A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of workpiece assembly equipment, in particular to a multi-station workpiece assembly equipment which comprises a central control console, a feeding mechanism, a station switching mechanism and a workpiece grabbing mechanism, the station switching mechanism comprises a switching disc, a switching driving assembly and a plurality of workpiece fixing blocks, the feeding mechanism comprises a vibrating feeding disc and a feeding groove body, and the workpiece grabbing mechanism is arranged at the adjacent position of the feeding groove body. The application has the advantages of improving the low efficiency of manual or semi-automatic assembly, improving the workpiece assembly efficiency and assembly consistency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of workpiece assembly equipment, and in particular to a multi-station workpiece assembly equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial manufacturing, workpiece assembly typically involves the sequential combination and precision mating of multiple components. One assembly process for a workpiece assembly includes: using an externally threaded sleeve with a hexagonal nut at one end as the initial component; then, sequentially fitting a rubber ring and a metal nut onto the outside of the sleeve; and finally, pressing a sealing cap inside the sleeve. Such assembly tasks require accurate positioning and sequential installation of each component, ensuring consistency and reliability in the assembly.

[0003] In related technologies, the assembly of such workpieces is mostly completed manually or with semi-automated equipment. Operators typically need to manually pick up and place workpieces between different workstations, assemble parts one by one, or use simple mechanical fixtures to assist in completing some of the actions.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, manual intervention in material loading / unloading or key assembly actions limits the overall level of automation. Furthermore, manual operation is not only labor-intensive and slow-paced, but also prone to product quality fluctuations due to fatigue or inconsistent operation. Semi-automated equipment, due to poor coordination between workstations, insufficient workpiece positioning accuracy, or discontinuous transfer rhythm, struggles to achieve high-speed, continuous assembly operations, thus hindering the improvement of the overall production cycle time. Utility Model Content

[0005] To improve the efficiency of manual or semi-automatic assembly and enhance the efficiency and consistency of workpiece assembly, this application provides a multi-station workpiece assembly equipment.

[0006] The multi-station workpiece assembly equipment provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A multi-station workpiece assembly device includes a central control console, multiple feeding mechanisms arranged circumferentially on the central control console, a station switching mechanism located on the top side of the central control console for receiving and transferring workpieces conveyed by each of the feeding mechanisms, and multiple workpiece gripping mechanisms arranged circumferentially on the top side of the central control console for cooperating with the station switching mechanisms. The station switching mechanism includes a switching disk rotatably connected to the center position of the top side of the central control console, a switching drive assembly located on the central control console for driving the switching disk to rotate, and multiple workpiece fixing blocks arranged circumferentially on the switching disk for corresponding to each of the feeding mechanisms. The feeding mechanism includes a vibrating feeding disk and a feeding trough located on the vibrating feeding disk for aligning with the workpiece fixing blocks. The workpiece gripping mechanisms are located at adjacent positions to the feeding trough.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple circumferentially arranged feeding mechanisms can simultaneously provide different materials for different assembly steps. The central station switching mechanism, through the rotation of the switching plate, drives the workpiece fixing blocks to pass through each feeding station sequentially, realizing automatic workpiece transfer and precise positioning. The workpiece gripping mechanism quickly and accurately transfers workpieces between the feeding trough and the workpiece fixing blocks, completing automatic feeding and transfer between stations. The switching drive component ensures accurate indexing of the switching plate, keeping the workpiece fixing blocks aligned with each feeding trough, reducing repetitive positioning errors. Under the unified scheduling of the central control console, the entire system achieves full automation of feeding, transfer, and assembly, avoiding problems such as slow pace, high labor intensity, and inconsistent quality caused by manual operation. It is suitable for multi-process, large-volume workpiece assembly scenarios.

