Tube converting apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a tube conversion device, which comprises a machine table, a first carrier disc, a second carrier disc, a clamping mechanism and a rotating mechanism. The clamping mechanism is used for clamping a first tube in a preparation position. The rotating mechanism is used for driving the clamping mechanism to rotate relative to the machine table, so that the first tube clamped by the clamping mechanism is switched between the preparation position and a pouring position. When the first tube is in the pouring position and a second tube is in a receiving position, the first tube and the second tube are both inclined relative to a horizontal plane, and the first tube is communicated with the second tube, so that the material in the first tube slides into the second tube. The device can automatically transfer the material from one tube to another tube, thereby saving the manpower required for material transfer and improving the material transfer efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automation technology, and in particular to a material tube switching device. Background Technology

[0002] Materials such as semiconductor devices can be stored inside a feed tube. One end of the feed tube is closed, and the other end is open, allowing materials to enter and exit the tube. During the production or testing of materials, there are situations where it is necessary to transfer material from one feed tube to another empty feed tube.

[0003] For example, pre-produced materials need to be tested. The feed tube and the material inside it need to be placed into a testing device for testing. However, different testing devices may have different design standards, which may result in different feed tubes being required for different testing devices. If the same material needs to be fed into multiple different testing devices sequentially, the product may need to be transferred to different feed tubes sequentially. Currently, the operation of transferring material from one feed tube to another is usually done manually, which requires a significant amount of manpower. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a feed pipe switching device that can transfer materials from one feed pipe to another, thereby saving the manpower required for material transfer.

[0005] A material tube conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a machine base; a first carrier tray mounted on the machine base, the first carrier tray being used to carry a first material tube containing material, the first carrier tray being fixed relative to the machine base or movable relative to the machine base to position the first material tube on the first carrier tray in a ready position, wherein the first material tube is horizontally positioned when in the ready position; a second carrier tray mounted on the machine base, the second carrier tray being used to carry an empty second material tube, the second carrier tray being fixed relative to the machine base or movable relative to the machine base to position the second material tube on the second carrier tray in a receiving position; and a clamping machine. The machine includes a clamping mechanism adjacent to the preparation position, which is used to clamp the first material tube located in the preparation position; a rotating mechanism connected to the clamping mechanism, which is used to drive the clamping mechanism to rotate relative to the machine platform, thereby switching the first material tube clamped by the clamping mechanism between the preparation position and the discharge position; when the first material tube is in the discharge position and the second material tube is in the receiving position, both the first material tube and the second material tube are inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the bottom end of the cavity of the first material tube is connected to the top end of the cavity of the second material tube, so that the material in the first material tube slides into the second material tube.

[0006] The feed pipe switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following advantages: the feed pipe switching device can tilt the first feed pipe, thereby pouring the material in the first feed pipe into the tilted second feed pipe. This device can save the manpower required to transfer material from one feed pipe to another.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping mechanism includes: a first clamping block; a second clamping block, the second clamping block and the first clamping block being used to jointly clamp the first material tube, the second clamping block having a positioning notch for accommodating the first material tube, the opening side of the positioning notch facing the first clamping block, the wall surface of the positioning notch including two opposing guide walls, the two guide walls being respectively used to abut against both sides of the first material tube, the distance between the two guide walls gradually decreasing from the second clamping block to the first clamping block; and a tube clamping drive component for driving at least one of the first clamping block and the second clamping block to move, thereby changing the distance between the first clamping block and the second clamping block.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the material tube conversion device further includes a docking seat, the docking seat is fixed to the machine base, the docking seat is provided with a docking rail that passes through both ends, the docking rail is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the bottom end of the docking rail faces the receiving position, and the top end of the docking rail faces the unloading position; when the first material tube is in the unloading position, the tube cavity of the first material tube and the tube cavity of the second material tube are indirectly connected through the docking rail.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping mechanism includes a limiting surface, the outer surface of the docking seat includes an upper docking surface, the top end of the docking track is disposed on the upper docking surface, and the tube conversion device further includes a first tube pushing mechanism; when the first tube is in the pouring position, the upper docking surface is flush with the limiting surface; when the first tube is in the preparation position: the first tube pushing mechanism is disposed facing the limiting surface, and the first tube pushing mechanism is used to drive the first tube to move toward the limiting surface so that the first tube abuts against the limiting surface; and / or, the tube conversion device further includes a second tube pushing mechanism, the outer surface of the docking seat includes a lower docking surface, the bottom end of the docking track is disposed on the lower docking surface, and when the second tube is in the receiving position: the second tube pushing mechanism is used to drive the second tube to move toward the lower docking surface so that the second tube abuts against the lower docking surface.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the tube conversion device further includes a first direction detection unit, which is mounted on the clamping mechanism and located at the top of the docking seat. The first direction detection unit includes a first push rod, a first push rod driving component, and a first switch. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping surface. The first push rod driving component drives the first push rod to move toward the clamping surface. When the first tube is in the ready position, the clamping surface is located below the first tube and is used to abut against the first tube. When the first tube is correctly positioned, the distance between the first push rod and the clamping surface is a first distance. When the first tube is incorrectly positioned, the first push rod abuts against the first tube, and the distance between the first push rod and the clamping surface is a second distance. The first switch is triggered, and the first distance and... The second distance is not equal; and / or, the material tube conversion device further includes a second direction detection unit, the second direction detection unit includes a second push rod, a second push rod driving component, and a second switch, the second direction detection unit is located at the bottom end of the docking seat, the second carrier plate includes a bearing surface, the second push rod driving component is used to drive the second push rod to move toward the bearing surface, when the second material tube is in the receiving position, the bearing surface is located below the second material tube and abuts against the second material tube; when the placement direction of the second material tube is correct, the distance between the second push rod and the bearing surface is a third distance; when the placement direction of the second material tube is incorrect, the second push rod abuts against the second material tube, the distance between the second push rod and the bearing surface is a fourth distance, the second switch is triggered, and the third distance and the fourth distance are not equal.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the material tube conversion device further includes a jamming detection sensor, which is fixed to the docking seat and is configured as a photoelectric sensor; when the first material tube is in the pouring position, the light emitted by the jamming detection sensor illuminates the bottom end of the first material tube.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first carrier plate includes a first plate, a first fixed block, a first movable block, and a first positioning drive member. The first fixed block is fixedly connected to the first plate and has a first groove for accommodating a first material tube. The first positioning drive member is mounted on the first plate and is used to drive the first movable block to move relative to the first plate so that the first movable block and the wall surface of the first groove jointly clamp the first material tube. And / or, the second carrier plate includes a second plate, a second fixed block, a second movable block, and a second positioning drive member. The second fixed block is fixedly connected to the second plate and has a second groove for accommodating a second material tube. The second positioning drive member is used to drive the second movable block to move relative to the second plate so that the second movable block and the wall surface of the second groove jointly clamp the second material tube.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the feed tube switching device further includes a first feed sensor connected to the first carrier tray, the first carrier tray having a first groove for receiving the first feed tube, the first feed tube triggering the first feed sensor when it is located in the first groove; and / or, the feed tube switching device further includes a second feed sensor connected to the second carrier tray, the second carrier tray having a second groove for receiving the second feed tube, the second feed tube triggering the second feed sensor when it is located in the second groove.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the feed tube conversion device further includes a first transfer mechanism and a first residue detection sensor. The first transfer mechanism is used to drive the first feed tube from the preparation position to the residue detection position, the residue detection position being adjacent to the preparation position. The first residue detection sensor is fixed to the machine base and faces the residue detection position. The first residue detection sensor is configured as a through-beam photoelectric sensor. When the first feed tube is at the residue detection position, the light emitted by the first residue detection sensor penetrates the first feed tube along its length. And / or, the feed tube conversion device further includes a second residue detection sensor. The second residue detection sensor is fixed to the machine base and faces the receiving position. The second residue detection sensor is configured as a photoelectric sensor. When the second feed tube is at the receiving position, the light emitted by the second residue detection sensor illuminates the bottom end of the cavity of the second feed tube.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the feed tube conversion device further includes a first loading rack, a first unloading rack, and a first transfer mechanism. The first loading rack and the first unloading rack are both mounted on the machine base. Both the first loading rack and the first unloading rack are used to accommodate multiple stacked first feed tubes. The preparation position is located between the first loading rack and the first unloading rack. The first transfer mechanism is used to drive the first tray from the first loading rack to the preparation position, so that the first feed tube containing material is transferred from the first loading rack to the preparation position. The first transfer mechanism is also used to drive the first tray from the preparation position to the first unloading rack, so that the empty first feed tube is transferred from the preparation position to the first unloading rack. The feeding rack; and / or, the material tube conversion device further includes a second feeding rack, a second unloading rack, and a second transfer mechanism. The second feeding rack and the second unloading rack are both installed on the machine base. The second feeding rack and the second unloading rack are both used to accommodate multiple stacked second material tubes. The receiving position is located between the second feeding rack and the second unloading rack. The second transfer mechanism is used to drive the second tray from the second feeding rack to the receiving position so that the empty second material tube is transferred from the second feeding rack to the receiving position. The second transfer mechanism is also used to drive the second tray from the receiving position to the second unloading rack so that the second material tube containing material is transferred from the receiving position to the second unloading rack.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a top view of the first and second feed tubes;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view of the first feed tube in the middle;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A front view of the first feed pipe in the middle when it is filled with material;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The front view of the second feed tube in the middle;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A front view of the second feed pipe when it is filled with material;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a feed tube conversion device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A simplified schematic diagram of the feed tube conversion device from a top-down perspective;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of the first feed tube moving from the preparation position to the unloading position.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first carrier disk;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first carrier plate and the first transfer mechanism;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the first feeding rack, the feeding mechanism, and the feeding blocking mechanism;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of the first feed tube being transferred from the first loading rack to the first carrier tray.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the first unloading rack, the unloading mechanism, and the unloading blocking mechanism;

