A feeder for a varnishing machine and having a refill reminder function

Abstract

This invention discloses a feeder for an enameling machine with a replenishment reminder function, comprising: a holding rack, a sensor mounting bracket, a lifting plate, a weighing module, a lifting drive mechanism, and a control system. The holding rack includes a circular base, multiple protective vertical rods, and a circular top frame; the bottom of the protective vertical rods is connected to the circular base, and the top of the protective vertical rods is connected to the circular top frame; the multiple protective vertical rods are spaced apart around the axis of the circular base to form a wire receiving area. The sensor mounting bracket is installed on the holding rack; the sensor mounting bracket connects to sensors indicating the presence or absence of a first object, a second object, and a third object. The weighing module is installed on the holding rack. The lifting drive mechanism is detachably driven by the lifting plate. The control system is electrically connected to an alarm device. It has the function of reminding workers to replenish materials, thereby ensuring production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of enameling machine technology, and more particularly to a feeder for enameling machines that has a material replenishment reminder function. Background Technology

[0002] The raw material for the enameling machine is wire, taking round copper wire as an example. Round copper wire is the basic material and needs to be coated. In order to facilitate the feeding of wire, each bundle of round copper wire is placed in an independent feeder when it arrives. After the round copper wire in the previous feeder is gradually discharged by the wire-carrying wheel device, the worker will first weld the two bundles of round copper wire so that the round copper wire can be continuously transported over long distances.

[0003] However, since the current feeders are all independent of each other, and workers need to manage a large number of feeders at the same time, it is easy for workers to fail to notice in time that the round copper wire of the feeder has been consumed, thus delaying the work and reducing production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a feeder for enameling machines with a material replenishment reminder function, which has the function of reminding workers to replenish materials, thereby ensuring production efficiency.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] Feeders for enameling machines with replenishment reminder function include:

[0007] The storage rack includes a circular base, multiple protective vertical rods, and a circular top frame; the bottom of the protective vertical rods is connected to the circular base, and the top of the protective vertical rods is connected to the circular top frame; the multiple protective vertical rods are distributed at intervals around the axis of the circular base to form a wire storage area;

[0008] A sensor mounting bracket is installed on the storage rack; the sensor mounting bracket is connected to a first object presence / absence sensor, a second object presence / absence sensor, and a third object presence / absence sensor, which are distributed sequentially and at intervals along the direction of gravity.

[0009] The lifting plate is located at the bottom of the wire receiving area;

[0010] A weighing module is installed on the holding rack and located directly below the lifting plate;

[0011] A lifting drive mechanism is detachably driven to the lifting plate; the lifting drive mechanism can drive the lifting plate to rise to lift the lifting plate from the weighing module, and can drive the lifting plate to fall to place the lifting plate on the weighing module.

[0012] The control system is electrically connected to an alarm device; the sensors for the presence or absence of the first object, the second object, and the third object, the weighing module, and the lifting drive mechanism are all electrically connected to the control system.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensor mounting bracket has multiple insertion holes, which are distributed sequentially at intervals along the direction of gravity; the presence or absence of sensors for the first object, the second object, and the third object are respectively inserted into one of the insertion holes.

[0014] Furthermore, the presence or absence of a sensor on the first object is determined by a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor; the presence or absence of a sensor on the second object is determined by a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor; and the presence or absence of a sensor on the third object is determined by a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor.

[0015] Furthermore, the weighing module includes an inner ring weighing module and an outer ring weighing module; the inner ring weighing module includes a plurality of first weighing sensors, which are distributed circumferentially around the disc base at intervals; the outer ring weighing module includes a plurality of second weighing sensors, which are distributed circumferentially around the disc base at intervals and surround the outer periphery of the inner ring weighing module.

[0016] Furthermore, the holding rack is connected to a central connecting post, the wire receiving area is surrounded by the central connecting post, and the central connecting post is used for wire placement; the lifting plate has a circular structure and is movably fitted outside the central connecting post.

