Fiber optic cable assembly and method of assembling a fiber optic cable

Abstract

This invention discloses a ribbon cable assembly device and a ribbon cable assembly method, relating to the field of automation. An upper camera module is configured to acquire first image information of the ribbon cable and a housing along a first direction and a second direction. A side camera module is configured to acquire second image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along a third direction and a second direction. A robotic arm module can pick up the ribbon cable and load it into the housing based on the first and second image information. A sorting module can adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable and the housing based on the second image information. Therefore, by enabling the robotic arm module to pick up the ribbon cable and load it into the housing based on the first and second image information, and by enabling the sorting module to adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable and the housing based on the second image information, automatic loading of the ribbon cable into the housing can be achieved, saving significant labor costs, increasing the yield rate, and avoiding the inefficiency of manual assembly, thus improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automation, and in particular to a ribbon cable assembly device and a ribbon cable assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, on mobile phone assembly lines, the assembly of some components still requires manual labor due to the complexity of the assembly process. For example, mobile phone flex cables require a large amount of manual labor for assembly due to their flexibility and complex structure. However, a large amount of manual assembly work leads to low assembly efficiency and high rework rate, which seriously affects production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a ribbon cable assembly device that is highly efficient, has a high yield rate, and is beneficial to improving production efficiency.

[0004] The present invention further proposes a method for assembling ribbon cables.

[0005] According to the present invention, the ribbon cable assembly device is characterized in that it is configured to install a ribbon cable onto a housing, the ribbon cable assembly device comprising: an assembly platform configured to fix the housing; an upper camera module and a side camera module, the upper camera module being disposed above the assembly platform and configured to acquire first image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along a first direction and a second direction, the side camera module being disposed to the side of the assembly platform and configured to acquire second image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along a third direction and the second direction, wherein any two of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other; a robotic arm module configured to pick up the ribbon cable and install the ribbon cable into the housing according to the first image information and the second image information; and a sorting module configured to adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable and the housing according to the second image information.

[0006] According to the present invention, the ribbon cable assembly device enables the robotic arm module to pick up the ribbon cable and load it into the housing according to the first image information and the second image information, and enables the sorting module to adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable and the housing according to the second image information. This enables the automatic loading of the ribbon cable into the housing, saving a lot of labor costs, achieving a high yield rate, and avoiding the problem of low efficiency in manual assembly, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency.

[0007] In some examples of the present invention, the robotic arm module includes: a robotic arm drive mechanism and at least one first pickup member, the robotic arm drive mechanism being configured to drive the first pickup member to move, the at least one first pickup member including at least one gripping portion and / or at least one suction portion, the gripping portion being configured to grip the ribbon cable, and the suction portion being configured to suction the ribbon cable.

[0008] In some examples of the present invention, the robotic arm module further includes: an adjustment member, the robotic arm drive mechanism being configured to drive the adjustment member, at least one first pickup member being disposed on the adjustment member, the adjustment member being configured to drive the first pickup member disposed thereon to move along the third direction.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, the sorting module includes: a sorting drive mechanism and an execution mechanism, the sorting drive mechanism being configured to drive the execution mechanism to move, and the execution mechanism including: a second pickup member being configured to pick up the ribbon cable.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the actuator further includes a protrusion configured to engage with a mounting hole of the ribbon cable, one end of the protrusion along the first direction being configured as a mating end, and the mating end extending beyond the second pickup member along the first direction.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the assembly platform includes: a base, a plurality of fasteners, all of which are disposed on the base and arranged circumferentially to define a mounting position for receiving the housing, at least a portion of the fasteners being movable toward or away from the mounting position to secure the housing.

[0012] According to the ribbon cable assembly method of the present invention, the above-described ribbon cable assembly device is used to implement the assembly method, the assembly method comprising: Secure the housing to the assembly table; The robotic arm module picks up the ribbon cable; The upper camera module repeatedly acquires first image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along the first and second directions, and the side camera module repeatedly acquires second image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along the third and second directions. Based on the first image information and the second image information, the robotic arm module and the sorting module are controlled to work together to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing.

[0013] According to the assembly method of the ribbon cable of the present invention, by enabling the robotic arm module to pick up the ribbon cable and load it into the housing according to the first image information and the second image information, and enabling the sorting module to adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable and the housing according to the second image information, the ribbon cable can be automatically loaded into the housing, saving a lot of labor costs, achieving a high yield rate, and avoiding the problem of low efficiency of manual assembly, which is conducive to improving production efficiency.

[0014] In some examples of the present invention, controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to coordinate their actions based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the receiving component includes: Based on the first image information, the robotic arm module is controlled to move the ribbon cable to a first preset position, and based on the first image information and the second image information, the robotic arm module is controlled to adjust the position of the ribbon cable along the first direction and a third direction; The first deviation between the first hole of the first part of the ribbon cable and the positioning post of the housing is obtained based on the first image information, and the robotic arm module is controlled to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the first hole and the positioning post. The robotic arm module controls the first part to move along the third direction toward the receiving component, so that the positioning post passes through the first hole and the first part is attached to the receiving component.

