Part distinguishing device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of vehicle production, and discloses a part distinguishing device which comprises a shell, a plurality of parts, a plurality of parts and a plurality of parts, the separating frame is arranged in the placing space so as to divide the placing space into a plurality of placing grooves with open upper ends; the movable cover covers the open end of the containing space, a taking opening opposite to the open end of the containing space is formed in the movable cover, and the movable cover is movably arranged on the shell so that the taking opening can be opposite to the corresponding containing groove. Therefore, through the arrangement of the part distinguishing device, the risk that an operator takes wrong parts when taking the parts is reduced, the wrong mounting quality problem is reduced, the occupied area for placing the parts is reduced, the workshop layout is improved, and the operator can directly take the parts in the placing grooves corresponding to the taking openings; the time for an operator to find and distinguish the parts is shortened, and the assembling work efficiency of the vehicle is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and in particular to a parts differentiation device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, the production lines of vehicle final assembly workshops require a wide variety of parts for various vehicle models, resulting in a large number of parts in the workshop. This makes it easy for operators to pick up the wrong parts, leading to misassembly and quality issues. Furthermore, some parts have similar appearances, making them difficult for operators to distinguish visually, which also contributes to misassembly. Additionally, the large number of parts in the workshop means that the space occupied by the parts is large, and the use of standard parts and equipment also leads to problems such as cramped workshop space and an unreasonable workshop layout. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide a parts differentiation device that helps reduce the risk of operators picking up the wrong parts, reduces misassembly quality problems, reduces the area occupied by parts, reduces the number of standard parts and tools used, improves workshop layout, allows operators to directly pick up parts from the corresponding slots, reduces the time operators spend searching for and differentiating parts, and improves the efficiency of vehicle assembly operations.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a parts separating device includes: a housing defining an open placement space at its upper end; a separator disposed within the placement space to divide the placement space into a plurality of open placement slots at its upper end; and a movable cover covering the open end of the placement space and forming a retrieval opening opposite to the open end of the placement space, wherein the movable cover is movably disposed on the housing along a first direction such that the retrieval opening and the corresponding placement slot are opposite to each other along the height direction of the parts separating device, and the first direction is perpendicular to the height direction of the parts separating device.

[0005] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the parts differentiation device can reduce the risk of operators picking up the wrong parts, reduce misassembly quality problems, reduce the line side area occupied by parts, reduce the number of standard parts and tools used, improve workshop layout, enable operators to directly pick up the parts in the slots corresponding to the pick-up openings, reduce the time operators spend searching for and differentiating parts, and improve the efficiency of vehicle assembly operations.

[0006] In some examples of the present invention, multiple placement slots form multiple rows of placement slots, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and each row of placement slots includes multiple placement slots. The multiple placement slots in each row of placement slots are arranged sequentially along a second direction, and the retrieval opening extends along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0007] In some examples of the present invention, there are multiple retrieval ports, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction.

[0008] In some examples of the present invention, the movable cover includes: a first movable cover and a second movable cover, the first movable cover and the second movable cover are arranged along a first direction, and the first movable cover is rotatably disposed on the second movable cover about a rotation axis extending along a second direction, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular, and both the first movable cover and the second movable cover are formed with a retrieval opening.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, the inner sidewall of the housing is provided with a roller, which is rotatable relative to the housing about a rotation axis extending along a second direction, and the roller contacts the movable cover, with the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the part separating device further includes: a part supporting structure, at least one placement slot is provided with the part supporting structure, the part supporting structure being used to support the part in the corresponding placement slot.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the part support structure includes: a support plate, a mounting base, and an elastic member. The mounting base is fixed to the housing and defines a mounting groove with an open upper end. The elastic member is installed in the mounting groove. The support plate is located above the mounting base. The lower surface of the support plate has a connecting post that extends into the mounting groove from the open end of the mounting groove and contacts the upper end of the elastic member.

[0012] In some examples of the present invention, the sidewall of the support plate is provided with rollers that contact the sidewall of the mounting groove.

