Integrated test station

Abstract

According to the integrated test station provided by the embodiment of the utility model, the feeding unit, the to-be-tested unit, the test unit, the robot and the PLC are integrally arranged, the tray is placed in the feeding area of the feeding unit, and the tray pushing mechanism can push the tray into the stock bin under the driving of the first driving mechanism; upper and lower layered bin positions are arranged in the bin, and the bin is controlled to move up and down through a second driving mechanism, so that the target bin position is moved to the action layer corresponding to the tray, and the tray can be automatically moved into the bin; and a to-be-tested unit is arranged at a second opening of the stock bin and is used for pulling the tray out of the stock bin by the robot under the control of the PLC, waiting for a signal that the PLC further controls the robot to send products in the tray to the testing unit for testing and carrying the products. According to the integrated test station based on the structure, unified integration of feeding, to-be-tested and testing is completed, efficient automation is achieved, and the flexibility of a production line is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automated manufacturing and processing, and more specifically, to an integrated testing station. Background Technology

[0002] Product calibration and testing is a crucial step in the product manufacturing process. Currently, it is entirely manual. The operator fixes the product on the base of the testing station, secures it, opens the testing software, and performs calibration and testing. After the test, the operator removes the product and, based on the test results, moves it to the defective product area for further inspection or places it in the good product area to await packaging into finished products.

[0003] The above testing process consumes a lot of manpower and time, resulting in low flexibility in the calibration and testing process, which in turn restricts the improvement of production line capacity utilization. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes an integrated testing station to at least solve all or part of the above problems.

[0005] An integrated testing station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an integrated feeding unit, a test unit, a testing unit, a robot, and a PLC. The feeding unit includes a loading area and a hopper. The loading area is provided with a first guide rail and a pallet pushing mechanism. The first guide rail extends along a first direction to a first opening of the hopper. A pallet containing the product to be tested is placed on the first guide rail. The pallet pushing mechanism is connected to a first driving mechanism and is configured to horizontally push the pallet into the hopper under the drive of the first driving mechanism. The hopper is a hollow frame with multiple layers arranged vertically and horizontally. Each hopper has a storage compartment connected to a second drive mechanism and configured to move up and down under the drive of the second drive mechanism. The unit under test is located at a second opening of the hopper opposite to the first opening and is suitable for placing the pallet from the hopper. The testing unit is suitable for testing the product from the unit under test. The robot is suitable for moving the pallet from the hopper to the unit under test and for picking up the product from the unit under test and transferring it to the testing unit. The PLC is connected to and controls the first drive mechanism, the second drive mechanism, and the robot.

[0006] Furthermore, the tray includes several product positions arranged in a matrix of horizontal and vertical lines, and each product position includes a first receiving slot suitable for accommodating the product to be tested.

[0007] Furthermore, the tray is adapted to accommodate two or more of the products.

[0008] Furthermore, the characteristic is that each compartment in the hopper consists of a pair of slides disposed on the inner wall of the frame, and the width between any pair of slides corresponds to the width of the pallet.

[0009] Furthermore, the tray is characterized by having a protruding first positioning element on the side opposite to the first opening.

[0010] Furthermore, the pallet pushing mechanism is also connected to the third drive mechanism and is configured to move up and down under the drive of the third drive mechanism. The pallet pushing mechanism is provided with a first fixing mechanism that cooperates with the first positioning member.

[0011] Furthermore, the slide is provided with a first sensor suitable for detecting whether the pallet exists, and / or the slide is provided with a second sensor suitable for detecting whether the pallet has reached the target position in the hopper.

[0012] Furthermore, a first locking mechanism is provided on one side of the hopper located at the first opening. The first locking mechanism is connected to the fourth driving mechanism and is configured to move along a second direction under the drive of the fourth driving mechanism. The second direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the unit to be tested includes a second guide rail, which is arranged along the second direction, and a second locking mechanism is provided on at least one side of the second guide rail, which is adapted to lock the tray.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a sorting unit, which includes a sorting mechanism with an inclined angle, and the sorting mechanism includes a plurality of material channels, the material channels including a first material channel suitable for placing qualified products and a second material channel suitable for placing unqualified products.

