A feeding mechanism and a welding platform having the feeding mechanism.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of welding fixture technology, and discloses a feeding mechanism and a welding platform equipped with the feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism includes a frame, a movable material tray guided on the frame, a first driving member connected to the material tray on the frame, a feeding part on the material tray for pushing material upwards away from the tray, a feeding part including a top-loading component on the material tray and a flipping component that works with the frame to drive the top-loading component away from or towards the material tray when the material tray moves, and a clamping part on the material tray that works with the feeding part to clamp or release material. A linkage component is provided between the clamping part and the feeding part. When the top-loading component moves away from the material tray, the clamping part releases the material; when the top-loading component moves towards the material tray, the clamping part returns to the clamping state. This feeding mechanism can achieve clamping and lifting feeding without the need for an additional electrically controlled driving member on the clamping mechanism, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of welding tooling technology, and in particular to a feeding mechanism and a welding platform having the feeding mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Sheet metal parts often require the addition of components that connect to other mechanical parts during production. These components typically need to be welded to the sheet metal. Welding involves first positioning the sheet metal on a welding platform, then placing the component onto the welding position on the sheet metal for welding. To improve production efficiency, automated welding equipment has emerged to replace manual welding, such as welding robots. Welding robots generally consist of a multi-axis robotic arm and a welding mechanism connected to the end effector of the robotic arm. The robot positions the welding mechanism to the required welding coordinates via the robotic arm and then performs automated welding through a control program. However, a robot can only connect to one functional module at a time, which means that determining the relative position of the welding component and the sheet metal still requires manual intervention or other positioning mechanisms. For example, Chinese Patent CN 206084230U discloses a positioning welding station. This welding station includes a welding station body, a grid-like positioning line on the welding station body, positioning scale lines near the edge of the welding station body, and a positioning mechanism that guides movement along its side.

[0003] Based on the above structure, it can be seen that when using the welding station, the position of the workpiece on the welding station is first determined by the scale lines. The positioning mechanism is then moved to the welding position, and the workpiece is placed and fixed on the positioning mechanism for rapid positioning. However, the positioning mechanism itself does not have the function of picking up and placing materials, so it needs to be placed manually or with the help of a feeding device. For existing feeding devices, please refer to Chinese Patent No. CN203497719U, which discloses a feeding device. This device includes a frame, a clamping mechanism on the frame, and a guide mechanism that cooperates between the clamping mechanism and the frame. The guide mechanism moves on the frame by means of a first driving member, and the clamping mechanism can move by means of a first driving member. The guiding mechanism moves to the required processing position. The clamping mechanism includes a drive assembly and a gripper assembly mounted on the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a second drive component that drives the gripper assembly to rise and fall, and a third drive component that drives the gripper assembly to clamp or release. However, most existing drive components are electrically controlled drive components such as motors or cylinders, and their movement stroke is controlled by a controller. The drive components and controllers are expensive. Controlling the overall movement of the above-mentioned clamping mechanism requires a drive component, raising or lowering the gripper assembly requires a drive component, and controlling the clamping and releasing of the gripper assembly requires a drive component. The setting of multiple drive components and controllers leads to excessively high manufacturing costs for the feeding mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the drawback of existing gripper assemblies requiring at least two electrically controlled drive components to achieve lifting and opening / closing, resulting in excessively high manufacturing costs, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a feeding mechanism that can achieve clamping and lifting feeding without the need for additional electrically controlled drive components on the gripping mechanism.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A feeding mechanism includes a frame, a movable material tray guided on the frame, a first driving member connected to the material tray on the frame, a feeding part on the material tray for pushing material upwards away from the material tray, the feeding part including a top-feeding component on the material tray and a flipping component that cooperates with the frame to drive the top-feeding component away from or towards the material tray when the material tray moves, the material tray also has a clamping part that cooperates with the feeding part to clamp or release material, a linkage component is provided between the clamping part and the feeding part, when the top-feeding component moves away from the material tray, the clamping part releases the material; when the top-feeding component moves towards the material tray, the clamping part returns to the clamping state.

[0007] Using the above scheme, when the material tray moves, the flipping component works with the frame to drive the top material component to push the material away from the material tray. During this process, the linkage component drives the gripping part to release the material, so that the top material component can smoothly push the material. When the top material component approaches the material tray to reset, the gripping part approaches the top material component again to prepare for the next feeding. Compared with the existing feeding device, the feeding mechanism in this scheme uses mechanical transmission methods such as the flipping component and the linkage component to perform the actions of gripping and lifting the material. Therefore, it reduces the need to set up an electrically controlled drive component on the gripping part and significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of the feeding mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the top material assembly includes a guide groove provided on the material tray, a top rod provided for guiding and moving through the guide groove, and a top material plate provided at one end of the top rod extending out of the guide groove.

