A novel flexible automatic production line and production process for laser marking of electric energy meter nameplates

Abstract

The application provides a novel flexible automatic production line and production process for laser marking of electric energy meter tags, the automatic production line comprising a rotating disc, a tag circulating feeding mechanism, a tag feeding mechanism, a laser marking mechanism, a tag detection mechanism, a finished tag discharging mechanism and a finished tag circulating storage mechanism distributed around the rotating disc; the rotating disc type layout is adopted, multiple stations such as feeding, feeding, marking, detection, discharging and storage are integrated, the structure is compact, the land occupation area is small, the tag circulating feeding mechanism and the finished tag circulating storage mechanism both adopt circulating pushing and multiple storage bin structures, the continuous supply and storage of tags are realized, good flexible production capacity is achieved, and the storage can be replaced and adapted according to different sizes of tags, multiple models of tags can be compatible, and the production demands of multiple varieties and small batches can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electricity meter manufacturing technology, specifically to a novel flexible automated production line and manufacturing process for laser marking of electricity meter labels. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of electricity meters, the nameplate is one of the key components. It needs to be laser-marked according to the name, model, barcode and other information of the electricity meter, and the content and marking quality need to be inspected to ensure the accuracy of the product information.

[0003] Currently, manual marking is generally used. The label to be marked is placed into the laser marking area by a person, the laser marking is completed, and then the marked label is taken out and stored according to the barcode sequence. This process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and extremely inefficient, and there is a significant risk of errors and omissions, as well as occupational hazards to workers. In addition, although there are automated marking machines, they can only perform automated marking of one or a few specific models. They cannot simultaneously support the flexible automated production of dozens or even hundreds of products, and cannot meet the customized production needs of large customers for multiple varieties and small batches. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of low efficiency of manual marking and poor compatibility of automatic marking equipment in the prior art, so as to provide a new flexible automated production line and production process for laser marking of electricity meter signs that is compatible with multiple signs.

[0005] Therefore, this invention provides a novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels, including a turntable, and a label circulation feeding mechanism, a label loading mechanism, a laser marking mechanism, a label inspection mechanism, a finished label unloading mechanism, and a finished label circulation storage mechanism distributed around the turntable; the turntable is rotatably mounted on a frame and has multiple adsorption fixtures spaced circumferentially thereon, which are used to adsorb and fix labels and follow the turntable to each workstation; the label loading mechanism picks up the labels stored by the label circulation feeding mechanism and transfers them to the designated workstation. The label is attached to an adsorption fixture corresponding to the loading station; a laser marking mechanism is used to laser mark the labels; a label inspection mechanism is used to inspect the labels and transfer unqualified labels to the unqualified material bin; a finished label unloading mechanism is used to transfer qualified labels to the finished label circulating storage mechanism; both the label circulating supply mechanism and the finished label circulating storage mechanism include a hopper circulating carrier, multiple storage bins and a circulating pushing mechanism, wherein the storage bins are used to store labels and the circulating pushing mechanism is used to drive the multiple storage bins to circulate on the hopper circulating carrier.

[0006] The storage bin is formed with a cavity for holding multiple stacked signs. The bottom of the cavity has an opening, and multiple support blocks for supporting the edges of the signs are formed on the sidewall of the opening. Both the sign circulation feeding mechanism and the finished sign circulation storage mechanism include a sign lifting assembly for lifting or lowering the signs. The sign lifting assembly includes: a first lifting cylinder, which is located below the storage bin; and a first push block, which is connected to the first lifting cylinder and moves up and down in the cavity under the drive of the first lifting cylinder. The first push block is formed with a clearance groove corresponding to the support block.

[0007] The sign loading mechanism includes a first robotic arm and a first suction cup assembly driven by the first robotic arm. The first suction cup assembly picks up the sign located at the top of the storage bin cavity and transfers it to the adsorption fixture corresponding to the loading station.