[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of the first material tube being transferred from the first carrier plate to the first unloading rack.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the second carrier disk;

[0033] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the gripping mechanism;

[0034] Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing the state when the clamping mechanism clamps the first material tube;

[0035] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the first push rod;

[0036] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the second push rod;

[0037] Figure 20 for Figure 18 Enlarged view of region A in the image;

[0038] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a docking seat according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the docking seat from another perspective;

[0040] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the first push rod when the first feed tube is correctly positioned.

[0041] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the first ejector rod when the first feed tube is misplaced.

[0042] Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the docking seat according to another embodiment.

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] 101-First material pipe, 102-First pipe body, 103-First channel, 104-First mounting hole, 105-First material stop, 106-Second material pipe, 107-Second pipe body, 108-Second channel, 109-Second material stop, 110-Second mounting hole, 111-Material;

[0045] 201-Pipe conversion device, 202-Machine base, 203-First loading rack, 204-First residue detection sensor, 205-First tube pushing mechanism, 206-Mounting frame, 207-First unloading rack, 208-Clamping mechanism, 209-Dating seat, 210-Second loading rack, 211-Second unloading rack, 212-Second carrier tray, 213-First carrier tray, 214-Second tube pushing mechanism, 215-Second residue detection sensor, 216-Rotation mechanism;

[0046] 301 - Preparation position, 302 - Discharge position, 303 - Receiving position, 304 - Inspection position;

[0047] 401-Dating rail, 402-Lower docking surface, 403-Upper docking surface, 404-Bearing surface, 405-Flanged opening, 406-Inclined surface;

[0048] 501-First plate, 502-First fixed block, 503-First groove, 504-First movable block, 505-First positioning drive, 506-First material arrival sensor, 507-First tray transfer mechanism, 508-Motor, 509-Driving wheel, 510-Driven wheel, 511-Synchronous belt, 512-Connecting block, 513-Slide rail, 514-Slider, 515-Second plate, 516-Second fixed block, 517-Second groove, 518-Second movable block, 519-Second positioning drive, 520-Second material arrival sensor;

[0049] 601-Feeding upright unit, 602-Upright body, 603-Longitudinal rod, 604-Feeding receiving groove, 605-First blocking mechanism, 606-Feeding mechanism, 607-Blocking cylinder, 608-Plug-in block, 609-Feeding tray, 610-Feeding cylinder, 611-Blocking block, 612-Unloading mechanism, 613-Unloading cylinder, 614-Unloading tray, 615-Unloading upright unit, 616-Full tube detection sensor, 617-Auxiliary cylinder, 618-Auxiliary tray, 619-Auxiliary mechanism;

[0050] 701-Clamping drive component, 702-Second clamping block, 703-First clamping block, 704-Positioning notch, 705-Clamping surface, 706-Guide wall, 707-Limiting surface;

[0051] 801-First push rod drive component, 802-First push rod, 803-Second push rod drive component, 804-Second push rod, 805-Material jam detection sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0053] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0055] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0056] Figure 1Two types of feed tubes suitable for the feed tube conversion device 201 of the present invention are shown: a first feed tube 101 and a second feed tube 106. The first feed tube 101 includes a first tube body 102 and a first stop member 105. The first tube body 102 may be made of plastic or metal. The first tube body 102 is straight and has a first channel 103 extending through both ends in a front-to-back direction. Figure 2 This is the front view of the first tube 102. Figure 3 This illustrates the state when the first tube 102 contains material 111. When the first tube 102 contains multiple materials 111, the multiple materials 111 can move along the length direction of the first channel 103 (corresponding to...). Figure 1 Arranged in a front-to-back direction. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first tube 102 has two first mounting holes 104, which are located at both ends of the first tube 102 and are disposed on the bottom wall of the first channel 103. A portion of the first stop 105 is detachably disposed in one of the first mounting holes 104, while the other portion of the first stop 105 is located in the first channel 103, and the other first mounting hole 104 is not blocked. The first stop 105 can be a pin; alternatively, the first stop 105 can also be a screw, and correspondingly, the first mounting hole 104 can be a threaded hole.

[0057] The structure of the second feed tube 106 is similar to that of the first feed tube 101. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the second feed tube 106 includes a second tube body 107 and a second stop 109. The second tube body 107 can be made of plastic or metal. The second tube body 107 is straight and has a second channel 108 that extends through both ends in a front-to-back direction. Figure 4 This is the front view of the second tube 107. Figure 5 This shows the state when the second tube 107 contains material 111. The second channel 108 and the first channel 103 can both contain the same material 111, and the way the second tube 107 contains material 111 is similar to the way the first tube 102 contains material 111. Figure 1 As shown, the upper and lower ends of the second channel 108 are closed, while the upper end of the first channel 103 is open. The upper end of the first channel 103 is an opening located on the top surface of the first tube 102, and the boundary of the upper end of the first channel 103 is as follows. Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line in the image.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, the second tube body 107 is provided with four second mounting holes 110. Two vertically aligned second mounting holes 110 are provided at the front end of the second tube body 107, and two vertically aligned second mounting holes 110 are also provided at the rear end of the second tube body 107. For the two mutually aligned second mounting holes 110 located at the same end of the second tube body 107, one second mounting hole 110 is located on the top wall of the second channel 108, and the other second mounting hole 110 is located on the bottom wall of the second channel 108 (the second mounting hole 110 located on the bottom wall of the second channel 108 is not specifically shown in the attached figure). A portion of the second stop member 109 is detachably disposed in the second mounting hole 110, and another portion of the second stop member 109 is disposed in the second channel 108. Furthermore, the second stop member 109 extends vertically through the second tube body 107, so as to... Figure 1 For example, the second stop 109 passes through two second mounting holes 110 located at the front end of the second tube 107 and aligned vertically. Similar to the first stop 105, the second stop 109 can be configured as a pin or screw.

[0059] Aside from the shape of the tube, the main difference between the second material tube 106 and the first material tube 101 lies in the location of the material stop. Figure 1 In the first tube 102, the first baffle 105 is located at the rear end of the first tube 102. The first baffle 105 can prevent the material 111 from sliding out from the rear end of the first channel 103. The front end of the first channel 103 is not closed, and the material 111 can enter and exit the first channel 103 from the front end of the first channel 103. Figure 1 In the middle, the second baffle 109 is located at the front end of the second tube 107. The second baffle 109 can prevent the material 111 from sliding out from the front end of the second channel 108; while the rear end of the second channel 108 is not closed, and the material 111 can enter and exit the first channel 103 from the rear end of the second channel 108.

[0060] It should be noted that the material stored in the feed tube can be a semiconductor device or other materials besides semiconductor devices; the shape of the feed tube in the feed tube conversion device 201 applicable to the present invention is not limited to that of the present invention. Figure 1 The shape shown.

