Automatic feeding machine

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic feeding machine for feeding LED bracket strips into the inlet of a processing machine. The automatic feeding machine includes: a loading device comprising a loading track carrying LED bracket strips adapted to move along the loading track; a discharge chute communicating with the inlet for receiving one LED bracket strip and conveying it to the inlet; and an adsorption device disposed opposite to the loading device, comprising an adsorption element and a slide rail. The adsorption element is adapted to move along the slide rail between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the adsorption element adsorbs one LED bracket strip from the loading track; in the second position, the adsorption element releases the LED bracket strip, causing it to fall into the discharge chute. This automatic feeding machine achieves automatic feeding, saves labor costs, improves production efficiency, prevents human-caused damage and contamination of the LED bracket strips, and reduces machine malfunctions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic component manufacturing, and more particularly to an automatic feeding machine. Background Technology

[0002] The LED packaging process typically involves a series of automated production lines, including die bonding, wire bonding, encapsulation, baking, cutting, beam splitting, and packaging. In mass production, multiple LEDs can be connected together to perform die bonding and wire bonding operations on multiple LEDs simultaneously.

[0003] Typically, LED substrates that have undergone die bonding are loaded into trays, and then manually arranged by operators before being placed into the feeding mechanism of the wire bonding machine for the wire bonding process. Each wire bonding machine has eight trays; assuming it takes 45 seconds to place one tray, this process takes at least six minutes. Manual placement is extremely time-consuming, severely impacting production efficiency. Furthermore, the human-machine ratio is low, for example, 1:4, meaning one operator operates four machines. In addition, the placement process can easily cause deformation and contamination of the substrates. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an efficient and clean automatic feeding machine.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is an automatic feeding machine for feeding LED bracket strips into the inlet of a processing machine. It is characterized by comprising: a feeding device including a feeding track that carries the LED bracket strips, the LED bracket strips being adapted to move along the feeding track; a dropping trough communicating with the inlet for receiving one LED bracket strip and conveying the one LED bracket strip to the inlet; and an adsorption device disposed opposite to the feeding device, including an adsorption element and a slide rail, the adsorption element being adapted to move along the slide rail between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the adsorption element adsorbs one LED bracket strip from the feeding track; in the second position, the adsorption element releases the one LED bracket strip, causing the one LED bracket strip to fall into the dropping trough.

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, a platform adapted to place the material carrier is further included. The platform includes a plurality of fixing parts, and the material carrier is adapted to be connected to the fixing parts. The plurality of fixing parts are at different distances from the second position.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorption element includes an electromagnet, which is energized to adsorb the LED bracket strip, and de-energized to release the LED bracket strip.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorption element further includes an auxiliary magnet, the position of which is adjustable. By adjusting the position of the auxiliary magnet, the adsorption force of the adsorption element is changed so that the adsorption element can adsorb one of the LED bracket strips.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the material-carrying track includes at least two tracks.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorption device further includes a stop block located above the material discharge trough, which is used to limit the position of the LED bracket strip so that the LED bracket strip falls into the material discharge trough.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorption device further includes an adsorption sensor, which senses whether the adsorption element adsorbs onto the LED bracket strip.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, a limit position sensor is further included for sensing the limit position of the adsorption element moving toward the material loading device.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, a material drop position sensor is further included for sensing that the adsorption element has reached the second position.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the material loading device further includes a top rod, which is located at the middle position of the material loading track and is adapted to support the material loading track.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate position sensor is further included for sensing the position of the adsorption element reaching the top rod.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, a collision avoidance sensor is also included, located on the adsorption element, for sensing the resistance encountered by the adsorption element during movement.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a material drop sensor and a pusher rod are also included. The material drop sensor is used to sense that the LED bracket strip falls into the material drop trough, and the pusher rod is used to push the LED bracket strip in the material drop trough away from the material drop trough.