[0008] Furthermore, each of the workpiece fixing blocks is arranged at equal intervals on the edge of the top side of the switching disk, and the workpiece fixing block has a workpiece positioning groove on the top side for the workpiece to be inserted.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, workpiece fixing blocks are arranged at equal intervals along the edge of the top side of the switching disk, ensuring that each fixed station is evenly distributed on the circumference, forming a precise spatial correspondence with the circumferentially arranged feeding and gripping mechanisms. Utilizing the rotational space of the switching disk, it ensures that each workpiece fixing block can quickly and accurately stop and align with the respective station mechanism during station switching, providing a foundation for efficient and continuous multi-station collaborative operation. Workpiece positioning grooves are formed on the top side of the workpiece fixing blocks for workpiece insertion, providing customized accommodating space for the workpiece. The groove structure radially and axially limits the workpiece, preventing displacement, shaking, or detachment during high-speed rotation and start-stop transfer, thus improving the stability and positioning accuracy of the workpiece during dynamic transfer.

[0010] Furthermore, the assembly equipment also includes an auxiliary fixing mechanism, which includes an auxiliary disk and a fixing component for fixing the workpiece in the workpiece positioning slot. The auxiliary disk is coaxially arranged with the switching disk and located above the switching disk. The auxiliary disk is vertically arranged on its bottom side and fixedly connected to a support column for connecting to the top side of the central control console.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the auxiliary fixing mechanism forms an upper fixing platform independent of the rotating component. The auxiliary disk and the switching disk are arranged coaxially, and the support column firmly connects the auxiliary disk to the central control console, so that the entire auxiliary fixing mechanism remains stationary when the switching disk rotates, separating the rotational motion of the workpiece from the fixing action. When the switching disk carries the workpiece to different work positions, the upper fixing component can immediately clamp and fix the workpiece that has reached the designated position, eliminating the slight displacement or shaking of the workpiece caused by the start and stop vibration of the switching disk or external assembly forces (such as pressing and fitting) during the assembly operation, and improving the operation accuracy and process stability of the assembly station.

[0012] Furthermore, the switching drive assembly includes a drive gear disposed on the central control console and a drive sleeve arranged vertically and rotatably connected to the center position of the central control console. The drive sleeve has a driven gear integrally disposed on its outer peripheral wall for meshing with the drive gear. The drive sleeve is arranged vertically and fixedly connected to the center position of the bottom side of the switching disk. The switching disk has a clearance through hole at its center position for the support column to pass through. The support column is coaxially arranged inside the drive sleeve.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the driving gear and driven gear mesh to form a transmission system with high torque output, ensuring that the drive sleeve and the switching disc fixed to it can obtain stable and sufficient rotational power, and achieving precise angular displacement control (i.e., indexing). The drive sleeve is vertically arranged and rotatably connected to the center position of the central control console, while being fixedly connected to the center of the switching disc. The center drive method allows the power to act directly on the rotation center of the rotating component, avoiding the generation of eccentric torque and improving the rotational smoothness of the switching disc. The drive sleeve is hollow and coaxially arranged with the clearance through hole and support column, so that the rotating drive component and the fixed auxiliary support structure share the same central axis but do not interfere with each other. This solves the spatial layout conflict between the static support of the upper auxiliary fixed mechanism and the dynamic rotation of the lower station switching mechanism, achieving a compact equipment structure and functional integration.

[0014] Furthermore, the switching drive assembly also includes a support ring frame for supporting the switching disk. The support ring frame includes a support ring coaxially arranged outside the drive sleeve and a plurality of support columns arranged circumferentially and vertically fixed between the support ring and the central control console. The bottom side of the switching disk has an annular groove for the support ring to be partially embedded and slidably connected.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the support ring frame provides a full-circumferential auxiliary support structure for the switching disk, improving the rigidity and stability of the entire rotating system. The support ring is mounted on the central control console through multiple circumferentially evenly distributed support columns, forming a robust and concentric reference platform. The support ring is partially embedded in the annular groove on the bottom side of the switching disk, forming a sliding connection. This allows the heavy switching disk, the workpiece fixing block on it, and the weight of the workpiece it carries to be effectively distributed and borne through the large-area annular contact surface, reducing the bending moment and radial load on the central drive sleeve. This prevents the switching disk from warping, tilting, or shaking during rotation due to eccentric load, ensuring that the disk surface remains level and stable, providing a foundation for precise positioning and assembly operations above.

