Assembly line and assembly control method for a drain connector of an air conditioner outdoor unit

Abstract

The application relates to an assembly line for a drainage joint of an air conditioner outdoor unit, which comprises a storage bin arranged at the starting end of the assembly line and used for storing the drainage joint, a circular vibration disc arranged downstream of the storage bin and communicated with the storage bin through a conveying mechanism, a linear vibration guide rail arranged downstream of the circular vibration disc and communicated with the circular vibration disc, an air conditioner outdoor unit conveying line arranged at a position close to the linear vibration guide rail and used for conveying the air conditioner outdoor unit, and a robot arranged between the linear vibration guide rail and the air conditioner outdoor unit conveying line and used for grabbing the drainage joint and assembling the drainage joint to the air conditioner outdoor unit. The drainage joint assembly line can automatically sort, grab and assemble the out-of-order drainage joint, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the drainage joint and the air conditioner outdoor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of production line equipment technology, specifically to an assembly line and assembly control method for a drain connector for an air conditioner outdoor unit. Background Technology

[0002] In the original production process, the drain connectors for air conditioner outdoor units required material to be supplied through a material frame, and then the drain connectors were manually assembled onto the air conditioner outdoor units. During this assembly process, due to the small size of the drain connectors, there may be assembly problems such as incomplete assembly, unreliable assembly, or omissions. In addition, it is wasteful of manpower and increases assembly costs to arrange manual assembly of drain connectors. Moreover, in the case of mass assembly of drain connectors, the assembly efficiency is limited, and it is not possible to effectively achieve mass production assembly of drain connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an assembly line and assembly control method for the drain connector of an air conditioner outdoor unit, so as to achieve the purpose of automated assembly and assembly control of the drain connector of the air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an assembly line for a drain connector of an air conditioner outdoor unit. The assembly line includes: a storage bin located at the beginning of the assembly line for storing drain connectors; a circular vibratory feeder located downstream of the storage bin and connected to the storage bin via a conveying mechanism; a linear vibratory guide rail located downstream of the circular vibratory feeder and connected to the circular vibratory feeder; an air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line located near the linear vibratory guide rail for conveying air conditioner outdoor units; and a robot located between the linear vibratory guide rail and the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line for gripping drain connectors and assembling them onto the air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0005] Beneficial effects: The drainage connector assembly line proposed in this application can achieve the purpose of automatic sorting, automatic picking and automatic assembly of drainage connectors that are received in disorder, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of drainage connectors and air conditioner outdoor units.

[0006] Specifically, after the drain connectors are poured into the storage hopper, which can hold a fixed quantity, frequent refilling is avoided. The conveying mechanism then transports the drain connectors to a circular vibratory feeder. The vibratory feeder sorts the initially disordered drain connectors through vibration and then transports them to a linear vibratory guide. The linear vibratory guide then moves the drain connectors to a designated position, where the robot picks up and assembles them. This equipment achieves automatic feeding and assembly control of the drain connectors.

[0007] In one alternative embodiment, the assembly line further includes a circular vibration detection sensor disposed at the circular vibratory feeder for detecting the drain joint on the circular vibratory feeder; and / or, the assembly line further includes a linear vibration detection sensor disposed at the linear vibration guide for detecting the drain joint on the linear vibration guide.

[0008] Beneficial effect: When the circular vibration detection sensor detects that the circular vibratory feeder has no drain connector, the assembly line controller controls the conveying mechanism to start and deliver the drain connector into the circular vibratory feeder. The conveying mechanism stops delivering the drain connector to the circular vibratory feeder when the circular vibration detection sensor detects that the circular vibratory feeder has a drain connector. This achieves material control of the circular vibratory feeder.

[0009] When the linear vibration detection sensor detects that there is no drain connector on the linear vibration guide, the assembly line controller controls the circular vibratory feeder to start vibrating and deliver the drain connector to the linear vibration guide. The circular vibratory feeder stops delivering the drain connector to the linear vibration guide when the linear vibration detection sensor detects that there is a drain connector on the linear vibration guide. This achieves material control of the linear vibration guide.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the assembly line further includes an air conditioning detection sensor disposed on the air conditioning outdoor unit conveyor line for detecting air conditioners on the air conditioning outdoor unit conveyor line; and / or, the assembly line further includes a material detection sensor disposed on the air conditioning outdoor unit conveyor line for detecting drain connectors on the air conditioning outdoor unit conveyor line.