[0009] Preferably, a receiving groove is recessed on the side of the material tray opposite to the top plate. The flipping assembly is a linkage assembly, which includes a first linkage hinged in the receiving groove, a second linkage hinged between the first linkage and the top rod, and a drive rod extending obliquely from the end of the first linkage away from the second linkage. When the first linkage and the second linkage flip, the top rod is driven to slide along the guide groove. The drive rod can flip to be close to the top rod or to be away from the top rod. A top block is provided at the end of the frame away from the first drive member. When the material tray approaches the top block, the drive rod is pushed against the top block and flipped.

[0010] Using the above scheme, when the drive rod abuts against the top block, it will flip to be close to the top rod. At this time, the first connecting rod flips upward, causing the top rod to rise upward. When the drive component moves away from the top block, the weight of the top plate causes it to fall closer to the material tray. The top rod falls, causing the drive rod to flip to be away from the top rod. The function of the second connecting rod is to convert the circular motion of the first connecting rod into the linear motion of the top rod. Considering that the connecting rod assembly may have a dead point, the angle formed by the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod in this scheme is always facing downward. This can prevent the hinge of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod from entering the dead point range when the top rod moves downward.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping part includes a boss surrounding the top plate on the material tray, a plurality of guide rods protruding from the side of the boss facing the top plate, and at least one pair of clamping blocks guided on the guide rods. An elastic element is provided between the clamping block and the boss, the elastic element drives the clamping block away from the boss, and the linkage component drives the clamping block closer to the boss.

[0012] Using the above scheme, the elastic element drives the clamping block to move along the guide rod, and its elastic force drives the clamping block to extend and clamp the material on the top plate.

[0013] Preferably, the linkage assembly includes several pull ropes connected at one end to the clamping block and at the other end to the drive rod, and a pulley group on the boss that is wound around the pull ropes. The pulley group includes several first pulleys on the boss that change the direction of force on the pull ropes, and second pulleys on the boss near the drive rod that are wound around all the pull ropes.

[0014] With the above solution, since the boss and the drive rod are located on opposite sides of the material tray, when the drive rod flips to be close to the top rod, the pull rope is pulled, the clamping blocks move away from each other and release the material. At this time, the top plate can easily push the material out. When the drive rod moves away from the top block, the elastic element drives the clamping blocks to move closer to each other and reset. At this time, the top rod drives the drive rod to flip to a position away from the top rod, and the operator can place new material.

[0015] Preferably, three clamping blocks are provided, with two opposite clamping blocks arranged in an L-shape to surround the top plate.

[0016] Using the above scheme, the symmetrical L-shaped clamps can reduce the need for clamps in one direction, with the L-shaped clamps providing the limit, while also reducing the need for pull ropes and pulleys, thus simplifying the structure.

[0017] Preferably, an auxiliary feeding mechanism is also provided between the material tray and the frame to drive the clamping blocks away from each other when the material tray approaches the first driving member so as to place the material.

[0018] Preferably, the auxiliary feeding mechanism includes a guide block located on the frame near the first driving member in the direction of material tray movement. The guide block has an inclined surface on the side facing the material tray that abuts against the end of the push rod away from the top plate when the material tray approaches. When the push rod abuts against the highest point of the inclined surface, the push rod drives the driving rod to flip and pull the rope to make the clamping blocks move away from each other.

[0019] Using the above scheme, when the material tray is close to the guide block, the push rod abuts against the inclined plane. When the push rod is at the highest point of the inclined plane, the push rod rises locally, which can drive the drive rod to flip so that the clamping blocks are separated by a certain distance, so that the operator will not be obstructed when placing materials. When the material tray is away from the first drive component, the push rod disengages from the guide block, and the clamping blocks move closer to each other to clamp and position the materials, so that the position of the materials is consistent when they are pushed out.

[0020] Preferably, the auxiliary feeding mechanism also includes a chamfer or rounded corner on the side of the clamping block facing the material.

[0021] Using the above solution, both the inclined surface and the arc surface can serve as guides, so that the operator does not need to precisely align the material when placing it. The material can be placed between the clamping blocks by following the chamfer or rounded corner.

[0022] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a welding platform, including a workbench and a welding robot, and further including a feeding mechanism as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein a drive mechanism connected to a frame is provided on the workbench, and the drive mechanism drives the feeding mechanism to move.

