Material placement control device and loading apparatus
By combining material guiding, identification, and actuation components, the problem of robotic arms having difficulty automatically identifying and flipping the front and back of sheet materials is solved, realizing automated, intelligent placement and efficient conveying of materials.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES ZHENGZHOU
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, robotic arms have difficulty automatically identifying and flipping the front and back of sheet materials, resulting in low efficiency and high cost of manual identification, and traditional identification modules affect production efficiency.
Design a material placement control device, including a material guiding component, an identification component, and an actuation component. The identification component identifies the front and back of the material, and the actuation component tilts the material so that it falls naturally with the front facing up. Combined with an automatic material transfer component, automatic control is achieved.
It enables intelligent and automated placement of materials, improves feeding efficiency and conveying continuity, reduces labor costs, and enhances production efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN118025774B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of automated mechanical devices and equipment, specifically relating to a material placement control device and corresponding feeding equipment. Background Technology
[0002] In modern manufacturing, automated feeding, processing, and assembly machines are widely used to replace manual labor in most production processes. For example, the main product is transported to the robot's station via a main conveyor line, while components are transported to the robot's station via a component conveyor line. The robot picks up the components from the component conveyor line and installs them into predetermined positions on the main product. Another example is that during the transport of components on the component conveyor line, laser engraving is applied to the components to process identification information for traceability in case of problems.
[0003] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, taking a small cover plate 90 as an example, it is used to install on a module of a product to seal the opening on the back of the module. This cover plate 90, as an accessory, is typically fed one by one onto the accessory conveyor line by a vibrating feeder. Predictably, the front and back sides of the cover plates 90 fed onto the accessory conveyor line are random; some have the front 91 facing up, while others have the back (reverse) 92 facing up. However, most accessories require differentiation between front and back sides during further processing or installation, otherwise, proper assembly is impossible. For example, identification information needs to be engraved on the front 91 of the cover plate 90 for external viewing. Furthermore, during assembly, a robotic arm needs to pick up the front 91 of the cover plate 90 to align the back 92 of the cover plate 90 with the opening end of a module of a product; however, the robotic arm itself cannot identify the front and back sides of the accessory, and it is difficult to flip it after picking it up. Based on this, existing conventional practices include the following, which are explained below.
[0004] (1) Specialized personnel are assigned to the parts conveying line to manually identify the front and back of the parts, and to flip over parts that are not placed in the expected orientation. This method is obviously labor-intensive and inefficient. Moreover, manual operation is prone to misidentification and misoperation due to visual fatigue and other reasons, which will have a serious adverse impact on the downstream processing or assembly process.
[0005] (2) A dedicated front / back recognition module (based on structural features, such as optical detection or image recognition) is installed at the upstream station of the parts conveyor line to pre-identify the orientation of each part on the parts conveyor line (front facing up or back facing up). At the same time, a rejection mechanism is installed at the downstream station of the parts conveyor line to remove parts that do not conform to the expected orientation from the parts conveyor line in advance. Alternatively, front / back recognition is performed when the vibrating discharge plate discharges material, discharging parts with the expected orientation to the parts conveyor line and rejecting parts with the unexpected orientation. The drawback of this method is that the feeding efficiency of both the vibrating discharge plate and the conveyor line is greatly reduced, which seriously restricts the production efficiency of the entire production line. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The first objective of this invention is to provide a material placement control device, which aims to improve the material feeding efficiency; this first objective is achieved by a fractional technology solution.
[0007] A material placement control device, wherein the material is a sheet-like material with different identification features on its front and back sides; characterized in that it comprises:
[0008] The material guiding assembly has a displacement channel through which the materials pass one by one in a longitudinal or wide direction.
[0009] The identification component identifies the front and back orientations of the material within the displacement channel and generates an identification signal;
[0010] The actuation component applies a force to the material in the displacement channel according to the identification signal, causing the material to be arranged at an angle upwards with one of the expected faces, either the front or the back.
[0011] The material placement control device provided by the above technical solution, through the material guiding component, ensures that the material passes through the displacement channel vertically (i.e., longitudinally in the length or width direction), which provides a prerequisite for subsequent front and back placement control of the material; at the same time, the identification component identifies the front and back orientation of the material in the displacement channel, and then the actuation component arranges the material in the displacement channel with the expected face facing upward. In this way, when the material coming out of the displacement channel falls naturally, the expected face is naturally placed upward. All materials passing through the displacement channel can be uniformly placed in the expected orientation, realizing intelligent and automated control of material placement, and greatly improving the material feeding efficiency.