[0017] Furthermore, the holding rack is also connected to a support plate, and the central sleeve post is connected to the top of the support plate. The diameter of the central sleeve post is smaller than the diameter of the support plate, so that the outer edge of the support plate forms a stepped surface. The inner ring weighing module is installed on the stepped surface. The holding rack is also connected to multiple weighing columns, which are distributed circumferentially around the circular base of the disc. Each second weighing sensor is supported by one of the weighing columns.

[0018] Furthermore, the lifting drive mechanism is located between the disc base and the lifting plate.

[0019] Furthermore, the lifting drive mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric jack.

[0020] Furthermore, a forklift frame is connected to the bottom of the disc base, and the forklift frame has through holes for forklift insertion.

[0021] Furthermore, the alarm device is a light alarm device.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] 1. The bottom of the protective vertical rod is connected to the circular base, and the top of the protective vertical rod is connected to the circular top frame. This allows multiple protective vertical rods to not only form a wire accommodating area, but also to create a gap between adjacent protective vertical rods. This enables the detection of the wire height by checking whether the first object, the second object, and the third object on the sensor mounting bracket have sensors.

[0024] 2. Based on the fact that sensors for the presence or absence of the first object, the second object, and the third object are distributed sequentially and at intervals along the direction of gravity, the height of the wire can be monitored in real time. Workers can be reminded to replenish the material flexibly according to the priority of the material. Therefore, only a small number of workers are needed to manage multiple feeders for enameling machines that have the function of replenishing material.

[0025] 3. Through the coordination between the lifting plate, weighing module, and lifting drive mechanism, and the fact that the lifting drive mechanism can be separated from the lifting plate, the weighing module does not need to support overweight wires, thus extending its service life and ensuring its accuracy. Furthermore, the weighing module not only serves for weighing but also for auxiliary alarm functions, providing a dual-purpose solution and improving the alarm accuracy of the feeder with replenishment reminder function used in enameling machines.

[0026] 4. Furthermore, the weighing module assists in the detection of the sensors. When the first object is without a sensor, the second object is without a sensor, or the third object is without a sensor, the weighing module still serves as a fallback alarm. This prevents manufacturers from relying on automated alarms for a long time and neglecting the inspection work, which could lead to a long-term shutdown of a feeder with a material replenishment reminder function used in enameling machines when it malfunctions.

[0027] 5. In addition, the weighing module can record the weight of consumables for the day into the control system, which makes it easier for the factory to understand the amount of consumables for the day. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device for an enameling machine of the present invention, which has a material replenishment reminder function;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another perspective view shown;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion at point A.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Container rack; 11. Circular base; 12. Protective vertical bar; 13. Circular top frame; 14. Wire storage area; 15. Central connecting column; 16. Support plate; 161. Stepped surface; 17. Container column; 2. Sensor mounting bracket; 21. Sensor presence / absence for the first object; 22. Sensor presence / absence for the second object; 23. Sensor presence / absence for the third object; 24. Socket; 3. Lifting plate; 4. Weighing module; 41. Inner ring weighing module; 411. First weighing sensor; 42. Outer ring weighing module; 421. Second weighing sensor; 5. Lifting drive mechanism; 6. Forklift frame; 61. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0033] It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is described as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] See Figures 1-3 The feeding device for an enameling machine with a replenishment reminder function in this embodiment includes: a holding rack 1, a sensor mounting rack 2, a lifting plate 3, a weighing module 4, a lifting drive mechanism 5, and a control system.

[0036] The holding rack 1 includes a circular base 11, multiple protective vertical rods 12, and a circular top frame 13. The bottom of the protective vertical rods 12 is fixedly connected to the circular base 11, and the top of the protective vertical rods 12 is fixedly connected to the circular top frame 13. The multiple protective vertical rods 12 are distributed at intervals around the axis of the circular base 11 to form a wire receiving area 14. The wire can be round copper wire, etc.

[0037] Sensor mounting bracket 2 is installed on the holding rack 1. Sensor mounting bracket 2 is connected to a first object presence / absence sensor 21, a second object presence / absence sensor 22, and a third object presence / absence sensor 23, which are distributed sequentially at intervals along the direction of gravity.

[0038] The lifting plate 3 is located at the bottom of the wire holding area 14 and can be raised and lowered relative to the holding rack 1. The lifting plate 3 is used to support the wire, thereby enabling the wire to be raised and lowered.