[0061] The structure of the feed pipe has been described above. The feed pipe switching device 201, which is used to transfer material 111 between different feed pipes, is described below. This feed pipe switching device 201 is used to pour multiple materials 111 that were originally located in the first feed pipe 101 into an empty second feed pipe 106. Figure 6 A feed tube conversion device 201 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A simplified schematic diagram of the feed pipe conversion device 201 in the middle. Figure 7The location and layout of the main mechanisms of the feed tube changing device 201 are shown. The feed tube changing device 201 includes a machine base 202, a first carrier plate 213, a second carrier plate 212, a clamping mechanism 208, and a rotating mechanism 216.

[0062] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, both the first tray 213 and the second tray 212 are mounted on the machine base 202. The first tray 213 carries the first feed tube 101, which contains material 111. The second tray 212 carries the second feed tube 106, which does not contain material 111. When the first feed tube 101 is mounted on the first tray 213: the first feed tube 101 is horizontal to prevent material 111 from falling out of the first feed tube 101 before the first tray 213 moves to the unloading position 302; and the front end of the first feed tube 101 is open, while the rear end is closed (to...). Figure 6 (Based on the direction). When the second feed tube 106 is installed on the second carrier plate 212: the second feed tube 106 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the top end of the second feed tube 106 is open, and the bottom end of the second feed tube 106 is closed.

[0063] In this embodiment, both the first carrier tray 213 and the second carrier tray 212 are movable relative to the machine tool 202. Therefore, the first feed tube 101 on the first carrier tray 213 can move to the position shown. Figure 7 As shown in the preparation position 301, the second feed tube 106 on the second carrier 212 can move to the position shown in the figure. Figure 7 The material receiving position 303 is shown.

[0064] It should be noted that, in this invention, the inclination of the first feed tube 101 relative to the horizontal plane means that one end of the first feed tube 101 is higher than the other end, and the first feed tube 101 is not vertically arranged; similarly, the inclination of the second feed tube 106 relative to the horizontal plane means that one end of the second feed tube 106 is higher than the other end, and the second feed tube 106 is not vertically arranged. Furthermore, in this invention, the end of the feed tube refers to the end of the feed tube along its own length. The inclination angle of the feed tube can be 30°, 45°, 60°, etc., and there is no specific limitation on the inclination angle, as long as the inclination angle is sufficient to allow the material 111 to slide along the feed tube under its own weight.

[0065] like Figure 8As shown, the clamping mechanism 208 is adjacent to the preparation position 301, and is used to clamp the first material tube 101 located in the preparation position 301. The rotating mechanism 216 is connected to the clamping mechanism 208, and is used to drive the clamping mechanism 208 and the first material tube 101 clamped by the clamping mechanism 208 to rotate relative to the machine base 202. Figure 8 As shown, when the first material tube 101 held by the clamping mechanism 208 is in the ready position 301, the first material tube 101 is horizontally positioned; when the first material tube 101 is in the pouring position 302 and the second material tube 106 is in the receiving position 303, both the first material tube 101 and the second material tube 106 are inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the bottom end of the cavity of the first material tube 101 is directly or indirectly connected to the top end of the cavity of the second material tube 106. The cavity of the first material tube 101 is the first channel 103, and the cavity of the second material tube 106 is the second channel 108.

[0066] The working principle of the material transfer device 201, which transfers material 111 from the first material pipe 101 to the second material pipe 106, is roughly as follows: First, the first tray 213 transports the first material pipe 101 containing material 111 to the preparation position 301, and the second tray 212 transports the empty second material pipe 106 to the receiving position 303. Then, as... Figure 8 As shown, the clamping mechanism 208 clamps the first feed tube 101. At this time, the first feed tube 101 is in the ready position 301, and the end (front end) of the first feed tube 101 near the clamping mechanism 208 is open. Next, as... Figure 8 As shown, the rotating mechanism 216 drives the clamping mechanism 208 to rotate, causing the first material tube 101 to switch to the pouring position 302. After the first material tube 101 switches to the pouring position 302, the first material tube 101 tilts, and the front end of the first material tube 101 also serves as the bottom end of the first material tube 101. The material 111 slides under its own gravity and leaves the first material tube 101 from the bottom end. Since the first material tube 101 and the second material tube 106 are interconnected, the material 111 that leaves the first material tube 101 will subsequently slide into the second material tube 106 from the top end. The bottom end of the second material tube 106 is closed, and the second stop 109 of the second material tube 106 prevents the material 111 from falling from the bottom end of the second material tube 106. After the material 111 in the first material tube 101 is poured out, the rotating mechanism 216 drives the clamping mechanism 208 to rotate, so that the empty first material tube 101 falls onto the first carrier plate 213, thereby resetting the first material tube 101 to the ready position 301.

[0067] The feed pipe switching device 201 can automatically tilt the first feed pipe 101, thereby pouring the material 111 in the first feed pipe 101 into the second feed pipe 106. The feed pipe switching device 201 saves manpower.

[0068] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the material pipe conversion device 201 also includes a docking seat 209, which is fixedly connected to the machine base 202. The docking seat 209 is provided with docking rails 401 extending through both ends (the docking rails 401 are shown in the figure). Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the docking track 401 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. That is, one end of the docking track 401 is higher than the other end, and the docking track 401 is not vertically arranged. The top end of the docking track 401 faces the pouring position 302, and the bottom end of the docking track 401 faces the receiving position 303. When the first material pipe 101 is in the pouring position 302 and the second material pipe 106 is in the receiving position 303, the first material pipe 101, the docking track 401, and the second material pipe 106 are on the same straight line, and the three have the same inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane; and the bottom end of the cavity of the first material pipe 101 is connected to the top end of the docking track 401, the top end of the cavity of the second material pipe 106 is connected to the bottom end of the docking track 401, and the cavities of the first material pipe 101 and the second material pipe 106 are indirectly connected through the docking track 401. More specifically, when the first feed tube 101 is in the pouring position 302 and the second feed tube 106 is in the receiving position 303, the bottom end face of the first feed tube 101 and the docking seat 209 can abut against each other, and the top end face of the second feed tube 106 and the docking seat 209 can abut against each other. This reduces the gap between the feed tube and the docking seat 209, thereby reducing the risk that the material 111 will fall outside the feed tube and docking track 401 during the transfer process, and also reducing the risk that the material 111 will get stuck in the gap between the feed tube and the docking seat 209.

[0069] In some embodiments not shown, the feed tube conversion device 201 may not have the docking seat 209. When the first feed tube 101, clamped by the clamping mechanism 208, is tilted, the first feed tube 101 and the second feed tube 106 at the receiving position 303 directly abut against each other, with the bottom end of the cavity of the first feed tube 101 directly communicating with the top end of the cavity of the second feed tube 106. This arrangement also allows material 111 to be transferred from the first feed tube 101 to the second feed tube 106. The docking seat 209 provides mounting positions for some sensors or detection units in the feed tube conversion device 201, which will be described in detail below.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, both the first tray 213 and the second tray 212 are movable. In other embodiments, in order for the material 111 of the first feed tube 101 to be poured into the second feed tube 106, the first tray 213 and / or the second tray 212 may be fixed relative to the machine base 202, as long as the first feed tube 101 on the first tray 213 is in the ready position 301 and the second feed tube 106 on the second tray 212 is in the receiving position 303.

[0071] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the first tray 213 is movable relative to the machine base 202, the feed tube changing device 201 may further include a first loading rack 203 and a first unloading rack 207. Both the first loading rack 203 and the first unloading rack 207 can accommodate multiple stacked first feed tubes 101. The first loading rack 203 is used to accommodate first feed tubes 101 containing material 111, and the first unloading rack 207 is used to accommodate empty first feed tubes 101. The feed tube changing device 201 also includes a first tray transfer mechanism 507 (e.g., ...). Figure 10 As shown, driven by the first transfer mechanism 507, the first tray 213 can move from the first loading rack 203 to the clamping mechanism 208, thereby transporting the first material tube 101 containing material 111 to the preparation position 301. Driven by the first transfer mechanism 507, the first tray 213 can also move from the clamping mechanism 208 to the first unloading rack 207, thereby transporting the empty first material tube 101 from the preparation position 301 to the first unloading rack 207, so that the user can subsequently unload the empty first material tube 101 from the equipment. In this way, the user can add multiple first material tubes 101 containing material 111 to the first loading rack 203 at one time, and the material tube conversion device 201 can continuously empty the material 111 from multiple first material tubes 101.

