A material turning and coding machine and a material turning and coding method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of coding equipment, and discloses a material-flipping coding machine and a material-flipping coding method. The material-flipping coding machine includes a frame and a feeding device, a box-moving device, a positioning device, a material-transferring device, a rotating assembly, a driving device, and a coding mechanism, all connected to the frame. The feeding device drives the transport of a box containing material. The box-moving device moves the box from the feeding device to the positioning device. The positioning device calibrates the position of the box. The material-transferring device moves the material from the box located on the positioning device to the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly drives the material to flip to a preset posture. The driving device drives the rotating assembly to rotate so that the material flipped to the preset posture can rotate to an adjacent position of the coding mechanism. The coding mechanism codes the material flipped to the preset posture. This application mainly solves the technical problem of how to code the end of the cutting tool away from the cutting head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of coding equipment technology, and in particular to a material flipping coding machine and a material flipping coding method. Background Technology

[0002] Many products currently require coding to attach information such as production date, model, manufacturer information, or QR codes containing a large amount of electronic information to their surfaces. To improve production efficiency, existing technologies employ automated coding equipment. For slender, needle-like materials (such as cutting tools), the tools are typically placed with the blade tip facing upwards in the feed hopper to prevent damage to the tip. The feed hopper continuously supplies cutting tool material to the automated coding equipment. However, based on this upward-facing blade feeding scenario, existing automated coding equipment can only code the side of the tool, lacking the ability to code the end of the tool furthest from the blade tip. Therefore, how to automatically code the end of the tool furthest from the blade tip is a pressing technical challenge that needs to be overcome. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flipping and coding machine and a flipping and coding method, mainly to solve the technical problem of how to enable coding on the end of the cutting tool that is far from the cutting head.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A flipping and coding machine includes a frame and a feeding device, a box-moving device, a positioning device, a material-moving device, a rotating assembly, a driving device, and a coding mechanism, all connected to the frame.

[0006] The feeding device is used to drive the material box containing the material to move forward. The transferring device is used to transfer the material box located on the feeding device to the positioning device. The positioning device is used to calibrate the position of the material box. The transferring device is used to pick up the material from the material box located on the positioning device and move the picked-up material to the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly is used to receive the material from the transferring device and drive the material to flip to a preset posture. The driving device is used to drive the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the frame so that the material on the rotating assembly that has been flipped to the preset posture can rotate to the adjacent position of the coding mechanism. The coding mechanism is used to code the material located on the rotating assembly that has been flipped to the preset posture.

[0007] In one of the technical solutions, the rotating assembly includes a rotating base and at least one material picking module. The rotating base is rotatably connected to the frame. The material picking module includes a connected flipping mechanism and a picking mechanism. The picking mechanism is used to receive material from the material transfer device. The flipping mechanism is used to drive the picking mechanism to rotate so that the material picked up by the picking mechanism can be flipped to a preset posture.

[0008] The drive device is connected to the rotating base and is used to drive the rotating base to rotate relative to the frame, so that the material picked up by the material picking module can rotate to the adjacent position of the coding mechanism.

[0009] In one of the technical solutions, both the material turning mechanism and the material picking mechanism are pneumatic actuators. The rotating assembly also includes a solenoid valve, which is fixedly connected to the rotating seat. The solenoid valve is used to control the working state of the material turning mechanism or the material picking mechanism.

[0010] In one of the technical solutions, the number of solenoid valves is multiple, and the flipping and coding machine also includes a conductive component, which includes a stator and a rotor that are rotatably connected.

[0011] The stator includes a stator body and a plurality of first conductive elements connected to the stator body. The rotor includes a rotor body and a plurality of second conductive elements connected to the rotor body. The stator body and the rotor body are rotatably connected. The first conductive elements are used to be electrically connected to an external power source. The plurality of second conductive elements are in one-to-one conductive contact with the plurality of first conductive elements, and the plurality of second conductive elements are electrically connected to the plurality of solenoid valves.

[0012] In one of the technical solutions, the rotating seat is arranged in sequence along its own rotation direction with a loading station, a coding station, an inspection station and a unloading station;

[0013] The material handling module is arranged in the loading station, the coding station, the inspection station and the unloading station;

[0014] The material picking module located at the loading station is used to receive materials from the material transfer device; the material picking module located at the coding station is used for the coding mechanism to code the materials; the material picking module located at the detection station is used for material detection to check whether the coding is qualified; and the material picking module located at the unloading station is used for material unloading.

[0015] In one of the technical solutions, the flipping and coding machine further includes a feeding device, and the box moving device is also used to move the empty box located on the positioning device to the feeding device. The feeding device is used to drive the empty box to a predetermined position.

[0016] The number of positioning devices is two. One positioning device is used for the material transfer device to pick up materials, and the other positioning device is used for the box transfer device to move empty boxes to the unloading device and to receive boxes containing materials from the box transfer device again.

[0017] In one of the technical solutions, the flipping and coding machine also includes an automatic loading module, which includes a material box supply device, a conveying mechanism, a material box transfer device, a loading mechanism, and a material box recycling device.

[0018] The material box supply device is used to transport material boxes in an empty state. The conveying mechanism is used to pick up material boxes from the material box supply device and transfer the picked-up material boxes to the material box conveying device. The material box conveying device is used to transport material boxes and has a loading area. The loading mechanism is used to place materials located on the rotating assembly and coded by the coding mechanism into the material boxes located in the loading area. The conveying mechanism is also used to remove material boxes located on the material box conveying device and in a full state to the material box recycling device. The material box recycling device is used to transport material boxes in a full state.

