A control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line

Abstract

This invention discloses a control method for an automated precision machining production line for end plates. The control method is characterized by the following steps: First, the working parameters of the automatic feeding mechanism, conveying mechanism, robotic arm, machine tool, transfer mechanism, three-in-one processing mechanism, and unloading and collection mechanism are set. The transfer mechanism includes a video detector and a loading / unloading mechanism, and a standard pattern for video detection is set. With this invention, the operator only needs to stack the end plates to be processed on the automatic feeding rack of the automatic feeding mechanism and remove the processed end plates stacked on the stacking rack. The control system controls the entire production line to perform automated actions, automatically feeding, automatically conveying to the processing station, and automatically processing the end plates. After processing, the processed end plates are automatically conveyed to the automatic unloading and collection mechanism for unloading and automatic stacking, forming a fully automated production line with high efficiency and low labor intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated end-plate finishing production line, specifically a control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, the processing of end plates requires multiple steps. Currently, in factories, each step of the end plate processing requires manual handling by operators or transport via trolleys to the corresponding workstation. After one step is completed, the end plate is moved to the next step. This manual handling of end plates between steps, as well as loading and unloading during each process, results in high labor intensity, low overall processing efficiency, and a high demand for manpower. Furthermore, the heavy weight of end plates, mostly made of metal, further burdens operators. Therefore, establishing a fully automated production line is a key technical problem that needs to be solved. To address this, a control method for an automated precision machining production line for end plates is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for an automated precision machining production line for end plates in order to solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line, characterized in that the control method is as follows:

[0005] a. First, set the working parameters of the automatic feeding mechanism, conveying mechanism, robot, machine tool, transfer mechanism, three-in-one processing mechanism and unloading and collection mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a video detector and loading / unloading mechanism. Set the standard pattern for video detection.

[0006] b. After the operator stacks several end plates on the automatic feeding rack of the automatic feeding mechanism, the automatic feeding rack is controlled by the control system to transport the end plates to the upper conveyor of the conveying mechanism in sequence, and the upper conveyor is controlled to drive the end plates to be transported.

[0007] c. When the sensor set at the upper conveyor and the loading position detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the upper conveyor to stop and then controls the pusher to push the end plate to the loading position. Then, it controls the robot to take the end plate away and clamp it onto the machine tool for processing. After processing, the end plate is placed at the unloading position and falls to the lower conveyor for output.

[0008] d. When the sensor installed at the outlet of the lower conveyor detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system then controls the lower conveyor to stop and starts the conveyor connecting the lower conveyor and the detection position to transport the end plate to the rotary table of the detection position until the sensor at the detection position detects the end plate and sends a signal to the control system. The control system then controls the conveyor to stop.

[0009] e. After the end plate is in the detection position, the control system controls the video detector to detect the weld position on the end plate. If the weld position is inconsistent with the set angle position, the control system controls the rotary table to rotate until the weld on the end plate is consistent with the set position. Then, a signal is sent to the control system, which controls the rotary table to stop rotating and controls the loading and unloading mechanism to move to the detection position to remove the end plate on the rotary table and transport it to the three-in-one processing mechanism for drilling, punching and tapping.

[0010] More preferably, the method also includes the following steps following step e above:

[0011] f. After the three-in-one processing mechanism finishes processing the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the loading and unloading mechanism to remove the processed end plate and move it to the unloading station. After placing the end plate on the unloading station, the end plate moves along the unloading station to the unloading conveyor. The control system then controls the unloading conveyor to start, driving the end plate to be transported to the unloading guide frame.

[0012] g. When the sensor on the push plate detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the material feeding pusher on the material feeding and collecting mechanism to start. The material feeding pusher drives the push plate to move the end plate to the stacking rack. Then the control system controls the stacking driver to move the stacking rack one end plate distance, waiting for the next end plate to be stacked.