[0018] According to the automatic feeding machine of the present invention, multiple LED bracket strips are threaded through the material carrier. The adsorption device automatically adsorbs one LED bracket strip at a time from the multiple LED bracket strips and feeds the LED bracket strip into the feed port of the processing machine, realizing the function of automatic feeding, saving labor costs, improving production efficiency, and preventing human damage and contamination of the LED bracket strips due to reduced manual operation, thus reducing machine processing failures. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an LED bracket strip;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3A and 3B This is a schematic diagram of the material loading device in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4A and 4B This is a schematic diagram of the platform structure of the loading device in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figures 5A-5C This is a schematic diagram of the adsorption device of an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of position sensors in an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the position sensor in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a push rod in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of a material discharge sensor in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of a pusher rod in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] As indicated in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In addition, although the terminology used in this application is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this application's specification may have been chosen by the applicant according to his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Moreover, this application should be understood not only through the actual terms used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of light-emitting elements and manufacturing methods thereof used to embody the technical concept of the present invention, and the light-emitting device and manufacturing method thereof of the present invention are not specifically defined as follows. Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of the claims, the components shown in the "Claims" and "Summary of the Invention" columns are assigned numbers corresponding to the components shown in the embodiments. However, the components shown in the claims are not intended to be specific to the components of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless specifically stated otherwise, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0036] However, the dimensions or positional relationships of the components shown in the accompanying drawings are sometimes exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, in the following description, detailed descriptions of the same names and symbols, representing the same or homogeneous components, are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, the elements constituting the present invention can be multiple elements composed of the same components, thus allowing one component to function as multiple elements; conversely, multiple components can share the function of one component. Additionally, the content described in some embodiments and implementations can be applied to other embodiments and implementations. Furthermore, in this specification, "upper" is not limited to the case of being formed in contact with an upper surface, but also includes the case of being formed separately on top, and also includes the meaning of an interlayer between layers.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an LED bracket strip. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, the LED bracket strip 100 includes multiple interconnected LED bracket units 110. Each LED bracket unit 110 includes two pins 111, which are connected by connecting strips 121 and 122. Therefore, the LED bracket strip has a hollow structure 130, including a hollow structure 131 between adjacent pins 111 and a hollow structure 132 between adjacent LED units 110. The hollow structure 130 is suitable for being supported by an insertable support structure.

[0038] Figure 1 This invention is not intended to limit the specific structure of LED bracket strips; any LED bracket strip including the hollow structure 130 is applicable to the automatic feeding machine of this invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic feeding machine 200 of the present invention is used to feed LED bracket strips into the inlet of a processing machine. (Reference) Figure 2 As shown, the automatic feeding machine 200 includes a loading device 210, a discharge chute 220, and an adsorption device 230. The loading device 210 includes a loading track 211, which carries multiple LED bracket strips 212, and the LED bracket strips 212 are adapted to move along the loading track 211. For convenience, in... Figure 2 In some other accompanying drawings, LED bracket strips are represented by simple rectangles. These rectangles are not intended to define the specific structure of the LED bracket strips; the structure of the LED bracket strips should be as follows: Figure 1 And the corresponding explanatory content recorded therein.

[0040] The material drop chute 220 is connected to the inlet 240 of the processing machine and is used to receive an LED bracket strip and convey the LED bracket strip to the inlet 240 of the processing machine. The adsorption device 230 is arranged opposite to the material carrier 210 and includes an adsorption element 231 and a slide rail 232. The adsorption element 231 is adapted to move along the slide rail 232 between a first position P1 and a second position P2. At the first position P1, the adsorption element 231 adsorbs an LED bracket strip in the material carrier track 211. At the second position P2, the adsorption element 231 releases the LED bracket strip, causing the LED bracket strip to fall into the material drop chute 220.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the feeding device 210 includes two feeding tracks 211 (i.e., feeding forks), on which multiple LED support strips 212 are threaded. It is understood that, in order for the LED support strips 212 to be threaded onto the feeding tracks 211, the dimensions of the feeding tracks 211 should conform to the dimensions of the hollow structures in the LED support strips 212. The present invention does not limit the number of feeding tracks 211; it can be set as needed. It is understood that, in order to stably support multiple LED support strips 212, the number of feeding tracks 211 should be at least two. In other embodiments, the feeding device 210 may include more than two feeding tracks 211.