[0019] In one of the technical solutions, the material turning and coding machine further includes a detection mechanism and a defective product collection device. The coding mechanism and the detection mechanism are arranged sequentially along the direction of rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the frame. The detection mechanism is used to identify whether the material located on the rotating assembly is coded correctly.

[0020] The loading mechanism is used to place materials located on the rotating assembly that have been coded by the coding mechanism and inspected by the inspection mechanism into the material box located in the loading area. The loading mechanism is also used to place materials that have failed the inspection by the inspection mechanism into the defective product collection device.

[0021] In one of the technical solutions, the material box conveying device includes a first conveyor line, a second conveyor line, and a transfer mechanism;

[0022] The first conveyor line is used to receive empty boxes picked up by the handling mechanism and to transport and temporarily store the boxes. The transfer mechanism is used to transfer empty boxes located on the first conveyor line to the second conveyor line. The second conveyor line is used to transport boxes and the transport direction is towards the handling mechanism. The handling mechanism is used to move boxes from the second conveyor line to the box recycling device. The loading area is located on the second conveyor line.

[0023] This application also provides a material flipping and coding method, using the material flipping and coding machine described in any of the above technical solutions, the material flipping and coding method comprising the following steps:

[0024] The feeding device drives the material-filled box forward to a preset position. The box-shifting device transfers the box from the feeding device to the positioning device. The positioning device receives the material-filled box and calibrates its position. The box-shifting device picks up material from the box on the positioning device and moves it to the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly flips the received material to a preset position. The driving device drives the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the frame, causing the material on the rotating assembly to rotate to an adjacent position to the coding mechanism. The coding mechanism codes the material on the rotating assembly that has been flipped to the preset position. Then... The driving device drives the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the frame, causing the material on the rotating assembly to rotate to the detection area. The detection mechanism located in the detection area identifies whether the material on the rotating assembly that has been coded by the coding mechanism is coded correctly. Then, the driving device drives the rotating assembly to rotate relative to the frame, causing the material on the rotating assembly that has been coded and detected to rotate to the unloading station. Then, the rotating assembly drives the material to flip back to its original position. Finally, the material is sorted according to whether it is coded correctly. Material that is coded correctly will be automatically loaded into the material box, and material that is not coded correctly will be automatically removed to the defective product collection device.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the flipping and coding machine provided by the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0026] This technical solution automates the feeding of the material box, as well as the flipping and coding functions of the material. When the material is a cutting tool, the rotating component of this solution can receive the cutting tool with its head facing upwards and flip the cutting head downwards, so that the end of the cutting tool away from the head faces upwards. This allows the coding mechanism to code the end of the cutting tool away from the head. Furthermore, the material box undergoes position calibration by a positioning device before feeding material to the rotating component, ensuring that the material transfer device can accurately pick up each piece of material from the material box located on the positioning device, thereby improving the reliability and stability of feeding material to the rotating component. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the material flipping and coding machine provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the material flipping and coding machine provided in Embodiment 1 of this application from another angle;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view of the material flipping and coding machine provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the material feeding machine for automatic feeding of the material box provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembled positioning device and material transfer device provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the material flipping and coding machine provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, which performs coding and detection.

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure after the detection mechanism has been concealed.

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the structure shown in a longitudinal sectional view;

[0037] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic loading module provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the material box supply device, conveying mechanism, and material box recycling device provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the material box conveying device and the loading mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0042] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0043] 1. Frame; 11. Feeding device; 12. Box transfer device; 121. Second driver; 122. Third driver; 123. Fourth driver; 124. Pneumatic gripper; 13. Positioning device; 131. First driver; 132. Positioning seat; 1321. Positioning groove; 14. Transfer device; 141. Fifth driver; 142. Sixth driver; 143. Gripper mechanism; 15. Unloading device; 100. Material box;

[0044] 2. Rotating assembly; 21. Rotating seat; 22. Material handling module; 221. Tilting mechanism; 222. Material handling mechanism; 23. Solenoid valve; 24. Electric busbar; 241. First wiring port; 242. Second wiring port; 25. Loading station; 26. Coding station; 27. Inspection station; 28. Unloading station;

[0045] 3. Drive unit; 4. Coding mechanism; 41. Mounting base; 42. Laser;

[0046] 5. Automatic loading module; 51. Material box supply device; 52. Conveying mechanism; 521. Y-axis module; 522. Z-axis module; 523. Box clamping mechanism; 524. Rotating mechanism; 53. Material box transmission device; 531. First conveyor line; 5311. Start end; 5312. End end; 532. Second conveyor line; 5321. Loading area; 5322. Waiting area; 5323. Unloading area; 533. Transfer mechanism; 5331. Lateral movement mechanism; 5332. Longitudinal movement mechanism; 5333. Clamping mechanism; 54. Loading mechanism; 541. Three-axis module; 542. Clamping mechanism; 55. Material box recycling device;

[0047] 6. Conductive component; 61. Stator; 611. Stator body; 612. First conductive element; 62. Rotor; 621. Rotor body; 622. Second conductive element;

[0048] 7. Inspection mechanism; 71. Fixing base; 711. Column; 7111. Mounting slot; 712. Adjustment plate; 72. Visual inspection device; 8. Defective product collection device. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0050] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0051] It should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 of this application.

[0052] 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 application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 This embodiment provides a material flipping and coding machine, which is used to realize the functions of automatic material feeding, automatic flipping, automatic coding, automatic detection and automatic loading. The material flipping and coding machine mainly includes a frame 1 and a feeding device 11, a box moving device 12, a positioning device 13, a material moving device 14, a material unloading device 15, a rotating component 2, a driving device 3, a coding mechanism 4, a detection mechanism 7, a defective product collection device 8 and an automatic loading module 5, which are respectively connected to the frame 1.