[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the material placement control device further includes an automatic material transfer component, which transfers the material in the displacement channel and transfers the material that comes out of the displacement channel and falls naturally.
[0013] In the above preferred embodiment, the automatic material conveying component can not only convey upright materials through the displacement channel, but also carry materials that have come out of the displacement channel and fallen naturally and continue to convey them, which greatly improves the continuity and efficiency of material conveying.
[0014] As a preferred technical solution, the automatic material transfer component includes a conveyor belt, which is laid below the displacement channel and extends to the downstream station of the discharge port of the displacement channel.
[0015] In the above preferred embodiment, a conveyor belt can be used in conjunction with the material guiding component to transport materials one by one vertically through the displacement channel, and can also carry materials that have fallen naturally out of the displacement channel and continue to transport them to the next work station. During the conveying process, the front and back of the materials can be identified and the tilt surface can be adjusted, and the entire conveying process can be ensured to be continuous, stable and efficient.
[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the displacement channel includes an upstream segment and a downstream segment, the identification component is disposed on the side of the upstream segment, and the actuation component is disposed on the side of the downstream segment.
[0017] In the above preferred solution, by setting an upstream segment and a downstream segment, the front and back identification operation can be completed upstream in the displacement channel. As the material continues to move downstream, the tilting operation of the material can be completed downstream in the displacement channel. The material does not need to stop during the entire process.
[0018] As a preferred technical solution, the actuation component is disposed on the side corresponding to the lower or upper part of the material in the downstream segment.
[0019] In the above preferred embodiment, the actuating component is set to the side of the lower or upper part of the corresponding material. Since the upper or lower part is the force point, the torque is larger. Therefore, as long as a small force is applied, the material can be tilted upwards with the desired face on the front or back, which saves energy, reduces consumption, and increases the success rate of operation.
[0020] As a preferred technical solution, the identification component is disposed on the side corresponding to the location of the identification feature of the material within the upstream segment.
[0021] In the above preferred embodiment, the identification feature of the material is located on the side corresponding to the position of the identification feature in the upstream segment, which can more accurately and quickly identify the different identification features of the front and back of the material.
[0022] As a preferred technical solution, the identification component and the actuation component are disposed in the same segment of the displacement channel, and the actuation component is disposed above or below the identification component.
[0023] In the above preferred embodiment, the identification component and the actuation component are set in the same segment of the displacement channel, which is equivalent to performing both identification and actuation operations at the same workstation. The material may need to stay in the same segment for a moment to wait for the identification result and perform the actuation operation, but this method can make the stroke of the displacement channel shorter.
[0024] As a preferred technical solution, the material guiding assembly includes a lower limiting mechanism that restricts the movement range of the lower part of the material along the thickness direction and an upper limiting mechanism that restricts the movement range of the upper middle part of the material along the thickness direction.
[0025] In the above preferred embodiment, both the lower limiting mechanism and the upper limiting mechanism can restrict the range of movement of the material along the thickness direction within it, so that the material has a more flexible tilting space when subjected to the force of the actuating component.
[0026] As a preferred technical solution, the lower limiting mechanism includes two limiting plates spaced apart from each other and arranged laterally, the spacing between the two limiting plates forming the lower channel of the displacement channel.
[0027] In the above preferred embodiment, the two limiting plates, which are spaced apart from each other and arranged laterally, can restrict the lower channel of the displacement channel and the range of movement of the lower part of the material along the thickness direction; moreover, the two limiting plates can also serve as mounting carriers for other components or devices.
[0028] As a preferred technical solution, the upper limiting mechanism includes two limiting rods spaced apart from each other and arranged laterally, and the interval between the two limiting rods constitutes the upper channel of the displacement channel.
[0029] In the above preferred embodiment, the two limiting rods, which are spaced apart from each other and arranged laterally, can restrict the upper channel of the displacement channel and the range of motion of the upper part of the material along the thickness direction. Moreover, while limiting the upper part of the material, the two limiting rods can also serve as a fulcrum during tilting operation.