[0016] Furthermore, the fixing assembly includes a mounting plate vertically fixed to the auxiliary disk, a pushing cylinder arranged along the radial direction of the auxiliary disk, and a chuck driven by the pushing cylinder and used to hold the side wall of the workpiece in the workpiece positioning groove. The pushing cylinder is installed on one side of the mounting plate near the center of the auxiliary disk, and the piston rod of the pushing cylinder passes through the mounting plate. The chuck is installed at the end of the piston rod of the pushing cylinder.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the mounting plate is vertically fixed to the auxiliary plate, providing a mounting foundation for the entire assembly. The push cylinder is arranged along the radius of the auxiliary plate and installed on the side of the mounting plate closest to the center, so that the piston rod extends towards the workpiece at the circumferential edge. This radial arrangement ensures that the line of action of the driving force is directly aligned with the center of the workpiece, achieving the most efficient force transmission and avoiding unnecessary overturning moments. When the switching plate carries the workpiece to the assembly station and comes to a stop, the push cylinder can immediately actuate. The piston rod passes through the mounting plate and drives the end jaws to move radially in a straight line, precisely gripping the sidewall of the workpiece. This adapts to the workpiece's shape characteristics, providing uniform clamping force, restricting the workpiece's degrees of freedom in the vertical and circumferential directions, and preventing rotation, jumping, or axial displacement during subsequent assembly operations (such as pressing and tightening), ensuring the consistency of accuracy and process reliability of assembly operations at key stations.

[0018] Furthermore, the workpiece gripping mechanism includes a control stand vertically mounted on the central control console, a Y-axis linear module mounted on the control stand, a lifting linear module mounted on the Y-axis linear module, and a finger cylinder mounted on the lifting linear module for gripping the workpiece. The movement direction of the Y-axis linear module is parallel to the length direction of the loading trough to drive the finger cylinder to align above the loading trough and the workpiece fixing block.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the vertically installed control stand provides a stable foundation for the entire mechanism, ensuring sufficient rigidity and stability. The movement direction of the Y-axis linear module is parallel to the length direction of the feeding trough, allowing the finger cylinder to be precisely driven to a position completely aligned with the workpiece fixing block on the feeding trough's discharge end or switching plate. The lifting linear module is responsible for driving the finger cylinder to complete the vertical picking and placing actions. First, the finger cylinder is moved directly above the target, then vertically lowered to a preset height for grasping or releasing, and finally lifted and moved away, with an efficient and interference-free motion path.

[0020] Furthermore, the lifting linear module is equipped with a servo motor for driving the finger cylinder to rotate.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the servo motor adds a rotation function to the workpiece gripping mechanism. After the finger cylinder grips the metal nut from the feeding station, it is transferred to the workpiece fixing block with the sleeve already installed. After the nut is fitted onto the threaded sleeve, the servo motor drives the finger cylinder and the gripped nut to rotate at least 180 degrees, so that the nut and the external thread of the sleeve are effectively engaged, achieving pre-installation. The fitting action is upgraded to a screw-on installation, and the thread engagement solves the risk of the nut loosening or falling off during subsequent station transfers due to improper screwing, improving the reliability between processes.

[0022] Furthermore, the auxiliary disk has multiple circumferentially spaced clearance notches at its edge for engaging with the claws.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple clearance notches are opened circumferentially along the edge of the auxiliary disk to solve the spatial interference problem between the static auxiliary disk and the dynamically moving jaws. The clearance notches provide a passage for the jaws that reciprocate along the radial direction, so that the movement path of the jaws can pass through the edge of the auxiliary disk without obstruction, ensuring the complete realization of the function of the fixing component.