[0056] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5The feeding device 11 drives the material box 100 containing materials to move forward along the X-axis. The transferring device 12 transports the material box 100 containing materials from the feeding device 11 to the positioning device 13. The positioning device 13 calibrates the position of the material box 100 so that the transferring device 14 can accurately pick up materials from the material box 100 on the positioning device 13. The transferring device 14 picks up materials from the material box 100 on the positioning device 13 and moves the picked-up materials to the rotating assembly 2. When all the materials in the material box 100 on the positioning device 13 have been removed by the transferring device 14, the material box 100 on the positioning device 13 is now empty. The transferring device 12 also moves the empty material box 100 on the positioning device 13 to the unloading device 15. The unloading device 15 drives the empty material box 100 to a predetermined position so that the operator can replenish the empty material box 100.

[0057] Please refer to them again. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the number of positioning devices 13 is preferably two. One positioning device 13 is used for the material transfer device 14 to pick up materials, and the other positioning device 13 is used for the box transfer device 12 to move the empty box 100 to the unloading device 15 and to receive the box 100 containing materials from the box transfer device 12 again. Specifically, when the material in the box 100 on one of the positioning devices 13 is picked up by the material transfer device 14, the box transfer device 12 performs two actions. The first action is that the box transfer device 12 moves the empty box 100 located on the other positioning device 13 to the unloading device 15. The second action is that the box transfer device 12 then puts the box 100 containing materials located on the loading device 11 back onto the positioning device 13 from which the box 100 was just removed. By setting two positioning devices 13, the material box 100 containing materials can continuously supply the material transfer device 14, thereby enabling the material transfer device 14 to continuously pick up materials from either positioning device 13, thus greatly improving the efficiency of material supply to the rotating component 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, both the feeding device 11 and the unloading device 15 are preferably belt conveyors. In other embodiments, the feeding device 11 and the unloading device 15 may also be chain conveyors. Moreover, in this embodiment, the feeding device 11 and the unloading device 15 are parallel to each other, and the feeding device 11 is located above the unloading device 15. By staggering the feeding device 11 and the unloading device 15 in the vertical direction, the structure of the flipping and coding machine in this embodiment is more compact and reasonable. In addition, the unloading device 15 protrudes relative to the feeding device 11 along the driving direction (i.e., the X-axis direction), which facilitates the transfer device 12 to place the empty material box 100 located on the positioning device 13 from top to bottom onto the unloading device 15.

[0059] Please refer to them again. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The positioning device 13 specifically includes a first driver 131 and a positioning seat 132 connected together. The first driver 131 is connected to the frame 1 and is used to drive the positioning seat 132 to move linearly in the positive or negative direction along the Y-axis (preferably perpendicular to the X-axis). The first driver 131 can be a lead screw module or a timing belt module. The positioning seat 132 is provided with an upwardly open positioning groove 1321. The positioning groove 1321 is used to receive the material box 100 from the feeding device 11. The positioning seat 132 is used to calibrate the position of the material box 100. When the positioning seat 132 moves linearly under the drive of the first driver 131, the movement path of the positioning seat 132 includes a first position adjacent to the transfer device 12 and a second position adjacent to the transfer device 14. When the positioning seat 132 is in the first position, the transfer device 12 transports the material box 100 containing material on the feeding device 11 to the positioning seat 132, or the transfer device 12 moves the material box 100 on the positioning seat 132 and in the empty material device to the unloading device 15. When the positioning seat 132 is in the second position, the transfer device 14 takes out the material from the material box 100 on the positioning seat 132.

[0060] Please see Figure 4The box-moving device 12 specifically includes a second driver 121, a third driver 122, a fourth driver 123, and a pneumatic gripper 124 connected in sequence. The second driver 121 is fixed on the frame 1. The second driver 121 is used to drive the third driver 122, the fourth driver 123, and the pneumatic gripper 124 to move linearly together. The third driver 122 is used to drive the fourth driver 123 and the pneumatic gripper 124 to move linearly together. The fourth driver 123 is used to drive the pneumatic gripper 124 to move linearly. Moreover, the driving directions of the second driver 121, the third driver 122, and the fourth driver 123 are not collinear with each other, so that the pneumatic gripper 124 can be driven to move arbitrarily in three-dimensional space through the linkage of the second driver 121, the third driver 122, and the fourth driver 123. The pneumatic gripper 124 is used to pick up the material box 100 containing material from the loading device 11 and to place the empty material box 100 into the unloading device 15 under the drive of each driver. In addition, the driving direction of the second driver 121 is designed to be parallel to the driving direction of the feeding device 11, the driving direction of the third driver 122 is designed to be parallel to the driving direction of the first driver 131, and the driving direction of the fourth driver 123 is designed to be parallel to the vertical direction. The second driver 121, the third driver 122, and the fourth driver 123 can be a lead screw module or a timing belt module.

[0061] Please see Figure 5 The material transfer device 14 specifically includes a fifth driver 141, a sixth driver 142, and a gripper mechanism 143 connected together. The fifth driver 141 is mounted on the frame 1 and is used to drive the sixth driver 142 and the gripper mechanism 143 to move together in the horizontal direction. The sixth driver 142 is used to drive the gripper mechanism 143 to move in the vertical direction. Under the joint drive of the fifth driver 141 and the sixth driver 142, the gripper mechanism 143 can pick up materials from the material box 100 on the positioning device 13 and transfer the materials to a predetermined position. The fifth driver 141 and the sixth driver 142 can be a lead screw module or a synchronous belt module, and the gripper mechanism 143 is preferably a gripper cylinder.

