carrier 22 can be pulled out of the lifting basket 23. After the carrier 22 reaches the connecting line body 123, it continues to move to the right under the action of the conveyor belt, and the mother carrier 223 presses the tilted end of the carrier pull block 1213 downward again, and continues to move to the right after passing through the entire pulling mechanism 121, completing the carrier loading action. Among them, the material pulling slider 1215 has a hole in the middle and is directly fixed on the movable push rod of the material pulling cylinder 1216. At the same time, a guide rail is provided on the inner surface of the material pulling fixed seat 1214. The material pulling slider 1215 moves left and right along the guide rail under the action of the material pulling cylinder 1216.

[0080] like Fig.15As shown, a plane section 12131 and an inclined section 12132 are provided on the front of the carrier pull block 1213, and a pull block spring 1212 is installed at the bottom. Both ends are inserted into the holes of the pull block mounting seat 1211 through the pin shaft 1218, and can rotate along the pin shaft 1218. When the carrier pull block 1213 moves to the left (towards the automatic loading station 11), the height of the flatness 12131 is lower than the bottom plane of the mother carrier 223, and the height of the inclined section 12132 is higher than the bottom plane of the mother carrier 223. After the position of the plane section 12131 passes, the inclined section 12132 is pressed downward, and the carrier pull block 1213 rotates downward along the pin shaft 1218, passing from under the mother carrier 223 until the inclined section 12132 reaches the pull material of the mother carrier 223. At the groove 2234, the width of the pulling groove 2234 is greater than the width of the inclined section 12132. Since the top is empty, the inclined section 12132 of the carrier pulling block 1213 pops up again under the action of the pulling block spring 1212 and gets stuck in the pulling groove 2234, thereby applying pulling force to the carrier; when the carrier reaches the specified position of the docking line body 123, the carrier pulling block 1213 stops moving, and the mother carrier 223 continues to move forward under the pushing force of the docking line body 123, pressing the inclined section 12132 of the carrier pulling block 1213 and pressing it downward, and then the carrier 22 passes over the carrier pulling block 1213, and the inclined section 12132 of the carrier pulling block 1213 pops up again under the action of the pulling block spring 1212.

[0081] The post-weld cooling station 14 is located on the right side of the microstrip board welding station 13. Fig.16 As shown, it includes: a cooling station frame 141, a cooling station workbench 142, an air cooling device 143, and a temperature measuring device 144; the cooling station frame 141 is used to support and fix other components; the cooling station workbench 142 is used to install the air cooling device 143, the temperature measuring device 144 and the conveyor line body 10; after the carrier 22 exits the microstrip board welding station 13, the surface temperature reaches about 200°C. If it is cooled in the vapor phase welding equipment, it will occupy too many equipment resources. Therefore, the carrier 22 is mainly cooled on the cooling station workbench 142, and the air cooling device 143 is used to blow air to cool the carrier 22 flowing out of the microstrip board welding station 13 from the side and bottom directions, and a temperature measuring device 144 is provided at the exit position to detect the surface temperature of the carrier 22. When the surface of the carrier 22 drops to the set temperature (generally 30°C), the carrier 22 is released.

[0082] The process testing station 15 is located on the right side of the post-welding cooling station 14. Fig.17As shown, it includes: a process station frame 151, a process station workbench 152, a first three-axis motion mechanism 153, a clamping mechanism 154, an elastic pressure plate cache device 155, and a multi-functional detection system 156; the process station frame 151 is used to fix the other components of the process test station 15 and play a supporting role; the process station workbench 152 is used to install the first three-axis motion mechanism 153 and the elastic pressure plate cache device 155; the first three-axis motion mechanism 153 is used to perform the movement required for removing and testing the product pressure plate 21; the clamping mechanism 154 is used to take out the product pressure plate 221 from the carrier 22 and place it in the elastic pressure plate cache device 155; the elastic pressure plate cache device 155 is used to cache the removed product pressure plate 221, and can hold up to 12 sets of product pressure plates 221; the multi-functional detection system 156 is used to perform appearance inspection, deformation detection and insulation resistance test on the product after microstrip board welding.