[0011] Beneficial effects: The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is conveyed on the outdoor unit conveyor line. When the air conditioner detection sensor detects that the outdoor unit has reached the designated position, the clamping mechanism of the outdoor unit conveyor line clamps the outdoor unit. When the material detection sensor detects no signal in the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line, it means that the outdoor unit is placed in the correct position. At this time, the outdoor unit is positioned and the subsequent assembly work of the drain connector is ready. If the material detection sensor detects a signal in the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line, it means that there is a foreign object in the placement position of the outdoor unit. At this time, the assembly line will trigger an alarm to prompt manual handling.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, two baffles are provided on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line at a preset distance, and the two baffles are configured to block the air conditioner outdoor unit at two positions on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line.

[0013] Beneficial effects: By using two baffles to position the outdoor unit twice at its starting position, and using two material detection sensors at the two positioning points to detect whether the drain connector is properly assembled, the system can detect whether the robot has completed the assembly of the drain connector, and also detect whether the drain connector has fallen off at the starting position of the outdoor unit. This effectively improves the monitoring of the assembly of the drain connector on the assembly line.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the two baffles include an upstream baffle and a downstream baffle, with an upstream material detection sensor provided at the upstream baffle and a downstream material detection sensor provided at the downstream baffle.

[0015] Beneficial effects: If the upstream material detection sensor detects a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector is in place and assembly is complete. If the upstream material detection sensor does not detect a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector is not in place or material has leaked. The programmable logic controller (PLC) will control the robot and its gripper to continue picking up and placing the material until the drain connector is in place. Then, the clamping mechanism on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line will release, and the upstream baffle on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line will descend to allow passage. When the upstream material detection sensor detects a signal from the drain connector, the upstream baffle on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line will not rise until the upstream material detection sensor no longer detects a signal from the drain connector, at which point the upstream baffle on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line will rise. When the downstream material detection sensor detects a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has not fallen during movement, and the downstream baffle will descend to allow passage. If the downstream material detection sensor does not detect a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has fallen during movement, and an alarm will sound, requiring manual handling.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides an assembly control method for an assembly line. The assembly control method is implemented through the assembly line for the drain connector of an air conditioner outdoor unit according to the first aspect of this application. The assembly control method includes: acquiring a first detection signal at a circular vibratory feeder and a second detection signal at a linear vibratory guide rail; determining that the storage bin is short of material or that the conveying mechanism is jammed if the first detection signal is abnormal; determining that the circular vibratory feeder is jammed if the second detection signal is abnormal; and controlling a robot to grab the drain connector and assemble it into the air conditioner outdoor unit if both the first and second detection signals are normal.

[0017] Beneficial effects: After the drain connectors are poured into the storage hopper, the hopper can store a fixed quantity of drain connectors, thus avoiding frequent refilling. The conveying mechanism then transports the drain connectors to a circular vibratory feeder. The vibratory feeder sorts the disordered drain connectors through vibration and then transports them to a linear vibratory guide. The linear vibratory guide then moves the drain connectors to a designated position, where the robot picks up and assembles them. This equipment achieves automatic feeding and assembly control of the drain connectors.

[0018] When the circular vibration detection sensor detects that the circular vibratory feeder has no drain connector, the assembly line controller controls the conveying mechanism to start and deliver the drain connector into the circular vibratory feeder. The conveying mechanism stops delivering the drain connector to the circular vibratory feeder when the circular vibration detection sensor detects that the circular vibratory feeder has a drain connector. This achieves material control of the circular vibratory feeder.

[0019] When the linear vibration detection sensor detects that there is no drain connector on the linear vibration guide, the assembly line controller controls the circular vibratory feeder to start vibrating and deliver the drain connector to the linear vibration guide. The circular vibratory feeder stops delivering the drain connector to the linear vibration guide when the linear vibration detection sensor detects that there is a drain connector on the linear vibration guide. This achieves material control of the linear vibration guide.