[0013] In some examples of the present invention, the part separating device further includes an anti-pinch assembly, which includes a through-beam switch transmitter and a through-beam switch receiver. The through-beam switch transmitter and the through-beam switch receiver are both disposed in the placement space and are arranged at intervals along a first direction.

[0014] In some examples of the present invention, the parts distinguishing device further includes: a driving structure, which is fixed to the housing and drivenly connected to the movable cover, and is used to drive the movable cover to move along a first direction.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the parts differentiation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the image; Figure 3 An assembly diagram of the outer shell, partition frame, part support structure, anti-pinch component, drive structure and hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the component support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure label: Parts separation device 10; 20; housing; 21; casters; 22; inner wall; 23; outer wall; 24; Divider 30; Placement slot 31; First side wall 32; Placement slot row 311; Movable cover 40; Retrieval port 41; First movable cover 42; Second movable cover 43; Component support structure 50; support plate 51; mounting base 52; elastic element 53; connecting column 511; roller 512; mounting groove 521; bottom wall of the first groove 522; side wall of the groove 523; Anti-pinch component 60; through-beam switch transmitter 61; through-beam switch receiver 62; Drive structure 70; drive unit 71; mounting block 72; fixing block 73; fixing post 74; Hinged structure 80. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] The following is for reference. Figures 1-4 The part sorting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The part sorting device 10 of the present invention can be used in the production site of various models on the production line of the vehicle final assembly workshop.

[0020] like Figure 1According to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a parts separating device 10 includes: a housing 20 defining a placement space 21 with an open upper end; a separator 30 disposed within the placement space 21 to divide the placement space 21 into a plurality of placement slots 31 with open upper ends; and a movable cover 40 covering the open end of the placement space 21 and forming a retrieval opening 41 opposite to the open end of the placement space 21. The movable cover 40 is movably disposed on the housing 20 along a first direction, such that the retrieval opening 41 and the corresponding placement slot 31 are opposite to each other along the height direction of the parts separating device 10, and the first direction is perpendicular to the height direction of the parts separating device 10.

[0021] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this invention, the first direction is defined as the X direction, and the height direction of the parts distinguishing device 10 is defined as the Z direction. The parts distinguishing device 10 in this application can be communicatively connected to an automatic vehicle model identification system, which can control the movement of the movable cover 40. The outer shell 20 can be made of materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, or ABS engineering plastic. The outer shell 20 can be formed by methods such as mold casting or stamping. The outer shell 20 is the external structure of the entire parts distinguishing device 10 and serves to accommodate and protect the internal components of the parts distinguishing device 10.

[0022] The divider 30 can be made of materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, or ABS engineering plastic, and can be formed by stamping, injection molding, or other methods. The divider 30 can be fixedly connected to the inner wall 23 of the outer casing 20. As one embodiment, the divider 30 can be integrally formed with the outer casing 20. As another embodiment, the divider 30 can be fixed to the inner wall 23 of the outer casing 20 using fasteners such as bolts or clips. As yet another embodiment, the divider 30 can be welded to the inner wall 23 of the outer casing 20.

[0023] The placement slot 31 can be constructed as a rectangle or a circle, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the placement slot 31 is constructed as a rectangle as an example. The retrieval port 41 can be constructed as a rectangle or an ellipse, as shown. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the retrieval opening 41 is constructed as a rectangle. In this embodiment of the invention, the part is placed in the placement slot 31.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the parts separating device 10 includes a drive structure 70, which is fixed to the housing 20 and pulsatorically connected to the movable cover 40. The drive structure 70 can drive the movable cover 40 to move along a first direction, so that the retrieval port 41 and the corresponding placement slot 31 are opposite each other along the height direction of the parts separating device 10. The movable cover 40 can be made of materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, or ABS engineering plastic, and can be formed by mold casting, stamping, or other methods. As an example, there can be one retrieval port 41. As another example, there can be multiple retrieval ports 41. Figure 1 As shown, this application uses multiple retrieval ports 41 as an example for illustration.