[0030] As a preferred technical solution, the two limiting rods are respectively disposed on the two limiting plates with adjustable height and adjustable spacing between them.
[0031] In the above preferred embodiment, the height of the two limiting rods is adjustable and the spacing between them is adjustable, so as to adapt to different types of materials. By adjusting, it can ensure that the upper and middle parts of various materials can be limited.
[0032] As a preferred technical solution, the material placement control device further includes material clamping components, which are disposed on both sides of the upstream segment.
[0033] In the above preferred solution, the main consideration is that when the material enters the upstream segment of the displacement channel, although the material is placed vertically, it is not necessarily in a vertical state. At least some of the material is diagonally upward on the front or the back. Therefore, the material clamping component clamps the material in the upstream segment so that the material at that point can be positioned in a vertical state, so that the recognition component can more accurately identify the recognition features on the front and back of the material.
[0034] As a preferred technical solution, the material clamping assembly includes: a stop block disposed on one side of the upstream segment, a clamping block disposed on the other side of the upstream segment, and a power source for driving the clamping block to move relative to the stop block.
[0035] In the above preferred embodiment, by moving the clamping block relative to the stop block, the material in the upstream segment of the displacement channel can be clamped and kept in a vertical state so that the identification component can identify the identification features on the front and back of the material.
[0036] As a preferred technical solution, the material placement control device further includes a first positioning sensor to detect whether any material has arrived at the material clamping assembly; the material clamping assembly clamps the material according to the detection signal of the first positioning sensor, and the material clamping assembly releases the material according to the recognition signal of the recognition assembly.
[0037] In the preferred embodiment described above, when material arrives at the material clamping assembly, the first positioning sensor detects a signal, and the material clamping assembly clamps the material according to the detection signal of the first positioning sensor, so that the identification component can identify the identification features on the front and back of the material; after the identification component identifies the front and back of the material, the material clamping assembly releases the material according to the identification signal of the identification component, so that the material can continue to be transferred by the automatic material transfer component.
[0038] As a preferred technical solution, the material placement control device further includes a second positioning sensor to detect whether any material has arrived at the actuation component; the actuation component applies the force to the material in the displacement channel based on the detection signal from the second positioning sensor and the recognition signal from the recognition component.
[0039] In the above preferred embodiment, the detection signal of the second positioning sensor and the recognition signal of the recognition component enable the actuation component to apply a force to the material with the correct direction and more accurate timing, thereby further improving the automation and precision of the device.
[0040] As a preferred technical solution, the identification component is an identification component based on optical signal detection.
[0041] In the above preferred scheme, optical signal detection can be used to accurately identify various structures, shapes, and patterns formed on the front and back of the material, thereby accurately determining the current orientation of the material.
[0042] As a preferred technical solution, the actuating component is a push-type, toggle-type, blow-type, or suction-type actuating component.
[0043] In the above preferred embodiment, the actuating component applies force to the material in the displacement channel in a contact or non-contact manner, causing the material to be arranged at an angle upwards on one of the expected faces, either the front or the back.
[0044] The second objective of this invention is to provide a feeding device capable of automatically and uniformly placing and feeding materials. This second objective is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0045] A feeding device, characterized in that it comprises:
[0046] The material placement control device described above;
[0047] The material arrangement component arranges the materials in a longitudinal or longitudinal manner along the length or width, sequentially feeding them into the feed inlet of the displacement channel.
[0048] The feeding equipment provided by the above technical solution can arrange materials in advance in a longitudinal manner (i.e., in a longitudinal manner in the long or wide direction) by setting up a material arrangement component, and then feed them one by one into the displacement channel of the material guide component in an orderly manner. This ensures that the materials enter the displacement channel vertically, and also facilitates the continuous preparation and feeding of materials entering the material guide component.
[0049] As a preferred technical solution, the material arrangement component includes a material arrangement trough with a width adapted to the thickness of the material. The outlet of the material arrangement trough is connected to the inlet of the displacement channel, and the inlet of the material arrangement trough is configured as a gradient guide port that gradually raises the horizontally placed material.