[0008] The label feeding mechanism further includes a stacking label removal mechanism for removing excess labels when the first suction cup assembly picks up the labels. The stacking label removal mechanism includes an anti-stacking block, a second cylinder assembly, and a first translation guide rail. The anti-stacking block is movably mounted on the side of the storage bin and is inclined downwards towards the label. The anti-stacking block has a first working position abutting against the side of the label and a second working position separated from the label. The second cylinder assembly includes a second cylinder mounted on the side of the first translation guide rail and a second push block connected to the anti-stacking block. A cylinder assembly is used to drive the anti-stacking sign block to switch between a first working position and a second working position; a first translational guide rail, driven by a first servo motor, is used to drive the second cylinder to move towards the storage bin; wherein, when the first suction cup assembly picks up the sign from the storage bin, the anti-stacking sign block is in the first working position, and excess signs rub against the anti-stacking sign block and fall off; after the first suction cup assembly picks up the sign, the anti-stacking sign block moves to the second working position, and the sign lifting assembly pushes the sign to the position to be picked up.

[0009] The anti-overlapping block is made of rubber or silicone and is detachably connected to the second pusher block by bolts.

[0010] The hopper circulation carrier is equipped with two rows of storage bins. The circulation pushing mechanism includes a third cylinder assembly, a fourth cylinder assembly, a fifth cylinder assembly, and a sixth cylinder assembly. The third cylinder assembly is installed on the side of the hopper circulation carrier and is located adjacent to the label feeding mechanism or the finished label unloading mechanism. The third cylinder assembly includes a third cylinder and a third push plate. The third push plate is slidably installed above the hopper circulation carrier and, driven by the third cylinder, moves the storage bins along a first direction of the hopper circulation carrier. The fourth cylinder assembly and the sixth cylinder assembly are installed on... The bottom of the hopper circulation carrier is used to drive the movement of a corresponding row of storage hoppers. The fourth cylinder assembly includes a fourth cylinder and a fourth push plate. The sixth cylinder assembly includes a sixth cylinder and a sixth push plate. Both the fourth and sixth push plates move along a second direction of the hopper circulation carrier, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The fifth cylinder assembly is installed on the bottom side of the hopper circulation carrier away from the third cylinder assembly. The fifth cylinder assembly includes a fifth cylinder and a fifth push plate. The fifth push plate moves along a first direction of the hopper circulation carrier.

[0011] The laser marking mechanism includes a first support, a focal length adjustment component, and a seventh cylinder assembly. The first support moves along a third direction of the frame under the drive of the focal length adjustment component. The seventh cylinder assembly is mounted on the first support, and a laser marking component is provided at the end of the seventh cylinder assembly. The laser marking component moves along a fourth direction of the frame under the drive of the seventh cylinder assembly. The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0012] The sign inspection mechanism includes a second robotic arm, a detection component and a second suction cup component driven by the second robotic arm. When the detection component detects a defective sign, the second suction cup component, driven by the second robotic arm, picks up the sign and transfers it to the defective product bin.

[0013] The finished product label unloading mechanism includes a third robotic arm and a third suction cup assembly driven by the third robotic arm. The third suction cup assembly picks up qualified labels under the drive of the third robotic arm and transfers them to the storage bin of the finished product label recycling storage mechanism.

[0014] The adsorption fixture includes an adsorption plate for placing a sign, and a vacuum generator and a photoelectric sensor installed at the bottom of the adsorption plate. When the photoelectric sensor detects that a sign has entered the adsorption fixture, it controls the vacuum generator to adsorb the sign onto the adsorption plate.

[0015] This invention also provides a production process for a novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels, as described above, comprising the following steps: Manually stacking labels to be marked into the storage bin of the label circulation feeding mechanism in batches; and using a label lifting assembly to lift the labels in the storage bin located in the picking area to the position to be picked up; the first suction cup assembly of the label loading mechanism, driven by a first robotic arm, picks up the labels from the storage bin in the picking area and transfers them to the adsorption fixture on the turntable corresponding to the loading station; when the photoelectric sensor of the turntable detects a label entering the station, the vacuum generator equipped on that station activates to adsorb the label onto the adsorption plate for fixation, and the turntable begins to rotate to feed the label into the... The laser marking station; the laser marking component of the laser marking mechanism laser marks the signs entering the laser marking station. After marking is completed, the turntable continues to rotate, sending the marked signs to the sign inspection station; the inspection component of the sign inspection mechanism inspects the signs under the drive of the second robot arm. When a qualified sign is detected, the turntable starts to rotate and sends the sign to the finished product unloading station. When a defective sign is detected, the second suction cup component, driven by the second robot arm, picks up the sign and moves it to the defective product hopper; the third robot arm of the finished product sign recycling storage mechanism drives the third suction cup component to pick up the qualified signs and move them to the storage hopper of the finished product sign recycling storage mechanism.