[0015] In some examples of the present invention, controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to coordinate their actions based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the receiving component further includes: After the first part is attached to the receiving component, the organizing module is controlled to move to the second preset position, and the organizing module is controlled to adjust the position of the second part of the ribbon cable along the second direction according to the second image information; The second deviation between the mounting hole of the second part and the first mating hole of the housing is obtained based on the second image information, and the tidying module is controlled to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the mounting hole and the first mating hole, and the second part is controlled to be attached to the housing through the tidying module.

[0016] In some examples of the present invention, controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to coordinate their actions based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the receiving component further includes: After the second part is attached to the receiving component by the sorting module, the third deviation between the third part of the ribbon cable and the mating groove of the receiving component is obtained according to the first image information, and the robotic arm module is controlled to adjust the position of the third part along the first direction and the second direction to eliminate the deviation between the third part and the mating groove. The robotic arm module controls the third part to move along the third direction toward the receiving component, so that the third part is attached to the mating groove.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cable assembly device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cable assembly device according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle; Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the robotic arm module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the sorting module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the assembly station according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the assembly method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a specific embodiment of the assembly method according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another specific embodiment of the assembly method according to the present invention; Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another specific embodiment of the assembly method according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure label: Cable assembly device 100; cable 99; first part 991; first hole 9911; second part 992; mounting hole 9921; third part 993; housing 98; positioning post 981; first mating hole 982; mating groove 983; Upper camera module 10; Side camera module 20; Robotic arm module 30; robotic arm drive mechanism 31; first picking component 32; gripping part 321; suction part 322; adjusting component 323; Organizing module 40; Organizing drive mechanism 41; Actuating mechanism 42; Second pickup component 43; Protrusion 44; Buffer mechanism 50; First buffer mechanism 51; Second buffer mechanism 52; Assembly platform 60; base 61; fastener 62; mounting seat 63; mounting shaft 64; drive component 65; actuator 66; mounting position 67. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0021] The following is for reference. Figures 1-5 A ribbon cable assembly apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, wherein the ribbon cable assembly apparatus 100 is configured for mounting a ribbon cable 99 to a housing 98.

[0022] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the ribbon cable assembly device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an assembly platform 60, an upper camera module 10, a side camera module 20, a robotic arm module 30, and a sorting module 40.

[0023] Assembly table 60 is configured to fix housing 98; upper camera module 10 is located above assembly table 60 and configured to acquire first image information of ribbon cable 99 and housing 98 along a first direction and a second direction; side camera module 20 is located on the side of assembly table 60 and configured to acquire second image information of ribbon cable 99 and housing 98 along a third direction and a second direction, the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 The X direction shown), the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Y-direction shown), and the third direction (i.e. Figure 1 Any two directions in the Z direction shown are perpendicular to each other; the robot arm module 30 is configured to pick up the ribbon cable 99 and load the ribbon cable 99 into the housing 98 according to the first image information and the second image information; the sorting module 40 is configured to adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing 98 according to the second image information.

[0024] As some embodiments of this application, the housing 98 may be constructed as a mobile phone housing, and the ribbon cable 99 may be constructed as a flexible ribbon cable with holes. This application describes the assembly of the flexible ribbon cable with holes into the mobile phone housing as an example, and will not be repeated below.

[0025] As some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the ribbon cable 99 includes: a first part 991, a second part 992, and a third part 993. The first part 991, the second part 992, and the third part 993 are all connected. The first part 991 has a first hole 9911, and the receiving member 98 has a positioning post 981. The first hole 9911 and the positioning post 981 are positioned and engaged. The second part 992 has a mounting hole 9921, and the receiving member 98 has a first mating hole 982. The mounting hole 9921 and the first mating hole 982 are aligned and engaged. The receiving member 98 also has a mating groove 983, and the third part 993 is positioned and engaged with the mating groove 983.

[0026] The assembly platform 60 is capable of fixing the housing 98. As some embodiments of this application, the assembly platform 60 includes: a base 61, which defines a mounting position 67, and the housing 98 can be fixed in the mounting position 67.

[0027] The upper camera module 10 is positioned above the assembly table 60, and the upper camera module 10 is capable of capturing images of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing 98 along a first direction (i.e., Figure 1 The X direction shown) and the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The first image information (shown in the Y direction) is obtained by the side camera module 20, which is located on the side of the assembly table 60, and the side camera module 20 is capable of acquiring the first image information of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing 98 along a third direction (i.e., the Y direction). Figure 1 The Z direction shown) and the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The second image information (shown in the Y direction).