[0025] The divider 30 divides the placement space 21 into multiple placement slots 31, which helps to isolate parts of different models and specifications, facilitates the separate placement of assembly parts for different vehicles, reduces the risk of operators picking up the wrong parts, thus reducing misassembly quality problems, reduces the production line area occupied by parts, reduces the number of standard parts and tools used, thus improving the workshop layout, and also reduces the risk of collision and friction between different parts, thus protecting the integrity of the parts.

[0026] The movable cover 40 moves along the first direction so that the retrieval opening 41 and the corresponding placement slot 31 are aligned along the height direction of the parts separating device 10. This allows the operator to directly retrieve the parts in the corresponding placement slot 31 of the retrieval opening 41, reducing the time the operator spends searching for and distinguishing parts, and improving the efficiency of vehicle assembly. At the same time, when the retrieval opening 41 and the corresponding placement slot 31 are aligned along the height direction of the parts separating device 10, the other placement slots 31 can be blocked by the movable cover 40. This eliminates the need for the operator to visually distinguish similar parts, reducing the risk of picking up the wrong parts due to the similarity in the parts' shapes, and further reducing the quality problem of incorrect assembly.

[0027] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the parts sorting device 10 can reduce the risk of operators picking up the wrong parts, reduce misassembly quality problems, reduce the line side area occupied by parts, reduce the number of standard parts and tools used, improve workshop layout, enable operators to directly pick up the parts in the corresponding placement slots 31 of the picking port 41, reduce the time for operators to find and sort parts, and improve the efficiency of vehicle assembly operations.

[0028] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, multiple placement slots 31 form multiple rows of placement slots 311, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each row of placement slots 311 includes multiple placement slots 31, which are arranged sequentially along a second direction. The retrieval opening 41 extends along the second direction, and the first and second directions are perpendicular.

[0029] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this invention, the second direction is defined as the Y direction. Along the first direction, the part separating device 10 can be provided with two, three, four, or five rows of placement slots 311, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment of the application uses a parts separating device 10 with five rows of placement slots 311 as an example for explanation. Along the second direction, each row of placement slots 311 may include two, three, four, or other numbers of placement slots 31, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment of the application will be described using the example of each row of placement slots 311 including three placement slots 31.

[0030] Compared to the disordered or unidirectional arrangement of placement slots 311 and placement slots 31, multiple rows of placement slots 311 are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and multiple placement slots 31 of the placement slots 311 are arranged sequentially along the second direction. This can make fuller use of the placement space 21 and help reduce the linear area occupied by the placement of parts.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the retrieval port 41 can extend along the second direction and cover a row of placement slots 311. When the movable cover 40 moves along the first direction, the retrieval port 41 can be aligned with a certain row of placement slots 311, allowing the operator to retrieve parts from the placement slots 311 aligned with the retrieval port 41. This helps reduce the operator from retrieving similar-looking parts across rows, thereby further reducing misassembly quality problems.

[0032] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple retrieval ports 41, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction.

[0033] The multiple rows of placement slots 311 are arranged along a first direction, and the multiple retrieval ports 41 are arranged sequentially along the first direction. This allows the multiple retrieval ports 41 to simultaneously align with the multiple rows of placement slots 311 after the movable cover 40 moves along the first direction. This eliminates the need to move the movable cover 40 multiple times to retrieve parts from the multiple rows of placement slots 311, reducing the number of times the movable cover 40 needs to be moved and improving vehicle assembly efficiency. Vehicle assembly requires multiple sets of different types of parts. The automatic vehicle model recognition system can control the movement of the movable cover 40, allowing the multiple retrieval ports 41 to align with the placement slots 311 containing all the parts required for the current vehicle model at once. This facilitates the operator in retrieving all the parts required for the current vehicle model at once, reducing the time spent searching for and distinguishing parts, improving vehicle assembly efficiency, and reducing the risk of incorrect assembly. The sequential arrangement of the multiple retrieval ports 41 along the first direction also improves the space utilization of the parts distinguishing device 10, thereby reducing the floor space occupied by the parts distinguishing device 10.