[0083] A partial enlarged view of the process test station 15 is shown in FIG. Fig.18 As shown, the test device base 1531 is installed on the Z axis of the first three-axis motion mechanism 153; the clamping mechanism 154 and the multifunctional detection system 156 are installed on the test device base 1531, and can perform three-axis motion under the action of the first three-axis motion mechanism 153; the clamping mechanism 154 includes a carrier clamping jaw 1541 and a clamping jaw cylinder 1542, and the clamping jaw cylinder 1542 can be extended and retracted to drive the carrier clamping jaw 1541 to grab or release the product pressing plate 211 from both end faces; the multifunctional detection system 156 includes: a first visual detection device 1561, a laser measuring device 1562, a resistance detection device 1563, and a flatness detection device Cylinder 1564, resistance detection cylinder 1565, the first visual inspection device 1561 and the flatness detection cylinder 1564 and the resistance detection cylinder 1565 are installed on the test device base 1531, the laser measuring device 1562 is installed on the moving push rod of the flatness detection cylinder 1564, and the resistance detection device 1563 is installed on the moving push rod of the resistance detection cylinder 1565. When performing the test, the laser measuring device 1562 and the resistance detection device 1563 can move downward to the test position under the action of the corresponding cylinders, and return to the initial safe position after the test is completed, thereby effectively avoiding mutual interference among the three sets of detection devices.

[0084] The automatic dispensing station 16 is located on the right side of the process testing station 15. Fig.19As shown, it includes: a dispensing station frame 161, a dispensing station workbench 162, a first lifting and flipping mechanism 163, a straight needle dispensing device 164, a second visual inspection device 165, and a first four-axis robot 166; the dispensing station frame 161 is used to fix the other components of the automatic dispensing station 16, and plays a role in supporting the automatic dispensing station; the dispensing station workbench 162 is used to install the first lifting and flipping mechanism 163, the first four-axis robot 166 and the conveyor line body 10; the first lifting and flipping mechanism 163 is used to grab the sub-carrier 222 from the two end faces of the conveyor line body 10 on the workstation, first lift the height to 60mm~80mm, reach the rotation safety position, and then rotate the sub-carrier 222 150°~155° to the dispensing position, and after the dispensing is completed, The sub-carrier 222 is placed on the mother carrier 223; the first four-axis robot 166 is installed on the dispensing station workbench 162, and is used to perform the movements required for dispensing; the straight needle dispensing device 164 is installed on the left side of the moving arm of the first four-axis robot 166, and the straight needle dispensing device 164 is used to pass through the clearance hole 2224 of the sub-carrier 222 to dispense glue to the base threaded holes 2121 one by one. The angle between the axis of the straight needle dispensing device 164 and the bottom plane of the sub-carrier 222 is 60°~65°; the second visual inspection device 165 is installed on the right side of the moving arm of the first four-axis robot 166. After dispensing, the dispensing positions of the base threaded holes 2121 are photographed one by one, and the photographed images are analyzed and calculated to determine whether the area (pixel value) of the dispensing part meets the requirements.

[0085] like Fig. 20 As shown, the first lifting and flipping mechanism 163 includes: a rotating motor 1631, a lifting motor 1632, a fixed support 1633, a lifting slide rail 1634, a lifting slider 1635, a clamping plate 1636, a clamping cylinder 1637, an outer frame 1638, and an inner frame 1639; the entire mechanism is installed on the dispensing station workbench 162 by relying on the fixed support 1633; the lifting motor 1632 is installed below the fixed support 1633, the lifting slide rail 1634 is installed on the first side of the fixed support 1633, and the lifting slider 1635 is connected to the outer frame 1638. The outer frame 1638 is connected to the inner frame 1639, and the inner frame 1639 can be rotated by the rotating motor 1631. The clamping cylinder 1637 is installed in the inner frame 1639 and connected to the clamping plates 1636 on both sides. Under the action of the clamping cylinder 1637, the clamping plates 1636 on both sides can move inward or outward to clamp or release the side of the sub-carrier 222. Further, in order to illustrate that the product will not fall off after the sub-carrier 222 rotates, please refer to Fig.30 , Fig.30The diagram is a schematic diagram of the flip mechanism clamping the carrier. The inner frame 1639 is provided with a connecting pad 16392 and a pressing pad 16391. The connecting pad 16392 is fixed to the bottom plane of the inner frame 1639 by screws, and the product pad 16391 is fixed to the connecting pad 16392 by screws. When the flip mechanism goes down to clamp the carrier, the pressing pad 16391 contacts the surface of the product and exerts a certain pressure on the product, so that the product remains fixed during the flipping process.

