Feeding system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a feeding system which comprises a feeding mechanism, an arrangement mechanism and a conveying mechanism, and the feeding mechanism comprises a plurality of feeding units and is used for feeding at least two different fasteners; the arrangement mechanism is connected with the output end of the feeding mechanism, and the arrangement mechanism is configured to arrange the fasteners supplied by the feeding units in sequence and group the fasteners into a plurality of groups of fastening assemblies; the conveying mechanism is connected with the output end of the arranging mechanism and used for conveying the fastening assemblies to a preset area. According to the embodiment of the invention, the feeding mechanism can convey the fasteners to the arrangement mechanism according to a certain position relationship, the arrangement mechanism arranges the plurality of fasteners to form the fastening assembly and outputs the fastening assembly to the transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism continuously conveys the fastening assembly to a preset area to complete the installation of the fastening assembly to the photovoltaic device. Therefore, the fastening device can complete the assembly of different parts, and the installation efficiency of the photovoltaic device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of assembly technology, and more particularly to a feeding system. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic devices can convert solar energy into electrical energy. At the photovoltaic installation site, workers manually install various fasteners on the photovoltaic device.

[0003] Automated tightening equipment has been gradually introduced into related technologies, but its production efficiency is low and it cannot be matched with automated production. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a feeding system that can pre-arrange fasteners while feeding them, so that they can be used by subsequent automated tightening equipment, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0005] This application provides a feeding system, which includes a feeding mechanism, a arranging mechanism, and a conveying mechanism. The feeding mechanism includes multiple feeding units for feeding at least two different fasteners. The arranging mechanism is connected to the output end of the feeding mechanism and is configured to arrange the fasteners supplied by each feeding unit in sequence and group them into several fastening assemblies. The conveying mechanism is connected to the output end of the arranging mechanism and is used to transport each fastening assembly to a preset area.

[0006] In some embodiments of this application, the multiple feeding units include a bolt assembly feeding unit and a nut assembly feeding unit, wherein the bolt assembly feeding unit is used to supply bolt assemblies and the nut assembly feeding unit is used to supply nut assemblies.

[0007] The arrangement mechanism is connected to the output ends of the bolt assembly feeding unit and the nut assembly feeding unit. The arrangement mechanism is configured to arrange a bolt assembly and a nut assembly in a group at intervals to form a fastening assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the bolt assembly feeding unit includes a bolt feeding module for supplying bolts, a first flat washer feeding module for supplying a first flat washer, and a pre-assembly module. The output ends of the bolt feeding module and the first flat washer feeding module are both connected to the pre-assembly module. The pre-assembly module is configured to combine the bolts and the first flat washer to form a bolt assembly.

[0009] The output of the pre-assembled module is connected to the arrangement mechanism via a bolt assembly transmission line, which is used to transmit the assembled bolt assembly to the arrangement mechanism.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the pre-assembly module includes a first picking mechanism and an assembly station disposed at the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line. The output end of the first flat washer feeding module is connected to the assembly station and conveys the first flat washer to the assembly station. The first picking mechanism is used to transport the bolt to the assembly station and pass it through the opening of the first flat washer to assemble it into a bolt assembly.

[0011] The output end of the bolt assembly transmission line is connected to the laying mechanism to transmit the assembled bolt assembly to the laying mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the bolt feeding module includes a bolt transmission line, and the first flat washer feeding module includes a first flat washer transmission line. The bolt transmission line, the first flat washer transmission line, and the bolt assembly transmission line are arranged in parallel to each other, and the bolt transmission line and the first flat washer transmission line are located on both sides of the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the nut assembly includes a nut, a flat washer, and a spring washer, and the nut assembly feeding unit includes a nut feeding module for feeding the nut, a second flat washer feeding module for feeding the second flat washer, and a spring washer feeding module for feeding the spring washer.

[0014] The output ends of the nut feeding module, the second flat washer feeding module, and the spring washer feeding module are connected to the arrangement mechanism, which is configured to arrange the second flat washer, spring washer, and nut coaxially and sequentially at intervals to form a nut assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the nut feeding module includes a nut transmission line, the second flat washer feeding module includes a second flat washer transmission line, and the spring washer feeding module includes a spring washer transmission line.

[0016] The output ends of the second flat washer transmission line, the spring washer transmission line, and the nut transmission line are arranged sequentially from top to bottom on the same plane and are connected to the arrangement mechanism.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the second flat pad feeding module and the first flat pad feeding module share a flat pad hopper, and both the first flat pad transmission line and the second flat pad transmission line are connected to the flat pad hopper.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the second flat washer transmission line is arranged parallel to the bolt assembly transmission line and located below the bolt assembly transmission line.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the nut transmission line and the spring washer transmission line are arranged perpendicular to the second flat washer transmission line and are located on both sides of the second flat washer transmission line, respectively.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the arrangement mechanism includes a main frame, within which bolt assembly arrangement slots and nut assembly arrangement slots are arranged longitudinally at intervals, the bolt assembly arrangement slots and nut assembly arrangement slots being parallel to each other; the output end of the bolt assembly feeding unit is connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot, and the output end of the nut assembly feeding unit is connected to the nut assembly arrangement slot.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, an output port is provided at one end of the bolt assembly arrangement groove and the nut assembly arrangement groove along their extension direction;

[0022] The arrangement mechanism also includes a drive mechanism, which drives the bolt and nut assemblies to be output from the output port and conveyed to the transmission mechanism.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly arrangement slot are provided with input ports perpendicular to their extension direction, and the output ends of the bolt assembly feeding unit and the nut assembly feeding unit are connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly arrangement slot respectively through the input ports.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the transmission mechanism includes at least one receiving module and a conveying component for conveying the receiving module to a preset area; the receiving module is provided with bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots arranged at intervals.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the receiving module includes a vertical receiving module, which includes bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots that are parallel to each other and arranged longitudinally; the bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots are open at one end facing the arrangement mechanism for communication with the output end of the arrangement mechanism.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the receiving module further includes a horizontal receiving module, which includes bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots that are parallel to each other and arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0027] The feeding system also includes a transfer mechanism located between the layout mechanism and the transmission mechanism. The transfer mechanism is configured to rotate the fastening assembly output from the output end of the layout mechanism to a preset angle and place it in the mounting position of the horizontal receiving module.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the output end of the arrangement mechanism is provided with a switching mechanism and a first output structure and a second output structure connected to the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is configured to drive the first output structure or the second output structure to dock with the output end of the arrangement mechanism.

[0029] The first output structure is used to interface with the vertical direct receiving module, and the second output structure is used to interface with the transfer mechanism.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the first output structure includes a first fixture, the first fixture having a first bolt assembly output slot and a first nut assembly output slot arranged at intervals along its longitudinal direction, and the first bolt assembly output slot and the first nut assembly output slot passing through the first fixture at both ends along their extension direction.