[0062] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7The rotating component 2 receives material from the transfer device 14 and drives the material to flip to a preset posture. The rotating component 2 is rotatably connected to the frame 1, and the axis of rotation of the rotating component 2 relative to the frame 1 points vertically. The aforementioned drive device 3 is connected to the rotating component 2 and is used to drive the rotating component 2 to rotate relative to the frame 1. The drive device 3 can be a drive structure with a motor and gear transmission, or a drive structure with a motor and synchronous belt transmission. The aforementioned coding mechanism 4 and detection mechanism 7 are arranged sequentially along the direction of rotation of the rotating component 2 relative to the frame 1. The coding mechanism 4 is used to code the material located on the rotating component 2, and the detection mechanism 7 is used to identify whether the material located on the rotating component 2 is coded correctly.

[0063] Specifically, the rotating base 21 includes a rotating base 21 and at least one material picking module 22. The material picking module 22 further includes a connected flipping mechanism 221 and a picking mechanism 222. The picking mechanism 222 is used to pick up materials. The picking mechanism 222 picks up materials by means including but not limited to clamping the materials or using negative pressure gas to adsorb the materials. The flipping mechanism 221 is connected to the rotating base 21 and is used to drive the picking mechanism 222 to rotate, so that the materials picked up by the picking mechanism 222 can be flipped to a preset posture. In this embodiment, preferably, the flipping mechanism 221 is used to drive the picking mechanism 222 to rotate 180°, that is, so that the materials can be flipped 180°. The aforementioned driving device 3 is connected to the rotating base 21 and is used to drive the rotating base 21 to rotate relative to the frame 1, so that the materials picked up by the picking module 22 can be rotated sequentially to the adjacent positions of the coding mechanism 4 and the detection mechanism 7.

[0064] In this embodiment, both the flipping mechanism 221 and the picking mechanism 222 are preferably pneumatic actuators. The flipping mechanism 221 is specifically a conventional rotary cylinder, and the picking mechanism 222 is specifically a conventional gripper cylinder. The picking mechanism 222 is used to grip slender needle-shaped materials (such as knives).

[0065] Since both the tilting mechanism 221 and the picking mechanism 222 are pneumatic actuators, in order to electrically control the working state of the tilting mechanism 221 and the picking mechanism 222, the rotating assembly 2 in this embodiment also includes a plurality of solenoid valves 23. The plurality of solenoid valves 23 are fixed on the rotating seat 21. The solenoid valves 23 can be connected to the tilting mechanism 221 or the picking mechanism 222 through air pipes. Some of the solenoid valves 23 are used to individually control the working state of the corresponding tilting mechanism 221, and other solenoid valves 23 are used to individually control the working state of the corresponding picking mechanism 222.

[0066] To further elaborate on the above, let the number of material picking modules 22 be N, where N≥2 and N is an integer. The value of N depends on the number of working stations set on the rotary seat 21. In this embodiment, the preferred value of N is 4. Accordingly, four working stations are set on the rotary seat 21, namely the loading station 25, the coding station 26, the inspection station 27, and the unloading station 28. The aforementioned material picking modules 22 are arranged on these four stations. The material picking module 22 located at the loading station 25 is used to receive materials from the transfer device 14. The material picking module 22 located at the coding station 26 is used for the coding mechanism 4 to code the materials. The material picking module 22 located at the inspection station 27 is used for the inspection mechanism 7 to identify whether the materials are coded and qualified. The material picking module 22 located at the unloading station 28 is used for the automatic loading module 5 to unload the materials. By setting up material handling modules 22 at multiple stations on the rotary seat 21, each workstation can operate simultaneously, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of material coding and inspection. Furthermore, based on the case where the number of material handling modules 22 is N, that is, the number of turning mechanisms 221 and material handling mechanisms 222 in this embodiment is N, and the number of solenoid valves 23 is 2N. N solenoid valves 23 are connected one-to-one with N turning mechanisms 221 via air pipes to control whether the corresponding turning mechanism 221 is turned. Additionally, N solenoid valves 23 are connected one-to-one with N material handling mechanisms 222 via air pipes to control whether the corresponding material handling mechanism 222 clamps or releases the material.

[0067] As can be seen from the above, the numerous solenoid valves 23 are fixed on the rotating seat 21 and rotate together with the rotating seat 21. In order to power the numerous solenoid valves 23 and solve the problem of multiple wires being tangled, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 9 and Figure 10The flipping and coding machine in this embodiment also includes a conductive component 6, which includes a stator 61 and a rotor 62. The stator 61 specifically includes a stator body 611 and a plurality of first conductive elements 612, which are respectively and spaced apart on the stator body 611. The first conductive elements 612 can be conductive sheets or pads. The rotor 62 specifically includes a rotor body 621 and a plurality of second conductive elements 622, which are respectively and spaced apart along the axial direction of the rotor body 621. The stator body 611 and the rotor body 621 are rotatedly connected by a bearing. The first conductive elements 612 are made of conductive wire or conductive components (conductive components can be conductive parts, connectors, or...). The flexible circuit board (etc.) is electrically connected to an external power source. Preferably, the positive and negative poles of each first conductive element 612 are electrically connected to the external power source through a first wire, and each second conductive element 622 is electrically connected to a corresponding solenoid valve 23 using conductive wire or conductive element. The second conductive element 622 is ring-shaped, so that when the rotor body 621 rotates relative to the stator body 611, each second conductive element 622 can always be in conductive contact with a corresponding first conductive element 612. That is, each first conductive element 612, each second conductive element 622 and each solenoid valve 23 in this technical solution are in a one-to-one electrical connection relationship. During operation, it is only necessary to control the on and off of each first conductive element 612 to control the on and off of the corresponding solenoid valve 23. When multiple first conductive components 612 are electrically connected to an external power source using conductive wires and multiple second conductive components 622 are electrically connected to the corresponding solenoid valves 23 using conductive wires, even if a large number of conductive wires are used, since the conductive wires are either fixed to the frame 1 as a whole or rotate together with the rotor 62, solenoid valves 23 and rotating seat 21 as a whole, there will be no problem of the numerous conductive wires getting tangled together, thus avoiding the phenomenon of the conductive wires getting stuck or broken.

