Automatic precise assembling method for gas meter shell, connector and ring

Abstract

According to the automatic precise assembling method for the shell, the connector and the ring of the gas meter, the assembling process of the gas meter is remarkably optimized by introducing four core technologies including a modular positioning device, a diversified press-fitting machine, an efficient feeding system and an integrated control system. Wherein the innovative design of the positioning device supports multi-directional accurate positioning, so that the assembling stability is ensured; the applicability of various press-fitting machines is wide, and the press-fitting requirements of products of different specifications are met; the feeding efficiency of the materials is greatly improved through efficient cooperation of the feeding system and the conveying system; and the integrated control system realizes the monitoring and coordination of the whole process, and ensures the accuracy and consistency of the processing action. On the whole, the production line not only improves the assembly efficiency and the production takt of the gas meter, but also reduces the labor cost and potential human errors, and brings remarkable economic and quality double advantages to the field of gas meter manufacturing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application with the filing date of April 15, 2024, application number 2024104461458, and invention title "Assembly production line, positioning device, and assembly method for gas meter housing and interface". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of automated assembly technology. Specifically, it is an assembly production line for a gas meter housing and interface, as well as the application of key technologies such as positioning devices, pressing equipment, feeding, and conveying systems, aiming to improve the degree of automation and production efficiency in the manufacturing process of gas meters and ensure the stability and reliability of product quality. Background Art

[0003] Referring to the attached Figure 1 , generally, the components included in the assembly of a gas meter housing and interface are: upper housing 01, joint 02 (external component), and ring 03 (internal component). The upper housing is provided with an inlet end and an outlet end, and both the inlet end and the outlet end have flanges 011 formed by downward stretching. Gas enters through the inlet of the housing and directly flows into the internal part of the movement assembly.

[0004] The joint 02 is the part connected to the external gas pipeline. During the connection process, the outer wall of the connection part of the joint 02 is usually slightly larger than the inner wall of the ring 03, so that the upper housing 01 can be squeezed in the middle during assembly to form an interference fit. This design can ensure a tight connection between the joint and the housing and effectively prevent gas leakage.

[0005] The ring 03, as an internal component, is sleeved on the inner wall of the housing joint. When the joint 02 is pressed into the upper housing 01, the ring 03 will be squeezed, further strengthening the connection between the joint 02 and the upper housing 01. This design simplifies the installation process and also reduces the requirements for workers' skills.

[0006] Traditional assembly methods, such as those disclosed in the authorized announcement number CN 105424123 B, although providing a membrane type gas meter movement front and rear flag assembly device including a base, a pressing mechanism, and a sliding mechanism, and having the characteristics of convenient and fast operation, still have problems of more assembly steps and lower efficiency in the pressing assembly process. In particular, since the joint 02 is located above the upper housing and the ring 03 is located below the upper housing, how to effectively press the joint 02 and the ring 03 into the upper housing 01 simultaneously during the pressing process has become a challenge.

[0007] Therefore, although the prior art has made certain progress, there is still a need for a new assembly method that can further optimize the assembly process, improve the assembly efficiency, and thus meet the growing production requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present invention provides an assembly production line for a gas meter housing and an interface. Through a modular positioning device, a parallel operation mode, precise pressing equipment and a feeding system, as well as integrated control, the high efficiency, precision and cost reduction of the assembly production line for the gas meter housing and the interface are realized.

[0009] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is realized as follows: An assembly production line for a gas meter housing and an interface includes a pressing operation table arranged on the production line, a moving device arranged on the pressing operation table, pressing equipment installed on the moving device, a feeding and conveying system connected to the pressing operation table, and an integrated control system for controlling the entire production line; wherein: 1) Multiple groups of modularly designed positioning devices are provided on the pressing operation table. When the pressing equipment presses the workpiece on one group of positioning devices, the feeding and conveying system can feed another group or multiple groups of positioning devices, thereby realizing the assembly process in a production line operation mode; 2) The moving device can precisely move in the X, Y, and Z directions, carry the pressing equipment to perform pressing operations on each positioning device, and at the same time drive the pushing assembly installed on the driving installation plate below it to push the ring into place.

