Automatic uncovering device

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic uncovering device, which is used for uncovering caps of connectors on circuit boards and comprises a transmission line for transmitting the circuit boards one by one, an uncovering assembly, a driving assembly and a cap collecting tank. The uncovering assembly comprises a clamping jaw capable of clamping or loosening the cap and a power device used for driving the clamping jaw to reciprocate in the direction perpendicular to the circuit board. The driving assembly is used for driving the uncovering assembly and driving the clamping jaws to be sequentially aligned with the caps on the circuit board and the collecting groove, and then the clamping jaws clamp the caps one by one in the direction perpendicular to the circuit board and take down the corresponding caps. According to the utility model, on one hand, through the cooperation of the clamping jaw and the power device, the clamping jaw can clamp and remove the cap in the direction perpendicular to the circuit board, the cap can be accurately removed without damaging the connector, the reliability is strong, and the product yield can be improved; on the other hand, automatic uncovering and collecting of caps are achieved, operation is easy and convenient, production efficiency is greatly improved, and labor intensity is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of mechanical processing equipment, and specifically relates to an automatic cover-opening device. Background Technology

[0002] In the SMT placement process, some connectors have non-flat tops with no suction points, making it difficult for robots to pick them up and place them. Therefore, the industry sets caps on the top of the connectors to assist in the placement operation, using the flat top of the cap as a suction point. After the robot picks up the cap and successfully places the connector onto the circuit board, the cap needs to be removed.

[0003] Currently, the removal of the caps on existing connectors is mainly done manually. However, in actual production, manual operation is not only inefficient and labor-intensive, but also prone to human error, resulting in omissions. In addition, since connectors are generally mounted vertically on the surface of the circuit board, if the direction of force applied to the cap is deviated during manual removal (the direction of force is not parallel to the mounting direction of the connector), the connector may accidentally fall off the circuit board or be damaged, resulting in losses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a brand-new automatic lid-opening device.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic cap removal device is provided for removing caps from connectors on a circuit board. The device includes a transmission line for transferring circuit boards one by one, a cap removal assembly, a drive assembly, and a cap collection slot. The cap removal assembly includes grippers capable of clamping or releasing caps and a power unit for driving the grippers to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board. The drive assembly drives the cap removal assembly and causes the grippers to align sequentially with the caps and collection slot on the circuit board. The grippers then clamp and remove the corresponding caps one by one along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board and release them into the collection slot.

[0007] According to a specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the present invention, the grippers clamp or release the cap in the width direction and / or length direction of the cap.

[0008] Preferably, the gripper includes a first gripper arm and a second gripper arm disposed opposite to each other, and a driving member that drives the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm to move closer or further apart. When clamping, the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm respectively abut against opposite sides in the width direction of the cap.

[0009] Specifically, the clamping surfaces of the first and second clamping arms are both planes extending along the thickness direction of the cap. When clamped, the first and second clamping arms fit against the corresponding sidewalls of the cap from their clamping surfaces. This increases the contact area between the first and second clamping arms and the cap, thereby increasing friction to improve clamping stability and preventing the cap from falling off during transfer.

[0010] Furthermore, the first and second clamping arms are gradually thinner from the end furthest from the circuit board toward the circuit board; and / or, the end faces of the first and second clamping arms near the circuit board are parallel to the circuit board. Here, due to the complexity of the component distribution on the circuit board surface, the clamping arms of this application avoid touching adjacent components when clamping the cap, and at the same time prevent the ends of the clamping arms from breaking through the circuit board, thereby increasing reliability.

[0011] Preferably, the ends of the first and second clamping arms furthest from the circuit board are respectively provided with parallel racks; the driving component includes a transmission gear disposed between the two racks and meshing synchronously with the two racks, and a motor that drives the transmission gear to rotate forward or in reverse. As the transmission gear rotates forward or in reverse, the two racks move in opposite directions, causing the first and second clamping arms to move closer or further apart. The transmission is stable and reliable.

