Modular conveyor for a motor flexible assembly line

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of conveying equipment, and specifically discloses a modular conveying device for motor flexible assembly line, which comprises a conveyor for conveying motor assembly workpieces, two L-shaped racks are connected to the top end of the frame body of the conveyor through fasteners, and the L-shaped racks can be set as multiple groups according to requirements, a cross brace is arranged between the corners of the two L-shaped racks, and a visual recognition detection device is arranged on one side of the cross brace; a transfer mechanism is arranged for transferring the motor assembly workpieces from the conveyor to the next work station; and a centering and limiting mechanism is arranged between the two L-shaped racks in the same group. The present application realizes automatic adjustment of the centering and guiding width, can adapt to motor assembly workpieces of different sizes, improves the multi-variety flexible adaptability of the conveying device, ensures that the workpieces reach the grabbing work station in a precise posture, realizes automatic diversion of qualified pieces and unqualified pieces, and the stopping mechanism realizes flexible stopping to avoid rigid collision damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of conveying equipment technology, and more specifically to a modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, vehicle manufacturers are placing higher demands on the flexibility and modularity of their production lines. As the core power component of new energy vehicles, the assembly quality and efficiency of the motor directly affect the vehicle's performance and production capacity. During motor manufacturing, the assembly line needs to sequentially transport components such as the motor housing, rotor, and end caps to various assembly stations. As motor products move towards a more diverse and smaller-batch production model, the assembly line requires increasingly flexible conveying systems capable of quickly adapting to the conveying needs of motors of different specifications.

[0003] Existing motor assembly lines mostly use fixed-width guide channels or V-groove structures for conveyor systems, positioning workpieces through mechanical stops or manual adjustments. This presents the following technical problems:

[0004] 1. The guide mechanism is inconvenient to adjust and has low flexibility: The guide mechanism of traditional conveying devices is mostly a fixed width structure. When the motor product model is changed, it is necessary to manually disassemble and readjust the spacing of the guide plate. The operation is cumbersome and time-consuming, and it is difficult to adapt to the rapid model changeover requirements of multi-variety small-batch production.

[0005] 2. Workpieces are prone to shifting during the conveying process, resulting in insufficient positioning accuracy: When the workpiece moves on the conveyor line, it is easily shifted laterally due to factors such as conveyor belt vibration and differences in the shape of the workpiece itself. This leads to a large positional deviation when it reaches the gripping station, affecting the gripping accuracy and assembly quality of the robot or assembly equipment.

[0006] 3. Rigid impact during emergency stop can easily cause damage to the workpiece: When the conveyor line malfunctions or needs to be stopped urgently, the conveyor stops suddenly, and the workpiece continues to slide forward due to inertia, which can cause rigid collision with the stop mechanism or the workpiece in front, which can easily cause damage to the workpiece surface, edge bumps, or even cause the workpiece to fly off the conveyor line, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention provides a modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line, which can solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0008] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0009] A modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line includes:

[0010] A conveyor for conveying workpieces for motor assembly. The top of the conveyor frame is connected to two L-shaped frames by fasteners. The L-shaped frames can be set to multiple sets as needed. A cross brace is provided between the corners of the two L-shaped frames. A visual recognition detection device is provided on one side of the cross brace.

[0011] A transfer mechanism is used to move motor assembly workpieces from the conveyor to the next workstation.

[0012] The centering limit mechanism is located between two L-shaped frames in the same group;

[0013] The drive mechanism is used to adjust the limiting width of the centering limit mechanism;

[0014] The stopping mechanism is located on the side wall of the L-shaped frame and is used to stop the workpiece.

[0015] Preferably, a groove is provided on one side of the cross brace, and a visual recognition detection device is provided on the top wall of the groove of the cross brace.

[0016] Preferably, the transfer mechanism includes a gantry robot, and the output end of the gantry robot is provided with a gripping actuator.

[0017] Preferably, the centering limiting mechanism includes two crossbars arranged parallel to each other between two L-shaped frames. Two L-shaped plates are slidably installed between the two crossbars. A horizontal plate is provided on the vertical section of each L-shaped plate. Two pivot connectors are respectively provided on the opposite side of the two L-shaped plates, and a folding plate is rotatably installed through the pivot connectors. The two folding plates are arranged in a figure-eight shape facing each other in accordance with the feeding direction of the conveyor. Several limiting rollers are installed on the inner wall of the figure-eight shape. A vibration damping buffer mechanism is provided between the folding plate and the horizontal plate.

