Connector rotating apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector rotating apparatus. The connector rotating device comprises a first rotating module used for rotating a first connector from a first initial orientation to a first predetermined orientation different from the first initial orientation; the second rotating module is used for rotating a second connector from a second initial orientation to a second preset orientation different from the second initial orientation; the third rotating module is used for rotating the second connector from the second preset direction to a third preset direction different from the second preset direction, and the second rotating module and the third rotating module are arranged side by side in the first horizontal direction; the first rotation module is spaced apart from the second rotation module and the third rotation module by a predetermined distance in a vertical direction. According to the connector rotating equipment, rotating operation of different connectors can be executed, and the application range of the connector rotating equipment is greatly expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector rotating device. Background Art

[0002] During the manufacturing process of the connector, the connector needs to be rotated to a predetermined position so that the cable can be inserted into the jack on the connector. In the prior art, the connector rotation device can only perform the rotation operation of one connector. Therefore, the existing connector rotation device cannot be applied to the rotation operation of different connectors. This seriously limits the scope of application of the connector rotation device. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector rotation device is provided. The connector rotation device comprises: a first rotation module, used to rotate a first connector from a first initial orientation to a first predetermined orientation different from the first initial orientation; a second rotation module, used to rotate a second connector from a second initial orientation to a second predetermined orientation different from the second initial orientation; and a third rotation module, used to rotate the second connector from the second predetermined orientation to a third predetermined orientation different from the second predetermined orientation, wherein the second rotation module and the third rotation module are arranged side by side in a first horizontal direction, and the first rotation module is spaced apart from the second rotation module and the third rotation module by a predetermined distance in a vertical direction.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first rotation module rotates the first connector around a first axis, and the first axis extends along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction; and the second rotation module and the third rotation module rotate the second connector around a second axis and a third axis respectively, and the second axis extends along the first horizontal direction, and the third axis extends along the vertical direction.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the first rotation module rotates the first connector from the first initial position to the first predetermined position, the first rotation module rotates 180 degrees around the first axis; when the second rotation module rotates the second connector from the second initial position to the second predetermined position, the second rotation module rotates 90 degrees around the second axis; when the third rotation module rotates the second connector from the second predetermined position to the third predetermined position, the third rotation module rotates 180 degrees around the third axis.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector rotation device further includes: a moving plate capable of moving between a first position and a second position along the vertical direction, and the first rotation module, the second rotation module and the third rotation module are mounted on the moving plate to move with the moving plate. When the moving plate is moved to the first position, the first rotation module is moved to a working position docking with a transmission channel, and the second rotation module and the third rotation module are moved to a non-working position separated from the transmission channel; when the moving plate is moved to the second position, the first rotation module is moved to a non-working position separated from the transmission channel, and the second rotation module and the third rotation module are moved to a working position docking with the transmission channel.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector rotation device also includes: a fixed plate; a slide rail fixed to the fixed plate and extending along the vertical direction; and a slider slidably mounted on the slide rail so as to be able to move along the slide rail, and the movable plate is connected to the slider so as to be able to move along the vertical direction with the slider.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector rotating device further includes: a driver mounted on the fixed plate, for driving the movable plate to move between the first position and the second position.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driver is an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector rotating device further includes: a frame, and the fixing plate is fixed to the frame.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first rotation module includes: a first carrier for loading the first connector; and a first driver mounted on the movable plate, the first carrier having a first loading channel for loading the first connector, the first driver being connected to the first carrier for driving the first carrier to rotate around the first axis.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first rotating module further comprises: a connecting channel fixed to the moving plate. When the first carrier rotates the first connector from the first initial position to the first predetermined position, the first loading channel of the first carrier docks with the connecting channel to allow the first connector to be transported from the first loading channel to the connecting channel; when the first rotating module is moved to the working position, the connecting channel docks with the transmission channel to allow the first connector to be transported from the connecting channel to the transmission channel.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first driver is a motor, and the first carrier is connected to an output shaft of the motor.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second rotation module includes: a second carrier for loading the second connector; and a second driver mounted on the moving plate. The second carrier has a second loading channel for loading the second connector, and the second driver is connected to the second carrier and is used to drive the second carrier to rotate around the second axis.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second rotating module further comprises: a mounting bracket fixed to the moving plate. The second carrier has a pivot, and the pivot is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket, so that the second carrier can rotate around the second axis.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second driver is a cylinder, one end of the cylinder body of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the movable plate, and the telescopic rod of the cylinder extends from the other end of the cylinder body and is rotatably connected to the second carrier.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third rotation module includes: a third carrier for loading the second connector; and a third driver mounted on the moving plate. The third carrier has a third loading channel for loading the second connector, and the third driver is connected to the third carrier and is used to drive the third carrier to rotate around the third axis.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third rotating module further comprises: a mounting plate fixed to the moving plate. The third driver is a motor and is mounted on the mounting plate, and an output shaft of the motor is connected to the third carrier.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the second carrier rotates the second connector from the second initial position to the second predetermined position, the second loading channel on the second carrier docks with the third loading channel of the third carrier to allow the second connector to be transported from the second loading channel to the third loading channel.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the second rotation module and the third rotation module are moved to the working position and the third rotation module rotates the second connector to the third predetermined orientation, the third loading channel is docked with the transmission channel to allow the second connector to be transported from the third loading channel to the transmission channel.

