Nut riveting equipment for 7-shaped connector copper plate and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electrical connector component assembly, in particular to nut riveting equipment for a 7-shaped connector copper plate and a method thereof, and aims to solve the problems that concentricity is difficult to guarantee, efficiency is low and online detection is not available in manual assembly. The equipment comprises a rack, an assembling station, a nut feeding and positioning mechanism, a concentric positioning mechanism, a displacement detection unit and a riveting executing mechanism. The nut feeding and positioning mechanism achieves automatic conveying and accurate pre-placing of nuts through a vibration disc, a material taking clamping jaw and a V-shaped clamping jaw. The concentric positioning mechanism drives a pressing head with two-stage positioning parts which are coaxial and gradually decreased in diameter from top to bottom to press downwards through driving pieces on the two sides, and the copper plate hole and the nut hole are forcibly corrected to be completely concentric. The displacement detection unit detects the displacement of the pressing plate in real time, and the control system conducts concentricity verification and decides whether riveting is executed or not. The assembling concentricity and the product percent of pass are systematically ensured, and efficient and reliable automatic production is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electrical connector component assembly, and more particularly to a nut riveting device and method for a 7-shaped connector copper plate. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing of electrical cabinets, busbar trunking, and other products, 7-shaped connector plates are commonly used. A nut needs to be riveted or installed on the top of these plates for bolt connection to other components. Traditionally, this assembly process relies on manual labor or semi-automatic fixtures. The operator manually places the nut into the hole on the top of the plate and then uses a simple press or punch to tighten it. This method has significant drawbacks: First, the alignment of the nut and the hole on the plate (larger at the top than the bottom) depends entirely on the operator's visual inspection, making it difficult to ensure absolute concentricity between the inner holes. This can easily lead to bolts not penetrating smoothly or insufficient connection strength after riveting. Second, manual placement results in poor repeatability, low production efficiency, and certain safety hazards. Third, the lack of effective online inspection methods means that products with concentricity defects are often only discovered in subsequent processes or even during use, causing quality risks and resource waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nut riveting device and method for a 7-shaped connector copper plate, addressing the deficiencies in existing technologies. This method systematically solves the concentricity problem in the assembly of the 7-shaped connector copper plate and nut by integrating automatic feeding, precise pre-positioning through the cooperation of V-shaped grippers and stepped surfaces, mechanically forced concentric positioning based on a two-level positioning structure, and online verification and closed-loop control using displacement sensing. This achieves full automation and intelligence in the assembly process, significantly improving production efficiency and product consistency. Furthermore, the built-in quality interception mechanism ensures a high pass rate for finished products, effectively overcoming the inherent defects of traditional methods that rely on manual labor, have poor accuracy, and lack reliable testing.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a nut riveting device for a copper plate of a 7-shaped connector, including a frame and an assembly station set thereon, and also including a nut feeding and positioning mechanism, a concentric positioning mechanism, a displacement detection unit and a riveting execution mechanism. The nut feeding and positioning mechanism includes a vibratory feeder, a material-picking gripper, a horizontal and lifting cylinder that drives the material-picking gripper, and a pair of V-shaped grippers located on the assembly station. The concentric positioning mechanism includes drive components symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station, a pressure plate assembly that is synchronously driven to rise and fall by the drive components, and a positioning pressure head fixedly arranged on the pressure plate assembly. The positioning head has a first positioning part and a second positioning part that are coaxially arranged and whose diameter decreases from top to bottom. The first positioning part is used to adapt and guide the round hole at the top of the copper plate of the 7-shaped connector, and the second positioning part is used to adapt and guide the inner hole of the nut. The displacement detection unit detects the downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly under the drive of the driving component; The riveting actuator includes a pressure shaft acting above the positioning pressure head and a press that drives the pressure shaft.

[0005] Furthermore, a stepped surface is formed on the body of the V-shaped gripper, and the stepped surface is used by the material handling component to descend and abut against it to guide the nut to the clamping center position of the V-shaped gripper.