[0034] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the movable cover 40 includes: a first movable cover 42 and a second movable cover 43. The first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43 are arranged along a first direction, and the first movable cover 42 is rotatably disposed on the second movable cover 43 about a rotation axis extending along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular. Both the first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43 have a retrieval opening 41.

[0035] For example, Figure 1 As shown, along the first direction, the size of the first movable cover 42 can be larger than the size of the second movable cover 43. As one embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the parts separating device 10 may be provided with a hinge structure 80. Along the height direction of the parts separating device 10, the hinge structure 80 may be provided on the upper side of the movable cover 40. The hinge structure 80 may be provided on the rotation axis, and part of the hinge structure 80 may be fixed to the first movable cover 42, and part of the hinge structure 80 may be fixed to the second movable cover 43.

[0036] The second movable cover 43 is hinged to the first movable cover 42 via a hinge structure 80. The hinge structure 80 enables a hinged connection between the first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43, allowing the first movable cover 42 to rotate around the hinge structure 80, thus facilitating the opening and closing of the first movable cover 42. As an example, the first movable cover 42 may have one retrieval opening 41. As another example, the first movable cover 42 may have multiple retrieval openings 41. Figure 1As shown, this application uses the example of a first movable cover 42 having a single retrieval opening 41 for illustration. As one embodiment, a second movable cover 43 may have a single retrieval opening 41. As another embodiment, the second movable cover 43 may have multiple retrieval openings 41. Figure 1 As shown, this application uses the example of a second movable cover 43 having a retrieval opening 41 for illustration.

[0037] The first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43 are arranged along the first direction, which helps to optimize the spatial layout of the parts sorting device 10 and adapt the parts sorting device 10 to the compact layout of the line side. The first movable cover 42 is rotatably mounted on the second movable cover 43. When it is necessary to place multiple parts of different models and types in different rows of placement slots 31, the first movable cover 42 can be opened to place multiple parts of different models and types in different rows of placement slots 31, which helps to simplify the operation steps of placing multiple parts in the parts sorting device 10. Both the first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43 have a retrieval opening 41, which helps to simultaneously align the retrieval openings 41 of the first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43 with multiple rows of placement slots 311, which helps the operator to retrieve multiple parts at the same time and optimizes the ease of operation of the parts sorting device 10.

[0038] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the inner sidewall 23 of the outer casing 20 is provided with a roller 22. The roller 22 is rotatable relative to the outer casing 20 about a rotation axis extending along the second direction. The roller 22 is in contact with the movable cover 40. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0039] In one embodiment, the inner wall 23 of the housing 20 may be provided with a roller 22. In another embodiment, the inner wall 23 of the housing 20 may be provided with multiple rollers 22. Figure 1 As shown, this application uses the example of a housing 20 having multiple rollers 22 on its inner sidewall 23 as an example. Along the height direction of the parts separating device 10, a movable cover 40 can be disposed above the rollers 22, and both the first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43 can contact the corresponding rollers 22.

[0040] The roller 22 provides rolling support for the movement of the movable cover 40. When the roller 22 contacts the movable cover 40, rolling friction occurs between the movable cover 40 and the roller 22 as the movable cover 40 moves in the first direction. This helps to reduce the coefficient of friction of the movable cover 40, makes the movement of the movable cover 40 in the first direction smoother, reduces the risk of jamming during the movement of the movable cover 40, and reduces the wear of the movable cover 40. This helps to reduce the replacement frequency of the movable cover 40 and thus extend the service life of the parts distinguishing device 10.

[0041] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the parts sorting device 10 further includes: a parts support structure 50, at least one placement slot 31 is provided with a parts support structure 50, the parts support structure 50 is used to support the parts in the corresponding placement slot 31.

