Multi-station rotary table of meter and module assembling machine

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automatic meter and module assembling equipment, and discloses a multi-station rotary table of a meter and module assembling machine, which comprises a working table, a closed-loop conveying line is arranged on the working table, a plurality of working stations for placing workpieces are arranged on the conveying line, each working station can move along the conveying line, and each working station can move along the conveying line. All the working stations move synchronously when moving along the conveying line; the conveying line is divided into a plurality of operation areas, the number of the operation areas is matched with the number of the operation stations, each operation area is internally provided with one operation station, and each operation area is provided with operation equipment needing operation procedures. When all the working stations synchronously move along the conveying line to cooperate with the working equipment to carry out the required working procedure, one working station exists in each working area; the production line has the advantages that the operation efficiency is improved, the occupied area of the production line is effectively reduced, the space utilization rate is increased, and the stability and quality of assembly operation are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine, belonging to the technical field of automated meter and module assembly equipment. Background Technology

[0002] An electricity meter, or simply meter, is a measuring instrument used to measure a user's electricity consumption. An HPLC module, or simply module, is a communication module used in power systems. It is usually installed on the meter to enable high-speed data communication of information from the meter via power lines.

[0003] With the rapid development of secondary warehouses for metering assets, the power marketing management system has enabled the informatization and networking of power company assets. Currently, the outbound management of meters and modules adopts a separate shipping method. During outbound shipment, the meters and modules need to be assembled and bound, specifically including the following tasks: 1. Install the module: Install the HPLC communication module into the meter module compartment; 2. Affix labels: Affix labels containing the account holder's name information to the front of the meter; 3. Install lead seal: Install lead seal at the screw position on the meter nameplate cover plate; 4. Three-code binding: Collect and bind the meter barcode, module QR code, and lead seal QR code.

[0004] The aforementioned tasks can be automated using meter and module assembly machines. However, the technical approaches to their installation layout vary, and a unified solution has not yet been established. Currently, a linear conveyor belt design is commonly used. For example, Chinese patent application CN202110673671.4 discloses an automatic installation device for electricity meter nameplates, which employs a linear conveyor belt design. The linear conveyor belt sequentially transports the meters to various independent workstations, where each workstation completes its corresponding process to finalize the meter installation.

[0005] This type of linear conveyor belt design has the following problems in practical use: 1. The workstation switching speed depends entirely on the conveyor belt speed, and the processes cannot be fully synchronized, resulting in a lot of idle time for the assembly machine and a problem of low overall operation efficiency.

[0006] 2. The equipment layout requires all workstations to be arranged sequentially along the conveying direction, and a linear layout is often used. This can easily lead to a non-compact path for subsequent workpieces, resulting in low utilization of production space and a large footprint.

[0007] 3. The meters are mostly placed on the linear conveyor belt without the use of dedicated tooling fixtures, which can easily lead to inaccurate positioning of the meters, thus affecting the stability of subsequent assembly operations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, the present invention provides a multi-station rotary table for meter and module assembly machines.

[0009] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A multi-station rotary table for meter and module assembly machines includes a worktable with a closed-loop conveyor line. Several workstations for placing workpieces are arranged on the conveyor line, each capable of moving along the line synchronously. The conveyor line is divided into several work areas, the number of which corresponds to the number of workstations. Each work area contains one workstation and a work device for the required work process. Each workstation can pass through all work areas as it moves along the conveyor line. The work device can perform the required work process on the workstations entering the corresponding work area. The synchronous movement of all workstations along the conveyor line in coordination with the work device ensures that there is one workstation in each work area.

[0010] Furthermore, the workbench is also equipped with a controller for data processing and program control, which can control the movement of the work station and the operation of the work equipment.

[0011] Furthermore, the workpiece includes a meter body and a module body, and the work station includes a base plate. Placement blocks are provided at the four corners of the base plate. Each placement block has a first placement slot and a second placement slot. All the first placement slots form a first placement space on the base plate for placing the meter body, and all the second placement slots form a second placement space on the base plate for placing the module body.