[0028] First direction (i.e.) Figure 1 The X direction shown), the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Y-direction shown), and the third direction (i.e. Figure 1 Any two directions in the Z direction shown are perpendicular to each other, that is, the first direction (i.e., Figure 1 The X direction shown) and the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Y-direction shown is perpendicular to each other, and the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Y-direction shown) and the third direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Z-direction shown is perpendicular to each other, and the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 The X direction shown) and the third direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Z-direction shown is perpendicular to each other.

[0029] The robotic arm module 30 can pick up the ribbon cable 99 and can put the ribbon cable 99 into the housing 98 according to the first image information and the second image information. The sorting module 40 can adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing 98 according to the second image information.

[0030] As some embodiments of this application, the upper camera module 10 and the side camera module 20 can transmit the first image information and the second image information to the robot arm module 30 in real time. The robot arm module 30 can adjust the position of the ribbon cable 99 in real time and put the ribbon cable 99 into the housing 98 according to the first image information and the second image information. The side camera module 20 can transmit the second image information to the sorting module 40 in real time. The sorting module 40 can adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing 98 in real time according to the second image information.

[0031] As some embodiments of this application, the cable assembly device 100 further includes a control system. The upper camera module 10, the side camera module 20, the robotic arm module 30, and the sorting module 40 are all communicatively connected to the control system. The upper camera module 10 and the side camera module 20 can transmit the acquired first image information and second image information to the control system in real time. The control system is configured to control the robotic arm module 30 and the sorting module 40 to move according to the first image information and the second image information.

[0032] It should be noted that this application achieves high-precision, low-damage alignment adjustment of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing component 98 by enabling the robotic arm module 30 and the sorting module 40 to work together, combined with the real-time visual guidance of the upper camera module 10 and the side camera module 20. Compared with manual assembly, this application can significantly improve the alignment success rate of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing component 98, effectively reduce the risk of damage to the ribbon cable 99 during the assembly process, and help improve production efficiency and product yield.

[0033] Therefore, by enabling the robotic arm module 30 to pick up the ribbon cable 99 and load the ribbon cable 99 into the housing 98 according to the first image information and the second image information, and enabling the sorting module 40 to adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable 99 and the housing 98 according to the second image information, the ribbon cable 99 can be automatically loaded into the housing 98, saving a lot of labor costs, achieving a high yield rate, and avoiding the problem of low efficiency in manual assembly, which is conducive to improving production efficiency.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the robotic arm module 30 includes: a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and at least one first pickup member 32. The first pickup member 32 is disposed on the robotic arm drive mechanism 31. The robotic arm drive mechanism 31 is configured to drive the first pickup member 32 to move. The at least one first pickup member 32 includes at least one gripping part 321 and / or at least one suction part 322. The gripping part 321 is configured to grip the ribbon cable 99, and the suction part 322 is configured to suction the ribbon cable 99.

[0035] The robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a first pickup 32, or the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and multiple first pickups 32. The first pickups 32 are disposed on the robotic arm drive mechanism 31. The first pickups 32 are disposed on the robotic arm drive mechanism 31 by means of, but not limited to, bolt connection, etc. The robotic arm drive mechanism 31 can drive the first pickups 32 to move.

[0036] At least one first pickup member 32 includes at least one gripping portion 321 and / or at least one suction portion 322. As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a first pickup member 32. The first pickup member 32 includes a gripping portion 321, or the first pickup member 32 includes multiple gripping portions 321.

[0037] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a first pickup member 32, the first pickup member 32 including a suction part 322, or the first pickup member 32 including a plurality of suction parts 322.

[0038] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a first pickup member 32. The first pickup member 32 includes a gripping part 321 and a suction part 322, or the first pickup member 32 includes multiple gripping parts 321 and multiple suction parts 322.

[0039] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a plurality of first picking members 32. Among the plurality of first picking members 32, at least one first picking member 32 includes a gripping part 321, or at least one first picking member 32 includes a plurality of gripping parts 321.

[0040] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a plurality of first picking members 32, at least one of the first picking members 32 including a suction part 322, or at least one of the first picking members 32 including a plurality of suction parts 322.

[0041] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a plurality of first picking members 32. At least one first picking member 32 includes a gripping part 321 and a suction part 322, or at least one first picking member 32 includes a plurality of gripping parts 321 and a plurality of suction parts 322.

[0042] It is understood that the gripping part 321 can grip the ribbon cable 99, and the suction part 322 can suction the ribbon cable 99. As some embodiments of this application, the gripping part 321 can be constructed as, but is not limited to, a claw, etc., and as some embodiments of this application, the suction part 322 can be constructed as, but is not limited to, a suction nozzle, etc.