[0042] In one embodiment, only one placement slot 31 may contain a part support structure 50. In another embodiment, all placement slots 31 may contain a part support structure 50. This invention will be described with the example of all placement slots 31 containing a part support structure 50. As an example, the part support structure 50 may contact the side wall of the divider 30 or the inner side wall 23 of the outer casing 20.

[0043] If the parts directly contact the bottom wall of the placement groove 31, it will wear down the bottom wall, causing deformation and roughness, affecting the stability of the parts. The part support structure 50 can isolate the parts from the bottom wall of the placement groove 31. The part support structure 50 can bear the weight and friction of the parts, which helps to reduce the contact between the parts and the bottom wall of the groove, thereby protecting the structural integrity of the bottom wall of the groove, the structural integrity of the part separating device 10, extending the service life of the part separating device 10, reducing the number of maintenance times of the part separating device 10, and thus reducing the maintenance cost of the part separating device 10. At the same time, the part support structure 50 isolates the parts from the bottom wall of the placement groove 31, which helps to reduce the risk of contamination of the parts by impurities accumulated on the bottom wall of the placement groove 31, and helps to ensure the assembly quality of the parts.

[0044] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the component support structure 50 includes: a support plate 51, a mounting base 52, and an elastic member 53. The mounting base 52 is fixed to the housing 20 and defines a mounting groove 521 with an open upper end. The elastic member 53 is installed in the mounting groove 521. The support plate 51 is located above the mounting base 52. The lower surface of the support plate 51 has a connecting post 511. The connecting post 511 extends from the open end of the mounting groove 521 into the mounting groove 521 and contacts the upper end of the elastic member 53.

[0045] The support plate 51 can be made of materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, or ABS engineering plastic. The support plate 51 can be formed by methods such as mold casting or stamping. The support plate 51 can be constructed into plates of circular, rectangular, or other shapes. Figure 4This application illustrates the application using a rectangular support plate 51 as an example. The mounting base 52 can be made of materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, or ABS engineering plastic. The mounting base 52 can be formed by methods such as mold casting or stamping. The mounting base 52 can be constructed as a cuboid or a column shape, such as... Figure 4 As shown, this application uses the mounting base 52 as an example of a column structure for illustration. The elastic element 53 can be made of materials such as steel or aluminum alloy, and the elastic element 53 can be constructed as a coil spring or an air spring.

[0046] The mounting base 52 can serve as the basic support component of the part support structure 50. The mounting groove 521 provides mounting space for the connecting column 511 and the elastic element 53. The mounting base 52 can be fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the housing 20. Along the height direction of the part separating device 10, the connecting column 511 can be elastically connected to the bottom wall 522 of the first groove of the mounting groove 521 via the elastic element 53. The elastic element 53 provides elastic support for the connecting column 511, allowing it to move within a certain range along the height direction of the part separating device 10. The elastic element 53 can move the connecting column 511 and the support plate 51 along the height direction of the part separating device 10 according to the weight of the parts on the support plate 51.

[0047] A portion of the connecting post 511 can be slidably connected to the side wall 523 of the mounting groove 521. Along the height direction of the parts separating device 10, one end of the elastic member 53 can be fixedly connected to the bottom wall 522 of the first groove, and the other end of the elastic member 53 can be fixedly connected to a portion of the connecting post 511 along the height direction of the parts separating device 10. Another portion of the connecting post 511 along the height direction of the parts separating device 10 is fixedly connected to the support plate 51. The support plate 51 can directly contact the automotive assembly parts and can be used to support the parts. As an embodiment, with a reduced number of parts and lighter weight, the support plate 51 can move upwards along the height direction of the parts separating device 10 due to the elastic force of the elastic member 53. This upward movement of the support plate 51 can cause the parts in the placement groove 31 to move upwards synchronously, thus facilitating the operator's retrieval of the parts in the placement groove 31.