[0068] For easy electrical connection of the aforementioned multiple second conductive elements 622 and the corresponding solenoid valves 23, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7 The rotating assembly 2 in this embodiment also includes an electric busbar 24, which is fixed on the rotating base 21. The electric busbar 24 is used to provide electrical conductivity between the multiple solenoid valves 23 and the multiple second conductive components 622, thereby facilitating wiring and subsequent maintenance. Please refer to [link to details]. Figure 8 The busbar 24 has multiple first connection ports 241 and multiple second connection ports 242. The first connection ports 241 and the second connection ports 242 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence. The first connection ports 241 are used to electrically connect to the positive or negative pole of the second conductive element 622, and the second connection ports 242 are used to electrically connect to the positive or negative pole of the solenoid valve 23, so that the multiple second conductive elements 622 and the multiple solenoid valves 23 are electrically connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0069] Please see Figure 7 The coding mechanism 4 in this embodiment specifically includes a connected mounting base 41 and a laser 42. The mounting base 41 is connected to the frame 1. The mounting base 41 is used to mount the laser 42. The laser 42 is used to code the needle-shaped material located on the rotating component 2 and which has been flipped to a preset posture. The use of the laser 42 for coding is prior art and will not be elaborated here.

[0070] Please see Figure 6 The detection mechanism 7 in this embodiment includes a connected fixed base 71 and a vision inspection device 72. The fixed base 71 is connected to the frame 1 and is used to adjust the height of the vision inspection device 72 so that the vision inspection device 72 can acquire the coding information on the material surface at a suitable height. The vision inspection device 72 then uses software to determine whether the material coding is qualified. The fixed base 71 specifically includes a connected column 711 and an adjusting plate 712. The column 711 has a mounting groove 7111 extending in the vertical direction. The adjusting plate 712 is fixed to the mounting groove 7111 with screws. The vision inspection device 72 is fixed to the adjusting plate 712. By adjusting the height of the adjusting plate 712 in the mounting groove 7111, the height of the vision inspection device 72 can be adjusted.

[0071] Please refer to the following: Figures 11 to 14 The automatic loading module 5 includes a box supply device 51, a conveying mechanism 52, a box transfer device 53, a loading mechanism 54, and a box recycling device 55, which are respectively connected to the frame 1.

[0072] The material box supply device 51 is used to transport the material box 100 in an empty state, and the material box recycling device 55 is used to transport the material box 100 in a full state. In this embodiment, both the material box supply device 51 and the material box recycling device 55 are preferably belt conveyors. In other embodiments, the material box supply device 51 and the material box recycling device 55 can also be chain conveyors.

[0073] The conveying mechanism 52 is used to pick up empty boxes 100 from the box supply device 51 and transfer the picked-up box 100 to the box conveying device 53. The conveying mechanism 52 is also used to transfer full boxes 100 on the box conveying device 53 to the box recycling device 55.

[0074] The material box conveying device 53 is used to convey material boxes. Specifically, the material box conveying device 53 includes a first conveyor line 531, a second conveyor line 532, and a transfer mechanism 533, all connected to the frame 1. The first conveyor line 531 receives empty material boxes 100 picked up by the handling mechanism 52 and conveys them. The first conveyor line 531 temporarily stores the material boxes 100. When the second conveyor line 532 needs an empty material box 100, the transfer mechanism... Mechanism 533 transfers the empty material box 100 located on the first conveyor line 531 to the second conveyor line 532. The second conveyor line 532 is also used to convey the material box 100. The second conveyor line 532 is provided with a loading area 5321 for loading materials into the material box 100. The aforementioned handling mechanism 52 is used to pick up the full material box 100 from the second conveyor line 532 and transfer the material box 100 to the material box recycling device 55. The first conveyor line 531 and the second conveyor line 532 are preferably belt conveyors. In other embodiments, the first conveyor line 531 and the second conveyor line 532 can also be chain conveyors.

[0075] When the automatic loading module 5 is working, the cassette supply device 51 continuously supplies empty cassettes 100. The conveying mechanism 52 picks up the cassettes 100 from the cassette supply device 51 and moves them to the first conveyor line 531 of the cassette conveying device 53. The first conveyor line 531 drives the cassettes 100 forward. When the second conveyor line 532 needs empty cassettes 100, the transfer mechanism 533 transfers the empty cassettes 100 from the first conveyor line 531 to the second conveyor line 532. The cassettes 100 are then transported along the second conveyor line 532 to the loading area 5321. Then, the loading mechanism 54 picks up the material located at the unloading station 28 and... Based on whether the material coding is qualified, the picked-up material is loaded into the defective product collection device 8 or into the material box 100 located in the loading area 5321. The defective product collection device 8 is used to collect materials with unqualified coding, and the material box 100 in the loading area 5321 is used to load materials with qualified coding. When the material box 100 in the loading area 5321 is full of material, the material box 100 continues to be transported forward under the drive of the second conveyor line 532. When the material box 100 moves forward to the preset position, the handling mechanism 52 moves the material box 100 on the second conveyor line 532 that is in a full state to the material box recycling device 55. The material box recycling device 55 will drive the material box 100 in a full state to be transported forward to the designated position.