[0020] Furthermore, when the circular vibration sensor detects a signal that the circular vibratory feeder has no drain connector and the set delay time has been reached, it can be determined that the conveyor mechanism is jammed or the storage bin is short of material. In this case, the assembly line will trigger an alarm to prompt manual intervention. When the circular vibration sensor detects a signal that there is a drain connector and the linear vibration sensor detects a signal that there is no drain connector, and the set delay time has been reached, it can be determined that the circular vibratory feeder is jammed. In this case, the assembly line will trigger an alarm requiring manual intervention. When the linear vibration sensor detects a signal that there is a drain connector and the position detection sensor does not detect a signal that there is a drain connector, and the set delay time has been reached, it can be determined that the linear vibration guide rail is jammed. In this case, the assembly line will trigger an alarm requiring manual intervention.

[0021] In one optional implementation, controlling the robot to grasp the drain connector and assemble it to the air conditioner outdoor unit specifically includes: acquiring a third detection signal at the air conditioner on the air conditioner conveyor line and a fourth detection signal at the drain connector; determining that the air conditioner is experiencing a conveyor abnormality based on an abnormal third detection signal; determining that a foreign object is present at the drain connector based on an abnormal fourth detection signal; and controlling the robot to assemble the drain connector to the air conditioner outdoor unit based on the fact that both the third and fourth detection signals are normal.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is conveyed on the outdoor unit conveyor line. When the air conditioner detection sensor detects that the outdoor unit has reached the designated position, the clamping mechanism of the outdoor unit conveyor line clamps the outdoor unit. When the material detection sensor detects no signal in the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line, it means that the outdoor unit is placed in the correct position. At this time, the outdoor unit is positioned and the subsequent assembly work of the drain connector is ready. If the material detection sensor detects a signal in the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line, it means that there is a foreign object in the placement position of the outdoor unit. At this time, the assembly line will trigger an alarm to prompt manual handling.

[0023] In one alternative implementation, after the robot controls the drain connector and assembles it to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the method further includes: acquiring a fifth detection signal at the drain connector and determining whether the drain connector is properly assembled based on the fifth detection signal.

[0024] Beneficial effects: If the material detection sensor detects the signal of the drain connector, it means that the drain connector is in place and the assembly is complete. If the material detection sensor does not detect the signal of the drain connector, it means that the drain connector is not in place or that the drain connector is missing. At this time, the assembly line controller will control the robot's gripper to continue picking up and assembling materials until the drain connector is in place.

[0025] In one optional implementation, after determining whether the drain connector is properly assembled based on the fifth detection signal, the method further includes: driving the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line to run a preset distance, obtaining a sixth detection signal at the drain connector, and determining whether the drain connector has fallen off based on the sixth detection signal.

[0026] Beneficial effects: By running a preset distance along the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line, the air conditioner outdoor unit is positioned twice. Two material detection sensors at the two positioning points detect whether the drain connector is properly assembled. On the one hand, this can detect whether the robot has completed the assembly of the drain connector. On the other hand, it can detect whether the drain connector has fallen off at the starting position of the air conditioner outdoor unit, effectively improving the monitoring of the assembly of the drain connector on the assembly line.

[0027] In one optional implementation, before driving the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line to run a preset distance, the method further includes: driving the robot to a position away from the linear vibration guide rail.

[0028] Beneficial effects: Once the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is in place and ready, control the robot to move to the placement point, then control the robot's gripper to release, and control the robot and gripper to a safe point, thereby reducing the possibility of collision between the robot's gripper and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an assembly line for a drain connector for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the assembly structure of the storage bin, circular vibratory feeder, and linear vibratory guide rail in the assembly line shown.

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the assembly structure of the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line and the robot in the assembly line shown.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an assembly line assembly control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an assembly line assembly control method according to another embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an assembly line assembly control method according to another embodiment of this application.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 100. Assembly line;

[0038] 10. Storage silo; 11. Conveying mechanism;

[0039] 20. Circular vibratory feeder; 21. Circular vibration detection sensor;

[0040] 30. Linear vibration guide rail; 31. Linear vibration detection sensor; 32. Position detection sensor;

[0041] 40. Air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line; 41. Upstream material detection sensor; 42. Downstream material detection sensor; 43. Upstream baffle; 44. Downstream baffle;

[0042] 50. Robot; 51. Fixture;

