PCB positioning pin automatic sorting device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of PCB positioning PIN needle automatic sorting device, including vibration disc and the sorting mechanism being located in the vibration disc side;The sorting mechanism includes machine table, rotates driving element being installed on the machine table, carousel being installed on the output end of the rotating driving element, and visual inspection component and multiple material distribution components are arranged on the machine table along the circumferential edge interval of the carousel;Annular conveying groove for carrying and conveying PIN needle is equipped on the carousel, and the output end of the vibration disc is butted with the annular conveying groove by conveying plate;The visual inspection component is used to detect the length and diameter of PIN needle, and multiple the material distribution components are respectively used to recycle PIN needle of different size types.The utility model realizes the automatic feeding and orientation of PIN needle by vibration disc, combined with the continuous operation of carousel and the automatic sorting of material distribution component, realizes the full-process automation from feeding, detection to sorting, improves sorting speed and work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of PCB processing auxiliary equipment, and more specifically, to an automatic sorting device for PCB positioning pins. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing and testing of printed circuit boards (PCBs), PCB positioning pins are widely used precision positioning components. They are extensively mounted on jigs, fixtures, or carrier boards to ensure the precise positioning of the PCB during soldering, testing, and assembly processes. In production practice, due to mixing of incoming materials, warehousing, or materials from previous processes, pins of different specifications often become mixed together. Currently, many companies still rely primarily on traditional manual sorting methods for sorting mixed pins. Operators must, under strong lighting, rely on visual inspection and simple tools such as calipers to individually screen and classify a large number of tiny pins. This sorting efficiency is low, cannot meet the needs of large-scale production, and easily leads to increased misjudgment and missed detection rates, resulting in unstable sorting quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an automatic sorting device for PCB positioning pins that can quickly sort pins.

[0004] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: An automatic PCB positioning pin sorting device includes a vibratory feeder and a sorting mechanism disposed on one side of the vibratory feeder. The sorting mechanism includes a machine base, a rotary drive mounted on the machine base, a turntable mounted on the output end of the rotary drive, and a vision inspection component and multiple sorting components spaced at intervals along the circumferential edge of the turntable on the machine base. The turntable is provided with an annular conveying groove for carrying and conveying pins, and the output end of the vibratory feeder is connected to the annular conveying groove through a conveying plate. The vision inspection component is used to detect the length and diameter of the pins, and the multiple sorting components are used to collect pins of different sizes and types.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the automatic feeding and orientation of PIN needles is achieved through a vibratory feeder. Combined with the continuous operation of the turntable and the automatic sorting of the material distribution component, the entire process from feeding and testing to sorting is automated, completely replacing the traditional mode that relies on manual visual identification and manual sorting. The sorting speed and work efficiency are improved by orders of magnitude.

[0006] The system employs a vision inspection component to perform non-contact, precise measurement of the PIN's length and diameter, avoiding fatigue and subjective judgment errors that are easily caused by manual visual inspection. This ensures consistent sorting standards and accurate sorting results. Furthermore, the vision inspection component and multiple material distribution components are cleverly arranged along the circumference of the turntable, utilizing the conveying space of the annular conveyor trough to form a compact, cyclical inspection and sorting process. This layout ensures smooth material flow, reduces intermediate transfer links, and saves equipment space.

[0007] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the turntable is a transparent annular structure, the conveyor plate is inclined, and the conveyor plate is provided with a straight conveyor groove that matches the annular conveyor groove.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the transparent annular turntable design enables the vision inspection component to achieve multi-angle three-dimensional inspection. The light-transmitting characteristics allow for auxiliary illumination from below or the side of the turntable, forming a three-dimensional inspection light path in conjunction with the inspection lens above, effectively eliminating blind spots. Secondly, the linear transport grooves on the transport plate precisely match the annular transport grooves on the turntable, providing a smooth transition channel for the PIN needles from linear to circular motion.

[0009] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the visual inspection component includes a base, a support rod fixed to the base, and a visual camera and a light plate movably disposed on the support rod, the visual camera being located above the turntable and the light plate being located below the turntable.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the vertical arrangement of the vision camera above the turntable and the light plate below creates a composite illumination mode of backlighting and front lighting. The transparent turntable allows light to pass through, making the PIN pins appear as a clear, high-contrast silhouette image in the camera's field of view. This imaging method greatly simplifies the image processing algorithm and enables the stable measurement of the two key dimensions of the PIN pins—length and diameter—with the highest precision, providing a fundamental guarantee for high-precision sorting from an optical perspective.

[0011] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the vision camera and the light plate are slidably mounted on the support rod via a first sliding sleeve and a second sliding sleeve, respectively.