[0039] The weighing module 4 is installed on the holding rack 1 and located directly below the lifting plate 3. The weighing module 4 is used to weigh the current wire.

[0040] The lifting drive mechanism 5 is detachably driven to the lifting plate 3, meaning they can be in contact or separated. The lifting drive mechanism 5 can drive the lifting plate 3 to rise, thereby lifting the lifting plate 3 off the weighing module 4, and can also drive the lifting plate 3 to fall, thereby placing the lifting plate 3 on the weighing module 4.

[0041] The control system is electrically connected to an alarm device. Sensors 21 (first object presence / absence), 22 (second object presence / absence), 23 (third object presence / absence), the weighing module 4, and the lifting drive mechanism 5 are all electrically connected to the control system.

[0042] During operation, a bundle of wire is placed into the wire receiving area 14 and continuously supplied to the enameling machine via a wire-carrying wheel device. At this time, due to the relatively large weight of the new bundle of wire, to prevent the wire from damaging the weighing module 4, the lifting drive mechanism 5 supports the lifting platen 3, thus lifting the lifting platen 3 from the weighing module 4. At this point, the first object presence sensor 21, the second object presence sensor 22, and the third object presence sensor 23 all detect the wire. As the wire is consumed, its height gradually decreases. When the wire height is between the first object presence sensor 21 and the second object presence sensor 22, the first object presence sensor 21 no longer detects the wire, while the second object presence sensor 22 does. This indicates that the overall weight of the wire has significantly decreased. The control system then controls the lifting drive mechanism 5 to lower the lifting platen 3 until the weighing module 4 supports the lifting platen 3 and monitors its weight in real time, at which point the lifting drive mechanism 5 separates from the lifting platen 3. Next, as the wire continues to be consumed, when the wire height falls between the second object presence / absence sensor 22 and the third object presence / absence sensor 23, at this point, the second object presence / absence sensor 22 does not detect the wire, while the third object presence / absence sensor 23 does. The control system then activates the alarm device for the first time (e.g., by emitting a "beep beep beep" sound to indicate the need to replenish the wire; this can be a mild alarm) to give the worker time to react, and the alarm duration is short before automatically stopping. As the wire continues to be consumed, when the wire weight falls within the alarm range set by the weighing module 4, the weighing module 4 sends a feedback signal to the control system, which then activates the alarm device to emit a buzzing sound for a moderate alarm. When the wire height is below the third object presence / absence sensor 23, and the third object presence / absence sensor 23 does not detect the wire, and the wire weight is below the minimum value calibrated by the weighing module 4, the control system can issue a light alarm (i.e., set as the most urgent alarm situation) to remind the worker to replenish the wire immediately. In other words, the worker can flexibly replenish the wire according to the alarm priority. Generally, when replenishing wire, a new feeder with a replenishment reminder function for the enameling machine is transported directly to the work site using a forklift, and then the beginning and end of the wire are welded.

[0043] Additionally, it should be noted that during a moderate alarm, if the second object is detected by sensor 22 as wire, and the weighing module 4 detects that the wire is too light, an alarm will still be triggered to avoid the wire being too light and thus delaying the replenishment opportunity.

[0044] Obviously, since the bottom of the protective vertical rod 12 is connected to the disc base 11 and the top of the protective vertical rod 12 is connected to the circular top frame 13, multiple protective vertical rods 12 can not only form a wire receiving area 14, but also create a gap between adjacent protective vertical rods 12. This allows the first object presence sensor 21, the second object presence sensor 22, and the third object presence sensor 23 on the sensor mounting bracket 2 to detect the wire height. Because the first object presence sensor 21, the second object presence sensor 22, and the third object presence sensor 23 are distributed sequentially and at intervals along the direction of gravity, the wire height can be monitored in real time. This allows for timely reminders to workers to replenish the wire based on its urgency, thus requiring only a small number of workers to manage multiple feeders with replenishment reminder functions used in enameling machines. Through the cooperation between the lifting platen 3, the weighing module 4, and the lifting drive mechanism 5, and the fact that the lifting drive mechanism 5 can be separated from the lifting platen 3, the weighing module 4 does not need to support overweight wires, thus extending its service life and ensuring its accuracy. Furthermore, the weighing module 4 not only serves as a weighing device but also as an auxiliary alarm, providing a dual-purpose solution and improving the alarm accuracy of the feeder with replenishment reminder function used in enameling machines. Moreover, by assisting sensor detection with the weighing module 4, when sensors 21, 22, and 23 on the first, second, and third objects are damaged, the weighing module 4 still acts as a fallback alarm, preventing manufacturers from neglecting inspection work due to long-term reliance on automated alarms, which could lead to prolonged shutdowns of feeders with replenishment reminder functions in enameling machines when malfunctions. Additionally, the weighing module 4 can record the daily consumable weight into the control system, facilitating the factory's understanding of daily consumable quantities.

