Feeding device

Abstract

A kind of supply equipment.The supply equipment includes equipment body, storage bin, lifting movable platform and pulling mechanism;The storage bin is arranged in the equipment body, and the storage bin has at least one material holding unit, and the material holding unit is connected to the storage bin in a extractable manner;Lifting movable platform is arranged in the equipment body, and is suitable for moving between first height position and second height position;Pulling mechanism is arranged on the lifting movable platform, and the pulling mechanism is suitable for moving relative to the storage bin.The supply equipment of the present application can achieve the purpose of electronic component layer management, and can also realize the function of automatic feeding, and can supply different kinds of electronic components (such as different material number module card) at any time to match the adjustment of production line;Through the design of mechanical arm, transfer platform and the like, the assembly efficiency and product yield can also be improved, and the situation of mechanical arm colliding with electronic components can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a feeding device, and more particularly to a highly automated feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional feeding equipment uses rollers to move trays containing a single type of electronic component (e.g., module cards) for feeding. If it's necessary to switch to feeding a different type of electronic component (e.g., different part numbers of module cards), the original tray must be removed, and a new roller feed of the other type of electronic component must be used. Conventional feeding equipment has poor feeding efficiency and makes it difficult to supply different types of electronic components (e.g., different part numbers of module cards) to accommodate production line adjustments.

[0003] Furthermore, in known technologies, an image capturing unit identifies the outline of electronic components, which are then gripped by the end effector of a robotic arm. Due to limitations in image recognition capabilities, the robotic arm often collides with and damages the electronic components.

[0004] Therefore, a feeding device is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide a feeding device to address problems in the prior art. The feeding device includes a device body, a storage hopper, a lifting and moving platform, and a pulling mechanism. The storage hopper is disposed on the device body and has at least one holding unit, which is removably connected to the storage hopper. The lifting and moving platform is disposed on the device body and is adapted to move between a first height position and a second height position. The pulling mechanism is disposed on the lifting and moving platform and is adapted to move relative to the storage hopper.

[0006] In one embodiment, the material holding unit includes a support plate and a tray, multiple electronic components are adapted to be placed on the tray, the tray is placed on the support plate, and a pulling mechanism is adapted to pull the support plate horizontally from the storage bin so that the support plate, the tray and the electronic components are moved onto a lifting moving platform.

[0007] In one embodiment, the pulling mechanism includes a hook unit adapted to move between a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position. The hook unit is adapted to engage a support plate to move the support plate from the storage bin to the lifting mobile platform in a horizontal manner.

[0008] In one embodiment, the support plate includes a fastener with two opposing fastening holes, and the hook unit includes two hooks adapted to engage with the fastening holes.

[0009] In one embodiment, the feeding device further includes a robotic arm adapted to pick up the electronic components from a lifting moving platform. The robotic arm includes a first gripper unit, which includes two-sided grippers and two-end grippers. The two-sided grippers are adapted to grip the electronic components relative to them along a first direction, and the two-end grippers are adapted to grip the electronic components relative to them along a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the electronic component is a module card, which includes a first surface, a second surface, a first edge, and a second edge. The first surface is opposite to the second surface, the first edge is opposite to the second edge, and the first surface and the second surface are located between the first edge and the second edge. The equal-faced jaws are adapted to hold the first surface and the second surface, and the equal-end jaws are adapted to hold the first edge and the second edge.

[0011] In one embodiment, the equal-faced gripper is a pointed gripper.

[0012] In one embodiment, the equal-end gripper is an L-shaped gripper.

[0013] In one embodiment, the robotic arm includes a second gripper unit, and the first gripper unit and the second gripper unit are configured in opposite directions.

[0014] In one embodiment, the feeding device further includes an image capturing unit located above the lifting moving platform, which is adapted to capture images of the tray and the electronic components.

[0015] In one embodiment, the feeding device further includes a transfer platform and a scanner, wherein a robotic arm is adapted to place one of the electronic components on the transfer platform, and the scanner is adapted to scan the electronic component on the transfer platform.