[0031] It is configured such that when the first output structure is connected to the output end of the arrangement mechanism, the two ends of the first bolt assembly output slot are connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the bolt assembly receiving slot, respectively, and the two ends of the first nut assembly output slot are connected to the nut assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly receiving slot, respectively.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the second output structure includes a second fixture, the second fixture having second bolt assembly output slots and second nut assembly output slots arranged at longitudinal intervals therebetween;

[0033] The second bolt assembly output slot and the second nut assembly output slot have an opening at one end along their extension direction for communication with the arrangement mechanism, and a transfer opening is provided on the other side wall for the transfer mechanism to pick up the bolt assembly and nut assembly.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the transfer mechanism includes a second picking mechanism and a rotating mechanism connected to the picking mechanism. The second picking mechanism is used to pick up the fastening assembly from the transfer opening. The rotating mechanism is configured to drive the second picking mechanism to rotate so that the fastening assembly is placed horizontally in the axial direction and the fastening assembly is placed in the bolt assembly receiving slot and nut assembly receiving slot of the horizontal receiving module.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the second picking mechanism includes a first gripping device and a second gripping device;

[0036] The first gripping device includes a gripper for holding the bolt assembly;

[0037] The second gripping device includes a limiting post and a driving component that drives the limiting post to move axially. The driving component is used to drive the limiting post to pass through the central hole of the nut assembly.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the conveying component includes a circulating transmission line, which is provided with at least one movable support platform. A receiving module is installed on the movable support platform, and the circulating transmission line is used to drive the movable support platform to circulate between a preset area and a layout mechanism.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the transmission mechanism further includes a positioning module and a control module. The positioning module is used to detect the position information of the receiving module, and the control module is used to control the start and stop of the conveying component according to the position information, so that the receiving module is aligned with the output end of the arrangement mechanism.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, a discharge mechanism is also provided at the preset area to unload the fastening assembly from the transmission mechanism.

[0041] The feeding system provided in the embodiments of this application can feed fasteners to the arrangement mechanism according to a certain positional relationship. The arrangement mechanism arranges multiple fasteners to form a fastening assembly and outputs it to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism continues to transport the fastening assembly to a preset area so that the fastening device can complete the assembly of different components and improve the installation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar features.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism in the feeding system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the bolt assembly feeding unit in the provided feeding mechanism;

[0046] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the nut assembly feeding unit in the provided feeding mechanism;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement mechanism in the feeding system provided in this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 6 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the working state of the transfer mechanism in the feeding system provided in this application embodiment;

[0049] Figure 7 This is the second schematic diagram of the working state of the transfer mechanism in the feeding system provided in this application embodiment.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0051] 100 - Feeding mechanism; 110 - Bolt assembly feeding unit; 1101 - Bolt assembly transmission line; 111 - Bolt feeding module; 1111 - Bolt transmission line; 1112 - Bolt hopper; 112 - First flat washer feeding module; 1121 - First flat washer transmission line; 1122 - Flat washer hopper; 113 - Pre-assembly module; 1131 - First picking mechanism; 121 - Spring washer feeding module; 1211 - Spring washer transmission line; 1212 - Spring washer hopper; 122 - Second flat washer feeding module; 1221 - Second flat washer transmission line; 123 - Nut feeding module; 1231 - Nut transmission line; 1232 - Nut hopper;

[0052] 200 - Arrangement mechanism; 201 - Main frame; 202 - Switching mechanism; 210 - First output structure; 2101 - First bolt assembly output slot; 2102 - First nut assembly output slot; 220 - Second output structure; 2201 - Second bolt assembly output slot; 2202 - Second nut assembly output slot;

[0053] 300 - Transmission mechanism; 301 - Preset area; 3021 - Bolt assembly receiving slot; 3022 - Nut assembly receiving slot; 310 - Vertical direct receiving module; 320 - Horizontal receiving module; 330 - Mobile support platform;

[0054] 400 - Transfer mechanism; 410 - Second pickup mechanism; 420 - Rotation mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be implemented without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, at least some well-known structures and techniques are not shown to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the application; and, for clarity, the dimensions of some structures may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described below can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0057] The directional terms appearing in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the embodiments of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] During the production or installation of photovoltaic (PV) devices, various fasteners are needed to assemble and secure the different components of the PV device. Taking the assembly of a semi-finished PV array as an example, the semi-finished PV array consists of multiple PV modules and beam structures connecting the PV modules. The beam structure is usually composed of purlins and support beams connected by purlin brackets. All components of the semi-finished PV array need to be connected by fasteners, such as the connection between purlin brackets and support beams, the connection between purlins and support beams, and the connection between purlins and PV modules.

[0059] In related technologies, tightening mechanisms are used to automate the tightening of fasteners at various locations. To support the automated operation of the tightening mechanism, a fastener feeding system is required to improve assembly efficiency.

[0060] Based on this, the present application provides a feeding system that can pre-arrange fasteners while feeding them, and transport the fasteners to the tightening mechanism after assembling them in a specified posture for subsequent automated tightening operations, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

[0061] The feeding system provided in this application embodiment is applicable to the assembly of the above-mentioned photovoltaic array semi-finished products, and is also applicable to fastener feeding in other scenarios.

[0062] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the feeding system of the embodiment of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Please see Figures 1 to 7This application provides a feeding system, which includes a feeding mechanism 100, a arranging mechanism 200, and a conveying mechanism 300. The feeding mechanism 100 includes multiple feeding units for feeding at least two different fasteners. The arranging mechanism 200 is connected to the output end of the feeding mechanism 100 and is configured to arrange the fasteners supplied by each feeding unit in sequence and group them into several fastening assemblies. The conveying mechanism 300 is connected to the output end of the arranging mechanism 200 and is used to convey each fastening assembly to a preset area 301.

[0064] Taking a fastening assembly including a first fastener and a second fastener as an example, the feeding mechanism 100 can feed the first fastener and the second fastener through two feeding units respectively. The arrangement mechanism 200 can acquire the first fastener and the second fastener, arrange the first fastener and the second fastener in a predetermined posture, and divide the first fastener and the second fastener into a fastening assembly according to the quantity correspondence. Finally, the fastening assembly is transported to the preset area 301 in the form of a fastening assembly through the transmission mechanism 300 so that the fastening device (e.g., tightening mechanism) can acquire it and directly carry out the assembly operation, thereby improving the assembly efficiency.

[0065] Thus, the feeding mechanism 100 can convey multiple fasteners to the arranging mechanism 200 according to a certain positional relationship. The arranging mechanism 200 arranges the multiple fasteners into several sets of fastening assemblies and outputs them sequentially to the transmission mechanism 300. The transmission mechanism 300 then transports the fastening assemblies sequentially to the preset area 301 so that the fastening device can complete the assembly of different components and improve the assembly efficiency.

[0066] The following describes the feeding system of this application embodiment in further detail, taking the bolt and nut assembly as an example of the fastening component.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 Multiple feeding units include a bolt assembly feeding unit 110 and a nut assembly feeding unit. The bolt assembly feeding unit 110 is used to supply bolt assemblies, and the nut assembly feeding unit is used to supply nut assemblies. The arrangement mechanism 200 is connected to the output ends of the bolt assembly feeding unit 110 and the nut assembly feeding unit. The arrangement mechanism 200 is configured to arrange a bolt assembly and a nut assembly in a certain order at intervals to form a set of fastening assemblies.

[0068] Optionally, the arrangement mechanism 200 is configured to arrange the bolt assemblies and nut assemblies coaxially and spaced apart. This design allows the tightening device to directly acquire the coaxially arranged fastening assemblies, facilitating subsequent coaxial tightening operations between the bolt and nut assemblies. Further, the arrangement mechanism 200 may arrange the bolt and nut assemblies horizontally or vertically.

[0069] It should be noted that the bolt assembly includes at least a bolt that can mate with the nut assembly. In some embodiments, the bolt assembly may include only a single bolt; in other embodiments, the bolt assembly may include the bolt and other mating fasteners, such as flat washers, so that during subsequent tightening, the flat washers can distribute pressure on the bolt to reduce the control accuracy requirements of the tightening equipment.