[0006] Furthermore, the nut positioning mechanism also includes a gripper cylinder for driving the pair of V-shaped grippers to open and close. The gripper cylinder is located on the back side of the assembly station, and the V-shaped grippers extend upward from the back side of the assembly station into the recessed placement area at the top of the assembly station.

[0007] Furthermore, the first positioning part is a frustum structure, and the second positioning part is a cylindrical structure; The positioning pressure head also includes a rectangular platform connected above the first positioning part, and the rectangular platform is fixed to the pressure plate assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the driving component is a vertically arranged cylinder; the pressure plate assembly is a horizontal plate, and both ends of the pressure plate assembly are respectively connected to the piston rods of the two cylinders.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a nut detection sensor, which is disposed on the top plane on both sides of the recessed placement area at the top of the assembly station, and the nut detection sensor is disposed corresponding to the clamping position of the V-shaped gripper.

[0010] Furthermore, the assembly station includes an extended edge for suspending the top of the copper plate of the letter connector, and a receiving groove located on the outside for accommodating the bottom of the copper plate; It also includes a vision sensor disposed corresponding to the receiving groove; A start positioning button is provided on one side of the receiving groove, and the start positioning button is connected to the control system signal.

[0011] Furthermore, the press of the riveting actuator is a hydraulic press or a servo press independent of the driving component; The pressure shaft is coaxially aligned with the positioning pressure head, and a buffer is provided at the corresponding position on the top of the pressure plate assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a control system, which is signal-connected to the displacement detection unit and controls the start and stop of the riveting actuator based on the comparison result between the downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly and a preset displacement threshold.

[0013] A method for riveting nuts onto a copper plate of a letter connector includes the following steps: S1. Nut feeding and pre-positioning: Nuts are supplied by a vibratory feeder, picked up by the material handling jaws and transferred to a pair of V-shaped jaws on the assembly station; S2, Placing the copper plate: Suspend the top of the copper plate of the letter connector from the extended edge of the assembly station, and place the bottom in the receiving groove so that the top of the copper plate covers the nut; S3. Concentric positioning: Control the movement of the drive components symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station, drive the pressure plate assembly with the positioning head fixed to descend, so that the first positioning part of the positioning head is adapted to the round hole on the top of the copper plate for guidance, and at the same time its second positioning part is inserted into the inner hole of the nut to achieve forced concentric positioning. S4. Concentricity verification: The downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly in step S is detected by the displacement detection unit and compared with a preset displacement threshold. S5. Riveting execution: If the comparison result in step S4 meets the preset conditions, drive the press to make the pressure shaft press down and rivet the nut onto the copper plate of the letter connector through the positioning pressure head.