[0016] In one embodiment, the transfer platform is adapted to rotate 180 degrees relative to the scanner to adjust the orientation of the electronic components.

[0017] In one embodiment, the transfer platform includes a slot into which electronic components are adapted to be inserted.

[0018] In one embodiment, the feeding device further includes an assembly platform, wherein an electronic device is adapted to be placed on the assembly platform, and a robotic arm is adapted to lift the electronic component from the transfer platform and assemble it into the electronic device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the present invention further provides a feeding device suitable for accommodating multiple electronic components of different sizes. The feeding device includes a device body, a storage bin, a lifting platform, and a pulling mechanism. The storage bin is removably connected to the device body, wherein the electronic components can be housed within the storage bin. The lifting platform is disposed on the device body and is adapted to move vertically. The pulling mechanism is disposed on the lifting platform and is adapted to move horizontally from within the storage bin, moving the electronic components onto the lifting platform.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, different storage bins can store different electronic components. Similarly, trays on different layers of support plates can also store different electronic components. This achieves the goal of hierarchical management of electronic components. In this embodiment, a lifting moving platform and a pulling mechanism can precisely and stably retrieve designated trays, and a robotic arm can pick up the designated electronic components, thereby achieving automated feeding. Compared to prior art, the feeding equipment of this embodiment can supply different types of electronic components (e.g., module cards with different part numbers) at any time to accommodate production line adjustments.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, the design of robotic arms, transfer platforms, etc., can also improve assembly efficiency and product yield, and avoid the situation where the robotic arm collides with electronic components. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B This shows the complete structure of the feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E as well as Figure 2F This illustrates the operation of the lifting mobile platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3A This invention illustrates the detailed structure of a lifting mobile platform according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 3B This shows the detailed structure of the hook unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B This illustrates the configuration of the storage bin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This invention shows the detailed structure of a robotic arm according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B This shows the gripping situation of the robotic arm according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This shows the complete structure of the feeding device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B This illustrates a transit platform according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0032] S1 and S2 feeding equipment

[0033] 1. Equipment body

[0034] 2. Storage silos

[0035] 20 material holding units

[0036] 21 Load-bearing plate

[0037] 211 Fastener

[0038] 212 Fastening hole

[0039] 22 pallets

[0040] 23 Slide rails

[0041] 31 Lifting Mobile Platform

[0042] 32 Pulling mechanism

[0043] 321 Hook Unit

[0044] 322 Hook

[0045] 323 Pulley

[0046] 33 motors

[0047] 34 Hinges

[0048] 4. Robotic Arm

[0049] 41 First gripper unit

[0050] 411 Face grippers

[0051] 412 end gripper

[0052] 42 Second gripper unit

[0053] 43 Spindle

[0054] 51 Image Capture Units

[0055] 52 transit platforms

[0056] 521 slot

[0057] 53 Scanner

[0058] 6 Assembly Platform

[0059] M Electronic Components

[0060] M1 First Surface

[0061] M2 Second Surface

[0062] M3 First Edge

[0063] M4 Second Edge

[0064] E Electronic Devices

[0065] Distance between h1 and h2 Detailed Implementation

[0066] Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B This shows the complete structure of the feeding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E as well as Figure 2F This illustrates the operation of the lifting mobile platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (See attached reference.) Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E as well as Figure 2F The feeding device S1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is adapted to provide a plurality of electronic components. The feeding device S1 includes a device body 1, a storage bin 2, a lifting moving platform 31, a pulling mechanism 32, and a robotic arm (not shown, but to be shown in the second embodiment). The storage bin 2 is removably connected to the device body 1, wherein the electronic components M are stored in the storage bin 2. The lifting moving platform 31 is disposed on the device body 1 and adapted to be at a first height position (e.g., ...). Figure 2E ) and a second altitude position (e.g., Figure 2B The electronic components M are moved between the storage bins 2 and the lifting platform 31. A pulling mechanism 32 is provided on the lifting platform 31 and is adapted to move the electronic components M horizontally from the storage bin 2 onto the lifting platform 31. A robotic arm (not shown) is adapted to pick up the electronic components M from the lifting platform 31.