[0010] Preferably, the pressing equipment adopts various types of pressing machines such as hydraulic presses, screw presses, and servo presses. The beneficial effect is that it can carry different types of pressing machines for operation, providing diversified pressing options and enhancing the adaptability and flexibility of the production line.

[0011] Preferably, the feeding and conveying system includes an upper housing conveyor belt, a diversified feeding device, and an automatic ring feeding assembly. The beneficial effect is that the feeding and conveying system includes multiple components, realizing a comprehensive and continuous feeding function and ensuring the continuous operation of the production line.

[0012] Preferably, at least two of the positioning devices are arranged in rows in the X-axis direction and can be arranged in multiple columns in the Y-axis direction. The beneficial effect is that the positioning devices are arranged in rows, optimizing the space utilization and increasing the number of workpieces that can be processed in a single cycle.

[0013] Preferably, the upward extending part of the moving device is used to carry the pressing equipment, and the downward extending part is fixedly installed with a driving installation plate. The beneficial effect is that the moving device has the ability to move in multiple directions, improving the flexibility and precision of the equipment and increasing the working range at the same time.

[0014] Preferably, the driving installation plate is used to carry and install a pushing assembly corresponding to each positioning device arranged in the X-axis direction one by one. The beneficial effect is that multiple pushing assemblies are installed on the driving installation plate, realizing synchronous operation and improving the assembly speed and efficiency.

[0015] The present invention also provides a positioning device, which is applied to an assembly production line: comprising a positioning module arranged on a press-fitting workbench, a press-fitting station arranged on the upper surface of the positioning module, a positioning assembly hole arranged in the press-fitting station and coaxial with the corresponding interface of the upper shell, an elastic positioning column installed in the positioning assembly hole, and an automatic ring feeding assembly connected to one side of the press-fitting station, a feeding channel of the automatic ring feeding assembly arranged on one side of each press-fitting station, and a drawing mechanism arranged between the feeding channel and the press-fitting station and having elasticity in the vertical direction. The advantage is that the design of the positioning device enables the station to stably receive and fix the ring, thereby improving the assembly accuracy.

[0016] Preferably, the outer surface shape and size of the positioning module matches or is slightly smaller than the inner space of the upper shell. Advantageously, the outer surface shape of the positioning device matches the upper shell, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the device.

[0017] Preferably, the press-fitting station is in the form of a horizontal plane, and its plane size exceeds the maximum diameter of the corresponding ring. The benefit is that it ensures that the horizontal surface of the press-fitting station exceeds the ring diameter to adapt to rings of different sizes.

[0018] Preferably, the positioning module is raised upward to leave space, and the space is used as an extension of the feeding channel. The benefit is that the space is provided as an extension of the feeding channel, which facilitates the feeding action of the ring.

[0019] Preferably, the stripping mechanism comprises an actuator which is rotatable and also elastic in the vertical direction. Advantageously, the stripping mechanism is designed to be elastic and rotatable, which helps to reduce the risk of the ring being impacted and damaged during the feeding process.

[0020] Preferably, the toggle portion of the actuator is designed to be arc-shaped, and a cover plate is fixedly arranged on its upward side. The arc-shaped design and the cover plate protection enhance the durability and stability of the draw mechanism.

[0021] The present invention also provides an automated precise assembly method for a gas meter housing, an interface and a ring, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Use a specially designed positioning device to fix and support the upper shell, the positioning device includes a positioning module whose shape matches the internal space of the upper shell, a press-fitting station opened on the upper surface of the positioning module, and an elastic positioning column arranged in the press-fitting station; Step 2: The rings are transported to the assembly line through the automatic ring feeding assembly, and the rings are pushed to the pressing station with the help of the pushing assembly and the pulling mechanism; Step 3: Automatically load the upper shell onto the positioning device; Step 4: Automatically feed the connectors to the specified positions; Step 5: The mobile device drives the press-fitting equipment to perform parallel press-fitting operations on different positioning devices, and at the same time drives the pushing component to push the ring into position; Step 6: The integrated control system monitors the press-fitting parameters in real time and conducts quality control; Step 7: After completion, pick and place the assembled products and conduct quality inspection.