[0050] In the above preferred embodiment, the material arranging trough can gradually stand up the horizontally placed materials and arrange them one by one, avoiding the materials from getting stuck at the inlet of the material arranging trough, thereby avoiding hindering the feeding continuity of the material arranging component.
[0051] As a preferred technical solution, the feeding device further includes a vibrating discharge plate, the discharge port of which is connected to the inlet of the material arranging trough.
[0052] In the above preferred embodiment, the vibrating discharge plate can automatically feed materials to the material arrangement component, and the material arrangement component can continuously feed materials to the material placement control device. The materials coming out of the material placement control device are arranged according to a uniform standard, such as all facing up, which is more convenient for subsequent processing or assembly. The feeding equipment as a whole realizes the automation of feeding and can ensure high feeding efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0053] Figure 1 This is a view of the reverse side of an exemplary sheet material.
[0054] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A view of the front side of the sheet-like material shown.
[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the material placement control device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0056] Figure 4 This is a top view of the material placement control device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (the sensor assembly plate is partially cut open to show the structure below).
[0057] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the material placement control device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0058] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the automatic material transfer component added to the material placement control device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of multiple materials entering the displacement channel one by one in a longitudinal or width-direction arrangement in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0060] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the feeding device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0061] Figure 9 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of the inlet of the material arrangement trough in the feeding device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0062] Figure 10 A perspective view of the feeding device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention with a vibrating discharge plate added.
[0063] Reference numerals: 90-Material, 91-Front side, 92-Back side, 100-Material placement control device, 10-Material guiding component, 20-Identification component, 25-Support component, 30-Actuation component, 101-Displacement channel, 40-Automatic material transfer component, 41-Transfer belt, 42-Transfer belt support, 43-Base frame, 11-Lower limit mechanism, 12-Upper limit mechanism, 111-First limit plate, 112-Second limit plate, 121-First limit rod, 122 - Second limit rod, 13- Adjusting bracket, 131- Vertical plate, 132- Support arm, 1311- Longitudinal slide, 1321- Assembly slot, 151- First fixing plate, 152- Second fixing plate, 50- Material clamping assembly, 51- Stop block, 52- Clamping block, 53- Power source, 61- First positioning sensor, 62- Second positioning sensor, 60- Fixing plate, 200- Material arrangement assembly, 201- Material arrangement slot, 202- Inlet, 300- Vibrating discharge plate. Detailed Implementation
[0064] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0065] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or relative positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are intended to facilitate a clear description of the structure of the product or device and are not intended to limit the actual orientation of the product or device during production, use, sales, etc.
[0066] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless explicitly defined otherwise.
[0067] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "setting," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0068] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0069] Example 1
[0070] Example 1 provides a material placement control device 100 for controlling the placement of sheet materials being fed one by one. The sheet material refers to a sheet material whose length and width are significantly greater than its thickness; furthermore, the front and back of the sheet material have different identifying features, including aspects such as structure, shape, and pattern. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Taking the material 90 shown as an example, its length and width are significantly greater than its thickness, and the reverse side of the material 90 has a whole groove structure. The smooth structure on the front and the groove structure on the back of the material 90 can be used as the identification features of the front and back of the material 90, respectively.
[0071] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the material placement control device 100 provided in this embodiment includes a material guiding component 10, an identification component 20, and an actuation component 30. The material guiding component 10 has a displacement channel 101 for materials 90 to pass through one by one in a longitudinal or transverse direction. Figure 3 Three materials 90 successively pass through the displacement channel 101.
[0072] The width of the displacement channel 101 is greater than the thickness of the material 90. The width of the displacement channel 101 restricts the material 90 from passing through in a vertical position, but simultaneously allows the material to be arranged at an appropriate angle. That is, the vertical arrangement includes both a vertical and an appropriately tilted arrangement of the material. The tilt angle does not need to be too large; approximately ten degrees relative to the vertical direction is sufficient. (See also...) Figure 7 As shown, from left to right, the first piece of material 90 enters the displacement channel 101 in a longitudinally placed manner with its front side tilted upwards, the second piece of material 90 enters the displacement channel 101 in a longitudinally placed manner with its back side tilted upwards, and the third piece of material 90 enters the displacement channel 101 in a longitudinally placed manner with its width vertical.
