Automatic end cap press-in detection device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an end cover automatic pressing detection device, which is coupled with a controller of a motor automatic assembly line, comprising: a support fixed on a machine tool; a pressing assembly comprising a lifting device and a pressing plate, wherein the lifting device is fixed on the support, the pressing plate is installed at the telescopic end of the lifting device and moves in the up-down direction under the drive of the lifting device to press the end cover placed on the tooling plate to a predetermined height; and a detection assembly for detecting whether the plurality of mounting feet of the pressed end cover correctly match the plurality of positioning pins on the tooling plate and sending the detection result to the controller. The introduction of such an end cover automatic pressing detection device adds additional end cover pressing auxiliary function and positioning detection function to the automatic assembly line, effectively reduces product damage and equipment failure caused by incorrect end cover position in the automatic assembly line, and thus enhances the reliability and efficiency of the production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated assembly and inspection technology, and more specifically to an automatic end cap pressing and inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern manufacturing, automated assembly lines have become a key tool for improving production efficiency and product quality. Particularly in the field of motor manufacturing, automated assembly lines are widely used for assembling various motor components, including motor end caps. Motor end caps play a crucial role in motors, protecting internal components from external environmental influences and supporting the stator and rotor assemblies to ensure normal motor operation.

[0003] Currently, on automated motor assembly lines, robots typically place motor end caps onto tooling plates before proceeding with subsequent assembly processes. However, this existing assembly method has several significant problems. First, the locating pins on the tooling plate may be bent, deformed, or uneven, directly affecting the accuracy of end cap placement. When the end cap is not correctly positioned (e.g., uneven placement causing the central axis to tilt, partial or complete suspension), subsequent pressing of the base assembly can lead to coil damage, end cap damage, and even scrapping of the rotor and coil, significantly increasing production costs and scrap rates. Second, when incorrect end cap placement causes pressing difficulties, the top press cylinder of the equipment may also be damaged. Furthermore, the resulting misalignment after pressing can cause concentricity deviations in the equipment, requiring readjustment, which further exacerbates equipment maintenance costs and production line downtime. Third, if the end cap's mounting feet are not correctly aligned with the locating pin holes on the tooling plate, even if the end cap is initially placed flat, subsequent pressing of the base assembly may still result in positioning deviations due to inaccurate end cap placement, affecting assembly quality and equipment operational stability.

[0004] Therefore, the existing methods for pressing and inspecting end caps in automated assembly lines have significant shortcomings, especially in the detection and adjustment of end cap positions. There is an urgent need for a more accurate, stable solution that can effectively reduce the risk of component scrap and equipment damage. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide an automatic end cap pressing detection device to at least partially eliminate the defects present in the prior art.

[0006] One object of this disclosure is to provide an automatic end cap pressing detection device that can reduce product damage and equipment failure caused by inaccurate end cap positioning in automated assembly lines.

[0007] One object of this disclosure is to provide an automatic end cap pressing detection device that can improve the assembly stability and efficiency of motors in automated assembly lines.

[0008] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, this disclosure provides an automatic end cap pressing detection device, which is connected to a controller of an automated motor assembly line for adjusting and detecting the position of an end cap on a tooling plate during motor assembly. The end cap has multiple mounting feet with positioning holes, and multiple positioning pins are arranged on the tooling plate for engaging with the positioning holes in the mounting feet to position the end cap on the tooling plate. Specifically, the automatic end cap pressing detection device includes: a bracket fixed to a machine tool on the automated motor assembly line; a pressing assembly including a lifting device and a pressure plate, wherein the lifting device is fixedly mounted on the bracket, and the pressure plate is mounted on the telescopic end of the lifting device and moves vertically under the drive of the lifting device to press the end cap placed on the tooling plate down to a predetermined height; and a detection assembly for detecting whether the multiple mounting feet of the pressed end cap correctly engage with the multiple positioning pins on the tooling plate, and sending the detection result to the controller.

[0009] The introduction of this automatic end cap pressing detection device adds extra end cap pressing assistance and positioning detection functions to the automated assembly line. Compared with the existing automated assembly line, it effectively improves the accuracy and stability of end cap positioning, reduces product damage and equipment failure caused by inaccurate end cap position in the automated assembly line, and thus enhances the reliability and efficiency of the production process.