[0022] The advantage lies in that the overall method realizes automated precise assembly, significantly improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0023] Preferably, the diameter of the press-fitting station of the positioning device is larger than the maximum diameter of the ring; the automatic ring feeding assembly includes a feeding channel and a picking mechanism, and the picking mechanism is arranged between the feeding channel and the press-fitting station; the picking mechanism includes an executable member that can rotate and has elasticity in the vertical direction, a cover plate, and a protective elastic band. The advantage lies in that the design of the press-fitting station and the automatic feeding assembly simplifies the ring feeding process, reduces the assembly time and improves production continuity.

[0024] Preferably, in Step 5, when the press-fitting equipment presses a group of positioning devices, the automatic ring feeding assembly feeds another group or multiple groups of positioning devices. The advantage lies in that the parallel operation mechanism further optimizes the production process, reduces the waiting time, and improves the overall working efficiency.

[0025] Preferably, the method further includes a replenishment opening provided on the press-fitting workbench for replenishing the rings. The advantage lies in that the setting of the replenishment opening facilitates material replenishment, avoids downtime caused by material shortage, and improves the continuous operation ability of the production line.

[0026] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Improve production efficiency: Through the modular designed positioning devices and the ability to work in multiple groups simultaneously, this production line can achieve a streamlined operation of the assembly process, thus significantly improving the assembly efficiency. At the same time, the optimized feeding system and press-fitting equipment can supply and press-fit workpieces quickly and accurately, further improving the production efficiency.

[0027] 2. Reduce production costs: Due to the improvement of production efficiency, more assembly work can be completed per unit time, thus reducing the production cost per piece of product. In addition, the optimized equipment design and parallel operation mode also help to reduce the equipment waiting time and waste of human resources, further reducing the production cost.

[0028] 3. Improve product quality: The integrated control system monitors the pressing parameters in real time, conducts logical control and coordination for the entire pressing process, ensures the accuracy and consistency of the pressing actions, and guarantees product quality at the system level. At the same time, the precise cooperation between the positioning device and the pressing equipment can also ensure the accuracy and stability of the assembly.

[0029] 4. Improve the flexibility and applicability of the production line: This production line can adopt a variety of pressing machine models, which can be flexibly selected according to the assembly requirements of different products to meet various pressing needs. This flexibility enables the production line to adapt to products of different models and specifications, improving the applicability and flexibility of the production line.

[0030] 5. Achieve parallel operation: Through ingenious design, this production line realizes parallel operation in the pressing and feeding links, avoiding errors and efficiency losses caused by waiting for feeding in traditional assembly lines. This parallel operation mode greatly improves the working efficiency of the entire production line.

[0031] 6. Optimize the space layout: The design of the positioning module in the positioning device takes into account the effective use of space. By raising the positioning module, space is provided for the installation of other auxiliary facilities such as pipelines and sensors, which is conducive to making the overall layout of the production line more compact and reasonable.

[0032] 7. Improve the feeding efficiency: By increasing the number of rings that can be fed simultaneously, the number of rings that can be supplied per unit time increases, thereby reducing the time that the pressing equipment needs to wait for feeding, and the production rhythm will also be accelerated accordingly.

[0033] 8. Achieve automated operation: This production line realizes a high degree of automated operation through the integrated control system and automated equipment, reduces the dependence on manual operation, and improves production efficiency and stability.

[0034] In summary, this assembly production line for the gas meter housing and interface realizes efficient, high-quality, and low-cost assembly operations through innovative design and optimized technological processes, which is of great significance for improving production efficiency and reducing production costs. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the upper housing of the gas meter and components such as the interface in the prior art, where a part of the upper housing is cut off; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2-1 is Figure 2 the enlarged view of part A in Figure 3 is the left view of the present invention; Figure 4 isFigure 3 3D view of the A-A section Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the partial structure of the mobile device Figure 6 Logic block diagram of the assembly method Figure 7 3D view of the positioning module Figure 8 3D view of the actuator