[0014] The assembly system includes a frame and an assembly station mounted thereon, as well as a nut feeding and positioning mechanism, a concentric positioning mechanism, a displacement detection unit, and a riveting execution mechanism. The nut feeding and positioning mechanism includes a vibratory feeder, a material-picking gripper, horizontal and vertical cylinders for driving the material-picking gripper, and a pair of V-shaped grippers mounted on the assembly station. The concentric positioning mechanism includes drive members symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station, a pressure plate assembly synchronously driven to rise and fall by the drive members, and a positioning pressure head fixedly mounted on the pressure plate assembly. The positioning pressure head has a first positioning part and a second positioning part coaxially arranged and decreasing in diameter from top to bottom. The first positioning part is used to adapt and guide the circular hole at the top of the 7-shaped connector's copper plate, and the second positioning part is used to mate with the inner... Hole adapter guide; the displacement detection unit detects the downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly under the drive of the driving component; the riveting execution mechanism includes a pressure shaft acting above the positioning pressure head and a press that drives the pressure shaft, achieving a systematic solution to the concentricity problem in the assembly of the copper plate and nut of the 7-type connector through integrated automatic feeding, precise pre-positioning with V-shaped grippers and stepped surface cooperation, mechanical forced concentric positioning based on the two-level positioning part structure, and online verification and closed-loop control of displacement sensing. It realizes the full automation and intelligence of the assembly process, which not only greatly improves production efficiency and product consistency, but also ensures the pass rate of the outgoing products through the built-in quality interception mechanism, effectively overcoming the inherent defects of traditional methods that rely on manual labor, have poor accuracy and no reliable detection. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the riveting state of the device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning pressure head structure of the device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper cylinder structure of the device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal and vertical cylinder structure of the device of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the device of the present invention with an external frame. Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the positioning state of the device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure label: 1. Vibratory feeder; 2. Material gripper; 3. Horizontal and lifting cylinders; 4. Gripper cylinder; 5. V-shaped gripper; 51. Stepped surface; 6. Drive unit; 7. Pressure plate assembly; 8. Positioning pressure head; 80. Rectangular platform; 81. First positioning part; 82. Second positioning part; 9. Displacement detection unit; 10. Pressure shaft; 100. Frame; 200. Assembly station; 201. Extended edge; 202. Receiving groove; 300. 7-shaped connector copper plate; 301. Round hole; 400. Nut. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0020] A nut riveting device for a 7-shaped connector copper plate, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, it includes a frame 100 and an assembly station 200 set thereon, as well as a nut feeding and positioning mechanism, a concentric positioning mechanism, a displacement detection unit 9 and a riveting execution mechanism. The nut feeding and positioning mechanism includes a vibratory plate 1, a material-picking gripper 2, a horizontal and lifting cylinder 3 for driving the material-picking gripper 2, and a pair of V-shaped grippers 5 disposed on the assembly station 200. The concentric positioning mechanism includes a drive unit 6 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station 200, a pressure plate assembly 7 synchronously driven to rise and fall by the drive unit 6, and a positioning pressure head 8 fixedly arranged on the pressure plate assembly 7. The positioning head 8 has a first positioning part 81 and a second positioning part 82 arranged coaxially and decreasing in diameter from top to bottom. The first positioning part 81 is used to adapt and guide to the round hole at the top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300, and the second positioning part 82 is used to adapt and guide to the inner hole of the nut 400. The displacement detection unit 9 detects the downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly 7 under the drive of the drive member 6; The riveting actuator includes a pressure shaft 10 acting above the positioning pressure head 8 and a press that drives the pressure shaft 10.