[0043] 60. Air conditioner outdoor unit; 61. Air conditioner detection sensor; 62. Clamping mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "upper," "outer," "lower," "underneath," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed communication, detachable communication, or integral communication; they can refer to mechanical communication or electrical communication; they can refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to communication within two components; and they can refer to wireless communication or wired communication. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, in one aspect, this application provides an assembly line 100 for a drain connector of an air conditioner outdoor unit 60. The assembly line 100 includes: a storage bin 10, which is disposed at the starting end of the assembly line 100 and is used to store drain connectors; a circular vibratory feeder 20, which is disposed downstream of the storage bin 10 and is connected to the storage bin 10 via a conveying mechanism 11; a linear vibratory guide rail 30, which is disposed downstream of the circular vibratory feeder 20 and is connected to the circular vibratory feeder 20; an air conditioner outdoor unit conveying line 40, which is disposed near the linear vibratory guide rail 30 and is used to convey the air conditioner outdoor unit 60; and a robot 50, which is disposed between the linear vibratory guide rail 30 and the air conditioner outdoor unit conveying line 40 and is used to grab the drain connectors and assemble the drain connectors to the air conditioner outdoor unit 60.

[0048] In this embodiment, the drainage connector assembly line 100 proposed in this application can achieve the purpose of automatic sorting, automatic picking and automatic assembly of drainage connectors that are randomly received, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of drainage connectors and air conditioner outdoor unit 60.

[0049] Specifically, after the drain connectors are poured into the storage silo 10, which can store a fixed quantity of drain connectors, frequent refilling is avoided. The conveying mechanism 11 then transports the drain connectors to the circular vibrating plate 20. The vibrating plate 20 sorts the disordered drain connectors through vibration and then transports them to the linear vibrating guide rail 30. The linear vibrating guide rail 30 then moves the drain connectors to a designated position, where the robot 50 picks up and assembles them. This equipment achieves automatic feeding control and automatic assembly control of the drain connectors.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the assembly line 100 further includes a circular vibration detection sensor 21, disposed at the circular vibrating plate 20, for detecting the drain joint on the circular vibrating plate 20; and / or, the assembly line 100 further includes a linear vibration detection sensor 31, disposed at the linear vibration guide rail 30, for detecting the drain joint on the linear vibration guide rail 30.

[0051] In the above embodiment, when the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects that the circular vibratory plate 20 has no drainage connector, the controller of the assembly line 100 controls the conveying mechanism 11 to start conveying the drainage connector into the circular vibratory plate 20. Until the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects that the circular vibratory plate 20 has a drainage connector, the conveying mechanism 11 stops conveying the drainage connector to the circular vibratory plate 20, thereby realizing the material control of the circular vibratory plate 20.

[0052] When the linear vibration detection sensor 31 detects that there is no drain connector on the linear vibration guide rail 30, the controller of the assembly line 100 controls the circular vibratory plate 20 to start vibrating and deliver the drain connector to the linear vibration guide rail 30. Until the linear vibration detection sensor 31 detects that there is a drain connector on the linear vibration guide rail 30, the circular vibratory plate 20 stops delivering the drain connector to the linear vibration guide rail 30, thereby realizing the material control of the linear vibration guide rail 30.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the assembly line 100 further includes an air conditioner detection sensor 61, disposed on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40, for detecting the air conditioner on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40; and / or, the assembly line 100 further includes a material detection sensor, disposed on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40, for detecting the drain connector on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40.

[0054] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner is conveyed on the outdoor unit conveyor line 40. When the air conditioner detection sensor 61 detects that the outdoor unit 60 has reached the designated position, the clamping mechanism 62 of the outdoor unit conveyor line 40 clamps the outdoor unit 60. When the material detection sensor detects that there is no signal at the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line 40, it indicates that the placement position of the outdoor unit 60 is normal. At this time, the outdoor unit 60 is positioned and the subsequent assembly work of the drain connector is ready. If the material detection sensor detects that there is a signal at the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line 40, it indicates that there is a foreign object at the placement position of the outdoor unit 60. At this time, the assembly line 100 will trigger an alarm to prompt manual handling.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some embodiments, two baffles are provided on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 at a preset distance, and the two baffles are configured to block the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 at two positions on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 is positioned twice at the starting position by two baffles. Two material detection sensors at the two positioning points detect whether the drain connector is assembled in place. On the one hand, it can detect whether the robot 50 has completed the assembly of the drain connector. On the other hand, it can detect whether the drain connector has fallen off at the starting position of the air conditioner outdoor unit 60, which effectively improves the purpose of the assembly line 100 to monitor the assembly of the drain connector.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the two baffles include an upstream baffle 43 and a downstream baffle 44, respectively. An upstream material detection sensor 41 is provided at the upstream baffle 43, and a downstream material detection sensor 42 is provided at the downstream baffle 44.