[0036] Markings in the figure: upper housing 01, flange 011, joint 02, ring 03, press-fitting workbench 10, positioning device 20, positioning module 21, press-fitting station 22, positioning assembly hole 23, elastic positioning post 24, press-fitting equipment 30, feeding and conveying system 40, automatic ring feeding assembly 50, feeding channel 51, dialing mechanism 52, actuator 521, cover plate 522, protective elastic band 523, integrated control system 60, mobile device 80, drive mounting plate 81, pushing assembly 82, central positioning sleeve rod 821, pusher 822, replenishment opening 90

[0037] Specific technical solution Embodiment 1 Refer to the appendix Figure 2-5 , an assembly production line for a gas meter housing and an interface, where the press-fitting workbench 10 is provided with multiple groups of modular-designed positioning devices 20. When the press-fitting equipment 30 performs press-fitting on the workpieces on one group of positioning devices 20, other feeding mechanisms can perform feeding work on another group or multiple groups of positioning devices 20, thereby realizing the streamlined operation of the assembly process, improving the assembly efficiency and reducing the production cost. Specifically, it includes: 1. Press-fitting equipment 30: Adopts various types of press-fitting machines such as hydraulic press-fitting machines, screw press-fitting machines, and servo press-fitting machines, which can be flexibly selected according to the assembly requirements of different products, meet various press-fitting needs, and improve the applicability and flexibility of the production line.

[0038] 2. Press-fitting workbench 10: It can accurately support and position the parts to be press-fitted, providing a good foundation for the accurate press-fitting operation of the press-fitting equipment 30, thereby ensuring the assembly quality.

[0039] 3. Feeding and conveying system 40: It includes an upper housing conveyor belt, a diversified feeding device, and an automatic ring feeding assembly 50, realizing the efficient and accurate supply of the upper housing 01, joint 02, and ring 03, providing hardware support for the assembly line operation.

[0040] 4. Integrated control system 60: Real-time monitors the press-fitting parameters, conducts logical control and coordination on the entire press-fitting process, ensures the accuracy and consistency of the press-fitting actions, and guarantees the product quality from the system level.

[0041] 5. Positioning device 20: At least two are arranged in rows in the X-axis direction, and can be arranged in multiple columns in the Y-axis direction. This arrangement enables each fixture positioning device to accurately position and fix the upper shell 01 independently, thus ensuring the stability and accuracy of the press-fitting operation, which is one of the keys for the entire production line to operate efficiently.

[0042] 6. Moving device 80: This device can perform precise movements in the three directions of X, Y, and Z. The upward-extending part of the moving device 80 is used to carry the press-fitting device 30 so as to be able to precisely perform the press-fitting operation on each positioning device 20; the downward-extending part is fixedly installed with a driving mounting plate 81. This plate is used to carry and install the pushing components 82 corresponding to each positioning device 20 arranged in the X-axis direction one by one.

[0043] The pushing component 82 is a part of the automatic ring feeding component 50, and its function is to drive the ring to rise during the movement of the press-fitting device 30 to achieve synchronous pushing work.

[0044] The arrangement of the upper and lower parts of the moving device 80 enables the press-fitting device 30 and the pushing component 82 to perform synchronous operations. When the press-fitting device 30 performs press-fitting at a certain station, the corresponding pushing component 82 can push the ring into place.

[0045] The key is that once the press-fitting device 30 completes the press-fitting operation at the current station, it can immediately move to the next station without waiting for the subsequent feeding of the ring because the ring has been delivered in place in advance.

[0046] This carefully designed "parallel business process" greatly saves the waiting time of the press-fitting device 30, enables it to operate efficiently and continuously, thus greatly improving the working efficiency of the entire production line. At the same time, it also avoids the errors that may occur due to waiting for feeding, ensuring the accuracy of assembly.

[0047] Generally speaking, this design concept of cleverly paralleling the press-fitting and feeding links perfectly solves the dilemma of low efficiency and easy generation of errors in the traditional assembly line, and can be regarded as an effective innovative work.

[0048] Among them, for the positioning module 21 in the positioning device 20, the shape and size of its outer surface match or are slightly smaller than the internal space of the upper shell 01 so as to be loaded into the upper shell. There is a cavity left inside the positioning module 21 for installing the components of the automatic ring feeding component 50, see Figure 7 .