[0016] When the first suction cup assembly picks up the label from the storage bin, the anti-stacking block of the label rejection mechanism is in the first working position, and the edge of the picked-up label will rub against the anti-stacking block; after the first suction cup assembly successfully transfers the label to the adsorption fixture, the anti-stacking block moves to the second working position separated from the label, and then the label lifting assembly pushes the label up to the position to be picked up.

[0017] When the labels in the storage bins of the material picking area are used up, the third cylinder assembly pushes the empty storage bin to the empty position, the sixth cylinder assembly pushes the full storage bin to the picking position, and the fourth and fifth cylinder assemblies push the other storage bins in a cycle.

[0018] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages: 1. The novel flexible automated production line provided by this invention includes a turntable, and a label circulation feeding mechanism, a label loading mechanism, a laser marking mechanism, a label inspection mechanism, a finished label unloading mechanism, and a finished label circulation storage mechanism distributed around the turntable. It adopts a turntable layout, integrating multiple workstations such as feeding, loading, marking, inspection, unloading, and storage into one compact structure with a small footprint. Both the label circulation feeding mechanism and the finished label circulation storage mechanism employ a circulation pushing and multi-storage bin structure, achieving continuous supply and storage of labels. It possesses excellent flexible production capabilities and can adapt storage locations according to different label sizes, making it compatible with various label models and meeting the production needs of multiple varieties and small batches.

[0019] 2. The novel flexible automated production line provided by the present invention has a storage bin with a receiving cavity and a support block, which can stably stack multiple labels. The structure is simple and reliable. The label lifting component drives the first push block through the first lifting cylinder, which can lift the labels one by one to the picking position, so that the label feeding mechanism can stably pick them up.

[0020] 3. The novel flexible automated production line provided by this invention addresses the issue of multiple labels being picked up simultaneously when they are stuck together. By incorporating a label-removing mechanism, an anti-stacking block is tilted downwards towards the label. When the first suction cup assembly picks up a label and moves upwards, the edge of the picked-up label contacts the tilted anti-stacking block. Because the anti-stacking block is tilted downwards, its surface forms an angle with the direction of the label's movement. This design allows the anti-stacking block to apply a downward force to the label edge. If any excess labels are stuck together due to static electricity, oil film, or other reasons, this downward force effectively scrapes the excess labels back into the storage bin, ensuring that only one label is picked up at a time. Furthermore, after the first suction cup assembly successfully picks up a label, the anti-stacking block moves to a second working position separated from the label. Then, the label lifting assembly pushes the label up to the pickup position, thus avoiding overlap. Additionally, the first translational guide rail drives the second cylinder to move as a whole, adapting to different label sizes and enhancing the equipment's compatibility.

[0021] 4. The novel flexible automated production line provided by the present invention adopts a two-row storage bin layout. Through the combination of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth cylinder components, the storage bins can be automatically cyclically replaced, ensuring uninterrupted operation of material supply and storage, and greatly improving the continuous operation capability of the production line.

[0022] 5. The novel flexible automated production line provided by the present invention includes a laser marking mechanism comprising a focal length adjustment component, a seventh cylinder component, and a laser marking component. The focal length adjustment component can adjust the focal length in the Z-axis direction to adapt to signs of different thicknesses or heights. The seventh cylinder component drives the laser marking component to move horizontally, facilitating adjustment of the marking position and enhancing the flexibility of the equipment.