[0076] Specifically, the second conveyor line 532 is provided with a waiting area 5322, the aforementioned loading area 5321, and a discharging area 5323 along the conveying direction. The waiting area 5322 is used to receive empty material boxes 100 from the transfer mechanism 533, while the discharging area 5323 is used for the handling mechanism 52 to pick up full material boxes 100. Furthermore, the distance between the waiting area 5322 and the loading area 5321 is equal to the distance between the loading area 5321 and the discharging area 5323. This ensures that when a material box 100 in the loading area 5321 is filled with material and moves to the discharging area 5323 under the drive of the second conveyor line 532, an empty material box 100 in the waiting area 5322 can simultaneously move to the loading area 5321. In other words, this allows for a continuous and rapid replenishment of empty material boxes 100 to the loading area 5321, thereby further improving the efficiency of the loading operation.

[0077] More specifically, in order to make the structure more compact and reasonable, the first conveyor line 531 is set below the second conveyor line 532. Moreover, in this embodiment, the conveying direction of the first conveyor line 531 is designed to be opposite to the conveying direction of the second conveyor line 532, so that the material box 100 received by the first conveyor line 531 from the handling mechanism 52 can be returned to the adjacent position of the handling mechanism 52 in a full state. This allows the loading operation of empty material boxes 100 and the unloading operation of full material boxes 100 to be realized simultaneously with one handling mechanism 52, thereby greatly reducing the production cost of the loading module.

[0078] Furthermore, based on the structural design where the first conveyor line 531 is positioned above the second conveyor line 532, this embodiment designs the beginning 5311 and the end 5312 of the first conveyor line 531 along the conveying direction to both protrude relative to the second conveyor line 532. This facilitates the handling mechanism 52 in placing the empty material box 100 picked up from top to bottom onto the beginning 5311 of the first conveyor line 531, and also facilitates the transfer mechanism 533 in placing the empty material box 100 located at the end 5312 of the first conveyor line 531 from bottom to top into the waiting area 5322 of the second conveyor line 532. Preferably, the length by which the beginning 5311 and the end 5312 of the first conveyor line 531 protrude relative to the second conveyor line 532 is at least the length of one material box 100, to ensure the reliability and stability of driving the material box 100 forward.

[0079] Please see Figure 14The transfer mechanism 533 specifically includes a transverse movement mechanism 5331, a longitudinal movement mechanism 5332, and a clamping mechanism 5333 connected in sequence. The transverse movement mechanism 5331 connects to the frame 1 and drives the longitudinal movement mechanism 5332 and the clamping mechanism 5333 to move horizontally together. The longitudinal movement mechanism 5332 drives the clamping mechanism 5333 to rise or fall. Under the combined drive of the transverse movement mechanism 5331 and the longitudinal movement mechanism 5332, the clamping mechanism 5333 can transfer the empty material box 100 located at the end 5312 of the first conveyor line 531 to the waiting area 5322 of the second conveyor line 532. In this embodiment, both the transverse movement mechanism 5331 and the longitudinal movement mechanism 5332 are preferably multi-axis cylinders with built-in guiding functions, and the clamping mechanism 5333 is preferably a gripper cylinder. In other embodiments, the transverse movement mechanism 5331 and the longitudinal movement mechanism 5332 can also be higher-precision linear screw modules or electric cylinders.

[0080] Please see Figure 12 The conveying mechanism 52 specifically includes a Y-axis module 521, a Z-axis module 522, and a clamping mechanism 523 connected in sequence. The Y-axis module 521 is connected to the frame 1 and is used to drive the Z-axis module 522 and the clamping mechanism 523 to move together in the horizontal direction. The Z-axis module 522 is used to drive the clamping mechanism 523 to rise or fall. The clamping mechanism 523 is used to clamp the material box 100. Under the joint drive of the Y-axis module 521 and the Z-axis module 522, the clamping mechanism 523 can move the empty material box 100 located on the material box supply device 51 to the beginning 5311 of the first conveyor line 531. Alternatively, under the joint drive of the Y-axis module 521 and the Z-axis module 522, the clamping mechanism 523 can move the full material box 100 located in the unloading area 5323 of the second conveyor line 532 to the material box recycling device 55. Both the Y-axis module 521 and the Z-axis module 522 can be lead screw modules, synchronous belt modules or linear motors, and the clamping mechanism 523 is preferably a gripper cylinder.

[0081] Please see Figure 11 To make the structure more compact and reasonable, the conveying directions of the box supply device 51 and the box recycling device 55 are designed to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the conveying direction of the box conveying device 53. Based on this, the handling mechanism 52 of this embodiment also includes a rotating mechanism 524. The rotating mechanism 524 is connected to the Z-axis module 522 and the box clamping mechanism 523 respectively. The rotating mechanism 524 is used to drive the box clamping mechanism 523 to rotate, so that the empty box 100 picked up by the box clamping mechanism 523 from the box supply device 51 can be rotated 90° before being placed on the first conveyor line 531, and the full box 100 picked up by the box clamping mechanism 523 from the second conveyor line 532 can also be rotated 90° before being placed on the box recycling device 55. In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism 524 is preferably a pneumatic rotary cylinder.

[0082] Please refer to it again. Figure 11 The loading mechanism 54 specifically includes a three-axis module 541 and a clamping mechanism 542 connected in sequence. The clamping mechanism 542 is used to clamp materials, and the three-axis module 541 is used to drive the clamping mechanism 542 to perform three-dimensional movement, so that the materials clamped by the clamping mechanism 542 can accurately fall into the material box 100 located in the loading area 5321 of the first conveyor line 531. In this embodiment, the three-axis module 541 is preferably a structure formed by three lead screw modules connected in sequence, and the clamping mechanism 542 is preferably a gripper cylinder. In other embodiments, the three-axis module 541 can also be replaced by a multi-axis robot.

