Automated assembly structure and system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of automation assembly, in particular to an automatic assembly structure and system with flexible flat cable, which comprises a base and a connector fixing assembly connected with the base; the connector fixing assembly comprises a connector mounting hole and a first elastic structure arranged on the inner wall of the connector mounting hole and used for clamping the connector. The automatic assembly structure and system provided by the application can fix the connector when the connector is mounted with the flat cable, so that the connector can be moved and mounted through the automatic structure, the connector can be taken out of the fixing structure after the mounting is completed, and the flexibility of the flat cable is not affected; the automatic assembly structure and system have the advantages of high automatic mounting efficiency and high mounting stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated assembly technology, and in particular to an automated assembly structure and system with flexible cabling. Background Technology

[0002] Improving the automation rate of assembly has always been a goal of computer manufacturing. Automated assembly not only reduces the need for manual labor but also allows for better control over assembly precision and standards. However, some parts remain difficult to automate, such as the automated assembly of heat dissipation modules. Due to their large size, weight, and the presence of two flexible ribbon cables, fully automated assembly of heat dissipation modules has been impossible, especially the automatic connection of the ribbon cables. Because the ribbon cables are long, flexible, and have small connectors, they are difficult for robotic arms to grasp and assemble correctly.

[0003] Currently, the assembly of flexible ribbon cables can be done manually, but thermal operation is not conducive to improving the automation rate; or, connectors with lap pins can be used so that after the heat dissipation module is automatically picked up and placed, the lap pins can automatically lap onto the lap pins on the motherboard and then be fixed with screws. However, the contact method of the lap pins is completely rigid and there is no flexible transition. The laptop is prone to poor lap during deformation or vibration. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address at least the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an automated assembly structure and system.

[0005] The present invention provides an automated assembly structure, including a base and a connector fixing assembly, wherein the connector fixing assembly is connected to the base; the connector fixing assembly includes a connector mounting hole and a first elastic structure, wherein the first elastic structure is disposed on the inner wall of the connector mounting hole and is used to clamp the connector.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first elastic structure is a spring sheet, the cross-sectional shape of the connector mounting hole is rectangular, and the spring sheet is disposed on a set of opposing sidewalls within the connector mounting hole.

[0007] In some embodiments, the base is further provided with a snap-fit ​​assembly for connecting the device connected to the connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​assembly includes a hook-shaped base spring, the hook of which protrudes from the bottom surface of the base and is used to snap the device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the base is a circular plate structure, and the edge of the base has multiple notches along the circumferential direction. A mounting bracket is provided on one side of the notch on the base, and a base spring is provided at the notch and fixedly connected to the mounting bracket.

[0010] In some embodiments, a triggering component is further included; the base spring includes a trigger portion, and the triggering component is used to abut against the trigger portion to drive the hook to retract or extend.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device further includes a movable plate, which is annular; the triggering component is disposed at the bottom of the movable plate, the movable plate is slidably connected to the base, and the movable plate slides in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connector fixing assembly further includes a connecting frame connected to the upper surface of the base; the connecting frame is provided with clearance holes for the mounting bracket and the protruding post.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides an automated assembly system, including the above-described automated assembly structure.

[0014] In some embodiments, a moving component and a pressing component are further included; the moving component is used to connect to the base and move the base and the connector fixing component to a designated position; the pressing component is used to press the connector in the connector mounting hole to separate the connector from the connector mounting hole.

[0015] This invention provides an automated assembly structure and system. In use, the connector is installed in the connector mounting hole, and then the connector is moved along with the base. Once the connector reaches the designated position (relative to the motherboard mounting position), the ejector structure pushes the connector out, separating it from the connector mounting hole and completing the connection with the corresponding structure. For connectors with ribbon cables, the connector is first fixed so that it can be moved and installed via the automated structure. After installation, the connector exits the fixed structure without affecting the ribbon cable's flexibility. This system offers the advantages of high automated installation efficiency and strong installation stability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, wherein:

[0017] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0018] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the automated assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connector fixing assembly in the automated assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the snap-fit ​​component in the automated assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the base in the automated assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a reference diagram showing the usage state of the automated assembly structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 1: Base; 2: Connector fixing assembly; 3: Snap-fit ​​assembly; 4: Trigger assembly; 5: Movable plate; 6: Moving assembly;

[0025] 11: Notch; 12: Mounting bracket; 13: Protruding column;

[0026] 21: Connector mounting hole; 22: First elastic structure; 23: Connector bracket;

[0027] 31: Base spring; 311: Hook body; 312: Triggering part;

[0028] 51: Sleeve hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] This invention provides an automated assembly structure, including a base and a connector fixing assembly, the connector fixing assembly being connected to the base. The base is used to move the connector fixing assembly to a designated position, or the base can also be used to connect to the device connected to the connector for assembling the cover device.

