Multi-station self-positioning apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a multi-station self-positioning device, which comprises a first positioning module, a second positioning module, a first horizontal moving unit and a second horizontal moving unit; the first positioning module comprises a first base and a plurality of first positioning seats arranged on the first base; the second positioning module comprises a second base and a plurality of second positioning seats arranged on the second base; the first positioning seat and the second positioning seat corresponding to the first positioning seat in the longitudinal direction form a station; the first horizontal moving unit is slidably arranged on the first base and can be driven by a power source to move horizontally relative to the first base; the second horizontal moving unit is slidably arranged on the second base and can be driven by a power source to move horizontally relative to the second base, wherein the first horizontal moving unit and the second horizontal moving unit are used for conveying workpieces between different stations; the second positioning module can be driven to approach or move away from the first positioning module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a multi-station self-positioning device, belonging to the field of automation equipment technology. Background Technology

[0002] Positioning equipment is a crucial component of automated production lines, enabling the rapid and accurate positioning of workpieces or products to designated locations, thus achieving continuous and efficient automated production. The high precision and rapid positioning capabilities of positioning equipment reduce adjustment and waiting times during production, thereby improving efficiency. Therefore, positioning equipment plays a vital role in automated production; its effectiveness and reliability directly impact manufacturing accuracy and yield, significantly hindering the development of automated production technology.

[0003] In the automated production and assembly of long tubular workpieces (such as springs, tubes, long cylinders, and rod components), the special nature of these products imposes strict requirements on various aspects, including assembly accuracy. On one hand, it is necessary to ensure the straightness of these products (i.e., the tolerance between the actual axis of the product and its ideal axis or generatrix) to avoid damage. On the other hand, it is necessary to ensure that the dimensional accuracy after assembly meets the requirements of the next assembly step. To ensure positioning accuracy, existing positioning equipment generally has a relatively single function. For products with multiple production or assembly steps, multiple independent corresponding positioning devices are required, occupying a large space and increasing factory investment costs. Furthermore, different products require different positioning equipment, resulting in higher overall costs.

[0004] To address the problems with current positioning devices, a new positioning device needs to be designed to meet the above requirements. This positioning device should be compatible with multiple different products, capable of automatic repositioning, suitable for multi-workstation use, and have a compact structure to reduce investment costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure provides a multi-station automatic positioning device.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a multi-station self-positioning device is provided, comprising:

[0007] The first positioning module includes a first base and a plurality of first positioning seats disposed on the first base, wherein the first positioning seats are configured to support the workpiece, and the first positioning seats are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the lateral direction.

[0008] The second positioning module includes a second base and a plurality of second positioning seats disposed on the second base. The second positioning seats are configured to support the workpiece, and the second positioning seats are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the transverse direction. The first positioning seat and the second positioning seats corresponding to the first positioning seat in the longitudinal direction form a workstation.

[0009] A first lateral movement unit, slidably disposed on the first base, and capable of being driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the first base; and

[0010] The second transverse unit is slidably disposed on the second base and can be driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the second base, wherein the first transverse unit and the second transverse unit are used to transfer the workpiece between different workstations.

[0011] The second positioning module can be driven to approach or move away from the first positioning module.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of this disclosure, a first transverse slide rail is provided on the first base; the first transverse unit is slidably disposed on the first transverse slide rail, wherein the first transverse unit includes:

[0013] A first lifting platform is slidably disposed on the first transverse slide rail, so that the first lifting platform can slide along the first transverse slide rail.

[0014] A first movable seat, disposed on the first lifting platform, is capable of moving relative to the first base in both the horizontal and vertical directions; and

[0015] A first transport unit is disposed on the first movable seat, wherein the first transport unit is used to support the workpiece;

[0016] The first movable seat has a transport position in which the first transport part is higher than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat, and a standby position in which the first transport part is lower than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat. The first lifting platform can drive the first movable seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of the present disclosure, the first transport unit is configured as two, and the two first transport units are located at two ends in the lateral direction of the first moving seat.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of the present disclosure, the first conveying part is a gripper assembly.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of the present disclosure, a second transverse movement unit is provided on both sides of the second base in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of this disclosure, a second transverse slide rail is provided on the second base; the second transverse unit is slidably disposed on the second transverse slide rail, wherein the second transverse unit includes:

[0021] The second lifting platform is slidably disposed on the second transverse slide rail, so that the second lifting platform can slide along the second transverse slide rail;

[0022] A second movable seat, disposed on the second lifting platform, is capable of moving relative to the second base in both the lateral and vertical directions; and

[0023] The second transport unit is disposed on the second movable seat, wherein the second transport unit is used to support the workpiece;

[0024] The second movable seat has a transport position in which the second transport part is higher than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat, and a standby position in which the second transport part is lower than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat. The second lifting platform can drive the second movable seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of the present disclosure, the second transport unit is configured as two, and the two second transport units are located at two ends in the lateral direction of the second moving seat.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of the present disclosure, the second conveying part is a positioning block or a gripper assembly.

[0027] The multi-station self-positioning device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes:

[0028] The third positioning module includes a third base and a plurality of third positioning seats disposed on the third base. The third positioning seats are configured to support the workpiece and are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the transverse direction. The third positioning seats and the second positioning seats corresponding to the third positioning seats in the longitudinal direction form a work station.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of this disclosure, a third transverse slide rail is provided on the third base; the third transverse unit is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail, wherein the third transverse unit includes:

[0030] The third lifting platform is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail, so that the third lifting platform can slide along the third transverse slide rail;

[0031] A third movable seat, disposed on the third lifting platform, is capable of moving relative to the third base in both the lateral and vertical directions; and

[0032] A third transport unit is disposed on the third movable seat, wherein the third transport unit is used to support the workpiece;

[0033] The third movable seat has a transport position in which the third transport part is higher than the second positioning seat and / or the third positioning seat, and a standby position in which the third transport part is lower than the second positioning seat and / or the third positioning seat. The third lifting platform can drive the third movable seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of the present disclosure, the third transport unit is configured as two, and the two third transport units are located at two ends in the lateral direction of the third moving seat.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of this disclosure, the third conveying part is a positioning block or a gripper assembly.

[0036] The multi-station self-positioning device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes:

[0037] An auxiliary lateral movement unit is slidably disposed on the first base and can be driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the first base; wherein the first lateral movement unit is located on a side of the first base near the second base, and the auxiliary lateral movement unit is located on a side of the first base away from the second base.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of this disclosure, an auxiliary transverse slide rail is provided on the first base; the auxiliary transverse unit is slidably disposed on the auxiliary transverse slide rail, wherein the auxiliary transverse unit includes:

[0039] An auxiliary lifting platform is slidably disposed on the auxiliary transverse slide rail, so that the auxiliary lifting platform can slide along the auxiliary transverse slide rail;

[0040] An auxiliary movable base, disposed on the auxiliary lifting platform, is provided such that the auxiliary movable base can move relative to the first base in both the lateral and vertical directions; and

[0041] An auxiliary transport unit is disposed on the auxiliary movable seat, wherein the auxiliary transport unit is used to support the workpiece;

[0042] The auxiliary moving seat has a transport position in which the auxiliary transport part is higher than the first positioning seat and / or the auxiliary positioning seat, and a standby position in which the auxiliary transport part is lower than the first positioning seat and / or the auxiliary positioning seat. The auxiliary lifting platform can drive the auxiliary moving seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0043] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of the present disclosure, the auxiliary transport unit is configured as two units, which are located at two ends of the auxiliary moving seat in the lateral direction.

[0044] According to at least one embodiment of the multi-station self-positioning device of this disclosure, the auxiliary transport unit is a gripper assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first positioning module and the first transverse movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first positioning module and the first transverse movement unit, etc., of a multi-station self-positioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second positioning module and the second transverse movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second positioning module and the second lateral movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, from another angle.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third positioning module and the third transverse movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third positioning module and the third transverse movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle.