[0023] With the above solution, the drive mechanism is connected to the frame, and the feeding mechanism can be moved to any position on the worktable through the drive mechanism, which makes the feeding mechanism more versatile.

[0024] This invention, by adopting the above technical solutions, has significant technical effects:

[0025] 1. When the material tray moves, the linkage assembly and the frame work together to drive the top material assembly to push the material away from the material tray. During this process, the linkage assembly drives the gripping part to release the material, so that the top material assembly can smoothly push the material. When the top material assembly approaches the material tray to reset, the gripping part approaches the top material assembly again to prepare for the next feeding. Compared with the existing feeding device, the feeding mechanism in this solution uses mechanical transmission methods such as linkage assembly and linkage assembly to perform the gripping and lifting feeding actions of the gripping part. Therefore, it reduces the need to set up an electric control drive component on the gripping part and significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of the feeding mechanism.

[0026] 2. The linkage mechanism works in conjunction with the auxiliary feeding mechanism. The guide block and the push rod work together to drive the clamping block to release the material. The clamping block is also equipped with chamfers or rounded corners for guidance. When feeding the material, you only need to feed the material along the chamfers or rounded corners. After the material is put in, the material tray is pushed out by the first drive component, the clamping block clamps the material and positions it. The entire feeding process does not require precise alignment, which can improve the efficiency of material placement. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a welding platform in this embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the feeding mechanism in a welding platform according to this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the feeding mechanism in a welding platform according to this embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of A in the image;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the portion related to B in the image;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a welding platform in this embodiment, showing the feeding mechanism in the pushing state.

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of the portion related to C;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a welding platform in this embodiment, showing the feeding mechanism in a clamped state.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a welding platform in this embodiment, showing the feeding mechanism in the pushing state.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a welding platform in this embodiment when the feeding mechanism is close to the top rod;

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of D in the image;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a welding platform in this embodiment when the feeding mechanism is far from the push rod;

[0039] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of E in the image.

[0040] The parts referred to by the numbers in the above attached figures are as follows: 1. Frame; 2. Material tray; 3. First drive component; 4. Guide groove; 5. Push rod; 6. Top plate; 7. Receiving groove; 8. First connecting rod; 9. Second connecting rod; 10. Drive rod; 11. Top block; 12. Boss; 13. Guide rod; 14. Clamping block; 15. Pull rope; 16. First pulley; 17. Second pulley; 18. Spring; 19. Guide block; 1901. Inclined surface; 20. Chamfer; 21. Worktable; 22. Drive mechanism; 23. Cross slide; 24. Clamping device; 25. Sheet metal part; 26. Cylinder; 27. Mounting block. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] Example

[0043] A welding platform, according to Figure 1 As shown, the worktable includes a workbench 21, on which a cross slide 23 is provided that moves along the plane of the workbench 21. The cross slide 23 is composed of two intersecting slide rails and a connecting platform. A clamp 24 is connected to the upper slide rail. A sheet metal part 25 to be welded is placed below the clamp 24. A cylinder 26 is connected to the clamp 24 to press itself down to the welding station located on the sheet metal part 25. In this embodiment, two sets of cross slides 23 and clamps 24 are provided on the workbench 21. The above is the prior art.

[0044] The improvement in this embodiment is that a feeding mechanism for feeding materials to the clamps 24 is provided on the workbench 21. Since two sets of clamps 24 are provided in this embodiment, to avoid interference between the feeding mechanism and the clamps 24, a feeding mechanism is provided on each side of the workbench 21. Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the workbench 21 is also equipped with a drive mechanism 22 connected to the feeding mechanism. The drive mechanism 22 can drive the entire feeding mechanism to move horizontally relative to the workbench 21. The feeding mechanism includes a frame 1 connected to the drive mechanism 22. A movable material tray 2 is guided on the frame 1. A first drive member 3 connected to the material tray 2 is provided on the frame 1. In this embodiment, the first drive member 3 is set as a push rod motor with controllable stroke. The material tray 2 is provided with a feeding part that pushes the material upward away from the material tray 2 when it moves to below the clamp 24. In this embodiment, the material is a mounting block 27. The feeding part includes a top material assembly provided on the material tray 2. Figure 6 , Figure 7 or Figure 8As shown, the top-feeding assembly includes a guide groove 4 on the material tray 2, a top rod 5 for guiding and moving through the guide groove 4, a top-feeding plate 6 at one end of the top rod 5 extending out of the guide groove, and a receiving groove 7 recessed on the side of the material tray 2 opposite to the top-feeding plate 6. The feeding section also includes a connecting rod assembly that, when the material tray 2 moves, cooperates with the frame 1 to drive the top-feeding assembly away from or towards the material tray 2. Figure 8 and or Figure 9 As shown, the linkage assembly includes a first linkage 8 hinged within the receiving groove 7, a second linkage 9 hinged between the first linkage 8 and the top rod 5, and a drive rod 10 extending obliquely from the end of the first linkage 8 away from the second linkage 9. The first linkage 8 and the second linkage 9 can drive the top rod 5 to slide along the guide groove 4, and the drive rod 10 can be flipped to be closer to the top rod 5 or flipped to be away from the top rod 5, depending on... Figure 11 As shown, a top block 11 is provided at the end of the frame 1 away from the first driving member 3. When the material tray 2 approaches the top block 11, the driving rod 10 will be pushed against the top block 11 and flipped. During the flipping process, the second connecting rod 9 converts the circular motion of the first connecting rod 8 into the linear motion of the top rod 5. In this embodiment, the included angle formed between the first connecting rod 8 and the second connecting rod 9 always faces downward to prevent the connecting rod assembly from entering a dead point when flipping.