[0021] Specifically, the nut feeding and positioning mechanism is responsible for the automatic supply, gripping, and precise pre-placement of nuts. This mechanism includes a vibratory feeder 1, a material-grabbing gripper 2, a drive cylinder 3 that drives the material-grabbing gripper 2 to move horizontally and vertically, and a pair of V-shaped grippers 5 fixedly mounted on the assembly station 200. The vibratory feeder 1 acts as an automatic feeding device, arranging and outputting the disordered nuts 400 to the predetermined picking position. Driven by the drive cylinder 3, the material-grabbing gripper 2 picks up a single nut 400 from the outlet of the vibratory feeder 1 and moves it above the pair of V-shaped grippers 5 located at the top of the assembly station 200. The openings of the V-shaped grippers 5 face upwards, and their inner V-grooves provide a natural centering guide for the nuts 400. The concentric positioning mechanism includes drive components 6 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station 200, a pressure plate assembly 7 synchronously driven to rise and fall by the drive components 6, and a positioning pressure head 8 rigidly fixed to the lower surface of the pressure plate assembly 7 by bolts. The driving component 6 is preferably a vertically arranged linear cylinder, and the pressure plate assembly 7 is a horizontally arranged plate, with its left and right ends connected to the piston rod ends of the two driving cylinders 6 respectively. When the two driving cylinders 6 retract synchronously, the pressure plate assembly 7 and the positioning pressure head 8 can be precisely driven to descend vertically. The positioning pressure head 8 has a multi-stage structure with a decreasing diameter arranged coaxially from top to bottom. Specifically, it includes a rectangular platform 80 at the uppermost end for connection with the pressure plate assembly 7, a first positioning part 81 connected below the rectangular platform 80, and a second positioning part 82 at the lowermost end. The first positioning part 81 is a frustum structure with a conical surface for guidance; the second positioning part 82 is a cylindrical structure. The maximum diameter of the first positioning part 81 is clearance-fitted with the circular hole at the top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300; the diameter of the second positioning part 82 is clearance-fitted with the inner hole of the nut 400. The displacement detection unit 9 is used to monitor the actual downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly 7 during the concentric positioning process in real time. Unit 9 can be a high-precision linear displacement sensor. Its detection head is mechanically coupled to the pressure plate assembly 7 and moves synchronously with it. The displacement detection unit 9 sends the detected real-time displacement data to the equipment's control system. After concentric positioning is completed and verified, the riveting actuator applies the final pressing force. The riveting actuator includes a pressure shaft 10 located directly above the positioning pressure head 8 and a press that drives the pressure shaft 10. The press is a hydraulic press or servo electric cylinder independent of the aforementioned drive cylinder 6. The pressure shaft 10 is strictly coaxial with the positioning pressure head 8 and the nut 400. Upon receiving the execution command, the press drives the pressure shaft 10 to press down with a preset force value. The pressure is transmitted to the nut 400 through the positioning pressure head 8, firmly riveting it into the mounting hole of the copper plate 300. The automatic feeding unit, composed of the vibratory plate 1, the material handling gripper 2, and the drive cylinder 3, replaces the manual picking and placing of nuts, eliminating human error, improving production efficiency and consistency, and achieving high-precision, high-consistency automated assembly.The V-shaped gripper 5 receives the nut, utilizing its self-centering characteristic to provide a stable and centered initial position. The positioning pressure head 8, with its coaxial stepped structure of frustum and cylinder, actively and mechanically aligns with the large hole of the copper plate 300 and the small hole of the nut 400. Taking advantage of the copper plate's hole's larger-than-smaller shape, it achieves adaptive fitting and correction from top to bottom, ensuring concentricity in the final assembly and solving the problem of concentric alignment between the nut and the copper plate hole. Real-time monitoring and logical judgment of the downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly 7 by the displacement detection unit 9 and the control system ensure the high pass rate of the finished products. All actions of the equipment are performed by program-controlled cylinders and presses. Operators only need to place the copper plate, away from the pressure-bearing area, reducing labor intensity and safety hazards, and improving operational safety and convenience.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, a stepped surface 51 is formed on the body of the V-shaped gripper 5. The stepped surface 51 is used by the material handling component to descend and abut against the nut 400 to the clamping center position of the V-shaped gripper 5.

[0023] Specifically, the stepped surface 51 is located on the upper part of the V-shaped gripper 5 body, specifically as a partially recessed plane lower than the top surface of the V-shaped gripper 5. This stepped surface 51 is located near the V-groove opening of the V-shaped gripper 5. When the picking gripper 2, driven by the drive cylinder 3, lowers while holding the nut 400, its lower end will eventually abut against the top of this stepped surface 51. This stepped surface 51 provides a clear and repeatable mechanical hard stop for the downward movement of the picking gripper 2. During operation, when the picking gripper 2, holding the nut 400, moves above the V-shaped gripper 5 and begins to descend, its final downward endpoint is defined by the position of the stepped surface 51. Since the stepped surface 51 is a non-movable part of the V-shaped gripper 5 body, it has a fixed and precise relative positional relationship with the center of the V-groove of the V-shaped gripper 5. Therefore, when the material-retrieving jaw 2 abuts against or references this stepped surface 51 to release the nut 400, the nut 400 will fall almost without deviation into the center of the V-groove of the lower V-shaped jaw 5, i.e., the clamping center position. This achieves a fundamental improvement in the nut placement accuracy, enhances the stability of the placement process, reduces excessive reliance on the accuracy of the feeding system, and provides a prerequisite guarantee for subsequent forced concentric positioning.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, the nut positioning mechanism also includes a gripper cylinder for driving the pair of V-shaped grippers 5 to open and close. The gripper cylinder 4 is located on the back side of the assembly station 200, and the V-shaped grippers 5 extend upward from the back side of the assembly station 200 into the recessed placement area at the top of the assembly station 200.

