Component overturning device, component overturning method and component overturning equipment

Abstract

The invention provides an element overturning device, an element overturning method and element overturning equipment. The element overturning device is provided with a rotating seat unit, a plurality of first holding units, a plurality of second holding units and a rotating unit. The rotating seat unit is provided with a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface which are crossed with each other; the first holding units are adjacently arranged on the first mounting surface. And the second holding units are adjacently arranged on the second mounting surface. Each of the first holding unit and the second holding unit is adapted to hold an element. And the rotating unit can drive the rotating seat unit to rotate, so that the first holding unit and the second holding unit exchange positions by taking the rotating shaft as a rotating center so as to turn over the element. According to the overturning device, a plurality of elements can be mechanically overturned, and higher operation efficiency can be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flipping device, a flipping method, and a flipping equipment, particularly to a component flipping device, a component flipping method, and a component flipping equipment for flipping components of electronic products. Background Art

[0002] In the production and assembly process of electronic products, various different components need to be produced and assembled. During the production process of the components, it is usually necessary to inspect the aforementioned components. When inspecting, it may be necessary to flip the components to inspect each aspect of the components. In addition, during the assembly process of the components, it may also be necessary to flip the components to assemble the components onto other objects in the correct orientation. Although the components can be flipped manually, manual operation has the disadvantage of low efficiency and needs to be further improved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to improve at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0004] The component flipping device of the present invention is suitable for flipping several components and is provided with a rotating base unit, several first holding units, several second holding units, and a rotating unit.

[0005] The rotating base unit can be driven to rotate around a rotation axis inclined relative to the horizontal plane and is provided with a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface that intersect transversely with each other. The first holding units are arranged adjacent to each other on the first mounting surface. Each of the first holding units is suitable for holding a respective one of the components. The second holding units are arranged adjacent to each other on the second mounting surface. Each of the second holding units is suitable for holding a respective one of the components. The rotating unit can drive the rotating base unit to rotate, so that the first holding units and the second holding units exchange positions around the rotation axis to flip the components.

[0006] The effect of the present invention is that it can mechanically flip multiple components, which has higher efficiency compared to manual operation.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to improve at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0008] The component flipping method of the present invention includes: placing several components on several first holding units by several first picking and placing devices. Making the first holding units hold the components. Making the first holding units rotate around an inclined rotation axis as the rotation center, thereby driving each of the components to move and flip. Taking out the components from the first holding units by several second picking and placing devices.

[0009] The efficacy of the present invention lies in that it can implement the flipping of multiple said components by mechanical equipment, which has the characteristic of higher operation efficiency compared with manual operation.

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to improve at least one drawback of the prior art.

[0011] The component flipping device of the present invention can be used to execute the component flipping method as described above.

[0012] The efficacy of the present invention lies in that it can mechanically flip multiple said components, which has the characteristic of higher operation efficiency compared with manual operation. Description of the Drawings

[0013] Other features and efficacy of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one of several components applicable to be flipped by an embodiment of the component flipping device, component flipping method, and component flipping equipment of the present invention, and the component is in a first state;

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the component in a second state;

[0016] Figure 3 is an incomplete perspective view showing a component flipping equipment of this embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4 is a side view showing a component flipping device of the component flipping equipment;

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a retainer of the component flipping equipment;

[0019] Figure 6 is an incompletely disassembled perspective exploded view showing the retainer;

[0020] Figure 7 is an incomplete and partially sectioned cross-sectional view showing the retainer in a non-retaining state, and a second slider and a stopper of the retainer are respectively in a non-limiting position and a non-blocking position;

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the stopper of the retainer in a blocking position;

[0022] Figure 9 is an incomplete and partially sectioned cross-sectional view showing the retainer in a retaining state, and the second slider and the stopper are respectively in a limiting position and a blocking position;

[0023] Figure 10 is a side view showing one of several first pick-and-place devices of the component flipping device;

[0024] Figure 11 is a side view showing one of several second pick-and-place devices of the component flipping device;

[0025] Figure 12 is a step flow chart showing a component flipping method of this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 13 is a side view schematically showing the states of the component before and after flipping;

[0027] Figure 14 is an incomplete and partially sectional view showing the first pick-and-place device placing the component into the holder;

[0028] Figure 15 is an incomplete and partially sectional view showing the component being held by the holder;