[0010] Specifically, the detection component includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to detect whether the end cap is pressed down to a predetermined height, and the second sensor is configured to detect whether at least one of the multiple positioning pins is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole. The controller determines whether the end cap is correctly positioned on the tooling plate based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0011] Furthermore, the controller is configured to: determine that the end cap is correctly positioned on the tooling plate when the first sensor detects that the end cap is at a predetermined height and the second sensor detects that the target positioning pin has been inserted into the corresponding positioning hole; and determine that the end cap positioning has failed when the first sensor detects that the end cap is not at the predetermined height and / or when the second sensor detects that the target positioning pin has not been inserted into the corresponding positioning hole.

[0012] This disclosure utilizes the collaborative detection of at least two sensors in the detection device to achieve dual monitoring of the pressing process and the accuracy of end cap positioning, significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of the end cap pressing and positioning operations during motor assembly. In particular, the use of displacement sensors and laser sensors for real-time detection and feedback ensures the precision and efficiency of each step, significantly enhancing the automation level of the assembly line and product quality.

[0013] Specifically, the pressure plate and the central flange of the end cap are aligned vertically to press against the upper surface of the central flange during descent, and the pressure plate is configured to press the end cap down to a predetermined height by descending a first displacement from the highest position.

[0014] Furthermore, the first sensor is a displacement sensor installed on the lifting device and associated with the pressure plate to detect the downward displacement of the pressure plate. When the detected downward displacement value deviates from the value range of the first displacement, the controller determines that the end cover positioning has failed.

[0015] Furthermore, the lifting device operates under the control of the controller, and the lifting device is equipped with a switching element associated with the pressure plate. When the pressure plate moves downward from the highest position under the drive of the lifting device, the switching element sends a first signal to the controller, and the controller controls the first sensor to detect the downward displacement of the pressure plate based on the received first signal.

[0016] Preferably, the lifting device is further configured to lift the pressure plate to its highest position after the pressure plate has moved downward for a predetermined time.

[0017] Using this pressing component, the end cap can be quickly and accurately pressed into the predetermined position when it is placed on the tooling plate. This auxiliary pressing component of the automatic end cap pressing detection device makes up for the lack of pressing function in existing assembly lines, effectively reducing the situation where the end cap fails to sit smoothly on the tooling table due to slight positional deviations when the robot places the end cap, and avoiding problems such as inaccurate positioning of the end cap, such as tilting, lifting, or hanging.

[0018] Optionally, the second sensor is a laser sensor fixed to a bracket or machine tool to detect whether the target positioning pin passes through the corresponding positioning hole.

[0019] Alternatively, the lifting device may be one of a lifting hydraulic cylinder, a lifting pneumatic cylinder, or a servo motor lift.

[0020] Preferably, the controller is a PLC control system in an automated assembly line.

[0021] By providing an automatic end cap pressing detection device as described in this disclosure, product damage and equipment failure caused by inaccurate end cap positioning in automated assembly lines are effectively reduced. This not only significantly improves the product qualification rate but also enhances the stability and efficiency of the entire motor assembly production line, thereby effectively solving the problems existing in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The drawings are not drawn to scale and some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of specific components. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of the end cap when it is correctly positioned on the tooling plate; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic indentation detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in its working state.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers: Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0026] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view showing the end cap correctly positioned on the fixture plate. In the automated assembly line for the motor, a robot that works in conjunction with the line places the end cap 3 of the motor onto the pad 2 of the fixture plate 1. The material flow line carries the fixture plate 1 into the assembly station. The positioning of the end cap 3 on the fixture plate 1 must be accurate; otherwise, it will affect the subsequent assembly of the base components.

[0028] Therefore, in order to ensure the correct positioning of the end cap 3 on the tooling plate 1, such as Figure 2As shown, this disclosure provides an automatic end cap pressing detection device 4, which is connected to the controller of an automated motor assembly line for adjusting and detecting the position of the end cap 3 on the tooling plate 1 during the motor assembly process. Wherein, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the end cap 3 has multiple mounting feet 33 with positioning holes. A plurality of positioning pins 20 and 22 are correspondingly arranged on the pad 2 of the tooling plate 1. The multiple positioning pins position the end cap 3 on the tooling plate 1 by inserting into the positioning holes in the mounting feet 33. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the automatic end cap pressing detection device 4 includes: a bracket 40, which is fixed to the bed of the automated motor assembly line; a pressing assembly, which includes a lifting device 42 and a pressure plate 43, wherein the lifting device 42 is fixedly installed on the bracket 40, and the pressure plate 43 is installed on the telescopic end of the lifting device 42 and can move in the vertical direction under the drive of the lifting device 42 to press the end cap 3 placed on the tooling plate 1 down to a predetermined height (i.e., the height at which it is accurately positioned on the tooling plate 1); and a detection assembly, which is used to detect whether the end cap 3 is correctly positioned after being pressed down and send the detection result to the controller.