[0048] When parts of different weights are placed on the support plate 51, the weight of the parts can be transmitted from the support plate 51 to the connecting column 511 and then to the elastic element 53. This compresses or releases the elastic element 53, causing it to drive the connecting column 511. The connecting column 511 then drives the support plate 51, which in turn drives the parts placed on it to move along the height of the parts separating device 10. This allows the parts supporting structure 50 to stably support parts of different weights, thereby improving the reliability of the parts separating device 10.

[0049] As the operator takes the part, the weight of the part gradually decreases. The elastic force of the elastic element 53 will push the connecting column 511 to move the support plate 51 upward, always raising the remaining part to a height that is easy to take. This eliminates the need for the operator to bend over or reach into the bottom of the placement slot 31 to grab the part, which helps to reduce the time spent by the operator in taking the part and improves the convenience of the operator in taking the part.

[0050] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the side wall of the support plate 51 is provided with rollers 512, and the rollers 512 are in contact with the side wall 523 of the mounting groove 521.

[0051] Among them, the sidewall 523 of the mounting groove 521 can be rotatably connected with rollers 512. The rollers 512 can play a rolling support role when the support plate 51 moves along the height direction of the parts separating device 10, which helps to reduce the friction between the support plate 51 and the inner sidewall 23 of the separator 30 or the outer shell 20. This makes the movement of the support plate 51 along the height direction of the parts separating device 10 smoother, and also helps to reduce the risk of wear of the support plate 51, the first sidewall 32 or the inner sidewall 23 caused by the friction between the support plate 51 and the first sidewall 32 or the inner sidewall 23. This helps to improve the structural integrity of the parts separating device 10, reduce the number of maintenance times of the parts separating device 10, and further improve the service life of the parts separating device 10. The contact and engagement between the roller 512 and the side wall 523 of the mounting groove 521 is beneficial for limiting the position of the support plate 51, reducing the risk of the support plate 51 shifting or tilting during its movement along the height direction of the part separating device 10, ensuring that the support plate 51 always stably supports the parts, and ensuring the stability of the parts placement.

[0052] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the parts separation device 10 also includes an anti-pinch assembly 60, which includes a through-beam switch transmitter 61 and a through-beam switch receiver 62. The through-beam switch transmitter 61 and the through-beam switch receiver 62 are both disposed in the placement space 21 and are arranged at intervals along the first direction.

[0053] In one embodiment, the parts separating device 10 may be provided with an anti-pinch component 60. In another embodiment, the parts separating device 10 may be provided with multiple anti-pinch components 60. Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, the parts separating device 10 in this embodiment of the application is provided with multiple anti-pinch components 60. As one embodiment, the through-beam switch transmitter 61 can be configured as an infrared through-beam transmitter, and the through-beam switch receiver 62 can be configured as an infrared signal receiving module. As another embodiment, the through-beam switch transmitter 61 can be configured as a laser through-beam transmitter, and the through-beam switch receiver 62 can be configured as a dedicated laser receiving sensor. The through-beam switch transmitter 61 can emit detection signals and can be snapped onto the first side wall 32 of the separator 30, facilitating the installation and removal of the through-beam switch transmitter 61 while improving its positional stability.

[0054] A through-beam switch receiver 62 can be fixedly connected to the inner wall 23 of the outer casing 20. The through-beam switch receiver 62 can receive the detection signal emitted by the through-beam switch transmitter 61. When the detection signal is blocked, the movable cover 40 is triggered to prevent hand pinching. The first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43 will not move, thereby reducing the risk of the operator's hand being pinched by the movable cover 40, ensuring the operator's safety, and improving the safety of the parts sorting device 10. The through-beam switch assembly can detect foreign objects between the movable cover 40 and the outer casing 20 and stop the movable cover 40 from moving, thereby reducing the risk of the movable cover 40 being worn or the parts sorting device 10 malfunctioning due to collision with foreign objects, and thus further extending the service life of the parts sorting device 10.

[0055] In some examples of embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the parts separating device 10 further includes a drive structure 70, which is fixed to the housing 20 and connected to the movable cover 40 in a transmission manner. The drive structure 70 is used to drive the movable cover 40 to move along a first direction.