[0049] The upper surface of the positioning module 21 is provided with two press-fitting stations 22, corresponding to the positions of the two interfaces in the upper housing. The press-fitting stations 22 are in a horizontal plane, and their planar dimensions exceed the maximum diameter of the corresponding ring 03, so as to ensure that the ring 03 completely falls within the range of the press-fitting station. At the same time, the height of the press-fitting station is flush with the upper surface of the positioning module, ensuring that the ring 03 is completely fitted with the upper housing 01 after press-fitting.

[0050] In each press-fitting station 22, a positioning and assembly hole 23 coaxial with the corresponding interface of the upper housing is provided for positioning the center position of the ring 03. An elastic positioning post 24 is installed in the positioning and assembly hole 23, and its outer dimension matches the inner hole diameter of the ring 03.

[0051] In some embodiments, the positioning module 21 is lifted upward as a whole by a certain height, see Figure 5 , leaving a certain space below it. This part of the space is used as an extension of the feeding channel 51, aiming to increase the number of rings 03 that can be fed simultaneously.

[0052] Such design optimization can further improve the efficiency of the feeding system and lay a foundation for realizing a more efficient assembly line operation. By increasing the number of rings fed simultaneously, the number of rings that can be supplied per unit time will increase, thereby reducing the waiting time for the press-fitting equipment to be fed, and the production rhythm will also be accelerated accordingly.

[0053] At the same time, after the positioning module 21 is lifted as a whole, space is also provided below for the installation of other auxiliary facilities such as pipelines and sensors, which is conducive to making the overall layout of the production line more compact and reasonable.

[0054] In some embodiments, a feeding channel 51 of the automatic ring feeding assembly 50 is provided on one side of each press-fitting station 22. The upper opening of the feeding channel 51 is a horizontal plane that is flush with and fits the press-fitting station 22, facilitating the transmission of the rings.

[0055] The automatic ring feeding assembly 50 further includes a scraping mechanism 52 provided between the feeding channel 51 and the press-fitting station 22 and having elasticity in the vertical (Z-axis) direction. The function of the scraping mechanism 52 is to scrape the ring 03 pushed from the feeding channel 51 onto the press-fitting station 22.

[0056] In order to cooperate with the function of the scraping mechanism 52, it is necessary to optimize the design of the elastic positioning post 24: control its protruding height to be flush with the upper surface of the inner hole after the ring 03 is positioned at the press-fitting station 22. At the same time, a chamfer or bevel is provided on the side of the elastic positioning post 24 close to the center of the positioning module 21, and the starting height of the chamfer / bevel on the column surface is lower than the upper surface of the positioning and assembly hole 73.

[0057] The purpose of this design is that when the ring 03 is loaded, its outer peripheral wall will first contact the chamfer / slant surface of the elastic positioning column 24, thereby squeezing the column downward to shrink and drop it, making room for the ring 03 to land correctly in the press-fitting station 22. After the ring 03 is completely in place, the elastic positioning column 24 will reset and rise due to its own elasticity. At this time, the outer side of the column is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the ring 03 to achieve precise coaxial positioning.

[0058] It is worth noting that the component that pushes the ring 03 will reset and retract after completing the transfer action, which will not affect the positioning of the ring 03 that has been in place.

[0059] Through the above design, the goal of automatic feeding and accurate positioning of the ring 03 is achieved, laying the foundation for the subsequent high-quality press-fitting process. At the same time, in some cases, the positioning module 21 can be raised as a whole, leaving space below for extending the feeding channel 51, thereby increasing the number of synchronously fed rings 03, further improving the feeding efficiency, and making hardware preparations for realizing high-efficiency assembly line operations.

[0060] The drawing mechanism 52 includes an actuator 521 which is rotatable and also elastic in the vertical (Z-axis) direction, and a driving motor (not shown in the figure) which is integrally arranged inside the positioning module 21 and is used to drive the actuator 521 to move.