[0043] As some embodiments of this application, the gripping part 321 can grip the first portion 991 of the ribbon cable 99, and the suction part 322 can suction the third portion 993 of the ribbon cable 99, so that the ribbon cable 99 is laid out flat. As some embodiments of this application, the third portion 993 of the ribbon cable 99 is constructed in an "L" shape.

[0044] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a first pickup element 32, along a third direction (i.e. Figure 1 (As shown in the Z direction), the first pickup 32 is located below the robotic arm drive mechanism 31.

[0045] This configuration facilitates the picking up of the ribbon cable 99 by the robotic arm module 30, improves the firmness of the robotic arm module 30 in picking up the ribbon cable 99, reduces the risk of the ribbon cable 99 falling, and allows the ribbon cable 99 to be laid flat, reducing the risk of bending and damage to the ribbon cable 99, thus improving the reliability of the ribbon cable assembly device 100.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the robotic arm module 30 further includes: an adjusting member 323, a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 configured to drive the adjusting member 323, the robotic arm drive mechanism 31, and at least one first pickup member 32 disposed on the adjusting member 323, the adjusting member 323 being configured to drive the first pickup member 32 disposed thereon along a third direction (i.e., Figure 1 Move in the Z direction (as shown).

[0047] The adjusting member 323 is provided in the robot drive mechanism 31. The adjusting member 323 can be provided in the robot drive mechanism 31 by means of bolt connection, etc. The robot drive mechanism 31 can drive the adjusting member 323.

[0048] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 includes a robotic arm drive mechanism 31 and a plurality of first pickup elements 32, of which at least one first pickup element 32 is disposed on an adjusting member 323. The adjusting member 323 is capable of driving the first pickup element 32 disposed thereon along a third direction (i.e., Figure 1 Move in the Z direction (as shown).

[0049] As some embodiments of this application, the adjusting member 323 is constructed as a slide cylinder, and the adjusting member 323 controls the first picking member 32 to move up and down to adjust the posture of the cable 99.

[0050] By placing the adjusting member 323 on the robot drive mechanism 31 and placing at least one first pickup member 32 on the adjusting member 323, the cable 99 can be adjusted along a third direction (i.e., Figure 1 The orientation (Z direction shown) helps improve the positioning accuracy of the ribbon cable 99 and improves the assembly accuracy.

[0051] As some embodiments of this application, the robotic arm module 30 further includes: a first flexible layer, wherein the outer surface of the portion of the first pickup member 32 that mates with the ribbon cable 99 is provided with the first flexible layer.

[0052] The material of the first flexible layer can be, but is not limited to, flexible silicone, flexible sponge, etc. As some embodiments of this application, the first flexible layer is constructed of flexible silicone. The first flexible layer is disposed on the outer surface of the portion where the first pickup member 32 and the ribbon cable 99 mate.

[0053] By providing a first flexible layer on the outer surface of the portion of the first pickup 32 that mates with the ribbon cable 99, the first pickup 32 can make flexible contact with the ribbon cable 99, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the ribbon cable 99.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the sorting module 40 includes a sorting drive mechanism 41 and an execution mechanism 42. The execution mechanism 42 is disposed on the sorting drive mechanism 41. The sorting drive mechanism 41 is configured to drive the execution mechanism 42 to move. The execution mechanism 42 includes a second pickup member 43, which is configured to pick up the ribbon cable 99.

[0055] The sorting module 40 includes a sorting drive mechanism 41 and an execution mechanism 42. The execution mechanism 42 is located on the sorting drive mechanism 41. The execution mechanism 42 can be located on the sorting drive mechanism 41 by means of bolt connection, but is not limited to bolt connection. The sorting drive mechanism 41 can drive the execution mechanism 42 to move.

[0056] The actuator 42 includes a second pickup member 43, which is capable of picking up the ribbon cable 99. As some embodiments of this application, the second pickup member 43 may be, but is not limited to, a gripper, a suction nozzle, etc. As some embodiments of this application, the tidying drive mechanism 41 is constructed as a three-axis motion mechanism, capable of driving the actuator 42 along a first direction (i.e., Figure 1 The X direction shown), the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Y-direction shown), and the third direction (i.e. Figure 1 (The movement is shown in the Z direction).

[0057] As some embodiments of this application, along a direction perpendicular to a third party (i.e. Figure 1 In the direction of the Z direction shown, the second pickup 43 is located on one side of the sorting module 40.

[0058] By including a tidying drive mechanism 41 and an actuator 42 in the tidying module 40, the tidying assembly device 100 can easily adjust the tidying cable 99, thereby improving the accuracy of the tidying cable 99 position and the yield rate of assembly, which is beneficial to improving assembly efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the actuator 42 further includes a protrusion 44, configured to mate with a mounting hole 9921 of the ribbon cable 99, the protrusion 44 being along a first direction (i.e. Figure 1 One end of the X-direction shown is constructed as a mating end, and along the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 (in the X direction shown), the mating end extends beyond the second pickup 43.