[0058] In this embodiment, if the upstream material detection sensor 41 detects a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector is in place and assembly is complete. If the upstream material detection sensor 41 does not detect a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector is not in place or material is leaking. The programmable logic controller (PLC) will control the robot 50 and its gripper 51 to continue picking up and placing materials until the drain connector is in place. Then, the clamping mechanism 62 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 is released, and the upstream baffle 43 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 is lowered to allow passage. When the upstream material detection sensor 41 detects a signal from the drain connector, the upstream baffle 43 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 does not rise until the upstream material detection sensor 41 no longer detects a signal from the drain connector, at which point the upstream baffle 43 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 rises. When the downstream material detection sensor 42 detects a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has not fallen during the movement, and the downstream baffle 44 is lowered to allow passage. If the downstream material detection sensor 42 does not detect a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has fallen during the movement, and an alarm will be triggered for manual handling.

[0059] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in a second aspect, this application provides an assembly control method for an assembly line 100. The assembly control method is implemented through the assembly line 100 for the drain connector of the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 according to the first aspect of this application. The assembly control method includes: acquiring a first detection signal at the circular vibratory feeder 20 and a second detection signal at the linear vibratory guide rail 30; determining that the storage bin 10 is short of material or that the conveying mechanism 11 is jammed if the first detection signal is abnormal; determining that the circular vibratory feeder 20 is jammed if the second detection signal is abnormal; and controlling the robot 50 to grab the drain connector and assemble it into the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 if both the first and second detection signals are normal.

[0060] In the above embodiment, after the drain connectors are poured into the storage silo 10, the storage silo 10 can store a rated quantity of drain connectors, thereby avoiding frequent feeding into the storage silo 10. The conveying mechanism 11 is activated to transport the drain connectors to the circular vibrating plate 20. The circular vibrating plate 20 sorts the disordered drain connectors by vibration and then transports the drain connectors to the linear vibrating guide rail 30. The linear vibrating guide rail 30 is activated to deliver the drain connectors to the designated position, and the robot 50 picks up and assembles the drain connectors. The above equipment realizes automatic feeding control and automatic assembly control of drain connectors.

[0061] When the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects that the circular vibratory feeder 20 has no drain connector, the controller of the assembly line 100 controls the conveying mechanism 11 to start conveying the drain connector into the circular vibratory feeder 20. Until the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects that the circular vibratory feeder 20 has a drain connector, the conveying mechanism 11 stops conveying the drain connector to the circular vibratory feeder 20, thereby realizing the material control of the circular vibratory feeder 20.

[0062] When the linear vibration detection sensor 31 detects that there is no drain connector on the linear vibration guide rail 30, the controller of the assembly line 100 controls the circular vibratory plate 20 to start vibrating and deliver the drain connector to the linear vibration guide rail 30. Until the linear vibration detection sensor 31 detects that there is a drain connector on the linear vibration guide rail 30, the circular vibratory plate 20 stops delivering the drain connector to the linear vibration guide rail 30, thereby realizing the material control of the linear vibration guide rail 30.

[0063] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, controlling the robot 50 to grasp the drain connector and assemble it to the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 specifically includes: acquiring a third detection signal at the air conditioner on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 and a fourth detection signal at the drain connector; determining that the air conditioner has a conveying abnormality based on an abnormal third detection signal; determining that a foreign object has appeared at the drain connector based on an abnormal fourth detection signal; and controlling the robot 50 to assemble the drain connector to the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 based on the fact that both the third and fourth detection signals are normal.