[0072] To facilitate the explanation of how the first feed tube 101 is transferred from the first loading rack 203 to the first unloading rack 207, the structures of the first carrier plate 213, the first transfer mechanism 507 for driving the movement of the first carrier plate 213, the first loading rack 203, and the first unloading rack 207 will be introduced in sequence below.

[0073] The structure of the first carrier disk 213 is as follows: Figure 9As shown, the first carrier tray 213 includes a first plate 501, a first fixing block 502, a first movable block 504, and a first positioning drive 505. The first fixing block 502 is fixedly connected to the first plate 501 and is mounted on the top of the first plate 501. The first fixing block 502 has a first groove 503 for accommodating the first feed tube 101, with the opening of the first groove 503 facing upwards. The first positioning drive 505 is mounted on the top of the first plate 501 and is used to drive the first movable block 504 to move relative to the first plate 501, so that the first movable block 504 and the wall of the first groove 503 together clamp the first feed tube 101. Figure 9 Taking the rightmost first movable block 504 and the first material tube 101 as an example, the first movable block 504 can abut against the right side surface of the first material tube 101, and the left side wall of the first groove 503 can abut against the left side surface of the first material tube 101. In this way, the first material tube is clamped from both sides and fixed in the first groove 503. Figure 9 In this embodiment, the first positioning drive 505 is configured as a cylinder, which drives the first movable block 504 to move left and right. In other embodiments, the first positioning drive 505 can be replaced by an electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or other components. When the first positioning drive 505 drives the first movable block 504 to extend to the left, the first movable block 504 abuts against the first material tube 101. To improve the working efficiency of the material tube conversion device 201, the first carrier plate 213 can be provided with multiple sets of first fixing blocks 502, thereby increasing the number of first material tubes 101 that the first carrier plate 213 can support.

[0074] When the first feed tube 101 switches between the preparation position 301 and the unloading position 302, the first feed tube 101 needs to enter and exit the first groove 503; when the first feed tube 101 is transferred from the first carrier 213 to the first unloading rack 207, the first feed tube 101 needs to leave the first groove 503; when the first feed tube 101 is transferred from the first loading rack 203 to the first carrier 213, the first feed tube 101 needs to enter the first groove 503. To facilitate the entry and exit of the first feed tube 101 from the first groove 503, when the first feed tube 101 is located in the first groove 503, there will be a gap between the side wall of the first groove 503 and the outer surface of the first feed tube 101. Due to the existence of this gap, the position of the first feed tube 101 in the first groove 503 may be offset. If the position of the first feed tube 101 is offset, the clamping mechanism 208 may not be able to accurately clamp the first feed tube 101, and the first residue detection sensor 204 may not be aligned with the first feed tube 101, resulting in inaccurate detection results from the first residue detection sensor 204. The function of the first residue detection sensor 204 will be described in detail below. The first movable block 504 can clamp the first feed tube 101 against the wall of the first groove 503, thereby fixing the position of the first feed tube 101 in the width direction (left-right direction) of the first feed tube 101 by the first carrier plate 213.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, the feed tube switching device 201 also includes a first feed sensor 506, which is connected to the first carrier tray 213. More specifically, the first feed sensor 506 is fixed to the top of the first plate 501. When the first feed tube 101 is located in the first groove 503, the first feed tube 101 triggers the first feed sensor 506. In this invention, triggering a sensor means changing the output signal of that sensor. That is, the signal output by the sensor before it is triggered is a first signal, and the signal output by the sensor after it is triggered is a second signal, and the first signal and the second signal are different. The controller (not shown) of the feed tube switching device 201 can determine whether the first feed tube 101 is in the first groove 503 based on the output signal of the first feed sensor 506, so that the controller can determine whether the current working state of the device is malfunctioning.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first material arrival sensor 506 is configured as a photoelectric sensor, and the light emitted by the first material arrival sensor 506 is horizontally positioned and extends in the left-right direction. When the first material tube 101 is placed in the first groove 503, the bottom surface of the first material tube 101 is lower than the light emitted by the first material arrival sensor 506, and the side of the first material tube 101 blocks the light emitted by the first material arrival sensor 506, thereby triggering the first material arrival sensor 506. When the first material arrival sensor 506 is configured as a photoelectric sensor, it can be configured as a through-beam photoelectric sensor or a reflective photoelectric sensor. In other embodiments, the first material arrival sensor 506 can also be configured as a contact sensor such as a microswitch. After the first material tube 101 is placed in the first groove 503, the outer surface of the first material tube 101 contacts the first material arrival sensor 506, thereby triggering the first material arrival sensor 506.

[0077] Figure 10 A first transfer mechanism 507 for driving the movement of the first tray 213 is shown. The first transfer mechanism 507 includes a motor 508, a drive pulley 509, a driven pulley 510, and a timing belt 511. Both the drive pulley 509 and the driven pulley 510 are configured as timing pulleys. The motor 508 is mounted inside the machine base 202 (the machine base 202 is located inside...). Figure 10 (Not shown in the image) The drive wheel 509 is connected to the motor 508, and the driven wheel 510 is rotatably mounted on the machine base 202. The rotation axis of the drive wheel 509 and the rotation axis of the driven wheel 510 are spaced apart. The synchronous belt 511 surrounds the drive wheel 509 and the driven wheel 510. The first carrier tray 213 also includes a connecting block 512, which is fixed to the bottom of the first plate 501 and is fixedly connected to the synchronous belt 511. When the motor 508 drives the drive wheel 509 to rotate, the belt moves, thereby driving the first carrier tray 213 to move; and the direction of movement of the first carrier tray 213 can be changed by changing the rotation direction of the motor 508. The material tube conversion device 201 also includes a slide rail 513, which is fixedly connected to the machine base 202. The extension direction of the slide rail 513 is the same as the arrangement direction between the first loading rack 203 and the first unloading rack 207, that is, the slide rail 513 extends in a left-right direction. The first tray 213 also includes a slider 514, which is fixed to the bottom of the first plate 501 and is slidably mounted on the slide rail 513. The cooperation between the slide rail 513 and the slider 514 guides the movement of the first tray 213 relative to the machine base 202.

[0078] In other embodiments not shown, the first transfer mechanism 507 may employ other structural designs. For example, the first transfer mechanism 507 may be configured as a lead screw module; or, for another example, both the driving wheel 509 and the driven wheel 510 may be replaced with sprockets, and the timing belt 511 may be replaced with a chain; or, for yet another example, the driving wheel 509 may be replaced with a gear, and the timing belt 511 may be replaced with a rack extending in the left-right direction, with the rack directly fixed to the bottom of the first plate 501. The structural designs that the first transfer mechanism 507 may employ are not listed here.

[0079] like Figure 11 As shown, the first loading rack 203 includes two loading stand units 601 spaced apart from each other. Each loading stand unit 601 includes a stand body 602 and multiple longitudinal rods 603. A vertically arranged loading receiving groove 604 is formed between two adjacent longitudinal rods 603. The loading receiving groove 604 can accommodate the end of the first material tube 101. The longitudinal rods 603 can limit the left and right movement of the first material tube 101, and the two stand bodies 602 can limit the front and back movement of the first material tube 101. Figure 13 As shown, the first unloading rack 207 includes two unloading upright units 615 arranged at intervals. The shape and structure of the first unloading rack 207 are similar to those of the first loading rack 203, and will not be described in detail here.

[0080] like Figure 11 As shown, in order to transfer the first feed tube 101 from the first loading rack 203 to the first carrier tray 213, the feed tube conversion device 201 also includes a loading mechanism 606, an auxiliary mechanism 619, and a first blocking mechanism 605. Figure 12 As shown, the feeding mechanism 606 includes a feeding cylinder 610 and a feeding tray 609 connected to each other. The feeding cylinder 610 is used to drive the feeding tray 609 to rise and fall. The auxiliary mechanism 619 includes an auxiliary cylinder 617 and an auxiliary tray 618. The auxiliary tray 618 is L-shaped and is arranged adjacent to the feeding tray 609. The first blocking mechanism 605 includes a blocking cylinder 607 and a plug-in block 608 connected to each other. The blocking cylinder 607 is installed on the frame body 602 and is used to drive the plug-in block 608 to move relative to the frame body 602 along the length direction (front-to-back direction) of the first material tube 101.