[0042] Figure 2 The figures shown are not intended to limit the specific shape of the material loading device 210. The structural features of the material loading device 210 will be described later in conjunction with other figures.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the adsorption device 230 is positioned opposite to the material carrier 210. Figure 2 On the left side, the loading device 210 is located... Figure 2 On the right side of the image, there is a certain distance between the two. The adsorption element 231 can slide along the slide rail 232 toward the material carrier 210. The first position P1 refers to the position of the material carrier 210, which can include a range rather than limiting a specific point. Figure 2 As shown, multiple LED bracket strips 212 are neatly arranged on the loading track 211 of the loading device 210. In order to acquire the LED bracket strip 212, the adsorption element 231 moves to the outermost LED bracket strip 212a among the multiple LED bracket strips 212 to adsorb the LED bracket strip 212a. At this time, the first position P1 is the position of the LED bracket strip 212a.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the adsorption element 231 includes an adsorption surface 233 facing the LED bracket strip 212. The adsorption element 231 adsorbs the LED bracket strip 212 through this adsorption surface 233. The adsorption surface 233 has a certain area, allowing the LED bracket strip 212 to have sufficient contact area with the adsorption surface 233, thereby stably adsorbing the LED bracket strip 212. Figure 2 As shown, an LED support strip 213 has been adsorbed on the adsorption surface 233. Figure 2 The image shows the state of the adsorption element 231 after it has adsorbed an LED bracket strip 213 at the first position P1, and then moves the LED bracket strip toward the adsorption device 230, before reaching the second position P2.

[0045] Figure 2 It is not used to limit the specific shape and size of the adsorption surface 233. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the adsorption surface 233 is less than the length of the LED bracket strip 213 and less than the distance between the two material-carrying tracks 211. The position where the adsorption surface 233 contacts the LED bracket strip 213 is the middle part of the LED bracket strip 213.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the adsorption device 230 includes three retractable slide rails 232, two of which are located on both sides of the adsorption element 231, and the third is located in the middle of the adsorption element 231. The design of three slide rails 232 facilitates the stable sliding of the adsorption element 231. This invention does not limit the number of slide rails 232.

[0047] Since there is a certain distance between the adsorption device 230 and the material carrier 210, in order to ensure that the adsorption device 230 can adsorb each LED bracket strip on the material carrier 210, the length of the slide rail 232 should be the longest so that the adsorption element 231 can reach the LED bracket strip on the material carrier 210 that is furthest from the adsorption device 230.

[0048] It is understood that the adsorption device and the discharge chute in the automatic feeding machine of the present invention can be controlled by a controller (not shown). The controller is electrically connected to the adsorption device and controls the operation of the adsorption device according to pre-designed rules and procedures. This allows the device to adsorb one LED bracket strip from the loading device 210 each time, move the LED bracket strip to the second position P2, release the LED bracket strip so that it falls into the discharge chute 220, and then feed the LED bracket strip into the inlet 240 of the processing machine. The present invention does not limit the controller; its functions can be executed by hardware, software, or combinations thereof.

[0049] This invention does not limit the type of processing machine. The processing machine can be a machine that performs various processing on LED bracket strips, including but not limited to machines for die bonding, wire bonding, encapsulation, baking, cutting, beam splitting, and packaging.

[0050] Figure 3A and 3B This is a schematic diagram of the material loading device in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 3A As shown, the material-carrying device may include a base 310, two material-carrying rails 311 and 312 disposed on the base 310, and multiple LED bracket strips 320 threaded through the two material-carrying rails 311 and 312, with the outermost LED bracket strip being LED bracket strip 321. The multiple LED bracket strips 320 can be threaded onto the material-carrying rails 311 and 312 by an operator. The threaded LED bracket strips 320 are arranged neatly and compactly together. Moving the base 310 can move the multiple LED bracket strips 320 threaded through the material-carrying rails 311 and 312 together.

[0051] refer to Figure 3B As shown, Figure 3A A base 310 with multiple LED bracket strips 320 inserted in the middle is placed at the first position P1, so that the LED bracket strips 321 face the adsorption device 330, so that the adsorption device can pick up the LED bracket strips 321.

[0052] exist Figure 3A and 3B In the embodiment shown, the base 310 is also provided with a handle 313, which makes it easy for the operator to grab the base 310 and the LED bracket strip 320 on it.

[0053] In some embodiments, the automatic feeder of the present invention further includes a platform adapted to place a loading device, the platform including a plurality of fixing parts, the loading device being adapted to connect to one of the fixing parts, and the plurality of fixing parts being at different distances from a second position.