[0064] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner is conveyed on the outdoor unit conveyor line 40. When the air conditioner detection sensor 61 detects that the outdoor unit 60 has reached the designated position, the clamping mechanism 62 of the outdoor unit conveyor line 40 clamps the outdoor unit 60. When the material detection sensor detects that there is no signal at the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line 40, it indicates that the placement position of the outdoor unit 60 is normal. At this time, the outdoor unit 60 is positioned and the subsequent assembly work of the drain connector is ready. If the material detection sensor detects that there is a signal at the material position of the outdoor unit conveyor line 40, it indicates that there is a foreign object at the placement position of the outdoor unit 60. At this time, the assembly line 100 will trigger an alarm to prompt manual handling.

[0065] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, after the control robot 50 assembles the drain connector to the air conditioner outdoor unit 60, it further includes: acquiring a fifth detection signal at the drain connector, and determining whether the drain connector is properly assembled based on the fifth detection signal.

[0066] In this embodiment, if the material detection sensor detects the signal of the drain connector, it means that the drain connector is in place and the assembly is complete. If the material detection sensor does not detect the signal of the drain connector, it means that the drain connector is not in place or that the drain connector is missing. At this time, the controller of the assembly line 100 will control the gripper 51 of the robot 50 to continue picking up and assembling materials until the drain connector is in place.

[0067] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments, after determining whether the drain connector is properly assembled based on the fifth detection signal, the method further includes: driving the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 to run a preset distance, obtaining a sixth detection signal at the drain connector, and determining whether the drain connector has fallen off based on the sixth detection signal.

[0068] In this embodiment, the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 is positioned twice by running a preset distance on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40. Two material detection sensors at the two positioning points detect whether the drain connector is assembled in place. On the one hand, it can detect whether the robot 50 has completed the assembly of the drain connector. On the other hand, it can detect whether the drain connector falls off the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 at the starting position, which effectively improves the purpose of the assembly line 100 to monitor the assembly of the drain connector.

[0069] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in one optional embodiment, before the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 runs a preset distance, the method further includes: driving the robot 50 to a position away from the linear vibration guide rail 30.

[0070] In this embodiment, once the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner is in place and ready, the robot 50 is controlled to move to the placement point, and then the gripper 51 of the robot 50 is released. The robot 50 and the gripper 51 are then controlled to move to a safe point, thereby reducing the possibility of collision between the gripper 51 of the robot 50 and the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner.

[0071] The assembly line 100 for the drain connector of the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application can achieve the effect of parallel automatic feeding control process and automatic material picking assembly control process.

[0072] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the assembly line 100 for the drain connector of the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 and the assembly control method of the assembly line 100 according to the embodiments of this application will be described in general below.

[0073] The automatic feeding control process includes: manual or automatic handling equipment pouring the drain connectors into the storage bin 10, which can store the amount produced by the assembly line 100 for one day, thereby avoiding frequent feeding of the storage bin 10; when the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects that there is no drain connector on the circular vibrating plate 20, the programmable controller (PLC) of the assembly line 100 controls the conveying mechanism 11 (incline belt) to start and convey the drain connectors into the circular vibrating plate 20 until the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects that there is a drain connector, the conveying mechanism 11 (incline belt) stops conveying the drain connectors;

[0074] When the circular vibration sensor 21 detects a signal that there is a drain connector on the circular vibratory feeder 20, the programmable logic controller (PLC) of the assembly line 100 controls the circular vibratory feeder 20 to start vibrating and convey the drain connector to the linear vibration guide rail 30. When the linear vibration sensor 31 detects a signal that there is a drain connector on the linear vibration guide rail 30, the circular vibratory feeder 20 stops vibrating. When the position detection sensor 32 on the linear vibration guide rail 30 does not detect a signal that there is a drain connector, the programmable logic controller (PLC) controls the linear vibration guide rail 30 to start and deliver the drain connector to the designated position until the position detection sensor 32 on the linear vibration guide rail 30 detects a signal that there is a drain connector. Then the linear vibration guide rail 30 stops running and waits for the robot 50 to pick up the material. Through the automatic feeding control process of this embodiment, the effect of disordered material intake and orderly material output of drain connectors can be achieved.