[0060] The protrusion 44 can mate with the mounting hole 9921 of the ribbon cable 99, and the protrusion 44 is along the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 The cable 99 (in the X direction shown) has two opposing ends, one of which is configured as a mating end, which is configured to mate with the mounting hole 9921 of the cable 99, and, along the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 (as shown in the X direction), the mating end extends beyond the second pickup 43, in other words, along the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 (As shown in the X direction), the plane at the mating end of the protrusion 44 is higher than the plane at the location of the second pickup 43.

[0061] As some embodiments of this application, along the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 (as shown in the Y direction), the protrusion 44 is spaced apart from the second pickup 43 to form a gap.

[0062] This configuration allows the protrusion 44 to engage with the mounting hole 9921 of the ribbon cable 99, enabling the ribbon cable 99 to be stably picked up by the sorting module 40. This reduces the risk of the second picking member 43 dropping the ribbon cable 99 and improves the stability of the ribbon cable 99 picking.

[0063] As some embodiments of this application, the actuator 42 further includes a second flexible layer, wherein the outer surface of the portion of the second pickup member 43 that mates with the cable 99 is provided with the second flexible layer.

[0064] The material of the second flexible layer can be, but is not limited to, flexible silicone, flexible sponge, etc. As some embodiments of this application, the second flexible layer is constructed of flexible silicone. The second flexible layer is disposed on the outer surface of the portion of the second pickup member 43 that mates with the ribbon cable 99.

[0065] By providing a second flexible layer on the outer surface of the portion of the second pickup 43 that mates with the ribbon cable 99, the second pickup 43 can make flexible contact with the ribbon cable 99, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the ribbon cable 99.

[0066] As some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the sorting module 40 also includes a buffer mechanism 50. The execution mechanism 42 is connected to the sorting drive mechanism 41 through the buffer mechanism 50. The buffer mechanism 50 includes a buffer element, which is configured as a flexible element.

[0067] The actuator 42 is connected to the tidying drive mechanism 41 through the buffer mechanism 50. In other words, the buffer mechanism 50 is connected between the actuator 42 and the tidying drive mechanism 41 to achieve a buffering effect on the actuator 42.

[0068] As some embodiments of this application, the buffer mechanism 50 includes a first buffer mechanism 51 and a second buffer mechanism 52. The first buffer mechanism 51 is disposed on the tidying drive mechanism 41, and the second buffer mechanism 52 is disposed on the first buffer mechanism 51. The first buffer mechanism 51 is capable of operating in a third direction (i.e., Figure 1 The second buffer mechanism 52 can buffer the actuator 42 along the first direction (i.e., the Z direction shown). Figure 1 The X direction shown), the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The Y-direction shown provides a buffering effect on the actuator 42.

[0069] As some embodiments of this application, the buffer mechanism 50 includes a first buffer mechanism 51 and a second buffer mechanism 52. The first buffer mechanism 51 is disposed on the tidying drive mechanism 41, and the second buffer mechanism 52 is disposed on the first buffer mechanism 51. The first buffer mechanism 51 is capable of moving along a first direction (i.e., Figure 1 The X direction shown), the second direction (i.e. Figure 1 The second buffer mechanism 52 can buffer the actuator 42 along the third direction (i.e., the Y direction shown). Figure 1 The Z-direction shown provides a buffering effect on the actuator 42.

[0070] The buffer mechanism 50 includes a buffer element, which is configured as a flexible element. As some embodiments of this application, the flexible element can be, but is not limited to, a flexible spring.

[0071] This configuration allows the tidying module 40 to act as a buffer when adjusting the posture of the ribbon cable 99, which can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the ribbon cable 99 caused by excessive instantaneous pressure during adjustment by the tidying module 40, improve the yield of the ribbon cable assembly device 100, and help improve the reliability of the ribbon cable assembly device 100.

[0072] As some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the assembly platform 60 includes: a base 61 and a plurality of fasteners 62. The plurality of fasteners 62 are disposed on the base 61 and arranged circumferentially to define a mounting position 67 for accommodating the housing 98. At least a portion of the fasteners 62 can move toward or away from the mounting position 67 to secure the housing 98.

[0073] The assembly platform 60 includes a base 61 and fasteners 62. There are multiple fasteners 62, which may be, but are not limited to, four or five. All fasteners 62 are located on the base 61. The fasteners 62 are located on the base 61 by means of bolt connection, but are not limited to bolt connection. The multiple fasteners 62 are arranged circumferentially along the base 61 to define a mounting position 67 for accommodating the housing 98. Part of the structure of the fastener 62 can move toward or away from the mounting position 67 to fix the housing 98, or the entire structure of the fastener 62 can move toward or away from the mounting position 67 to fix the housing 98.

[0074] This arrangement allows the housing 98 to be securely fixed to the assembly table 60, reducing the risk of displacement or shaking of the housing 98 during assembly and improving the stability of the fixed housing 98.