[0025] Specifically, the nut loading and positioning mechanism also includes a gripper cylinder 4 for driving the pair of V-shaped grippers 5 to open and close. This gripper cylinder 4 is installed on the back side of the assembly station 200, i.e., the side away from where the operator places the copper plate. The body of the V-shaped gripper 5 extends forward from the output end of the gripper cylinder 4, towards the operating side, and upward, ultimately positioning its V-shaped groove precisely within a specially designed recess at the top of the assembly station 200. Placing the gripper cylinder 4 on the back side spatially separates the driving component from the front operating area and the horizontal movement trajectory of the material-picking gripper 2, effectively avoiding interference between mechanisms and making the equipment structure more compact and reliable. Simultaneously, the separation of the driving component from the working area facilitates maintenance and adjustment without affecting the core assembly area. The V-shaped gripper 5 extending from the rear into the recess provides good root support, enhancing its structural rigidity when accepting nut placement and withstanding slight lateral forces.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, the first positioning part 81 is a frustum structure, and the second positioning part 82 is a cylindrical structure; The positioning head 8 also includes a rectangular platform 80 connected above the first positioning part 81, and the rectangular platform 80 is fixed to the pressure plate assembly 7.

[0027] Specifically, the first positioning part 81 is designed as a frustum structure with guide slopes on its sides, while the second positioning part 82 is designed as a cylindrical structure. Furthermore, a rectangular platform 80 is integrally connected above the first positioning part 81, and this rectangular platform 80 is rigidly fixed to the lower surface of the pressure plate assembly 7 by bolts or other fasteners. The geometric combination of the frustum and the cylinder directly and effectively achieves two-stage guiding functions. The conical surface of the frustum adapts to a certain positional deviation of the copper plate's circular hole, achieving rapid initial alignment, while the cylinder precisely fits with the inner hole of the nut, achieving final accurate positioning. The rectangular platform 80 provides a larger connection area and a more stable clamping surface, ensuring a firm connection between the positioning pressure head 8 and the pressure plate assembly 7. Under downward pressure and possible off-center loads, it effectively prevents loosening or displacement, ensuring the coaxiality and stability of pressure transmission.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, the driving component 6 is a vertically arranged cylinder; the pressure plate assembly 7 is a horizontal plate, and both ends of the pressure plate assembly 7 are respectively connected to the piston rods of the two cylinders.

[0029] Specifically, the driving component 6 is a vertically arranged cylinder. The pressure plate assembly 7 is a horizontally arranged rigid plate, referred to as the horizontal plate. Both ends of the horizontal plate are fixedly connected to the piston rods of the two vertical cylinders via connectors. This structure, where two vertical cylinders synchronously drive a rigid horizontal plate, ensures, to the maximum extent possible, that the horizontal plate and the positioning pressure head 8 fixed thereon perform purely vertical movements, preventing jamming or tilting that may occur with single-point driving. This is a key mechanical guarantee for achieving high-precision concentric positioning. As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, it also includes a nut detection sensor, which is disposed on the top plane on both sides of the recessed placement area at the top of the assembly station 200, and the nut detection sensor is disposed corresponding to the clamping position of the V-shaped gripper 5.

[0030] Specifically, it also includes a nut detection sensor, which is installed on the flat surface at the top of the assembly station 200, surrounding the recessed placement area. Its transmitter and receiver are arranged opposite each other, and the detection optical path passes directly above the clamping center of the V-shaped gripper 5. This sensor can confirm whether the nut 400 has been correctly placed in the V-shaped gripper 5 before the riveting cycle begins. If no nut is detected, the control system can immediately alarm and interrupt the process to prevent the equipment from running dry or performing subsequent invalid operations, thus avoiding equipment damage or production defects. This detection signal is a necessary closed-loop feedback point for the equipment to achieve fully automatic operation (without manual confirmation of the loading result), improving the degree of automation and process reliability.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, the assembly station 200 includes an extended edge for suspending the top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300, and a receiving groove located on the outside for accommodating the bottom of the copper plate; It also includes a vision sensor disposed corresponding to the receiving groove; A start positioning button is provided on one side of the receiving groove, and the start positioning button is connected to the control system signal.