[0054] Figure 4A and 4B This is a schematic diagram of the platform structure of the material loading device in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 4A As shown, the platform 410 of the loading device 440 includes two fixing parts 420 and 430. Each fixing part 420 and 430 consists of a pair of fixing blocks. Each fixing block includes a slot, for example... Figure 4AThe mounting slots 421 of the fixing part 420 and 431 of the fixing part 430 are shown. The mounting device 440 can engage with the fixing block through the slots, thereby fixing the mounting device 440 at the position of the fixing part 420 or the fixing part 430. Among them, the fixing part 420 is closer to the second position P2, and the fixing part 430 is farther from the second position P2.

[0055] Figure 4A and 4B Schematic diagrams are shown showing the loading device 440 installed in the fixing part 420 and the fixing part 430 respectively. Figure 4A and 4B The diagram is not intended to limit the specific number, location, and structure of the fixing parts.

[0056] Figure 4A and 4B The platform 410 of the shown material carrier 440 provides multiple fixed positions for the material carrier 440 in the automatic feeding machine of the present invention. Based on the platform 410 of this material carrier 440, on the one hand, the material carrier 440 is flexibly fixed on the platform 410. After a set of LED bracket strips has been fed, the operator can directly remove the material carrier 440 from the platform 410 and replace it with another material carrier 440 that has already been fitted with multiple LED bracket strips, allowing the feeding operation to continue. On the other hand, different fixing parts can be selected to place the material carrier according to different models of LED bracket strips. For example, different models of LED bracket strips have different weights, LED bracket unit structures, and the size of the hollow structure, resulting in different numbers of LED bracket strips in a set, requiring different material carriers.

[0057] Figures 5A-5C This is a schematic diagram of the adsorption device of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A This shows the independent state when the adsorption element 510 has not yet adsorbed the LED bracket strip; Figure 5B The image shows the state where the adsorption element 510 adsorbs the LED bracket strip and reaches the second position P2; Figure 5C The state of the adsorption element 510 releasing the LED bracket strip is shown.

[0058] Figures 5A-5C The adsorption element 510 shown can be Figure 2 The adsorption element 231 in the adsorption device 230 shown. Due to the perspective, Figure 5A and 5B Other parts of the adsorption device are not shown.

[0059] Figure 5A A front view of the adsorption element 510 in the adsorption device is shown. (Reference) Figure 5AAs shown, the adsorption element 510 is generally cuboid in shape and includes an adsorption surface 520 facing the LED bracket strip. In some embodiments, the adsorption element includes an electromagnet, which generates a magnetic force when energized, thereby adsorbing the LED bracket strip; when the electromagnet is de-energized, the magnetic force disappears, and the adsorbed LED bracket strip can be released.

[0060] refer to Figure 5A As shown, the adsorption element 510 includes an electromagnet 521, which is located in the middle of the adsorption surface 520. It can be understood that the electromagnet 521 is connected to a controller via leads, and the controller controls the electromagnet 521 to be energized or de-energized under predetermined conditions.

[0061] exist Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the electromagnet 521 is embedded in the adsorption element 510, meaning the main part of the electromagnet 521 is located inside the adsorption element 510. It has an exposed surface at the adsorption surface 520, and this exposed surface is flush with the adsorption surface 520. This ensures that when the LED bracket strip is adsorbed, it contacts both the exposed surface of the electromagnet 521 and the adsorption surface 520. Figure 5A In this case, the exposed surface of the electromagnet 521 is rectangular.

[0062] In some embodiments, the adsorption element further includes an auxiliary magnet, the position of which is adjustable. By adjusting the position of the auxiliary magnet, the adsorption force of the adsorption element is changed so that the adsorption element can precisely adsorb an LED bracket strip.

[0063] refer to Figure 5A As shown, the adsorption element 510 also includes two auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 located on either side of the electromagnet 521. These two auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 are equidistant from the electromagnet 521. The two auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 are embedded in the adsorption element 510, meaning that the main parts of the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 are located inside the adsorption element 510, with exposed surfaces at the adsorption surface 520. Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the exposed surfaces of the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 are flush with the adsorption surface 520, so that when the LED bracket strip is adsorbed, the LED bracket strip is in contact with the exposed surfaces of the electromagnet 521 and the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523, as well as with the adsorption surface 520.