[0075] Automatic feeding error-proof control process: When the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects a signal that the circular vibrating plate 20 has no drainage connector and the set delay time is reached, it can be determined that the conveying mechanism 11 is jammed or the storage bin 10 is short of material. At this time, the assembly line 100 will trigger an alarm to prompt manual handling. When the circular vibration detection sensor 21 detects a signal that there is a drainage connector and the linear vibration detection sensor 31 detects a signal that there is no drainage connector, and the set delay time is reached, it can be determined that the circular vibrating plate 20 is jammed. At this time, the assembly line 100 will trigger an alarm requiring manual handling. When the linear vibration detection sensor 31 detects a signal that there is a drainage connector and the position detection sensor 32 does not detect a signal that there is a drainage connector, and the set delay time is reached, it can be determined that the linear vibration guide rail 30 is jammed. At this time, the assembly line 100 will trigger an alarm requiring manual handling.

[0076] The initial state of the automatic material handling and assembly process during startup: the robot 50 and its fixture 51 are located at the initial safety point, the two baffles on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 are in the rising blocking state, and the clamping mechanism 62 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 is in the open state.

[0077] Initial posture of the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40: The upstream baffle 43 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 is in an upward state, and the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 is conveyed on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40. When the air conditioner detection sensor 61 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 detects that the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 has arrived, the clamping mechanism 62 of the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 clamps the air conditioner outdoor unit 60. If the upstream material detection sensor 41 at the upstream baffle 43 does not detect the signal of the drain connector, it means that the placement position of the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 is normal. At this time, the air conditioner outdoor unit 60 has completed positioning and is ready. If the upstream material detection sensor 41 at the upstream baffle 43 detects the signal of the drain connector, it means that there is a foreign object at the placement position of the air conditioner outdoor unit 60, and an alarm will be triggered, requiring manual handling.

[0078] The automated material handling and assembly process includes: the programmable logic controller (PLC) first controls the robot 50 and its gripper 51 to reach the initial safety point to prevent the robot 50 from colliding with the material handling position on its first start. Then, the PLC drives the robot 50 to the waiting point to pick up the material, and the gripper 51 of the robot 50 clamps the drain connector. Then, the PLC controls the robot 50 and its gripper 51 to reach the waiting placement position of the robot 50. If the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner is not ready, the PLC controls the robot 50 to continue waiting at the waiting placement point. If the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner is ready, the PLC controls the robot 50 to move to the placement point, and then controls the gripper 51 of the robot 50 to release the drain connector. The PLC then controls the robot 50 and its gripper 51 to move to the safety point to reduce the possibility of collision between the gripper 51 of the robot 50 and the outdoor unit 60 of the air conditioner.

[0079] If the upstream material detection sensor 41 detects a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector is in place and assembly is complete. If the upstream material detection sensor 41 does not detect a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector is not in place or material has leaked. The programmable logic controller (PLC) will control the robot 50 and its gripper 51 to continue picking up and placing the material until the drain connector is in place. Then, the clamping mechanism 62 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 will release, and the upstream baffle 43 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 will lower to allow passage. When the upstream material detection sensor 41 detects a signal from the drain connector, the upstream baffle 43 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 will not rise until the upstream material detection sensor 41 no longer detects a signal from the drain connector, at which point the upstream baffle 43 on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line 40 will rise. When the downstream material detection sensor 42 detects a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has not fallen during the movement, and the downstream baffle 44 will lower to allow passage. If the downstream material detection sensor 42 does not detect a signal from the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has fallen during the movement, and an alarm will sound, requiring manual handling.