[0032] Specifically, the assembly station 200 includes a horizontally extending edge for supporting and suspending the top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300; and a groove on its front side for accommodating and limiting the bottom, i.e., the vertical portion, of the copper plate. It also includes a vision sensor with its lens aligned with the accommodating groove area. A start positioning button is located below one side of the accommodating groove. The extending edge and the accommodating groove form a natural positioning seat conforming to the shape of the copper plate, allowing the operator to quickly and accurately place the copper plate without precise adjustments, reducing operational difficulty and time. The vision sensor is used to identify whether the model, orientation, or character markings of the placed copper plate are correct. If an error is detected, the system alarms to prevent the assembly of incorrect parts, achieving front-end quality interception in the production process. The start button is located below the natural resting position of the hand after placing the copper plate; after placing the copper plate, the operator's finger can naturally trigger the button to start the automatic positioning process. This conforms to a natural operational flow, improving operational efficiency, while making manual confirmation of placement a prerequisite for automatic process initiation adds safety interlocking.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, the press of the riveting actuator is a hydraulic press or a servo press that is independent of the drive component 6; The pressure shaft 10 is coaxially corresponding to the positioning pressure head 8, and a buffer is provided at the corresponding position on the top of the pressure plate assembly 7.

[0034] Specifically, the press in the riveting actuator is a hydraulic press or servo press independent of the drive cylinder 6, and the pressure shaft 10 is strictly coaxial with the positioning pressure head 8 in spatial position. Separating the drive source—which provides the positioning function with a smaller stroke and lower force, performed by the cylinder 6, from the drive source that provides the final high-tonnage riveting function, allows for the selection of the most suitable power components for each process requirement, making the system configuration more rational and economical. An independent, high-rigidity press can provide precise and controllable pressing force and displacement, ensuring the stability of the riveting process parameters. The coaxiality of the pressure shaft 10 and the positioning pressure head 8 ensures that the riveting force is applied perpendicularly, avoiding product deformation or positioning offset due to uneven loading, thereby ensuring the final riveting connection quality. A buffer is provided on the top of the pressure plate assembly 7 to reduce machine damage and improve durability.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment of the above, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, it also includes a control system, which is signal-connected to the displacement detection unit 9 and controls the start and stop of the riveting actuator based on the comparison result of the downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly 7 and the preset displacement threshold.

[0036] A method for riveting nuts onto the copper plates of a 7-shaped connector includes the following steps: S1. Nut feeding and pre-positioning: Nuts 400 are supplied by vibratory feeder 1, and are picked up by material handling jaws 2 and transferred to a pair of V-shaped jaws 5 on assembly station 200. S2, Placing the copper plate: The top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300 is suspended from the extended edge of the assembly station 200, and the bottom is placed in the receiving groove so that the top of the copper plate covers the nut 400. S3. Concentric positioning: Control the drive unit 6 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station 200 to move, drive the pressure plate assembly 7 with the positioning pressure head 8 fixed to descend, so that the first positioning part 81 of the positioning pressure head 8 is adapted to the round hole on the top of the copper plate for guidance, and at the same time its second positioning part 82 is inserted into the inner hole of the nut 400 to achieve forced concentric positioning. S4. Concentricity verification: The downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly 7 in step S3 is detected by the displacement detection unit 9 and compared with the preset displacement threshold. S5. Riveting execution: If the comparison result in step S4 meets the preset conditions, drive the press to make the pressure shaft 10 press down and rivet the nut 400 onto the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300 through the positioning pressure head 8.