[0081] The following describes how to transfer a first material tube 101 stored in the first loading rack 203 to the first carrier tray 213.

[0082] First, the piston rods of both the feeding cylinder 610 and the auxiliary cylinder 617 extend upwards. At this time, the feeding support plate 609 is slightly higher than the auxiliary support plate 618. The feeding support plate 609 supports the first material tube 101, and the insertion block 608 is aligned with the lowermost first material tube 101. After the feeding support plate 609 supports the first material tube 101, the blocking cylinder 607 can drive the insertion block 608 to retract, and the insertion block 608 is not inserted into the first material tube 101.

[0083] Subsequently, the piston rod of the feeding cylinder 610 retracts downwards, while the auxiliary cylinder 617 and the auxiliary support plate 618 remain in their previous positions. After the feeding support plate 609 descends to its lowest position, it is lower than the auxiliary support plate 618, and the first material tube 101 is supported by the auxiliary support plate 618, preventing the feeding support plate 609 from contacting the first material tube 101. When both the feeding support plate 609 and the auxiliary support plate 618 are at their highest positions, the height difference between the top surface of the feeding support plate 609 and the top surface of the auxiliary support plate 618 is equal to the thickness of one first material tube 101. Therefore, after the feeding support plate 609 descends, the second first material tube 101 from the bottom aligns with the insertion block 608, allowing the insertion block 608 to be smoothly inserted into the second first material tube 101 from the bottom.

[0084] Next, the blocking cylinder 607 drives the plug block 608 to insert into the second first material tube 101 from the bottom up. The plug block 608 is inserted into the first material tube 101. Because the plug block 608 is inserted and blocks the second first material tube 101 from the bottom up, the first material tube 101 and the other first material tubes 101 above it will not fall down.

[0085] After the insertion block 608 is inserted into the first feed tube 101, the piston rod of the auxiliary cylinder 617 retracts downwards, and the auxiliary support plate 618 descends. It should be noted that when both the loading support plate 609 and the auxiliary support plate 618 are at their lowest positions, the positions of both the loading support plate 609 and the unloading support plate 614 are lower than the position of the first fixing block 502. Therefore, after the auxiliary support plate 618 descends, the lowest part of the first feed tube 101 will fall onto the first fixing block 502 of the first carrier plate 213.

[0086] In this way, it is possible to achieve the effect of allowing only one first feed tube 101 to fall onto the first carrier plate 213 each time.

[0087] In other embodiments, the feeding cylinder 610 can be replaced by a hydraulic cylinder, electric cylinder, or other component capable of driving the object to move in a straight line; the blocking cylinder 607 can also be replaced by a hydraulic cylinder, electric cylinder, or other component capable of driving the object to move in a straight line.

[0088] like Figure 13As shown, in order to transfer the first material tube 101 from the first carrier 213 to the first unloading rack 207, the material tube conversion device 201 further includes an unloading mechanism 612 and a second blocking mechanism. The unloading mechanism 612 includes an unloading cylinder 613 and an unloading pallet 614. The unloading cylinder 613 is used to drive the unloading pallet 614 to rise and fall. The second blocking mechanism includes a blocking block 611, which is movably connected to the unloading stand unit 615 of the first unloading rack 207. The blocking block 611 can switch between a blocking state and a passing state.

[0089] The following describes how to transfer a first feed tube 101 from the first carrier 213 to the first unloading rack 207. For example... Figure 14 As shown at the top, when it is not necessary to transfer the first feed tube 101 from the first carrier 213 to the first unloading rack 207, the blocking block 611 is in a blocking state. When it is necessary to transfer the first feed tube 101 from the first carrier 213 to the first unloading rack 207, the first carrier 213 first moves to below the blocking block 611, and then the unloading cylinder 613 drives the unloading tray 614 to rise, thereby lifting the first feed tube 101 on the first carrier 213 upward; as the first feed tube 101 and the unloading tray 614 gradually rise, the first feed tube 101 pushes away the blocking block 611 ( Figure 14 (As shown in the middle part), the blocking block 611 is switched to the pass state. After the first material tube 101 passes over the blocking block 611 from top to bottom, the blocking block 611 returns to the blocking state. Next, the feeding cylinder 613 drives the feeding plate 614 to descend, so that the first material tube 101 above the blocking block 611 falls onto the blocking block 611. Figure 14 (As shown at the bottom).

[0090] It should be noted that before the feeding tray 614 drives the first material tube 101 to rise, the first material tube 101 may already be stored above the blocking block 611; correspondingly, during the process of the feeding tray 614 driving the first material tube 101 to rise, the first material tube 101 already placed on the blocking block 611 will also rise with the movement of the blocking block 611. After the first material tube 101 on the feeding tray 614 passes the blocking block 611, the first material tube 101 already stored above the blocking block 611 and the first material tube 101 on the feeding tray are stacked on top of each other. In other embodiments, the feeding cylinder 613 can be replaced by a hydraulic cylinder, electric cylinder, or other component capable of driving the object to move in a straight line.

[0091] The blocking block 611 can return from the passing state to the blocking state under its own weight. For example, the bottom end of the blocking block 611 is rotatably connected to the unloading stand unit 615. When the blocking block 611 is in the passing state, its center of gravity and its axis of rotation are horizontally spaced apart, and the weight of the blocking block 611 can generate a torque that causes it to rotate downwards. The blocking block 611 can also return from the passing state to the blocking state under the elastic force of an elastic component. For example, the material tube changing device 201 also includes a torsion spring, one end of which is connected to the blocking block 611, and the other end of which is connected to the unloading stand unit 615. The elastic force of the torsion spring is used to drive the blocking block 611 to rotate downwards, thereby restoring the blocking block 611 to the blocking state. Therefore, the blocking block 611 can be pushed open by the first material tube 101 on the feeding tray 614 to switch to the through state. The blocking block 611 can return to the blocking state under its own gravity and / or the elastic force of a certain elastic component. The material tube switching device 201 does not need to be equipped with a special drive mechanism to drive the movement of the blocking block 611, and the cost of the material tube switching device 201 is low.

[0092] like Figure 13 As shown, the tube conversion device 201 also includes a full tube detection sensor 616, which is installed at the top of the unloading stand unit 615. The full tube detection sensor 616 can be configured as a photoelectric sensor. When the empty first tubes 101 fill the unloading stand unit 615, the topmost first tube 101 will trigger the full tube detection sensor 616. Subsequently, the tube conversion device 201 can stop, and the device will remind (e.g., the device's display screen shows text information, the device's warning light flashes) the user to remove the first tubes 101 from the unloading stand unit 615. This prevents excessive stacking of first tubes 101 in the unloading stand unit 615, thereby preventing the first tubes 101 from falling from the top of the unloading stand unit 615.

[0093] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, when the second tray 212 is movable relative to the machine base 202, the tube transfer device 201 may further include a second loading rack 210 and a second unloading rack 211. Both the second loading rack 210 and the second unloading rack 211 are used to accommodate multiple stacked second tubes 106. The second loading rack 210 is used to accommodate empty second tubes 106, and the second unloading rack 211 is used to accommodate second tubes 106 filled with material 111. The tube transfer device 201 also includes a second transfer mechanism. Driven by the second transfer mechanism, the second tray 212 can move from the second loading rack 210 to the receiving position 303, and the second tray 212 can also move from the receiving position 303 to the second unloading rack 211, thereby transporting the second tubes 106 filled with material 111 to the second unloading rack 211 so that the user can subsequently unload the second tubes 106 filled with material 111 from the equipment. In this way, the user can add multiple empty second material tubes 106 to the second feeding rack 210 at one time, and the material tube conversion device 201 can continuously pour the material 111 into the second material tube 106.

[0094] The second transfer mechanism is not shown in the attached drawings. The specific structure of the second transfer mechanism can be referred to the structure of the first transfer mechanism 507 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] like Figure 15 As shown, the structure of the second carrier 212 is similar to that of the first carrier 213. The second carrier 212 includes a second plate 515, a second fixing block 516, a second movable block 518, and a second positioning drive member 519. The second fixing block 516 is fixedly connected to the second plate 515 and has a second groove 517 for accommodating the second material tube 106. The second positioning drive member 519 is connected to the bottom of the second plate 515 and drives the second movable block 518 to move relative to the second plate 515, so that the second movable block 518 and the wall of the second groove 517 together clamp the second material tube 106. In this embodiment, the second positioning drive member 519 is a cylinder. In other embodiments, the second positioning drive member 519 can be an electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or other components.