[0029] The automatic end cap pressing detection device is located at the pressing station of the automated assembly line and can coordinate with other automated equipment on the line through the line's controller. The introduction of this device adds extra end cap pressing assistance and positioning detection functions to the automated assembly line. Specifically, the extra end cap pressing assistance function can adjust the height position of the end cap 3. Compared with existing automated assembly lines, this effectively improves the accuracy and stability of the end cap position, reduces product damage and equipment failure caused by inaccurate end cap positioning, and thus enhances the reliability and efficiency of the production process.

[0030] Specifically, during the pressing operation, the lifting device 42 operates under the control of the controller, and the lifting device 42 is provided with a switching element associated with the pressure plate 43, such as a magnetic switch. When the pressure plate 43 moves downward from the highest position under the drive of the lifting device 42, the switching element sends a first signal to the controller. The controller controls the detection component to detect the position of the end cover 3 based on the received first signal.

[0031] exist Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure plate 43 consists of an upper pressure plate 44 and a lower pressure plate 45, wherein the upper pressure plate 44 is mounted to the telescopic end of the lifting device, and the lower pressure plate 45 is offset relative to the upper pressure plate to press the end cap 3. However, it is understood that the pressure plate can be modular or a single piece, and can have any suitable structure and shape to accommodate various arrangements of the automatic end cap pressing detection device.

[0032] Specifically, the lower pressure plate 45 in the pressure plate 43 is arranged to be aligned vertically with the central flange 31 of the end cover 3. During the descent, the lower pressure plate 45 gradually approaches the end cover 3 and presses against the upper surface of the central flange 31. The pressure plate 43 presses the end cover 3 down to a predetermined height by descending a first displacement from the highest position. That is, the first displacement is the predetermined displacement required to ensure that the pressure plate 43 presses the end cover 3 down to the predetermined height.

[0033] Furthermore, the automatic lifting operation of the lifting device 42 can be controlled in any way. For example, the lifting device can be configured to lift the pressure plate 43 to its highest position after the pressure plate 43 has moved downward for a predetermined time (the predetermined time should be greater than the time required for the pressure plate to move the first displacement). This process can be achieved under the control of the controller.

[0034] Using this pressing component, when the end cap is placed on the fixture plate, the controller precisely controls the lifting device 42 to drive the upper pressure plate 44 and the lower pressure plate 45 downwards, quickly and accurately pressing the end cap into the predetermined position. This auxiliary pressing component of the automatic end cap pressing detection device compensates for the lack of such pressing devices in the prior art, effectively reducing the situation where the end cap fails to sit smoothly on the fixture table due to slight positional deviations when the robot places the end cap, and avoiding problems such as inaccurate positioning of the end cap, such as tilting, lifting, or hanging.

[0035] Furthermore, the detection component includes at least a first sensor 47 and a second sensor 48. The first sensor 47 detects whether the end cap 3 is pressed down to a predetermined height, and the second sensor 48 is configured to detect whether at least one target positioning pin 20 among a plurality of positioning pins is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole. The controller comprehensively determines whether the end cap 3 is accurately positioned on the tooling plate 1 based on the detection signals from the first sensor 47 and the second sensor 48. When the detection result of the first sensor 47 indicates that the end cap 3 is at the predetermined height, and the detection result of the second sensor 48 indicates that the target positioning pin 20 has been inserted into the corresponding positioning hole, it is determined that the end cap 3 is accurately positioned on the tooling plate 1; and when the detection result of the first sensor 47 indicates that the end cap 3 is not at the predetermined height, and / or when the detection result of the second sensor 48 indicates that the target positioning pin 20 has not been inserted into the corresponding positioning hole, it is determined that the positioning of the end cap 3 has failed.