[0013] h. During the continuous unloading and stacking of end plates, when the sensor on the stacking rack detects an end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system then sends a signal to the operator to inform them that the stacking rack is full of end plates, prompting them to remove the processed and stacked end plates. At the same time, the control system controls the start of the drive cylinder, which moves the collection rack. During the movement, the stacking rack full of end plates is moved out of the unloading station, and the empty stacking rack without unstacked end plates is moved to the unloading station to wait for the end plates to be unloaded and stacked.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the loading positions in step c above are provided on the upper conveyor. Each loading position corresponds to a robot and several machine tools. The loading positions include a preparation position and a picking position. When the sensor set on the upper conveyor corresponding to the loading position detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. At this time, the control system detects whether there is an end plate at the preparation position through the sensor set on the preparation position. If there is no end plate, the control system controls the pusher to push the end plate to the preparation position. If there is an end plate, the control system controls the upper conveyor to continue to operate, driving the end plate to move to the next loading position.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, when the sensor installed at the material preparation position detects that there is an end plate at the material preparation position, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system detects whether there is an end plate at the material picking position through the sensor installed at the material picking position. If there is no end plate at the material picking position, the control system controls the blocking mechanism installed between the material preparation position and the material picking position to move downward, and at the same time starts the conveyor used to drive the end plate at the material loading position to move, so as to transport the end plate from the material preparation position to the material picking position.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, if there is an end plate at the material picking position, the robot arm is controlled to pick up the end plate at the material picking position and transport it to the machine tool waiting for processing. When the machine tool completes processing, it sends a signal to the control system, and the control system controls the robot arm to remove the end plate from the machine tool and install the unprocessed end plate.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the automatic feeding mechanism in step b above includes a movable frame and two automatic feeding frames, one for standby and one for use, mounted on the movable frame. During the feeding process, if the sensor on one of the automatic feeding frames does not detect an end plate, it indicates that all the end plates on that automatic feeding frame have been fed. After sending a signal to the control system, the control system controls the movable frame to move the other automatic feeding frame, which has stacked end plates, to the feeding position corresponding to the conveying mechanism for end plate feeding. At the same time, a signal is sent to inform the operator that there are no end plates on one of the automatic feeding frames, prompting the operator to prepare end plates.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the three-in-one processing mechanism in steps e and f above consists of several units. A loading and unloading mechanism is used to load and unload multiple three-in-one processing mechanisms. After completing processing, the multiple three-in-one processing mechanisms send signals to the control system. The control system controls the loading and unloading mechanism to load and unload the multiple three-in-one processing mechanisms in sequence according to the order of receiving the signals.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Operators only need to stack the end plates to be processed on the automatic feeding rack of the automatic feeding mechanism and remove the processed end plates stacked on the stacking rack. The entire production line is automated through the control system. The feeding is automatic, the end plates are automatically transported to the processing station and processed automatically. After processing, the processed end plates are automatically transported to the automatic unloading and collection mechanism for unloading and stacking. There is no need for manual feeding, transfer and handling, operation of processing equipment to process end plates, or manual handling and unloading of processed end plates. The degree of automation is high, forming a fully automatic production line with high efficiency and low labor intensity.

[0020] By setting up a standby automatic feeding rack and a stacking rack, while one is feeding or unloading, the operator can stack end plates on the other automatic feeding rack and unload the end plates stacked on the other stacking rack. The two racks can be used alternately, so the entire production line will not stop working due to a lack of material on the automatic feeding rack or a full stacking rack. The line can work continuously. When one automatic feeding rack is empty or the stacking rack is full, a signal is sent to the control system. The control system can promptly notify the operator so that the operator can stack the materials or remove the processed and stacked end plates in time. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of the present invention;

[0022] Appendix Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding mechanism in this invention;

[0024] Appendix Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism in this invention;

[0025] Appendix Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism and the transfer mechanism in this invention;

[0026] Appendix Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the loading and unloading mechanism in this invention;

[0027] Appendix Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the material collection mechanism in this invention.

[0028] Legend: 1. Automatic feeding mechanism; 11. Automatic feeding rack; 12. Pusher; 13. Moving frame; 14. Pushing mechanism; 2. Conveying mechanism; 21. Upper conveyor; 22. Lower conveyor; 23. Unloading conveyor; 24. Conveyor; 25. Unloading station; 26. Unloading guide frame; 27. Push plate; 28. Unloading pusher; 29. ​​Stacking rack; 230. Stacking driver; 231. Drive cylinder; 232. Collection rack; 3. Robot arm; 4. Machine tool; 5. Transfer mechanism; 51. Rotary disk; 52. Detection position; 53. Video detector; 54. Loading and unloading mechanism; 6. Three-in-one processing mechanism; 7. Loading position; 71. Preparing position; 72. Picking position; 73. Blocking mechanism; 74. Conveyor; 75. Unloading position; 8. Unloading collection mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates the control method for an automated endplate finishing production line according to the present invention.

[0030] See Figure 1-7 As shown in the figure, a control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line is characterized by the following control method:

[0031] First, set the working parameters of the automatic feeding mechanism 1, conveying mechanism 2, robot arm 3, machine tool 4, transfer mechanism 5, three-in-one processing mechanism 6 and unloading and collection mechanism 8. The transfer mechanism 5 includes video detector 53 and loading and unloading mechanism 54. Set the standard pattern for video detection in advance.

[0032] Then, the operator stacks several end plates on the automatic feeding frame 11 of the automatic feeding mechanism 1. The control system controls the pushing mechanism 14 on the automatic feeding frame 11 to push the stacked end plates forward. When the end plates are pushed forward, the end plate at the front end falls onto the upper conveyor 21 without being supported by the automatic feeding frame 11. Then, the control system controls the upper conveyor 21 to start and drive the end plates forward for conveying.