[0070] It should be noted that the nut assembly includes at least a nut that can mate with the bolt assembly. In some embodiments, the nut assembly may include only a single nut; in other embodiments, the nut assembly may include the nut and other mating fasteners, such as flat washers, spring washers, etc.

[0071] Therefore, the feeding mechanism 100 conveys the bolt assembly and nut assembly to the arrangement mechanism 200 through the bolt assembly feeding unit 110 and the nut assembly feeding unit, respectively. This allows the arrangement mechanism 200 to arrange the bolt and nut assemblies in a one-to-one correspondence to form a fastening assembly. The arrangement mechanism 200 spaces the bolt and nut assemblies apart, so that the subsequent tightening device can directly pick up the assembled bolt and nut assemblies for tightening operations.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments, the bolt assembly includes a bolt and a first flat washer. See also... Figure 3 The bolt assembly feeding unit 110 includes a bolt feeding module 111 for supplying bolts and a first flat washer feeding module 112 for supplying a first flat washer.

[0073] Specifically, the bolt feeding module 111 includes a bolt hopper 1112 and a bolt output structure. The bolt hopper 1112 is used to store bolts, and the bolt output structure serves as the output end of the bolt feeding module 111, used to output the bolts stored in the bolt hopper 1112 in a specified posture. For example, the bolt output structure may include a robotic arm or various types of transmission lines (e.g., a conveyor belt) capable of changing the spatial position of the bolts.

[0074] Specifically, the first flat pad feeding module 112 includes a first flat pad hopper and a first flat pad output structure. The first flat pad hopper is used to store the first flat pad, and the first flat pad output structure serves as the output end of the first flat pad feeding module 112, used to output the first flat pad stored in the first flat pad hopper in a specified posture. For example, the first flat pad output structure may include a robotic arm or various types of transmission lines (such as conveyor belts) that can realize the spatial position change of the first flat pad.

[0075] Thus, the bolt feeding module 111 and the first flat washer feeding module 112 can respectively supply bolts and first flat washers to form bolt assemblies with a preset correspondence for the arrangement mechanism to perform pre-arrangement operations.

[0076] In some optional embodiments, the bolt assembly feeding unit 110 further includes a pre-assembly module 113. The output ends of the bolt feeding module 111 and the first flat washer feeding module 112 are both connected to the pre-assembly module 113. The pre-assembly module 113 is configured to combine bolts and first flat washers to form a bolt assembly. The output end of the pre-assembly module 113 is connected to the arrangement mechanism 200 via the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 to transmit the assembled bolt assembly to the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0077] In this embodiment of the application, a pre-assembly module 113 is provided at the output end of the bolt feeding module 111 and the first flat washer feeding module 112. The pre-assembly module 113 can combine the bolts and the first flat washer fed separately to form a bolt assembly, thereby realizing the feeding of the bolt assembly.

[0078] Please see Figure 3 In some optional embodiments, the pre-assembly module 113 includes a first picking mechanism 1131 and an assembly station located at the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line 1101. The output end of the first flat washer feeding module 112 is connected to the assembly station and conveys the first flat washer to the assembly station. The first picking mechanism 1131 is used to transport the bolt to the assembly station and pass it through the opening of the first flat washer to assemble it into a bolt assembly. The output end of the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 is connected to the arrangement mechanism 200 and is used to transmit the assembled bolt assembly to the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0079] Specifically, the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 serves as an assembly station for assembling the bolt and the first flat washer. As an optional implementation, the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 has a through groove. The width of the through groove is greater than the diameter of the bolt shank and smaller than the outer diameter of the first flat washer, so that it can accommodate the bolt shank while supporting the first flat washer. When the first flat washer is output from the output end of the first flat washer feeding module 112 to the assembly station, the opening of the through groove overlaps with the opening of the first flat washer longitudinally (e.g., in the Z direction in the figure), so that when the pre-assembly module 113 transports the bolt to the assembly station, the bolt can pass through the opening of the first flat washer longitudinally to form a bolt assembly. Exemplarily, the through groove extends along the transmission direction of the bolt assembly transmission line 1101, so that after the bolt assembly is assembled at the assembly station by the first pick-up mechanism 1131, the bolt assembly can be integrally transported from the assembly station to the arrangement mechanism 200 via the bolt assembly transmission line 1101.

[0080] It is understood that the first picking mechanism 1131 can move in at least one of the longitudinal and horizontal directions to move the bolt in space and combine it with the first flat washer to form a bolt assembly. Exemplarily, the output end of the bolt feeding module 111 and the output end of the first flat washer feeding module 112 are longitudinally spaced apart. The first picking mechanism 1131 is used to move the bolt in a horizontal plane to align the bolt coaxially with the first flat washer. The first picking mechanism 1131 releases the bolt so that it passes through the first flat washer to form the bolt assembly.

[0081] As an optional implementation, the first pickup mechanism 1131 can move longitudinally and also in a horizontal plane. The first pickup mechanism 1131 moves longitudinally to pick up the bolt and remove it from the bolt feeding module 111. Then, it moves in the horizontal plane to bring the bolt close to the first flat washer feeding module 112, and moves to a position concentric with the first flat washer at the output end of the first flat washer feeding module 112. The first pickup mechanism 1131 continues to move longitudinally to lower the bolt into the first flat washer to complete the assembly of the bolt assembly. It is understood that the first pickup mechanism 1131 includes a pickup end and a drive structure for driving the pickup end to move. The drive structure includes a first drive member capable of outputting in a vertical direction and a second drive member capable of outputting in a horizontal plane.

[0082] Optionally, the first drive member and / or the second drive member is a linear drive mechanism. For example, the first drive member and the second drive member may be configured as at least one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a ball screw drive mechanism, and an electric telescopic rod.

[0083] Optionally, the picking end is set as a gripper, which can hold the bolts at the output end of the bolt feeding module 111 and transport them to the assembly station.

[0084] Optionally, the picking end is configured as a suction structure, which can use negative pressure to adsorb and fix the bolts and transport the bolts from the output end of the bolt feeding module 111 to the assembly station.

[0085] Thus, the pre-assembly module 113 can pre-assemble the first flat washer and bolt to form a bolt assembly. The bolt assembly can be transported to the arrangement mechanism 200 through the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 to be arranged with the nut assembly to form a fastening assembly, and finally complete the fastening fit under the action of the tightening equipment.

[0086] In some alternative embodiments, the output end of the pre-assembly module 113 may also be provided with a robotic arm or other structure capable of acquiring bolt assemblies and moving the bolt assemblies. The robotic arm is used to transport the bolt assemblies assembled by the pre-assembly module 113 to the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0087] In some optional embodiments, the bolt feeding module 111 includes a bolt transmission line 1111, and the first flat washer feeding module 112 includes a first flat washer transmission line 1121; that is, the bolt output structure of the bolt feeding module 111 can be set as the bolt transmission line 1111, and the first flat washer output structure of the first flat washer feeding module 112 can be set as the first flat washer transmission line 1121, so as to simplify the output structure of the bolt feeding module 111 and the first flat washer feeding module 112 and realize the conveying and feeding of bolts and first flat washers more reliably.

[0088] Optionally, the bolt transmission line 1111, the first flat washer transmission line 1121, and the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 are arranged in parallel to each other, with the bolt transmission line 1111 and the first flat washer transmission line 1121 located on both sides of the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line 1101, in order to shorten the travel distance of the bolt to the assembly station and the travel distance of the first flat washer to the assembly station, making it easier to directly push the first flat washer to the assembly station, while making full use of the internal layout space of the system.