[0031] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details the components of the automated assembly structure disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as the connection relationships between the components.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the connector fixing assembly 2 includes a connector mounting hole 21 and a first elastic structure 22. The first elastic structure 22 is disposed on the inner wall of the connector mounting hole 21 and is used to clamp the connector.

[0033] The first elastic structure 22 has a certain elastic deformation capability. When the connector is installed, it deforms due to the pressure of the connector. Under the action of the rebound force, the first elastic structure 22 presses the connector, thereby fixing the connector. When the connector needs to be installed, the external ejection structure pushes the connector to overcome the rebound force applied to the connector by the first elastic structure 22, causing the connector to separate from the connector mounting hole 21. After separation, the connector connects to the corresponding structure on the motherboard.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, the connector fixing assembly 2 further includes a connecting frame 23, which is connected to the upper surface of the base 1, and the connecting frame 23 is provided with a mounting bracket 12 and a clearance hole for the protruding post 13.

[0035] Mounting holes are provided on the connecting frame 23, and corresponding mounting posts are provided on the base 1. The mounting holes and mounting posts are positioned opposite each other and then fastened with screws. The relative position between the connecting frame 23 and the base 1 is determined by the position of the device and the female end of the connector.

[0036] For example, the first elastic structure 22 is a spring piece, and the cross-sectional shape of the connector mounting hole 21 is rectangular. The spring piece is disposed on a set of opposing sidewalls inside the connector mounting hole 21. The connector is a male end, and a female end of the connector is provided on the motherboard. The connector fixing assembly 2 moves to the top of the motherboard and is positioned opposite to the female end of the connector. Under the action of the ejection structure, the male end of the connector is ejected from top to bottom above the connector mounting hole 21 and connected to the female end.

[0037] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the base 1 is further provided with a snap-fit ​​component 3, which is used to connect the device connected to the connector. The connector is connected to the device via a ribbon cable. For example, in this embodiment of the present invention, the device is a fan used in a heat dissipation module. The base 1 is provided with a snap-fit ​​component 3, which is connected to the fan. When the base 1 is moved, the fan is moved to the motherboard simultaneously, thereby enabling the fan to be installed synchronously.

[0038] For example, the snap-fit ​​assembly 3 includes a hook-shaped base spring 31, the hook 311 of which protrudes from the bottom surface of the base 1 and is used to snap onto a device. The device is disposed on the bottom surface of the base 1 and connected to the device via the hook 311. The base spring 31 has a certain deformation capability; the deformation of the spring changes the position of the hook 311, thereby completing the connection and disconnection operation of the device.

[0039] For example, the base 1 is a circular plate structure. Multiple notches 11 are provided along the circumferential edge of the base 1. A mounting bracket 12 is provided on one side of each notch 11 on the base 1. A base spring 31 is located at each notch 11 and is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 12. For example, the multiple notches 11 are evenly distributed along the circumferential edge of the base 1, as shown in the figure. Four notches 11 are provided, with an angle of 90° between adjacent notches 11. During the snap-fit ​​operation of the device, the evenly distributed base springs 31 exert a uniform force on the device, preventing it from falling due to excessive local weight.

[0040] In this embodiment of the invention, the automated assembly structure further includes a trigger component 4; the base spring 31 includes a trigger part 312, and the trigger component 4 is used to abut against the trigger part 312 to drive the hook body 311 to retract or extend. The base spring 31 has an "S"-shaped curved shape, with a hook-shaped bottom end and a trigger part 312 in the middle, located on top of the hook-shaped structure. After the hook-shaped structure engages the device and moves to a designated position, the trigger component 4 squeezes the trigger part 312, causing the base spring 31 to deform, and the corresponding hook body 311 to generate a certain displacement, thereby separating from the device. When the trigger component 4 releases the squeeze from the trigger part 312, the hook body 311 returns to its original position.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, the automated assembly structure further includes a movable plate 5, which is annular in shape. A trigger component 4 is disposed at the bottom of the movable plate 5. The movable plate 5 is slidably connected to the base 1, and the movable plate 5 slides along a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base 1. For example, the movable plate 5 is provided with a sleeve hole 51, and the base 1 is provided with a protruding post 13. The sleeve hole 51 is fitted onto the protruding post 13, or the protruding post 13 is disposed on the movable plate 5, and the sleeve hole 51 is disposed on the base 1. The movable plate 5 and the base 1 have a certain sliding stroke. During the sliding of the movable plate 5, the trigger component 4 moves synchronously, thereby realizing the compression of the trigger part 312. The external force for the sliding of the movable plate 5 is an external force-applying structure that presses the movable plate 5.