[0061] See also Figure 8 , the actuator 521 is given elastic design in the vertical direction in order to meet the space requirements under different working conditions: when working, the actuator 521 needs to be located at a certain height above the ring in order to receive the ring 03 from the feeding channel 51; but when the upper shell 01 falls on the upper surface of the positioning module 21, the original working position of the actuator 521 will interfere with the upper shell 01. Therefore, by giving elasticity in the vertical direction, the actuator 521 can drop and avoid when it is under pressure from the upper shell 01 to prevent interference, thereby ensuring that the upper shell 01 and the positioning module 21 can fit accurately without interference.

[0062] At the same time, this elastic design also has certain fault tolerance and safety protection capabilities. When interference occurs accidentally, the actuator 521 can also be lowered in time to avoid damage to related components.

[0063] In summary, the elastic design of the actuator 521 of the draw mechanism 52 in the vertical direction realizes the dynamic adjustment of space occupancy, which not only meets the space requirements for normal work, but also ensures the precise fit between the upper shell and the positioning module, and has a certain fault tolerance and safety protection capabilities.

[0064] The specific configuration of the execution element 521 is: The shifting part is designed to be arc-shaped, which is conducive to more smoothly shifting the ring 03 to the top of the pressing station 22; A cover plate 522 is fixedly arranged on the upward side of the toggle part. The function of the cover plate 522 is to limit the final position of the ring 03 in the vertical direction to ensure that it moves to the optimal gap position, creating conditions for subsequent precise press-fitting; A protective elastic band 523 is provided at the contact point between the moving part of the actuator 521 and the outer periphery of the ring 03, so that the ring 03 always has an elastic thrust toward the arc part during the shifting process, so that the movement is smoother and more stable, and the ring 03 is prevented from being offset or damaged during the transfer to the pressing station 72.

[0065] Further, the push assembly 82 is specifically designed as follows, including a central positioning sleeve rod 821 that is telescopically positioned by a cylinder, and a push member 822 that is driven by a motor to push the ring for single feeding. Figure 4-5 , Furthermore, a ring-shaped material feeding opening 90 is provided at one end of the press-fitting workbench 10 on the Y-axis.

[0066] Next, we introduce the assembly method of gas meter housing and interface, refer to Figure 6 .

[0067] The method aims to realize the automatic and precise assembly of the gas meter housing (hereinafter referred to as "upper housing" 01) and the interface (connector 02) and the ring 03, and includes the following steps: Step 1: Fix and support the upper shell A specially designed positioning device 20 is used to fix and support the upper housing 01. The basic structure of the positioning device is a sub-component positioning module 21, which has the following features: The external shape and size match the internal space of the upper shell 01 to ensure that it can be smoothly inserted into the upper shell.

[0068] The upper surface of the positioning module 21 is provided with at least two press-fitting stations 22 corresponding to the positions of the interfaces in the upper housing.

[0069] The diameter of each pressing station 22 is slightly larger than the ring 03 to ensure that the ring can fall into the station accurately.

[0070] The height of the press-fitting station 22 is flush with the upper surface of the positioning module, ensuring that the ring is tightly fitted to the upper shell after press-fitting.

[0071] The press-fitting station 22 has a built-in elastic positioning column 24, whose diameter matches the inner hole of the ring 03, for stabilizing the position of the ring.

[0072] Step 2: Automatic feeding of ring 03 The ring 03 is delivered to the assembly line by an automatic ring feeding assembly 50, which includes the following detailed operations: The feeding channel 51 is designed in the positioning module 21 .

[0073] The transfer mechanism 52 is designed to avoid the pressing position of the upper housing and is elastic in the vertical direction to avoid interference.

[0074] The loop 03 is pushed out of the feeding channel 51 by the pushing component and then reaches the pressing station through the transfer mechanism 52 to ensure accurate feeding. It should be noted that in this step, the elastic positioning post 24 can cooperate with the movement of the transfer mechanism 52 to descend to allow the loop 03 to enter the pressing station, and then reset to position the loop 03.

[0075] The transfer mechanism 52 includes a rotating actuator 521, a cover plate 522, and a protective elastic band 523 to ensure the smooth movement and accurate positioning of the loop.

[0076] Step Three: Automatic and Precise Feeding of the Upper Housing 01 The upper housing 01 is accurately positioned during transportation to ensure that they can correctly fall on the positioning device 20.