[0054] The specific labels in the attached figures are as follows:

[0055] 10 Drive shaft

[0056] 100 bases

[0057] 200 First Positioning Module

[0058] 210 First Plinth

[0059] 220 First Positioning Seat

[0060] 221 First Supporting Department

[0061] 222 First Fixed Part

[0062] 223 First waist-shaped hole

[0063] 300 Second Positioning Module

[0064] 310 Second base

[0065] 320 Second Positioning Seat

[0066] 400 First transverse unit

[0067] 410 First Lifting Platform

[0068] 420 First Moving Seat

[0069] 430 First Transport Department

[0070] 500 Second transverse unit

[0071] 510 Second Lifting Platform

[0072] 520 Second Moving Seat

[0073] 530 Second Transport Department

[0074] 600 Third Positioning Module

[0075] 610 Third Plinth

[0076] 620 Third Positioning Seat

[0077] 700 Third transverse unit

[0078] 710 Third Lifting Platform

[0079] 720 Third Moving Seat

[0080] 730 Third Transport Department

[0081] 800 Auxiliary Lateral Movement Unit

[0082] 801 Auxiliary Positioning Seat

[0083] 810 Auxiliary Lifting Platform

[0084] 820 Auxiliary Movable Seat

[0085] 830 Auxiliary Handling Department. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0087] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0088] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary implementations / embodiments shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details that provide ways in which the technical concepts of this disclosure can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features of various implementations / embodiments may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0089] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a multi-station self-positioning device that can position several workpieces at multiple stations and transport them between designated stations. In this disclosure, the term "workpiece" refers to a workpiece that extends axially and whose maximum axial length is significantly greater than its maximum length in a radial cross-section (i.e., a section perpendicular to the aforementioned axial direction), including but not limited to single workpieces such as springs, long tubes, bearings, rods, polygonal prisms, and long cylinders, as well as composite workpieces composed of several single workpieces such as sleeves and extension rods. The term "station" in this disclosure refers to a specific position formed on this multi-station self-positioning device, where a workpiece can be placed along a specified direction for performing processes such as receiving, assembling, and packing the workpiece.

[0090] For ease of explanation, this disclosure defines the vertical direction as the direction perpendicular to the base when the multi-station self-positioning device is placed on a horizontal surface; the longitudinal direction is defined as the direction of the axis of the workpiece when it is placed on the station; and the transverse direction is defined as the direction of workpiece transport.

[0091] For ease of explanation, this disclosure will use the same component name for components that are substantially similar (but not necessarily completely identical) in structure, working principle, and technical effect, distinguishing them by adding ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" before the component name or by using a label after the component name. In the following text, structures with the same component name will not be described again to avoid redundancy.

[0092] In this disclosure, the term "support" means contacting and supporting the workpiece from below and limiting the workpiece to a certain extent, at least in the lateral direction. This limiting method includes non-locking limiting that allows the workpiece to disengage (refer to the positioning seat below) and locking limiting that does not allow the workpiece to disengage (refer to the clamping seat below). The term "fixed connection" means that one component directly contacts and connects to another component and maintains a relatively fixed positional relationship with the other component. Specific connection methods include, but are not limited to, welding, bolting, snap-fitting, and detachable connection. The term "fixed setting" means that one component is connected to another component directly or by several third components and maintains a relatively fixed positional relationship with the other component. It can be understood that in this disclosure, fixed connection is a possible connection method of fixed setting.

[0093] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle.

[0094] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the multi-station self-positioning device disclosed herein includes components such as a base 100, a first positioning module 200, a second positioning module 300, a first transverse movement unit 400, and a second transverse movement unit 500.

[0095] The base 100 disclosed herein is a flat plate structure with high flatness to facilitate the positioning of the workpiece by the self-positioning device. It is understood that the base 100 is not a necessary component; provided the positioning accuracy of the self-positioning device is guaranteed, the base 100 can be omitted and the various positioning modules can be directly installed on the factory floor or a platform.

[0096] The first positioning module 200 and the second positioning module 300 of this disclosure are both disposed on the base 100. The first positioning module 200 is fixed to the base 100, and the second positioning module 300 is slidably disposed on the base 100. Thus, the second positioning module 300 can be driven to approach or move away from the first positioning module 200.

[0097] Specifically, the first positioning module 200 includes a first base 210 and a plurality of first positioning seats 220 disposed on the first base 210. The first positioning seats 220 are configured to support workpieces, and the first positioning seats 220 are arranged sequentially at preset intervals along the lateral direction. The first base 210 is fixed to the base 100, and the preset interval is the distance between the centers of two workstations.

