Automatic welding machine for connector

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of connector terminal assembling equipment, in particular to an automatic connector welding machine which comprises a pair of outer arms arranged in a mirror symmetry mode, and the outer arms are rotationally connected to a base and driven by a first driving mechanism to synchronously rotate in opposite rotating directions. The inner arms are rotationally connected to the base respectively and driven by a second driving mechanism to synchronously rotate in opposite rotating directions, the inner sides of the inner arms are provided with structures for accommodating and fixing the connector terminals, and when the connector terminals are fixed, the end parts of the connector terminals extend to be close to the free ends of the inner arms; the two welding guns are respectively connected to the end parts of the pair of outer arms; in the same rotating plane, the outer arm rotates to be opened and closed on the outer side of the inner arm, and when the inner arm and the outer arm are both located at the closed position, a welding head of the welding gun extends to be close to the free end of the inner arm, and therefore high-precision positioning and synchronous welding of the paired connector terminals can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector terminal assembly equipment technology, and more specifically to an automatic connector welding machine. Background Technology

[0002] As critical electrical interconnect components, the soldering quality and precision of connector terminals directly affect the reliability of circuits. With the increasing demands for electrical and signal transmission, the structural design of connector terminals is also evolving to improve electrical performance.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent document CN202121284530.5 discloses a bridge-type soldering connector and terminal, which reduces SI impedance fluctuations caused by PCB manufacturing tolerances by designing the solder pad area of ​​the terminal away from the PCB surface. These terminals are typically used in pairs, mirror-symmetrically, such as plug-in terminals, double-ended terminals, or mating terminals. They need to be synchronously and precisely soldered to corresponding pads on copper busbars, PCBs, or other conductive substrates. However, while these new terminals improve electrical performance, their paired terminal structure places more stringent demands on the positioning accuracy, soldering stability, and solder joint formation of automated soldering. General-purpose or simple clamping automated soldering equipment cannot guarantee the absolute spatial symmetry of the solder pads of the two terminals and the consistency of soldering quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automatic connector welding machine that can achieve high-precision positioning and synchronous welding of paired connector terminals.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic connector soldering machine, characterized in that it comprises:

[0007] Base;

[0008] The first drive mechanism is fixedly installed on the base;

[0009] A second drive mechanism fixedly mounted on the base;

[0010] A pair of mirror-symmetrically arranged outer arms are rotatably connected to the base and driven by the first drive mechanism to rotate synchronously in opposite directions;

[0011] A pair of mirror-symmetrical inner arms are rotatably connected to the base and driven by the second drive mechanism to rotate synchronously in opposite directions. The inner side of the inner arm is provided with a structure for accommodating and fixing the connector terminal, and when the connector terminal is fixed, its end extends to the free end near the inner arm.

[0012] Two welding torches are respectively connected to the ends of a pair of outer arms;

[0013] The pair of outer arms and the pair of inner arms can both rotate from their relatively parallel closed positions to open positions in opposite directions; within the same plane of rotation, the outer arms rotate and open outside the inner arms, and when both the inner and outer arms are in the closed position, the welding head of the welding torch extends to the free end near the inner arm.

[0014] Preferably, the first drive mechanism includes a first motor fixedly connected to the base, a worm coaxially connected to the output shaft of the first motor, and a pair of worm wheels rotatably connected to the base. The two worm wheels are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the worm and are meshed with the worm. One end of each of the two outer arms is fixedly connected to the end face of the two worm wheels.

[0015] Preferably, the second drive mechanism includes a second motor fixedly connected to the base, two symmetrically arranged and meshing gears of equal size, the output shaft of the second motor being coaxially fixedly connected to one of the gears, and one end of each of the two inner arms being fixedly connected to the end face of the gear.

[0016] Preferably, each inner arm includes a pair of fixedly connected and parallel arm plates, with grooves formed on the inner edges of opposite sides of the two arm plates. The shape and size of the connector terminals are adapted to the grooves, and flexible pads are provided on the opposite surfaces of the two arm plates to allow the connector terminals to be interference-fitted into the grooves.