[0037] Specifically, the nut feeding and pre-positioning steps achieve automatic supply and precise initial placement of nuts. The vibratory feeder 1 continuously operates, orienting and sorting the bulk nuts 400 and conveying them to a fixed picking station. Subsequently, the picking gripper 2, driven by the horizontal and vertical cylinders 3, moves to this station and picks up a single nut 400. Next, the drive cylinder 3 moves the picking gripper 2 and the nut 400 it holds to above the assembly station 200, and finally lowers it, releasing the nut 400 and placing it between a pair of V-shaped grippers 5 fixed at this station. The V-shaped structure of the V-shaped grippers 5 provides self-centering for the nut 400, completing the precise pre-positioning before assembly. The copper plate placement is a manual loading step, ensuring ease of operation and repeatability of positioning. The operator places the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300 according to its structural features: the top horizontal part of the copper plate 300 is suspended on the extended edge of the assembly station 200, while its bottom vertical part is placed in the receiving groove on the outside of the assembly station 200. This placement action naturally causes the top plane of the copper plate 300 to cover the nut 400 already positioned within the V-shaped gripper 5, with the round hole at the top of the copper plate roughly aligned with the inner hole of the nut below, preparing for subsequent automated precise positioning. The concentric positioning step ensures assembly accuracy. Upon receiving a start signal, the control system controls the drive components symmetrically positioned on both sides of the assembly station 200, such as the vertical cylinder 6, to move synchronously, causing the rigidly connected pressure plate assembly 7 to descend smoothly like a horizontal plate. The positioning pressure head 8, fixed to the pressure plate assembly 7, moves downward accordingly. The positioning pressure head 8 has a coaxial first positioning part 81 and a second positioning part 82 with decreasing diameters from top to bottom. During the downward movement, the second positioning part (cylinder) 82 first inserts into the inner hole of the lower nut 400 for initial guidance and gripping. Then, the first positioning part (frustum) 81, with its conical surface, guides into the circular hole at the top of the copper plate 300. Utilizing the conical guiding principle of the frustum, it overcomes the initial slight positional deviation, forcing the circular hole of the copper plate 300 and the inner hole of the nut 400 to be fully concentric, thus actively correcting the deviation through a mechanical structure. The concentricity verification step evaluates the positioning result of step S3 online in real time. Throughout the entire downward movement of the positioning head 8, the displacement detection unit 9 continuously monitors the downward displacement of the pressure plate assembly 7. When the positioning head 8 completes positioning (i.e., the first positioning part 81 is in contact with the copper plate hole, and the second positioning part 82 is fully inserted into the nut hole), the pressure plate assembly 7 stops at a theoretically preset physical position. The displacement detection unit 9 transmits the detected actual stop displacement value to the control system, which compares and judges this actual value with a pre-stored preset displacement threshold representing complete concentricity. The riveting process is executed after verification. The control system performs a logical judgment on the comparison result of step S4. The system determines that the concentric positioning is successful only if the actual displacement value meets the preset conditions (e.g., within the allowable error range of the threshold).At this point, the control system triggers the riveting actuator, driving the independent press to work, causing the pressure shaft 10 to press vertically downwards. The pressure is transmitted through the positioning pressure head 8, which is precisely aligned with the nut and copper plate, firmly riveting the nut 400 into the mounting hole of the 7-shaped connector copper plate 300, forming a permanent connection. If the comparison result does not meet the preset conditions, the system determines that the positioning has failed, not only not starting the riveting but also issuing an alarm signal to prompt intervention, thereby preventing the production of defective products. This method systematically and step-by-step eliminates assembly errors, ensuring the concentricity of the final assembly in principle, and solving the fundamental problem of unstable concentricity and poor consistency caused by traditional methods relying on operator feel or simple fixtures. By monitoring displacement to reflect the physical alignment status, online, real-time, and objective full inspection of concentricity is achieved. Furthermore, key processes such as nut loading, positioning, inspection, and riveting are linked together into an automated process, greatly reducing manual intervention and the uncertainties it brings. Clear steps and judgment logic make the process stable, repeatable, and traceable, providing a reliable methodological guarantee for high-quality, mass production.