[0023] 6. The novel flexible automated production line provided by the present invention adopts a second robotic arm that integrates a detection component and a second suction cup component, realizing the integrated operation of detection and rejection of defective products. After a defective product is detected, it can be immediately picked up by the same robotic arm and moved into the defective product bin, with a rapid response. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the novel flexible automated production line of the present invention; Figure 2 3D view of the sign feeding mechanism and the finished sign unloading mechanism; Figure 3 A 3D view of the sign circulation feeding mechanism and the stacked sign rejection mechanism; Figure 4 A 3D view of the sign lifting assembly and storage bin; Figure 5 A 3D view of the anti-overlapping blocks, the second cylinder assembly, and the storage bin; Figure 6 A 3D view of the hopper circulation carrier and the circulation pushing mechanism; Figure 7 A bottom view of the hopper circulation vehicle; Figure 8 A 3D view of the laser marking mechanism; Figure 9 A 3D view of the laser marking mechanism after part of its outer shell has been removed; Figure 10 A 3D view of a sign inspection agency; Figure 11 This is a 3D view of the turntable.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Turntable; 2. Label circulating feeding mechanism; 3. Label loading mechanism; 4. Laser marking mechanism; 5. Label inspection mechanism; 6. Finished label unloading mechanism; 7. Finished label circulating storage mechanism; 8. Frame; 9. Adsorption fixture; 10. Label; 11. Defective product bin; 12. Bin circulating carrier; 13. Storage bin; 14. Circulating pushing mechanism; 15. Opening; 16. Support block; 17. Label lifting assembly; 18. First lifting cylinder; 19. First push block; 20. First robotic arm; 21. First suction cup assembly; 22. Stacked label rejection mechanism; 23. Anti-stacking block; 24. Second cylinder assembly; 25. Second cylinder; 26. Second push block; 27. First translation guide rail; 28. 1. First servo motor; 29. ​​Third cylinder assembly; 30. Third cylinder; 31. Third push plate; 32. Fourth cylinder assembly; 33. Sixth cylinder assembly; 34. Fourth cylinder; 35. Fourth push plate; 36. Sixth cylinder; 37. Sixth push plate; 38. Fifth cylinder assembly; 39. Fifth cylinder; 40. Fifth push plate; 41. First bracket; 42. Focus adjustment assembly; 420. Handle; 421. Ball screw assembly; 43. Seventh cylinder assembly; 44. Laser marking assembly; 45. Second robotic arm; 46. Detection assembly; 47. Second suction cup assembly; 48. Third robotic arm; 49. Third suction cup assembly; 50. Adsorption plate; 51. Vacuum generator; 52. Photoelectric sensor; 53. Receiving cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., 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 the invention and for 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 the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0031] Example This embodiment provides a novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a turntable 1, and a sign circulation feeding mechanism 2, a sign loading mechanism 3, a laser marking mechanism 4, a sign inspection mechanism 5, a finished sign unloading mechanism 6, and a finished sign circulation storage mechanism 7 distributed around the turntable 1.

[0032] A turntable 1, rotatably mounted on a frame 8, has multiple adsorption fixtures 9 spaced circumferentially thereon. These fixtures 9 are used to adsorb and fix labels 10, and follow the turntable 1 to various workstations, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the adsorption fixture 9 includes an adsorption plate 50 for placing the label 10, and a vacuum generator 51 and a photoelectric sensor 52 installed at the bottom of the adsorption plate 50. When the photoelectric sensor 52 detects that the label 10 has entered the adsorption fixture 9, it controls the vacuum generator 51 to adsorb the label 10 onto the adsorption plate 50.

[0033] Signage feeding mechanism 3, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes a first robotic arm 20, a first suction cup assembly 21, and a label rejection mechanism 22. The first suction cup assembly 21 picks up the labels 10 located at the top of the receiving cavity of the storage bin 13 and transfers them to the adsorption fixture 9 corresponding to the loading station. The label rejection mechanism 22 is used to reject excess labels 10 when the first suction cup assembly 21 picks up the labels 10, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the stacking tag rejection mechanism 22 includes: an anti-stacking tag block 23, movably mounted on the side of the storage bin 13 and inclined downward toward the tag 10; the anti-stacking tag block 23 having a first working position abutting against the side of the tag 10 and a second working position separated from the tag 10; and a second cylinder assembly 24, including a second cylinder 25 mounted on the side of the first translation guide rail 27 and a second push block 26 connected to the anti-stacking tag block 23; the second cylinder assembly 24 being used to drive the anti-stacking tag block 23 between the first working position and the second working position. The system switches between positions; the first translation guide rail 27, driven by the first servo motor 28, moves to drive the second cylinder 25 towards the storage bin 13; wherein, when the first suction cup assembly 21 picks up the label 10 from the storage bin 13, the anti-stacking label block 23 is in the first working position, and excess labels 10 rub against the anti-stacking label block 23 and fall off; after the first suction cup assembly 21 picks up the label 10, the anti-stacking label block 23 moves to the second working position, and the label lifting assembly 17 pushes the label 10 to the position to be picked up. In this embodiment, the anti-stacking label block 23 is made of rubber or silicone and is detachably connected to the second push block 26 by bolts.