[0012] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of this utility model, the cap-opening assembly further includes a driver that drives the grippers to rotate around a centerline perpendicular to the circuit board direction. The driver includes a rotating base, a motor that drives the rotating base to rotate, and a sensor for monitoring the rotation angle of the rotating base, wherein the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm are respectively movably connected to the rotating base. This design facilitates the gripping of caps in any direction, offering high flexibility.

[0013] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the present invention, there are multiple cover-opening components, and the driving component drives the multiple cover-opening components to move synchronously.

[0014] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the present invention, the transmission line horizontally transmits the circuit board along the left-right direction, the cover-opening component is located above the transmission line, and the collection groove is arranged in front of the transmission line; the driving component includes a first movable seat that reciprocates along the front-back direction and a second movable seat that is slidably connected to the first movable seat along the left-right direction, wherein the cover-opening component is arranged on the second movable seat.

[0015] In addition, the cap-lifting device also includes a vision detection component located on one side of the collection tank. The drive component drives the cap-lifting component to pass through the detection area of ​​the vision detection component to detect whether there is a cap on the gripper. Here, the detection by the vision detection component ensures that the gripper successfully picks up the cap or releases the cap into the collection tank each time. If the frame is detected as not being successfully picked up or released, it is convenient for staff to intervene in a timely manner.

[0016] Due to the implementation of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0017] Existing technologies rely on manual operation, which is not only inefficient and labor-intensive but also prone to human error and oversight. Furthermore, if the force applied to the cap during the cap removal process is misaligned, the connector may detach or be damaged, resulting in losses. This application addresses these shortcomings by designing an automatic cap removal device that solves the deficiencies of existing technologies. With this device, circuit boards are placed on a transmission line and transported one by one. When a circuit board moves to the cap removal position, a drive component activates the cap removal component to engage with the corresponding cap. A power unit drives the gripper to move perpendicular to the circuit board to clamp the cap. The power unit then drives the gripper to remove the corresponding cap perpendicular to the circuit board. Finally, the drive component activates the cap removal component again to move the gripper to transfer and release the removed cap into a collection tank. The above steps are repeated to remove the remaining caps one by one. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this utility model, on the one hand, achieves the gripper to pick up and remove the cap in the direction perpendicular to the circuit board by cooperating with the gripper and the power unit, ensuring that the cap is removed accurately without damaging the connector itself, which is highly reliable and conducive to improving the product yield; on the other hand, it realizes the automatic removal and collection of the cap, which is simple and convenient to operate, greatly improves production efficiency, and effectively reduces labor intensity. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the automatic cap-opening device of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A left-view diagram;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automatic cap-opening device of this utility model (partially omitted);

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the middle gripper structure;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the cover-opening component of this utility model;

[0023] Among them: 1. Transportation line;

[0024] 2. Lid-opening assembly; 20. Gripper; 201. First gripper arm; 202. Second gripper arm; a. Rack; 203. Drive unit; b0. Transmission gear; b1. Motor; 21. Power unit; 210. Lifting seat; 211. Power screw; 22. Driver; 220. Rotary seat; 221. Motor;

[0025] 3. Drive assembly; 31. First movable seat; 32. Second movable seat;

[0026] 4. Collection tank;

[0027] 5. Visual inspection components. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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 of this application.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that they are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "above," "below," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible embodiments.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the automatic cap removal device of this embodiment is used to remove the caps of connectors on the circuit board, and includes a transport line 1, a cap removal component 2, a drive component 3, and a collection groove 4; the cap to be removed in this embodiment is cuboid in shape.

[0034] Specifically, transmission line 1 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and circuit boards are laid flat on transmission line 1 and transported one by one in the left-right direction. Transmission line 1 can be any conventional structure for transporting circuit boards.

[0035] In this example, the cap-opening assembly 2 is positioned above the transmission line 1 and includes a gripper 20 capable of clamping or releasing the cap in the width and / or length direction, a power unit 21 for driving the gripper 20 to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board (i.e., the vertical direction in this embodiment), and a driver 22 for driving the gripper 20 to rotate around a centerline perpendicular to the circuit board. This embodiment employs existing visual positioning technology, using a camera to locate the cap position so that the gripper 20 can accurately grasp the cap.