[0018] Preferably, the vibration damping buffer mechanism includes an arc-shaped block disposed on the outer wall surface of the outer fold of the folded plate. The arc center of the arc-shaped block is coaxial with the pivot center axis of the pivot connector, and multiple limiting channels are opened on its inner diameter surface. A limiting frame is fixedly installed through the side wall of the L-shaped plate. The limiting frame matches the arc-shaped block. Multiple protruding plates are provided on one inner wall of the limiting frame. The protruding plates match the limiting channels of the arc-shaped block. A limiting plate is provided at the end of the arc-shaped block away from the folded plate. A spring is provided in the limiting channel of the arc-shaped block. The two ends of the spring abut against the protruding plate and the folded plate, respectively. A damping rod is provided on the side wall of the folded plate and located in the limiting channel. Multiple rectangular holes are provided on the side wall of the limiting plate, and damping kits are provided in the rectangular holes.

[0019] Preferably, the damping kit includes two bearing seats, which are respectively disposed on the top and bottom walls of the rectangular hole of the limiting plate. A sleeve block is rotatably installed between the two bearing seats, and the sleeve block is sleeved with the damping rod.

[0020] Preferably, the sidewall of the limiting plate is provided with multiple open slots, and the damping rod is matched with the open slots.

[0021] Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a lead screw, which is rotatably mounted between two L-shaped frames. The L-shaped plate is threadedly connected to the lead screw. A servo motor is provided on the side wall of one of the L-shaped frames, and the output shaft of the servo motor is fixedly connected to the lead screw through a coupling.

[0022] Preferably, the lead screw sidewall is provided with two threaded bodies with opposite directions of rotation and the same pitch, and the two L-shaped plates are respectively matched with the adjacent threaded bodies.

[0023] Preferably, the stopping mechanism includes two slide rods, which are fixedly installed on the side of the L-shaped frame away from the conveyor via a plate. A support seat is slidably installed between the two slide rods. A vibration damper is provided between the support seat and the slide rod plate near the workpiece direction. A baffle is rotatably installed on the end of the support seat away from the workpiece direction via a rotating shaft. A lever is provided on the side wall of the rotating shaft of the baffle. An electric push rod is provided on the side of the support seat away from the L-shaped frame via a hinged seat. The output shaft end of the electric push rod is hinged to the lever.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0025] 1. By setting up a drive mechanism consisting of a lead screw, a servo motor, and two threaded bodies with opposite directions and the same pitch, and cooperating with two L-shaped plates slidably mounted on the crossbar, the control system automatically adjusts the distance between the two figure-eight folding plates according to the workpiece width identified by the visual recognition detection device. The resulting technical effect is: automatic adjustment of the centering guide width is achieved, which can adapt to motor assembly workpieces of different sizes without manual intervention, and improves the multi-variety flexibility of the conveying device.

[0026] 2. By setting up a vibration-damping buffer mechanism consisting of an arc-shaped block, a limiting frame, a convex plate, a spring, and a damping rod, and cooperating with the folding plate and limiting rollers arranged in a figure-eight shape, the folding plate can adaptively rotate slightly according to the shape of the workpiece during the workpiece conveying process. The spring provides elastic restoring force, the damping rod provides damping and buffering to absorb conveying vibration, and the limiting rollers roll into contact with the workpiece to reduce friction. The resulting technical effect is: to achieve smooth centering guidance and vibration damping during the workpiece conveying process, effectively prevent the workpiece from being deviated or damaged by collision due to conveying vibration, and ensure that the workpiece arrives at the gripping station with a precise posture.

[0027] 3. By setting up a blocking mechanism consisting of a sliding rod, a sliding support base, and a vibration damper, and cooperating with a baffle driven by an electric push rod, the visual recognition and detection device judges the conformity of the workpiece. After the conforming workpiece is intercepted by the baffle, the unconforming workpiece is allowed to pass. The technical effects are: automatic separation of conforming and unconforming workpieces is achieved; the vibration damping function integrated into the blocking mechanism absorbs the impact energy when the workpiece hits the baffle, achieving flexible stopping and avoiding rigid collision damage; at the same time, it ensures the quality of incoming materials for subsequent assembly processes and improves the overall operating efficiency and product yield of the assembly line. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an installation structure diagram of the transfer mechanism in this invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is an installation structure diagram of the centering and limiting mechanism in this invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the installation structure of the drive mechanism in this invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is an installation structure diagram of the L-shaped plate, the horizontal plate, and the limiting frame in this invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an installation structure diagram of the folding plate, arc-shaped block, and limiting frame in this invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the installation structure of the arc-shaped block, spring, and damping rod in this invention.