[0073] The identification component 20 is used to identify the front and back orientation of the material 90 entering the displacement channel 101 and generate an identification signal; the actuation component 30 applies a force to the identified material 90 in the displacement channel according to the identification signal, so that the current material 90 is inclined upward with the expected face of the front or back; for example, in this embodiment, the expected inclined face is the front of the material 90.
[0074] In the above scheme, the material guiding component 10 ensures that the material 90 passes through the displacement channel 101 vertically (i.e., longitudinally in the length or width direction), which provides a prerequisite for the subsequent front-to-back placement control of the material 90. At the same time, the identification component 20 identifies the front-to-back orientation of the material 90 in the displacement channel 101, and then the actuation component 30 arranges the material in the displacement channel 101 with its front facing upwards. This ensures that the material 90 coming out of the displacement channel 101 is naturally placed with its front facing upwards when it falls naturally. All the material 90 passing through the displacement channel 101 can be uniformly placed with its front facing upwards, realizing intelligent and automated control of the placement of the material 90.
[0075] In one implementation, when the materials 90 pass through the displacement channel 101 one by one in a vertical manner, they can be manually fed into the feed port of the displacement channel 101 one by one and conveyed by pushing them downstream one by one, so that they pass through the displacement channel 101 one by one and complete the operation of front and back identification and tilting placement one by one.
[0076] In one implementation, when materials 90 pass through the displacement channel 101 one by one in a vertical arrangement, they are conveyed by an automatic material transfer component. At this time, the material placement control device 100 provided in this embodiment also includes an automatic material transfer component 40, combined with... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the automatic material conveying component 40 is used to convey the material 90 in the displacement channel 101, and also to carry and convey the material 90 that comes out of the displacement channel 101 and falls naturally, which can greatly improve the continuity and efficiency of material conveying.
[0077] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the automatic material transfer component 40 includes a conveyor belt 41, a conveyor belt support 42, and a base frame 43. The conveyor belt 41 is wound around the conveyor belt support 42, and the conveyor belt support 42 is fixedly mounted on the base frame 43. The material guiding component 10 is fixedly mounted on the base frame 43 or the conveyor belt support 42. The conveyor belt 41 is positioned below the displacement channel 101 and extends to the downstream station of the outlet of the displacement channel 101. In this way, a single conveyor belt can work with the material guiding component 10 to transport materials one by one vertically through the displacement channel 101, and can also carry and transport materials 90 that have fallen naturally from the displacement channel 101 to the next station for further processing or assembly. Moreover, during the transfer process, the front and back sides of the materials can be identified and the tilt surface can be adjusted, ensuring that the entire transfer process is continuous, stable, and efficient.
[0078] Regarding the specific configuration of the displacement channel 101, the identification component 20, and the actuation component 30, as one embodiment: the displacement channel 101 includes an upstream segment and a downstream segment. The identification component 20 is disposed to the side of the upstream segment, and the actuation component 30 is disposed to the side of the downstream segment. That is, by setting the upstream and downstream segments and respectively setting the identification component 20 and the actuation component 30, the front and back identification operation can be completed upstream in the displacement channel 101. As the material continues to move downstream, the tilting operation of the material can be completed downstream in the displacement channel. The material 90 does not need to stop during the entire process.
[0079] In a specific implementation, the actuation component 30 is positioned to the side corresponding to the lower or upper part of the material within the downstream segment. This arrangement is primarily based on the consideration that the upper or lower part is a point of force application with a larger torque. Therefore, only a small force is required to tilt the material upwards with the desired face (either the front or back), resulting in energy savings, reduced consumption, and a higher success rate. Furthermore, the identification component 20 is positioned to the side corresponding to the location of the identification feature of the material within the upstream segment. This allows for more targeted and accurate rapid identification of different identification features on the front and back sides of the material.
[0080] Regarding the specific configuration of the displacement channel 101, the identification component 20, and the actuation component 30, as an alternative implementation: the identification component 20 and the actuation component 30 are located in the same segment of the displacement channel 101, with the actuation component 30 positioned above or below the identification component 20. This is equivalent to performing both identification and actuation operations at the same workstation. The material may need to pause briefly in this same segment to await the identification result and perform the actuation operation, but this method allows for a shorter travel distance in the displacement channel 101.