[0096] The second movable block 518 functions similarly to the second positioning drive 519. When the second material tube 106 is in the receiving position 303, the second movable block 518 abuts against the second material tube 106, and the second carrier plate 212 can fix the left and right positions of the second material tube 106 to reduce the risk of the second material tube 106 shifting. In this way, the top end of the second material tube 106 can be aligned with the docking track 401 so that the material 111 can smoothly slide into the second material tube 106. Furthermore, since the second material tube 106 is fixed, the accuracy of the detection results of the second residual detection sensor 215 and the second direction detection unit can be improved.

[0097] like Figure 15 As shown, the feed tube switching device 201 also includes a second feed sensor 520, which is connected to the second carrier plate 212. When the second feed tube 106 is located in the second groove 517, the second feed tube 106 triggers the second feed sensor 520. The controller of the feed tube switching device 201 can determine whether the second feed tube 106 is in the second groove 517 based on the output signal of the second feed sensor 520, so that the controller can determine whether the current working state of the device is malfunctioning. Similar to the first feed sensor 506, the second feed sensor 520 can be set as a photoelectric sensor or a contact sensor. The detection principle of the second feed sensor 520 is similar to that of the first feed sensor 506, and will not be described again here.

[0098] The structure of the second loading rack 210 is similar to that of the first loading rack 203, and the structure of the second unloading rack 211 is similar to that of the first unloading rack 207; therefore, they will not be described again here. The method by which the material tube transfer device 201 transfers the second material tube 106 from the second loading rack 210 to the second carrier plate 212 is similar to the method by which the material tube transfer device 201 transfers the first material tube 101 from the first loading rack 203 to the first carrier plate 213; therefore, they will not be described again here. The method by which the material tube transfer device 201 transfers the second material tube 106 from the second carrier plate 212 to the second unloading rack 211 is similar to the method by which the material tube transfer device 201 transfers the first material tube 101 from the first carrier plate 213 to the first unloading rack 207; therefore, they will not be described again here.

[0099] The preceding text described the transfer of the first feed tube 101 between the first feed rack 203 and the first unfeed rack 207, and the transfer process of the second feed tube 106 between the second feed rack 210 and the second unfeed rack 211. The clamping mechanism 208 and the rotating mechanism 216 will be described below.

[0100] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the clamping mechanism 208 includes a first clamping block 703, a second clamping block 702, and a clamping drive component 701. The first clamping block 703 and the second clamping block 702 are used to jointly clamp the first material tube 101. The clamping drive component 701 is connected to the second clamping block 702 and is used to drive the second clamping block 702 to move, thereby changing the distance between the first clamping block 703 and the second clamping block 702. In this embodiment, the clamping drive component 701 is set as a cylinder; in other embodiments, the clamping drive component 701 can also be set as a hydraulic cylinder, an electric cylinder, etc. In addition, in other embodiments, the clamping drive component 701 can also be set to be able to drive the first clamping block 703 to move, or to be able to drive the first clamping block 703 and the second clamping block 702 to move simultaneously, as long as the clamping mechanism 208 can realize the two functions of clamping the first material tube 101 and releasing the first material tube 101.

[0101] like Figure 17 As shown, the second clamping block 702 has a positioning notch 704 for accommodating the first material tube 101. The opening side of the positioning notch 704 faces downward and towards the first clamping block 703. The wall surface of the positioning notch 704 includes two guide walls 706, which are arranged facing each other. The distance between the two guide walls 706 gradually decreases from the first clamping block 703 to the second clamping block 702 (i.e., along the direction from bottom to top). When the first clamping block 703 and the second clamping block 702 clamp the first material tube 101, the two guide walls 706 abut against the left and right edges of the top surface of the first material tube 101, respectively.

[0102] As described above, when the first movable block 504 is not firmly against the first material tube 101, the first material tube 101 may shift or tilt in the left-right direction. After the first material tube 101 enters the positioning notch 704 and contacts the guide wall 706, as the first clamping block 703 and the second clamping block 702 gradually close, the shifted first material tube 101 can gradually move to the center position of the positioning notch 704 under the guidance of the guide wall 706, and the positional deviation of the first material tube 101 in the left-right direction is corrected by the guide wall 706. Therefore, the guide wall 706 of the positioning notch 704 can correct the deviation of the first material tube 101, so that the first material tube 101 clamped by the clamping mechanism 208 can be aligned with the docking track 401, thereby preventing the material 111 from falling out of the first material tube 101 and the docking track 401 and reducing the risk of the material 111 being stuck, so that the material 111 in the first material tube 101 can smoothly slide into the docking track 401.

[0103] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the rotating mechanism 216 is configured as a cylinder. The machine base 202 is not in... Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the cylinder is tilted, with the bottom end of the cylinder body rotatably connected to the machine base 202, and the top end of the cylinder piston rod rotatably connected to the first clamping block 703 of the clamping mechanism 208. When the piston rod of the cylinder extends, the clamping mechanism 208 rotates accordingly. In other embodiments, the rotating mechanism 216 can also be replaced by an electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc.

[0104] Figure 20 for Figure 18 A magnified view of region A in the middle. (See image below.) Figure 20 As shown, the clamping mechanism 208 includes a limiting surface 707, which is located on the first clamping block 703. When the first material tube 101 is in the unloading position 302, the limiting surface 707 is flush with the upper mating surface 403 of the mating seat 209. The upper mating surface 403 is as follows: Figure 22 As shown, the upper mating surface 403 is part of the outer surface of the mating seat 209, and the top end of the mating track 401 is located at the upper mating surface 403. Both the upper mating surface 403 and the limiting surface 707 are flat, and the limiting surface 707 has a clearance notch. A portion of the mating seat 209 can be inserted into the clearance notch, thereby making the upper mating surface 403 and the limiting surface 707 flush. Figure 21 As shown, the outer surface of the docking seat 209 also includes a lower docking surface 402, which is also set as a plane, and the bottom end of the docking track 401 is opened on the lower docking surface 402.

[0105] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the material tube conversion device 201 also includes a first tube pushing mechanism 205. The first tube pushing mechanism 205 can be configured as a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric cylinder. The piston rod of the first tube pushing mechanism 205 is used to abut against and push the first material tube 101. When the first material tube 101 is in the ready position 301, the first tube pushing mechanism 205 is positioned facing the limiting surface 707 of the clamping mechanism 208. The first tube pushing mechanism 205 pushes the first material tube 101 towards the limiting surface 707 (forward movement), thereby causing the end face of the first material tube 101 to abut against the limiting surface 707. Subsequently, the rotating mechanism 216 can drive the clamping mechanism 208 to rotate, thereby causing the first material tube 101 clamped by the clamping mechanism 208 to move to the unloading position 302.

[0106] When the first material tube 101 is in the pouring position 302, the upper mating surface 403 is flush with the limiting surface 707. Therefore, the end face (bottom end face) of the first material tube 101 will also abut against the upper mating surface 403. The gap between the first material tube 101 and the docking seat 209 is small, and the risk of the material 111 falling out of the gap and outside the first material tube 101 and the docking track 401 is low.

[0107] Similarly, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the feed tube conversion device 201 also includes a second push tube mechanism 214, which is used to position the second feed tube 106. The second push tube mechanism 214 can be configured as a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric cylinder. The piston rod of the second push tube mechanism 214 is used to abut against the second feed tube 106 and push the second feed tube 106 to move. When the second feed tube 106 is in the receiving position 303, the second push tube mechanism 214 is positioned facing the lower abutment surface 402, and the second push tube mechanism 214 drives the second feed tube 106 to move towards the lower abutment surface 402, thereby causing the second feed tube 106 to abut against the lower abutment surface 402. Since the end face of the second feed tube 106 abuts against the lower abutment surface 402, the gap between the second feed tube 106 and the docking seat 209 is small, and the risk of material 111 falling out of the gap and outside the second feed tube 106 and the docking track 401 is low.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, the material tube conversion device 201 may also include an air nozzle and a mounting bracket 206. The air nozzle is not shown in the figure. The mounting bracket 206 is connected to the first unloading bracket 207, and the air nozzle is connected to the mounting bracket 206. The air inlet of the air nozzle is connected to an air source, and the air outlet of the air nozzle faces the second position. When the first material tube 101 is in the unloading position 302, the air outlet of the air nozzle faces the top of the first material tube 101, and the air nozzle can blow air into the first material tube 101. Because the airflow and the gravity of the material 111 jointly drive the material 111 to slide downwards, the risk of the material 111 getting stuck in the material tube or docking track 401 is low.