[0012] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned work stations is provided with a mounting plate located above the conveyor line. The bottom surface of the mounting plate is symmetrically provided with pulleys, and the two pulleys contact the two side walls of the conveyor line respectively. A drive assembly for providing power to the pulleys is also provided on one side wall of the mounting plate, and the drive assembly is electrically connected to the controller.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the mounting plates is equipped with a position sensor, which is used to detect the relative position of the mounting plate on the conveyor line. The position sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] Furthermore, there are six workstations and six work areas. A feeding position is set at one side of the workbench. The work areas are divided into six work areas in a clockwise direction along the conveyor line, starting from the feeding position. The work equipment performs the required work processes on the workstations in the six work areas.

[0015] Furthermore, the operating equipment includes a first robot, a first screwdriver, a rotating flip-top assembly, a second robot, a second screwdriver, a labeling assembly, and a lead-sealing assembly, all electrically connected to the controller. The first robot is located in operating area one, the first screwdriver is located in operating area two, the rotating flip-top assembly and the second robot are located in operating area three, the second screwdriver is located in operating area four, the labeling assembly is located in operating area five, and the lead-sealing assembly is located in operating area six.

[0016] Furthermore, a protective frame is provided on the workbench, and the first robot and the second robot are both located on the outside of the workbench. The protective frame has a first opening and a second opening. The gripping part of the first robot can move to the first working area through the first opening, and the gripping part of the second robot can move to the third working area through the second opening.

[0017] Furthermore, the controller controls the operating equipment to perform the following processes: The first robot picks up the meter body and places it into the work station in the first work area, and then moves the assembled meter body out of the work station in the first work area. The first screwdriver loosens the nameplate cover screws of the meter body in the work station located in the second work area; The rotating flip-top assembly opens the protective cover of the meter body in the work station located in the third work area. The second robot gripping module body is then inserted into the meter body, and the protective cover is closed. The second screwdriver is used to tighten the nameplate cover screws of the meter body in the work station located in the fourth work area. The labeling component affixes labels to the meter bodies at the workstations within work area number five; The lead seal assembly is used to seal the meter body at the work station in work area number six, and at the same time bind the meter barcode, module QR code and lead seal QR code.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention, through the setting of a closed-loop conveyor line, enables multiple workstations to move synchronously, thereby avoiding the problem of uncoordinated work processes caused by speed differences in traditional linear conveyor belts. The operations between each workstation can be seamlessly connected, thereby reducing the idle time of the unit and improving work efficiency compared to existing technologies.

[0019] 2. This invention, through the coordinated arrangement of a closed-loop conveyor line, workstations that can move along the closed-loop conveyor line, work areas, and work equipment, can form a multi-station rotary structure compared to the traditional linear conveyor belt layout. The workpiece flow path is very compact, allowing more work areas to be set up in a limited space. It has the advantages of effectively reducing the floor space of the production line and improving space utilization.

[0020] 3. By setting up a workstation for placing workpieces, the present invention enables the workpieces to be precisely positioned by placing them into the workstation, thereby greatly reducing positioning errors. Compared with the prior art, it has the advantage of improving the stability and quality of assembly operations. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the workbench of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the conveyor line of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the workstation in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the workstation in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the module connection of the present invention.

[0022] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1. Workbench; 2. Conveyor line; 3. Workpiece; 31. Meter body; 32. Module body; 4. Workstation; 41. Base plate; 42. Placement block; 43. First placement slot; 44. Second placement slot; 45. First placement space; 46. Second placement space; 5. Operating equipment; 51. First robot; 52. First screwdriver; 53. Rotating flip-top assembly; 54. Second robot; 55. Second screwdriver; 56. Labeling assembly; 57. Lead seal assembly; 6. Controller; 7. Mounting plate; 8. Pulley; 9. Drive assembly; 10. Position sensor; 11. Feed position; 12. Protective frame. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Example: Please refer to Figures 1-6This embodiment provides a multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine, including a workbench 1. A closed-loop conveyor line 2 is installed on the workbench 1. The specific structure of the conveyor line 2 can be selected and configured according to actual needs, such as a ring shape, ellipse shape, or racetrack shape. Several workstations 4 for placing workpieces 3 are provided on the conveyor line 2. Each workstation 4 can move along the conveyor line 2, and all workstations 4 move synchronously along the conveyor line 2. The specific number of workstations 4 can be selected and configured according to actual needs; in this embodiment, the number of workstations 4 is six.