[0081] See also Figures 3 to 5 The material guiding assembly 10 includes a lower limiting mechanism 11 and an upper limiting mechanism 12. The lower limiting mechanism 11 restricts the movement range of the lower part of the material 90 along the thickness direction, and the upper limiting mechanism restricts the movement range of the upper part of the material along the thickness direction. In this way, both the lower limiting mechanism 11 and the upper limiting mechanism 12 can restrict the movement range of the material along the thickness direction within them, so that the material 90 has more flexible tilting space when subjected to the force of the actuating assembly 30.
[0082] Specifically, the lower limiting mechanism 11 includes a first limiting plate 111 and a second limiting plate 112. The first limiting plate 111 and the second limiting plate 112 are spaced apart and arranged laterally. The space between the first limiting plate 111 and the second limiting plate 112 forms the lower channel of the displacement channel 101. The lower part of the material 90 in the displacement channel 101 is located in the lower channel and supported on the automatic material conveying assembly 40. The upper limiting mechanism 12 includes a first limiting rod 121 and a second limiting rod 122. The first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 are spaced apart and arranged laterally. The space between the first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 forms the upper channel of the displacement channel 101. The upper middle part of the material 90 in the displacement channel 101 is located in the upper channel. While limiting the upper middle part of the material, the first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 can also serve as fulcrums during tilting operations.
[0083] As mentioned above, the material guiding component 10 is fixedly mounted on the base frame 43 or the conveyor belt support 42. Specifically, the first limiting plate 111 and the second limiting plate 112 are fixedly mounted on both sides of the conveyor belt support 42 by the first fixing plate 151 and the second fixing plate 152, respectively, to ensure that the conveyor belt 41 will not interfere with the material guiding component 10 during operation.
[0084] Furthermore, the first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 are respectively disposed on the first limiting plate 111 and the second limiting plate 112, with adjustable height and adjustable spacing between them. Specifically, each end of the first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 is respectively disposed on the corresponding limiting plate via an adjusting bracket 13, and there are four adjusting brackets 13. The first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 are adjustable in height and adjustable in spacing between them, which can adapt to different types of materials. Through adjustment, it can ensure that the upper middle part of various materials can be limited.
[0085] See Figure 3 and Figure 5 More specifically, each of the four adjusting brackets 13 includes a vertical plate 131, a support arm 132, and a locking bolt (not shown in the figure). The vertical plate 131 is fixedly mounted on a corresponding limiting plate (first limiting plate 111 or second limiting plate 112). The vertical plate 131 has two longitudinal sliding grooves 1311, and the support arm 132 has an assembly groove 1321 that can span the two longitudinal sliding grooves 1311. The locking bolt connects the assembly groove 1321 to the two longitudinal sliding grooves 1311 by passing through and locking. The two ends of the first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 are respectively fixed to the ends of the support arm 132 of one adjusting bracket 13. In this way, the height of the first limiting rod 121 and the second limiting rod 122 is adjustable, and the spacing between them is also adjustable.
[0086] Regarding the aforementioned arrangement of the identification component 20 and the actuation component 30, which are set in the upstream and downstream segments respectively, the material placement control device 100 provided in this embodiment further includes a material clamping component 50, which is disposed on both sides of the upstream segment. The material clamping component 50 is mainly designed to address the fact that when material enters the upstream segment of the displacement channel, although the material is placed vertically, it is not necessarily in a vertical position. At least some of the material is inclined upwards on either the front or the back. Therefore, the material clamping component clamps the material in the upstream segment so that the material at that location can be positioned in a vertical position, allowing the identification component to more accurately identify the identification features on the front and back of the material.
[0087] Specifically, the material clamping assembly 50 includes: a stop 51 disposed on one side of the upstream segment, a clamping block 52 disposed on the other side of the upstream segment, and a power source 53 that drives the clamping block 52 to move relative to the stop 51. By moving the clamping block 52 relative to the stop 51, the material in the upstream segment of the displacement channel 101 can be clamped and kept in a vertical state so that the identification assembly 20 can identify the identification features on the front and back of the material. The power source 53 is a first cylinder, and the clamping block 52 is disposed on the cylinder arm of the first cylinder.