[0029] Figure 16 is a side view similar to Figure 4 showing the state after the rotation of a swivel base unit of the component flipping device;

[0030] Figure 17 is an incomplete and partially sectional view showing the state after the holder is flipped;

[0031] Figure 18 is an incomplete and partially sectional view showing that the stopper of the holder is in the non-stopping position and the second pick-and-place device picks up the component;

[0032] Figure 19 is an incomplete and partially sectional view showing that the holder is in the non-holding state and the second pick-and-place device takes out the component from the holder;

[0033] Figure 20 is a step flow chart showing another implementation aspect of the component flipping method;

[0034] Figure 21 is an incomplete and partially sectional view showing the second pick-and-place device placing the component on the holder; and

[0035] Figure 22 is an incomplete and partially sectional view showing the first pick-and-place device taking out the component from the holder.

[0036]

Symbol Explanation

[0037] 1: Component flipping device

[0038] 10: Component flipping device

[0039] 11: First picking and placing device

[0040] 12: Second picking and placing device

[0041] 2: Rotating unit

[0042] 21: Base group

[0043] 211: Top seat surface

[0044] 22: Rotating group

[0045] 3: Rotary seat unit

[0046] 30: Body seat plate part

[0047] 31: First seat arm part

[0048] 311: First mounting surface

[0049] 32: Second seat arm part

[0050] 321: Second mounting surface

[0051] 41: First holding unit

[0052] 42: Second holding unit

[0053] 43: Holder

[0054] 5: Support structure

[0055] 50: Support plate seat

[0056] 51: First support seat

[0057] 52: Second support seat

[0058] 6: Receiving seat structure

[0059] 61: First receiving seat

[0060] 611: First receiving groove

[0061] 62: Second receiving seat

[0062] 621: Second receiving groove

[0063] 7: Limiting mechanism

[0064] 71: Limiting group

[0065] 711: First cylinder

[0066] 712: First piston rod

[0067] 713: First slider

[0068] 713a: Side block part

[0069] 713b: Middle block part

[0070] 714: Slide rod member

[0071] 715: Insert rod member

[0072] 715a: Rod tail part

[0073] 715b: Rod head part

[0074] 715c: Rod body part

[0075] 716: First elastic member

[0076] 717: Second slider

[0077] 717a: Main block part

[0078] 717b: Sub-block part

[0079] 72: Stopping group

[0080] 721: Second cylinder

[0081] 722: Second piston rod

[0082] 723: Stopping member

[0083] M1: Element flipping method

[0084] S11: Clamping step

[0085] S21: First placement step

[0086] S22: Second placement step

[0087] S31: Holding step

[0088] S41: Flipping step

[0089] S51: First release step

[0090] S52: Second release step

[0091] S61: Suction step

[0092] S71: First taking-out step

[0093] S72: Second taking-out step

[0094] 9: Element

[0095] 91: First part

[0096] 911: First surface

[0097] 912: Second surface

[0098] 92: Second part

[0099] 93: Third part

[0100] A11: Rotation axis

[0101] D11: First extension direction

[0102] D12: Second extension direction

[0103] D13: Telescopic direction

[0104] P11: Machine table surface Detailed implementation mode

[0105] Refer to Figure 1 、 2 、3, an embodiment of the element flipping device, element flipping method and element flipping equipment of the present invention includes an element flipping equipment 1 (see Figure 3 ), and an element flipping method M1 (see Figure 12 ), and is applicable to flipping several elements 9. Since the structures of the said elements 9 are the same as each other, so Figure 1 、 2 only shows one of the elements 9 as a representative.

[0106] Refer to Figure 1 , each of the said elements 9 is provided with a first part 91 extending along a first extension direction D11, and a second part 92 and a third part 93 extending from two opposite ends of the first part 91 along a second extension direction D12 perpendicular to the first extension direction D11.

[0107] Each of the said first parts 91 is a button of an electronic product, so the material of each of the said first parts 91 is a hard material conducive to pressing operations, such as metal, glass or plastic. Each of the said first parts 91 is provided with a first surface 911 and a second surface 912 opposite to each other.

[0108] Each of the said second parts 92 extends out from the second surface 912 of each respective first part 91 along the second extension direction D12, and each of the said second parts 92 is a strip-shaped circuit board (strip).