[0025] The specific structure of the work station 4 includes a base plate 41 set above the conveyor line 2. Placement blocks 42 are set at the four corners of the base plate 41. Each placement block 42 has a first placement groove 43 and a second placement groove 44. The workpiece 3 includes a meter body 31 and a module body 32. The meter body 31 is specifically an electricity meter, and the module body 32 is specifically an HPLC module. All the first placement grooves 43 form a first placement space 45 on the base plate 41 for placing the meter body 31. All the second placement grooves 44 form a second placement space 46 on the base plate 41 for placing the module body 32. The meter body 31 can be stably placed in the work station 4 by being placed in the first placement space 45, and the module body 32 can be stably placed in the work station 4 by being placed in the second placement space 46.

[0026] The work station 4 moves along the conveyor line 2 through the following structure: Each work station 4 is equipped with a mounting plate 7 below it, which is located above the conveyor line 2. Pulleys 8 are symmetrically arranged on the bottom surface of the mounting plate 7. The pulleys 8 are rotatably connected to the mounting plate 7. The two pulleys 8 contact the two side walls of the conveyor line 2 respectively. A drive assembly 9 is also provided on one side wall of the mounting plate 7 to provide power to the pulleys 8. The drive assembly 9 provides power to the pulleys 8 to move them along the conveyor line 2. That is, the work station 4 can move along the conveyor line 2 by moving the mounting plate 7.

[0027] The conveyor line 2 is divided into several working areas, and the number of working areas is adapted to the number of working stations 4. In this embodiment, there are six working stations 4, so there are also six working areas. Each working area contains one working station 4, and each working area is equipped with a working device 5 for the required working process. Each working station 4 can pass through all working areas when moving along the conveyor line 2, and all working devices 5 can perform the required working process on the working station 4 entering the corresponding working area. When all working stations 4 move synchronously along the conveyor line 2 to cooperate with the working devices 5 to perform the required working process, there is one working station 4 in each working area, so as to achieve synchronous operation of the process.

[0028] In this embodiment, the work area is arranged as follows: a feeding position 11 is set at the left side of the workbench 1. The work area is divided into six work areas in a clockwise direction along the conveyor line 2, starting from the feeding position 11. The work equipment 5 performs the required work processes on the work stations 4 in the six work areas. Specifically, the work equipment 5 includes a first robot 51, a first screw gun 52, a rotating flip-top assembly 53, a second robot 54, a second screw gun 55, a labeling assembly 56, and a lead seal assembly 57. The first robot 51 is set in the first work area, the first screw gun 52 is set in the second work area, the rotating flip-top assembly 53 and the second robot 54 are set in the third work area, the second screw gun 55 is set in the fourth work area, the labeling assembly 56 is set in the fifth work area, and the lead seal assembly 57 is set in the sixth work area. The first robot 51 is capable of grasping the meter body 31 and placing it into the work station 4 in the first work area, as well as removing the assembled meter body 31 from the work station 4 in the first work area. The first screw gun 52 is capable of loosening the nameplate cover screws of the meter body 31 in the work station 4 in the second work area. The rotating flip-cover assembly 53 is capable of flipping open the protective cover of the meter body 31 in the work station 4 in the third work area. The second robot 54 is capable of grasping the module body. The process of installing the body 32 into the meter body 31 and closing the protective cover; the second screw gun 55 can tighten the nameplate cover screws of the meter body 31 in the work station 4 of the fourth work area; the labeling assembly 56 can affix labels to the meter body 31 in the work station 4 of the fifth work area; and the lead seal assembly 57 can assemble the lead seal on the meter body 31 in the work station 4 of the sixth work area, and simultaneously bind the meter barcode, module QR code and lead seal QR code.

[0029] To improve the automation of this multi-station rotary table, in this embodiment, a controller 6 for data processing and program control is also provided on the workbench 1. Each mounting plate 7 is provided with a position sensor 10 for detecting the relative position of the mounting plate 7 on the conveyor line 2. The controller 6 is electrically connected to the drive assembly 9, the position sensor 10, the first robot 51, the first screw gun 52, the rotating flip-top assembly 53, the second robot 54, the second screw gun 55, the labeling assembly 56, and the lead seal assembly 57, so as to control the movement of the work station 4 and the operation of the work equipment 5 according to its own preset program.