[0075] As some embodiments of this application, at least one fastener 62 is configured to be detachably connected to the base 61 so that the fastener 62 can move toward or away from the mounting position 67.

[0076] In other words, among the plurality of fasteners 62, at least one fastener 62 is configured to be detachably connected to the base 61 so that the fastener 62 can move toward or away from the mounting position 67. As some embodiments of this application, the fastener 62 is detachably connected to the base 61 by means of bolts.

[0077] This configuration allows the size of the mounting position 67 to be adjusted according to the size of the housing 98, which enables the housing 98 to be firmly fixed to the mounting position 67 of the assembly table 60, thereby improving the stability of fixing the housing 98.

[0078] As some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5As shown, at least one fixing member 62 includes: a mounting base 63, a mounting shaft 64, a driving member 65, and an actuating member 66. The mounting base 63 is disposed on the base 61, the mounting shaft 64 is disposed on the mounting base 63, and the mounting shaft 64 passes through the driving member so that the driving member 65 is rotatably disposed on the mounting base 63. The actuating member 66 is along a first direction (i.e., Figure 1 The actuator 66 (shown in the X direction) is movable and located on the mounting base 63. The end of the actuator 66 away from the mounting position 67 abuts against a portion of the structure of the drive member 65. The drive member 65 is configured to drive the actuator 66 to move toward or away from the mounting position 67 when it rotates.

[0079] In other words, among the multiple fasteners 62, at least one fastener 62 includes a mounting base 63, a mounting shaft 64, a driving component 65, and an actuator 66. The mounting base 63 is disposed on the base 61, and the mounting base 63 is disposed on the base 61 in a manner that can be, but is not limited to, bolt connection.

[0080] Mounting shaft 64 is along a third direction (i.e.) Figure 1 The drive member 65 extends in the Z direction and is provided on the mounting base 63. The drive member 65 is rotatably provided on the mounting shaft 64. As some embodiments of this application, the drive member 65 is formed with a pivot hole, and the mounting shaft 64 passes through the pivot hole so that the drive member 65 is rotatably provided on the mounting shaft 64.

[0081] The actuator 66 is disposed on the mounting base 63, and the actuator 66 is along the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 The actuator 66 is movable in the X direction shown. It has a side close to the mounting position 67 and a side away from the mounting position 67. The end of the actuator 66 away from the mounting position 67 abuts against a part of the structure of the drive member 65. When the drive member 65 rotates, it can drive the actuator 66 to move toward or away from the mounting position 67.

[0082] As some embodiments of this application, after the housing 98 is placed in the mounting position 67, the actuator 66 can be moved along the first direction (i.e., by manually rotating the drive member 65) Figure 1 (In the X direction shown) approach the mounting position 67 so that the actuator 66 contacts the housing 98 to secure the housing 98 to the mounting position 67.

[0083] This arrangement allows the housing 98 to be securely fixed to the mounting position 67 of the assembly table 60, which helps to improve the stability of the fixed housing 98.

[0084] According to the assembly method of the ribbon cable of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the ribbon cable assembly device of the above embodiment is used to implement the assembly method, which includes: S1, Secure the housing component to the assembly table; As some embodiments of this application, after the housing is placed in the mounting position, the fixing member can be moved close to the mounting position so that the fixing member abuts against the housing to fix the housing in the mounting position.

[0085] As some embodiments of this application, after the housing is placed in the mounting position, the actuator can be moved closer to the mounting position in the first direction by manually rotating the drive member, so that the actuator abuts against the housing and the housing is fixed in the mounting position.

[0086] S2, the robotic arm module picks up the ribbon cable; As some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first picking component includes a gripping part and a suction part, wherein the gripping part is constructed as a claw and the suction part is constructed as a suction nozzle. The gripping part can grip the first part of the ribbon cable and the suction part can suction the third part of the ribbon cable, so as to realize the robotic arm module picking up the ribbon cable.

[0087] S3, the upper camera module repeatedly acquires first image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along the first and second directions, and the side camera module repeatedly acquires second image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along the third and second directions; As some embodiments of this application, the ribbon cable assembly device further includes: a control system, an upper camera module, a side camera module, a robotic arm module, and a sorting module, all of which are communicatively connected to the control system. The upper camera module can acquire first image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along a first direction and a second direction multiple times, and the side camera module can acquire second image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along a third direction and a second direction multiple times. Furthermore, the upper camera module and the side camera module can transmit the acquired first image information and second image information to the control system in real time. The control system can control the robotic arm module and the sorting module to adjust the ribbon cable posture based on the first image information and the second image information.

[0088] S4, based on the first image information and the second image information, controls the robot arm module and the sorting module to work together to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing.

[0089] As some embodiments of this application, the control system can control the robot arm module and the sorting module to work together based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing.