[0017] Preferably, the system further includes a positioning mechanism, which comprises a cylinder fixedly connected to the base, a connecting block fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the cylinder, a vertical plate fixedly connected to the end face of the connecting block, and positioning plates symmetrically rotatably connected to both sides of the vertical plate. The upper sides of the vertical plate extend outward to form wing ends, and springs are fixedly connected between the wing ends and the positioning plates. The vertical plate is located above the direction of the second driving mechanism away from the first driving mechanism. The cylinder extends and retracts perpendicular to the plane where the inner arm rotates so as to drive the positioning plates to approach and move away from the plane where the inner arm rotates. When the two positioning plates are away from the plane where the inner arm rotates, they are pulled apart by the springs. The shape of the positioning plates along their length direction is adapted to the shape of the inner surface of the inner arm.

[0018] Preferably, a limiting block is fixedly connected to the wing end, the limiting block is used to limit the maximum opening angle of the two positioning plates, and when the two positioning plates are opened to the maximum angle, their projection on the inner arm rotation plane does not contact the inner arm in the opened position.

[0019] Preferably, a frame is fixedly connected to the outer arm, a connecting frame is fixedly connected to the side of the welding gun, a plurality of equally spaced fixing holes are opened on the surface of the frame in a direction perpendicular to the outer side of the outer arm, and a hole coaxial with the fixing holes is opened on the surface of the connecting frame, and the connecting frame is fixedly connected to the frame by bolts passing through the holes and fixing holes on the connecting frame.

[0020] Preferably, when the welding torch rotates to the welding position with the outer arm, its welding head passes between the ends of the two arm plates and approaches the end of the connector terminal.

[0021] Preferably, a through groove is formed on the upper surface of the arm plate near the end.

[0022] This invention provides an automatic connector welding machine. It has the following advantages:

[0023] 1. By setting up independently driven, mirror-symmetrical inner and outer arms, the inner arm is specifically responsible for precisely clamping and positioning a pair of connector terminals, while the outer arm is specifically responsible for driving the movement of two welding torches. During welding, the inner arm first accurately positions the two terminals on both sides of the welding target and maintains their relative positions. Then, the outer arm drives the two welding torches to move synchronously to the welding position for synchronous welding. This fundamentally ensures the synchronicity of the two weld points and the final precise alignment between the terminals, effectively avoiding the cumulative errors caused by time-sharing welding.

[0024] 2. The positioning mechanism intervenes after material handling and before welding. When the inner arm closes, the inner side of its arm plate presses against the positioning plate, causing the positioning plate to press the terminal into the groove from the inside under the force of the spring, forming a secondary locking. This effectively resists the inertia or vibration generated during the high-speed movement of the robotic arm, preventing any displacement of the terminal before it reaches the welding point. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention assembled on a robotic arm;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention in its closed state;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A top-view structural diagram;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention in its open state;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of material handling during the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the inner arm structure;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the end of the arm plate;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the feed box;

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. First drive mechanism; 21. First motor; 22. Worm gear; 23. Worm; 3. Second drive mechanism; 31. Second motor; 32. Gear; 4. Outer arm; 5. Inner arm; 51. Arm plate; 511. Groove; 512. Through groove; 52. Flexible pad; 6. Welding torch; 7. Positioning mechanism; 71. Cylinder; 72. Connecting block; 73. Vertical plate; 74. Positioning plate; 75. Wing tip; 76. Spring; 77. Limiting block; 8. Frame; 81. Fixing hole; 9. Connecting frame; 10. Feed box. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] This invention provides an automatic connector soldering machine, particularly suitable for connector terminals requiring precise pair soldering. These terminals are typically used in pairs, mirror-symmetrically, such as mating terminals, double-ended terminals, or pairing terminals, and need to be synchronously and with high precision soldered to corresponding pads on copper busbars, PCBs, or other conductive substrates. Figure 1 As shown, the device of the present invention is typically installed as an end effector on the end flange of an industrial robotic arm. Driven by the robotic arm, it achieves spatial movement and positioning, and is integrated into an automated production line to complete the automatic picking, placing and welding processes of connector terminals.

[0037] Example 1:

[0038] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the automatic connector welding machine provided by the present invention includes a base 1 serving as the overall mounting foundation. A first drive mechanism 2 and a second drive mechanism 3 are fixedly mounted on the base 1. A pair of mirror-symmetrically arranged outer arms 4 are rotatably connected to the base 1 via a rotating shaft and are driven by the first drive mechanism 2, enabling synchronous rotation in opposite directions. A pair of mirror-symmetrically arranged inner arms 5 are also rotatably connected to the base 1 via a rotating shaft and are driven by the second drive mechanism 3, enabling synchronous rotation in opposite directions.