[0089] For example, the bolt transmission line 1111, the first flat washer transmission line 1121, and the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 all extend along a first direction (e.g., the X direction in the figure) in a horizontal plane, and are arranged in pairs at intervals along a second direction (e.g., the Y direction in the figure) in a horizontal plane. The bolt transmission line 1111 and the first flat washer transmission line 1121 are respectively located on both sides of the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 along the second direction. The first flat washer feeding module 112 is correspondingly provided with a push rod that can push the first flat washer to the assembly station. The push rod extends along the second direction and can reciprocate to realize the continuous feeding of the first flat washer to the assembly station. The input end of the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 is also provided with a push rod that extends along the first direction and can reciprocate to push the assembled bolt assembly at the assembly station to the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 for transmission to the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0090] Optionally, the first flat washer transmission line 1121 and the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 are located on the same straight line. In other words, the first flat washer transmission line 1121 can be reused as the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 to save system components and make full use of space. Specifically, an assembly station is provided at the middle position of the first flat washer transmission line 1121. The assembly station is provided with a stop that can extend or retract in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the first flat washer transmission line 1121. The stop can intercept the first flat washer at the assembly station to be combined with the bolt to form a bolt assembly, or release the assembled bolt assembly so that it can continue to be transmitted to the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0091] In some alternative embodiments, the nut assembly includes a nut, a second flat washer, and a spring washer. See also... Figure 4 The nut assembly feeding unit includes a nut feeding module 123 for supplying nuts, a second flat washer feeding module 122 for supplying second flat washers, and a spring washer feeding module 121 for supplying spring washers. The output ends of the nut feeding module 123, the second flat washer feeding module 122, and the spring washer feeding module 121 are all connected to the arrangement mechanism 200. The arrangement mechanism 200 is configured to arrange the second flat washer, the spring washer, and the nut in a coaxial and sequentially spaced manner to form a nut assembly.

[0092] Optionally, the arrangement mechanism 200 is configured to arrange the second flat washer, spring washer, and nut in a coaxial sequence with intervals in the vertical direction.

[0093] Therefore, the nut assembly feeding unit directly outputs the various components required for the nut assembly to the arrangement mechanism 200, and the arrangement mechanism 200 pre-arranges the components to form a nut assembly that can be fastened to the bolt assembly.

[0094] In some optional embodiments, the nut feeding module 123 includes a nut hopper 1232 and a nut output structure. The nut hopper 1232 is used to store nuts, and the nut output structure serves as the output end of the nut feeding module 123. The nut output structure is used to retrieve nuts from the nut hopper 1232 and output them in a specified posture. Exemplarily, the nut output structure may include a robotic arm or various types of transmission lines (e.g., conveyor belts) capable of changing the spatial position of the nuts.

[0095] The second flat pad feeding module 122 includes a second flat pad hopper and a second flat pad output structure. The second flat pad hopper is used to store the second flat pad, and the second flat pad output structure serves as the output end of the second flat pad feeding module 122. The second flat pad output structure is used to retrieve the second flat pad from the second flat pad hopper and output it in a specified posture. For example, the second flat pad output structure may include a robotic arm or various types of transmission lines (such as conveyor belts) that enable changes in the spatial position of the second flat pad.

[0096] The spring pad feeding module 121 includes a spring pad hopper 1212 and a spring pad output structure. The spring pad hopper 1212 is used to store spring pads, and the spring pad output structure serves as the output end of the spring pad feeding module 121. The spring pad output structure is used to retrieve spring pads from the spring pad hopper 1212 and output them in a specified posture. For example, the spring pad output structure may include a robotic arm or various types of transmission lines (such as conveyor belts) that enable changes in the spatial position of the spring pads.

[0097] In some optional embodiments, the nut output structure includes a nut transmission line 1231, the second flat washer output structure includes a second flat washer transmission line 1221, and the spring washer output structure includes a spring washer transmission line 1211; the plane containing the output ends of the second flat washer transmission line 1221, the spring washer transmission line 1211, and the nut transmission line 1231 is arranged sequentially from top to bottom and is connected to the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0098] Therefore, by defining the positional relationship between the output ends of the second flat washer transmission line 1221, the spring washer transmission line 1211, and the nut transmission line 1231, the nut assembly feeding unit can directly arrange the second flat washer, the spring washer, and the nut in sequence from top to bottom to form a nut assembly, so that the arrangement mechanism 200 can receive the nut assembly and arrange it with the bolt assembly for output.

[0099] In some optional embodiments, the first flat pad hopper is reused as the second flat pad hopper, that is, the second flat pad feeding module 122 and the first flat pad feeding module 112 share a flat pad hopper 1122, and the first flat pad transmission line 1121 and the second flat pad transmission line 1221 are both connected to the flat pad hopper 1122, and the first flat pad transmission line 1121 and the second flat pad transmission line 1221 are arranged longitudinally at intervals.

[0100] Therefore, the flat pad hopper 1122 can supply first flat pads and second flat pads of the same specifications to the first flat pad conveyor line 1121 and the second flat pad conveyor line 1221, simplifying the structural design of the feeding mechanism 100 and the feeding system.

[0101] It is understood that in some alternative embodiments, the first flat pad feeding module 112 and the second flat pad feeding module 122 are each independently equipped with an oil hopper, that is, the first flat pad feeding module 112 is provided with a first flat pad hopper, and the first flat pad transmission line 1121 is connected to the first flat pad hopper; the second flat pad feeding module 122 is provided with a second flat pad hopper, and the second flat pad transmission line 1221 is connected to the second flat pad hopper.

[0102] In some alternative embodiments, the second flat washer transmission line 1221 is arranged parallel to the bolt assembly transmission line 1101.

[0103] Optionally, the second flat washer transmission line 1221 and the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction.

[0104] Optionally, the second flat washer transmission line 1221 is located below the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 so that the bolt assembly can be located entirely above the nut assembly, which facilitates the subsequent arrangement mechanism 200 to arrange the bolt assembly and nut assembly at intervals.

[0105] In some optional embodiments, the nut transmission line 1231 is arranged perpendicular to the second flat washer transmission line 1221, the spring washer transmission line 1211 is arranged perpendicular to the second flat washer transmission line 1221, and the nut transmission line 1231 and the spring washer transmission line 1211 are respectively located on both sides of the second flat washer transmission line 1221.

[0106] By distributing the nut transmission line 1231 and the spring washer transmission line 1211 on opposite sides of the extension direction of the second flat washer transmission line 1221, the conveying stroke of the nut and spring washer to the second flat washer transmission line 1221 is reduced, which also helps to quickly arrange the nut assembly to improve the feeding efficiency of the nut assembly feeding unit.

[0107] In some optional embodiments, the arrangement mechanism 200 includes a main frame 201, in which bolt assembly arrangement slots and nut assembly arrangement slots are arranged at intervals, and the bolt assembly arrangement slots and nut assembly arrangement slots are parallel to each other; the output end of the bolt assembly feeding unit 110 is connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot, and the output end of the nut assembly feeding unit is connected to the nut assembly arrangement slot.

[0108] Optionally, the bolt assembly slots and nut assembly slots are arranged longitudinally at intervals within the main frame 201.