[0036] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the damping kit in this invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the blocking mechanism in this invention.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 1. Conveyor;

[0040] 11. L-shaped frame; 12. Cross brace; 13. Visual recognition and detection device;

[0041] 21. Gantry robot; 22. Grasping actuator;

[0042] 31. Crossbar; 32. L-shaped plate; 33. Horizontal plate; 34. Pivot connector; 35. Folding plate; 36. Limiting roller;

[0043] 41. Arc-shaped block; 42. Limiting frame; 43. Convex plate; 44. Limiting plate; 45. Spring; 46. Damping rod; 47. Bearing seat; 48. Sleeve block;

[0044] 51. Slide rod; 52. Support base; 53. Vibration damper; 54. Baffle; 55. Toggle lever; 56. Electric push rod;

[0045] 61. Lead screw; 62. Servo motor. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve its intended purpose, the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. 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.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "inner" and "outer" are based on the orientation or position shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or a specific orientational structure and operation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0048] Example 1:

[0049] Reference Figures 1-9 The present invention discloses a modular conveying device for a flexible assembly line of motors, comprising:

[0050] To achieve workpiece conveying and visual recognition, in this embodiment: a conveyor 1 is used to convey workpieces for motor assembly. Two L-shaped frames 11 are connected to the top of the conveyor 1 frame via fasteners. Multiple sets of L-shaped frames 11 can be configured as needed. A cross brace 12 is provided between the corners of the two L-shaped frames 11. A visual recognition detection device 13 is installed on one side of the cross brace 12. A groove is provided on one side of the cross brace 12, and the visual recognition detection device 13 is installed on the top wall of the groove. The visual recognition detection device 13 includes an industrial camera, an image acquisition card, and a light source, installed on the top wall of the groove of the cross brace 12, with its lens vertically downwards aimed at the detection station of the conveyor 1. When the workpiece is conveyed by the conveyor 1 to the area below the visual recognition detection device 13, the industrial camera acquires images of the workpiece in real time. The control system uses an image recognition algorithm to determine the workpiece's conformity, specifically including: comparing whether the workpiece's external dimensions are within the set tolerance range, detecting whether there are obvious defects on the workpiece surface, and identifying whether the workpiece model matches the current assembly task.

[0051] In order to realize the transfer and gripping of workpieces, in this embodiment: a transfer mechanism is used to transfer the workpiece for motor assembly from the conveyor 1 to the next work station. The transfer mechanism includes a gantry manipulator 21, and a gripping actuator 22 is provided at the output end of the gantry manipulator 21.

[0052] To achieve centering and vibration damping during workpiece conveying, in this embodiment: a centering limiting mechanism is set between two L-shaped frames 11 in the same group. The centering limiting mechanism includes two crossbars 31, which are arranged parallel between the two L-shaped frames 11. Two L-shaped plates 32 are slidably installed between the two crossbars 31. A horizontal plate 33 is provided on the vertical section of the L-shaped plate 32. Two pivot connectors 34 are respectively provided on the opposite side of the two L-shaped plates 32, and a folding plate 35 is rotatably installed through the pivot connectors 34. The two folding plates 35 are arranged in a V-shape facing each other in accordance with the feeding direction of the conveyor 1, and several limiting rollers 36 are installed on the inner wall surface of the V-shape. A vibration damping buffer mechanism is set between the folding plate 35 and the horizontal plate 33. The vibration damping buffer mechanism includes an arc-shaped block 41, which is set on the outer wall surface of the outer fold of the folding plate 35. The arc center of the arc block 41 is coaxial with the pivot center axis of the pivot connector 34, and its inner diameter surface... Multiple limiting channels are provided. A limiting frame 42 is fixedly installed through the side wall of the L-shaped plate 32. The limiting frame 42 matches the arc-shaped block 41. Multiple protruding plates 43 are provided on one inner wall of the limiting frame 42. The protruding plates 43 match the limiting channels of the arc-shaped block 41. A limiting plate 44 is provided at the end of the arc-shaped block 41 away from the folding plate 35. A spring 45 is provided in the limiting channel of the arc-shaped block 41. The two ends of the spring 45 abut against the protruding plate 43 and the folding plate 35 respectively. A damping rod 46 is provided on the side wall of plate 35 and is located in the limiting channel. The side wall of the limiting plate 44 is provided with multiple rectangular holes, and a damping kit is provided in the rectangular holes. The damping kit includes two bearing seats 47, which are respectively provided on the top wall and bottom wall of the rectangular holes of the limiting plate 44. A sleeve block 48 is rotatably installed between the two bearing seats 47. The sleeve block 48 is sleeved with the damping rod 46. The side wall of the limiting plate 44 is provided with multiple open slots, and the damping rod 46 matches the open slots.