[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Through unified scheduling via a central control console, multiple circumferentially arranged automatic feeding mechanisms, workstation switching mechanisms with precise indexing functions, and collaborative workpiece gripping mechanisms are integrated to construct a complete automated assembly system. This system automatically completes workpiece feeding, precise transfer, multi-workstation flow, and assembly, replacing traditional manual or semi-automatic operations and improving the overall efficiency and production cycle of assembly operations. It is particularly suitable for multi-process, high-volume production scenarios. 2. The switching disc, as the core rotating component of the equipment, uses gear transmission as its central drive and is combined with a supporting ring frame with omnidirectional auxiliary support to ensure stable and precise rotation and indexing positioning under load. Combined with a fixing block with a workpiece positioning groove and an auxiliary fixing mechanism above, it reliably clamps the workpiece at the assembly station, eliminating possible displacement, swaying, or vibration during dynamic transfer and static assembly. This provides a foundation for high-precision assembly operations (such as fitting, pressing, and tightening) at each station, ensuring consistent product assembly quality. 3. The workpiece gripping mechanism at certain workstations integrates a servo motor-driven rotation function. This not only allows for workpiece placement and removal but also enables the pre-tightening of nuts to prevent them from falling off during subsequent processing, ensuring the continuity and reliability of the automated process. The hollow drive sleeve to accommodate the static support column and the auxiliary plate with clearance notches, among other detailed layout features, resolve spatial interference issues between rotating and stationary components, achieving a highly compact equipment structure and highly integrated functions. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-station workpiece assembly equipment according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 .

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-station workpiece assembly equipment according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 .

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the feeding mechanism in the embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the workstation switching mechanism in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the switching disk in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the workstation switching mechanism in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the workpiece gripping mechanism in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the workpiece gripping mechanism in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0033] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the central control console and workstation switching mechanism in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Central control console; 2. Feeding mechanism; 21. Vibrating feeding plate; 22. Feeding trough; 3. Station switching mechanism; 31. Switching plate; 311. Clearance through hole; 312. Annular chute; 32. Switching drive assembly; 321. Drive motor; 322. Drive gear; 323. Drive sleeve; 3231. Driven gear; 324. Support ring frame; 3241. Support ring; 3242. Support column; 33. Workpiece fixing block; 331. Workpiece positioning groove; 4. Workpiece gripping mechanism; 41. Control stand; 42. Y-axis linear module; 43. Lifting linear module; 44. Finger cylinder; 45. Servo motor; 5. Auxiliary fixing mechanism; 51. Auxiliary plate; 511. Support column; 512. Clearance notch; 52. Fixing assembly; 521. Mounting plate; 522. Push cylinder; 523. Claw. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application clearer, the following description is provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1-9 The present application will be further described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0036] This application discloses a multi-station workpiece assembly device. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The multi-station workpiece assembly equipment includes a central control console 1, a feeding mechanism 2, a station switching mechanism 3, a workpiece gripping mechanism 4, and an auxiliary fixing mechanism 5. The central control console 1 provides a layout for other equipment components. Multiple feeding mechanisms 2 are used to transport different parts to be assembled to each station. The station switching mechanism 3 transfers the parts from one process to the next station for assembly in the next process. The workpiece gripping mechanism 4 grips the workpieces from the feeding mechanism 2 and transfers them to the processing station of the station switching mechanism 3. The auxiliary fixing mechanism 5 is used to fix the workpieces on the station switching mechanism 3.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The feeding mechanism 2 includes a vibrating feeding plate 21 and a feeding trough 22 disposed on the vibrating feeding plate 21. The feeding trough 22 extends from the vibrating feeding plate 21 to the station switching mechanism 3. The number of feeding mechanisms 2 can be set according to the number of parts to be assembled. In this embodiment, the workpiece has four parts to be assembled, which are: an external threaded sleeve with a hexagonal nut integrally connected to the end, a rubber ring, a nut and an inner cover. The number of feeding mechanisms 2 is four. The process requires putting a rubber ring on the outside of the external threaded sleeve, then putting on a metal nut and screwing it in for pre-fixing, and finally inserting the inner cover into the sleeve.

[0038] Combination Figure 4 The central control console 1 is horizontally arranged on the ground, and each loading mechanism 2 is arranged around the central control console 1. In this embodiment, the central control console 1 has six workstations, four of which are loading workstations, corresponding to each loading mechanism 2 respectively. One workstation is a unloading workstation, used to unload the assembled workpieces. There is also a spare workstation, which is convenient for installing additional loading mechanisms 2 after temporarily adding processes.