[0036] In such Figure 2 In the example shown, the first sensor 47 is a displacement sensor mounted on the lifting device 42 and associated with the upper pressure plate 44 in the pressure plate 43, for detecting the downward displacement of the pressure plate 43. When the detected downward displacement value deviates from the value range of the first displacement, the controller determines that the end cover 3 has failed to be positioned.

[0037] In such Figure 2 In the example shown, the second sensor 48 is a laser sensor used to detect whether the target positioning pin 20 passes through the corresponding positioning hole. The second sensor 48 can be selectively fixed to the bracket 40 or the machine tool body (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). In this example, the target positioning pin is the positioning pin 20 closest to the second sensor 48. In practice, any suitable positioning pin can be selected as the detection object according to the position of the second sensor 48. In addition, there can be more than one target positioning pin, which can be some or all of the positioning pins.

[0038] Specifically, during testing, the displacement sensor (first sensor) detects the actual displacement of the pressure plate 43 and transmits the data to the controller of the automated assembly line. Preferably, the controller is a PLC control system. The controller compares the received measurement data with preset values ​​(i.e., the preset range of first displacement values) to determine whether the downward displacement of the pressure plate 43 meets the preset requirements. The laser sensor (second sensor) emits a laser beam towards the positioning pin 20. The laser beam is reflected back, and the sensor calculates the relative position between the mounting foot of the end cover and the positioning pin of the tooling plate by measuring the time difference of the laser's round trip, thereby determining whether the mounting foot and the positioning pin are precisely aligned. If the comparison result shows that the position information and displacement data meet the preset values, the PLC control system will control the production line to perform subsequent assembly operations (e.g., installing the base assembly). Conversely, if the detected structure fails to meet the requirements, the PLC will trigger an alarm mechanism so that the operator can make timely adjustments to prevent equipment failure and product damage.

[0039] By utilizing the coordinated detection of at least two sensors in the detection device, dual monitoring of the pressing process and the accuracy of end cap positioning is achieved, greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of the end cap pressing and positioning operations during motor assembly. In particular, the use of displacement sensors and laser sensors for real-time detection and feedback ensures the precision and efficiency of each operation, significantly improving the automation level of the production line and product quality.

[0040] Preferably, the lifting device 42 is one of a lifting hydraulic cylinder, a lifting air cylinder, and a servo motor lift.

[0041] Although the examples above list the types of the first and second sensors, in this disclosure, the first sensor is not limited to a displacement sensor. For example, it can also be any sensor capable of determining the end cap height, such as a laser sensor (e.g., a laser profilometer), a contact sensor (limit switch, micro switch, etc.), or a magnetic sensor (magnetic switch) mounted on the lifting device or machine tool body. Furthermore, the second sensor is not limited to a laser sensor; it can be any single or combined detection device for hole detection, such as a combination of a position sensor and a photoelectric signal receiver.

[0042] Furthermore, despite Figure 2 Only one arrangement of the end cap automatic pressing detection device according to the present disclosure is shown. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the arrangement of the end cap automatic pressing detection device can be flexibly selected according to the structure of the automated assembly line. For example, the arrangement of the components such as the bracket and the sensor can be arbitrarily adjusted to adapt to the application environment.

[0043] Based on the above description of the automatic end cap pressing detection device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it can be seen that the automatic end cap pressing detection device of the present disclosure mainly includes a pressing component and a detection component. The pressing component is used to press the end cap placed on the tooling plate down to a predetermined height, and the detection component is used to detect whether the multiple mounting feet of the pressed end cap are accurately engaged with the multiple locating pins on the tooling plate.

[0044] The automatic end cap pressing-in detection device described in this disclosure can be integrated into an automated assembly line and closely connected with other equipment in the automated production line to form a complete automated assembly system. Compared with existing assembly methods, the introduction of this automatic end cap pressing-in detection device significantly reduces the placement deviation of the end cap on the tooling plate during end cap assembly, improves the accuracy and stability of the end cap position, enhances the reliability and efficiency of the production process, reduces production costs, and improves product consistency and quality. Furthermore, the device of this disclosure has advantages in reducing maintenance costs; its simple structure makes it easy to operate and maintain, reducing downtime caused by equipment failure, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the production line.

[0045] The main features and advantages of the automatic end cap pressing detection device disclosed herein are as follows: ① By using the pressing component, the end cap can be pressed into the predetermined position quickly and accurately, which effectively reduces the situation where the end cap fails to sit smoothly on the tooling table due to slight positional deviation when the robot places the end cap, and avoids problems such as inaccurate positioning of the end cap, such as tilting, lifting, or hanging.