[0064] exist Figure 5A In the illustrated embodiment, the overall suction force of the adsorption element 510 is adjusted by changing the depth at which the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 are embedded in the adsorption element 510, so that when the adsorption element 510 adsorbs an LED bracket strip, it adsorbs exactly one LED bracket strip. Figure 5AIn this embodiment, the exposed surfaces of the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 are circular. The auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 are cylinders and are respectively located in two circular holes on the adsorption surface 520 of the adsorption element 510. The depth of the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 in the circular holes is adjustable.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary magnet is a permanent magnet.

[0066] Figure 5A It is not used to limit the specific position of electromagnet 521, auxiliary magnets 522 and 523, or the specific shape of their exposed surfaces.

[0067] refer to Figure 5B As shown, in this embodiment, the adsorption element 510 adsorbs an LED support strip 540, and the position of the adsorption element 510 is the second position P2. This second position P2 is related to... Figure 2 The second position P2 shown is the same. The material discharge trough 550 is located at this second position P2. In the vertical direction, the material discharge trough 550 is located directly below the adsorption element 510. When the adsorption element 510 releases the LED bracket strip 540, the LED bracket strip 540 falls into the material discharge trough 550.

[0068] In some embodiments, the adsorption device further includes a stop block located above the material discharge chute to define the position of the LED bracket strip so that the LED bracket strip falls into the material discharge chute.

[0069] refer to Figure 5B As shown, the adsorption device of this embodiment includes two blocks 531 and 532 located on both sides of the adsorption element 510. The distance between the two blocks 531 and 532 is greater than the length of the adsorption element 510. Therefore, when the adsorption element 510 slides back and forth between the first position P1 and the second position P2, it will not touch the two blocks 531 and 532. Figure 5B As shown, the two stops 531 and 532 include sides 533 and 534 facing the LED bracket strip. When the adsorption element 510 moves the LED bracket strip 540 to the second position P2, sides 533 and 534 respectively contact the LED bracket strip 540, thereby preventing the LED bracket strip 540 from moving further forward and limiting the position of the LED bracket strip 540 to the position where sides 533 and 534 are located. Figure 5B In the state shown, the sides 533 and 534 of the blocks 531 and 532 have not yet come into contact with the LED bracket strip 540.

[0070] In some embodiments, the adsorption device of the present invention further includes an adsorption sensor that senses whether the adsorption element adsorbs onto the LED bracket strip.

[0071] refer to Figure 5A As shown, the adsorption element 510 includes two adsorption sensors 551 and 552, located outside the two auxiliary magnets 522 and 523, respectively. The two adsorption sensors 551 and 552 may be embedded in the adsorption element 510 and have exposed surfaces on the adsorption surface 520. These exposed surfaces are used to receive sensing signals to detect whether an object is approaching the exposed surfaces of the adsorption sensors 551 and 552. The exposed surfaces of the adsorption sensors 551 and 552 are flush with the adsorption surface 520, so that when the LED bracket strip is adsorbed, the LED bracket strip is in contact with the electromagnet 521, the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523, and the exposed surfaces of the adsorption sensors 551 and 552, as well as with the adsorption surface 520.

[0072] refer to Figure 5B As shown, after the adsorption element 510 adsorbs onto the LED bracket strip 540, the adsorption surface 520 contacts the LED bracket strip 540, that is, the exposed surfaces of the electromagnet 521, auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 and adsorption sensors 551 and 552 are all in contact with the LED bracket strip 540.

[0073] refer to Figure 5B As shown, the contact position between the adsorption element 510 and the LED bracket strip 540 is biased towards one side of the LED bracket strip 540, rather than in the middle of the LED bracket strip 540. This invention does not limit the contact position between the adsorption element 510 and the LED bracket strip 540, as long as the LED bracket strip 540 is stably adsorbed by the adsorption element 510.

[0074] refer to Figure 5C As shown, when the adsorption element 510 drives the LED bracket strip 540 to the second position P2, the controller controls the adsorption element 510 to continue moving, that is, to continue moving away from the material carrier, and controls the electromagnet 521 to be de-energized. Due to the obstruction of the blocks 531 and 532, the LED bracket strip 540 separates from the adsorption surface 520 of the adsorption element 510. The electromagnet 521 loses its magnetic force due to de-energization, and the adsorption element 510 moves away from the LED bracket strip 540, which weakens the attraction of the auxiliary magnets 522 and 523 on the LED bracket strip 540, thereby causing the LED bracket strip 540 to detach from the magnetic force and fall freely under the action of gravity into the material drop trough 550.