[0067] Matching reference Figure 2C , Figure 2Das well as Figure 2E In one embodiment, the storage bin 2 includes a holding unit 20, which includes a support plate 21 and a tray 22. The electronic components M are adapted to be placed on the tray 22, and the tray 22 is placed on the support plate 21. The pulling mechanism 32 is adapted to pull the support plate 21 horizontally from inside the storage bin 2, so that the support plate 21, the tray 22 and the electronic components M are moved onto the lifting moving platform 31.

[0068] Electronic component M can be multiple electronic components of different heights (e.g., module cards with different part numbers), set in tray 22. The carrier plate 21 can adjust the spacing between the carrier plates according to the different heights of the electronic components. Figure 1A The middle support plate 21 is mounted on the positioning mechanism. In this embodiment, the positioning structure is a guide groove, in which the support plate can slide. The support plate can be replaced according to the different heights of the electronic components. For example, in... Figure 1A In this configuration, the wider section h1 between the two support plates is used to accommodate taller electronic components, while the narrower section h2 between the two support plates is used to accommodate shorter electronic components. This allows for changing the position of the support plates in the storage compartment to meet the height requirements of different components within the factory.

[0069] Figure 3A This invention illustrates the detailed structure of a lifting mobile platform according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3B This illustrates the detailed structure of the hook unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also: Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E , Figure 2F , Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B In one embodiment, the pulling mechanism 32 includes a hook unit 321, which is adapted to be in a first horizontal position ( Figure 2A ) and a second horizontal position ( Figure 2C The hook unit 321 is adapted to engage with the support plate 21 to move the support plate 21 from the storage bin 2 to the lifting moving platform 31 in a horizontal manner. Then, the lifting moving platform 31 pulls the support plate 21 to a first height position by the pulling mechanism 32. Figure 2D The material is moved up to the second height position where it can be picked up. Figure 2E The second height position is closer to a robotic arm 4 than the first height position. Figure 7 ).

[0070] Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B This illustrates the arrangement of the storage bin according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See accompanying reference.) Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B In this embodiment of the invention, the storage bin 2 can be horizontally slidably disposed within the equipment body 1, or can be removed and replaced. The storage bin 2 may have multiple slide rails 23, along which the supporting plates 21 slide.

[0071] Matching reference Figure 2C , Figure 3B as well as Figure 4B In one embodiment, the support plate 21 includes a fastener 211, the fastener 211 including two opposing fastening holes 212. Figure 4B The hook unit 321 includes two hooks 322. Figure 3B The hooks 322 are adapted to engage with the fastening holes 212. Figure 2C Thus, as previously described, the hook unit 321 is adapted to engage the support plate 21 to move the support plate 21 from the storage bin 2 to the lifting mobile platform 31 in a horizontal manner.

[0072] Reference Figure 3A In one embodiment, the pulling mechanism 32 may further include transmission elements such as a pulley 323 and a belt (not shown) to achieve the function of horizontally moving the hook unit 321. The hook unit 321 may include a cylinder to push the hook 322. The lifting moving platform 31 can be vertically raised and lowered by elements such as a motor 33 and a hinge 34.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, different storage bins can store different electronic components. Similarly, trays on different layers of support plates can also store different electronic components. This achieves the goal of hierarchical management of electronic components. In this embodiment, a lifting moving platform and a pulling mechanism can precisely and stably retrieve designated trays, and a robotic arm can pick up the designated electronic components, thereby achieving automated feeding. Compared to prior art, the feeding equipment of this embodiment can supply different types of electronic components (e.g., module cards with different part numbers) at any time to accommodate production line adjustments.