[0088] See also Figures 3 to 5The material placement control device 100 provided in this embodiment also includes a first positioning sensor 61, which is fixedly mounted above the material guiding assembly 10 via a fixing plate 60, for detecting whether material 90 has arrived at the material clamping assembly 50. When material 90 arrives at the material clamping assembly 50 (i.e., when material 90 is located between the clamping block 52 and the stop block 51), the material clamping assembly 50 clamps the material 90 according to the detection signal of the first positioning sensor 61. At this time, the identification assembly 20 begins to identify the front and back of the material. After the identification is completed, the material clamping assembly 50 releases the material so that the material can continue to be transferred by the automatic material transfer assembly 40.
[0089] See also Figures 3 to 5 The material placement control device 100 provided in this embodiment also includes a second positioning sensor 62, which is fixedly mounted above the material guiding assembly 10 via a fixing plate 60, for detecting whether material has arrived at the actuation assembly 30. When material 90 arrives at the actuation assembly 30, the actuation assembly 30 applies a force to the material 90 in the displacement channel based on the detection signal from the second positioning sensor 62 and the recognition signal from the previous recognition assembly 20, causing it to tilt upwards. The direction of the applied force depends on the orientation of the material as identified by the recognition assembly 20, and the timing of the applied force depends on the time when the second positioning sensor 62 detects the material. In this way, the actuation assembly 30 can apply a force with the correct direction and more accurate timing to the material, further improving the automation and precision of the material placement control device 100.
[0090] More specifically, the fixing plate 60 is disposed at the top of the two upright plates 131 on the second limiting plate 112, and the first positioning sensor 61 and the second positioning sensor 62 are both reflective photoelectric sensors, with detection ranges corresponding to the upstream and downstream segments of the displacement channel 101, respectively.
[0091] In addition, the identification component 20 adopts a fiber optic sensor or a reflective photoelectric sensor, or other identification components based on light signal detection; through light signal detection, various structures, shapes, patterns, etc. formed on the front and back of the material can be accurately identified, thereby accurately determining the current orientation of the material. Specifically, the identification component 20 is height-adjustably mounted on the stop block 51 via a support member 25, or it can be mounted on a limiting plate (first limiting plate 111 or second limiting plate 112).
[0092] More specifically, the actuation component 30 can be one or more of the following actuation components: pushing, flicking, blowing, or suction. Furthermore, a set of actuation components 30 can be provided on each side of the displacement channel 101, as in this embodiment. Figures 3-5In the illustrated embodiment, a set of blowing actuators 30 are respectively provided on both sides of the displacement channel 101, which are used to blow the lower part of the material 90 to the opposite side so that the material 90 completes the desired tilting operation. Alternatively, an actuator 30 can integrate both blowing and suction functions, so that only one such actuator 30 is provided on one side of the displacement channel 101 to apply forces in both directions.
[0093] Example 2
[0094] Combination Figure 8 As shown, Embodiment 2 provides a feeding device, including the material placement control device 100 described in Embodiment 1, and also includes a material arrangement component 200; the material arrangement component 200 is used to place the materials 90 in a longitudinal or transverse direction and arrange them sequentially, feeding them into the inlet of the displacement channel 101 of the material placement control device 100, combined with... Figure 7 As shown. The feeding equipment provided in this embodiment, by configuring the material arrangement component 200 for the material placement control device 100, can arrange the materials 90 in a vertical manner in advance, and then feed them one by one into the displacement channel 101 of the material guide component 10 in an orderly manner. This ensures that the materials enter the displacement channel 101 vertically, and also facilitates the preparation of materials entering the material guide component 10 and maintains the continuity of feeding.
[0095] Specifically, the material arrangement assembly 200 includes a material arrangement trough 201 with a width adapted to the thickness of the material 90. The outlet of the material arrangement trough 201 is connected to the inlet of the displacement channel 101 of the material placement control device 100. Furthermore, the inlet 202 of the material arrangement trough 201 is configured as a gradually narrowing and increasing guide opening, combined with… Figure 9 As shown; in this way, the material arranging trough 201 can gradually stand up the horizontally placed materials and arrange them one by one, so as to avoid the materials getting stuck at the inlet of the material arranging trough 201 and affecting the feeding continuity of the material arranging assembly 200.