[0080] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An assembly line for a drain connector of an air conditioner outdoor unit, characterized in that, The assembly line (100) includes: Storage bin (10), the storage bin (10) is located at the beginning of the assembly line (100) and is used to store the drain connector; A circular vibratory feeder (20) is located downstream of the storage silo (10) and is connected to the storage silo (10) via a conveying mechanism (11). A linear vibration guide (30) is provided downstream of the circular vibration disk (20) and is connected to the circular vibration disk (20); An air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) is provided near the linear vibration guide rail (30) and is used to convey the air conditioner outdoor unit (60). A robot (50) is positioned between the linear vibration guide rail (30) and the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) to grab the drain connector and assemble the drain connector to the air conditioner outdoor unit (60). The air conditioner outdoor unit conveying line (40) is provided with two baffles distributed at a preset distance, and the two baffles are set at two positions on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveying line (40) to block the air conditioner outdoor unit (60). The two baffles include an upstream baffle (43) and a downstream baffle (44), respectively. An upstream material detection sensor (41) is provided at the upstream baffle (43), and a downstream material detection sensor (42) is provided at the downstream baffle (44). Initial posture of the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40): If the upstream material detection sensor (41) at the upstream baffle (43) does not detect the signal of the drain connector, it means that the placement position of the air conditioner outdoor unit (60) is normal. At this time, the air conditioner outdoor unit (60) completes positioning and is ready; if the upstream material detection sensor (41) at the upstream baffle (43) detects the signal of the drain connector, it means that there is a foreign object at the placement position of the air conditioner outdoor unit (60), and an alarm will be triggered for manual handling. The automatic material handling and assembly process includes: if the upstream material detection sensor (41) detects the signal of the drain connector, it means that the drain connector is in place and the assembly is completed; if the upstream material detection sensor (41) does not detect the signal of the drain connector, it means that the drain connector is not in place or the material is leaked. The upstream baffle (43) on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) descends to allow passage. When the upstream material detection sensor (41) detects the signal of the drain connector, the upstream baffle (43) on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) does not rise until the upstream material detection sensor (41) does not detect the signal of the drain connector, at which point the upstream baffle (43) on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) rises. When the downstream material detection sensor (42) detects the signal of the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has not fallen during the movement, and the downstream baffle (44) descends to allow passage. If the downstream material detection sensor (42) does not detect the signal of the drain connector, it indicates that the drain connector has fallen during the movement, and an alarm will be triggered for manual handling.

2. The assembly line of a drain joint for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The assembly line (100) also includes a circular vibration detection sensor (21), which is disposed at the circular vibratory plate (20) and is used to detect the drain connector on the circular vibratory plate (20); And / or, the assembly line (100) further includes a linear vibration detection sensor (31) disposed at the linear vibration guide (30) for detecting the drain joint on the linear vibration guide (30).

3. The assembly line of a drain joint for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The assembly line (100) also includes an air conditioner detection sensor (61), which is set on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) and is used to detect the air conditioner on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40); And / or, the assembly line (100) further includes a material detection sensor disposed on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) for detecting the drain connector on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40).

4. An assembly control method of an assembly line, characterized by, The assembly control method is implemented through an assembly line (100) for the drain connector of the outdoor unit (60) of an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-3, and the assembly control method includes: Acquire the first detection signal at the circular vibrating disk (20) and the second detection signal at the linear vibrating guide rail (30); Based on the abnormality of the first detection signal, it is determined that the storage bin (10) is short of material or that the conveying mechanism (11) is jammed. Based on the abnormality of the second detection signal, it is determined that the circular vibratory feeder (20) is experiencing a jamming phenomenon; Based on the fact that both the first and second detection signals are normal, the robot (50) is controlled to grab the drain connector and assemble it into the air conditioner outdoor unit (60).

5. The assembly control method of an assembly line according to claim 4, characterized by, The process of controlling the robot (50) to grasp the drain connector and assemble it into the air conditioner outdoor unit (60) specifically includes: Obtain the third detection signal at the air conditioner on the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) and the fourth detection signal at the drain connector; Based on the abnormality of the third detection signal, it is determined that the air conditioner is experiencing a transmission abnormality. Based on the abnormality of the fourth detection signal, it is determined that a foreign object has appeared at the drain joint; Based on the fact that both the third and fourth detection signals are normal, the robot (50) is controlled to install the drain connector onto the outdoor unit (60) of the air conditioner.

6. The assembly control method of an assembly line according to claim 5, characterized by, After the robot (50) is controlled to install the drain connector onto the air conditioner outdoor unit (60), the following steps are also included: The fifth detection signal at the drain connector is obtained, and the drain connector is determined to be properly assembled based on the fifth detection signal.

7. The assembly control method of an assembly line according to claim 6, characterized by, After determining whether the drain connector is properly assembled based on the fifth detection signal, the process further includes: After the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) is driven to run a preset distance, the sixth detection signal at the drain connector is obtained, and the drain connector is determined to be detached based on the sixth detection signal.

8. The assembly line assembly control method according to claim 7, characterized by, Before the air conditioner outdoor unit conveyor line (40) has traveled a preset distance, the following is also included: Drive the robot (50) to a position away from the linear vibration guide rail (30).

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