[0036] In some specific embodiments, the gripper 20 includes a first gripper arm 201 and a second gripper arm 202 disposed opposite to each other, and a driving member 203 that drives the first gripper arm 201 and the second gripper arm 202 to move closer or further away from each other. When clamping, the first gripper arm 201 and the second gripper arm 202 respectively abut against opposite sides in the width direction of the cap. The clamping surfaces of the first gripper arm 201 and the second gripper arm 202 are both planes extending along the thickness direction of the cap. When clamping, the first gripper arm 201 and the second gripper arm 202 fit against the corresponding sidewall of the cap from the clamping surfaces. The first gripper arm 201 and the second gripper arm 202 are gradually thinner from the end away from the circuit board towards the circuit board. The end faces of the first gripper arm 201 and the second gripper arm 202 near the circuit board are parallel to the circuit board.

[0037] For ease of implementation, the ends of the first clamping arm 201 and the second clamping arm 202 furthest from the circuit board are respectively provided with parallel racks a. The driving component 203 includes a transmission gear b0 disposed between the two racks a and meshing synchronously with the two racks a, and a motor b1 that drives the transmission gear b0 to rotate forward or backward. As the transmission gear b0 rotates forward or backward, the two racks a move in opposite directions, causing the first clamping arm 201 and the second clamping arm 202 to move closer or further apart. In some specific embodiments, the motor b1 is disposed above the clamping jaw 20, and the output shaft of the motor b1 passes downward between the two racks a, with the transmission gear b0 formed on the output shaft of the motor b1.

[0038] The power unit 21 includes a lifting seat 210, a power screw 211 that drives the lifting seat 210 to reciprocate in the vertical direction, and a gripper 20 is disposed on the lifting seat 210; the driver 22 includes a rotating seat 220 sleeved on the output shaft of the motor b1, a motor 221 that drives the rotating seat 220 to rotate, and a sensor for monitoring the rotation angle of the rotating seat 220, wherein the motor 221 and the rotating seat 220 are driven by gears, and the first gripper arm 201 and the second gripper arm 202 are slidably connected to the rotating seat 220 respectively.

[0039] In this example, the drive component 3 is used to drive the cap-opening component 2 and drive the gripper 20 to align with the cap and collection slot 4 on the circuit board in sequence. The gripper 20 then clamps and removes the corresponding cap one by one along the direction perpendicular to the circuit board and releases it into the collection slot 4. In this embodiment, there are two cap-opening components 2 arranged side by side. The two cap-opening components 2 can independently pick up and put down the cap. The drive component 3 drives the two cap-opening components 2 to move synchronously.

[0040] In some specific embodiments, the drive assembly 3 includes a first movable seat 31 that reciprocates along the front-back direction and a second movable seat 32 that is slidably connected to the first movable seat 31 along the left-right direction. The first movable seat 31 and the second movable seat 32 are driven by lead screws, which is a conventional technical means. The cover-opening assembly 2 is disposed on the second movable seat 32, that is, the lifting seat 210 is slidably connected to the second movable seat 32.

[0041] In this example, the collection slot 4 is located in front of the transmission line 1, and the top of the collection slot 4 is open.

[0042] Furthermore, the cap-lifting device in this embodiment also includes a vision detection component 5 disposed on one side of the collection tank 4. The drive component 3 drives the cap-lifting component 2 to pass through the detection area of ​​the vision detection component 5 to detect whether there is a cap on the gripper 20. Here, the detection by the vision detection component ensures that the gripper successfully picks up the cap or releases the cap into the collection tank each time. If the frame is detected as not being successfully picked up or released, it is convenient for staff to intervene in a timely manner.