[0098] Those skilled in the art should understand that each position of the first positioning seat 220 corresponds to a workstation. Specifically, with Figure 1 As shown, there are five first positioning seats 220, thus the multi-station self-positioning device of this disclosure includes five stations. Furthermore... Figure 1 The directions shown, from bottom to top, are the first station, the second station, the third station, the fourth station, and the fifth station. The first station is the receiving station, where the first workpiece is received. The second station is the inspection station, where the first workpiece can be inspected by other equipment while it is at the second station. The third and fourth stations are assembly stations, where other workpieces can be installed onto the first workpiece. The fifth station is the finishing station, where the assembled product is held and removed.

[0099] The first positioning base 220 of this disclosure has a first supporting portion 221 formed on the top and adapted to the first workpiece, and a first fixing portion 222 located below the first supporting portion 221 and fixedly connected to the first base 210. In this embodiment, the first workpiece is a spring, and the first supporting portion 221 has a pair of inwardly and downwardly inclined slopes (not shown in the figure). When the first workpiece is supported on the pair of inclined slopes on the first supporting portion 221, it can move towards the middle of the first supporting portion 221 under the action of gravity, thereby achieving the technical effect of automatically adjusting posture and positioning. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first supporting portion 221 can be selected with an adapted structure based on the specific style of the supported workpiece (e.g., when the supported workpiece is a polygonal prism, the top surface of the first supporting portion 221 can be constructed as a multi-plane structure adapted to the polygonal prism), and this disclosure does not impose any limitations.

[0100] The first fixing part 222 has several vertically extending first waist-shaped holes 223 through which fastening bolts can pass, so that the multi-station self-positioning equipment can adjust its own installation height based on actual factors such as the actual size of the first workpiece.

[0101] Furthermore, the last station of the positioning equipment is typically used for workpiece unloading. To detect whether the first workpiece at the last station has detached from the multi-station self-positioning equipment, the first positioning module 200 is also equipped with a workpiece sensor located at the first positioning seat 220 at the last station. This workpiece sensor can detect whether a first workpiece is resting on the corresponding first positioning seat 220. In practical applications, this workpiece sensor can be a reflective photoelectric switch, Hall sensor, push-button switch, or other similar sensor. Their specific structure, working principle, and corresponding assembly methods are common knowledge to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here. It is understandable that this workpiece sensor can be configured on the corresponding positioning seat (not limited to the positioning module) whenever it is necessary to detect whether a workpiece is present at the corresponding station (such as receiving or disassembling).

[0102] For ease of description, in this disclosure, ... Figure 1 As shown in the directions, the right side of the first base 210 is the first side, and the left side of the first base 210 is the second side. Similarly, the right side of the second base is the first side, the left side of the second base is the second side, and the right side of the third base is the first side, and the left side of the third base is the second side.

[0103] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first positioning module and the first transverse movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first positioning module and the first transverse movement unit, etc., of a multi-station self-positioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle.

[0104] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first lateral movement unit 400 is slidably disposed on the first base 210 and can be driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the first base 210. In a specific embodiment, the first base 210 is provided with a first lateral movement rail, wherein the first lateral movement rail is arranged laterally and is arranged substantially horizontally; the first lateral movement unit 400 is slidably disposed on the first lateral movement rail, wherein the first lateral movement unit 400 is disposed on a first side of the first base 210.

[0105] See again Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first lateral movement unit 400 includes a first lifting platform 410, a first moving seat 420 and a first transport part 430; the first lifting platform 410 can be a lifting cylinder, which is slidably disposed on the first lateral movement slide rail so that the first lifting platform 410 can slide along the first lateral movement slide rail.

[0106] The first movable seat 420 is disposed on the first lifting platform 410 so that the first movable seat 420 can move relative to the first base 210 in the horizontal and vertical directions; that is, the first lifting platform 410 of this disclosure can drive the first movable seat 420 to produce vertical movement.