[0034] Laser marking mechanism 4 performs laser marking on sign 10, such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes: a first support 41, which moves along a third direction of the frame 8 under the drive of the focus adjustment assembly 42 (the third direction is...). Figure 9 (Vertical direction of the frame 8); Seventh cylinder assembly 43, mounted on the first bracket 41, has a laser marking assembly 44 at its end. The laser marking assembly 44 moves along the fourth direction of the frame 8 (the fourth direction is the horizontal direction of the frame 8) under the drive of the seventh cylinder assembly 43, and this fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction. It should be noted that, as... Figure 9 As shown, the focus adjustment component 42 includes a handle 420 and a ball screw assembly 421 disposed between the handle 420 and the first bracket 41. By rotating the handle 420, the screw is rotated, thereby driving the first bracket 41 to move up and down along the vertical direction of the frame through the ball screw assembly 421. It should be noted that the ball screw assembly is a mature existing technology, so its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail.

[0035] The sign inspection agency 5 inspects the sign 10 and transfers the substandard sign 10 to the substandard material warehouse 11. Figure 10As shown, it includes a second robotic arm 45, a detection component 46 driven by the second robotic arm 45, and a second suction cup component 47. When the detection component 46 detects a defective label 10, the second suction cup component 47, driven by the second robotic arm 45, picks up the label 10 and transfers it to the defective product bin 11.

[0036] The finished label unloading mechanism 6 transfers the qualified labels 10 to the finished label recycling storage mechanism 7, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes a third robotic arm 48 and a third suction cup assembly 49 driven by the third robotic arm 48. The third suction cup assembly 49, driven by the third robotic arm 48, picks up the qualified labels 10 and transfers them to the storage bin 13 of the finished label recycling storage mechanism 7.

[0037] The label recycling feeding mechanism 2 and the finished label recycling storage mechanism 7, as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each includes a hopper circulation carrier 12, multiple storage hoppers 13, a circulation pushing mechanism 14, and a sign lifting assembly 17. The storage hoppers 13 are used to store signs 10, and the circulation pushing mechanism 14 is used to drive the multiple storage hoppers 13 to circulate on the hopper circulation carrier 12.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the storage bin 13 is formed with a receiving cavity 53 for placing multiple stacked labels 10. The bottom of the receiving cavity 53 has an opening 15, and multiple support blocks 16 for supporting the edges of the labels 10 are formed on the side wall of the opening 15. Both the label circulation feeding mechanism 2 and the finished label circulation storage mechanism 7 include a label lifting assembly 17 for lifting or lowering the labels 10. The label lifting assembly 17 includes: a first lifting cylinder 18, disposed below the storage bin 13; and a first push block 19, connected to the first lifting cylinder 18, and moving up and down in the receiving cavity 53 under the drive of the first lifting cylinder 18. The first push block 19 is formed with a clearance groove corresponding to the support block 16. It should be noted that... Figure 4 Only one sign 10 is shown in the drawing. In actual production, the signs 10 are stacked in a row inside the storage bin 13.