[0053] To achieve automatic adjustment of the limiting width, in this embodiment: a drive mechanism is used to adjust the limiting width of the centering limiting mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a lead screw 61, which is rotatably mounted between two L-shaped frames 11. An L-shaped plate 32 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 61. The side wall of the lead screw 61 is provided with two threaded bodies with opposite directions and the same pitch. The two L-shaped plates 32 are respectively matched with the adjacent threaded bodies. A servo motor 62 is provided on the side wall of one of the L-shaped frames 11. The output shaft of the servo motor 62 is fixedly connected to the lead screw 61 through a coupling.

[0054] To achieve workpiece stopping and positioning, in this embodiment: a stopping mechanism is set on the side wall of the L-shaped frame 11 to stop the workpiece. The stopping mechanism includes two slide rods 51, which are fixedly installed on the side of the L-shaped frame 11 away from the conveyor 1 by a plate. A support seat 52 is slidably installed between the two slide rods 51. A vibration damper 53 is set between the support seat 52 and the plate of the slide rod 51 near the workpiece direction. A baffle 54 is rotatably installed on the end of the support seat 52 away from the workpiece direction by a rotating shaft. A lever 55 is set on the side wall of the rotating shaft of the baffle 54. An electric push rod 56 is set on the side of the support seat 52 away from the L-shaped frame 11 by a hinge seat. The output shaft end of the electric push rod 56 is hinged to the lever 55.

[0055] The working principle and usage process of the present invention: The visual recognition detection device 13 is used to detect the position and width of the workpiece on the conveyor 1 and transmit the detection data to the control system in real time.

[0056] The control system first drives the servo motor 62 to rotate the lead screw 61 based on the workpiece width identified by the visual recognition and detection device 13. Two threaded sections on the lead screw 61, with opposite directions and the same pitch, drive two L-shaped plates 32 to slide synchronously towards or away from each other along the crossbar 31, adjusting the distance between the two V-shaped folding plates 35 to match the workpiece width. After the width adjustment is complete, the conveyor 1 continues to run, and the workpiece is conveyed forward between the two V-shaped folding plates 35. The two folding plates 35 are arranged in a V-shape facing each other, conforming to the conveying direction. During the forward movement, the workpiece is automatically pushed to the center position of the conveyor line under the guidance of the V-shaped inclined surfaces, achieving centering guidance. During the process of workpiece passage, the folding plate 35 can adaptively rotate slightly around the pivot connector 34 according to the shape of the workpiece. The arc block 41 rotates synchronously with the folding plate 35. The protruding plate 43 in the limiting frame 42 cooperates with the limiting channel of the arc block 41. The spring 45 provides elastic restoring force, and the damping rod 46 provides damping buffer with the cooperation of the sleeve block 48. Together, they form a vibration reduction buffer mechanism to absorb the vibration during the workpiece conveying process, so that the workpiece passes smoothly and maintains the centering posture. The limiting roller 36 rolls in contact with the workpiece to reduce friction.

[0057] After a qualified workpiece passes through the centering guide area and continues to be conveyed forward, the control system issues a stop command to the stopping mechanism. The stopping mechanism itself has a vibration damping function: the support seat 52 is slidably installed between two slide rods 51. When the workpiece hits the baffle 54, the support seat 52 slides backward along the slide rods 51, the vibration damper 53 is compressed, and the impact energy generated by the workpiece impact is absorbed, achieving a flexible stop and avoiding damage caused by rigid collision between the workpiece and the baffle 54. The logic for judging and handling unqualified parts is the same as above. After the workpiece is stopped, it stays at the gripping station. The gantry robot 21 drives the gripping actuator 22 to move above the workpiece, accurately grips the qualified workpiece, and then moves it to the next assembly station. After the transfer is completed, the electric push rod 56 pulls the lever 55 in the opposite direction, causing the baffle 54 to flip backward and reset in the direction away from the conveyor 1, releasing the subsequent workpiece and entering the next inspection cycle.