[0096] Combination Figure 10 As shown, the feeding equipment provided in Embodiment 2 also includes a vibrating discharge plate 300, the discharge port of which is connected to the inlet of the material arrangement trough 201. The vibrating discharge plate 300 can automatically feed materials to the material arrangement assembly 200, and the material arrangement assembly 200 can continuously feed materials to the material placement control device 100. The materials coming out of the material placement control device 100 are arranged according to a uniform standard, such as all facing upwards, which is more convenient for subsequent processing or assembly. The above-mentioned feeding equipment as a whole realizes the automation of feeding and can ensure high feeding efficiency.
[0097] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments that fully disclose, but are not intended to limit, the present invention. Any substitution of equivalent technical features based on the creative intent of the present invention and obtained without creative effort should be considered within the scope of this application.
Claims
1. A material placement control device, wherein the material is a sheet-like material with different identification features on its front and back sides; characterized in that, include: The material guiding assembly has a displacement channel through which the material passes one by one in a longitudinal or wide direction; the material guiding assembly includes an upper limiting mechanism that restricts the range of motion of the upper part of the material in the thickness direction, the upper limiting mechanism includes two limiting rods spaced apart from each other and arranged laterally, the interval between the two limiting rods forming the upper channel of the displacement channel; The identification component identifies the front and back orientations of the material within the displacement channel and generates an identification signal; An actuation component is disposed on the side corresponding to the lower or upper position of the material in the displacement channel. It applies a force to the material in the displacement channel according to the identification signal, so that the material is inclined upward with one of the expected faces (front or back). An automatic material transfer assembly includes a conveyor belt positioned below the displacement channel and extending to a downstream station of the displacement channel outlet. The conveyor belt transfers the material within the displacement channel and transfers the material exiting the displacement channel and falling naturally.
2. The material placement control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The displacement channel includes an upstream segment and a downstream segment, the identification component is disposed to the side of the upstream segment, and the actuation component is disposed to the side of the downstream segment.
3. The material placement control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuation component is located on the side corresponding to the lower or upper part of the material in the downstream segment.
4. The material placement control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The identification component is positioned to the side of the material within the upstream segment, corresponding to the location of the identification feature.
5. The material placement control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification component and the actuation component are located in the same segment of the displacement channel, with the actuation component positioned above or below the identification component.
6. The material placement control device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The material guiding assembly also includes a lower limiting mechanism that restricts the range of motion of the lower part of the material along the thickness direction.
7. The material placement control device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lower limiting mechanism includes two limiting plates spaced apart from each other and arranged laterally. The spacing between the two limiting plates forms the lower channel of the displacement channel.
8. The material placement control device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The two limiting rods, which are adjustable in height and adjustable in spacing, are respectively set on the two limiting plates.
9. The material placement control device according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that: It also includes material clamping components, which are disposed on both sides of the upstream segment.
10. The material placement control device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The material clamping assembly includes: a stop block disposed on one side of the upstream segment, a clamping block disposed on the other side of the upstream segment, and a power source for driving the clamping block to move relative to the stop block.
11. The material placement control device according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a first positioning sensor to detect whether material has arrived at the material clamping assembly; the material clamping assembly clamps the material according to the detection signal of the first positioning sensor, and the material clamping assembly releases the material according to the recognition signal of the recognition assembly.
12. The material placement control device according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that: It also includes a second positioning sensor to detect whether material has arrived at the actuation component; the actuation component applies the force to the material in the displacement channel based on the detection signal of the second positioning sensor and the recognition signal of the recognition component.
13. The material placement control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification component is an identification component based on optical signal detection.
14. The material placement control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuating component is a push-type, flick-type, blow-type, or suction-type actuating component.
15. A feeding device, characterized in that, include: The material placement control device according to any one of claims 1-14; The material arrangement component arranges the materials in a longitudinal or longitudinal manner along the length or width, sequentially feeding them into the feed inlet of the displacement channel.
16. The feeding device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The material arrangement assembly includes a material arrangement trough with a width adapted to the thickness of the material. The outlet of the material arrangement trough is connected to the inlet of the displacement channel, and the inlet of the material arrangement trough is configured as a gradient guide to gradually stand the horizontally placed material upright.
17. The feeding device according to claim 16, characterized in that: It also includes a vibrating discharge plate, the discharge port of which is connected to the inlet of the material arrangement trough.