[0012] In the above technical solution, the vision camera and the light plate are mounted via independent sliding sleeves, allowing them to slide and lock independently and steplessly in the vertical direction of the support rod. This enables the operator to adjust the focusing distance between the camera and the pin, as well as the illumination distance between the light plate and the pin, with extreme precision to find the optimal imaging focus and the most uniform illumination effect.

[0013] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the material distribution assembly includes a mounting frame and a collection box disposed on the machine base, and a solenoid valve disposed on the mounting frame. The solenoid valve is connected to an air inlet pipe and an air blowing needle, and the air outlet end of the air blowing needle faces the annular conveying groove and is opposite to the collection box.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the air-blowing method controlled by a solenoid valve has a response time measured in milliseconds, and the air-blowing action is completed instantaneously. This high-speed, non-contact sorting method is perfectly matched with the high-speed operation of the turntable, meeting the sorting cycle requirements of large-volume, continuous production and achieving efficient sorting. Air-blowing sorting is a non-contact physical process; the high-speed airflow will not cause any scratches, indentations, or wear on the surface of the precision PIN pins, ensuring their accuracy.

[0015] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the mounting bracket has an "L" shaped structure, with one end fixed to the machine base and the second end located above the turntable, and the solenoid valve located at the second end of the mounting bracket.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the "L"-shaped structure forms a robust cantilever that precisely extends and positions the solenoid valve and its air-blowing needle directly above the annular conveyor trough of the turntable. This ensures that the high-pressure airflow acts on the PIN needle at the optimal angle, thereby accurately and efficiently blowing it into the collection box, greatly improving the sorting accuracy.

[0017] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, one end of the air intake pipe is connected to the solenoid valve, and the other end is connected to an air delivery device.

[0018] In the above technical solution, connecting to an external dedicated air supply device (such as an air compressor or air pump) via an air inlet pipe provides the solenoid valve and the blowing needle with stable pressure and sufficient flow of compressed air. This ensures that each blowing action has consistent and sufficient power, reliably blowing the PIN needle off the high-speed rotating disc.

[0019] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the rotary drive includes a motor and a connecting frame. The motor is disposed inside the machine base, the output shaft of the motor extends out from the top of the machine base and is connected to the connecting frame via a bearing, the turntable is fixed on the connecting frame, and a clearance space is provided between the turntable and the top of the machine base.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the motor is built into the machine base, lowering the overall center of gravity and enhancing the stability of the equipment. Simultaneously, the motor output shaft is connected to the connecting frame via bearings; this support method significantly reduces radial runout and axial movement during turntable rotation, ensuring the smoothness and accuracy of turntable operation. Furthermore, the clearance space design avoids friction between the turntable and the machine base and facilitates the installation of the vision inspection and sorting mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial structural side view of one embodiment.

[0024] Reference numerals: 1-Vibrating plate; 2-Machine platform; 3-Turntable; 31-Annular conveyor trough; 4-Vision inspection mechanism; 41-Base; 42-Support rod; 43-Vision camera; 44-Smooth plate; 45-First sliding sleeve; 46-Second sliding sleeve; 5-Sorting mechanism; 51-Mounting frame; 52-Collection box; 53-Solenoid valve; 54-Air inlet pipe; 55-Air blowing needle; 6-Conveying plate; 61-Linear conveyor trough; 7-Connecting frame; 8-Bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0026] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2This embodiment provides an automatic PCB positioning pin sorting device, including a vibratory feeder 1 and a sorting mechanism 5 disposed on one side of the vibratory feeder 1. The sorting mechanism 5 includes a machine base 2, a rotary drive mounted on the machine base 2, a turntable 3 mounted on the output end of the rotary drive, and a vision inspection component and multiple sorting components arranged at intervals along the circumferential edge of the turntable 3 on the machine base 2. The turntable 3 is provided with an annular conveying groove 31 for carrying and conveying pins, and the output end of the vibratory feeder 1 is connected to the annular conveying groove 31 through a conveying plate 6. The vision inspection component is used to detect the length and diameter of the pins, and the multiple sorting components are used to collect pins of different sizes and types. Specifically, multiple sorting components can be set according to actual classification needs. For example, they can not only classify by diameter and length, but also identify products with abnormal diameter and length, screening out unqualified products to ensure the normal progress of subsequent PCB processing.

[0028] This embodiment achieves automatic feeding and orientation of PIN needles through vibratory feeder 1. Combined with the continuous operation of turntable 3 and automatic sorting of material distribution components, it realizes full automation from feeding and testing to sorting, completely replacing the traditional mode that relies on manual visual identification and manual sorting. The sorting speed and work efficiency are improved by orders of magnitude.