[0077] According to the embodiment, the handling and placement may be completed by a robotic arm or an automated handling device to obtain higher-precision positioning.

[0078] The upper housing 01 is positioned in cooperation with the fixture and the positioning device 20, and the positioning module 21 provides stable fixation and an accurate pressing position.

[0079] Step Four: Automatic Feeding of the Connector 02 The connector 02 is continuously and accurately supplied by a dedicated automatic feeding system, which may include a vibrating bowl feeder, a pusher, etc.

[0080] During transportation, the connector 02 is accurately positioned and guided, and is placed at the designated position with the help of tools such as a robotic arm or a vacuum chuck.

[0081] Step Five: Parallel Operation and Efficient Pressing In this step, the design of the moving device 80 plays a key role. The arrangement of the upper and lower parts of the moving device 80 enables the pressing device 30 and the pushing component 82 to operate synchronously. When the pressing device 30 performs pressing at a certain station, the corresponding pushing component 82 can push the loop into place. Once the pressing device 30 completes the pressing operation at the current station, it can immediately move to the next station without waiting for the subsequent feeding of the loop because the loop has been delivered and positioned in advance. This parallel operation mode greatly saves the waiting time of the pressing device 30, enables it to operate efficiently and continuously, and thus greatly improves the working efficiency of the entire production line.

[0082] Step Six: Integrated Control System Monitoring and Quality Control The entire assembly process is monitored in real time by the integrated control system 60, and the press-fitting parameters are collected to ensure the assembly accuracy.

[0083] Various sensors are used to monitor the position and state of the components to ensure the accuracy of the actions.

[0084] Step Seven: Pick-and-place and inspection after completion The assembled product is removed by a pick-and-place manipulator or an automatic blanking device and subjected to quality inspection.

[0085] The product can be transferred to the next process or storage area only after it is confirmed to meet the standards.

[0086] Step Eight: Safety mechanism and supplementary adjustment If an abnormality or potential safety problem occurs, the equipment can quickly stop working to ensure safety.

[0087] The press-fitting workbench is provided with a replenishment opening to facilitate the timely replenishment of the ring 03.

[0088] The production line is also provided with a precision moving device 80 to achieve precise assembly.

[0089] Summary This method comprehensively uses a positioning device, automatic feeding, integrated control, and a safety mechanism to achieve an efficient and precise automated production process for the gas meter housing and the interface.

[0090] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications or supplements to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods for substitution, but will not deviate from the spirit of the present invention or exceed the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0091] The method includes the following steps: The method is based on: 1. Use a special positioning device to fix and support the gas meter housing to be assembled.

[0092] The external shape and size of the sub-component positioning module match or are slightly smaller than the internal space of the upper housing, ensuring that it can be smoothly installed into the upper housing.

[0093] The upper surface of the positioning module is provided with two press-fitting stations, corresponding to the positions of the two interfaces in the upper housing. Each press-fitting station exceeds the maximum diameter of the corresponding ring, ensuring that the ring can completely fall within the range of the press-fitting station.

[0094] The height of the press-fitting station is flush with the upper surface of the positioning module, ensuring the complete fit of the ring and the upper housing after press-fitting.

[0095] An elastic positioning column is installed in the press-fitting station, and its outer size matches the inner hole diameter of the ring, which ensures the stability of the ring during the press-fitting process and facilitates the feeding and positioning of the ring.

[0096] 2. Use a special automatic ring loading assembly to complete the ring loading.

[0097] The automatic ring feeding assembly is responsible for conveying the rings into the feeding channel and moving the rings to the pressing station through the drawing mechanism.

[0098] The actuator of the draw mechanism has an avoidance function in the vertical direction and can dynamically adjust its height according to the press-fit position of the upper shell to avoid interference.

[0099] The rings are pushed from the feeding channel to the pressing station by the pushing assembly, ensuring that each ring is accurately fed to the predetermined position.

[0100] More specific ring loading and positioning: Loading: The rings 03 are transported to the loading channel 51 by the automatic ring loading assembly 50. In some embodiments, the positioning module 21 is raised as a whole to increase the number of rings that can be loaded at the same time and improve the loading efficiency.