[0107] The first transport unit 430 is disposed on the first movable seat 420, wherein the first transport unit 430 is used to support the workpiece; the first movable seat 420 has a transport position in which the first transport unit 430 is higher than the first positioning seat 220 and / or the second positioning seat 320 and a standby position in which the first transport unit 430 is lower than the first positioning seat 220 and / or the second positioning seat 320; the first lifting platform 410 can drive the first movable seat 420 to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0108] Two first transport units 430 are provided, located at the two ends of the first movable seat 420 in the lateral direction. Therefore, the number of first lifting platforms 410 of this disclosure can be reduced. That is, each first movable seat 420 is provided with two first transport units 430.

[0109] More preferably, the first conveying part 430 is a gripper assembly. This gripper assembly can be implemented using structures in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0110] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second positioning module and the second transverse movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second positioning module and the second lateral movement unit of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, from another angle.

[0111] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second positioning module 300 of this disclosure includes a second base 310 and a plurality of second positioning seats 320 disposed on the second base 310. The second positioning seats 320 are configured to support the workpiece, and the second positioning seats 320 are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the transverse direction. The first positioning seat 220 and the second positioning seats 320 corresponding to the first positioning seat 220 in the longitudinal direction form a work station.

[0112] Specifically, a first longitudinal slide rail may be provided on the base 100. The first longitudinal slide rail is arranged longitudinally and is arranged approximately parallel to the base. The second base 310 is slidably disposed on the second longitudinal slide rail, so that when the second base 310 slides along the second longitudinal slide rail, it can approach or move away from the first base 210.

[0113] The second base 310 of this disclosure may be provided with a gripper assembly, wherein the gripper assembly is located at the last station, thereby enabling the product to be gripped to prevent the product from detaching from the station.

[0114] Meanwhile, at the penultimate station (i.e., the fourth station) and the penultimate station (i.e., the third station), the second base 310 of this disclosure may also be provided with gripper assemblies, so that the workpiece can be gripped and positioned by these gripper assemblies to facilitate the assembly of the workpiece.

[0115] See again Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second transverse unit 500 of this disclosure is slidably disposed on the second base 310 and can be driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the second base 310, wherein the first transverse unit 400 and the second transverse unit 500 are used to transfer workpieces between different workstations.

[0116] In this disclosure, a second lateral movement unit 500 is provided on both sides of the second base 310 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, a second lateral movement unit 500 is provided on both the first and second sides of the second base 310. In a specific embodiment, the number of second lateral movement units 500 is four, wherein two second lateral movement units 500 are provided on the first side of the second base 310, and another two second lateral movement units 500 are provided on the second side of the second base 310.

[0117] Therefore, in use, the first transverse unit 400 of the multi-station self-positioning device disclosed herein cooperates with the second transverse unit 500 on the second side of the second base 310. The second transverse unit 500 on the first side of the second base 310 will cooperate with the third transverse unit 700.

[0118] In one specific embodiment, a second transverse slide rail is provided on the second base 310; a second transverse unit 500 is slidably disposed on the second transverse slide rail, wherein the second transverse slide rail is disposed laterally and is disposed approximately horizontally; the second transverse unit 500 is slidably disposed on the second transverse slide rail.

[0119] The second transverse unit 500 includes components such as a second lifting platform 510, a second movable seat 520, and a second transport unit 530. The second lifting platform 510 is slidably mounted on a second transverse slide rail, allowing it to slide along the rail. The second movable seat 520 is mounted on the second lifting platform 510, enabling it to move relative to the second base 310 in both the transverse and vertical directions. The second transport unit 530 is mounted on the second movable seat 520 and is used to support workpieces. The second movable seat 520 has a transport position where the second transport unit 530 is higher than the first positioning seat 220 and / or the second positioning seat 320, and a standby position where the second transport unit 530 is lower than the first positioning seat 220 and / or the second positioning seat 320. The second lifting platform 510 can drive the second movable seat 520 to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0120] Since the second transverse unit 500 has a substantially the same structure as the first transverse unit 400, this disclosure will not elaborate on them one by one.

[0121] Two second transport units 530 are provided, and these two second transport units 530 are located at the two ends of the second movable seat 520 in the lateral direction. That is, each second movable seat 520 is provided with two second transport units 530.