[0074] Figure 5 This invention shows the detailed structure of a robotic arm according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B This illustrates the gripping action of the robotic arm according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (See accompanying reference.) Figure 5 , Figure 6A as well as Figure 6BIn one embodiment, the robotic arm 4 includes a first gripper unit 41, which includes a two-sided gripper 411 and a two-end gripper 412. The two-sided gripper 411 is adapted to grip the electronic component relative to it along a first direction. Figure 6A The end grippers 412 are adapted to clamp the electronic component relative to it in a second direction. Figure 6B ), where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0075] Matching reference Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B In one embodiment, the electronic component M is a module card, which includes a first surface M1, a second surface M2, a first edge M3, and a second edge M4. The first surface M1 is opposite to the second surface M2, and the first edge M3 is opposite to the second edge M4. The first surface M1 and the second surface M2 are located between the first edge M3 and the second edge M4. The equal-face gripper 411 is adapted to grip the first surface M1 and the second surface M2, and the equal-end gripper 412 is adapted to grip the first edge M3 and the second edge M4.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, the face gripper 411 is a pointed gripper. The end gripper 412 is an L-shaped gripper. Through the combined design of the face gripper 411 and the end gripper 412, the gripping efficiency and gripping accuracy can be improved, and damage to the electronic component M can be avoided.

[0077] Reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, the robotic arm 4 includes a second gripper unit 42. The first gripper unit 41 and the second gripper unit 42 are arranged in opposite directions, such that the first gripper unit 41 and the second gripper unit 42 can rotate relative to each other via a pivot 43. This improves the gripping efficiency of the robotic arm 4.

[0078] Figure 7 This shows the complete structure of the feeding device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 7 In one embodiment, the feeding device S2 further includes an image capturing unit 51, which is located above the lifting moving platform. The image capturing unit 51 is adapted to capture images of the tray 22 and the electronic components M to identify the outline of the electronic components M.

[0079] Figure 8A as well as Figure 8B This illustrates a transit platform according to a second embodiment of the present invention. See also: [Reference Material] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7 , Figure 8A as well as Figure 8BIn one embodiment, the feeding device S2 further includes a transfer platform 52 and a scanner 53. The robotic arm 4 is adapted to place one of the electronic components M on the transfer platform 52, and the scanner 53 is adapted to scan the electronic component M on the transfer platform 52. In one embodiment, the robotic arm 4 uses the equal-face grippers 411 to remove the electronic component M from the tray 22 and places it on the transfer platform 52. Figure 6B ).

[0080] Reference Figure 8A In one embodiment, the transfer platform 52 is adapted to rotate 180 degrees relative to the scanner 53 to adjust the orientation of the electronic component M. In this embodiment, the scanner 53 scans the electronic component M on the transfer platform 52 to confirm the part number and orientation of the electronic component M. In one embodiment, if the orientation of the electronic component M is incorrect or there is an angular deviation, it can be adjusted by the transfer platform 52.

[0081] Reference Figure 8B In one embodiment, the transfer platform 52 includes a slot 521 into which electronic components M are adapted to be inserted.

[0082] Reference Figure 6B , Figure 7 In one embodiment, the feeding device S2 further includes an assembly platform 6, wherein an electronic device E is adapted to be placed on the assembly platform 6, and a robotic arm 4 is adapted to lift the electronic component M from the transfer platform 52 and assemble it into the electronic device E. In one embodiment, after the electronic component M is positioned and its position is confirmed to be correct and without deviation, the robotic arm 4 then uses the equal-end gripper 412 to pick up the electronic component M from the transfer platform 52 and assemble it into the electronic device E. Figure 6B This avoids the grippers hitting the electronic component M due to positional misalignment.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the design of robotic arms, transfer platforms, etc., can improve assembly efficiency and product yield, and avoid the situation where the robotic arm collides with electronic components.