[0083] In summary, this technical solution achieves functions such as automatic material feeding, automatic flipping, automatic coding, automatic detection, and automatic loading. In particular, it can realize the flipping and coding of slender, needle-shaped materials (such as cutting tools). When the material is a cutting tool, this technical solution can automatically convey a material box containing multiple upward-facing cutting tools to achieve automated cutting tool feeding. During feeding, the material box is calibrated by the positioning device 13, allowing the material transfer device 14 to accurately pick up each cutting tool from the material box located on the positioning device 13, thereby improving the reliability and stability of supplying cutting tools to the rotating assembly 2. Furthermore, the rotating assembly 2 of this technical solution can receive cutting tools with upward-facing cutting tools and flip the cutting tools downwards, so that the end of the cutting tool away from the cutting head can face upwards, thus enabling the coding mechanism 4 to code the end of the cutting tool away from the cutting head. In addition, this technical solution sets up multiple material picking modules 22 on the rotating seat 21, and sets up a material flipping mechanism 221 on the material picking module 22. This can make full use of the central space of the rotating seat 21, so that the material flipping and coding machine of this technical solution has the advantage of small footprint.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] This embodiment provides a material flipping and coding method, which uses the material flipping and coding machine of Embodiment 1 above, and includes the following steps:

[0086] The feeding device 11 drives the material box containing the material to a preset position. Then, the transferring device 12 moves the material box on the feeding device 11 to the positioning device 13. The positioning device 13 receives the material box containing the material and calibrates its position. The transferring device 14 picks up the material from the material box on the positioning device 13 and moves the picked-up material to the rotating assembly 2. The picking module 22 in the rotating assembly 2 receives the material and flips it to a preset posture. Preferably, the material is flipped 180° under the drive of the picking module 22. Then, the driving device 3 drives the rotating assembly 2 to rotate relative to the frame 1, so that the material held by the picking module 22 on the rotating assembly 2 rotates to the adjacent position of the coding mechanism 4. The coding mechanism 4 marks the material on the rotating assembly 2 that has been picked up. The material module 22 flips to the preset posture for material coding. Then, the drive device 3 drives the rotating component 2 to rotate relative to the frame 1, so that the material held by the material picking module 22 on the rotating component 2 rotates to the adjacent position of the detection mechanism 7. The detection mechanism 7 identifies whether the material on the rotating component 2 that has been coded by the coding mechanism 4 is qualified. Then, the drive device 3 drives the rotating component 2 to rotate relative to the frame 1, so that the material on the rotating component 2 that has been coded and detected respectively rotates to the unloading station. Then, the rotating component 2 drives the material to flip back to the original posture. Finally, the automatic loading module 5 sorts the material according to whether the material is qualified for coding. The qualified material will be automatically loaded into the material box, and the unqualified material will be automatically moved out to the defective product collection device 8.

[0087] In summary, this method achieves functions such as automatic material feeding, automatic flipping, automatic coding, automatic detection, and automatic loading. In particular, it can achieve the flipping and coding of slender, needle-shaped materials (such as cutting tools). When the material is a cutting tool, this method can automatically convey a material box containing multiple upward-facing cutting tools to achieve automated tool feeding. During feeding, the material box undergoes position calibration by the positioning device 13, ensuring precise feeding of the cutting tools to the rotating assembly 2. Furthermore, this method can receive cutting tools with upward-facing cutting tools and flip the cutting tools downwards, allowing the end of the cutting tool furthest from the cutting head to face upwards, thus enabling the coding mechanism 4 to code the end of the cutting tool furthest from the cutting head.

[0088] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and only specifically describe the technical principles of the present invention. These descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention in any way. Based on this explanation, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention, as well as other specific embodiments of the present invention that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without creative effort, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A material flipping and coding machine, characterized in that, It includes a frame (1) and a feeding device (11), a box-moving device (12), a positioning device (13), a material-moving device (14), a rotating assembly (2), a driving device (3), and a coding mechanism (4) respectively connected to the frame (1). The feeding device (11) is used to drive the material box containing the material to move forward. The box transfer device (12) is used to transfer the material box located on the feeding device (11) to the positioning device (13). The positioning device (13) is used to calibrate the position of the material box. The material transfer device (14) is used to pick up the material from the material box located on the positioning device (13) and move the picked-up material to the rotating assembly (2). The rotating assembly (2) is used to receive the material from the material transfer device (14) and drive the material to flip to a preset posture. The driving device (3) is used to drive the rotating assembly (2) to rotate relative to the frame (1) so that the material on the rotating assembly (2) that has been flipped to the preset posture can rotate to the adjacent position of the coding mechanism (4). The coding mechanism (4) is used to code the material located on the rotating assembly (2) that has been flipped to the preset posture. The flipping and coding machine also includes a feeding device (15), and the box moving device (12) is also used to move the empty box located on the positioning device (13) to the feeding device (15), and the feeding device (15) is used to drive the empty box to a predetermined position. The number of positioning devices (13) is two. One positioning device (13) is used for the material transfer device (14) to pick up materials, and the other positioning device (13) is used for the box transfer device (12) to move the empty box to the unloading device (15) and to receive the box containing materials from the box transfer device (12) again.