[0039] The hopper circulation carrier 12 is equipped with two rows of storage hoppers 13, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the circulating material pushing mechanism 14 includes: a third cylinder assembly 29, installed on the side of the hopper circulating carrier 12 and adjacent to the label feeding mechanism 3 or the finished label unloading mechanism 6; the third cylinder assembly 29 includes a third cylinder 30 and a third push plate 31; the third push plate 31 is slidably installed above the hopper circulating carrier 12 and, driven by the third cylinder 30, drives the storage hopper 13 to move along the first direction of the hopper circulating carrier 12 (the first direction is the front-to-back direction of the hopper circulating carrier); a fourth cylinder assembly 32 and a sixth cylinder assembly 33, installed at the bottom of the hopper circulating carrier 12, and respectively used to drive a corresponding cylinder assembly 32. The storage bin 13 is moved. The fourth cylinder assembly 32 includes a fourth cylinder 34 and a fourth pusher plate 35. The sixth cylinder assembly 33 includes a sixth cylinder 36 and a sixth pusher plate 37. The fourth pusher plate 35 and the sixth pusher plate 37 both move along the second direction of the hopper circulation carrier 12 (the second direction is the left-right direction of the hopper circulation carrier). The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The fifth cylinder assembly 38 is installed on the bottom side of the hopper circulation carrier 12 away from the third cylinder assembly 29. The fifth cylinder assembly includes a fifth cylinder 39 and a fifth pusher plate 40. The fifth pusher plate 40 moves along the first direction of the hopper circulation carrier 12.

[0040] The working principle of the novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels of the present invention is as follows: The labels 10 to be labeled are manually stacked and loaded into the storage bin 13 in batches. The label lifting component 17 lifts the labels 10 in the storage bin 13 in the picking area to the picking position. When the labels 10 in the storage bin 13 in the picking area are consumed, the third cylinder component 29 pushes the empty storage bin 13 to the empty position, the sixth cylinder component 33 pushes the full storage bin 13 to the picking position, and the fourth cylinder component 32 and the fifth cylinder component 38 push the other storage bins in a cycle. Driven by the first robotic arm 20, the first suction cup assembly 21 of the label feeding mechanism 3 picks up the label 10 from the storage bin 13 in the picking area and transfers it to the suction fixture 9 corresponding to the feeding station. During the suction process, the edge of the picked-up label 10 will rub against the downward-sloping anti-stacking label block 23, so that the excess label 10 will be scraped into the storage bin 13. After the first suction cup assembly 21 successfully transfers the label 10 to the suction fixture 9, the anti-stacking label block 23 moves to the second working position separated from the label 10. Then the label lifting assembly 17 pushes the label 10 to the position to be picked up. When the photoelectric sensor 52 detects that a label 10 has entered the workstation, the vacuum generator 35 equipped at the workstation will activate to adsorb the label 10 onto the adsorption plate 50 for fixation. The turntable 1 will then rotate clockwise one workstation, sending the workstation where the label 10 is located into the laser marking area. At the same time, because the turntable 1 rotates clockwise, the workstation where the label was removed after the previous production process is now empty, and the cycle will just reach the workstation in the loading area, realizing a continuous production cycle. The laser marking component 44 performs laser marking on the nameplate 10 that enters the marking area. After the marking is completed, the turntable 1 continues to rotate, and the marked station is cyclically sent to the nameplate inspection station. The detection component 46, driven by the second robot arm 45, detects the marking quality and content of the label 10 at the detection station to prevent mislabeling or omission. When the detection component 46 detects a defective label 10, the second suction cup component 47, driven by the second robot arm 45, picks up the label 10 and transfers it to the defective product bin 11. The third robotic arm 48 drives the third suction cup assembly 49 to pick up the marked label 10 and transfer it to the storage bin of the finished label recycling storage mechanism 7. It should be noted that the working principle of the finished label recycling storage mechanism 7 and the label recycling feeding mechanism 2 is the same, so it will not be described in detail.

[0041] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A new flexible automated production line for the laser marking of electricity meter nameplates, characterized by, It includes a turntable (1), and a sign circulation feeding mechanism (2), a sign loading mechanism (3), a laser marking mechanism (4), a sign inspection mechanism (5), a finished sign unloading mechanism (6), and a finished sign circulation storage mechanism (7) distributed around the turntable (1). A turntable (1) is rotatably mounted on a frame (8) and has multiple adsorption fixtures (9) spaced along its circumference. The adsorption fixtures (9) are used to adsorb and fix the nameplates (10) and follow the turntable (1) to each work station. The sign feeding mechanism (3) picks up the signs (10) stored in the sign circulation feeding mechanism (2) and transfers them to the adsorption fixture (9) corresponding to the feeding station; The laser marking mechanism (4) performs laser marking on the sign (10); The sign inspection agency (5) inspects the sign (10) and transfers the unqualified sign (10) to the unqualified material warehouse (11); The finished label unloading mechanism (6) transfers the qualified labels (10) to the finished label recycling storage mechanism (7). The label circulating feeding mechanism (2) and the finished label circulating storage mechanism (7) both include a hopper circulating carrier (12), multiple storage hoppers (13) and a circulating pushing mechanism (14). The storage hoppers (13) are used to store labels (10), and the circulating pushing mechanism (14) is used to drive the multiple storage hoppers (13) to circulate on the hopper circulating carrier (12).