[0075] Combination Figure 5A As shown, when the LED bracket strip 540 falls, the adsorption sensors 551 and 552 on the adsorption element 510 sense that the LED bracket strip 540 has left the adsorption element 510, and then send the sensing signal to the controller. The controller will control the adsorption device to slide to the first position P1 to obtain the next LED bracket strip from the material carrier.

[0076] In some embodiments, the automatic feeder of the present invention further includes a limit position sensor for sensing the limit position of the adsorption element's movement toward the material carrier. This limit position indicates that the adsorption element has reached the end of the material carrier, meaning that all the LED support strips in the material carrier have been adsorbed. This limit position can also be the farthest position that the adsorption element can reach.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the adsorption element reaches its limit position, the controller issues an alarm to remind the operator that the LED bracket strip has been adsorbed and that the LED bracket strip can be replenished or the material carrier can be replaced.

[0078] In some embodiments, the automatic feeder of the present invention further includes a material drop position sensor for sensing that the adsorption element has reached the second position.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of position sensors in an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The position sensors include limit position sensors and drop position sensors. (Reference) Figure 6 As shown, the slide rail 610 in the adsorption device of the automatic feeding machine of the present invention has a certain length, and the slide rail 610 can move along... Figure 6 The first direction D1 shown moves back and forth. Combined Figure 2 As shown, an adsorption element 231 is installed at the rightmost end of the slide rail 610. It can be understood that the material carrier is placed to the right of the adsorption element 231. When the slide rail 610 moves to the right along the first direction D1, it means that the adsorption device moves toward the material carrier; when the slide rail 610 moves to the left along the first direction D1, it means that the adsorption device moves away from the material carrier.

[0080] refer to Figure 6 As shown, the adsorption device in the automatic feeding machine of the present invention can be mounted on a tabletop 630. An extreme position sensor 621 is located at the bottom of the slide rail 610 near the material loading device, and a discharge position sensor 622 is located at the bottom of the slide rail 610 away from the material loading device. The position sensors are mounted below the slide rail 610. Figure 6 As shown, the limit position sensor 621 and the drop position sensor 622 are mounted on a track 631 below the desktop 630. The positions of the limit position sensor 621 and the drop position sensor 622 on the track 631 are adjustable.

[0081] refer to Figure 6As shown, a position element 640 cooperating with a position sensor is provided on the slide rail 610. When the slide rail 610 moves along the first direction D1, it can drive the position element 640 to move together. When the position element 640 reaches the limit position sensor 621, the limit position sensor 621 senses the arrival state of the position element 640, that is, it detects that the adsorption device has reached the limit position; when the position element 640 reaches the material discharge position sensor 622, the material discharge position sensor 622 senses the arrival state of the position element 640, that is, it detects that the adsorption device has reached the second material discharge position P2.

[0082] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the position sensor in an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 7 As shown, the position sensor 720 can be Figure 6 Any of the position sensors shown. The position sensor 720 is a recessed sensor, which includes a recess 723 formed by a transmitter 721 and a receiver 722. When an object enters the recess 723 and interrupts the signal emitted by the transmitter 721, the signal received by the receiver 722 is interrupted, and the position sensor 720 cannot sense the signal, thereby determining that an object has arrived at the location of the position sensor 720.

[0083] refer to Figure 7 As shown, an L-shaped light-shielding plate 710 is provided at the bottom of the slide rail 610. This light-shielding plate 710 is... Figure 6 One specific embodiment of the position element 640 shown. The position sensor 720 can be mounted on a track 730, which is... Figure 6 In one specific embodiment of the track 631 shown, the position sensor 720 is adjustable on the track 730. A light-shielding plate 710 is fixedly mounted on the slide rail 610 and faces downward. The light-shielding plate 710 moves as the slide rail 610 moves. When the light-shielding plate 710 moves to the position sensor 720, one edge of the L-shaped light-shielding plate 710 inserts into the groove 723, preventing the position sensor 720 from sensing a signal, thereby indicating that the slide rail 610 has reached the corresponding position.