[0033] During the process of the upper conveyor 21 driving the end plate to transport, when the sensor set on the upper conveyor 21 corresponding to the loading position 7 detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the upper conveyor 21 to stop. Then, the sensor set on the preparation position 71 detects whether there is an end plate in the preparation position 71. If no end plate is detected, a signal is sent to the control system. The control system controls the pusher 12 to push the end plate to the preparation position 71. If there is an end plate in the preparation position 71, the control system controls the upper conveyor 21 to continue to operate, driving the end plate to move to the next loading position 7.

[0034] Then, the sensor set on the picking position 72 senses whether there is an end plate at the picking position 72. If there is no end plate, the control system controls the blocking mechanism 73 set between the preparation position 71 and the picking position 72 to move downward. At the same time, the conveyor 74 used to drive the end plate on the loading position 7 to move is started, and the end plate is transported from the preparation position 71 to the picking position 72. After the sensor at the picking position 72 senses the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the robot arm 3 to take away the end plate on the picking position 72 and clamp it onto the machine tool 4 that has completed the processing of the previous end plate for processing. The processed end plate is placed at the unloading position 75 and then falls to the lower conveyor 22, so that the processed end plate is output through the lower conveyor 22.

[0035] During the process of conveying the end plate by the lower conveyor 22, when the sensor at the outlet of the lower conveyor 22 detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system then controls the lower conveyor 22 to stop and starts the conveyor 24 connecting the lower conveyor 22 and the detection position 52. The end plate is then conveyed to the rotary disk 51 of the detection position 52 by the conveyor 24 until the sensor at the detection position 52 detects the end plate and sends a signal to the control system. The control system then controls the conveyor 24 to stop.

[0036] After the end plate is in the detection position 52, the control system controls the video detector 53 to detect the weld position on the end plate. If the weld position is inconsistent with the weld angle position of the end plate in the database, the control system controls the rotating disk 51 to rotate until the weld on the end plate is consistent with the set position. Then, a signal is sent to the control system, which controls the rotating disk 51 to stop rotating and controls the loading and unloading mechanism 54 to move to the detection position 52 to remove the end plate on the rotating disk 51.

[0037] After the loading and unloading mechanism 54 clamps the end plate to be processed, it moves to the corresponding three-in-one processing mechanism 6 according to the completion signal sent by the three-in-one processing mechanism 6. It first removes the end plate that has been processed and rotates it 180°. Then it installs the end plate to be processed onto the three-in-one processing mechanism 6 and performs drilling, punching and tapping on the end plate through the three-in-one processing mechanism 6.

[0038] The processed end plate is moved to the unloading conveyor 23 by the loading and unloading mechanism 54 and then placed on the unloading conveyor 23. Then the control system controls the unloading conveyor 23 to start, and the processed end plate is conveyed forward by the unloading conveyor 23.

[0039] When the end plate is conveyed to the stacking rack 29 by the unloading conveyor 23 and rests against the unloading guide frame 26, the sensor set on the push plate 27 senses the end plate and sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the unloading pusher 28 to start. The unloading pusher 28 drives the push plate 27 to push the end plate onto the stacking rack 29 and rest against the stacking rack 29 or stack it on the end plate of the stacking rack 29. Then the control system controls the stacking driver 230 to move the stacking rack 29 forward by the distance of one end plate, leaving a station for the next end plate.

[0040] During the continuous material unloading and stacking process, when the sensor installed on the stacking rack 29 detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system then sends a signal to the operator to indicate that the stacking rack 29 is full of end plates and that the processed and stacked end plates can be removed. At the same time, the control system controls the start of the drive cylinder 231, which moves the collection rack 232. During the movement, the stacking rack 29 full of end plates is moved out of the unloading station corresponding to the unloading guide rack 26, and the empty stacking rack 29 without unstacked end plates is moved to the unloading station to wait for the end plates to be unloaded and stacked.

[0041] During the automatic processing of end plates, when the sensor on the automatic feeding rack 11 does not detect an end plate, it indicates that all end plates on the automatic feeding rack 11 have been fed. A signal is sent to the control system, which then controls the drive cylinder 231 used to push the moving rack to start. The drive cylinder 231 pushes the moving rack 13 to move another automatic feeding rack 11 with stacked end plates to the feeding position 7 corresponding to the conveying mechanism 2, and then feeds the end plates. At the same time, a signal is sent to inform the operator that there are no end plates on one of the automatic feeding racks 11, prompting the operator to prepare end plates.