[0045] The material tray 2 is also equipped with a clamping part that cooperates with the feeding part to clamp or loosen the mounting block 27, according to... Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, the clamping part includes a boss 12 on the material tray 2 surrounding the top material plate 6. Several guide rods 13 protrude from the side of the boss 12 facing the top material plate 6. At least one pair of clamping blocks 14 are guided on the guide rods 13. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, three clamping blocks 14 are provided, with two opposite clamping blocks 14 arranged in an L-shape to surround the top plate 6. When clamped, they surround and clamp the mounting block 27. An elastic element is provided between the clamping block 14 and the boss 12. Figure 3 or Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic element includes a spring 18 sleeved on the guide rod 13, and the spring 18 drives the clamping block 14 away from the boss 12.

[0046] A linkage component is provided between the clamping part and the feeding part. The linkage component can drive the clamping block 14 to approach the boss 12. Under the action of the linkage component, when the top material component moves away from the material tray 2, the clamping part releases the mounting block 27; when the top material component approaches the material tray 2, the clamping part returns to the clamping state. Figure 3 or Figure 6As shown, the linkage assembly includes several pull ropes 15 connected at one end to the clamping block 14 and at the other end to the drive rod 10. A pulley group is provided on the boss 12 and is wound around the pull ropes 15. The pulley group includes several first pulleys 16 on the boss 12 that change the direction of force on the pull ropes 15 and second pulleys 17 located on the boss 12 near the drive rod 10 and wound around all the pull ropes 15.

[0047] An auxiliary feeding mechanism is also provided between the material tray 2 and the frame 1. When the material tray 2 approaches the first driving member 3, it drives the clamping blocks 14 to move away from each other so as to place the mounting block 27. Figure 13 As shown, the auxiliary feeding mechanism includes a guide block 19 located on the frame 1 near the first driving member 3 in the direction of movement of the material tray 2. The guide block 19 has an inclined surface 1901 on its side facing the material tray 2, which abuts against the end of the push rod 5 away from the top plate 6 when the material tray 2 approaches. When the push rod 5 abuts against the highest point of the inclined surface 1901, the push rod 5 drives the driving rod 10 to rotate and pulls the pull rope 15 to move the clamping blocks 14 away from each other. Figure 6 or Figure 9 As shown, the auxiliary feeding mechanism also includes a chamfer 20 on the side of the clamping block 14 facing the mounting block 27.

[0048] Based on the above structure, refer to Figures 1 to 13 The feeding process of a feeding mechanism on a welding platform is described as follows:

[0049] Drive mechanism 22 adjusts frame 1 to face clamp 24. At this time, empty material tray 2 is located near the first drive component 3. Top rod 5 is lifted and clamping block 14 opens. At this time, the worker places mounting block 27 on top plate 6 and starts the first drive component 3. Material tray 2 moves closer to clamp 24. Top rod 5 falls after disengaging from guide block 19. Under the action of spring 18, pull rope 15 resets clamping block 14 to clamp mounting block 27. During the approach, drive rod 10 abuts against top block 11 and flips towards top rod 5. First connecting rod 8 drives second connecting rod 9 to flip, ultimately driving top rod 5 towards... The upward movement pushes the mounting block 27 into the clamp 24. At the same time, the push rod 5 pushes out and the pull rope 15 is rotated by the drive rod 10, causing the clamping blocks 14 to move away from each other and release the mounting block 27. At this point, the mounting block 27 smoothly enters the clamp 24. Then, the drive mechanism 22 drives the frame 1 away from the clamp 24, and the cylinder 26 presses the mounting block 27 down onto the worktable to cooperate with the material to be welded. The welding robot then performs the welding. After the welding is completed, the cylinder 26 resets, and the frame 1 moves closer to the clamp 24. At this time, the material tray 2 has moved closer to the first drive component 3, and the worker can put the material back in for welding.