[0084] In some embodiments, the material loading device of the present invention further includes a top rod located at the middle position of the material loading track and adapted to support the material loading track.

[0085] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a push rod in an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Reference) Figure 8As shown, the material loading device 810 includes two material loading tracks 821 and 822, and below each of these tracks are two push rods 831 and 832. One end of each push rod 831 and 832 is fixed to the material loading device 810, and the other end is located below its corresponding material loading track, supporting the track. Both push rods 831 and 832 are located in the middle of the material loading track. Figure 8 As shown, the top rods 831 and 832 can be fixed to the platform 811 by fixing blocks 841 and 842 respectively.

[0086] In some cases, if the loading device has too many LED bracket strips and the loading track is too long, it can easily cause the loading track to bend, changing the position of the LED bracket strips and thus affecting the adsorption of the LED bracket strips by the adsorption element. Therefore, a top rod is added to support the loading track and keep it level.

[0087] Figure 8 It is not used to limit the specific position, length, etc. of the top rod. In some embodiments, a single top rod may support two material loading tracks 821 and 822 simultaneously.

[0088] In these embodiments, when the adsorption element moves the LED bracket strip between the first and second positions, the controller controls the top rod to fall, without hindering the movement of the LED bracket strip.

[0089] In some embodiments, the automatic feeder of the present invention further includes an intermediate position sensor for sensing the position of the adsorption element reaching the top rod. (Reference) Figure 6 As shown, the intermediate position sensor 623 can be located in the middle of the slide rail 610. The specific position is set according to actual needs. This intermediate position sensor 623 can be adopted as follows: Figure 7 The position sensor shown.

[0090] In some embodiments, the automatic feeder of the present invention further includes an anti-collision sensor for sensing the resistance encountered by the adsorption element during movement. The anti-collision sensor can be installed on the adsorption element. When the adsorption element encounters resistance during movement, the anti-collision sensor detects a signal, the controller controls the adsorption element to stop moving, and an alarm is issued to prompt the operator to handle the situation.

[0091] Specifically, the anti-collision sensor can be installed on the rear side of the adsorption element opposite to the adsorption surface, including a spring device. When encountering resistance, the spring device is compressed to generate a certain compressive force. The anti-collision sensor detects that the compressive force is greater than the set value and judges that it is encountering resistance, and sends the signal of the anti-collision sensor to the controller.

[0092] In some embodiments, the automatic feeder of the present invention further includes a dropping sensor and a pusher rod. The dropping sensor is used to sense that the LED bracket strip falls into the dropping groove, and the pusher rod is used to push the LED bracket strip in the dropping groove away from the dropping groove.

[0093] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of a material discharge sensor in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of a pusher rod in an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] refer to Figure 9A As shown, the material discharge sensor 920 is located near the material discharge chute 910. Combined with... Figure 2 and Figure 9A ,exist Figure 2 Looking at the material discharge chute 910 from the perspective indicated by arrow A1, we obtain... Figure 9A The schematic diagram is shown. In this embodiment, the material discharge sensor 920 is located on the left side of the material discharge chute 910. In other embodiments, the material discharge sensor 920 may be located in other positions.

[0095] This invention does not limit the specific implementation of the material drop sensor 920. In one embodiment, the material drop sensor 920 is connected to an adsorption sensor on the adsorption element. When the adsorption sensor on the adsorption element senses a signal that the LED bracket strip has left the adsorption element, it sends this signal as a material drop sensing signal to the material drop sensor 920, indicating that an LED bracket strip has fallen into the material drop trough 910. In one embodiment, the material drop sensor 920 can be a pressure sensor in contact with the material drop trough 910. When it senses pressure on the material drop trough 910, it indicates that an LED bracket strip has fallen into the material drop trough 910. In one embodiment, the material drop sensor 920 can be an infrared sensor. When the LED bracket strip falls, it is detected by infrared light, indicating that an LED bracket strip has fallen into the material drop trough 910. Those skilled in the art can use various suitable sensors to sense the LED bracket strip falling into the material drop trough 910, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0096] refer to Figure 9B As shown, the push rod 930 is a long rod, located on the side of the discharge chute 910. Combined with... Figure 2 and Figure 9B ,exist Figure 2 Looking at the material discharge chute 910 from the perspective indicated by arrow A2, we obtain... Figure 9BThe schematic diagram is shown. In this embodiment, the pusher rod 930 is located on the left side of the discharge trough 910, and the feed inlet 240 of the processing machine is located on the right side of the discharge trough 910. When an LED bracket strip falls into the discharge trough 910, one end of the pusher rod 930 extends into the discharge trough 910, abuts against the LED bracket strip, and pushes the LED bracket strip along the discharge trough 910 until the LED bracket strip leaves the discharge trough 910 and enters... Figure 2 The feed inlet 240 of the processing machine shown is used for the processing steps of the processing machine.