[0109] Each of the said third parts 93 is cylindrical with an axial direction the same as the second extension direction D12. Each of the said third parts 93 is spaced from each respective second part 92 in the first extension direction D11.

[0110] Refer to Figure 1 、2 , wherein, the reference basis for the first extension direction D11 and the second extension direction D12 is each of the components 9. Specifically, the first extension direction D11 is in the same direction as the up-down direction in Figure 1 , and the second extension direction D12 is in the same direction as the front-back direction in Figure 1 . However, when the component 9 in Figure 1 is flipped as shown in Figure 2 , the first extension direction D11 is in the same direction as the front-back direction, and the second extension direction D12 is in the same direction as the up-down direction. In addition, the so-called "flip" in this embodiment, taking Figure 1 and 2 as representatives for comparison, is to flip 90 degrees around an axis with the axial direction in the same direction as the left-right direction, but in fact, it can also be flipped in other forms.

[0111] Referring to Figure 3 , 4 , 5, the component flipping device 1 (see Figure 3 ) is provided with a component flipping device 10 suitable for flipping the component 9, several first picking and placing devices 11 suitable for placing the component 9 on the component flipping device 10 (please refer to Figure 10 for assistance), and several second picking and placing devices 12 suitable for taking out the component 9 from the component flipping device 10 (please refer to Figure 11 for assistance).

[0112] The component flipping device 10 is provided with a rotating unit 2 suitable for being arranged on a machine table surface P11 (see Figure 4 ), a rotating base unit 3 arranged on the rotating unit 2, and several first holding units 41 and several second holding units 42 arranged on the rotating base unit 3.

[0113] The rotating base unit 3 is provided with a base group 21 located on the machine table surface P11, and a rotating group 22 arranged on the base group 21. The rotating group 22 is a stepping motor capable of driving the rotating base unit 3 to rotate, but in practice, it can also be a servo motor.

[0114] The base group 21 is provided with a top seat surface 211 inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The normal vector of the top seat surface 211 is inclined 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane (also inclined 45 degrees to the machine table surface P11). The rotating group 22 is arranged on the top seat surface 211 and can drive the rotating base unit 3 to rotate.

[0115] The rotating base unit 3 can be driven by the rotating group 22 to rotate around a rotation axis A11 relative to the horizontal plane as the rotation center. The rotation axis A11 is inclined 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the extension direction of the rotation axis A11 is in the same direction as, or parallel to, the normal vector of the top seat surface 211.

[0116] The swivel base unit 3 is rotationally symmetrically designed. Specifically, the swivel base unit 3 rotates around the rotation axis A11 as the rotation center and returns to its original state every 180 degrees of rotation. The swivel base unit 3 is provided with a main body base plate portion 30 on the rotation group 22, and a first arm portion 31 and a second arm portion 32 extending from the top and bottom ends of the main body base plate portion 30.

[0117] The main body base plate portion 30 is approximately in the shape of a rectangular plate extending in the left-right longitudinal direction. The normal vector of the main body base plate portion 30 is in the same direction / parallel to the extension direction of the rotation axis A11.

[0118] Each of the first arm portion 31 and the second arm portion 32 extends from the main body base plate portion 30 along a direction parallel to the normal vector of the main body base plate portion 30. Each of the first arm portion 31 and the second arm portion 32 extends in the left-right longitudinal direction.

[0119] The first arm portion 31 is provided with a first mounting surface 311 extending horizontally and facing upward (the normal vector is in the same direction as the up-down direction). The length direction of the first mounting surface 311 is in the same direction as the left-right direction, and the width direction is in the same direction as the front-back direction.

[0120] The second arm portion 32 is provided with a second mounting surface 321 extending vertically and facing forward (the normal vector is in the same direction as the front-back direction). The length direction of the second mounting surface 321 is in the same direction as the left-right direction, and the width direction is in the same direction as the up-down direction. The width direction of the second mounting surface 321 is perpendicular to the width direction of the first mounting surface 311. That is to say, the normal vectors of the second mounting surface 321 and the first mounting surface 311 are perpendicular to each other, or the second mounting surface 321 is perpendicular to the first mounting surface 311.

[0121] The outer shape of the second mounting surface 321 is the same as that of the first mounting surface 311, and when the swivel base unit 3 rotates 180 degrees around the rotation axis A11, the first mounting surface 311 and the second mounting surface 321 will swap positions. That is to say, the first mounting surface 311 and the second mounting surface 321 are rotationally symmetric around the rotation axis A11 in units of 180 degrees.