[0046] ② By leveraging the collaborative detection of at least two sensors in the detection device, dual monitoring of the pressing process and the accuracy of end cover positioning is achieved, greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of the pressing and positioning operations of the end cover during motor assembly.

[0047] ③ The automatic end cap pressing detection device can be integrated into the automated assembly line and closely connected with other equipment in the automated production line. It has strong adaptability, high structural flexibility, low cost, and is easy to implement.

[0048] The various embodiments and variations of this utility model have been described in detail above. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments and variations described above, but may include various other possible combinations and arrangements. Other variations and modifications can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. All these variations and modifications fall within the scope of this utility model. Moreover, all components described herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. An end cap automatic press-in detection device (4) coupled with a controller of a motor automated assembly line for adjusting and detecting the position of an end cap (3) on a tooling plate (1) during a motor assembly process, wherein, The end cap (3) has a plurality of mounting feet (33) with positioning holes, and a plurality of positioning pins are arranged on the tooling plate (1) and the plurality of positioning pins are used to insert and cooperate with the positioning holes in the plurality of mounting feet (33) to position the end cap (3) on the tooling plate (1). The end cap automatic pressing detection device (4) comprises: A bracket (40) is provided on the automated motor assembly line; A pressing assembly, comprising a lifting device (42) and a pressure plate (43), wherein the lifting device (42) is fixedly mounted on the bracket (40), and the pressure plate (43) is mounted on the telescopic end of the lifting device (42) and is capable of moving vertically under the drive of the lifting device (42) to press the end cap (3) placed on the tooling plate (1) down to a predetermined height; and The detection component is used to detect the position of the end cap (3) on the tooling plate (1) after it is pressed down, and to send the detection result to the controller.

2. The end cap automatic press-in detection device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The detection component includes: A first sensor (47) is configured to detect whether the end cap (3) is pressed down to the predetermined height; and The second sensor (48) is configured to detect whether at least one target positioning pin (20) of the plurality of positioning pins is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole. The controller determines whether the end cap (3) is correctly positioned on the tooling plate (1) based on the detection signals from the first sensor (47) and the second sensor (48).

3. The end cap automatic press-in detection device (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that The controller is configured to: When the first sensor (47) detects that the end cap (3) is at the predetermined height, and the second sensor (48) detects that the target positioning pin (20) has been inserted into the corresponding positioning hole, it is determined that the end cap (3) is correctly positioned on the tooling plate (1); and When the first sensor (47) detects that the end cap (3) is not at the predetermined height, and / or when the second sensor (48) detects that the target positioning pin (20) is not inserted into the corresponding positioning hole, the end cap (3) is determined to be in a positioning failure.

4. The automatic end cap pressing detection device (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure plate (43) is aligned vertically with the central flange (31) of the end cap (3) to press against the upper surface of the central flange (31) during descent, and the pressure plate (43) is configured to press the end cap (3) down to the predetermined height by descending a first displacement from the highest position.

5. The automatic end cap pressing detection device (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first sensor (47) is a displacement sensor installed on the lifting device (42) and associated with the pressure plate (43) to detect the downward displacement of the pressure plate (43). When the detected value of the downward displacement deviates from the value range of the first displacement, the controller determines that the end cover (3) has failed to be positioned.

6. The automatic end cap pressing detection device (4) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting device (42) operates under the control of the controller, and The lifting device (42) is provided with a switching element associated with the pressure plate (43). When the pressure plate (43) moves downward from the highest position under the drive of the lifting device (42), the switching element sends a first signal to the controller, causing the controller to generate a control signal based on the received first signal. The first sensor (47) detects the downward displacement of the pressure plate (43) in response to the control signal from the controller.

7. The automatic end cap pressing detection device (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lifting device (42) is further configured to lift the pressure plate (43) to the highest position after the pressure plate (43) has moved downward for a predetermined time.

8. The end cap automatic pressing detection device (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The second sensor (48) is a laser sensor to detect whether the target positioning pin (20) passes through the corresponding positioning hole.

9. The end cap automatic pressing detection device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The lifting device (42) is one of a lifting hydraulic cylinder, a lifting air cylinder, and a servo motor lift.

10. The end cap automatic pressing detection device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The controller is the PLC control system of the automated motor assembly line.

Images