[0097] According to the automatic feeding machine of the present invention, multiple LED bracket strips are threaded through a feeding device. An adsorption device automatically adsorbs one LED bracket strip at a time from the multiple strips and feeds it into the inlet of the processing machine. This achieves automatic feeding, saving labor costs, improving production efficiency, and preventing human-caused damage and contamination of the LED bracket strips due to reduced manual operation, thus reducing machine malfunctions. In the LED production process, after limited testing, using the automatic feeding machine of the present invention to feed wire bonding machines reduces the feeding time to 1 minute per machine, which is 1 / 6 of the original time, and the machines are more stable with fewer malfunctions.

[0098] Some aspects of this application can be executed entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. The aforementioned hardware or software may be referred to as a "data block," "module," "engine," "unit," "component," or "system." The processor may be one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DAPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, aspects of this application may manifest as computer products residing in one or more computer-readable media, including computer-readable program code. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), optical discs (e.g., compressed CDs, digital multifunction DVDs, etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives, etc.).

[0099] While the foregoing disclosure has discussed various examples of embodiments of the invention that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention. For example, although the system components described above can be implemented by hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely by software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0100] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of this invention and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments, the foregoing description of the embodiments of this invention sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of the invention requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiment disclosed above.

[0101] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of scope in some embodiments of the invention are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0102] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of the invention will fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding machine for feeding LED bracket strips into the feed inlet of a processing machine, characterized in that, include: A material loading device includes a material loading track that carries the LED bracket strip, the LED bracket strip being adapted to move along the material loading track; A material discharge chute, connected to the inlet, is used to receive an LED bracket strip and convey the LED bracket strip to the inlet. And an adsorption device, disposed opposite to the material carrier, including an adsorption element and a slide rail, wherein the adsorption element is adapted to move along the slide rail between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the adsorption element adsorbs one of the LED bracket strips in the material carrier track, and in the second position the adsorption element releases the LED bracket strip, causing the LED bracket strip to fall into the material discharge trough; The adsorption element includes an electromagnet and an auxiliary magnet; the electromagnet is energized to attract the LED bracket strip, and de-energized to release the LED bracket strip; the position of the auxiliary magnet is adjustable, and by adjusting the position of the auxiliary magnet, the attraction force of the adsorption element is changed so that the adsorption element can exactly attract one LED bracket strip; the adsorption device also includes a stop block, which is located above the material drop trough and is used to limit the position of the LED bracket strip so that the LED bracket strip falls into the material drop trough; When the electromagnet is in the second position, it loses power and loses its magnetic force.

2. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a platform suitable for placing the material carrier, the platform including a plurality of fixing parts, the material carrier being adapted to be connected to the fixing parts, and the plurality of fixing parts being at different distances from the second position.

3. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material loading track includes at least two tracks.

4. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption device also includes an adsorption sensor, which senses whether the adsorption element adsorbs onto the LED bracket strip.

5. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limit position sensor for sensing the limit position of the adsorption element as it moves toward the material loading device.

6. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a material drop position sensor for sensing that the adsorption element has reached the second position.

7. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material loading device also includes a top rod, which is located in the middle of the material loading track and is adapted to support the material loading track.

8. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes an intermediate position sensor for sensing the position of the adsorption element when it reaches the top rod.

9. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a collision avoidance sensor, located on the adsorption element, for sensing the resistance encountered by the adsorption element during movement.

10. The automatic feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a material drop sensor and a pusher rod. The material drop sensor is used to sense that the LED bracket strip falls into the material drop trough, and the pusher rod is used to push the LED bracket strip in the material drop trough away from the material drop trough.

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