[0090] Therefore, the assembly method according to this application can automatically load the ribbon cable into the housing, saving a lot of labor costs, achieving a high yield rate, and avoiding the problem of low efficiency in manual assembly, which is conducive to improving production efficiency.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7As shown, the robotic arm module and the sorting module are controlled to work together based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing, including: S41, according to the first image information, control the robot arm module to move the ribbon cable to the first preset position, and according to the first image information and the second image information, control the robot arm module to adjust the position of the ribbon cable along the first direction and the third direction; As some embodiments of this application, the control system can control the robotic arm module to move the ribbon cable to a first preset position according to the first image information. Furthermore, the control system can control the robotic arm module to adjust the position of the ribbon cable along a first direction and a third direction according to the first image information and the second image information, so as to correct the ribbon cable deviation.

[0092] S42, based on the first image information, obtain the first deviation between the first hole of the first part of the ribbon cable and the positioning post of the housing, and control the robot arm module to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the first hole and the positioning post. As some embodiments of this application, the control system can obtain the first deviation between the first hole of the first part of the ribbon cable and the positioning post of the housing based on the first image information. Furthermore, the control system can control the robot module to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the first hole and the positioning post, so as to correct the alignment of the first hole and the positioning post.

[0093] S43, the first part is controlled by the robotic arm module to move towards the receiving part along a third direction, so that the positioning post passes through the first hole and the first part is attached to the receiving part.

[0094] As some embodiments of this application, the control system controls the robotic arm module to move along a third direction toward the housing, so that the third part of the cable moves along the third direction toward the housing, so that the positioning post passes through the first hole and the first part is attached to the housing.

[0095] This allows for precise adjustment of the wiring position to align the first hole with the positioning post, improving the accuracy of the wiring position and the yield rate of assembly, thus increasing assembly efficiency.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 As shown, the process of controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to work together based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing also includes: S431, after the first part is attached to the receiving component, control the sorting module to move to the second preset position, and control the sorting module to adjust the position of the second part of the ribbon cable along the second direction according to the second image information; As some embodiments of this application, after the control system controls the robotic arm module to attach the first part to the receiving component, the control system controls the sorting module to move to the second preset position. Furthermore, the control system can control the sorting module to adjust the position of the second part of the ribbon cable along the second direction according to the second image information, in order to prepare for the alignment of the mounting hole and the first mating hole.

[0097] As some embodiments of this application, the first pickup includes a gripping part and a suction part. The control system controls the robotic arm module to attach the first part to the receiving part, the gripping part releases the cable, and the suction part still sucks up the cable.

[0098] As some embodiments of this application, the second preset position can be understood as the corner between the first part and the second part of the ribbon cable.

[0099] S432, based on the second image information, obtain the second deviation between the mounting hole of the second part and the first mating hole of the housing, and control the tidying module to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the mounting hole and the first mating hole, and control the second part to be attached to the housing through the tidying module.

[0100] As some embodiments of this application, the control system obtains the second deviation between the mounting hole of the second part and the first mating hole of the housing based on the second image information. The control system then controls the tidying module to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the mounting hole and the first mating hole. Next, the control system adjusts the second part of the ribbon cable to be attached to the housing.

[0101] This allows for precise adjustment of the ribbon cable's position, ensuring alignment between the mounting hole and the first mating hole. This improves the accuracy of the ribbon cable's position and the yield rate of the assembly, thereby increasing assembly efficiency.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 As shown, the process of controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to work together based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing also includes: S433, after the second part is attached to the receiving part by the sorting module, the third deviation between the third part of the ribbon cable and the mating groove of the receiving part is obtained according to the first image information, and the robot arm module is controlled to adjust the position of the third part along the first direction and the second direction to eliminate the deviation between the third part and the mating groove. As some embodiments of this application, the receiving part is formed with a mating groove that mates with the third part.

[0103] As some embodiments of this application, after the control system controls the second part to be attached to the side wall of the receiving component through the sorting module, the control system obtains the third deviation between the third part of the cable and the mating groove of the receiving component based on the first image information. Furthermore, the control system can control the robot arm module to adjust the position of the third part along the first direction and the second direction to eliminate the deviation between the third part and the mating groove.

[0104] S434, the third part is controlled by the robotic arm module to move towards the receiving part in a third direction so that the third part is attached to the mating groove.

[0105] As some embodiments of this application, the control system uses a robotic arm module to cause the suction part of the first pick-up member to pick up the third part and move it towards the receiving member along a third direction, so that the third part is attached to the mating groove.

[0106] As some embodiments of this application, after the third part is attached to the mating groove, the sorting module performs pressure treatment on the entire ribbon cable to ensure the firmness of the fit between the ribbon cable and the housing.

[0107] This allows the ribbon cable to fit precisely with the housing, improving the accuracy of the ribbon cable's position and increasing the yield rate.