[0045] In this embodiment, preferably, the sensor mounting bracket 2 has multiple insertion holes 24, which are distributed sequentially at intervals along the direction of gravity; the first object presence / absence sensor 21, the second object presence / absence sensor 22, and the third object presence / absence sensor 23 are respectively inserted into one of the insertion holes 24. With this arrangement, the manufacturer can adjust the relative heights of the first object presence / absence sensor 21, the second object presence / absence sensor 22, and the third object presence / absence sensor 23 according to requirements.

[0046] In this embodiment, preferably, the first object presence sensor 21 is a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor; the second object presence sensor 22 is a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor; and the third object presence sensor 23 is a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor.

[0047] In this embodiment, to improve the weighing accuracy of the holding rack 1, preferably, the weighing module 4 includes an inner ring weighing module 41 and an outer ring weighing module 42; the inner ring weighing module 41 includes a plurality of first weighing sensors 411, which are distributed circumferentially around the disc base 11 at intervals; the outer ring weighing module 42 includes a plurality of second weighing sensors 421, which are distributed circumferentially around the disc base 11 at intervals and surround the inner ring weighing module 41. This arrangement also makes it less likely for the holding rack 1 to sway after being supported by the weighing module 4.

[0048] In this embodiment, preferably, the holding rack 1 is connected to a central connecting post 15, and the wire receiving area 14 is arranged around the central connecting post 15, which is used for wire placement; the lifting plate 3 has a circular structure and is movably fitted around the central connecting post 15. This arrangement guides the wire through the central connecting post 15, thus preventing the wire from becoming tangled.

[0049] In this embodiment, to ensure the holding rack 1 has a certain height, thus providing space for equipment installation below it, preferably, the holding rack 1 is also connected to a support plate 16. A central connecting post 15 is connected to the top of the support plate 16, and the diameter of the central connecting post 15 is smaller than the diameter of the support plate 16, so that the outer edge of the support plate 16 forms a stepped surface 161. The inner ring weighing module 41 is installed on the stepped surface 161. The holding rack 1 is also connected to multiple lifting columns 17, which are distributed circumferentially around the circular base 11. Each second weighing sensor 421 is supported by one of the lifting columns 17. With this arrangement, the inner ring weighing module 41 and the outer ring weighing module 42 can stably support the holding rack 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, in order to ensure that the lifting drive mechanism 5 is in the optimal force-bearing position, preferably, the lifting drive mechanism 5 is located between the disc base 11 and the lifting disc 3.

[0051] Preferably, the lifting drive mechanism 5 is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric jack.

[0052] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate forklift operators to lift the feeder for the enameling machine and which has a replenishment reminder function, preferably, the bottom of the disc base 11 is connected to the forklift frame 6, and the forklift frame 6 has a through hole 61 for the forklift to insert.

[0053] In this embodiment, the alarm device is preferably a light alarm device. Given the high noise levels in the workshop, a light alarm is more noticeable than an audible alarm. The light alarm device can emit green, yellow, and red light to indicate different urgency levels, allowing only one forklift operator and one welder to oversee the replenishment of a dozen or even dozens of feeders for enameling machines with replenishment reminders.

[0054] Furthermore, preferably, the protective vertical rod 12 includes a metal rod and a plastic tube sleeved around the metal rod. The advantage of this arrangement is that the metal rod strengthens the structural stability, while the plastic tube, due to its lower abrasion resistance, protects the wire's outer sheath when it comes into contact with the wire.