[0042] For example, the trigger component 4 is columnar, and its end includes an inclined wedge-shaped block, which gradually compresses the trigger part 312 through the inclined surface of the wedge-shaped block.

[0043] This invention also provides an automated assembly system, including the aforementioned automated assembly structure. The automated assembly system further includes a moving component 6 and a pressing component; the moving component 6 is used to connect to the base 1 and move the base 1 and the connector fixing component 2 to a designated position; the pressing component is used to press the connector within the connector mounting hole 21, causing the connector to separate from the connector mounting hole 21.

[0044] For example, the moving component 6 is a conveyor line or a robot, which moves the base 1 to a designated position. Alternatively, the moving component 6 may also include a suction cup, which picks up the movable plate 5 to complete the movement of the automated assembly structure. For example, the pressing component may include one or more multi-axis robots, which perform pressing operations on the connector and the movable plate 5.

[0045] The following explanation uses the installation of a heatsink module (fan) as an example.

[0046] The fan is connected via hook 311, and then the male connector is connected via connector mounting hole 21. At this point, the fan and the male connector are in relatively fixed positions. The entire assembly is moved by the moving component, and the fan, ribbon cable, and male connector move together to the top of the motherboard. Then, the ejector mechanism and pressing component are activated to remove the male connector and fan respectively. During the removal of the male connector, it simultaneously connects to the female connector on the motherboard. Finally, the automated assembly structure is disassembled.

[0047] The present invention provides an automated assembly structure and system. In use, the connector is installed in the connector mounting hole 21, and then the connector is moved together with the base 1. After the connector is moved to the designated position (relative to the motherboard mounting position), the connector is pushed out by the ejection structure, the connector is separated from the connector mounting hole 21, and the connection with the corresponding structure is completed. When installing connectors with ribbon cables, the connector is first fixed so that it can be moved and installed through the automated structure. After the installation is completed, the connector is removed from the fixed structure without affecting the flexibility of the ribbon cable. It has the advantages of high automated installation efficiency and strong installation stability.

[0048] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automated assembly structure, characterized in that, It includes a base (1) and a connector fixing assembly (2), the connector fixing assembly (2) being connected to the base (1); The connector fixing assembly (2) includes a connector mounting hole (21) and a first elastic structure (22), wherein the first elastic structure (22) is disposed on the inner wall of the connector mounting hole (21) and is used to clamp the connector; The base (1) is also provided with a snap-fit ​​assembly (3), which is used to connect the device connected to the connector; The snap-fit ​​assembly (3) includes a hook-shaped base spring (31), the hook (311) of which protrudes from the bottom surface of the base (1) and is used to snap the device. The base (1) is a circular plate structure. The edge of the base (1) has multiple notches (11) along the circumferential direction. A mounting bracket (12) is provided on one side of the notch (11) on the base (1). The base spring piece (31) is located at the notch (11) and is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket (12).

2. The automated assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic structure (22) is a spring piece, the cross-sectional shape of the connector mounting hole (21) is rectangular, and the spring piece is disposed on a set of opposite sidewalls inside the connector mounting hole (21).

3. The automated assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the triggering component (4); The base spring (31) includes a trigger part (312), and the trigger component (4) is used to abut against the trigger part (312) to drive the hook (311) to retract or extend.

4. The automated assembly structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a movable plate (5), which is ring-shaped; The trigger component (4) is located at the bottom of the movable plate (5), the movable plate (5) is slidably connected to the base (1), and the movable plate (5) slides along a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base (1).

5. The automated assembly structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connector fixing assembly (2) further includes a connecting frame (23), which is connected to the upper surface of the base (1); the connecting frame (23) is provided with clearance holes for the mounting frame (12) and the protruding column (13).

6. An automated assembly system, characterized in that, Includes the automated assembly structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The automated assembly system according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a moving component (6) and a pressing component; The movable component (6) is used to connect with the base (1) and move the base (1) and the connector fixing component (2) to a designated position; The pressing component is used to press the connector inside the connector mounting hole (21) to separate the connector from the connector mounting hole (21).

Images