[0122] Please mainly refer to Figure 3, the first holding units 41 are arranged horizontally and adjacent to each other left and right in a straight line on the first mounting surface 311. That is to say, the arrangement direction of the first holding units 41 is the same as the length direction of the first mounting surface 311, and the placement directions and manners of the first holding units 41 are the same as each other. The second holding units 42 are arranged vertically and adjacent to each other left and right in a straight line on the second mounting surface 321. That is to say, the arrangement direction of the second holding units 42 is the same as the length direction of the second mounting surface 321, and the placement directions and manners of the second holding units 42 are the same as each other.

[0123] Similarly, when the rotating base unit 3 rotates 180 degrees with the rotation axis A11 as the rotation center, the first holding units 41 on the first mounting surface 311 and the second holding units 42 on the second mounting surface 321 will exchange positions. That is to say, the first holding units 41 and the second holding units 42 are rotationally symmetric with the rotation axis A11 as the rotation center and in units of 180 degrees.

[0124] Each of the first holding units 41 and the second holding units 42 is a holder 43 as shown in Figure 5 and is applicable to holding a respective one of the elements 9. Since the structures of the holders 43 are the same as each other, in the following description, one of the holders 43 and a corresponding one of the elements 9 will be described as a representative. In addition, since the purpose of each holder 43 is to hold a respective one of the elements 9, in the following description, the first extension direction D11 and the second extension direction D12 defined by the element 9 will be used for supplementary explanation.

[0125] Refer to Figure 5 、 6 、7, the holder 43 is provided with a support structure 5, a seat structure 6 provided on the support structure 5 and applicable to accommodate the element 9, and a limiting mechanism 7 applicable to limit the element 9 in the seat structure 6.

[0126] The support structure 5 is provided with a support plate base 50 extending horizontally with a square plate-shaped top surface, and a first support seat 51 and a second support seat 52 erected on the support plate base 50.

[0127] The length direction of the first support seat 51 is the same as the left-right direction and is in a U shape with an upward opening. The first support seat 51 is fixedly arranged on the support plate base 50.

[0128] The second support base 52 is perpendicular to the first support base 51. Specifically, the length direction of the second support base 52 extends longitudinally forward and backward in the same direction as the second extension direction D12 and is perpendicular to the first support base 51. The second support base 52 is fixedly arranged on the support plate base 50.

[0129] The receptacle structure 6 is provided with a first receptacle 61 and a second receptacle 62 that extend along the first extension direction D11 and the second extension direction D12 respectively.

[0130] The first receptacle 61 is vertically and fixedly arranged on the support plate base 50 of the support structure 5 and extends left and right. The outer shape of the first receptacle 61 is generally plate-shaped, and a first receiving groove 611 that recesses downward from top to bottom and penetrates forward and backward is formed in the central part of the first receptacle 61. The first receiving groove 611 is adapted to receive the first part 91 of the component 9 (please refer to Figure 14 、 15 ). The width of the top part of the first receiving groove 611 gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the bottom part of the first receiving groove 611 is semi-circular, which is conducive to the insertion of the first part 91.

[0131] The second receptacle 62 is fixedly arranged at the top end of the first support base 51 in a horizontal swing manner and is generally plate-shaped. The second receptacle 62 is perpendicular to the first receptacle 61, and the top end of the second receptacle 62 is at the same height as the top end of the first receptacle 61 (see Figure 7 for illustration). A second receiving groove 621 that recesses downward from top to bottom is formed on the top surface of the second receptacle 62. The second receiving groove 621 extends longitudinally forward and backward along the second extension direction D12 and penetrates forward and backward, and is adapted to receive the second part 92 of the component 9.

[0132] The limiting mechanism 7 is provided with a limiting group 71 and a blocking group 72 located on the support structure 5.

[0133] The limiting group 71 is provided with a first cylinder 711 fixedly arranged on the rear side of the support plate base 50 and the first support base 51 (see Figure 7 for illustration), a first piston rod 712 inserted into the first cylinder 711 and the first support base 51, a first slider 713 spaced in front of the first cylinder 711 and the first support base 51, two sliding rods 714 respectively inserted on the left and right sides of the first support base 51 and protruding forward into the first slider 713 (see Figure 6 for illustration), and a plug rod 715 protruding forward from the first piston rod 712 and inserted into the first slider 713 (see Figure 7As shown schematically, a first elastic member 716 sleeved on the insertion rod member 715 and located between the first plug rod 712 and the first slider 713 in the front and back directions, and a second slider 717 screwed on the top end of the first slider 713.