[0030] Controller 6 can implement the following program control: The controller 6 acquires the position information detected by the position sensor 10 to obtain the position of each workstation 4 on the conveyor line 2. The controller 6 controls the drive assembly 9 to achieve synchronous movement of each workstation 4 on the conveyor line 2 and switching of work areas. The controller 6 controls the operation of the work equipment 5 to enable the work equipment 5 to perform the required work processes. Taking a workstation 4 as an example, when it moves from work area 1 along the conveyor line 2 to return to work area 1, the controller 6 needs to perform the following work control: Step 1: The controller 6 controls the first robot 51 to grab the meter body 31 and place it into the work station 4 in the first work area, so that the meter body 31 is in the first placement space 45. Then the controller 6 controls the drive component 9 to start working and make the work station 4 move along the conveyor line 2.

[0031] Step 2: Workstation 4 moves to work area 2. Controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to stop working, causing workstation 4 to stop in work area 2. Then, controller 6 controls first screw gun 52 to loosen the nameplate cover screw of meter body 31 in workstation 4 in work area 2. After that, controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to start working, causing workstation 4 to continue moving along conveyor line 2.

[0032] Step 3: Workstation 4 moves to work area 3. Controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to stop working, stopping workstation 4 in work area 3. Then, controller 6 controls rotating flip-top assembly 53 to open the protective cover of meter body 31 in workstation 4 in work area 3, and controls second robot 54 to grab module body 32 and put it into meter body 31 in workstation 4, placing module body 32 in second placement space 46. Then, second robot 54 closes the protective cover. After that, controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to start working, causing workstation 4 to continue moving along conveyor line 2.

[0033] Step 4: Workstation 4 moves to work area 4. Controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to stop working, causing workstation 4 to stop in work area 4. Then, controller 6 controls second screw gun 55 to loosen the nameplate cover screw of meter body 31 in workstation 4 in work area 4. After that, controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to start working, causing workstation 4 to continue moving along conveyor line 2.

[0034] Step 5: Workstation 4 moves to work area 5. Controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to stop working, causing workstation 4 to stop in work area 5. Then, controller 6 controls labeling assembly 56 to affix a label to the meter body 31 in workstation 4 in work area 5. After that, controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to start working, causing workstation 4 to continue moving along conveyor line 2.

[0035] Step 6: Workstation 4 moves to work area 6. Controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to stop working, stopping workstation 4 within work area 6. Then, controller 6 controls seal assembly 57 to assemble and seal the meter body 31 in workstation 4 within work area 6, simultaneously binding the meter barcode, module QR code, and seal QR code. Afterward, controller 6 controls drive assembly 9 to start working, allowing workstation 4 to continue moving along conveyor line 2.

[0036] Step 7: Workstation 4 moves back to work area 1. Controller 6 controls drive component 9 to stop working, causing workstation 4 to stop in work area 1. Controller 6 controls first robot 51 to move the assembled meter body 31 out of workstation 4 in work area 1.

[0037] According to the aforementioned work control, the controller 6 can realize the automation of the assembly of this multi-station rotary table. In actual use, the six workstations 4 can move synchronously so that each workstation 4 has a work process in progress, and the operation between each workstation 4 can be seamlessly connected, thereby reducing the idle time of the unit and improving work efficiency.

[0038] To enhance the safety of this multi-station rotary table, a protective frame 12 is provided on the workbench 1 in this embodiment. The protective frame 12 physically isolates the operating area to prevent personnel from accidentally entering and causing safety risks, and also provides installation space for subsequent installation of electrical components such as displays and lights. The first robot 51 and the second robot 54 are both located outside the workbench 1. The protective frame 12 has a first opening and a second opening. The gripping part of the first robot 51 can move to the first working area through the first opening, and the gripping part of the second robot 54 can move to the third working area through the second opening, thereby ensuring the normal operation of this multi-station rotary table.