[0122] Unlike the structure of the first transport section 430, the second transport section 530 of this disclosure is a positioning block or a gripper assembly. In a preferred embodiment, among the second transport sections 530 on the first side of the second base 410, the second transport section 530 near the fifth station can be a gripper assembly, while the other second transport sections 530 can be positioning blocks. Thus, the second transverse transfer unit 500 of this disclosure can meet the functional requirements of workpiece transfer and installation positioning.

[0123] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third positioning module and the third transverse movement unit 700 of a multi-station self-positioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the third positioning module and the third transverse unit 700 of a multi-station self-positioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, from another angle.

[0124] The multi-station self-positioning device disclosed herein also includes a third positioning module 600, which includes a third base 610 and a plurality of third positioning seats 620 disposed on the third base 610. The third positioning seats 620 are configured to support workpieces and are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the transverse direction. The third positioning seats 620 and the second positioning seats 320 corresponding to the third positioning seats 620 in the longitudinal direction form a station. The second positioning seats 320 are installed on the second base 310 near the third base 610, that is, the second positioning seats 320 are second positioning seats disposed on the first side of the second base 310. At this time, the second positioning seats 320 are disposed on both sides of the second base 310.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the second positioning seat 320 disposed on the first side of the second base 310 can be a lifting positioning seat, that is, it includes a lifting cylinder and a positioning block disposed on the lifting cylinder, so that the positioning block can be driven to generate lifting and lowering motion in the vertical direction by the action of the lifting cylinder.

[0126] The third base 610 of this disclosure may be provided with a gripper assembly, wherein the gripper assembly is located at the last station, thereby enabling the product to be gripped to prevent the product from detaching from the station.

[0127] Meanwhile, at the penultimate station (i.e., the fourth station), the third base 610 of this disclosure can also be provided with a gripper assembly, so that the workpiece can be gripped and positioned by these gripper assemblies to facilitate the assembly of the workpiece.

[0128] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a third transverse slide rail is provided on the third base 610 of this disclosure; the third transverse unit 700 is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail. Specifically, the third transverse slide rail is arranged transversely and is arranged approximately horizontally; the third transverse unit 700 is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail.

[0129] The third transverse unit 700 includes a third lifting platform 710, a third movable seat 720, and a third transport unit 730. The third lifting platform 710 is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail, so that the third lifting platform 710 can slide along the third transverse slide rail; the third movable seat 720 is disposed on the third lifting platform 710, so that the third movable seat 720 can move relative to the third base 610 in the transverse and vertical directions; the third transport unit 730 is disposed on the third movable seat 720, wherein the third transport unit 730 is used to support the workpiece; wherein the third movable seat 720 has a transport position in which the third transport unit 730 is higher than the second positioning seat 320 and / or the third positioning seat 620, and a standby position in which the third transport unit 730 is lower than the second positioning seat 320 and / or the third positioning seat 620, and the third lifting platform 710 can drive the third movable seat 720 to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0130] The third transverse unit 700 based on this disclosure can have a similar structure to the second transverse unit 500, and its structure will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0131] Two third transport units 730 are provided, located at the two ends of the third movable seat 720 in the lateral direction. That is, each third movable seat 720 is provided with two third transport units 730.

[0132] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the third transport unit 730 is a positioning block or a gripper assembly; moreover, the third transverse unit 700 of this disclosure can be configured as two, that is, a third transverse unit 700 is provided on the first side of the third base 610, and another third transverse unit 700 is provided on its second side.

[0133] See again Figure 1 The multi-station self-positioning device disclosed herein also includes an auxiliary lateral movement unit 800, which is slidably disposed on the first base 210 and can be driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the first base 210; wherein, the first lateral movement unit 400 is located on a side of the first base 210 close to the second base 310, and the auxiliary lateral movement unit 800 is located on a side of the first base 210 away from the second base 310.

[0134] In other words, the first transverse unit 400 of this disclosure is disposed on the first side of the first base 210, and the auxiliary transverse unit 800 is disposed on the second side of the first base 210.

[0135] Specifically, an auxiliary transverse slide rail is provided on the first base 410; the auxiliary transverse unit 800 is slidably disposed on the auxiliary transverse slide rail. Specifically, the auxiliary transverse slide rail is arranged transversely and is arranged approximately horizontally; the auxiliary transverse unit 800 is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail.