[0134] The first plug rod 712 extends back and forth along the second extension direction D12. The main body part of the first plug rod 712 is inserted into the first cylinder 711 and can be driven by the first cylinder 711 to move back and forth telescopically along the second extension direction D12. The front end of the first plug rod 712 can drive the insertion rod member 715 to move back and forth.

[0135] The first slider 713 is provided with two side block parts 713a spaced left and right from each other (see Figure 6 ), and a middle block part 713b integrally connected between the side block parts 713a.

[0136] Each sliding rod member 714 extends back and forth along the second extension direction D12. One end of each sliding rod member 714 is fixedly arranged on the first support base 51. The other end of each sliding rod member 714 is loosely inserted into one of the side block parts 713a of the first slider 713.

[0137] The insertion rod member 715 extends back and forth along the second extension direction D12, and is provided with a rod tail part 715a screwed and fixed on the first plug rod 712, a rod head part 715b opposite to the rod tail part 715a, and a rod body part 715c connecting between the rod tail part 715a and the head part. The radial width of the rod head part 715b is greater than the radial widths of the rod tail part 715a and the rod body part 715c. The rod head part 715b is inserted into the middle block part 713b of the first slider 713, can move forward relative to the middle block part 713b, and can drive the middle block part 713b to move backward together. The rod body part 715c is loosely inserted into the middle block part 713b.

[0138] The axial direction of the first elastic member 716 is the same as the second extension direction D12, and it is sleeved on the rod body part 715c of the insertion rod member 715. The first elastic member 716 abuts between the first plug rod 712 and the middle block part 713b of the first slider 713.

[0139] The second slider 717 and the first slider 713 are stacked up and down along the first extension direction D11, and the second slider 717 is screwed and fixed on the top end of the first slider 713. The second slider 717 is provided with a main block part 717a, and two sub-block parts 717b protruding forward from the main block part 717a along the second extension direction D12. The sub-block parts 717b are spaced up and down along the first extension direction D11, so that the second slider 717 is slightly in a Y shape.

[0140] The stop group 72 and the limit group 71 are respectively located on the front and rear opposite sides of the first receiving groove 611 in the second extension direction D12. The stop group 72 is provided with a second cylinder 721 inserted into the second support base 52, a second piston rod 722 inserted into the second cylinder 721, and a stop member 723 mounted on the second piston rod 722.

[0141] The outer shape of the second cylinder 721 is cylindrical, and it is fixedly arranged on the second support base 52 in the left-right axial direction. The second piston rod 722 can expand and contract relative to the second cylinder 721 along a telescopic direction D13 that is perpendicular (specifically, perpendicular) to the first extension direction D11 and the second extension direction D12. The stop member 723 and the second slider 717 of the limit group 71 are located on the front and rear opposite sides of the first receiving groove 611 in the second extension direction D12 (see Figure 7 for illustration). The stop member 723 can be driven by the second piston rod 722 to move left and right along the telescopic direction D13 (in Figure 7 it moves along the direction in and out of the paper plane).

[0142] Refer to Figure 5 、 7 、8, 9, the retainer 43 can be transformed between a non-retaining state as shown in Figure 5 、 7 and a retaining state as shown in Figure 8 、 9 .

[0143] Refer to Figure 5 、 6 、7. In the non-retaining state, the second slider 717 of the limit group 71 is in a non-limiting position, and the stop member 723 of the stop group 72 is in a non-stopping position.

[0144] In the non-limiting position, the second slider 717 is not inserted into the first seat 61 and is not inserted into the first receiving groove 611 of the first seat 61. In the non-stopping position, the stop member 723 does not block on one side of the first receiving groove 611. Specifically, in the non-stopping position, the stop member 723 does not block the two groove edges that are located on the left and right sides of the first receiving groove 611 and extend vertically up and down, and does not block at the front end of the first receiving groove 611.