[0056] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the drive structure 70 may include a drive unit 71, a mounting block 72, a fixing block 73, and a fixing post 74. Along the second direction, a fixing block 73 may be fixedly connected to one side of the movable cover 40. The fixing block 73 can cooperate with the fixing post 74 to fix the positions of the first movable cover 42 and the second movable cover 43. The drive unit 71 may be fixedly connected to the mounting block 72, and the mounting block 72 may be fixedly connected to the fixing post 74, allowing the fixing post 74 to move with the movement of the drive unit 71. The fixing block 73 may be L-shaped and may be snapped onto the outer wall of the fixing post 74. The drive structure 70 may be fixed to the housing 20 by bolts, clips, or other fasteners, or it may be welded to the housing 20.

[0057] The drive unit 71 can be fixed to the outer wall 24 of the housing 20. The drive unit 71 can provide power for the movement of the fixing post 74. The operation of the drive unit 71 can drive the mounting block 72 and the fixing post 74 to move, thereby driving the fixing block 73 and the movable cover 40 to move. The drive unit 71 can be fixedly connected to the mounting block 72, and the mounting block 72 can be fixedly connected to the fixing post 74, so that the fixing post 74 can move with the movement of the drive unit 71. As an embodiment, the drive structure 70 can be communicatively connected to an automatic vehicle model recognition system.

[0058] As an example, the drive unit 71 may be equipped with a solenoid valve and a cylinder. The solenoid valve can communicate with the automatic vehicle model recognition system. After the automatic vehicle model recognition system recognizes the vehicle model, it can send a vehicle model signal to the solenoid valve. After receiving the vehicle model signal, the solenoid valve can control the cylinder to extend, thereby moving the mounting block 72 and the fixing column 74, which in turn moves the movable cover 40, so that the retrieval port 41 is opposite to the placement slot 31 where the required parts are placed along the height direction of the parts distinguishing device 10.

[0059] In another embodiment, the drive unit 71 may be equipped with a servo motor and a ball screw. The servo motor can be communicatively connected to the automatic vehicle model recognition system, and the ball screw can be arranged along a first direction and driven by the output shaft of the servo motor. After the automatic vehicle model recognition system outputs a vehicle model signal, the servo motor receives the vehicle model signal and drives the ball screw to rotate. Through the screw nut, the mounting block 72 and the fixing post 74 are moved, thereby moving the movable cover 40 so that the retrieval port 41 is aligned with the placement slot 31 containing the required parts along the height direction of the parts distinguishing device 10.

[0060] For example, different automotive assembly parts can be placed in multiple placement slots 31 separated by the divider 30, and the parts can be placed on the support plate 51. The elastic element 53 in the part support structure 50 can drive the connecting column 511 according to the weight of the part, thereby moving the support plate 51 along the height direction of the part separating device 10, which helps to ensure that the parts are stably supported by the part support structure 50. The rollers 512 on the side wall of the support plate 51 can reduce the friction between the support plate 51 and the side wall 523 of the mounting slot 521 when the support plate 51 moves.

[0061] When the operator takes a part from the parts sorting device 10, the automatic vehicle model recognition system built by PLC programming can identify the vehicle model by taking pictures, scanning the vehicle identification number, etc. After the automatic vehicle model recognition system identifies the vehicle model, it can send a vehicle model signal to the drive unit 71. After receiving the vehicle model signal, the drive unit 71 can drive the mounting block 72 and the fixing column 74 to move, thereby driving the movable cover 40 to move, so that the picking port 41 is aligned with the placement slot 31 containing the required parts along the height direction of the parts sorting device 10. The operator can directly take all the parts required for the current vehicle model through the picking port 41 without manually pushing the movable cover 40 to adjust the position of the picking port 41, which is conducive to improving the assembly efficiency, the ease of operation of the parts sorting device 10, and the user experience of the operator.