[0039] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The workstation switching mechanism 3 includes a switching disk 31, a switching drive assembly 32, and workpiece fixing blocks 33. The switching disk 31 is rotatably connected to the center of the top side of the central control console 1. The switching drive assembly 32 is located on the central control console 1 and is used to drive the switching disk 31 to rotate. There are multiple workpiece fixing blocks 33 arranged circumferentially on the top side of the switching disk 31. In this embodiment, there are six workpiece fixing blocks 33, and each workpiece fixing block 33 is arranged at equal intervals on the edge of the switching disk 31. The workpiece fixing blocks 33 have workpiece positioning grooves 331 on their top sides for workpieces to be inserted. The end of the feeding trough 22 of each feeding mechanism 2 is aligned with the workpiece positioning groove 331.

[0040] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The auxiliary fixing mechanism 5 includes an auxiliary disk 51 and a fixing component 52. The auxiliary disk 51 is coaxially arranged with the switching disk 31 and located above the switching disk 31. The auxiliary disk 51 is vertically arranged on its bottom side and fixedly connected to a support column 511 for connecting to the top side of the central control console 1. The fixing component 52 is used to assist in fixing the workpiece in the workpiece positioning groove 331.

[0041] The fixing assembly 52 includes a mounting plate 521, a pushing cylinder 522, and a clamping claw 523. The mounting plate 521 is vertically fixed to the top side of the auxiliary disk 51. The pushing cylinder 522 is arranged along the radial direction of the auxiliary disk 51 and is installed on the side of the mounting plate 521 near the center of the auxiliary disk 51, with the piston rod of the pushing cylinder 522 passing through the mounting plate 521. The clamping claw 523 is installed at the end of the piston rod of the pushing cylinder 522 and is driven by the pushing cylinder 522 to clamp the side wall of the workpiece in the workpiece positioning groove 331.

[0042] The auxiliary disk 51 has multiple circumferentially spaced clearance notches 512 for engaging with the claws 523. This solves the spatial interference problem between the static auxiliary disk 51 and the dynamically moving claws 523. The clearance notches 512 provide a passage for the claws 523 to reciprocate along the radial direction, allowing the movement path of the claws 523 to pass unimpeded through the edge of the auxiliary disk 51, ensuring the complete realization of the function of the fixing component 52.

[0043] The switching drive assembly 32 includes a drive motor 321, a drive gear 322, a drive sleeve 323, and a support ring 324. The drive motor 321 is installed inside the central control console 1 near its center. The drive gear 322 is mounted on the drive motor 321 and is directly driven by it. The drive sleeve 323 is vertically arranged and rotatably connected to the center of the central control console 1. A driven gear 3231 for meshing with the drive gear 322 is integrally formed on the outer peripheral wall of the drive sleeve 323. The drive sleeve 323 is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the center of the bottom side of the switching disk 31. The switching disk 31 has a clearance through hole 311 at its center for a support column 511 to pass through. The support column 511 is coaxially arranged inside the drive sleeve 323.

[0044] The support ring frame 324 is used to support the switching disk 31. The support ring frame 324 includes a support ring 3241 and a plurality of support columns 3242. The support ring 3241 is coaxially arranged outside the drive sleeve 323. Each support column 3242 is circumferentially arranged and vertically fixedly connected between the support ring 3241 and the central control console 1. The switching disk 31 has an annular groove 312 on its bottom side for the support ring 3241 to be partially embedded and slidably connected.

[0045] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the workpiece gripping mechanism 4 is configured in two forms. In the first, second and fourth processes, the workpiece gripping mechanism 4 only needs to complete the gripping, transfer and release actions. In the third process (fitting and tightening the metal nut), after gripping and transferring, the workpiece gripping mechanism 4 needs to add a tightening action to pre-fix the nut before releasing it.

[0046] The workpiece gripping mechanism 4, installed in the first, second, and fourth processes, includes a control stand 41, a Y-axis linear module 42, a lifting linear module 43, and a finger cylinder 44. Combined with... Figure 1 The control stand 41 is vertically mounted on the central control console 1. The Y-axis linear module 42 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the control stand 41. The lifting linear module 43 is mounted on the Y-axis linear module 42. The finger cylinder 44 is mounted on the lifting linear module 43 and is used to grip the workpiece. The moving direction of the Y-axis linear module 42 is parallel to the length direction of the loading trough 22 so as to drive the finger cylinder 44 to align above the loading trough 22 and the workpiece fixing block 33.