[0042] The scope of protection of this invention is not limited to the above embodiments and their variations. Conventional modifications and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the content of these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line, characterized in that: The control method steps are as follows: a. First, set the working parameters of the automatic feeding mechanism, conveying mechanism, robot, machine tool, transfer mechanism, three-in-one processing mechanism and unloading and collection mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a video detector and loading / unloading mechanism. Set the standard pattern for video detection. b. After the operator stacks several end plates on the automatic feeding rack of the automatic feeding mechanism, the automatic feeding rack is controlled by the control system to transport the end plates to the upper conveyor of the conveying mechanism in sequence, and the upper conveyor is controlled to drive the end plates to be transported. c. When the sensor set at the upper conveyor and the loading position detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the upper conveyor to stop and then controls the pusher to push the end plate to the loading position. Then, it controls the robot to take the end plate away and clamp it onto the machine tool for processing. After processing, the end plate is placed at the unloading position and falls to the lower conveyor for output. d. When the sensor installed at the outlet of the lower conveyor detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system then controls the lower conveyor to stop and starts the conveyor connecting the lower conveyor and the detection position to transport the end plate to the rotary table of the detection position until the sensor at the detection position detects the end plate and sends a signal to the control system. The control system then controls the conveyor to stop. e. After the end plate is in the detection position, the control system controls the video detector to detect the weld position on the end plate. If the weld position is inconsistent with the set angle position, the control system controls the rotary table to rotate until the weld on the end plate is consistent with the set position. Then, a signal is sent to the control system, which controls the rotary table to stop rotating and controls the loading and unloading mechanism to move to the detection position to remove the end plate on the rotary table and transport it to the three-in-one processing mechanism for drilling, punching and tapping. f. After the three-in-one processing mechanism finishes processing the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the loading and unloading mechanism to remove the processed end plate and move it to the unloading station. After placing the end plate on the unloading station, the end plate moves along the unloading station to the unloading conveyor. The control system then controls the unloading conveyor to start, driving the end plate to be transported to the unloading guide frame. g. When the sensor on the push plate detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system controls the material feeding pusher to start. The material feeding pusher drives the push plate to move the end plate to the stacking rack. Then the control system controls the stacking driver to move the stacking rack one end plate distance, waiting for the next end plate to be stacked. h. During the continuous unloading and stacking of end plates, when the sensor on the stacking rack detects an end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system then sends a signal to the operator to inform the operator that the stacking rack is full of end plates, prompting the operator to remove the processed and stacked end plates. At the same time, the control system controls the start of the drive cylinder, which moves the collection rack. During the movement, the stacking rack full of end plates is moved out of the unloading station, and the empty stacking rack without unstacked end plates is moved to the unloading station to wait for the end plates to be unloaded and stacked. The automatic feeding mechanism in step b above includes a movable frame and two automatic feeding racks mounted on the movable frame. During the feeding process, when the sensor on one of the automatic feeding racks does not detect an end plate, it indicates that all the end plates on that automatic feeding rack have been fed. After sending a signal to the control system, the control system controls the movable frame to move the other automatic feeding rack with stacked end plates to the feeding position corresponding to the conveying mechanism for end plate feeding. At the same time, a signal is sent to inform the operator that there are no end plates on one of the automatic feeding racks, prompting the operator to prepare end plates.

2. The control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step c above, there are several loading positions on the upper conveyor. Each loading position corresponds to a robot and several machine tools. The loading positions include a preparation position and a picking position. When the sensor on the upper conveyor corresponding to the loading position detects the end plate, it sends a signal to the control system. At this time, the control system detects whether there is an end plate at the preparation position through the sensor on the preparation position. If there is no end plate, the control system controls the pusher to push the end plate to the preparation position. If there is an end plate, the control system controls the upper conveyor to continue to operate, driving the end plate to move to the next loading position.

3. The control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the sensor installed at the material preparation position detects that there is an end plate at the material preparation position, it sends a signal to the control system. The control system then uses the sensor installed at the material picking position to detect whether there is an end plate at the material picking position. If there is no end plate at the material picking position, the control system controls the blocking mechanism installed between the material preparation position and the material picking position to move downwards. At the same time, it starts the conveyor used to drive the end plate at the material loading position to move, and transports the end plate from the material preparation position to the material picking position.

4. The control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line according to claim 3, characterized in that: If there is an end plate at the material picking position, the robot arm will be controlled to pick up the end plate from the material picking position and transport it to the machine tool waiting for processing. If the processing is completed on the machine tool, a signal will be sent to the control system. The control system will then control the robot arm to remove the end plate from the machine tool and install the unprocessed end plate.

5. The control method for an automated end-plate finishing production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: In steps e and f above, there are several three-in-one processing mechanisms. A loading and unloading mechanism is used to load and unload multiple three-in-one processing mechanisms. After completing processing, several three-in-one processing mechanisms send signals to the control system. The control system controls the loading and unloading mechanism to load and unload several three-in-one processing mechanisms in sequence according to the order of receiving the signals.

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