[0062] When the movable cover 40 needs to be moved, the through-beam switch transmitter 61 can emit a detection signal. If the detection signal is transmitted normally, the through-beam switch receiver 62 can receive the detection signal emitted by the through-beam switch transmitter, and the movable cover 40 can move normally in the first direction. If an object blocks the detection signal, the through-beam switch receiver 62 will not receive the detection signal emitted by the through-beam switch transmitter 61, and the movable cover 40 will stop moving, which helps to reduce the risk of fingers being pinched by the parts separating device 10.

[0063] Other configurations and operations of the part separating device 10 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A part differentiation device characterized by, The part distinguishing device (10) comprises: a housing (20) defining a placement space (21) with an open upper end; a partition shelf (30) arranged in the placement space (21) to divide the placement space (21) into a plurality of placement slots (31) with open upper ends; a movable cover (40) arranged at the open end of the placement space (21) and forming a taking opening (41) opposite the open end of the placement space (21), and the movable cover (40) is movably arranged in the housing (20) along a first direction so that the taking opening (41) is opposite the corresponding placement slot (31) along the height direction of the part distinguishing device (10), and the first direction is perpendicular to the height direction of the part distinguishing device (10).

2. The part discrimination device of claim 1, wherein A plurality of the placement slots (31) form a plurality of rows of placement slot rows (311), and a plurality of rows of the placement slot rows (311) are arranged in sequence along the first direction, and each row of the placement slot rows (311) comprises a plurality of the placement slots (31), and the plurality of the placement slots (31) of each row of the placement slot rows (311) are arranged in sequence along a second direction, and the taking opening (41) extends along the second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

3. The part discrimination device of claim 1, wherein The taking opening (41) is a plurality of taking openings (41), and a plurality of the taking openings (41) are arranged in sequence along the first direction.

4. The part discrimination device of claim 1, wherein The movable cover (40) comprises a first movable cover (42) and a second movable cover (43), the first movable cover (42) and the second movable cover (43) are arranged along the first direction, and the first movable cover (42) is rotatably arranged on the second movable cover (43) about a rotation axis extending along a second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the first movable cover (42) and the second movable cover (43) each form the taking opening (41).

5. The part discrimination device of claim 1, wherein An inner side wall (23) of the housing (20) is provided with a roller (22) rotatable relative to the housing (20) about a rotation axis extending along a second direction, the roller (22) is in contact with the movable cover (40), and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

6. The part discrimination device of claim 1, wherein The part distinguishing device (10) further comprises a part supporting structure (50) arranged in at least one of the placement slots (31), and the part supporting structure (50) is used for supporting a part in the corresponding placement slot (31).

7. The part discrimination device of claim 6, wherein The part supporting structure (50) comprises a supporting plate (51), a mounting base (52), and an elastic member (53), the mounting base (52) is fixed to the housing (20) and defines a mounting slot (521) with an open upper end, the elastic member (53) is mounted in the mounting slot (521), the supporting plate (51) is located above the mounting base (52), a lower surface of the supporting plate (51) has a connecting column (511) extending into the mounting slot (521) from the open end of the mounting slot (521) and being in contact with an upper end of the elastic member (53).

8. The part discrimination device of claim 7, wherein The side wall of the supporting plate (51) is provided with a roller (512) in contact with the slot side wall (523) of the mounting slot (521).

9. The part discrimination device of claim 1, wherein The part distinguishing device (10) further comprises a hand clamping prevention assembly (60), the hand clamping prevention assembly (60) comprises a pair of photoelectric switches, a photoelectric switch transmitter (61) and a photoelectric switch receiver (62), the photoelectric switch transmitter (61) and the photoelectric switch receiver (62) are arranged in the placing space (21), and the photoelectric switch transmitter (61) and the photoelectric switch receiver (62) are arranged apart along the first direction.

10. The part discrimination device of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The part distinguishing device (10) further comprises a driving structure (70), the driving structure (70) is fixedly arranged on the shell (20) and is in transmission connection with the moving cover (40), and the driving structure (70) is used for driving the moving cover (40) to move along the first direction.

Images