[0038] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 7-shaped connector copper plate nut riveting equipment, characterized in that, It comprises a rack (100) and an assembly station (200) arranged thereon, further comprising a nut feeding and positioning mechanism, a concentric positioning mechanism, a displacement detection unit (9) and a riveting execution mechanism; The nut feeding and positioning mechanism comprises a vibrating disc (1), a material taking clamp jaw (2), horizontal and lifting cylinders (3) for driving the material taking clamp jaw (2) to move, and a pair of V-shaped clamp jaws (5) arranged on the assembly station (200); The concentric positioning mechanism comprises driving members (6) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station (200), a pressing plate assembly (7) driven by the driving members (6) to move up and down synchronously, and a positioning pressing head (8) fixedly arranged on the pressing plate assembly (7); The positioning pressing head (8) has a first positioning part (81) and a second positioning part (82) coaxially arranged and decreasing in diameter from top to bottom, the first positioning part (81) is used for guiding the round hole at the top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate (300), and the second positioning part (82) is used for guiding the inner hole of the nut (400); The displacement detection unit (9) detects the downward displacement of the pressing plate assembly (7) under the driving of the driving members (6); The riveting execution mechanism comprises a pressing shaft (10) acting on the upper side of the positioning pressing head (8) and a press machine driving the pressing shaft (10).

2. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A stepped surface (51) is formed on the body of the V-shaped clamp jaw (5), and the stepped surface (51) is used for guiding the nut (400) to the clamping center position of the V-shaped clamp jaw (5) by the downward abutting of the material taking component.

3. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nut positioning mechanism further comprises a clamp jaw cylinder for driving the pair of V-shaped clamp jaws (5) to open and close, the clamp jaw cylinder (4) is arranged on the back side of the assembly station (200), and the V-shaped clamp jaw (5) extends upward into the recessed placement at the top of the assembly station (200) from the back side of the assembly station (200).

4. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first positioning part (81) is a circular truncated cone structure, and the second positioning part (82) is a circular column structure; The positioning pressing head (8) further comprises a rectangular table (80) connected to the upper side of the first positioning part (81), and the rectangular table (80) is fixed to the pressing plate assembly (7).

5. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The driving member (6) is a vertically arranged cylinder, and the pressing plate assembly (7) is a horizontal plate, and the two ends of the pressing plate assembly (7) are respectively connected with the piston rods of the two cylinders.

6. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a nut detection sensor, the nut detection sensor is arranged on the top plane on both sides of the recessed placement at the top of the assembly station (200), and the nut detection sensor is arranged corresponding to the clamping position of the V-shaped clamp jaw (5).

7. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The assembly station (200) comprises an extended edge for suspending the top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate (300) and a containing groove on the outer side for containing the bottom of the copper plate; Further comprising a visual sensor arranged corresponding to the containing groove; A start positioning button is arranged below one side of the containing groove, and the start positioning button is signal connected with the control system.

8. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The press machine of the riveting execution mechanism is a hydraulic machine or a servo press machine independent of the driving member (6); The pressing shaft (10) is coaxial with the positioning press head (8), and a buffer is arranged at the corresponding position of the top of the pressing plate assembly 7.

9. The 7-shaped connector copper nut riveting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a control system connected with the displacement detection unit (9) and controlling the start and stop of the riveting execution mechanism according to the comparison result of the downward displacement of the pressing plate assembly (7) and the preset displacement threshold.

10. A method of riveting a nut to a copper plate of a 7-shaped connector, using the nut riveting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: S1, nut feeding and pre-positioning: the nuts (400) are supplied by a vibrating disc (1), and are clamped and transferred by a material taking clamp jaw (2) to a pair of V-shaped clamping jaws (5) between an assembly station (200); S2, copper plate placement: the top of the 7-shaped connector copper plate (300) is hung on the extended edge of the assembly station (200), and the bottom is placed in the containing groove, so that the top of the copper plate covers the nut (400); S3, concentric positioning: the driving members (6) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the assembly station (200) are controlled to act, driving the pressing plate assembly (7) with the positioning press head (8) fixed thereon to descend, so that the first positioning part (81) of the positioning press head (8) is adaptively guided with the round hole at the top of the copper plate, and the second positioning part (82) is inserted into the inner hole of the nut (400), thereby realizing forced concentric positioning; S4, concentricity verification: the downward displacement of the pressing plate assembly (7) in step S3 is detected by the displacement detection unit (9), and is compared with the preset displacement threshold; S5, riveting execution: if the comparison result in step S4 meets the preset condition, the press machine is driven, and the pressing shaft (10) is pressed downward to rivet and fix the nut (400) on the 7-shaped connector copper plate (300) through the positioning press head (8).

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