[0086] The process of the flipping mechanism clamping the carrier mainly includes the following steps:

[0087] Step 1: The carrier is fixed on the conveyor line, and the flip mechanism moves downward;

[0088] Step 2: Press the pad 16391 to the surface of the product;

[0089] Step 3: The clamping plate 1636 moves inwards driven by the clamping cylinder 1637 to clamp the carrier;

[0090] Step 4: The flip mechanism moves upward to a safe height;

[0091] Step 5: The flip mechanism rotates to the dispensing position.

[0092] When the flipping mechanism clamps the carrier, the clamping pad 16391 is always in contact with the product and applies a clamping force, thereby ensuring that the product does not fall out during the flipping process.

[0093] The height of the clamping pad 16391 is very important. In addition to the cooperation between the locating pins 2225 at both ends of the carrier and the locating pin holes 16361 of the clamping plate 1636, the clamping pad 16391 also needs to fit with the surface of the product, so there is a problem of over-positioning in the height direction.

[0094] To solve this problem, the following measures are taken: by adding adjustment gaskets and other methods, the height between the bottom plane of the pressing pad 16391 and the positioning pin hole 16361 of the clamping plate 1636 is controlled to ensure that the error is no more than ±0.05mm; the inner diameter of the positioning pin hole 16361 is set to be 0.1mm larger than the outer diameter of the positioning pin 2225. The height error between the bottom plane of the pressing pad 16391 and the positioning pin hole 16361 is compensated by the clearance of the shaft hole, thereby ensuring smooth clamping of the product.

[0095] On the other hand, the antenna radiation unit product is generally bent after welding, with a deformation of more than 0.2mm. Therefore, when the distance between the pad plane and the product surface does not exceed 0.1mm, that is, when underpressure, the product can still be pressed; when the pad plane is pressed downward beyond the product surface, that is, when overpressure occurs, the entire set of carriers is bent because the carrier rigidity is lower than the clamping pad. When the downward pressure is not greater than 0.1mm, the carrier can still be smoothly clamped. The automatic tightening station 17 is located on the right side of the automatic dispensing station 16. Fig.21 As shown, it includes: a tightening station frame 171, a tightening station workbench 172, a second three-axis motion mechanism 173, a second lifting and flipping mechanism 174, a third visual inspection device 175, a connector tray 176, and an automatic tightening device 177; the tightening station frame 171 is used to support the automatic tightening station and provide fixed installation of other components; the tightening station workbench 172 is used to install the second three-axis motion mechanism 173, the second lifting and flipping mechanism 174, the connector tray 176 and the conveyor line body 10; the second three-axis motion mechanism 173 is used to realize the XYZ three-dimensional movement required for tightening and inspection The second lifting and flipping mechanism 174 is installed on the tightening station workbench 172, and is used to grab the sub-carrier 222 and perform lifting and rotation actions. Its structure is the same as the first lifting and flipping mechanism 163. The difference is that the second lifting and flipping mechanism 174 grabs the sub-carrier 222 and then rotates 180° to the reverse side; the automatic tightening device 177 and the third visual inspection device 175 are installed on the second three-axis motion mechanism 173, and are used to perform tightening and inspection functions respectively; the connector tray 176 stores the RF connector 213 in the form of a tray, and provides assembly materials for the automatic tightening device 177.

[0096] A partial enlarged view of the automatic tightening station 17 is shown in FIG. Fig. 22 As shown, a tightening device substrate 1731 is provided on the Z axis of the second three-axis motion mechanism 173, and an automatic tightening device 177 and a third visual inspection device 175 are installed on the tightening device substrate 1731; the automatic tightening device 177 includes a tightening gun 1771, a vacuum nozzle 1772, and a floating tightening bit 1773, the vacuum nozzle 1772 is used to suck the RF connector 213 from the connector tray 176, and the floating tightening bit 1773 is installed in the tightening gun 1771, and under the action of the tightening gun 1771, the RF connector 213 is screwed into the base threaded hole 2121 one by one through the clearance hole 2224 of the sub-carrier 222, and parameters such as torque, time and number of turns of the tightening process are collected in real time during the tightening process for monitoring; after tightening, the tightening parts are photographed one by one by the third visual inspection device 175, and the image is analyzed to determine whether there are problems such as missing tightening and insufficient tightening during the tightening process.