[0039] The inner side of the inner arm 5 (i.e., the opposite side of the pair of inner arms 5 when in the closed position) is provided with a structure for accommodating and fixing the connector terminals. When the connector terminals are fixed to this structure, the end to be soldered extends to the free end near the inner arm 5, which is the other end of the inner arm 5 not connected to the base. Two soldering guns 6 are respectively connected to the ends of the pair of outer arms 4.

[0040] The rotation axes of the outer arm 4 and the inner arm 5 are parallel and located in the same rotation plane. The outer arm 4 is arranged outside the inner arm 5. Both the pair of outer arms 4 and the pair of inner arms 5 have two main positions: one is, as shown... Figure 2 , Figure 3 The two are: first, the relative, parallel closed positions shown; second, as shown... Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the open position is achieved by rotating from the closed position in the opposite direction. When both the inner arm 5 and the outer arm 4 are in the closed position, the welding head of the welding torch 6 can extend to a position very close to the free end of the inner arm 5, thereby accurately aligning with the end of the connector terminal to be welded that is fixed by the inner arm 5.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the first drive mechanism 2 is used to drive the outer arms 4. It includes a first motor 21 fixedly mounted on the base 1, a worm gear 23 coaxially connected to the output shaft of the first motor 21, and a pair of worm wheels 22 rotatably connected to the base 1. The two worm wheels 22 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the worm gear 23 and mesh with it. One end of each of the two outer arms 4 is fixedly connected to the end faces of the two worm wheels 22. When the first motor 21 rotates in both directions, it drives the two worm wheels 22 to rotate synchronously in opposite directions through the worm gear 23, thereby driving a pair of outer arms 4 to achieve synchronous opening and closing movements. The worm gear mechanism has self-locking properties, ensuring the welding torch 6 remains stable during welding.

[0042] The second drive mechanism 3 is used to drive the inner arms 5. It includes a second motor 31 fixedly mounted on the base 1, and two symmetrically arranged and meshing equal-sized gears 32. The output shaft of the second motor 31 is coaxially fixedly connected to the center of one of the gears 32. One end of each of the two inner arms 5 is fixedly connected to the end face of the two gears 32. When the second motor 31 rotates in both directions, the meshing transmission of the gear pairs drives the two gears 32 and the inner arms 5 fixedly connected to them to achieve precise synchronous reverse rotation, thereby completing the closing clamping and opening actions of the inner arms 5.

[0043] The specific structures of the first drive mechanism 2 and the second drive mechanism 3 can be interchanged, such as both being set as worm gear mechanisms, both being set as gear meshing mechanisms, or the first drive mechanism 2 being set as a gear meshing mechanism and the second drive mechanism 3 being set as a worm gear mechanism.

[0044] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the specific structure of a single inner arm 5 includes a pair of fixedly connected and parallel arm plates 51. The inner edges of opposite sides of the two arm plates 51 are provided with grooves 511 whose shape and size are adapted to the connector terminals. To provide reliable clamping force and prevent damage to the terminal surfaces, flexible pads 52 are provided on the opposite surfaces of the two arm plates 51. The flexible pads 52 can be silicone, rubber sheets, or preferably high-temperature resistant cotton pads. The connector terminals can be pressed into and fitted into the space formed by the grooves 511 of the two arm plates 51 and the flexible pads 52 through an interference fit, thereby achieving a secure fixation without damage.

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the welding torch 6 is mounted on the outer arm 4 via an adjustable connection structure. Specifically, a frame 8 is fixedly connected to the end of the outer arm 4, and a connecting frame 9 is fixedly connected to the side of the welding torch 6. The surface of the frame 8 has multiple equally spaced fixing holes 81 in a direction perpendicular to the outer side of the outer arm 4. The surface of the connecting frame 9 has holes coaxial with the fixing holes 81. By selecting appropriate fixing holes 81 and using bolts passing through the holes and corresponding fixing holes 81 of the connecting frame 9, the connecting frame 9 can be fixed to the frame 8. This structure allows for flexible adjustment of the installation position of the welding torch 6 along the length of the outer arm 4 according to the size of the connector terminals and the welding position, thereby optimizing the welding angle and distance.