[0101] In the press-fitting station 22, an elastic positioning column 24 is installed, and its outer size matches the inner hole diameter of the ring 03. This design not only ensures the stability of the ring during the press-fitting process, but also facilitates the feeding and positioning of the ring through the elastic contraction function of the elastic positioning column.

[0102] Positioning: The ring 03 is moved to the press-fitting station 22 by the moving mechanism 52. The moving mechanism includes a rotatable actuator 521, which is flexible in the vertical direction to adapt to the space requirements under different working conditions. The design of the actuator includes an arc-shaped moving part, a cover plate 522 and a protective elastic band 523 to ensure smooth and stable movement and precise positioning of the ring.

[0103] 2. Positioning and lowering of the upper shell: The upper shells are accurately positioned during transport to ensure that they can correctly land on the corresponding positioning devices 20. This may involve the use of positioning pins, guide templates or other mechanical positioners. In some embodiments, the upper shells are transported and placed by a mechanical arm or an automated handling device to achieve higher precision positioning.

[0104] More specifically, for example, when the upper shell 01 reaches the designated press-fitting station, it will cooperate with the fixture and the positioning device 20. The interior of the positioning module 21 is designed with a cavity that matches the upper shell and components for installing the automatic ring feeding assembly 50. The upper shell will accurately land above the positioning module, and its matching shape and size ensure its stable fixation.

[0105] In addition, the automatic feeding process of the upper shell is integrated into the control system of the entire production line. This means that the start, operation, and stop of the entire process are automatically controlled, ensuring the timeliness and accuracy of feeding.

[0106] 3. Automatic feeding of the joint: The joint is conveyed to the assembly line through a dedicated automatic feeding system. This system may include a vibrating bowl feeder, a pusher, or other automated conveying equipment to ensure the continuous and error-free supply of the joint 02.

[0107] During the conveying process, the joint is precisely positioned and guided, and is placed one by one into the designated position in the positioning device 20 through automated devices such as a robotic arm or a vacuum chuck.

Claims

1. An automated precise assembly method for a gas meter housing, an interface and a ring, characterized in that , including the following steps: Step 1: Use a specially designed positioning device (20) to fix and support the upper housing (01). The positioning device (20) includes a positioning module (21) whose outer shape matches the internal space of the upper housing, a press-fitting station (22) opened on the upper surface of the positioning module (21), and an elastic positioning post (24) arranged in the press-fitting station (22); Step 2: Convey the ring (03) to the assembly line through an automatic ring feeding assembly (50), and push the ring (03) into the press-fitting station (22) by means of a pushing assembly and a dialing mechanism (52); Step 3: Automatically feed the upper housing (01) onto the positioning device (20); Step 4: Automatically feed the joint (02) to the specified position; Step 5: The moving device (80) drives the press-fitting equipment (30) to perform parallel press-fitting operations on different positioning devices (20), and at the same time drives the pushing assembly (82) to push the ring (03) into place; Step 6: The integrated control system (60) monitors the press-fitting parameters in real time and conducts quality control; Step 7: After completion, pick and place the assembled product and conduct quality inspection.

2. The automated precise assembly method of the gas meter housing, interface and ring according to claim 1, characterized in that , the diameter of the press-fitting station (22) of the positioning device (20) is larger than the maximum diameter of the ring (03); the automatic ring feeding assembly (50) includes a feeding channel (51) and a dialing mechanism (52), and the dialing mechanism (52) is arranged between the feeding channel (51) and the press-fitting station (22); the dialing mechanism (52) includes an actuating member (521) that can rotate and has elasticity in the vertical direction, a cover plate (522), and a protective elastic band (523).

3. The automated precise assembly method of the gas meter housing, interface and ring according to claim 1, characterized in that , in Step 5, when the press-fitting equipment (30) performs press-fitting on a group of positioning devices (20), the automatic ring feeding assembly (50) feeds another group or multiple groups of positioning devices (20).

4. The automatic precise assembly method of the gas meter housing, interface and ring according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that , the method further includes a replenishing opening (90) provided on the press-fitting operation table (10) for replenishing the ring (03).

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