[0097] The connector welding station 18 is located on the right side of the automatic tightening station 17. Fig.23As shown, it includes: a welding station frame 181, a welding station workbench 182, a second four-axis robot 183, an automatic soldering device 184, and an automatic wire feeding device 185; the welding station frame 181 is used to support the entire work station; the welding station workbench 182 is used to install the second four-axis robot 183 and the transmission line body 10; the second four-axis robot 183 is used to achieve the movement required for welding; the automatic soldering device 184 and the automatic wire feeding device 185 are installed on the arm of the second four-axis robot 183, the automatic wire feeding device 185 is used to automatically transport the tin wire, and the automatic soldering device 184 provides heat to the tin wire and the welding position through high temperature to achieve the welding of the pin 2131 of the RF connector 213 and the microstrip board 211.

[0098] The AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) inspection station 19 is located on the right side of the connector welding station 18. Fig.24 and Fig.25 As shown, it includes: an AOI station frame 191, an AOI station workbench 192, a third three-axis motion mechanism 193, an AOI detection device 194, a pusher mechanism base 195, and a pusher mechanism 196; the AOI station frame 191 is used to support the AOI detection station and provide installation points for other components; the AOI station workbench 192 is used to install the third three-axis motion mechanism 193 and the conveyor line body 10; the third three-axis motion mechanism 193 is used to achieve the movement required for AOI detection; the AOI detection device 194 is installed on the third three-axis motion mechanism 193, and is used to take pictures of the solder joints of the RF connector 213 one by one, and analyze whether there are problems such as copper leakage, tin overflow, pull tip, and cold solder joint during the welding process through images; the pusher mechanism base 195 is installed at the right end of the conveyor line body 10 on the AOI detection station; the pusher mechanism 196 is installed on the pusher mechanism base 195, and is used to push the carrier 22 to the automatic unloading station 20.

[0099] Further, the pushing mechanism 196 is as follows Fig.26As shown, it includes: a push cylinder 1961, a push base 1962, a push rod mounting seat 1963, a push slide seat 1964, a push rod spring 1965, a push rod 1966, and a push slide rail 1967; the push base 1962 is installed on the push mechanism base 195; the push slide rail 1967 is provided on the upper surface of the push base 1962; the push cylinder 1961 is installed on the push base 1962, and its push rod is connected to the push slide seat 1964. Under the action of the push cylinder 1961, the push slide seat 1964 can move left and right along the push slide rail 1967; the push rod mounting seat 1963 is installed On the pushing sliding seat 1964; one end of the push rod 1966 is inserted into the push rod mounting seat 1963, and the middle part of the lower surface is connected to the push rod mounting seat 1963 through the push rod spring 1965, and can rotate along the push rod mounting seat 1963; when the carrier 22 reaches above the pushing mechanism 196, the raised end of the push rod 1966 rotates downward and compresses the push rod spring 1965, so that the carrier 22 can pass smoothly, and then the push rod 1966 pops up under the action of the push rod spring 1965, and the pushing cylinder 1961 pushes the push rod 1966 to move to the left, pushing the carrier 22 into the basket 23 in the automatic unloading station 20.

[0100] The automatic unloading station 20 is located at the end of the assembly line. Fig. 27 As shown, it includes: a material unloading station frame 201, a material unloading lifting mechanism 202, a material unloading transfer line 203, a material unloading upper line 204, and a material unloading lower line 205; the material unloading station frame 201 is used to support the automatic unloading station; the empty basket 23 opens to the left and flows from the material unloading upper line 204 to the material unloading transfer line 203, and after the carrier 22 is pushed into the basket 23 by the pushing mechanism 196, the material unloading transfer line 203 descends one layer with the material unloading lifting mechanism 202, and continues to store the carrier 22 until the basket 23 is fully loaded, the material unloading transfer line 203 moves downward to be flush with the material unloading lower line 205, and transfers the fully loaded basket 23 to the material unloading lower line 205.