[0055] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeder for an enameling machine with a material replenishment reminder function, characterized in that, include: The storage rack includes a circular base, multiple protective vertical rods, and a circular top frame; the bottom of the protective vertical rods is connected to the circular base, and the top of the protective vertical rods is connected to the circular top frame; the multiple protective vertical rods are distributed at intervals around the axis of the circular base to form a wire storage area; A sensor mounting bracket is installed on the storage rack; the sensor mounting bracket is connected to a first object presence / absence sensor, a second object presence / absence sensor, and a third object presence / absence sensor, which are distributed sequentially and at intervals along the direction of gravity. The lifting plate is located at the bottom of the wire receiving area; A weighing module is installed on the holding rack and located directly below the lifting plate; the weighing module includes an inner ring weighing module and an outer ring weighing module; the inner ring weighing module includes a plurality of first weighing sensors, which are distributed circumferentially around the disc base at intervals; the outer ring weighing module includes a plurality of second weighing sensors, which are distributed circumferentially around the disc base at intervals and surround the inner ring weighing module. A lifting drive mechanism is detachably driven to the lifting plate; the lifting drive mechanism can drive the lifting plate to rise to lift the lifting plate from the weighing module, and can drive the lifting plate to fall to place the lifting plate on the weighing module. The control system is electrically connected to an alarm device; the presence or absence of sensors for the first object, the second object, and the third object, the weighing module, and the lifting drive mechanism are all electrically connected to the control system. During operation, a bundle of wire is placed into the wire holding area. Due to the large weight of the new bundle of wire, in order to prevent the wire from damaging the weighing module, the lifting drive mechanism supports the lifting plate, thereby lifting the lifting plate off the weighing module. At this time, the wire is detected by the sensors for the first object, the second object, and the third object. As the wire is consumed, its height gradually decreases. When the wire height is between the first and second object sensors, the first object sensor does not detect the wire, while the second object sensor does. At this point, the control system controls the lifting drive mechanism to lower the lifting platform until the weighing module supports the lifting platform and monitors its weight in real time. The lifting drive mechanism then separates from the lifting platform. Next, as the wire continues to be consumed, the second object sensor no longer detects the wire, while the third object sensor does. The control system then activates the alarm device for the first time. As the wire continues to be consumed, when the wire weight falls within the alarm range set by the weighing module, the weighing module sends a feedback signal to the control system, which then activates the alarm device to emit a buzzing sound for a moderate alarm. When the third object sensor no longer detects the wire, and the wire weight is below the minimum value calibrated by the weighing module, the control system issues a light alarm.

2. The feeder for an enameling machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor mounting bracket has multiple insertion holes, which are distributed sequentially at intervals along the direction of gravity; the presence or absence of sensors for the first object, the second object, and the third object are respectively inserted into one of the insertion holes.

3. The feeder for an enameling machine with a material replenishment reminder function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first object has a sensor, which is a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor; the second object has a sensor, which is a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor; the third object has a sensor, which is a photoelectric switch, a safety switch, or a laser sensor.

4. The feeder for an enameling machine with a material replenishment reminder function as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The holding rack is connected to a central connecting post, and the wire receiving area is surrounded by the central connecting post. The central connecting post is used for storing the wire. The lifting plate has a circular structure and is movably fitted outside the central connecting post.

5. The feeder for an enameling machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The holding rack is also connected to a support plate, and the central sleeve post is connected to the top of the support plate. The diameter of the central sleeve post is smaller than the diameter of the support plate so that the outer edge of the support plate forms a stepped surface. The inner ring weighing module is installed on the stepped surface. The holding rack is also connected to multiple weighing columns, which are distributed circumferentially around the circular base. Each second weighing sensor is supported by one of the weighing columns.

6. The feeder for an enameling machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting drive mechanism is located between the disc base and the lifting plate.

7. The feeder for an enameling machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting drive mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric jack.

8. The feeder for an enameling machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the disc base is connected to a forklift frame, which has through holes for forklift insertion.

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