[0050] As can be seen from the above process, during this process, the worker only needs to place the mounting block 27 on the material tray 2 and start the first drive component 3. The welding platform can automatically complete a series of subsequent welding operations. Compared with the clamping mechanism in the comparative document, the feeding mechanism of this embodiment does not need to set an additional drive component to achieve the functions of clamping and releasing the mounting block 27 and lifting and feeding. The operation of the feeding mechanism only requires one drive component, which significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of the feeding mechanism.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeding mechanism, comprising a frame (1), a movable tray (2) being guided on the frame (1), a first driving member (3) being arranged on the frame (1) and connected with the tray (2), characterized in that: The feeding part is provided on the tray (2) to push the material upward and away from the tray (2), and comprises a material pushing assembly provided on the tray (2) and a turnover assembly cooperating with the rack (1) to drive the material pushing assembly away from or close to the tray (2) when the tray (2) moves, and the clamping part is further provided on the tray (2) to clamp or release the material in cooperation with the feeding part, and the linkage assembly is provided between the clamping part and the feeding part, the clamping part releases the material when the material pushing assembly is away from the tray (2), and the clamping part resets to the clamped state when the material pushing assembly is close to the tray (2), the material pushing assembly comprises a guide groove (4) provided on the tray (2), a push rod (5) movably arranged in the guide groove (4), and a material pushing plate (6) provided on one end of the push rod (5) extending out of the guide groove, a receiving groove (7) is recessed on the side of the tray (2) opposite to the material pushing plate (6), the turnover assembly is a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly comprises a first linkage (8) hinged in the receiving groove (7), a second linkage (9) hinged between the first linkage (8) and the push rod (5), and a driving rod (10) obliquely arranged on one end of the first linkage (8) away from the second linkage (9), the first linkage (8) and the second linkage (9) are turned to drive the push rod (5) to slide along the guide groove (4), the driving rod (10) can be turned to be close to or away from the push rod (5), and a top block (11) is provided on one end of the rack (1) away from the first driving member (3), the driving rod (10) is abutted by the top block (11) to be turned during the approach of the tray (2) to the top block (11).

2. A feed mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping part comprises a boss (12) provided on the tray (2) to surround the material pushing plate (6), a plurality of guide rods (13) protruding from the side of the boss (12) facing the material pushing plate (6), and at least one pair of clamping blocks (14) movably arranged on the guide rods (13), a resilient member is arranged between the clamping blocks (14) and the boss (12), the resilient member drives the clamping blocks (14) away from the boss (12), and the linkage assembly drives the clamping blocks (14) to be close to the boss (12).

3. A feed mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The linkage assembly comprises a plurality of pull ropes (15) connected to the clamping blocks (14) at one end and connected to the driving rod (10) at the other end, and a pulley block provided on the boss (12) and wound with the pull ropes (15), the pulley block comprises a plurality of first pulleys (16) provided on the boss (12) to change the force direction of the pull ropes (15), and a second pulley (17) provided on the boss (12) close to the driving rod (10) and wound with all the pull ropes (15).

4. A feed mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The clamping blocks (14) are provided in three, and the opposite two clamping blocks (14) are symmetrically arranged in L-shaped to surround the material pushing plate (6).

5. A feed mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The auxiliary material releasing mechanism is further provided between the tray (2) and the rack (1) to drive the clamping blocks (14) away from each other to place the material when the tray (2) is close to the first driving member (3).

6. A feed mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: The auxiliary discharging mechanism comprises a guide block (19) arranged on the rack (1) close to the first driving member (3) in the moving direction of the tray (2), and a slope (1901) is arranged on the side of the guide block (19) facing the tray (2) and abutting against the end of the ejector rod (5) away from the ejector plate (6) when the tray (2) is close, and when the ejector rod (5) abuts against the highest part of the slope (1901), the ejector rod (5) drives the driving rod (10) to overturn and pull the pull rope (15) to make the clamping blocks (14) move away from each other.

7. A feed mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The auxiliary discharging mechanism further comprises a chamfer (20) or a round corner arranged on the side of the clamping block (14) facing the material.

8. A welding station comprising a worktable (21) and a welding robot, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism comprises the feeding mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, and a driving mechanism (22) connected with the rack (1) is arranged on the workbench (21), and the driving mechanism (22) drives the feeding mechanism to move.

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