[0136] The auxiliary lateral movement unit 800 includes an auxiliary lifting platform 810, an auxiliary moving seat 820, and an auxiliary transport unit 830. The auxiliary lifting platform 810 is slidably mounted on the auxiliary lateral movement slide rail, allowing it to slide along the slide rail. The auxiliary moving seat 820 is mounted on the auxiliary lifting platform 810, enabling it to move relative to the first base in both the lateral and vertical directions. The auxiliary transport unit 830 is mounted on the auxiliary moving seat 820 and is used to support the workpiece. The auxiliary moving seat 820 has a transport position where the auxiliary transport unit 830 is higher than the first positioning seat 220 and / or the auxiliary positioning seat 801, and a standby position where the auxiliary transport unit 830 is lower than the first positioning seat 220 and / or the auxiliary positioning seat 801. The auxiliary lifting platform 810 can drive the auxiliary moving seat 820 to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

[0137] Furthermore, the auxiliary positioning seat 801 disclosed herein can be fixed to the first base 210, and is also configured in five parts.

[0138] Two auxiliary transport units 830 are provided, located at the two ends of the auxiliary moving seat 820 in the lateral direction. In other words, the auxiliary lateral movement unit 800 of this disclosure is provided in two forms, with each auxiliary moving seat 820 having two auxiliary transport units 830. The auxiliary transport units 830 of this disclosure are gripper assemblies.

[0139] In this disclosure, the mechanism driving the second positioning module 300 to move can be a motor-driven lead screw and nut structure. Similarly, the mechanism driving the third positioning module 600 to move can also be a motor-driven lead screw and nut structure. Since motor-driven lead screw and nut structures are common in the art, they will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0140] Alternatively, the power source driving the first lateral movement unit can also be a motor-driven lead screw and nut structure. Considering that the first, second, third, and auxiliary lateral movement units need to move laterally synchronously, a single motor-driven lead screw and nut structure can be used to achieve the movement of these four lateral movement units. In this case, the motor-driven lead screw and nut mechanism can be mounted on the first base 210 and connected to the lead screw and nut mechanisms at the second and third lateral movement units via the transmission shaft 10. Thus, the power source of this disclosure can be implemented using a single motor. In another embodiment, multiple motor-driven lead screw and nut mechanisms can also be used to drive the first, second, third, and auxiliary lateral movement units respectively.

[0141] The working principle of the multi-station self-positioning equipment is explained below: When the multi-station self-positioning equipment needs to simultaneously transport multiple first and second workpieces, the workpiece sensor ensures that the last workpiece has been removed from the multi-station self-positioning equipment; subsequently, the gripper (if any) on each moving seat drives the corresponding pair of gripping jaws to switch from the locked position to the released position; then, each lifting platform moves and drives the moving seat to switch from the standby position to the transport position, and the transport part on the moving seat contacts the first or second workpiece; then, the gripper on each fixed clamping seat drives the corresponding pair of gripping jaws to switch from the locked position to the released position, and the gripper on each lifting clamping seat drives the corresponding pair of gripping jaws to switch from the locked position to the released position and causes the corresponding pair of gripping jaws to fall to avoid interfering with the transport of the first and second workpieces; then, the gripper on each moving seat drives the corresponding pair of gripping jaws to switch from the released position to the locked position, and the third positioning module is driven and moves, thereby completing the assembly of the product.

[0142] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments / modes or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0143] 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.

[0144] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for illustrating the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A multi-station self-positioning device, characterized in that, include: The first positioning module includes a first base and a plurality of first positioning seats disposed on the first base, wherein the first positioning seats are configured to support the workpiece, and the first positioning seats are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the lateral direction. The second positioning module includes a second base and a plurality of second positioning seats disposed on the second base. The second positioning seats are configured to support the workpiece, and the second positioning seats are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the transverse direction. The first positioning seat and the second positioning seats corresponding to the first positioning seat in the longitudinal direction form a workstation. A first lateral movement unit, slidably disposed on the first base, and capable of being driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the first base; and The second transverse unit is slidably disposed on the second base and can be driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the second base, wherein the first transverse unit and the second transverse unit are used to transfer the workpiece between different workstations. The second positioning module can be driven to approach or move away from the first positioning module.

2. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first transverse slide rail is provided on the first base; a first transverse unit is slidably disposed on the first transverse slide rail, wherein the first transverse unit includes: A first lifting platform is slidably disposed on the first transverse slide rail, so that the first lifting platform can slide along the first transverse slide rail. A first movable seat, disposed on the first lifting platform, is capable of moving relative to the first base in both the horizontal and vertical directions; and A first transport unit is disposed on the first movable seat, wherein the first transport unit is used to support the workpiece; The first movable seat has a transport position in which the first transport part is higher than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat, and a standby position in which the first transport part is lower than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat. The first lifting platform can drive the first movable seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

3. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first transport unit is configured as two units, which are located at the two ends of the first movable seat in the lateral direction.

4. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first conveying part is a gripper assembly.

5. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second base has a second transverse moving unit on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

6. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second transverse slide rail is provided on the second base; the second transverse unit is slidably disposed on the second transverse slide rail, wherein the second transverse unit includes: The second lifting platform is slidably disposed on the second transverse slide rail, so that the second lifting platform can slide along the second transverse slide rail; A second movable seat, disposed on the second lifting platform, is capable of moving relative to the second base in both the lateral and vertical directions; and The second transport unit is disposed on the second movable seat, wherein the second transport unit is used to support the workpiece; The second movable seat has a transport position in which the second transport part is higher than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat, and a standby position in which the second transport part is lower than the first positioning seat and / or the second positioning seat. The second lifting platform can drive the second movable seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

7. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second transport unit is configured as two units, which are located at the two ends of the second movable seat in the lateral direction.

8. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second transport part is a positioning block or a gripper assembly.

9. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The third positioning module includes a third base and a plurality of third positioning seats disposed on the third base. The third positioning seats are configured to support the workpiece and are arranged sequentially at a preset interval along the transverse direction. The third positioning seats and the second positioning seats corresponding to the third positioning seats in the longitudinal direction form a work station.

10. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A third transverse slide rail is provided on the third base; a third transverse unit is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail, wherein the third transverse unit includes: The third lifting platform is slidably disposed on the third transverse slide rail, so that the third lifting platform can slide along the third transverse slide rail; A third movable seat, disposed on the third lifting platform, is capable of moving relative to the third base in both the lateral and vertical directions; and The third transport unit is disposed on the third movable seat, wherein the third transport unit is used to support the workpiece; The third movable seat has a transport position in which the third transport part is higher than the second positioning seat and / or the third positioning seat, and a standby position in which the third transport part is lower than the second positioning seat and / or the third positioning seat. The third lifting platform can drive the third movable seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

11. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third transport unit is configured as two parts, which are located at the two ends of the third moving seat in the lateral direction.

12. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The third transport unit is a positioning block or a gripper assembly.

13. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An auxiliary lateral movement unit is slidably disposed on the first base and can be driven by a power source to move laterally relative to the first base; wherein the first lateral movement unit is located on a side of the first base near the second base, and the auxiliary lateral movement unit is located on a side of the first base away from the second base.

14. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 13, characterized in that, An auxiliary lateral sliding rail is provided on the first base; the auxiliary lateral sliding unit is slidably disposed on the auxiliary lateral sliding rail, wherein the auxiliary lateral sliding unit includes: An auxiliary lifting platform is slidably disposed on the auxiliary transverse slide rail, so that the auxiliary lifting platform can slide along the auxiliary transverse slide rail; An auxiliary movable base, disposed on the auxiliary lifting platform, is provided such that the auxiliary movable base can move relative to the first base in both the lateral and vertical directions; and An auxiliary transport unit is disposed on the auxiliary movable seat, wherein the auxiliary transport unit is used to support the workpiece; The auxiliary moving seat has a transport position in which the auxiliary transport part is higher than the first positioning seat and / or the auxiliary positioning seat, and a standby position in which the auxiliary transport part is lower than the first positioning seat and / or the auxiliary positioning seat. The auxiliary lifting platform can drive the auxiliary moving seat to switch between the transport position and the standby position.

15. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The auxiliary transport unit is configured as two units, which are located at the two ends of the auxiliary moving seat in the lateral direction.

16. The multi-station self-positioning device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The auxiliary transport unit is a gripper assembly.

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