[0043] In summary, after adopting this cap-removing device, the circuit board is placed on the transmission line and transported one by one. When the circuit board moves to the cap-removing position, the drive component drives the cap-removing component to engage with the corresponding cap. The power unit drives the gripper to move along the direction perpendicular to the circuit board to clamp the cap. Then, the power unit drives the gripper to remove the corresponding cap along the direction perpendicular to the circuit board. Finally, the drive component drives the cap-removing component to move the gripper to transfer and release the removed cap into the collection tank. The above steps are repeated to remove the remaining caps one by one. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this utility model has several advantages. First, by cooperating with the gripper and the power unit, the gripper can grasp and remove the cap in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board, ensuring accurate removal of the cap without damaging the connector itself, resulting in high reliability and improved product yield. Second, it enables automatic cap removal and collection, making operation simple and convenient, greatly improving production efficiency and effectively reducing labor intensity. Third, the gripper arms used in this application avoid touching adjacent components when grasping the cap, and also prevent the ends of the gripper arms from breaking the circuit board, increasing reliability. It can increase the contact area between the first and second gripper arms and the cap, thereby increasing friction to improve gripping stability and preventing the cap from falling off during transfer. Fourth, it is convenient to grasp caps in any direction, offering high flexibility. Fifth, through the detection of the vision inspection component, it ensures that the gripper successfully grasps the cap or releases it into the collection slot each time. If the wireframe is detected as not being successfully grasped or released, it is convenient for staff to intervene in a timely manner.

[0044] The present utility model has been described in detail above, with the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand its contents and implement it. However, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic cap-removing device for removing caps from connectors on a circuit board, characterized in that: The cap-lifting device includes a transmission line for transferring circuit boards one by one, a cap-lifting assembly, a drive assembly, and a cap collection slot. The cap-lifting assembly includes a gripper capable of clamping or releasing the cap and a power unit for driving the gripper to reciprocate along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board. The drive assembly drives the cap-lifting assembly and causes the gripper to align sequentially with the caps and collection slots on the circuit board. The gripper then clamps and removes the corresponding caps one by one along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board and releases them into the collection slot.

2. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The grippers clamp or release the cap in the width and / or length direction of the cap.

3. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The gripper includes a first gripper arm and a second gripper arm arranged opposite to each other, and a drive member that drives the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm to move closer or further apart. When clamping, the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm respectively abut against opposite sides in the width direction of the cap.

4. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping surfaces of the first and second clamping arms are both planes extending along the thickness direction of the cap. When clamped, the first and second clamping arms fit against the corresponding sidewalls of the cap from the clamping surfaces.

5. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are gradually thinned from the end away from the circuit board toward the circuit board; and / or, the end faces of the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm near the circuit board are parallel to the circuit board.

6. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are respectively provided with parallel racks at the ends away from the circuit board; the driving component includes a transmission gear disposed between the two racks and meshing synchronously with the two racks, and a motor that drives the transmission gear to rotate forward or in reverse. As the transmission gear rotates forward or in reverse, the two racks move in opposite directions and drive the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm to move closer or further away from each other.

7. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cover-opening assembly also includes a driver that drives the grippers to rotate around a centerline perpendicular to the circuit board direction. The driver includes a rotating base, a motor that drives the rotating base to rotate, and a sensor for monitoring the rotation angle of the rotating base, wherein the first gripper arm and the second gripper arm are respectively movably connected to the rotating base.

8. The automatic cap-opening device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: There are multiple cover-opening components, and the driving component drives the multiple cover-opening components to move synchronously.

9. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission line horizontally transmits the circuit board along the left-right direction, the cover-opening component is located above the transmission line, and the collection slot is disposed in front of the transmission line; the driving component includes a first movable seat that reciprocates along the front-back direction and a second movable seat that is slidably connected to the first movable seat along the left-right direction, wherein the cover-opening component is disposed on the second movable seat.

10. The automatic cap-opening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cap-opening device also includes a vision detection component disposed on one side of the collection groove. The drive component drives the cap-opening component to pass through the detection area of ​​the vision detection component to detect whether there is a cap on the gripper.

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