[0046] The objects to be welded and the connector terminals of this invention are placed in the feed box 10, specifically, as shown in the example. Figure 9 As shown, the feed box 10 is equipped with a specially designed partition groove. The connector terminals are pre-placed in the groove, and the pre-drilled holes on the surface of the terminals are fitted onto the positioning posts at the bottom of the groove for easy positioning and picking.

[0047] Work process:

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the initial state, both the inner arm 5 and the outer arm 4 are in the open position. The robotic arm moves the entire device to the feeding station. The material handling status can be referenced. Figure 6The robotic arm controls the movement of the inner arm 5, which is in an open state, so that the groove 511 structure on its inner side aligns with and extends into the dividing groove of the feed box 10. Through a downward pressing action, the connector terminals are pressed into and fixed between the grooves 511 of the two arm plates 51 and the flexible pad 52. After material retrieval, the robotic arm lifts the device. Next, the robotic arm moves the device to the welding station and aligns the terminals held by the inner arm 5 with the positions to be welded. Then, the second motor 31 drives the inner arm 5 to rotate to the closed position, positioning the two terminals on both sides of the welding area and bringing the terminal ends into contact with the solder pads or welding area. Subsequently, the first motor 21 drives the outer arm 4 to rotate inward to the closed position, so that the welding heads of the two welding guns 6 precisely approach the ends to be welded of the two terminals for synchronous welding. After welding is completed, the outer arm 4 and the inner arm 5 open sequentially, and the robotic arm removes the device, completing one work cycle.

[0049] Example 2:

[0050] Based on Embodiment 1, in order to further ensure that the connector terminals are securely fixed on the inner arm 5 before welding and to prevent displacement due to vibration or inertia during handling or positioning, this embodiment adds a positioning mechanism 7.

[0051] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the positioning mechanism 7 includes a cylinder 71 fixedly connected to the base 1, a connecting block 72 fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the cylinder 71, a vertical plate 73 fixedly connected to the end face of the connecting block 72, and positioning plates 74 symmetrically rotatably connected to both sides of the vertical plate 73. The upper ends of the vertical plate 73 extend outwards to form wing ends 75, and each wing end 75 is fixedly connected to the corresponding positioning plate 74 with a spring 76. The vertical plate 73 is located above the second driving mechanism 3 in a direction away from the first driving mechanism 2. The telescopic direction of the cylinder 71 is perpendicular to the rotation plane of the inner arm 5.

[0052] The shape of the positioning plate 74 along its length direction is adapted to the shape of the inner surface of the inner arm 5. When the cylinder 71 drives it away from the rotation plane of the inner arm 5, the two positioning plates 74 are in a natural state and are kept relatively open by the tension of the springs 76 on both sides.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, a limiting block 77 is also fixedly connected to the wing end 75 to limit the maximum opening angle of the two positioning plates 74. When the two positioning plates 74 are opened to their maximum angle, their projections on the rotation plane of the inner arm 5 have no contact with the inner arm 5 at its maximum opening position, thus avoiding motion interference.

[0054] In use, after the robotic arm drives the inner arm 5 to pick up material from the feed box 10, the cylinder 71 actuates, pushing the entire positioning mechanism 7 downwards, closer to the rotation plane of the inner arm 5. At this time, the positioning plate 74 is in the open state and will not obstruct the inner arm 5. Then, the second motor 31 drives the inner arm 5 to rotate towards the closed position. During the rotation, the inner side of the arm plate 51 of the inner arm 5 contacts and presses the open positioning plate 74, forcing the positioning plate 74 to overcome the tension of the spring 76 and rotate inwards until it fits against the inner surface of the arm plate 51. During this process, the positioning plate 74 further presses the connector terminals already embedded in the groove 511 from the inside, providing additional clamping force, thereby firmly locking the terminals during subsequent handling and positioning. When it is necessary to release the terminals, the inner arm 5 opens first, then the cylinder 71 retracts, driving the positioning mechanism 7 to rise away, and the positioning plate 74 returns to the open state under the action of the spring 76, preparing for the next material picking.

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, to further facilitate welding operations, a through groove 512 is provided on the upper surface of the arm plate 51 near its free end to accelerate heat dissipation during welding. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, when the welding torch 6 rotates with the outer arm 4 to the welding position, its welding head can pass through the gap between the ends of the two arm plates 51 and the through slot 512 above, thereby approaching the end of the connector terminal to be welded at a better angle and closer distance, thus improving the welding quality.