[0039] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-station turret for a meter and module assembly machine, characterized by: The application relates to a workbench (1) which is provided with a closed-loop conveying line (2), a plurality of work stations (4) for placing workpieces (3) are arranged on the conveying line (2), each work station (4) can move along the conveying line (2), and all the work stations (4) move synchronously along the conveying line (2); the conveying line (2) is divided into a plurality of work areas, the number of the work areas is adapted to the number of the work stations (4), one work station (4) is arranged in each work area, work equipment (5) required for a work procedure is arranged on each work area, each work station (4) can pass through all the work areas along the conveying line (2), the work equipment (5) can perform the required work procedure on the work station (4) entering the corresponding work area, and when all the work stations (4) move synchronously along the conveying line (2) and the work equipment (5) performs the required work procedure, one work station (4) is arranged in each work area.

2. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine as defined in claim 1, wherein: A controller (6) for data processing and program control is further arranged on the workbench (1), and the controller (6) can control the movement of the work stations (4) and the work of the work equipment (5).

3. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine according to claim 2, wherein: The workpiece (3) comprises a meter body (31) and a module body (32), the work station (4) comprises a bottom plate (41), placing blocks (42) are arranged at the four corner positions of the bottom plate (41), a first placing groove (43) and a second placing groove (44) are arranged on each placing block (42), all the first placing grooves (43) form a first placing space (45) for placing the meter body (31) on the bottom plate (41), and all the second placing grooves (44) form a second placing space (46) for placing the module body (32) on the bottom plate (41).

4. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine as defined in claim 2, wherein: A mounting plate (7) is arranged below each work station (4), the mounting plate (7) is located above the conveying line (2), symmetrical pulleys (8) are arranged on the bottom surface of the mounting plate (7), the pulleys (8) on the two sides are in contact with the side walls of the conveying line (2) respectively, a driving assembly (9) for providing power for the pulleys (8) is further arranged on one side wall of the mounting plate (7), and the driving assembly (9) is electrically connected with the controller (6).

5. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine according to claim 4, wherein: A position sensor (10) is arranged on each mounting plate (7), the position sensor (10) is used for detecting the relative position of the mounting plate (7) on the conveying line (2), and the position sensor (10) is electrically connected with the controller (6).

6. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine as defined in claim 3 wherein: The number of the work stations (4) and the work areas is six, a feeding position (11) is arranged at one side position of the workbench (1), the work areas are sequentially divided into No. 1 to No. 6 work areas in the clockwise direction along the conveying line (2) with the feeding position (11) as a starting point, and the work equipment (5) performs the required work procedure on the work stations (4) in the No. 1 to No. 6 work areas.

7. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine according to claim 6, wherein: The operation equipment (5) comprises a first robot (51), a first screw gun (52), a rotary cover assembly (53), a second robot (54), a second screw gun (55), a labeling assembly (56) and a sealing assembly (57), all of which are electrically connected with the controller (6), the first robot (51) is arranged on the first operation area, the first screw gun (52) is arranged on the second operation area, the rotary cover assembly (53) and the second robot (54) are arranged on the third operation area, the second screw gun (55) is arranged on the fourth operation area, the labeling assembly (56) is arranged on the fifth operation area, and the sealing assembly (57) is arranged on the sixth operation area.

8. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine according to claim 6, wherein: The workbench (1) is provided with a protective frame (12), the first robot (51) and the second robot (54) are arranged outside the workbench (1), the protective frame (12) is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, the grabbing part of the first robot (51) can move to the first operation area through the first through hole, and the grabbing part of the second robot (54) can move to the third operation area through the second through hole.

9. A multi-station rotary table for a meter and module assembly machine as defined in claim 7, wherein: The controller (6) controls the operation equipment (5) to perform the following processes: The first robot (51) grabs the meter body (31) and places it into the operation station (4) in the first operation area, and moves the meter body (31) assembled in the operation station (4) in the first operation area out; The first screw gun (52) loosens the nameplate cover screw of the meter body (31) in the operation station (4) in the second operation area; The rotary cover assembly (53) opens the protective cover of the meter body (31) in the operation station (4) in the third operation area, the second robot (54) grabs the module body (32) and installs it into the meter body (31), and closes the protective cover; The second screw gun (55) locks the nameplate cover screw of the meter body (31) in the operation station (4) in the fourth operation area; The labeling assembly (56) pastes labels on the meter body (31) in the operation station (4) in the fifth operation area; The sealing assembly (57) assembles the sealing of the meter body (31) in the operation station (4) in the sixth operation area, and binds the electric meter bar code, the module two-dimensional code and the sealing two-dimensional code.

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