2. The new flexible automated production line for laser marking of electric energy meter nameplates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage bin (13) is formed with a receiving cavity (53) for placing multiple stacked signs (10). The bottom of the receiving cavity (53) has an opening (15). Multiple support blocks (16) for supporting the edges of the signs (10) are formed on the side wall of the opening (15). The sign circulation feeding mechanism (2) and the finished sign circulation storage mechanism (7) both include a sign lifting assembly (17) for lifting or lowering the signs (10). The sign lifting assembly (17) includes: The first lifting cylinder (18) is located below the storage bin (13); The first push block (19) is connected to the first lifting cylinder (18) and moves up and down in the receiving cavity (53) under the drive of the first lifting cylinder (18). The first push block (19) is formed with a relief groove corresponding to the support block (16).

3. The new flexible automated production line for laser marking of electric energy meter nameplates according to claim 2, characterized in that, The label loading mechanism (3) includes a first robotic arm (20) and a first suction cup assembly (21) driven by the first robotic arm (20). The first suction cup assembly (21) picks up the label (10) located at the top of the receiving cavity of the storage bin (13) and transfers it to the adsorption fixture (9) corresponding to the loading station.

4. The novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 3, characterized in that, The label feeding mechanism (3) further includes a stacking label removal mechanism (22) for removing excess labels (10) when the first suction cup assembly (21) picks up the labels (10). The stacking label removal mechanism (22) includes: Anti-overlapping block (23) is movably installed on the side of the storage bin (13) and is inclined downward toward the sign (10). The anti-overlapping block (23) has a first working position that abuts against the side of the sign (10) and a second working position that is separated from the sign (10). The second cylinder assembly (24) includes a second cylinder (25) mounted on the side of the first translation guide rail (27) and a second push block (26) connected to the anti-stacking block (23). The second cylinder assembly (24) is used to drive the anti-stacking block (23) to switch between the first working position and the second working position. The first translation guide rail (27) is driven to move by the first servo motor (28) to drive the second cylinder (25) to move toward the storage bin (13); When the first suction cup assembly (21) picks up the label (10) from the storage bin (13), the anti-stacking label block (23) is in the first working position, and the excess label (10) rubs against the anti-stacking label block (23) and falls off; after the first suction cup assembly (21) picks up the label (10), the anti-stacking label block (23) moves to the second working position, and the label lifting assembly (17) pushes the label (10) to the position to be picked up.

5. The novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 4, characterized in that, The anti-stacking block (23) is made of rubber or silicone and is detachably connected to the second push block (26) by bolts.

6. The novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The hopper circulation carrier (12) is equipped with two rows of storage hoppers (13), and the circulation pushing mechanism (14) includes: The third cylinder assembly (29) is installed on the side of the hopper circulation carrier (12) and is located near the label feeding mechanism (3) or the finished label unloading mechanism (6). The third cylinder assembly (29) includes a third cylinder (30) and a third push plate (31). The third push plate (31) is slidably installed above the hopper circulation carrier (12) and drives the storage hopper (13) to move along the first direction of the hopper circulation carrier (12) under the drive of the third cylinder (30). The fourth cylinder assembly (32) and the sixth cylinder assembly (33) are installed at the bottom of the hopper circulation carrier (12) and are used to drive the movement of a corresponding row of storage hoppers (13). The fourth cylinder assembly (32) includes a fourth cylinder (34) and a fourth push plate (35). The sixth cylinder assembly (33) includes a sixth cylinder (36) and a sixth push plate (37). The fourth push plate (35) and the sixth push plate (37) both move along the second direction of the hopper circulation carrier (12). The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The fifth cylinder assembly (38) is installed on the bottom side of the hopper circulation carrier (12) away from the third cylinder assembly (29). The fifth cylinder assembly includes a fifth cylinder (39) and a fifth push plate (40). The fifth push plate (40) moves along a first direction of the hopper circulation carrier (12).