[0109] Specifically, the bolt assembly arrangement slots include longitudinally arranged bolt head arrangement slots, first flat washer arrangement slots, and bolt shank arrangement slots, wherein the bottom opening of the first flat washer arrangement slot communicates with the bolt shank arrangement slot to allow the bolt shank to pass through; the nut assembly arrangement slots include longitudinally arranged second flat washer arrangement slots, spring washer arrangement slots, and nut component arrangement slots, which are spaced apart longitudinally to improve the receiving accuracy of the arrangement mechanism 200 for each component of the nut assembly. Optionally, the bolt assembly arrangement slots and the nut assembly arrangement slots are connected longitudinally to simplify the structure of the arrangement slots.

[0110] Thus, the arrangement mechanism 200 receives the bolt assemblies and nut assemblies arranged in sequence through the bolt assembly arrangement slots and nut assembly arrangement slots arranged at intervals, so that the arrangement mechanism 200 can arrange the bolt assemblies and nut assemblies into a set of fastening assemblies with intervals.

[0111] In some optional embodiments, the bolt assembly arrangement slot is provided with an output port at one end along its own extension direction, and the nut assembly arrangement slot is provided with an output port at one end along its own extension direction; the arrangement mechanism 200 also includes a driving mechanism for driving the bolt assembly and nut assembly to output from their respective output ports to be transported to the transmission mechanism 300.

[0112] It is understandable that the extension direction of the bolt assembly groove is set in the same direction as the extension direction of the nut assembly groove.

[0113] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes a bolt assembly drive and a nut assembly drive, which drive the bolt assembly and nut assembly to reciprocate along the extension direction of the bolt assembly arrangement groove and the nut assembly arrangement groove, respectively, so as to synchronously push the bolt assembly and nut assembly out of the main frame 201 in the arrangement groove for subsequent conveying to the transfer mechanism 300. Thus, the bolt assembly and nut assembly can leave the main frame 201 from their respective output ports and be conveyed to the transfer mechanism 300 for transfer via the drive mechanism.

[0114] Further optionally, the bolt assembly driver may include only one driver for driving the bolt or the first flat washer; the bolt assembly driver may also include multiple drivers, each corresponding to driving the bolt and the first flat washer respectively.

[0115] Alternatively, the nut assembly drive may also include multiple drive components, each corresponding to drive the second flat washer, the spring washer, and the nut.

[0116] Alternatively, multiple drive components can share the same power source, or multiple drive components can be driven independently. Taking multiple drive components sharing the same power source as an example, the power source can synchronously drive multiple drive components to move simultaneously along the extension direction of the arrangement slot to push the bolt assembly and nut assembly out from their respective output ports.

[0117] Further optionally, each of the above-mentioned driving components can specifically adopt a push rod structure that extends and retracts along the extension direction of each arrangement slot. In some optional embodiments, the bolt assembly arrangement slot is provided with an input port, and the output end of the bolt assembly feeding unit 110 is connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot through the input port; the nut assembly arrangement slot is provided with an input port, and the output end of the nut assembly feeding unit is connected to the nut assembly arrangement slot through the input port.

[0118] Thus, the bolt assembly pre-assembled by the bolt assembly feeding unit 110 enters the bolt assembly arrangement slot through the input port, and the nut assembly pre-arranged by the nut assembly feeding unit enters the nut assembly arrangement slot through the input port. The feeding mechanism 100 can input the bolt assembly and nut assembly to the arrangement mechanism 200 respectively and arrange the bolt assembly and nut assembly separately through the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly arrangement slot.

[0119] Optionally, the input port of the bolt assembly arrangement slot is not set in the extension direction of the bolt assembly arrangement slot, and the input port of the nut assembly arrangement slot is not set in the extension direction of the nut assembly arrangement slot, so as to provide a position for the drive mechanism, enabling it to reciprocate along the extension direction of the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly arrangement slot, thereby driving the bolt assembly and the nut assembly to move.

[0120] Alternatively, the input port of the bolt assembly arrangement slot is located at one end perpendicular to the extension direction of the bolt assembly arrangement slot, that is, the input direction of the bolt assembly arrangement slot is perpendicular to the output direction.

[0121] Alternatively, the inlet of the nut assembly arrangement slot is located at one end perpendicular to the extension direction of the nut assembly arrangement, that is, the input direction of the nut assembly arrangement slot is perpendicular to the output direction.

[0122] In some alternative embodiments, the transmission mechanism 300 includes at least one receiving module and a conveying assembly for conveying the receiving module to a preset area 301. The receiving module is provided with bolt assembly receiving slots 3021 and nut assembly receiving slots 3022 arranged at intervals.

[0123] Specifically, the bolt assembly receiving groove 3021 includes a bolt head receiving groove, a first flat washer receiving groove, and a bolt shank receiving groove arranged in parallel with each other, wherein the bottom opening of the first flat washer receiving groove communicates with the bolt shank receiving groove so that the bolt shank can pass through.

[0124] Specifically, the nut assembly receiving groove 3022 includes a second flat washer receiving groove, a spring washer receiving groove, and a nut receiving groove arranged in sequence and parallel to each other, wherein the second flat washer receiving groove is connected to or spaced apart from the bolt shank receiving groove.

[0125] Therefore, the bolt assembly receiving slot 3021 and the nut assembly receiving slot 3022 are arranged at intervals to facilitate the bolt assembly arrangement slots and nut assembly arrangement slots arranged at corresponding intervals. The receiving module can simultaneously acquire the bolt assembly and the nut assembly, that is, a set of fastening assemblies, and transfer the fastening assemblies to the preset area 301 through the conveying component.

[0126] In some optional embodiments, the receiving module includes a vertical receiving module 310, which includes bolt assembly receiving slots 3021 and nut assembly receiving slots 3022 that are parallel to each other and arranged longitudinally. The bolt assembly receiving slots 3021 and nut assembly receiving slots 3022 are open at one end facing the arrangement mechanism 200 to connect to the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0127] Optionally, the vertical receiving module 310 can be directly connected to the arrangement mechanism 200 to facilitate the transfer of bolt assemblies and nut assemblies from the arrangement mechanism 200 to the transmission mechanism 300. That is, the bolt assembly receiving slot 3021 can communicate with the bolt assembly arrangement slot, and the nut assembly receiving slot 3022 can communicate with the nut assembly arrangement slot. Optionally, the ends of the bolt assembly receiving slot 3021 and the nut assembly receiving slot 3022 opposite to the arrangement mechanism 200 are closed to prevent the bolt assembly and nut assembly from moving excessively and detaching from the bolt assembly receiving slot 3021 or the nut assembly receiving slot 3022 during the transfer from the arrangement mechanism 200 to the transmission mechanism 300.

[0128] Optionally, the bolt assembly receiving groove 3021 and the nut assembly receiving groove 3022 are provided with a blocking part at the end opposite to the arrangement mechanism 200 to prevent the bolt assembly and nut assembly from moving excessively when transferred from the arrangement mechanism 200 to the transmission mechanism 300.

[0129] It is understandable that the end of the bolt assembly receiving groove 3021 facing away from the arrangement mechanism 200 and the end of the nut assembly receiving groove 3022 facing away from the arrangement mechanism 200 can be either closed or have a blocking part, or both can be closed or have blocking parts. Alternatively, both can be prevented from excessive movement of the bolt assembly and nut assembly when they are transferred from the arrangement mechanism 200 to the transmission mechanism 300 by other structures.

[0130] Therefore, the vertical receiving module 310 can receive the bolt and nut assemblies in the arrangement mechanism 200 and transfer the fastening assembly in the same posture, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the transmission mechanism 300 and the feeding system.