[0101] Furthermore, the feeding positions of the automatic loading station 11 and the automatic unloading station 20 can accommodate three baskets 23 at a time, each basket 23 can accommodate four sets of carriers 22, and 12 sets of carriers 22 can be continuously supplied or stored.

[0102] The production line is provided with multiple sections of conveyor lines 10 in the workstations, such as Fig.28As shown, it is used to realize the automatic circulation, blocking, code scanning and clamping and fixing of the carrier 22, including: a wire body driving motor 101, a wire body frame 102, a wire body code scanning device 103, a wire body feeding block 104, a wire body lifting device 105, a wire body working block 106, a wire body conveyor belt 107, a wire body discharge block 108, and an in-place detection device 109; the wire body frame 102 is used to support the entire wire body; the wire body driving motor 101 drives the wire body conveyor belt 107 to operate to realize the circulation of the carrier 22; the front end is provided with a wire body feeding The material blocking device 104 and the line body scanning device 103 are used to stop the carrier 22, read the material information and feed it back to the control system to execute the process judgment and program automatic call function; the middle part is provided with a line body working blocking device 106 and a line body lifting device 105, which are used to stop and tighten the carrier 22; the rear end is provided with a line body discharge blocking device 108, which is used to stop the carrier (22) that fails the inspection; the line head, line tail and three blocking devices are all provided with an in-place detection device 109, and the proximity switch is used to detect the in-place status of the carrier 22.

[0103] like Fig.30 As shown, the automated assembly line assembly method for the antenna radiation unit is:

[0104] S1, the carrier 22 moves with the basket 23 at the automatic feeding station 11 to realize automatic feeding;

[0105] S2, taking the carrier 22 from the automatic loading station 11 and transferring it to the microstrip board welding station 13;

[0106] S3, using vapor phase welding equipment to weld the microstrip board 211 and the metal base 212 of the product;

[0107] S4. Rapidly air cool the welded product;

[0108] S5, dismantle and cache the product pressing plate 221, and perform appearance, flatness and insulation resistance tests on the product;

[0109] S6, clamp and rotate the sub-carrier 222, apply anaerobic glue to the threaded hole 2121 on the back side of the product and check the glue quality, and then put the sub-carrier 222 back;

[0110] S7, clamp and rotate the sub-carrier 222, assemble the RF connector 213 in the threaded hole 2121 on the reverse side of the product and check the tightening quality, and then put the sub-carrier 222 back;

[0111] S8, automatically soldering the connector pin 2131 and the microstrip board 211;

[0112] S9, perform AOI inspection on the quality of solder joints of the pins of the RF connector 213, and transfer the carrier to the automatic unloading station 20;

[0113] S10, the carriers 22 are sequentially stored in the basket 23 of the automatic unloading station 20, and the automatic unloading is completed.

[0114] In summary, the present invention realizes high-quality fully automatic assembly of patch microstrip structure antenna radiating units, with an operating cycle of ≤18s / channel and an assembly qualification rate of ≥99%. It is compatible with a variety of products, and the production process is safe and stable, and can be quickly adjusted according to production needs, which is of great significance for the large-scale production of antenna radiating units.