7. The novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser marking mechanism (4) includes: The first support (41) moves along the third direction of the frame (8) under the drive of the focus adjustment assembly (42); The seventh cylinder assembly (43) is mounted on the first bracket (41). A laser marking assembly (44) is provided at the end of the seventh cylinder assembly (43). The laser marking assembly (44) moves along the fourth direction of the frame (8) under the drive of the seventh cylinder assembly (43). The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

8. The novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The label inspection mechanism (5) includes a second robotic arm (45), a detection component (46) driven by the second robotic arm (45), and a second suction cup component (47). When the detection component (46) detects a defective label (10), the second suction cup component (47) is driven by the second robotic arm (45) to pick up the label (10) and transfer it to the defective product bin (11).

9. The novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The finished product label unloading mechanism (6) includes a third robotic arm (48) and a third suction cup assembly (49) driven by the third robotic arm (48). The third suction cup assembly (49) picks up qualified labels (10) under the drive of the third robotic arm (48) and transfers them to the storage bin (13) of the finished product label recycling storage mechanism (7).

10. The novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption fixture (9) includes an adsorption plate (50) for placing a sign (10), and a vacuum generator (51) and a photoelectric sensor (52) installed at the bottom of the adsorption plate (50). When the photoelectric sensor (52) detects that the sign (10) has entered the adsorption fixture (9), it controls the vacuum generator (51) to adsorb the sign (10) onto the adsorption plate (50).

11. A production process for a novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The labels (10) to be labeled are stacked and placed into the storage bin (13) of the label circulation feeding mechanism (2), and the label lifting assembly (17) lifts the labels 10 in the storage bin (13) in the picking area to the position to be picked up. The first suction cup assembly (21) of the label feeding mechanism (3) picks up the label (10) from the storage bin (13) in the picking area under the drive of the first robot (20) and transfers it to the turntable (1) and the suction fixture (9) corresponding to the feeding station; When the photoelectric sensor (52) of the turntable (1) detects that a label (10) has entered the station, the vacuum generator (51) equipped at the station will activate to adsorb the label (10) onto the adsorption plate (50) for fixation, and the turntable (1) will start to rotate to send the label (10) into the laser marking station. The laser marking component (44) of the laser marking mechanism (4) performs laser marking on the sign (10) that enters the laser marking station. After the marking is completed, the turntable (1) continues to rotate and sends the marked sign (10) to the sign inspection station. The detection component (46) of the label inspection mechanism (5) inspects the label (10) under the drive of the second robot (45). When a qualified label (10) is detected, the turntable (1) starts to rotate and sends the label (10) into the finished product unloading station. When an unqualified label (10) is detected, the second suction cup component (47) picks up the label (10) under the drive of the second robot (45) and transfers it to the unqualified product hopper (11). The third robotic arm (48) of the finished product label recycling storage mechanism (7) drives the third suction cup assembly (49) to pick up the qualified label (10) and transfer it to the storage bin (13) of the finished product label recycling storage mechanism (7).

12. The production process of the novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the first suction cup assembly (21) picks up the label (10) from the storage bin (13), the anti-stacking block (23) of the stacking label rejection mechanism (22) is in the first working position, and the edge of the picked-up label (10) will rub against the anti-stacking block (23). After the first suction cup assembly (21) successfully transfers the label (10) to the adsorption fixture (9), the anti-stacking block (23) moves to the second working position separated from the label (10), and then the label lifting assembly (17) pushes the label (10) to lift it to the position to be picked up.

13. The production process of the novel flexible automated production line for laser marking of electricity meter labels according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the labels (10) in the storage bins (13) of the material taking area are used up, the third cylinder assembly (29) pushes the empty storage bins (13) to the empty position, the sixth cylinder assembly (33) pushes the full storage bins (13) to the material taking position, and the fourth cylinder assembly (32) and the fifth cylinder assembly (38) push the other storage bins (13) in a cycle.

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