[0109] The following section will introduce the various sensors and detection units in the feed tube conversion device 201.

[0110] like Figure 6As shown, the feed tube conversion device 201 includes a first residual detection sensor 204, which is used to detect whether all the material 111 in the first feed tube 101 has been poured out. The first residual detection sensor 204 is fixed to the machine base 202 and faces the detection position 304. The detection position 304 is adjacent to the preparation position 301, and the first tray transfer mechanism 507 can also drive the first feed tube 101 from the preparation position 301 to the detection position 304. The first residual detection sensor 204 is a photoelectric sensor. After the first feed tube 101 returns from the pouring position 302 to the preparation position 301, the first feed tube 101 falls back into the first tray 213. Subsequently, the first tray transfer mechanism 507 drives the first tray 213 to move to the detection position 304, and the light emitted by the first residual detection sensor 204 penetrates into the first feed tube 101 along the length direction (front-to-back direction). In this embodiment, the first residue detection sensor 204 is configured as a through-beam photoelectric sensor, with its transmitter adjacent to the first push tube mechanism 205 and its receiver adjacent to the clamping mechanism 208. Of course, in other embodiments, the positions of the transmitter and receiver can be interchanged.

[0111] It should be noted that, in order to prevent the first material stop 105 from blocking the light of the first residue detection sensor 204, when the first material tube 101 is located at the detection position 304, the light from the first material stop 105 and the first residue detection sensor 204 should be staggered.

[0112] The working principle of the first residue detection sensor 204 is as follows. If there is still material 111 remaining in the first feed tube 101, the material 111 will block the light of the first residue detection sensor 204, thereby triggering the first residue detection sensor 204; if there is no material 111 remaining in the first feed tube 101, the light is not blocked by the material 111, and the light passes directly through the first feed tube 101, and the first residue detection sensor 204 is not triggered.

[0113] After the first feed tube 101 switches from the discharge position 302 back to the preparation position 301, the material 111 remaining in the first feed tube 101 may move due to inertia; and since the first feed tube 101 is horizontally set in both the preparation position 301 and the detection position 304, the final position of the residual material 111 is uncertain. The advantage of setting the first residual detection sensor 204 as a through-beam photoelectric sensor is that the sensor can detect whether there is residual material 111 regardless of its position in the first feed tube 101.

[0114] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the feed tube conversion device 201 also includes a second residual detection sensor 215, which is used to detect whether there is any material 111 remaining in the empty feed tube, so as to prevent different types of materials 111 from being mixed together. More specifically, before the second feed tube 106 is installed onto the second feed rack 210, the second feed tube 106 may be used to hold other types of materials 111. The user needs to remove all the material 111 from the second feed tube 106 before installing the second feed tube 106 onto the second feed rack 210. However, during the process of removing the material 111 from the second feed tube 106, some material 111 may remain in the second feed tube 106. If the material 111 remaining in the second feed tube 106 is different from the material 111 poured into the second feed tube 106 later through the feed tube conversion device 201, then the second feed tube 106 will ultimately contain a mixture of different materials 111.

[0115] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second residue detection sensor 215 is fixed to the machine base 202 and faces the material receiving position 303. The second residue detection sensor 215 is a photoelectric sensor, and the light emitted by the second residue detection sensor 215 illuminates the bottom end of the cavity of the second material tube 106. The second residue detection sensor 215 can be a through-beam photoelectric sensor or a reflective photoelectric sensor. Correspondingly, the second material tube 106 can be transparent. When the material 111 blocks the light emitted by the second residue detection sensor 215, the second residue detection sensor 215 is triggered.

[0116] Since the second feed tube 106 is inclined, when there is residual material 111 in the second feed tube 106, the material 111 will slide down to the bottom of the second feed tube 106 under its own gravity, and the second stop 109 will prevent the material 111 from leaving the second feed tube 106. Therefore, the second residual detection sensor 215 can detect the bottom of the second feed tube 106 to determine whether there is residual material 111 in the second feed tube 106. Since the light from the second residual detection sensor 215 does not need to pass through the second feed tube 106 along its length, there is no need to set up a sensor receiver or transmitter near the docking seat 209, thereby preventing too many components from being concentrated near the docking seat 209, and thus preventing the layout of the feed tube conversion device 201 from being too complicated. In addition, since the second residual detection sensor 215 is set near the receiving position 303, the second tray transfer mechanism does not need to transport the second tray 212 to another detection position 304, which helps to reduce the complexity of the operation of the feed tube conversion device 201.

[0117] The feed tube conversion device 201 also includes a first direction detection unit, which is installed on the clamping mechanism 208 and located at the top of the docking seat 209. Please refer to... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The first direction detection unit includes a first push rod 802, a first push rod driving component 801, and a first switch. The clamping mechanism 208 includes an upward clamping surface 705, which is located on the first clamping block 703. The first push rod driving component 801 is used to drive the first push rod 802 to move toward the clamping surface 705 (downward movement). When the clamping mechanism 208 clamps the first material tube 101, the clamping surface 705 is located below the first material tube 101 and is used to abut against the first material tube 101.

[0118] like Figure 23 As shown, when the first feed tube 101 is in the ready position 301 and the orientation is correct, the first push rod 802 is inserted into the first channel 103 of the first feed tube 101, and the distance between the first push rod 802 and the clamping surface 705 is the first distance L1. Figure 24 As shown, when the first material tube 101 is in the ready position 301 and its orientation is incorrect, the first push rod 802 abuts against the outer surface of the first material tube 101, and the distance between the first push rod 802 and the clamping surface 705 is the second distance L2. The first switch is triggered, and the first distance and the second distance are not equal. If the first material tube 101 is correctly oriented, the rotating mechanism 216 can drive the clamping mechanism 208 to rotate, thereby switching the first material tube 101 to the unloading position 302.

[0119] like Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the cross-section of the first material tube 101 is not symmetrical. If the first material tube 101 is placed in reverse, the first channel 103 cannot connect correctly with the docking track 401, and the material 111 in the first material tube 101 cannot smoothly enter the docking track 401. The first direction detection unit can detect whether the first material tube 101 is placed in reverse, so that the user can promptly detect the situation.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first push rod drive component 801 is configured as a cylinder, and the first switch (not shown) is configured as a magnetic switch. A magnetic ring is mounted on the piston rod of the cylinder, and the first switch is triggered when the magnetic ring approaches the magnetic switch. In other embodiments, the first switch may also be configured as other types of switches (e.g., photoelectric switches), or it may be configured to directly detect the position of the first push rod 802. The first push rod drive component 801 may also be configured as a hydraulic cylinder or other component used to drive an object to move in a straight line.

[0121] Similarly, the feed tube conversion device 201 also includes a second direction detection unit, which is used to detect whether the second feed tube 106 is installed in reverse. Please refer to... Figure 18 and Figure 19The second direction detection unit includes a second push rod 804, a second push rod driving component 803, and a second switch. The second direction detection unit is installed at the bottom end of the docking seat 209. The docking seat 209 also includes a bearing surface 404. The second push rod driving component 803 is used to drive the second push rod 804 to move toward the bearing surface 404.

[0122] When the second material tube 106 is in the receiving position 303, the bearing surface 404 is located below and abuts against the second material tube 106. When the second material tube 106 is in the receiving position 303 and the orientation is correct, the second push rod 804 is inserted into the second mounting hole 110, and the distance between the second push rod 804 and the bearing surface 404 is the third distance. When the second material tube 106 is in the receiving position 303 and the orientation is incorrect, the second push rod 804 abuts against the outer surface of the second material tube 106, and the distance between the second push rod 804 and the bearing surface 404 is the fourth distance. The second switch is triggered, and the third and fourth distances are not equal. If the orientations of the first material tube 101 and the second material tube 106 are both correct, the rotating mechanism 216 can drive the clamping mechanism 208 to rotate, thereby switching the first material tube 101 to the unloading position 302.