[0015] As can be seen, the integrated testing station according to one embodiment of this utility model integrates a feeding unit, a test unit, a testing unit, a robot, and a PLC. A pallet is placed in the feeding area of ​​the feeding unit. A pallet pushing mechanism, driven by a first driving mechanism, pushes the pallet into a hopper. The hopper has upper and lower layered compartments. A second driving mechanism controls the vertical movement of the hopper, thereby moving the target compartment to the corresponding layer of the pallet, allowing the pallet to move automatically into the hopper. A test unit is located at the second opening of the hopper, where the robot, under the control of the PLC, pulls the pallet out of the hopper and places it, awaiting further control from the PLC to send the product in the pallet to the testing unit for testing and executing the transfer. Based on this structure, the integrated testing station achieves unified integration of feeding, test unit, and testing, realizing efficient automation and improving the flexibility of the production line. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the above and other features and advantages of the present invention, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tray of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tray pushing mechanism and the first locking mechanism of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the unit under test of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the sorting unit of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The accompanying figure is labeled as follows:

[0023] 1. Feeding unit 2 Units under test 3 Test Units 4 robots 11 silos 13 trays 21 First guide rail 22 Second guide rail 23 Pallet Pushing Mechanism 31 First drive mechanism 32 Second drive mechanism 41 First positioning component 51 First locking mechanism 52 Fourth drive mechanism 61 Third guide rail 62 Fourth guide rail 72 Second locking mechanism 80 sorting mechanism 81 First feed duct 82 Second feed channel X First Direction Y Second Direction Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following embodiments will be used to further describe this utility model in detail.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] like Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment includes an integrated feeding unit 1, a test unit 2, a testing unit 3, a robot 4, and a PLC. The feeding unit 1 includes a loading area and a hopper 11. The loading area is equipped with a first guide rail 21 and a pallet pushing mechanism 23. The first guide rail 21 extends along a first direction to a first opening of the hopper 11. A pallet 13 containing the product to be tested is configured to move along the first guide rail 21 into the hopper 11. The pallet pushing mechanism is connected to a first drive mechanism 31 and is configured to horizontally push the pallet 13 under the drive of the first drive mechanism 31. The hopper 11 is a hollow frame with multiple compartments arranged in upper and lower layers. The hopper 11 is connected to the second drive mechanism 32 and is configured to move up and down under the drive of the second drive mechanism 32; the test unit 2 is located at the second opening of the hopper 11 opposite to the first opening, and is suitable for placing the tray 13 from the hopper 11; the test unit 3 is suitable for testing the product from the test unit 2; the robot 4 is suitable for moving the tray 13 from the hopper 11 to the test unit 2 and grabbing the product from the test unit 2 to the test unit 3; the PLC is connected to and controls the first drive mechanism 31, the second drive mechanism 32, the third drive mechanism and the robot 4 respectively.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first drive mechanism 31 includes a first cylinder and a chain conveyor belt connected to the output rod of the first cylinder, and the second drive mechanism 32 includes a first motor and a first lead screw. The frame of the hopper 11 rises and falls under the drive of the first motor via the first lead screw, so as to align the slide of the required compartment in the hopper 11 with the working surface of the loading area, thereby realizing the operation of pallet 13 entering and leaving the hopper.

[0028] In one possible implementation, a third guide rail 61 parallel to each other is provided on one side of the loading area along a second direction Y perpendicular to the first guide rail 21. The third guide rail 61 serves as the front area of ​​the loading area, where the operator can place the pallet 13 and push it to the loading area.

[0029] In one possible implementation, each compartment in the hopper 11 consists of a pair of tracks disposed on the inner wall of the frame, the width between any pair of tracks corresponding to the width of the pallet 13. Thus, the pallet 13 on the first track can slide along the first track and the tracks in the hopper 11 to its final position within the hopper 11.

[0030] In another possible implementation, a first sensor is installed within the slide rail to detect whether the tray 13 is on the slide rail. This sensor is connected to a PLC and transmits a signal indicating the presence or absence to the PLC, which then controls subsequent operations based on this signal.

[0031] In another possible implementation, a second sensor is also provided at the end point that the tray 13 in each slide should reach, to determine whether the tray 13 has been pushed into place, for example, two position sensors.

[0032] In another possible implementation, an image sensor is also installed above the loading area. This image sensor is connected to the PLC and is adapted to photograph and analyze the products on the tray 13 and save the results to the PLC. Based on this embodiment, product information on the tray 13 can be identified and recorded, thus providing a basis for determining the position of the test station and the test results. Specifically, the image sensor can be fixed to the external frame of the integrated test station using a bracket.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tray for an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the tray 13 includes several product positions arranged in a matrix of horizontal and vertical lines. Each product position includes a first receiving slot suitable for accommodating the product to be tested. Specifically, the product to be tested may be the transmitter unit of a flow meter product.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the tray 13 is adapted to accommodate two or more of the products.