[0022] In the aforementioned various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the connector rotating device can perform rotation operations on different connectors, which greatly expands the application scope of the connector rotating device.

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from one side;

[0025] Figure 2 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from another side;

[0026] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along a vertical direction showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first rotating module is moved to a working position;

[0028] Figure 5 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the second rotating module and the third rotating module are moved to a working position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention is further specifically described below by examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0030] In addition, in the detailed description below, for ease of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are embodied in a schematic manner to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0031] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector rotation device is provided. The connector rotation device comprises: a first rotation module, used to rotate a first connector from a first initial orientation to a first predetermined orientation different from the first initial orientation; a second rotation module, used to rotate a second connector from a second initial orientation to a second predetermined orientation different from the second initial orientation; and a third rotation module, used to rotate the second connector from the second predetermined orientation to a third predetermined orientation different from the second predetermined orientation, wherein the second rotation module and the third rotation module are arranged side by side in a first horizontal direction, and the first rotation module is spaced apart from the second rotation module and the third rotation module by a predetermined distance in a vertical direction.

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from one side; Figure 2 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from another side; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along a vertical direction showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first rotating module 1 is moved to a working position; Figure 5 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector rotating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the second rotating module 2 and the third rotating module 3 are moved to a working position.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector rotation device is disclosed. The connector rotation device includes: a first rotation module 1, a second rotation module 2 and a third rotation module 3. The first rotation module 1 is used to rotate a first connector (not shown) from a first initial orientation to a first predetermined orientation different from the first initial orientation. The second rotation module 2 is used to rotate a second connector (not shown) from a second initial orientation to a second predetermined orientation different from the second initial orientation. The third rotation module 3 is used to rotate the second connector from the second predetermined orientation to a third predetermined orientation different from the second predetermined orientation.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the second rotating module 2 and the third rotating module 3 are arranged side by side in the first horizontal direction Y so as to be able to rotate the second connector in sequence. The first rotating module 1 is spaced apart from the second rotating module 2 and the third rotating module 3 by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction Z so as to ensure that the first rotating module 1 does not interfere with the second rotating module 2 and the third rotating module 3 when rotating.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation module 1 rotates the first connector around a first axis, and the first axis extends along a second horizontal direction X perpendicular to the first horizontal direction Y. The second rotation module 2 rotates the second connector around a second axis, and the second axis extends along the first horizontal direction Y. The third rotation module 3 rotates the second connector around a third axis, and the third axis extends along the vertical direction Z.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first rotation module 1 rotates the first connector from the first initial position to the first predetermined position, the first rotation module 1 rotates 180 degrees around the first axis. When the second rotation module 2 rotates the second connector from the second initial position to the second predetermined position, the second rotation module 2 rotates 90 degrees around the second axis. When the third rotation module 3 rotates the second connector from the second predetermined position to the third predetermined position, the third rotation module 3 rotates 180 degrees around the third axis.

[0037] Although not shown in the figure, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first connector and the second connector are exactly the same in shape and size, but the direction of the cable jack on the first connector is different from the direction of the cable jack on the second connector. For example, the axial direction of the cable jack on the first connector is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first connector, and the axial direction of the cable jack on the second connector is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second connector. The first rotation module 1 is used to rotate the cable jack on the first connector to a predetermined orientation to facilitate the insertion of the cable into the cable jack on the first connector. The second rotation module 2 and the third rotation module 3 are used to rotate the cable jack on the second connector to a predetermined orientation to facilitate the insertion of the cable into the cable jack on the second connector.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector rotation device also includes a moving plate 4, which can move between a first position and a second position along a vertical direction Z, and a first rotation module 1, a second rotation module 2 and a third rotation module 3 are mounted on the moving plate 4 to move with the moving plate 4.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the moving plate 4 is moved to the first position ( Figure 4 ), the first rotation module 1 is moved to a working position docking with the transmission channel 9, and the second rotation module 2 and the third rotation module 3 are moved to a non-working position separated from the transmission channel 9.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the moving plate 4 is moved to the second position ( Figure 5 When the first rotating module 1 is moved to the non-working position separated from the transmission channel 9, the second rotating module 2 and the third rotating module 3 are moved to the working position docking with the transmission channel 9.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the transmission channel 9 is used to transport the rotated connector to the next processing station of the first connector or the second connector, for example, a cable plugging station and a terminal crimping station.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector rotating device further includes a fixed plate 5, a slide rail 61 and a slider 62. The slide rail 61 is fixed to the fixed plate 5 and extends along the vertical direction Z. The slider 62 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 61 so as to be able to move along the slide rail 61. The movable plate 4 is connected to the slider 62 so as to be able to move along the vertical direction Z with the slider 62.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector rotating device further comprises a driver 8, which is mounted on the fixed plate 5 and is used to drive the movable plate 4 to move between the first position and the second position. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driver 8 can be an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector rotating device further includes a frame 7 , and the fixing plate 5 is fixed to the frame 7 .