[0108] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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.

[0109] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0110] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0111] In the description of this invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0112] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0113] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0114] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A ribbon cable assembly device (100), characterized in that, The ribbon cable assembly device (100) is configured to mount the ribbon cable (99) to the housing (98), the ribbon cable assembly device (100) comprising: Assembly table (60) configured to secure the housing (98); The assembly platform (60) includes an upper camera module (10) and a side camera module (20). The upper camera module (10) is located above the assembly platform (60) and is configured to acquire first image information of the ribbon cable (99) and the housing (98) along a first direction and a second direction. The side camera module (20) is located on the side of the assembly platform (60) and is configured to acquire second image information of the ribbon cable (99) and the housing (98) along a third direction and the second direction. Any two of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. A robotic arm module (30) is configured to pick up the ribbon cable (99) and load the ribbon cable (99) into the housing (98) according to the first image information and the second image information. The sorting module (40) is configured to adjust the relative position of the ribbon cable (99) and the housing (98) according to the second image information.

2. The ribbon cable assembly device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm module (30) includes: a robotic arm drive mechanism (31) and at least one first pickup (32). The robotic arm drive mechanism (31) is configured to drive the first pickup (32) to move. The first pickup (32) includes at least one gripping part (321) and / or at least one suction part (322). The gripping part (321) is configured to grip the ribbon cable (99), and the suction part (322) is configured to suction the ribbon cable (99).

3. The cable assembly device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The robotic arm module (30) further includes: an adjustment member (323), the robotic arm drive mechanism (31) is configured to drive the adjustment member (323), at least one first pickup member (32) is disposed on the adjustment member (323), and the adjustment member (323) is configured to drive the first pickup member (32) disposed thereon to move along the third direction.

4. The ribbon cable assembly device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting module (40) includes a sorting drive mechanism (41) and an execution mechanism (42). The sorting drive mechanism (41) is configured to drive the execution mechanism (42) to move. The execution mechanism (42) includes a second pickup element (43) configured to pick up the ribbon cable (99).

5. The cable assembly device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The actuator (42) further includes a protrusion (44) configured to engage with a mounting hole (9921) of the ribbon cable (99), wherein one end of the protrusion (44) along the first direction is configured as a mating end, and the mating end extends beyond the second pickup member (43) along the first direction.

6. The cable assembly device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly platform (60) includes: a base (61) and a plurality of fasteners (62), the plurality of fasteners (62) being disposed on the base (61) and arranged circumferentially to define a mounting position (67) for accommodating the housing (98), at least a portion of the fasteners (62) being movable toward or away from the mounting position (67) to secure the housing (98).

7. A method for assembling a ribbon cable, characterized in that, The ribbon cable assembly apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6 is used to implement the assembly method, the assembly method comprising: Secure the housing to the assembly table; The robotic arm module picks up the ribbon cable; The upper camera module repeatedly acquires first image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along the first and second directions, and the side camera module repeatedly acquires second image information of the ribbon cable and the housing along the third and second directions. Based on the first image information and the second image information, the robotic arm module and the sorting module are controlled to work together to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing.

8. The assembly method of the ribbon cable according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to coordinate their actions based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the receiving component includes: Based on the first image information, the robotic arm module is controlled to move the ribbon cable to a first preset position, and based on the first image information and the second image information, the robotic arm module is controlled to adjust the position of the ribbon cable along the first direction and a third direction; The first deviation between the first hole of the first part of the ribbon cable and the positioning post of the housing is obtained based on the first image information, and the robotic arm module is controlled to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the first hole and the positioning post. The robotic arm module controls the first part to move along the third direction toward the receiving component, so that the positioning post passes through the first hole and the first part is attached to the receiving component.

9. The assembly method of the ribbon cable according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to coordinate their actions based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing further includes: After the first part is attached to the receiving component, the organizing module is controlled to move to the second preset position, and the organizing module is controlled to adjust the position of the second part of the ribbon cable along the second direction according to the second image information; The second deviation between the mounting hole of the second part and the first mating hole of the housing is obtained based on the second image information, and the tidying module is controlled to move the ribbon cable to eliminate the deviation between the mounting hole and the first mating hole, and the second part is controlled to be attached to the housing through the tidying module.

10. The method for assembling a ribbon cable according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of controlling the robotic arm module and the sorting module to coordinate their actions based on the first image information and the second image information to assemble the ribbon cable into the housing further includes: After the second part is attached to the receiving component by the sorting module, the third deviation between the third part of the ribbon cable and the mating groove of the receiving component is obtained according to the first image information, and the robotic arm module is controlled to adjust the position of the third part along the first direction and the second direction to eliminate the deviation between the third part and the mating groove. The robotic arm module controls the third part to move along the third direction toward the receiving component, so that the third part is attached to the mating groove.

Images