[0056] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0057] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic connector welding machine, characterized in that, include: Base (1); The first drive mechanism (2) is fixedly installed on the base (1); A second drive mechanism (3) is fixedly installed on the base (1); A pair of mirror-symmetrically arranged outer arms (4) are rotatably connected to the base (1) and driven by the first drive mechanism (2) to rotate synchronously in opposite directions; A pair of mirror-symmetrical inner arms (5) are rotatably connected to the base (1) and driven by the second drive mechanism (3) to rotate synchronously in opposite directions. The inner side of the inner arm (5) is provided with a structure to accommodate and fix the connector terminal, and when the connector terminal is fixed, its end extends to the free end near the inner arm (5). Two welding torches (6) are respectively connected to the ends of a pair of outer arms (4); Among them, the pair of outer arms (4) and the pair of inner arms (5) can both rotate from the closed position to the open position in opposite directions from the closed position; in the same plane of rotation, the outer arm (4) rotates and opens and closes outside the inner arm (5), and when the inner arm (5) and the outer arm (4) are both in the closed position, the welding head of the welding torch (6) extends to the free end near the inner arm (5).

2. The automatic connector welding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive mechanism (2) includes a first motor (21) fixedly connected to the base (1), a worm (23) coaxially connected to the output shaft of the first motor (21), and a pair of worm wheels (22) rotatably connected to the base (1). The two worm wheels (22) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the worm (23) and are meshed with the worm (23). One end of the two outer arms (4) is fixedly connected to the end face of the two worm wheels (22).

3. The automatic connector welding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second drive mechanism (3) includes a second motor (31) fixedly connected to the base (1) and two equally sized gears (32) arranged symmetrically and meshing with each other. The output shaft of the second motor (31) is coaxially fixedly connected to one of the gears (32), and one end of each of the two inner arms (5) is fixedly connected to the end face of the gear (32).

4. The automatic connector welding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each inner arm (5) includes a pair of fixedly connected and parallel arm plates (51). The inner edges of the two arm plates (51) on opposite sides are provided with grooves (511). The shape and size of the connector terminals are adapted to the grooves (511). Flexible pads (52) are provided on the opposite surfaces of the two arm plates (51) so that the connector terminals can be interference-fitted into the grooves (511).

5. An automatic connector welding machine as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning mechanism (7), which includes a cylinder (71) fixedly connected to the base (1), a connecting block (72) fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the cylinder (71), a vertical plate (73) fixedly connected to the end face of the connecting block (72), and positioning plates (74) symmetrically rotatably connected to both sides of the vertical plate (73). The upper ends of the vertical plate (73) extend outward to form wings (75), and springs (76) are fixedly connected between the wings (75) and the positioning plates (74). The vertical plate (73) is located above the second drive mechanism (3) in the direction away from the first drive mechanism (2); the cylinder (71) extends and retracts perpendicular to the plane where the inner arm (5) rotates so as to drive the positioning plate (74) to approach and move away from the plane where the inner arm (5) rotates; when the two positioning plates (74) are away from the plane where the inner arm (5) rotates, they are pulled by the spring (76) and open relative to each other; the shape of the positioning plate (74) along its length direction is adapted to the shape of the inner surface of the inner arm (5).

6. The automatic connector welding machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The wing end (75) is fixedly connected to a limiting block (77), which is used to limit the maximum opening angle of the two positioning plates (74), and when the two positioning plates (74) are opened to the maximum angle, their projection on the rotation plane of the inner arm (5) does not contact the inner arm (5) in the open position.

7. The automatic connector welding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A frame (8) is fixedly connected to the outer arm (4), and a connecting frame (9) is fixedly connected to the side of the welding gun (6). The surface of the frame (8) has a plurality of equally spaced fixing holes (81) in a direction perpendicular to the outer side of the outer arm (4). The surface of the connecting frame (9) has holes coaxial with the fixing holes (81), and the connecting frame (9) is fixedly connected to the frame (8) by bolts passing through the holes and fixing holes (81) on the connecting frame (9).

8. The automatic connector welding machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the welding torch (6) rotates to the welding position with the outer arm (4), its welding head passes between the ends of the two arm plates (51) and approaches the end of the connector terminal.

9. An automatic connector welding machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A through groove (512) is provided on the upper surface of the arm plate (51) near the end.

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