[0145] When the first cylinder 711 drives the first piston rod 712 to move along the second extension direction D12 towards the first slider 713, the first elastic member 716 can push against the first slider 713 to drive the second slider 717 to a limiting position. When the second cylinder 721 drives the second piston rod 722 to protrude from the second cylinder 721 along the telescopic direction D13, the stopper 723 can be driven to a blocking position. When the second slider 717 is in the limiting position and the stopper 723 is in the blocking position, the retainer 43 changes to the holding state.

[0146] Refer to Figure 6 、 8 、9. At the limiting position, the second slider 717 is inserted into the first socket 61 and into the first receiving groove 611 of the first socket 61. At the blocking position, the stopper 723 blocks one side of the first receiving groove 611, and the stopper 723 blocks the two upright groove edges on the left and right beside the first receiving groove 611 and blocks the front end of the first receiving groove 611.

[0147] When the first cylinder 711 drives the first piston rod 712 to move along the second extension direction D12 away from the first slider 713, that is, drives the first piston rod 712 to retract into the first cylinder 711, the rod head 715b of the inserting rod member 715 can be driven to pull the first slider 713 to drive the second slider 717 to return to the non-limiting position. When the second cylinder 721 drives the second piston rod 722 to retract into the second cylinder 721 along the telescopic direction D13, the stopper 723 can be driven to return to the non-blocking position. When the second slider 717 returns to the non-limiting position and the stopper 723 returns to the non-blocking position, the retainer 43 returns to the non-holding state.

[0148] Refer to Figure 10 、 11 , each first picking and placing device 11 can clamp one end of the first part 91 of a respective one of the elements 9 and clamp the first surface 911 and the second surface 912. Each first picking and placing device 11 can also suck one of the second parts 92 of a respective one of the elements 9. Each second picking and placing device 12 can suck the first surface 911 of the first part 91 of a respective one of the elements 9 by forming a negative pressure.

[0149] Refer to Figure 3 、 12 、13, the element flipping method M1 (see Figure 12 ) is applicable to running with the element flipping device 1 (see Figure 3 ) to flip the said element 9 as shown in Figure 13 . Among them, each element 9 can be like Figure 13Is flipped from a first state to a second state as shown.

[0150] Refer to Figure 1 , in the first state: The first part 91 of each of the elements 9 extends vertically. That is, the first extension direction D11 along which each of the elements 9 extends is in the same direction as the vertical direction. The second part 92 of each of the elements 9 extends horizontally. That is, the second extension direction D12 along which the second part 92 of each of the elements 9 extends is in the same direction as the front - rear direction.

[0151] Refer to Figure 2 , in the second state: The first part 91 of each of the elements 9 extends horizontally. That is, the first extension direction D11 along which each of the elements 9 extends is in the same direction as the front - rear direction. The second part 92 of each of the elements 9 extends vertically. That is, the second extension direction D12 along which the second part 92 of each of the elements 9 extends is in the same direction as the vertical direction.

[0152] Refer to Figure 12 , the element flipping method M1 includes a clamping step S11, a first placing step S21, a holding step S31, a flipping step S41, a first releasing step S51, a sucking step S61, and a first taking - out step S71.

[0153] Refer to Figure 3 , 10 , 12, in the clamping step S11, each of the first picking - and - placing devices 11 clamps the first part 91 of a respective one of the elements 9 and sucks the second part 92 of the element 9. Among them, each of the first picking - and - placing devices 11 clamps each of the first parts 91 by clamping the first surface 911 and the second surface 912 of each of the first parts 91.

[0154] Refer to Figure 12 , 14 , 15, when performing the first placing step S21, each of the first holding units 41 is in the non - holding state. In the first placing step S21, each of the first picking - and - placing devices 11, as Figure 14 shown, places a respective one of the elements 9 into a respective one of the first holding units 41.

[0155] Refer to Figure 8 , 12 , 15, in the holding step S31, while the first picking - and - placing device 11 still clamps and sucks the element 9, each of the first cylinders 711 drives a respective one of the second sliders 717, so that each of the second sliders 717 moves along the second extension direction D12 as Figure 15extends to between the second part 92 and the third part 93 of each respective one of the elements 9 as shown, so that each second slider 717 is transformed to the limiting position. Each second cylinder 721 drives a respective one of the stoppers 723 to move along the telescopic direction D13 to one side of a respective one of the first receiving grooves 611, so that each stopper 723 is transformed to the stopping position. That is to say, in the holding step S31, each first holding unit 41 is transformed from the non-holding state to the holding state.