[0123] like Figure 18 As shown, the feed tube conversion device 201 also includes a jamming detection sensor 805, which is fixed to the docking seat 209. The jamming detection sensor 805 is a photoelectric sensor. When the first feed tube 101 is in the pouring position 302, the light emitted by the jamming detection sensor 805 shines on the bottom of the first feed tube 101. If the material 111 is stuck at the bottom of the first feed tube 101, the material 111 will block the light emitted by the jamming detection sensor 805, triggering the sensor. The jamming detection sensor 805 allows the user to promptly detect when the material 111 is stuck.

[0124] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view of the docking seat 209 in one embodiment. Figure 25 The docking seat 209 shown is Figures 21 to 22 The structure of the docking seat 209 shown is slightly different. Figure 25 In this design, the inlet end of the docking track 401 is configured as a flared opening 405, and the inner wall surface of the flared opening 405 is a slope 406. The slope of the flared opening 405 has a certain guiding effect on the material, and the slope 406 can correct the deviation of the material at the flared opening 405, ensuring that the material can smoothly enter the docking track 401 and reducing the risk of the material getting stuck.

[0125] In the description of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A feed pipe conversion device, characterized in that, include: Machine tool; A first tray is installed on the machine tool. The first tray is used to carry a first material tube containing material. The first tray is fixed relative to the machine tool or can move relative to the machine tool so that the first material tube on the first tray is in a ready position. When the first material tube is in the ready position, the first material tube is set horizontally. A second carrier tray is installed on the machine base. The second carrier tray is used to carry an empty second material tube. The second carrier tray is fixed relative to the machine base or can move relative to the machine base so that the second material tube on the second carrier tray is in the receiving position. A clamping mechanism is located adjacent to the preparation position and is used to clamp the first material tube located at the preparation position. A rotating mechanism is connected to the clamping mechanism. The rotating mechanism is used to drive the clamping mechanism to rotate relative to the machine base, thereby switching the first material tube held by the clamping mechanism between the ready position and the unloading position. A docking seat is fixed to the machine base. The docking seat is provided with docking rails that pass through both ends. The docking rails are inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The bottom end of the docking rails faces the receiving position and the top end of the docking rails faces the unloading position. When the first material pipe is in the pouring position and the second material pipe is in the receiving position, both the first material pipe and the second material pipe are inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The cavity of the first material pipe and the cavity of the second material pipe are indirectly connected through the docking track, so that the material in the first material pipe slides into the second material pipe. The tube conversion device further includes a first direction detection unit, which is installed on the clamping mechanism and located at the top of the docking seat. The first direction detection unit includes a first push rod, a first push rod driving component, and a first switch. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping surface. The first push rod driving component drives the first push rod to move toward the clamping surface. When the first tube is in the ready position, the clamping surface is located below the first tube and is used to abut against the first tube. When the first tube is correctly positioned, the distance between the first push rod and the clamping surface is a first distance. When the first tube is incorrectly positioned, the first push rod abuts against the first tube, and the distance between the first push rod and the clamping surface is a second distance. The first switch is triggered by the first push rod or the first push rod driving component, and the first distance and the second distance are not equal. And / or, The material tube conversion device further includes a second direction detection unit, which includes a second push rod, a second push rod driving component, and a second switch. The second direction detection unit is located at the bottom end of the docking seat. The second carrier plate includes a bearing surface. The second push rod driving component is used to drive the second push rod to move toward the bearing surface. When the second material tube is in the receiving position, the bearing surface is located below the second material tube and abuts against the second material tube. When the second material tube is correctly positioned, the distance between the second push rod and the bearing surface is a third distance. When the second material tube is incorrectly positioned, the second push rod abuts against the second material tube, and the distance between the second push rod and the bearing surface is a fourth distance. The second switch is triggered by the second push rod or the second push rod driving component. The third distance and the fourth distance are not equal.

2. The feed tube conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes: First clamping block; The second clamping block and the first clamping block are used to clamp the first material tube together. The second clamping block is provided with a positioning notch for accommodating the first material tube. The opening side of the positioning notch faces the first clamping block. The wall surface of the positioning notch includes two guide walls arranged in opposite directions. The two guide walls are respectively used to abut against the two sides of the first material tube. The distance between the two guide walls gradually decreases from the second clamping block to the first clamping block. A clamping drive component is used to drive at least one of the first clamping block and the second clamping block to move, so as to change the distance between the first clamping block and the second clamping block.

3. The feed tube conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes a limiting surface, the outer surface of the docking seat includes an upper docking surface, the top end of the docking track is disposed on the upper docking surface, and the material tube conversion device further includes a first pushing mechanism; when the first material tube is in the pouring position, the upper docking surface is flush with the limiting surface; when the first material tube is in the ready position: the first pushing mechanism is disposed facing the limiting surface, and the first pushing mechanism is used to drive the first material tube to move toward the limiting surface so that the first material tube abuts against the limiting surface; And / or, The material tube conversion device further includes a second tube pushing mechanism. The outer surface of the docking seat includes a lower docking surface, and the bottom end of the docking track is disposed on the lower docking surface. When the second material tube is in the receiving position: the second tube pushing mechanism is used to drive the second material tube to move toward the lower docking surface so that the second material tube abuts against the lower docking surface.

4. The feed tube conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material tube conversion device also includes a jamming detection sensor, which is fixed to the docking seat and is configured as a photoelectric sensor. When the first material tube is in the pouring position, the light emitted by the jam detection sensor shines on the bottom of the first material tube.

5. The feed tube conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first carrier plate includes a first plate, a first fixed block, a first movable block and a first positioning drive. The first fixed block is fixedly connected to the first plate and has a first groove for accommodating the first material tube. The first positioning drive is mounted on the first plate and is used to drive the first movable block to move relative to the first plate so that the first movable block and the wall of the first groove jointly clamp the first material tube. And / or, The second carrier includes a second plate, a second fixed block, a second movable block, and a second positioning drive. The second fixed block is fixedly connected to the second plate and has a second groove for accommodating the second material tube. The second positioning drive is used to drive the second movable block to move relative to the second plate so that the second movable block and the wall of the second groove together clamp the second material tube.

6. The feed tube conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed tube conversion device further includes a first feed sensor, which is connected to the first carrier plate. The first carrier plate is provided with a first groove for accommodating the first feed tube. When the first feed tube is located in the first groove, the first feed tube triggers the first feed sensor. And / or, the feed tube switching device further includes a second feed sensor connected to the second carrier plate, the second carrier plate having a second groove for accommodating the second feed tube, the second feed tube triggering the second feed sensor when the second feed tube is located in the second groove.

7. The feed tube conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed tube conversion device further includes a first transfer mechanism and a first residue detection sensor. The first transfer mechanism is used to drive the first feed tube to move from the preparation position to the residue detection position. The residue detection position is adjacent to the preparation position. The first residue detection sensor is fixed to the machine base and faces the residue detection position. The first residue detection sensor is set as a through-beam photoelectric sensor. When the first feed tube is in the residue detection position, the light emitted by the first residue detection sensor passes through the first feed tube along the length direction of the first feed tube. And / or, The material tube conversion device also includes a second residual detection sensor, which is fixed to the machine base and faces the receiving position. The second residual detection sensor is a photoelectric sensor. When the second material tube is in the receiving position, the light emitted by the second residual detection sensor shines on the bottom end of the tube cavity of the second material tube.

8. The spool conversion apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The material tube conversion device further includes a first loading rack, a first unloading rack, and a first transfer mechanism. The first loading rack and the first unloading rack are both installed on the machine base. The first loading rack and the first unloading rack are both used to accommodate multiple stacked first material tubes. The preparation position is located between the first loading rack and the first unloading rack. The first transfer mechanism is used to drive the first tray from the first loading rack to the preparation position, so that the first material tube containing material is transferred from the first loading rack to the preparation position. The first transfer mechanism is also used to drive the first tray from the preparation position to the first unloading rack, so that the empty first material tube is transferred from the preparation position to the first unloading rack. And / or, The material tube conversion device further includes a second loading rack, a second unloading rack, and a second transfer mechanism. The second loading rack and the second unloading rack are both installed on the machine base. The second loading rack and the second unloading rack are both used to accommodate multiple stacked second material tubes. The receiving position is located between the second loading rack and the second unloading rack. The second transfer mechanism is used to drive the second tray from the second loading rack to the receiving position, so that the empty second material tube is transferred from the second loading rack to the receiving position. The second transfer mechanism is also used to drive the second tray from the receiving position to the second unloading rack, so that the second material tube containing material is transferred from the receiving position to the second unloading rack.

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