[0029] The system employs a vision inspection component to perform non-contact, precise measurement of the PIN needle's length and diameter, avoiding fatigue and subjective judgment errors that are easily caused by manual visual inspection. This ensures the uniformity of sorting standards and the accuracy of sorting results. Furthermore, the vision inspection component and multiple material distribution components are arranged circumferentially along the turntable 3, cleverly utilizing the conveying space of the annular conveyor trough 31 to form a compact, cyclical inspection and sorting process. This layout ensures smooth material flow, reduces intermediate transfer links, and saves equipment space.

[0030] In this embodiment, the turntable 3 is a transparent annular structure, the conveyor plate 6 is inclined, and the conveyor plate 6 is provided with a straight conveyor groove 61 that matches the annular conveyor groove 31. The straight conveyor groove 61 is connected to the annular conveyor groove 31. The vibrating plate 1 arranges the PIN needles one by one and conveys them into the straight conveyor groove 61. The PIN needles are conveyed into the annular conveyor groove 31 one by one by gravity and the thrust between the PIN needles.

[0031] The transparent annular turntable 3 design enables the vision inspection component to achieve multi-angle three-dimensional inspection. Its light-penetrating properties allow for auxiliary illumination from below or the side of the turntable 3, forming a three-dimensional inspection light path in conjunction with the inspection lens above, effectively eliminating blind spots. Furthermore, the linear transport groove 61 on the transport plate 6 precisely matches the annular transport groove 31 on the turntable 3, providing a smooth transition channel for the PIN needle from linear to circular motion.

[0032] It should be noted that the transparent turntable 3 provides a stable imaging platform and a uniform light transmission environment for the bottom vision system. Combined with a dedicated bottom light source, it can produce PIN images with clear outlines and high contrast, which is highly beneficial for image processing algorithms to accurately measure the length and diameter of the PINs, ensuring the core accuracy of sorting from a hardware perspective.

[0033] In this embodiment, the visual inspection component includes a base 41, a support rod 42 fixed on the base 41, and a visual camera 43 and a light plate 44 movably disposed on the support rod 42. The visual camera 43 is located above the turntable 3, and the light plate 44 is located below the turntable 3.

[0034] The vertical arrangement of the visual camera 43 above the turntable 3 and the light plate 44 below creates a composite illumination mode of backlighting and front lighting. The transparent turntable 3 allows light to pass through, making the PIN pins appear as a clear, high-contrast silhouette image in the camera's field of view. This imaging method greatly simplifies the image processing algorithm and enables the stable measurement of the two key dimensions of the PIN pins—length and diameter—with the highest accuracy, providing a fundamental guarantee for high-precision sorting from an optical perspective.

[0035] Furthermore, the vision camera 43 and the light plate 44 are slidably mounted on the support rod 42 via a first sliding sleeve 45 and a second sliding sleeve 46, respectively. The first sliding sleeve 45 and the second sliding sleeve 46 can be fixed to the support rod 42 by friction or by bolt locking.

[0036] The vision camera 43 and the illumination plate 44 are mounted via independent sliding sleeves, allowing them to slide and lock independently and steplessly in the vertical direction of the support rod 42. This enables the operator to precisely adjust the focusing distance between the camera and the pins, as well as the illumination distance between the illumination plate 44 and the pins, to find the optimal imaging focus and the most uniform illumination effect. Furthermore, when the size range of the pins being sorted changes significantly, or when lenses with different focal lengths need to be replaced, the independent sliding structure easily adapts to these changes, ensuring that the camera and illumination plate 44 are always in their optimal working positions.

[0037] In this embodiment, the material distribution assembly includes a mounting frame 51 and a collection box 52 mounted on the machine base 2, and a solenoid valve 53 mounted on the mounting frame 51. The solenoid valve 53 is connected to an air inlet pipe 54 and an air blowing needle 55. The air outlet end of the air blowing needle 55 faces the annular conveying groove 31 and is opposite to the collection box 52. Specifically, the solenoid valve 53 has an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The air inlet pipe 54 is connected to the air inlet end, and the air blowing needle 55 is connected to the air outlet end. The air blowing needle 55 is inclined, that is, there is a certain angle between the air blowing needle 55 and the turntable 3.

[0038] The air-blowing method, controlled by solenoid valve 53, has a response time measured in milliseconds, completing the air-blowing action instantaneously. This high-speed, non-contact sorting method perfectly matches the high-speed operation of turntable 3, meeting the sorting cycle requirements of large-volume, continuous production and achieving efficient sorting. Air-blowing sorting is a non-contact physical process; the high-speed airflow will not cause any scratches, indentations, or wear on the surface of the precision PIN pins, ensuring their accuracy.