[0131] In some optional embodiments, the receiving module further includes a horizontal receiving module 320, which can cooperate with the vertical receiving module 310 to transmit the fastening assembly to a preset area in both axially horizontal and axially vertical orientations. The axially horizontal fastening assembly is preferentially suitable for applications where the mounting hole extends horizontally, while the axially vertical fastening assembly is preferentially suitable for applications where the mounting hole extends vertically. Simultaneously, the horizontal receiving module 320 and the vertical receiving module 310 can cooperate to distinguish between adjacent sets of fastening assemblies, facilitating targeted tightening operations by the tightening equipment.

[0132] Taking the assembly of a photovoltaic device as an example, the purlin support of the beam structure is L-shaped, with one straight side connected to the purlin and the other straight side connected to the support beam. Correspondingly, the fastening assembly for connecting the purlin support and the purlin is arranged horizontally, while the fastening assembly for connecting the purlin support and the support beam is arranged vertically. Therefore, by simultaneously setting up a vertical receiving module 310 and a horizontal receiving module 320, the conveying of fastening assemblies in each of the above areas can be applied, thereby achieving automated tightening of different tightening areas of the photovoltaic device.

[0133] Furthermore, the horizontal receiving module 320 includes bolt assembly receiving slots 3021 and nut assembly receiving slots 3022 that are parallel to each other and arranged in the horizontal direction; the feeding assembly also includes a transfer mechanism 400 disposed between the arrangement mechanism 200 and the transmission mechanism 300, the transfer mechanism 400 being configured to rotate the fastening assembly output from the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200 to a preset angle and place it in the mounting position of the horizontal receiving module 320 accordingly.

[0134] Optionally, the horizontal receiving module 320 is spaced apart from the arranging mechanism 200 to provide a space for the transfer mechanism 400 to rotate. That is, the bolt assembly receiving groove 3021 is spaced apart from the bolt assembly arranging groove, and the nut assembly receiving groove 3022 is spaced apart from the nut assembly arranging groove.

[0135] Optionally, the transfer mechanism 400 includes grippers that can grasp the bolt assembly and nut assembly in a clamping manner and adjust them from a vertical to a horizontal position.

[0136] Optionally, the transfer mechanism 400 includes a suction structure that uses negative pressure adsorption to acquire the bolt assembly and nut assembly and adjust them from a vertical to a horizontal position.

[0137] Therefore, the horizontal receiving module 320 can be used in conjunction with the vertical receiving module 310 to transport the fastening assembly in different orientations to the preset area 301, facilitating the material distribution of the tightening equipment. The horizontal receiving module 320 can rotate as a whole after the transfer mechanism 400 acquires the fastening assembly, so that the bolt and nut assemblies within the same fastening assembly remain coaxially arranged.

[0138] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7In some alternative embodiments, the transfer mechanism 400 includes a second pickup mechanism 410 and a rotating mechanism 420 connected to the pickup mechanism. The second pickup mechanism 410 is used to pick up the fastening assembly from the self-layout mechanism. The rotating mechanism 420 is configured to drive the second pickup mechanism 410 to rotate so that the fastening assembly is axially horizontal and placed in the bolt assembly receiving slot 3021 and nut assembly receiving slot 3022 of the horizontal receiving module 320.

[0139] Optionally, the second pickup mechanism 410 includes grippers that can hold the bolt assembly and nut assembly from the output end of the arrangement mechanism.

[0140] Optionally, the second pickup mechanism 410 includes a suction structure that can use negative pressure to adhere and fix the bolt assembly and nut assembly.

[0141] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second picking mechanism 410 has two stations to pick up the bolt assembly and the nut assembly respectively; in other embodiments, there are two second picking mechanisms 410, which may be the same or different in form, and both second picking mechanisms 410 are connected to the rotating mechanism 420 and the rotating mechanism 420 drives the two second picking mechanisms 410 to rotate synchronously.

[0142] Therefore, the transfer mechanism 400 can acquire the fastening assembly in an arranged posture from the arrangement mechanism 200, and drive the fastening assembly to rotate as a whole through the rotation mechanism 420, thereby changing only the axial direction of the fastening assembly without changing the relative positional relationship between the bolt assembly and the nut assembly inside the fastening assembly, so as to facilitate the operation of the subsequent tightening equipment.

[0143] In some alternative embodiments, the second picking mechanism 410 includes a first gripping device and a second gripping device; the first gripping device includes a gripper for holding the bolt assembly, and the second gripping device includes a limiting post and a drive member for axially moving the limiting post, the drive member being used to drive the limiting post through the central hole of the nut assembly.

[0144] Optionally, the gripper of the first gripping device provides a circumferentially uniform gripping force to the bolt and the first flat washer to smoothly grip the bolt assembly.

[0145] Optionally, the gripper of the first gripping device grips the screw portion of the bolt to smoothly grip the bolt assembly.

[0146] It is understandable that the gripping centers of the first gripping device and the second gripping device are set coaxially.

[0147] Thus, the second picking mechanism 410 can keep the bolt assembly and nut assembly coaxial while picking them up, and transfer the fastener to the horizontal receiving module 320 in the same posture.

[0148] Please see Figures 5 to 7 To facilitate the output of the arranged fastening assemblies from the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200 to the vertical direct receiving module 310 and the horizontal receiving module 320 respectively, in some optional embodiments, the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200 is provided with a switching mechanism 202 and a first output structure 210 and a second output structure 220 connected to the switching mechanism 202. One of the first output structure 210 and the second output structure 220 is connected to the main frame 201 to receive the arranged fastening assemblies. The switching mechanism 202 is used to drive the first output structure 210 and the second output structure 220 to move so that they can alternately connect to the main frame 201. The first output structure 210 is used to connect to the vertical direct receiving module 310, and the second output structure 220 is used to connect to the transfer mechanism 400.

[0149] Optionally, the switching mechanism 202 can undergo at least one of linear motion and rotary motion to switch the first output structure 210 or the second output structure 220 to dock with the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0150] Therefore, the switching mechanism 202 can realize the docking between the arrangement mechanism 200 and the transmission mechanism 300 and realize the switching between the first output structure 210 and the second output structure 220, thereby enabling the fastening assembly arranged by the arrangement mechanism 200 to be output to the horizontal receiving module 320 or the vertical direct receiving module 310.

[0151] In some optional embodiments, the first output structure 210 includes a first fixture, on which a first bolt assembly output slot 2101 and a first nut assembly output slot 2102 are arranged longitudinally at intervals, and the two ends of the first bolt assembly output slot 2101 and the first nut assembly output slot 2102 extend through the first fixture along their extension direction. The first fixture is configured such that when the first output structure 210 is connected to the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200, the two end openings of the first bolt assembly output slot 2101 are respectively connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the bolt assembly receiving slot 3021, and the two end openings of the first nut assembly output slot 2102 are respectively connected to the nut assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly receiving slot 3022.

[0152] Specifically, the first bolt assembly output slot 2101 includes a bolt head output slot and a first flat washer output slot; the first nut assembly output slot 2102 includes a second flat washer output slot, a spring washer output slot, and a nut output slot. Optionally, the first bolt assembly output slot 2101 and the first nut assembly output slot 2102 can be interconnected or spaced apart from each other.

[0153] It is understandable that the first bolt assembly output slot 2101 and the first nut assembly output slot 2102 are arranged in parallel.

[0154] Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between the first bolt assembly output slot 2101 and the first nut assembly output slot 2102 is equal to the longitudinal spacing between the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly arrangement slot.