[0115] Although the content of the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. After reading the above content, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and substitutions of the present invention will occur. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated assembly line for antenna radiation units, used for automated assembly, welding and testing of antenna radiation units (21) of microstrip patch structures, characterized in that: Include: An automatic loading station (11) for accommodating a carrier (22), wherein the carrier (22) carries various components assembled into an antenna radiation unit; An automatic docking station (12) receives the carrier (22) from the automatic loading station (11); A microstrip board welding station (13) receives the carrier (22) from the automatic docking station (12) and welds the various components transported by the carrier into an intermediate; the various components of the antenna radiation unit are a microstrip board and a metal base; A post-weld cooling station (14) receives the intermediate product after welding and cools it; A process testing station (15) is used to test the welding condition of the intermediate after cooling; An automatic glue dispensing station (16) receives qualified intermediates from the process testing station (15) and adds glue; The automatic tightening station (17) receives the intermediate object added with glue from the automatic glue dispensing station (16) and adds a radio frequency connector at a corresponding position of the intermediate object; A connector welding station (18) is used to weld the radio frequency connector to the intermediate object to form an antenna radiation unit; An AOI inspection station (19) performs welding inspection on the manufactured antenna radiation unit; Automatic unloading station (20); Receiving the finished antenna radiation unit from the AOI inspection station (19); A conveyor line (10) circulates between various workstations for transporting carriers (22); The carrier (22) comprises: a product pressing plate (221), a sub-carrier (222), and a mother carrier (223); The sub-carrier (222) is provided with a mounting groove (2223) for accommodating each accessory, and is provided with a first connecting pin (2221); The product pressing plate (221) is arranged on the top surface of the sub-carrier (222), and is provided with an elastic block (2211) abutting against the first connecting pin (2221), and a pressing plate body (2212) abutting against each accessory; The mother carrier (223) is arranged on the bottom surface of the child carrier (222), and is provided with a second connecting pin (2231) and a multi-point positioning pin (2232); the second connecting pin (2231) is connected to the child carrier (222) pin, and the multi-point positioning pin (2232) passes through the child carrier (222) and is inserted into the holes on each accessory; The automatic docking station (12) comprises: a material pulling mechanism (121), a support rod (122), a docking line body (123), a docking station frame (124), and a docking line body block (125); The docking station frame (124) is used to install various components of the automatic docking station (12); The support rods (122) are installed on two sides of the docking station frame (124), and the material pulling mechanism (121) is installed on the support rods (122) and is used to pull the carrier (22) from the automatic loading station (11); The connection line block (125) blocks or releases the carrier (22) according to the feedback information of the microstrip board welding station (13); The material pulling mechanism (121) comprises: a pulling block mounting seat (1211), a pulling block spring (1212), a carrier pulling block (1213), a material pulling fixing seat (1214), a material pulling sliding block (1215), a material pulling cylinder (1216), and a material pulling mechanism base (1217); The material pulling mechanism base (1217) is installed on the support rod (122); The material pulling fixed seat (1214) and the material pulling cylinder (1216) are installed on a material pulling mechanism base (1217); The material pulling slide block (1215) is connected to the material pulling cylinder (1216); The pulling block mounting seat (1211) is mounted on the material pulling slider (1215), and moves together with the material pulling slider (1215) under the action of the material pulling cylinder (1216); The carrier pull block (1213) is rotatably connected to the pull block mounting seat (1211), and its lower surface abuts against the pull block mounting seat (1211) via the pull block spring (1212); When the material pulling cylinder (1216) moves, it can push the carrier pulling block (1213) on the material pulling slider (1215) to engage with the material pulling groove (2234) on the carrier (22) or to disengage from the material pulling groove (2234) of the carrier (22); The automatic glue dispensing station (16) comprises: a glue dispensing station frame (161), a glue dispensing station workbench (162), a first lifting and flipping mechanism (163), a straight needle glue dispensing device (164), a second visual inspection device (165), and a first four-axis robot (166); The glue dispensing station frame (161) is used to install various components of the automatic glue dispensing station (16); The glue dispensing station workbench (162) is fixed on the glue dispensing station frame (161) and is used to install the first lifting and flipping mechanism (163), the first four-axis robot (166) and the conveying line body (10); A first lifting and flipping mechanism (163) is provided with a clamping plate for clamping the sub-carrier (222); the mechanism is used to grab the sub-carrier (222) from the conveyor line body (10), dispense glue on the intermediate object carried by the sub-carrier (222), and then put the sub-carrier (222) back into the mother carrier (223); A first four-axis robot (166) is mounted on a dispensing station workbench (162) and is used to perform movements required for dispensing; The straight needle glue dispensing device (164) is installed on the moving arm of the first four-axis robot (166), and the straight needle glue dispensing device (164) dispenses glue on the intermediate object; The second visual inspection device (165) is installed on the moving arm of the first four-axis robot (166), and after dispensing, takes a picture of the dispensing position, analyzes and calculates the photographed image, and determines whether the dispensing position meets the requirements; The automatic tightening station (17) comprises: a tightening station frame (171), a tightening station workbench (172), a second three-axis motion mechanism (173), a second lifting and flipping mechanism (174), a third visual inspection device (175), a connector tray (176), and an automatic tightening device (177); The tightening station frame (171) is used to install various components of the automatic tightening station (17); The tightening station workbench (172) is fixedly arranged on the tightening station frame (171) and is used for installing a second three-axis motion mechanism (173), a second lifting and flipping mechanism (174), a connector tray (176) and a conveying line body (10); The second three-axis motion mechanism (173) is used to realize the three-way movement required for tightening and testing; The second lifting and turning mechanism (174) is installed on the tightening station workbench (172), and is provided with a clamping plate for clamping the sub-carrier (222); it is used to grab the sub-carrier (222) and perform lifting and rotating actions; The automatic tightening device (177) and the third visual inspection device (175) are installed on the second three-axis motion mechanism (173), and are used to perform tightening of the radio frequency connector (213) and inspection functions respectively; The connector tray (176) stores radio frequency connectors (213) for picking up by the automatic tightening device (177); The connector welding station (18) comprises: a welding station frame (181), a welding station workbench (182), a second four-axis robot (183), an automatic soldering device (184), and an automatic wire feeding device (185); The welding station frame (181) is used to install various components of the connector welding station (18); The welding station workbench (182) is fixed on the welding station frame (181) and is used to install the second four-axis robot (183) and the conveyor line body (10); The second four-axis robot (183) is used to achieve the movement required for welding; An automatic soldering device (184) and an automatic wire feeding device (185) are installed on the arm of the second four-axis robot (183). The automatic wire feeding device (185) is used to automatically feed the solder wire. The automatic soldering device (184) provides heat to the solder wire and the soldering position through high temperature to achieve soldering of the pin (2131) of the radio frequency connector (213) and the intermediate object.