[0156] In the holding state: the third part 93 of each element 9 is limited between a respective one of the second sliders 717 and above and below a respective one of the first receiving seats 61 in the first extending direction D11. The first part 91 of each element 9 is limited between a respective one of the second sliders 717 and a respective one of the stoppers 723 in the second extending direction D12. In this way, it is possible to prevent each element 9 from disengaging from a respective one of the first receiving grooves 611 along the first extending direction D11 or along the second extending direction D12. In addition, since the first holding units 41 are arranged in a straight line on the first mounting surface 311 (see Figure 3 ), so the elements 9 are held by the first holding units 41 in a straight line arrangement. After the element 9 is firmly held by the first holding unit 41, the first pick-and-place device 11 will release (release the clamping and suction of) the element 9 (not shown in the figure).

[0157] Refer to Figure 3 、 4 、16, in the flipping step S41 (see Figure 12 ), the rotating unit 2 of the element flipping device 10 will drive the rotating seat unit 3 to rotate by driving with the rotating group 22. Specifically, the rotating unit 2 rotates 180 degrees with the rotation axis A11 inclined 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane as the rotation center, so that the first holding units 41 and the second holding units 42 also rotate around the rotation axis A11, and as Figure 4 and Figure 16 shown to swap positions. At the same time, the element 9 will also be driven by the first holding unit 41 and as Figure 15 and as Figure 17 shown to be flipped from the first state to the second state.

[0158] Refer to Figure 12 、 17 、18, in the first release step S51, each second cylinder 721 drives a respective one of the stoppers 723 to withdraw from one side of a respective one of the first receiving grooves 611 along the telescopic direction D13, so that each stopper 723 is transformed to the non-stopping position as Figure 17 transformed to as Figure 18 shown.

[0159] Refer to Figure 12 、 18 、19. In the sucking step S61, several second pick-and-place devices 12 respectively suck the components 9 as shown in Figure 18 . Specifically, each of the second pick-and-place devices 12 sucks the first surface 911 of a respective first part 91 of the component 9.

[0160] In the first taking-out step S71, each of the second pick-and-place devices 12 takes out a respective component 9 upward from the first holding unit 41. Each first cylinder 711 drives a respective second slider 717, so that each second slider 717 withdraws from between the second part 92 and the third part 93 of a respective component 9 along the second extension direction D12, and each second slider 717 is transformed to the non-limiting position.

[0161] Refer to Figure 3 、 4 、5. The feature of this embodiment is that the component flipping method M1 can be performed by the swivel unit 3, the first holding unit 41, the second holding unit 42 and the rotating unit 2 of the component flipping device 1, that is, multiple components 9 can be flipped mechanically. Therefore, compared with manual operation, this embodiment has the characteristic of higher operation efficiency.

[0162] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 20 . In other embodiments of the present invention, the component 9 can also be first placed on the second holding unit 42 by the second pick-and-place device 12, and after flipping, the component 9 is taken out from the second holding unit 42 by the first pick-and-place device 11. In this embodiment, the component flipping method M1 includes the sucking step S61, a second placing step S22, the holding step S31, the flipping step S41, a second releasing step S52, the clamping step S11, and a second taking-out step S72.

[0163] Refer to Figure 11 、 20 . In the sucking step S61, as shown in Figure 11 , each of the second pick-and-place devices 12 sucks the first surface 911 of a respective first part 91 of the component 9.

[0164] Refer to Figure 20 、 21 . In the second placing step S22, as shown in Figure 21 , each of the second pick-and-place devices 12 places a respective component 9 on a respective second holding unit 42 and then releases a respective component 9.

[0165] Refer to Figure 17 and 20 , in the holding step S31, each of the second holding units 42 is switched to the holding state as shown in Figure 17 to hold each respective one of the components 9.

[0166] Refer to Figure 4 and 16 , 20. In the flipping step S41, the second holding unit 42 and the first holding unit 41 exchange positions as shown in Figures 4 to 16 to exchange positions.

[0167] Refer to Figure 14 and 15 , 20. In the second releasing step S52, each of the second holding units 42 changes from the holding state to the non-holding state as shown in Figures 15 to 14 the change.