[0155] Therefore, the first fixture can simultaneously transfer the bolt assembly and nut assembly in the same fastening assembly, simplifying the steps of the first output mechanism to obtain the fastening assembly at the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200 and improving the success rate of the transfer.

[0156] In some optional embodiments, the second output structure 220 includes a second fixture, on which a second bolt assembly output slot 2201 and a second nut assembly output slot 2202 are arranged at intervals along its longitudinal direction; one end of the second bolt assembly output slot 2201 and the second nut assembly output slot 2202 is open along its extension direction to communicate with the arrangement mechanism 200, and the other end sidewall is provided with a transfer opening for the transfer mechanism 400 to pick up the bolt assembly and the nut assembly.

[0157] Optionally, the second bolt assembly output slot 2201 has the same structure as the first bolt assembly output slot 2101, and the second nut assembly output slot 2202 has the same structure as the first nut assembly output slot 2102. Furthermore, the second bolt assembly output slot 2201 and the second nut assembly output slot 2202 can be interconnected or spaced apart from each other.

[0158] Optionally, the ends of the second bolt assembly output slot 2201 and the second nut assembly output slot 2202 that are away from the arrangement mechanism 200 are closed to facilitate the positioning of the bolt assembly and nut assembly and the turning transfer opening transportation.

[0159] Optionally, a blocking part is provided at one end of the second bolt assembly output groove 2201 and the second nut assembly output groove 2202 away from the arrangement mechanism 200, so as to facilitate the positioning of the bolt assembly and nut assembly and the turning transfer opening transportation.

[0160] It is understandable that the output slot 2201 of the second bolt assembly is arranged in parallel with the output slot 2202 of the second nut assembly.

[0161] Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between the second bolt assembly output slot 2201 and the second nut assembly output slot 2202 is equal to the longitudinal spacing between the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly arrangement slot.

[0162] Therefore, the second fixture enables the docking of the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200 with the transfer mechanism 400, so that the horizontal receiving module 320 can acquire the fastening assembly formed by the arrangement mechanism 200, simplifying the steps of the second output structure 220 in acquiring the fastening assembly and improving the transfer success rate. In some optional embodiments, the conveying component includes a circulating transmission line, which is provided with at least one movable support platform 330. The receiving module is mounted on the movable support platform 330, and the circulating transmission line is used to drive the movable support platform 330 to circulate between the preset area 301 and the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0163] Thus, the mobile carrier platform 330 drives the receiving module to move between the arrangement mechanism 200 and the preset area 301 under the movement of the circulating transmission line, so as to realize the transfer of the fastening assembly to the tightening device and the reset of the idle receiving module.

[0164] It is understood that in some alternative embodiments, the conveying component includes a reciprocating transmission line, which is provided with at least one movable carrier platform 330 for mounting the receiving module. The reciprocating transmission line drives the movable carrier platform 330 to reciprocate between the preset area 301 and the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0165] In some optional embodiments, the transmission mechanism 300 further includes a positioning module and a control module. The positioning module is used to detect the position information of the receiving module, and the control module is used to control the start and stop of the conveying component according to the position information so that the receiving module is aligned with the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0166] Thus, the transmission mechanism 300 can obtain the position information of the receiving module through the positioning module, and the control module responds to the position information of the receiving module to control the start and stop of the conveying component so that the movement stroke of the conveying component matches the movement stroke of the receiving module. The receiving module can successfully dock with the output end of the arrangement mechanism 200 to realize the transfer of the fastening assembly from the arrangement mechanism 200 to the transmission mechanism 300.

[0167] In some optional embodiments, a discharge mechanism for unloading the fastening assembly from the transmission mechanism 300 is also provided at the preset area 301.

[0168] Optionally, the unloading mechanism is provided with a bolt assembly unloading groove and a nut assembly unloading groove, which can be connected with the bolt assembly receiving groove 3021 and the nut assembly receiving groove 3022 to receive the bolt assembly and nut assembly on the transmission mechanism 300.

[0169] Thus, the unloading mechanism can unload the fastening assembly as a whole from the transmission mechanism 300 for tightening equipment operation.

[0170] It is understood that in some alternative embodiments, the transmission mechanism 300 directly transports the bolt assembly and nut assembly to the preset area 301, and the tightening device directly picks up the fastening assembly from the preset area 301 for subsequent tightening operations.

[0171] The following describes the feeding system provided in this application embodiment using a complete feeding process of a fastening assembly as an example.

[0172] Taking a bolt assembly comprising a bolt and a first flat washer as an example, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 In the bolt feeding module, bolts are conveyed from the bolt hopper 1112 to the bolt transmission line 1111 and move along the first direction to the output end of the bolt transmission line 1111. Simultaneously, a first flat washer is conveyed from the flat washer hopper 1122 to the first flat washer transmission line 1121 and moves along the first direction to the output end of the first flat washer transmission line 1121. A push rod pushes the first flat washer at the output end to the assembly station along the second direction. The pre-assembly module 113 picks up the bolt from the output end of the bolt transmission line 1111 through the first picking mechanism 1131 and moves it to a position above the assembly station, coaxial with the first flat washer. The bolt is then lowered to complete the assembly of the bolt and the first flat washer. The assembled bolt assembly is pushed along the first direction by the push rod to the bolt assembly transmission line 1101 for transport to the arrangement mechanism 200.

[0173] Taking a nut assembly including a second flat washer, a spring washer, and a nut as an example, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The second flat washer is conveyed from the flat washer hopper 1122 to the second flat washer conveyor line 1221 and moves along the first direction to approach the arrangement mechanism 200; at the same time, the spring washer is conveyed from the spring washer hopper 1212 to the spring washer conveyor line 1211 and moves along the second direction to approach the arrangement mechanism 200, and the nut is conveyed from the nut hopper 1232 to the nut conveyor line 1231 and moves along the second direction to approach the arrangement mechanism 200. Finally, the second flat washer, the spring washer and the nut can enter the main frame 201 in a top-to-bottom coaxial order to form a nut assembly.

[0174] Please see Figures 5 to 7 The main frame 201 is connected to the first output structure 210 or the second output structure 220. The fastening assembly formed by the bolt assembly and the nut assembly moves along the first direction under the pushing action of the push rod, so that it can be output from the main frame 201 and enter the vertical receiving module 310 along the first direction through the first output structure 210, or output from the main frame 201 to the second output structure and then transported to the horizontal receiving module 320 via the second output structure.

[0175] Please continue reading. Figure 6 and Figure 7The specific process of conveying the fastening assembly to the horizontal receiving module 320 via the second output structure includes: after the second picking mechanism 410 obtains the fastening assembly from the transfer opening of the second output structure, the rotating mechanism 420 moves and drives the second picking mechanism 410 to rotate from vertical to horizontal, and the fastening assembly inside changes from an axial vertical posture to an axial horizontal posture to dock with the horizontal receiving module 320.

[0176] After the two sets of fastening assemblies enter the two receiving modules respectively, the circulating transmission line starts to drive the moving carrier platform 330 to move, thereby transferring the two sets of fastening assemblies located on the moving carrier platform 330 to the preset area 301, ready for subsequent tightening operations.

[0177] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A feeding system, characterized in that, include: A feeding mechanism, comprising multiple feeding units, for feeding at least two different fasteners; The arrangement mechanism is connected to the output end of the feeding mechanism. The arrangement mechanism is configured to arrange the fasteners supplied by each feeding unit in sequence and group them into several fastening assemblies. A transmission mechanism is connected to the output end of the arrangement mechanism, and the transmission mechanism is used to transport each of the fastening assemblies to a preset area.