[0045] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation module 1 includes: a first carrier 10 and a first driver 11. The first carrier 10 is used to load the first connector. The first driver 11 is installed on the moving plate 4. The first carrier 10 has a first loading channel 101 for loading the first connector, and the first driver 11 is connected to the first carrier 10 and is used to drive the first carrier 10 to rotate around the first axis.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first rotating module 1 further includes a connecting channel 12, which is fixed to the moving plate 4. When the first carrier 10 rotates the first connector from the first initial orientation to the first predetermined orientation, the first loading channel 101 of the first carrier 10 docks with the connecting channel 12 to allow the first connector to be transported from the first loading channel 101 to the connecting channel 12. When the first rotating module 1 is moved to the working position, the connecting channel 12 docks with the transmission channel 9 to allow the first connector to be transported from the connecting channel 12 to the transmission channel 9.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first driver 11 may be a motor, and the first carrier 10 is connected to an output shaft of the motor.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the second rotation module 2 includes: a second carrier 20 and a second driver 21. The second carrier 20 is used to load the second connector. The second driver 21 is installed on the moving plate 4. The second carrier 20 has a second loading channel 201 for loading the second connector, and the second driver 21 is connected to the second carrier 20 and is used to drive the second carrier 20 to rotate around the second axis.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the second rotating module 2 further comprises a mounting bracket 22, which is fixed to the moving plate 4. The second carrier 20 has a pivot 20a, which is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket 22, so that the second carrier 20 can rotate around the second axis.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the second driver 21 is a cylinder, one end 211 of the cylinder body 210 of the cylinder is rotatably connected to the moving plate 4, and the telescopic rod 212 of the cylinder extends from the other end of the cylinder body 210 and is rotatably connected to the second carrier 20.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the third rotation module 3 includes: a third carrier 30 and a third driver 31. The third carrier 30 is used to load the second connector. The third driver 31 is installed on the moving plate 4. The third carrier 30 has a third loading channel 301 for loading the second connector, and the third driver 31 is connected to the third carrier 30 and is used to drive the third carrier 30 to rotate around the third axis.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the third rotating module 3 further includes a mounting plate 32, which is fixed to the moving plate 4. The third driver 31 is a motor and is mounted on the mounting plate 32, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the third carrier 30.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the second carrier 20 rotates the second connector from the second initial position to the second predetermined position, the second loading channel 201 on the second carrier 20 docks with the third loading channel 301 of the third carrier 30 to allow the second connector to be transported from the second loading channel 201 to the third loading channel 301.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the second rotation module 2 and the third rotation module 3 are moved to the working position and the third rotation module 3 rotates the second connector to a third predetermined orientation, the third loading channel 301 is docked with the transfer channel 9 to allow the second connector to be transported from the third loading channel 301 to the transfer channel 9.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above are exemplary and may be improved upon by those skilled in the art. The structures described in the various embodiments may be freely combined without causing any conflicts in structure or principle, and these changes should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred implementations of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0057] Although some embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0058] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector rotating device, characterized in that: include: A first rotation module (1) is used to rotate the first connector from a first initial orientation to a first predetermined orientation different from the first initial orientation; A second rotation module (2) is used to rotate the second connector from a second initial orientation to a second predetermined orientation different from the second initial orientation; and a third rotating module (3), used for rotating the second connector from the second predetermined position to a third predetermined position different from the second predetermined position, The second rotating module (2) and the third rotating module (3) are arranged side by side in a first horizontal direction (Y), and the first rotating module (1) is spaced apart from the second rotating module (2) and the third rotating module (3) by a predetermined distance in a vertical direction (Z).

2. The connector rotation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating module (1) rotates the first connector around a first axis, the first axis extending along a second horizontal direction (X) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (Y); and The second rotating module (2) and the third rotating module (3) rotate the second connector around a second axis and a third axis respectively, the second axis extends along the first horizontal direction (Y), and the third axis extends along the vertical direction (Z).