[0058] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line, characterized in that, include: The conveyor (1) is used to transport workpieces for motor assembly. The top of the frame of the conveyor (1) is connected to two L-shaped frames (11) by fasteners. The L-shaped frames (11) can be set into multiple groups as required. A cross brace (12) is provided between the corners of the two L-shaped frames (11). A visual recognition detection device (13) is provided on one side of the cross brace (12). A transfer mechanism is used to transfer the workpiece for motor assembly from the conveyor (1) to the next work station; The centering limit mechanism is located between two L-shaped frames (11) in the same group; The drive mechanism is used to adjust the limiting width of the centering limit mechanism; A stopping mechanism is provided on the side wall of the L-shaped frame (11) to stop the workpiece.

2. The modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that, A groove is provided on one side of the cross brace (12), and a visual recognition detection device (13) is provided on the top wall of the groove of the cross brace (12).

3. The modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism includes a gantry manipulator (21), and the output end of the gantry manipulator (21) is provided with a gripping actuator (22).

4. The modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering limiting mechanism includes two crossbars (31) arranged in parallel between two L-shaped frames (11). Two L-shaped plates (32) are slidably installed between the two crossbars (31). A horizontal plate (33) is provided on the vertical section of the L-shaped plate (32). Two pivot connectors (34) are respectively provided on the opposite side of the two L-shaped plates (32), and a folding plate (35) is rotatably installed through the pivot connectors (34). The two folding plates (35) are arranged in a figure-eight shape in accordance with the feeding direction of the conveyor (1), and several limiting rollers (36) are installed on the inner wall of the figure-eight shape. A vibration damping buffer mechanism is provided between the folding plate (35) and the horizontal plate (33).

5. A modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vibration damping buffer mechanism includes an arc-shaped block (41) disposed on the outer wall surface of the outer fold of the folded plate (35). The arc center of the arc-shaped block (41) is coaxial with the pivot center axis of the pivot connector (34), and multiple limiting channels are opened on its inner diameter surface. A limiting frame (42) is fixedly installed through the side wall of the L-shaped plate (32). The limiting frame (42) matches the arc-shaped block (41). Multiple protruding plates (43) are provided on one inner wall of the limiting frame (42). Matching the limiting channel of the arc block (41), a limiting plate (44) is provided at the end of the arc block (41) away from the folded plate (35). A spring (45) is provided in the limiting channel of the arc block (41). The two ends of the spring (45) abut against the convex plate (43) and the folded plate (35) respectively. A damping rod (46) is provided on the side wall of the folded plate (35) and is located in the limiting channel. A plurality of rectangular holes are provided on the side wall of the limiting plate (44), and a damping kit is provided in the rectangular holes.

6. The modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The damping kit includes two bearing seats (47), which are respectively disposed on the top and bottom walls of the rectangular hole of the limiting plate (44). A sleeve block (48) is rotatably installed between the two bearing seats (47), and the sleeve block (48) is sleeved with the damping rod (46).

7. A modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The side wall of the limiting plate (44) is provided with multiple open slots, and the damping rod (46) is matched with the open slots.

8. A modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a lead screw (61), which is rotatably mounted between two L-shaped frames (11). The L-shaped plate (32) is threadedly connected to the lead screw (61). A servo motor (62) is provided on the side wall of one of the L-shaped frames (11). The output shaft of the servo motor (62) is fixedly connected to the lead screw (61) through a coupling.

9. A modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lead screw (61) has two threaded bodies with opposite directions and the same pitch on its side wall, and the two L-shaped plates (32) are respectively matched with the adjacent threaded bodies.

10. A modular conveying device for a flexible motor assembly line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stopping mechanism includes two slide rods (51), which are fixedly installed on the side of the L-shaped frame (11) away from the conveyor (1) by a plate. A support seat (52) is slidably installed between the two slide rods (51). A damper (53) is provided between the support seat (52) and the plate of the slide rod (51) near the workpiece direction. A baffle (54) is rotatably installed on the end of the support seat (52) away from the workpiece direction by a rotating shaft. A lever (55) is provided on the side wall of the rotating shaft of the baffle (54). An electric push rod (56) is provided on the side of the support seat (52) away from the L-shaped frame (11) by a hinge seat. The output shaft end of the electric push rod (56) is hinged to the lever (55).

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