[0047] The vertically mounted control stand 41 provides a stable foundation for the entire mechanism, ensuring sufficient rigidity and stability. The Y-axis linear module 42 moves parallel to the length of the loading trough 22, allowing the finger cylinder 44 to be precisely driven to a position completely aligned with the discharge end of the loading trough 22 or the workpiece fixing block 33 on the switching plate 31. The lifting linear module 43 is responsible for driving the finger cylinder 44 to complete the vertical picking and placing actions. First, the finger cylinder 44 is moved directly above the target, then it is vertically lowered to a preset height for grasping or releasing, and finally lifted and removed, with an efficient and interference-free motion path.

[0048] The workpiece gripping mechanism 4, located in the third process, includes a control stand 41, a Y-axis linear module 42, a lifting linear module 43, a finger cylinder 44, and a servo motor 45. The servo motor 45 is mounted on the lifting linear module 43 to drive the finger cylinder 44 to rotate. The servo motor 45 adds a rotation function to the workpiece gripping mechanism 4. After the finger cylinder 44 grips a metal nut from the feeding station, it is transferred to the workpiece fixing block 33 with a sleeve already installed. After the nut is fitted onto the threaded sleeve, the servo motor 45 drives the finger cylinder 44 and the gripped nut to rotate at least 180 degrees, effectively engaging the nut with the external thread of the sleeve, achieving pre-installation. Upgrading the fitting action to a screw-on installation solves the risk of the nut loosening or falling off during subsequent station transfers due to improper screwing, improving reliability between processes.

[0049] The implementation principle of a multi-station workpiece assembly equipment according to this application embodiment is as follows: After the equipment is started, the central control console 1 acts as the control core, coordinating the operation of each mechanism according to a preset program. The station switching mechanism 3 is the workpiece transfer center. The switching drive assembly 32 drives the drive gear 322 through a motor, which in turn drives the driven gear 3231 and the drive sleeve 323 fixed thereto to rotate, thereby precisely driving the switching disk 31 to perform indexing rotation. The support ring 324 at the bottom of the switching disk 31 bears the main load and ensures smooth rotation. Multiple workpiece fixing blocks 33 installed on the edge of the switching disk 31 rotate synchronously, and the workpiece positioning groove 331 is used to support and position the workpiece. The workpiece assembly process begins with the feeding mechanism 2. Four vibrating feeding disks 21 respectively and orderly vibrately convey external threaded sleeves, rubber rings, metal nuts and inner covers to the outlet end of their respective feeding troughs 22.

[0050] For the first (sleeve), second (rubber ring), and fourth (inner cover) stations, the gripping mechanism, through the cooperation of the Y-axis linear module 42 and the lifting linear module 43, drives the finger cylinder 44 to move above the loading trough outlet, descends and grips the part, and then transfers it to the workpiece fixing block 33 that is just positioned at the corresponding station, placing the part on or fitting it onto the base piece. At the third station (assembling metal nuts), after the gripping mechanism fits the nut into the sleeve, the servo motor 45 drives the finger cylinder 44 to rotate at least 180 degrees, so that the nut and the external thread of the sleeve are initially engaged, completing the pre-installation and preventing the nut from falling off during subsequent handling.

[0051] Once the switching disk 31 carries the workpiece to a certain station and stops, the fixing component 52 located above that station immediately activates. The push cylinder 522 drives the chuck 523 to extend radially, clamping and fixing the workpiece sidewall in the workpiece positioning groove 331, thereby resisting any impact or vibration that may occur during subsequent assembly operations and ensuring assembly accuracy.

[0052] In this cycle, the workpiece passes through each assembly station in turn under the intermittent rotation of the switching plate 31. Finally, after the inner cover is pressed into place at the fourth station, it is transferred to the unloading station. The entire assembly process, from assembly cycle to finished product unloading, is fully automated, high-precision, and high-efficiency.