2. The material flipping and coding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating assembly (2) includes a rotating base (21) and at least one material picking module (22). The rotating base (21) is rotatably connected to the frame (1). The material picking module (22) includes a connected flipping mechanism (221) and a picking mechanism (222). The picking mechanism (222) is used to receive materials from the transfer device (14). The flipping mechanism (221) is used to drive the picking mechanism (222) to rotate so that the materials picked up by the picking mechanism (222) can be flipped to a preset posture. The drive device (3) is connected to the rotating seat (21) and is used to drive the rotating seat (21) to rotate relative to the frame (1) so that the material picked up by the material picking module (22) can rotate to the adjacent position of the coding mechanism (4).

3. The material flipping and coding machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The material turning mechanism (221) and the material picking mechanism (222) are both pneumatic actuators. The rotating assembly (2) also includes a solenoid valve (23). The solenoid valve (23) is fixedly connected to the rotating seat (21). The solenoid valve (23) is used to control the working state of the material turning mechanism (221) or the material picking mechanism (222).

4. The material flipping and coding machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The number of solenoid valves (23) is multiple. The flipping and coding machine also includes a conductive component (6), which includes a stator (61) and a rotor (62) that are rotatably connected. The stator (61) includes a stator body (611) and a plurality of first conductive elements (612) connected to the stator body (611). The rotor (62) includes a rotor body (621) and a plurality of second conductive elements (622) connected to the rotor body (621). The stator body (611) is rotatably connected to the rotor body (621). The first conductive elements (612) are used for electrical connection with an external power source. The plurality of second conductive elements (622) are in one-to-one conductive contact with the plurality of first conductive elements (612), and the plurality of second conductive elements (622) are in one-to-one electrical connection with the plurality of solenoid valves (23).

5. The material flipping and coding machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating seat (21) is arranged in sequence along its own rotation direction with a loading station (25), a coding station (26), an inspection station (27) and a unloading station (28). The loading station (25), the coding station (26), the inspection station (27) and the unloading station (28) are all equipped with the material handling module (22). The material picking module (22) located at the loading station (25) is used to receive materials from the material transfer device (14), the material picking module (22) located at the coding station (26) is used for the coding mechanism (4) to code the materials, the material picking module (22) located at the detection station (27) is used for the material to be tested to see if the coding is qualified, and the material picking module (22) located at the unloading station (28) is used for the material to be unloaded.

6. The material flipping and coding machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The flipping and coding machine also includes an automatic loading module (5), which includes a box supply device (51), a conveying mechanism (52), a box transfer device (53), a loading mechanism (54), and a box recycling device (55). The material box supply device (51) is used to transport material boxes in an empty state. The conveying mechanism (52) is used to pick up material boxes from the material box supply device (51) and transfer the picked-up material boxes to the material box conveying device (53). The material box conveying device (53) is used to transport material boxes and has a loading area (5321). The loading mechanism (54) is used to place the material located on the rotating assembly (2) and coded by the coding mechanism (4) into the material box located in the loading area (5321). The conveying mechanism (52) is also used to move the material box located on the material box conveying device (53) and in a full state to the material box recycling device (55). The material box recycling device (55) is used to transport material boxes in a full state.

7. The material flipping and coding machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The material turning and coding machine also includes a detection mechanism (7) and a defective product collection device (8). The coding mechanism (4) and the detection mechanism (7) are arranged sequentially along the direction of rotation of the rotating assembly (2) relative to the frame (1). The detection mechanism (7) is used to identify whether the material located on the rotating assembly (2) is qualified for coding. The loading mechanism (54) is used to place the material located on the rotating assembly (2) that has been coded by the coding mechanism (4) and tested by the detection mechanism (7) into the material box located in the loading area (5321). The loading mechanism (54) is also used to place the material that has failed the test by the detection mechanism (7) into the defective product collection device (8).

8. The material flipping and coding machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The material box conveying device (53) includes a first conveyor line (531), a second conveyor line (532), and a transfer mechanism (533). The first conveyor line (531) is used to receive empty boxes picked up by the handling mechanism (52) and to transport and temporarily store the boxes. The transfer mechanism (533) is used to transfer empty boxes located on the first conveyor line (531) to the second conveyor line (532). The second conveyor line (532) is used to transport boxes and the transport direction is directed towards the handling mechanism (52). The handling mechanism (52) is used to move boxes from the second conveyor line (532) to the box recycling device (55). The loading area (5321) is located on the second conveyor line (532).

9. A method for flipping and coding materials, characterized in that, The flipping and coding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the flipping and coding method includes the following steps: The feeding device (11) drives the material box containing the material to a preset position. The transferring device (12) moves the material box on the feeding device (11) to the positioning device (13). The positioning device (13) receives the material box containing the material and calibrates the position of the material box. The transferring device (14) picks up the material from the material box on the positioning device (13) and moves the picked-up material to the rotating assembly (2). The rotating assembly (2) flips the received material to a preset posture. The driving device (3) drives the rotating assembly (2) to rotate relative to the frame (1), so that the material on the rotating assembly (2) rotates to the adjacent position of the coding mechanism (4). The coding mechanism (4) marks the material on the rotating assembly (2) that has been flipped. The material is coded to the preset posture. Then the driving device (3) drives the rotating component (2) to rotate relative to the frame (1), so that the material on the rotating component (2) rotates to the detection area. The detection mechanism located in the detection area identifies whether the material on the rotating component (2) that has been coded by the coding mechanism (4) is qualified. Then the driving device (3) drives the rotating component (2) to rotate relative to the frame (1), so that the material on the rotating component (2) that has been coded and detected respectively rotates to the unloading station. Then the rotating component (2) drives the material to flip back to the initial posture. Finally, the material is sorted according to whether the material is qualified. The material that is qualified will be automatically loaded into the material box, and the material that is unqualified will be automatically moved out to the defective product collection device.

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