[0084] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A feeding device, the feeding device comprising: One piece of equipment; A storage bin is disposed on the main body of the equipment. The storage bin has at least one holding unit connected to the storage bin in a removable manner. Multiple electronic components are adapted to be placed on the holding unit. A lifting mobile platform is mounted on the equipment body and is adapted to move between a first height position and a second height position; and A pulling mechanism is provided on the lifting moving platform and is adapted to move relative to the storage bin; The feeding device also includes a robotic arm, wherein the robotic arm includes a first gripper unit, the first gripper unit including a two-sided gripper and a two-end gripper. In a first gripping state, the two-sided gripper is adapted to grip the electronic component relative to it along a first direction, while the two-end gripper does not grip the electronic component. In a second gripping state, the two-end gripper is adapted to grip the electronic component relative to it along a second direction, while the two-sided gripper does not grip the electronic component. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The feeding device as described in claim 1, wherein, The material holding unit also includes a support plate and a tray, on which the electronic components are adapted to be placed. The tray is placed on the support plate, and the pulling mechanism is adapted to pull the support plate horizontally from the storage bin so that the support plate, the tray and the electronic components are moved onto the lifting moving platform.

3. The feeding device as described in claim 2, wherein, The pulling mechanism includes a hook unit adapted to move between a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position. The hook unit is adapted to engage the support plate to move the support plate from the storage bin to the lifting mobile platform in a horizontal manner.

4. The feeding device as described in claim 3, wherein, The support plate includes a fastener with two opposing fastening holes, and the hook unit includes two hooks adapted to engage with the fastening holes.

5. The feeding device as described in claim 2, wherein, The robotic arm is adapted to pick up the electronic components from the lifting mobile platform.

6. The feeding device as described in claim 5, wherein, The electronic component is a module card, which includes a first surface, a second surface, a first edge, and a second edge. The first surface is opposite to the second surface, and the first edge is opposite to the second edge. The first surface and the second surface are located between the first edge and the second edge. The equal-faced jaws are adapted to hold the first surface and the second surface, and the equal-end jaws are adapted to hold the first edge and the second edge.

7. The feeding device as described in claim 6, wherein, The grippers are pointed-mouth type.

8. The feeding device as described in claim 6, wherein, The equal-end gripper is an L-shaped gripper.

9. The feeding device as described in claim 5, wherein, The robotic arm includes a second gripper unit, which is configured in opposite directions to the first gripper unit.

10. The feeding device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising an image capturing unit disposed above the lifting moving platform, the image capturing unit being adapted to capture images of the tray and the electronic components.

11. The feeding device of claim 5, further comprising a transfer platform and a scanner, the robotic arm being adapted to place one of the electronic components on the transfer platform, and the scanner being adapted to scan the electronic component on the transfer platform.

12. The feeding device as described in claim 11, wherein, The transfer platform is adapted to rotate 180 degrees relative to the scanner to adjust the orientation of the electronic component.

13. The feeding device as described in claim 11, wherein, The transfer platform includes a slot into which the electronic component is adapted to be inserted.

14. The feeding device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising an assembly platform, wherein, An electronic device is adapted to be placed on the assembly platform, and a robotic arm is adapted to lift the electronic component from the transfer platform and assemble it into the electronic device.

15. A feeding device adapted to accommodate multiple electronic components of different sizes, the feeding device comprising: One piece of equipment; A storage bin is removably connected to the device body, wherein the electronic components can be housed in the storage bin; A lifting mobile platform, which is mounted on the equipment body and is adapted for vertical movement; and A pulling mechanism is provided on the lifting moving platform, the pulling mechanism being adapted to move horizontally from the storage bin to move the electronic components onto the lifting moving platform; The feeding device also includes a robotic arm, wherein the robotic arm includes a first gripper unit, the first gripper unit including a two-sided gripper and a two-end gripper. In a first gripping state, the two-sided gripper is adapted to grip the electronic component relative to it along a first direction, while the two-end gripper does not grip the electronic component. In a second gripping state, the two-end gripper is adapted to grip the electronic component relative to it along a second direction, while the two-sided gripper does not grip the electronic component. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

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