[0035] In one possible implementation, a protruding first positioning member 41 is provided on the side of the tray 13 opposite to the first opening. By providing the protruding first positioning member 41, it is convenient to cooperate with other components to fix and release the tray 13. The first positioning member 41 is, for example, a screw extending from the side of the tray 13.

[0036] In another possible implementation, a second fixing mechanism is provided on the robot 4, and a second positioning member is provided on the side of the tray 13 opposite to the first positioning member 41, the second positioning member being adapted to the second fixing mechanism. Figure 2 As shown, the second positioning component is similar to the first positioning component 41, also being a screw extending from the side of the tray 13. In this way, the robot 4 can fix the tray 13, thereby enabling it to be dragged and moved.

[0037] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the tray pushing mechanism and the first locking mechanism of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 As shown, the pallet pushing mechanism 23 is also connected to the third driving mechanism and is configured to move up and down under the drive of the third driving mechanism. The pallet pushing mechanism is provided with a first fixing mechanism that cooperates with the first positioning member 41.

[0038] Specifically, the pallet pushing mechanism 23 is configured as a plate-like structure, with a first fixing mechanism on the side corresponding to the first positioning member 41 of the pallet 13. The first fixing mechanism includes, for example, a first slot for engaging the first positioning member 41. Thus, when the pallet pushing mechanism 23 moves upward and reaches the same horizontal working position as the first positioning member 41, the first fixing mechanism of the pallet pushing mechanism 23 can engage with the first positioning member 41, thereby fixing the pallet 13 onto the pallet pushing mechanism 23 and causing the pallet 13 to move. When it is necessary to release the fixation on the pallet 13, the pallet pushing mechanism 23 moves downward under the drive of the third drive mechanism to separate the first fixing mechanism from the first positioning member 41, thereby releasing the fixation on the pallet. Preferably, the third drive mechanism...

[0039] In another possible implementation, a fourth guide rail 62 is also provided parallel to the first guide rail 21 between the first guide rails 21 in the feeding area. The pallet pushing mechanism 23 is connected to the fourth guide rail 62 and is configured to move toward the hopper 11 on the fourth guide rail 62 under the drive of the first drive mechanism 31. The pallet 13 is confined between the first guide rails 21 in the feeding area and is located on the fourth guide rail 62. In this way, the pallet pushing mechanism 23 will drive the pallet 13 to move toward the hopper 11 during the process of moving along the fourth guide rail 62.

[0040] In another possible implementation, a first locking mechanism 51 is provided on one side of the hopper 11 located at the first opening. The first locking mechanism 51 is connected to a fourth driving mechanism 52 and is configured to move along the second direction Y under the drive of the fourth driving mechanism 52. Figure 3 As shown, the first locking mechanism 51 includes a locking piece arranged along the second direction Y. Under the action of the fourth driving mechanism 52, the first locking mechanism 51 can move along the second direction Y to stop the end of the pallet 13 near the hopper 11. When it is necessary to release the stop and allow the pallet 13 to move to the hopper 11, the first locking mechanism 51 moves in the opposite direction under the action of the fourth driving mechanism 52 to make the channel for the pallet 13 to move to the hopper 11 unobstructed.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the unit under test (UUT) of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown below. Figure 4As shown, the unit to be tested 3 includes a second guide rail 22, which is arranged along the second direction Y. At least one side of the second guide rail 22 is provided with a second locking mechanism 72, which is adapted to lock the tray 13.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, a first slot is provided on one side of the tray 13. The second locking mechanism 72 is connected to the fifth driving mechanism. The end of the second locking mechanism 72 is provided with a third positioning member protruding along the second direction Y. The third positioning member is adapted to fit the first slot. Thus, the third positioning member moves along the second direction Y under the drive of the fifth driving mechanism as the second locking mechanism 72 moves, thereby being inserted into the first slot to lock the tray 13, or separated from the first slot, so that the tray 13 can be moved subsequently, for example, by the robot 4 to the test unit 3.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the sorting unit of an integrated test station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the integrated testing station of this utility model embodiment also includes a sorting unit. The sorting unit includes a sorting mechanism 80 with an inclined angle. The sorting mechanism 80 includes a plurality of material channels. The material channels include a first material channel 81 suitable for placing qualified products and a second material channel 82 suitable for placing unqualified products.