[0039] Each sorting component is an independent module, and multiple units can be flexibly installed around the three circumferences of the turntable according to the number of product categories to be sorted. This modular design allows the system to be easily configured to sort two, three, or more types of PINs, offering excellent scalability.

[0040] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 51 has an "L" shaped structure. The first end of the mounting bracket 51 is fixed to the machine base 2, and the second end is located above the turntable 3. The solenoid valve 53 is located at the second end of the mounting bracket 51.

[0041] The "L"-shaped structure forms a robust cantilever that precisely extends and positions the solenoid valve 53 and its air-blowing needle 55 directly above the annular conveying groove 31 of the turntable 3. This ensures that the high-pressure airflow acts on the PIN needle at the optimal angle, thereby accurately and efficiently blowing it into the collection box 52, greatly improving the sorting accuracy.

[0042] It should be noted that one end of the air inlet pipe 54 is connected to the solenoid valve 53, and the other end is connected to an air supply device (not shown in the figure). Connecting the air inlet pipe 54 to an external dedicated air supply device (such as an air compressor or air pump) provides the solenoid valve 53 and the blowing needle 55 with stable pressure and sufficient flow of compressed air. This ensures that each blowing action has consistent and sufficient power, reliably blowing the PIN needle off the high-speed rotating disc 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the rotary drive includes a motor and a connecting frame 7. The motor is located inside the machine base 2, and the output shaft of the motor extends out from the top of the machine base 2 and is connected to the connecting frame 7 through a bearing 8. The turntable 3 is fixed on the connecting frame 7, and a clearance space is provided between the turntable 3 and the top of the machine base 2.

[0044] The motor is built into the machine base 2, lowering the overall center of gravity and enhancing the stability of the equipment. Simultaneously, the motor output shaft is connected to the connecting frame 7 via bearing 8. This support method significantly reduces radial runout and axial movement of the turntable 3 during rotation, ensuring the smoothness and accuracy of the turntable 3's operation. Furthermore, the clearance space design avoids friction between the turntable 3 and the machine base 2, and also facilitates the installation of the vision inspection mechanism 4 and the sorting mechanism 5.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0046] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic sorting device for PCB positioning pins, characterized in that, The system includes a vibratory feeder and a sorting mechanism located on one side of the vibratory feeder. The sorting mechanism includes a machine base, a rotary drive mounted on the machine base, a turntable mounted on the output end of the rotary drive, and vision inspection components and multiple sorting components spaced at intervals along the circumferential edge of the turntable on the machine base. The turntable is provided with an annular conveying groove for carrying and conveying PIN pins, and the output end of the vibratory feeder is connected to the annular conveying groove via a conveying plate. The vision inspection components are used to detect the length and diameter of the PIN pins, and the multiple sorting components are used to collect PIN pins of different sizes and types.

2. The PCB positioning PIN automatic sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable is a transparent annular structure, the conveyor plate is inclined, and the conveyor plate is provided with a straight conveyor groove that matches the annular conveyor groove.

3. The PCB positioning PIN automatic sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The visual inspection assembly includes a base, a support rod fixed on the base, and a visual camera and a light plate movably disposed on the support rod. The visual camera is located above the turntable, and the light plate is located below the turntable.

4. The PCB positioning pin automatic sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vision camera and the light plate are slidably mounted on the support rod via a first sliding sleeve and a second sliding sleeve, respectively.

5. The PCB positioning PIN automatic sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material distribution assembly includes a mounting frame and a collection box mounted on the machine base, and a solenoid valve mounted on the mounting frame. The solenoid valve is connected to an air inlet pipe and an air blowing needle. The air outlet of the air blowing needle faces the annular conveying groove and is opposite to the collection box.

6. The PCB positioning pin automatic sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting bracket has an "L" shaped structure. The first end of the mounting bracket is fixed to the machine base, the second end is located above the turntable, and the solenoid valve is located at the second end of the mounting bracket.

7. The PCB positioning PIN automatic sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, One end of the air intake pipe is connected to the solenoid valve, and the other end is connected to an air delivery device.

8. The PCB positioning PIN automatic sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary drive includes a motor and a connecting frame. The motor is located inside the machine base. The output shaft of the motor extends out from the top of the machine base and is connected to the connecting frame via a bearing. The turntable is fixed on the connecting frame, and a clearance space is provided between the turntable and the top of the machine base.

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