2. The automated assembly line for antenna radiation units according to claim 1, characterized in that: The process testing station (15) comprises: a process station frame (151), a process station workbench (152), a first three-axis motion mechanism (153), a clamping claw mechanism (154), an elastic pressure plate buffer device (155), and a multifunctional detection system (156); The process station frame (151) is used to support the process testing station (15); The process station workbench (152) is used to install a first three-axis motion mechanism (153) and an elastic pressure plate buffer device (155); The first three-axis motion mechanism (153) is used to perform the motion required for removing and testing the product pressing plate (221); The clamping claw mechanism (154) is used to take out the product pressing plate (221) from the carrier (22) and place it in the elastic pressing plate buffer device (155); The multifunctional detection system (156) is used to perform appearance detection, deformation detection and insulation resistance test on the intermediate product after welding.

3. The automated assembly line for antenna radiation units according to claim 1, characterized in that: The AOI inspection station (19) comprises: an AOI station frame (191), an AOI station workbench (192), a third three-axis motion mechanism (193), an AOI inspection device (194), a material pushing mechanism base (195), and a material pushing mechanism (196); The AOI station frame (191) is used to install various components of the AOI inspection station (19); The AOI station workbench (192) is used to install the third three-axis motion mechanism (193) and the conveyor line body (10); the third three-axis motion mechanism (193) is used to achieve the motion required for AOI detection; The AOI detection device (194) is installed on the third three-axis motion mechanism (193) and is used to take pictures of the solder joints of the pins (2131) of the radio frequency connector (213) one by one, and analyze the soldering quality problems through images; The push mechanism base (195) is installed on the conveyor line body (10) on the AOI inspection station; The pushing mechanism (196) is installed on the pushing mechanism base (195) and is used to push the carrier (22) into the automatic unloading station (20).

4. The automated assembly line for antenna radiation units according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic unloading station (20) comprises: an unloading station frame (201), an unloading lifting mechanism (202), an unloading transfer line (203), an unloading upper line (204), and an unloading lower line (205); The material unloading station frame (201) is used to install various components of the automatic material unloading station (20); The empty basket (23) flows from the upper material unloading line (204) to the unloading transfer line (203). After the carrier (22) is pushed into the basket (23) by the pushing mechanism (196), the unloading transfer line (203) descends one layer along with the unloading lifting mechanism (202) and continues to store the carrier (22). After the basket (23) is fully loaded, the unloading transfer line (203) moves downward to be flush with the unloading lower line (205) and transfers the fully loaded basket (23) to the unloading lower line (205).

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