[0053] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus, characterized by: The system includes a central control console (1), multiple feeding mechanisms (2) arranged circumferentially on the central control console (1), a workstation switching mechanism (3) located on the top side of the central control console (1) for receiving and transferring workpieces conveyed by each of the feeding mechanisms (2), and multiple workpiece gripping mechanisms (4) arranged circumferentially on the top side of the central control console (1) for cooperating with the workstation switching mechanism (3). The workstation switching mechanism (3) includes a switching disk (31) rotatably connected to the center position of the top side of the central control console (1). The central control console (1) includes a switching drive assembly (32) for driving the switching disk (31) to rotate, and a plurality of workpiece fixing blocks (33) arranged circumferentially on the switching disk (31) for corresponding to each of the feeding mechanisms (2). The feeding mechanism (2) includes a vibrating feeding disk (21) and a feeding trough (22) disposed on the vibrating feeding disk (21) for alignment with the workpiece fixing blocks (33). The workpiece gripping mechanism (4) is disposed at an adjacent position to the feeding trough (22).

2. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein: Each of the workpiece fixing blocks (33) is arranged at equal intervals on the edge of the top side of the switching disk (31), and the workpiece fixing block (33) has a workpiece positioning groove (331) on the top side for the workpiece to be inserted.

3. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein: The assembly equipment also includes an auxiliary fixing mechanism (5), which includes an auxiliary disk (51) and a fixing component (52) for fixing the workpiece in the workpiece positioning groove (331). The auxiliary disk (51) is coaxially arranged with the switching disk (31) and located above the switching disk (31). The auxiliary disk (51) is vertically arranged on the bottom side and fixedly connected to a support column (511) for connecting to the top side of the central control console (1).

4. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein: The switching drive assembly (32) includes a drive gear (322) disposed on the central control console (1) and a drive sleeve (323) arranged vertically and rotatably connected to the center position of the central control console (1). The drive sleeve (323) has an integrally provided driven gear (3231) on its outer peripheral wall for meshing with the drive gear (322). The drive sleeve (323) is arranged vertically and fixedly connected to the center position of the bottom side of the switching disk (31). The switching disk (31) has a clearance through hole (311) at the center position for the support column (511) to pass through. The support column (511) is coaxially arranged inside the drive sleeve (323).

5. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein: The switching drive assembly (32) further includes a support ring frame (324) for supporting the switching disk (31). The support ring frame (324) includes a support ring (3241) coaxially arranged outside the drive sleeve (323) and a plurality of support columns (3242) arranged circumferentially and vertically fixed between the support ring (3241) and the central control console (1). The bottom side of the switching disk (31) is provided with an annular groove (312) for the support ring (3241) to be partially embedded and slidably connected.

6. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein: The fixing assembly (52) includes a mounting plate (521) vertically fixed to the auxiliary disk (51), a push cylinder (522) arranged along the radial direction of the auxiliary disk (51), and a chuck (523) driven by the push cylinder (522) and used to hold the side wall of the workpiece in the workpiece positioning groove (331). The push cylinder (522) is installed on one side of the mounting plate (521) near the center of the auxiliary disk (51), and the piston rod of the push cylinder (522) passes through the mounting plate (521). The chuck (523) is installed at the end of the piston rod of the push cylinder (522).

7. The multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The workpiece gripping mechanism (4) includes a control stand (41) vertically mounted on the central control console (1), a Y-axis linear module (42) disposed on the control stand (41), a lifting linear module (43) disposed on the Y-axis linear module (42), and a finger cylinder (44) disposed on the lifting linear module (43) for gripping the workpiece. The moving direction of the Y-axis linear module is parallel to the length direction of the loading trough (22) to drive the finger cylinder (44) to align above the loading trough (22) and the workpiece fixing block (33).

8. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein: The lifting linear module (43) is equipped with a servo motor (45) for driving the finger cylinder (44) to rotate.

9. A multi-station workpiece assembly apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein: The auxiliary disk (51) has a plurality of clearance notches (512) spaced circumferentially at its edge for cooperating with the claw (523).

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