2. The feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of feeding units include a bolt assembly feeding unit and a nut assembly feeding unit. The bolt assembly feeding unit is used to supply bolt assemblies, and the nut assembly feeding unit is used to supply nut assemblies. The arrangement mechanism is connected to the output ends of the bolt assembly feeding unit and the nut assembly feeding unit. The arrangement mechanism is configured to arrange a bolt assembly and a nut assembly in a group at intervals to form the fastening assembly.

3. The feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bolt assembly feeding unit includes a bolt feeding module for supplying bolts, a first flat washer feeding module for supplying a first flat washer, and a pre-assembly module. The output ends of the bolt feeding module and the first flat washer feeding module are both connected to the pre-assembly module. The pre-assembly module is configured to combine the bolts and the first flat washer to form a bolt assembly. The output end of the pre-assembled module is connected to the arrangement mechanism via a bolt assembly transmission line, which is used to transmit the assembled bolt assembly to the arrangement mechanism.

4. The feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pre-assembly module includes a first picking mechanism and an assembly station located at the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line. The output end of the first flat washer feeding module is connected to the assembly station and conveys the first flat washer to the assembly station. The first picking mechanism is used to transport the bolt to the assembly station and pass it through the opening of the first flat washer to assemble the bolt assembly. The output end of the bolt assembly transmission line is connected to the arrangement mechanism, and is used to transmit the assembled bolt assembly to the arrangement mechanism.

5. The feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bolt feeding module includes a bolt transmission line, and the first flat washer feeding module includes a first flat washer transmission line. The bolt transmission line, the first flat washer transmission line, and the bolt assembly transmission line are arranged in parallel to each other, and the bolt transmission line and the first flat washer transmission line are located on both sides of the input end of the bolt assembly transmission line.

6. The feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The nut assembly includes a nut, a second flat washer, and a spring washer. The nut assembly feeding unit includes a nut feeding module for feeding the nut, a second flat washer feeding module for feeding the second flat washer, and a spring washer feeding module for feeding the spring washer. The output ends of the nut feeding module, the second flat washer feeding module, and the spring washer feeding module are connected to the arrangement mechanism, which is configured to arrange the second flat washer, the spring washer, and the nut in a coaxial and sequentially spaced manner to form the nut assembly.

7. The feeding system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The nut feeding module includes a nut conveyor line, the second flat washer feeding module includes a second flat washer conveyor line, and the spring washer feeding module includes a spring washer conveyor line. The output ends of the second flat washer transmission line, the spring washer transmission line, and the nut transmission line are arranged sequentially from top to bottom on the same plane and are connected to the arrangement mechanism.

8. The feeding system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second flat pad feeding module shares a flat pad hopper with the first flat pad feeding module, and both the first flat pad transmission line and the second flat pad transmission line are connected to the flat pad hopper.

9. The feeding system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second flat washer transmission line is arranged parallel to the bolt assembly transmission line and located below the bolt assembly transmission line.

10. The feeding system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The nut transmission line and the spring washer transmission line are arranged perpendicular to the second flat washer transmission line and are located on both sides of the second flat washer transmission line, respectively.

11. The feeding system according to any one of claims 2-10, characterized in that, The arrangement mechanism includes a main frame, within which bolt assembly arrangement slots and nut assembly arrangement slots are arranged longitudinally at intervals, the bolt assembly arrangement slots and the nut assembly arrangement slots being parallel to each other; the output end of the bolt assembly feeding unit is connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot, and the output end of the nut assembly feeding unit is connected to the nut assembly arrangement slot.

12. The feeding system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The bolt assembly arrangement groove and the nut assembly arrangement groove are each provided with an output port at one end along their extension direction; The arrangement mechanism also includes a drive mechanism, which drives the bolt assembly and nut assembly to be output from the output port and transported to the transmission mechanism.

13. The feeding system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The bolt assembly layout groove and the nut assembly layout groove are each provided with an input port perpendicular to their extension direction. The output ends of the bolt assembly feeding unit and the nut assembly feeding unit are respectively connected to the bolt assembly layout groove and the nut assembly layout groove through the input ports.

14. The feeding system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes at least one receiving module and a conveying component for conveying the receiving module to a preset area; the receiving module is provided with bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots arranged at intervals.

15. The feeding system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The receiving module includes a vertical receiving module, which includes bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots that are parallel to each other and arranged longitudinally; the bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots are open at one end facing the arrangement mechanism for connecting to the output end of the arrangement mechanism.

16. The feeding system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The receiving module further includes a horizontal receiving module, which includes bolt assembly receiving slots and nut assembly receiving slots that are parallel to each other and arranged in a horizontal direction. The feeding system also includes a transfer mechanism disposed between the arrangement mechanism and the transmission mechanism. The transfer mechanism is configured to rotate the fastening assembly output from the output end of the arrangement mechanism to a preset angle and place it in the mounting position of the horizontal receiving module.

17. The feeding system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The output end of the arrangement mechanism is provided with a switching mechanism and a first output structure and a second output structure connected to the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is configured to drive the first output structure or the second output structure to connect with the output end of the arrangement mechanism. The first output structure is used to interface with the vertical direct receiving module, and the second output structure is used to interface with the transfer mechanism.

18. The feeding system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first output structure includes a first fixture, wherein the first fixture is provided with a first bolt assembly output slot and a first nut assembly output slot at intervals along its longitudinal direction, and the first bolt assembly output slot and the first nut assembly output slot extend through the first fixture at both ends along their extension direction. It is configured such that when the first output structure is connected to the output end of the arrangement mechanism, the two ends of the first bolt assembly output slot are connected to the bolt assembly arrangement slot and the bolt assembly receiving slot, respectively, and the two ends of the first nut assembly output slot are connected to the nut assembly arrangement slot and the nut assembly receiving slot, respectively.

19. The feeding system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second output structure includes a second fixture, and the second fixture has a second bolt assembly output slot and a second nut assembly output slot arranged at intervals along its longitudinal direction; The second bolt assembly output slot and the second nut assembly output slot have an opening at one end along their extension direction for communication with the arrangement mechanism, and a transfer opening is provided on the other end side wall for the transfer mechanism to pick up the bolt assembly and the nut assembly.

20. The feeding system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism includes a second picking mechanism and a rotating mechanism connected to the picking mechanism. The second picking mechanism is used to pick up the fastening assembly from the transfer opening. The rotating mechanism is configured to drive the second picking mechanism to rotate so that the fastening assembly is placed horizontally in the axial direction and to place the fastening assembly in the bolt assembly receiving slot and nut assembly receiving slot of the horizontal receiving module.

21. The feeding system according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second picking mechanism includes a first gripping device and a second gripping device; The first gripping device includes a gripper for holding the bolt assembly; The second gripping device includes a limiting post and a driving member for driving the limiting post to move axially. The driving member is used to drive the limiting post to pass through the central hole of the nut assembly.

22. The feeding system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The conveying assembly includes a circulating transmission line, which is provided with at least one movable support platform. The receiving module is installed on the movable support platform, and the circulating transmission line is used to drive the movable support platform to move cyclically between the preset area and the arrangement mechanism.

23. The feeding system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism further includes a positioning module and a control module. The positioning module is used to detect the position information of the receiving module, and the control module is used to control the start and stop of the conveying component according to the position information, so that the receiving module is aligned with the output end of the arrangement mechanism.

24. The feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset area is also provided with an unloading mechanism to unload the fastening assembly from the transmission mechanism.

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