3. The connector rotation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the first rotating module (1) rotates the first connector from the first initial position to the first predetermined position, the first rotating module (1) rotates 180 degrees around the first axis; When the second rotating module (2) rotates the second connector from the second initial position to the second predetermined position, the second rotating module (2) rotates 90 degrees around the second axis; When the third rotating module (3) rotates the second connector from the second predetermined position to the third predetermined position, the third rotating module (3) rotates 180 degrees around the third axis.

4. The connector rotation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A moving plate (4) is movable along the vertical direction (Z) between a first position and a second position, and the first rotating module (1), the second rotating module (2) and the third rotating module (3) are mounted on the moving plate (4) to move with the moving plate (4), When the movable plate (4) is moved to the first position, the first rotary module (1) is moved to a working position docking with the transmission channel (9), and the second rotary module (2) and the third rotary module (3) are moved to a non-working position separated from the transmission channel (9). When the movable plate (4) is moved to the second position, the first rotating module (1) is moved to a non-working position separated from the transmission channel (9), and the second rotating module (2) and the third rotating module (3) are moved to a working position docking with the transmission channel (9).

5. The connector rotation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: Fixed plate (5); A slide rail (61) fixed to the fixing plate (5) and extending along the vertical direction (Z); and a slider (62) slidably mounted on the slide rail (61) so as to be movable along the slide rail (61), The movable plate (4) is connected to the slider (62) so as to be movable along the vertical direction (Z) along with the slider (62).

6. The connector rotation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also includes: A driver (8) is mounted on the fixed plate (5) and is used to drive the movable plate (4) to move between the first position and the second position.

7. The connector rotation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The driver (8) is an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

8. The connector rotation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: A frame (7), the fixing plate (5) being fixed to the frame (7).

9. The connector rotation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first rotating module (1) comprises: A first carrier (10) for loading the first connector; and A first driver (11), mounted on the moving plate (4), The first carrier (10) has a first loading channel (101) for loading the first connector, and the first driver (11) is connected to the first carrier (10) and is used to drive the first carrier (10) to rotate around the first axis.

10. The connector rotation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first rotation module (1) further comprises: A connecting channel (12) is fixed to the movable plate (4), When the first carrier (10) rotates the first connector from the first initial position to the first predetermined position, the first loading channel (101) of the first carrier (10) docks with the connecting channel (12) to allow the first connector to be transported from the first loading channel (101) to the connecting channel (12). When the first rotating module (1) is moved to the working position, the connecting channel (12) docks with the transmission channel (9) to allow the first connector to be transported from the connecting channel (12) to the transmission channel (9).

11. The connector rotation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first driver (11) is a motor, and the first carrier (10) is connected to an output shaft of the motor.

12. The connector rotation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second rotation module (2) comprises: A second carrier (20) for loading the second connector; and A second driver (21), mounted on the moving plate (4), The second carrier (20) has a second loading channel (201) for loading the second connector, and the second driver (21) is connected to the second carrier (20) and is used to drive the second carrier (20) to rotate around the second axis.

13. The connector rotation device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second rotation module (2) further comprises: A mounting bracket (22) is fixed to the moving plate (4). The second carrier (20) has a pivot (20a) which is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket (22) so that the second carrier (20) can rotate about the second axis.

14. The connector rotation device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The second driver (21) is a cylinder, one end (211) of the cylinder body (210) of which is rotatably connected to the movable plate (4), and a telescopic rod (212) of the cylinder extends from the other end of the cylinder body (210) and is rotatably connected to the second carrier (20).

15. The connector rotation device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The third rotation module (3) comprises: A third carrier (30) for loading the second connector; and A third driver (31), mounted on the moving plate (4), The third carrier (30) has a third loading channel (301) for loading the second connector, and the third driver (31) is connected to the third carrier (30) and is used to drive the third carrier (30) to rotate around the third axis.

16. The connector rotation device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The third rotation module (3) further comprises: A mounting plate (32) is fixed to the movable plate (4). The third driver (31) is a motor and is mounted on the mounting plate (32); the output shaft of the motor is connected to the third carrier (30).

17. The connector rotation device according to claim 16, characterized in that: When the second carrier (20) rotates the second connector from the second initial position to the second predetermined position, the second loading channel (201) on the second carrier (20) docks with the third loading channel (301) of the third carrier (30) to allow the second connector to be transported from the second loading channel (201) to the third loading channel (301).

18. The connector rotation device according to claim 17, characterized in that: When the second rotating module (2) and the third rotating module (3) are moved to the working position and the third rotating module (3) rotates the second connector to the third predetermined orientation, the third loading channel (301) docks with the transfer channel (9) to allow the second connector to be transported from the third loading channel (301) to the transfer channel (9).

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