[0045] Specifically, the four corners of the sorting mechanism 80 are fixed to the ground or the workbench of the integrated testing station via floor supports, forming a certain tilt angle. Thus, based on the results acquired and analyzed on the test bench of the testing unit 3, the PLC controls the robot 4 to pick up qualified products from the test bench and place them into the first feed channel 81 of the sorting mechanism 80, which is used to place qualified products; and to pick up unqualified products from the test bench and place them into the second feed channel 82 of the sorting mechanism 80, which is used to place unqualified products, thereby achieving product sorting.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the integrated testing station of this utility model integrates the feeding unit 1, the unit to be tested 2, the testing unit 3, and the robot 4 on a workbench. An external frame is provided on the workbench to cover these areas as a whole, making the operation safer.

[0047] As can be seen, the integrated testing station of this utility model integrates the feeding unit 1, the unit under test 2, the testing unit 3, the robot 4, and the PLC, realizing the automatic completion of the process from material feeding to final sorting, improving the efficiency and accuracy of testing, and reducing manpower and time consumption. Furthermore, this utility model also achieves the fixation of the pallet 13 by setting a first positioning component 41 on the matching pallet 13 and a first fixing mechanism of the pallet pushing mechanism 23, thereby smoothly pushing the pallet 13 into the hopper 11. The first locking mechanism 51 achieves automatic control of the pallet 13's movement channel, and the second locking mechanism 72 controls the position of the pallet 13 on the second guide rail 22 at the unit under test 2, thus achieving overall foolproof design and improving safety performance.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An integrated test station, characterized by, The application relates to a feeding unit (1), a testing unit (2), a testing unit (3), a robot (4) and a PLC, wherein the feeding unit (1) comprises a feeding area and a hopper (11), the feeding area is provided with a first guide rail (21) and a tray pushing mechanism (23), the first guide rail (21) extends to the first opening of the hopper (11) along a first direction, a tray (13) for placing products to be tested is placed on the first guide rail (21), the tray pushing mechanism is connected with a first driving mechanism (31) and is arranged to horizontally push the tray (13) into the hopper (11) under the driving of the first driving mechanism (31), the hopper (11) is a hollow frame, a plurality of positions are arranged in the frame in layers from top to bottom, the hopper (11) is connected with a second driving mechanism (32) and is arranged to move up and down under the driving of the second driving mechanism (32), the testing unit (2) is located at a second opening of the hopper (11) opposite to the first opening and is suitable for placing the tray (13) from the hopper (11), the testing unit (3) is suitable for testing the products from the testing unit (2), the robot (4) is suitable for moving the tray (13) in the hopper (11) to the testing unit (2) and grabbing the products of the testing unit (2) to the testing unit (3), and the PLC is connected with the first driving mechanism (31), the second driving mechanism (32) and the robot (4) and controls them.

2. The integrated test station of claim 1, wherein, The tray (13) comprises a plurality of product positions which are arranged in a horizontal and vertical matrix, each product position comprises a first accommodating groove suitable for accommodating the products to be tested.

3. The integrated test station of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tray (13) is suitable for placing two or more than two kinds of products.

4. The integrated test station of claim 1, wherein, Each position in the hopper (11) is composed of a pair of slides arranged on the inner wall of the frame, and the width between any pair of slides corresponds to the width of the tray (13).

5. The integrated test station of claim 4, wherein, The slides are provided with a first sensor suitable for detecting whether the tray exists and / or a second sensor suitable for detecting whether the tray reaches a target position in the hopper.

6. The integrated test station of claim 1, wherein, The side of the tray (13) opposite to the first opening is provided with a protruding first positioning member (41).

7. The integrated test station of claim 6, wherein, The tray pushing mechanism (23) is further connected with a third driving mechanism and is arranged to move up and down under the driving of the third driving mechanism, and the tray pushing mechanism is provided with a first fixing mechanism matched with the first positioning member (41).

8. The integrated test station of claim 5, wherein, The side of the hopper (11) located at the first opening is provided with a first locking mechanism (51), the first locking mechanism (51) is connected with a fourth driving mechanism (52) and is arranged to move along a second direction (Y) under the driving of the fourth driving mechanism (52), and the second direction (Y) is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The integrated test station of claim 8, wherein, Said unit to be tested (3) comprises a second guide rail (22) arranged along said second direction (Y), at least one side of said second guide rail (22) being provided with a second locking mechanism (72) adapted to lock said tray (13).

10. The integrated test station of claim 1, wherein, It also comprises a sorting unit comprising a sorting mechanism (80) having an inclination angle, said sorting mechanism (80) comprising several channels, said channels comprising a first channel (81) adapted to place a qualified product and a second channel (82) adapted to place a non-qualified product.

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