[0168] In the clamping step S11, each of the first pick-and-place devices 11 clamps the first part 91 of each respective one of the components 9 as shown in Figure 14 and sucks the second part 92 of the component 9.

[0169] Refer to Figure 20 and 22 . In the second taking-out step S72, each of the first pick-and-place devices 11 lifts each respective one of the components 9 upward from the second holding unit 42.

[0170] In summary, the functions of the component flipping device, the component flipping method, and the component flipping equipment of the present invention are as follows: It can mechanically flip a plurality of the components 9. Therefore, compared with manual operation, this embodiment has the characteristic of higher operation efficiency.

[0171] The above description is only for the embodiments of the present invention, and it cannot be used to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Moreover, the simple equivalent changes and modifications in accordance with the scope of the patent application of the present invention and the patent specification should also be covered by the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

Claims

1. A component flipping device, suitable for flipping a number of components, and comprising: A rotating seat unit can be driven to rotate with a rotating axis inclined relative to a horizontal plane as a rotating center, and is provided with a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface that intersect each other transversely; A plurality of first holding units are arranged adjacently on the first mounting surface, each of the first holding units being adapted to hold a respective one of the components; A plurality of second holding units are arranged adjacently on the second mounting surface, each of the second holding units being adapted to hold a respective one of the components; and A rotating unit can drive the rotating seat unit to rotate, so that the first holding unit and the second holding unit exchange positions with the rotating axis as the rotation center to flip the component.

2. The component turning device according to claim 1, wherein: The first mounting surface extends laterally, and its length direction is in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the first holding units. The second mounting surface extends up and down, and its length direction is in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the second holding units. The first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are rotationally symmetrical with the rotation axis as the rotation center. The first holding units are adjacently arranged in a straight line on the first mounting surface, and the second holding units are adjacently arranged in a straight line on the second mounting surface. The first holding unit and the second holding unit are rotationally symmetrical with the rotation axis as the rotation center.

3. The component turning device according to claim 2, wherein: The first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are perpendicular to each other, the rotation axis is inclined 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are rotationally symmetrical with the rotation axis as the rotation center and in units of 180 degrees, and the first holding unit and the second holding unit are rotationally symmetrical with the rotation axis as the rotation center and in units of 180 degrees.

4. The component turning device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating unit is provided with a base group and a rotating group arranged on the base group. The base group is provided with a top seat surface inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The extension direction of the normal vector of the top seat surface is the same as the extension direction of the rotating axis. The rotating group is arranged on the top seat surface and can drive the rotating seat unit to rotate.

5. The component turning device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first holding unit and the second holding unit is a holder, and each of the holders is provided with a seat structure suitable for accommodating a respective one of the components, and a limiting mechanism suitable for restricting a respective one of the components in the seat structure.

6. The component flipping device as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the components has a first portion extending along a first extension direction, and a second portion connected to one end of the first portion and extending along a second extension direction, the second extension direction being transverse to the first extension direction, wherein: Each of the receptacle structures is provided with a first receptacle and a second receptacle extending along the first extension direction and the second extension direction respectively. Each of the first receptacles defines a first receiving groove suitable for receiving the first portion of a respective one of the components. Each of the second receptacles is suitable for receiving the second portion of a respective one of the components. Each of the limiting mechanisms is suitable for limiting the first portion of a respective one of the components in a respective one of the first receiving grooves.

7. A component flipping method, comprising: Placing a plurality of components on a plurality of first holding units by using a plurality of first pick-and-place devices; causing the first holding unit to hold the component; The first holding unit is rotated with an inclined rotation axis as the rotation axis, so as to drive each of the components to move and flip; and The components are taken out from the first holding unit by a plurality of second pick-and-place devices.

8. The component flipping method according to claim 7, wherein each of the components has a first portion and a second portion extending transversely to each other, wherein: Each of the elements can be flipped in one of two ways: changing from a first state to a second state or changing from the second state to the first state. In the first state, the first portion of each of the elements extends up and down, and the second portion of each of the elements extends laterally. In the second state, the first portion of each of the elements extends laterally, and the second portion of each of the elements extends up and down.

9. The component flipping method according to claim 8, wherein: In the first state, each of the components is taken in and placed in a manner that the first portion is clamped or released, and in the second state, each of the components is taken in and placed in a manner that the first portion is sucked or released.

10. A component flipping device, capable of executing the component flipping method according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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