Half-round tube feeding device

Abstract

The application discloses a semi-circular pipe feeding device, and relates to the technical field of feeding, which comprises a feeding mechanism and a feeding mechanism; the feeding mechanism comprises a feeding assembly, a visual detection assembly and a robot electrically connected with the visual detection assembly; the feeding mechanism comprises a vibration assembly and a feeding track arranged on the vibration assembly, and the vibration assembly is used for generating vibration to drive the feeding of materials along the feeding track; the feeding track has a material receiving section, a guide section and a conveying section connected in sequence, the material receiving section is used for receiving the materials conveyed by the robot, the width of the conveying section is smaller than that of the material receiving section, and the width of the guide section gradually narrows from one end close to the material receiving section to the conveying section, so that the materials are guided to rotate in the process of moving from the material receiving section to the conveying section, and are switched from a first posture to a second posture. The application can solve the technical problems that the labor intensity of manual feeding is large, the semi-circular pipe feeding device is prone to material jamming and material falling, and the feeding process and quality of the materials are affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of material feeding technology, and more particularly to a semi-circular tube feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] Semicircular tubes are common components in the evaporators and condensers of air conditioners. Their irregular shape and welded rings present challenges for automated feeding. Current technology uses manual feeding, but this requires a fast cycle time and is labor-intensive. Alternatively, a semicircular tube feeding device can be used, typically consisting of a circular vibrating disc and a direct vibrating feeder. While this reduces labor intensity, the vibrating disc and feeder are prone to jamming, hindering further feeding and affecting the process. Furthermore, the welded rings can easily detach during vibration, compromising the quality of the semicircular tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a semi-circular tube feeding device, which aims to solve the technical problems of high labor intensity in manual feeding and easy jamming and material loss in the semi-circular tube feeding device, which affect the feeding process and quality of materials.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a semi-circular tube feeding device, comprising: A feeding mechanism includes a feeding component, a vision inspection component, and a robot electrically connected to the vision inspection component. The robot is used to pick up and convey materials in a first posture from the feeding component based on signals fed back by the vision inspection component. The feeding mechanism includes a vibration component and a feeding track disposed on the vibration component. The vibration component is used to generate vibration to drive the material to move along the feeding track. The feeding track has a receiving section, a guide section and a conveying section connected in sequence. The receiving section is used to receive the material conveyed by the robot. The width of the conveying section is smaller than the width of the receiving section. The width of the guide section gradually narrows from one end near the receiving section toward the conveying section, so as to guide the material to rotate during its movement from the receiving section to the conveying section and switch from a first posture to a second posture.

[0005] In one embodiment, the material is a semi-circular tube, the first posture is the semi-circular tube lying flat, and the second posture is the semi-circular tube standing upright.

[0006] In one embodiment, the feeding assembly includes a flexible vibratory feeder having a vibrating surface for placing materials, the vibrating surface being planar.

[0007] In one embodiment, the feeding assembly further includes a support bracket, the flexible vibratory feeder, the vision inspection component, and the robot are respectively disposed on the support bracket, and the vision inspection component is disposed facing the vibration surface of the flexible vibratory feeder; And / or, the feeding assembly further includes a vibrating hopper, which is connected to the flexible vibrating plate and is used to vibrate and feed material to the flexible vibrating plate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the feeding track extends along a first direction, and there are multiple feeding tracks, which are arranged at intervals along a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction; And / or, the feeding track extends along a first direction, the receiving section includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall arranged opposite to each other along a second direction, the conveying section includes a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall arranged opposite to each other along a second direction, the guiding section includes a fifth sidewall and a sixth sidewall, the fifth sidewall connects the first sidewall and the third sidewall, the sixth sidewall connects the second sidewall and the fourth sidewall, and the fifth sidewall and the sixth sidewall gradually slope towards the conveying section from one end near the receiving section.

[0009] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism further includes: A first detection component is disposed within the feeding track and electrically connected to the robot; the first detection component is used to output a corresponding first detection signal to the robot when it detects that there is a lack of material in the feeding track; the robot is used to feed material into the feeding track according to the received first detection signal.

[0010] In one embodiment, the semi-circular tube feeding device further includes: A separation mechanism is connected to the discharge end of the conveying section, and the material in the conveying section is separated to the separation mechanism under the action of the vibration component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the separation mechanism includes: Misaligned support; and A misalignment block is provided on the misalignment bracket. The misalignment block is provided with a misalignment groove. The inlet of the misalignment groove is connected to the outlet of the conveying section. The material of the conveying section is conveyed into the misalignment groove under the action of the vibration component. The feeding track extends along a first direction. The misalignment block can reciprocate along a second direction so that the material on it is misaligned with the material on the feeding track along the first direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0012] In one embodiment, the misaligned block is provided with baffles on the two opposite side walls of the misaligned groove, and the baffles are used to prevent the material in the misaligned groove from tilting toward one side of the misaligned block in a second direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the separation mechanism further includes: A first guide rail is disposed on the misalignment bracket, the first guide rail extending along the second direction, and the misalignment block is slidably mounted on the first guide rail; and A first driving component is disposed on the misalignment bracket. The first driving component is drivingly connected to the misalignment block to drive the misalignment block to slide on the first guide rail.

[0014] In one embodiment, the separation mechanism further includes: The second detection component is disposed in the misalignment groove and electrically connected to the first drive component; the second detection component is used to output a corresponding second detection signal to the robot when it detects that the material is in place in the misalignment groove; the first drive component is used to drive the misalignment block to slide on the first guide rail according to the received second detection signal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the separation mechanism further includes: A connector extends along a third direction, the misalignment block and the first driving component extend along a second direction and are spaced apart along the third direction, one end of the connector is connected to the misalignment block, and the other end of the connector is driven to the first driving component, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

[0016] In one embodiment, the separation mechanism further includes: A transition block is provided on the misaligned bracket. The transition block is located between the misaligned block and the conveying section. The transition block has a transition groove that connects the conveying section and the misaligned groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the semi-circular tube feeding device further includes: A limiting mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a limiting plate disposed on the mounting bracket. The limiting plate has a first position and a second position, and the misalignment groove has an open section. When the limiting plate is in the first position, it covers the open section of the misalignment groove to restrict the outward escape of material within the misalignment groove. When the limiting plate is in the second position, the limiting plate is offset from the open section of the misalignment groove to allow material within the misalignment groove to be exposed outward. A second driving component is disposed on the mounting bracket and is drivingly connected to the limiting plate to drive the limiting plate to switch between the first position and the second position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second driving component extends along a first direction, and the second driving component and the feeding track are arranged at intervals along a second direction. The limiting plate extends along the second direction, and the second driving component is used to drive the limiting plate to reciprocate along the first direction. The first direction intersects the second direction. And / or, the limiting mechanism further includes a second guide rail, the second guide rail being disposed on the mounting bracket, the second guide rail extending along a first direction, the limiting plate being slidably mounted on the second guide rail, and the second driving component being used to drive the limiting plate to slide on the second guide rail.

[0019] The technical solution of this invention uses a vision detection component to visually detect the material on the feeding component. Based on the signal fed back from the vision detection component, the robot picks up the material in the first posture from the feeding component and transports it to the feeding mechanism. A feeding track is set on a vibration component, which vibrates to drive the material along the feeding track, thereby achieving automatic material feeding without human intervention. This effectively solves the problem of high labor intensity associated with manual feeding in existing technologies. Simultaneously, the feeding track is defined with a receiving section, a guiding section, and a conveying section connected in sequence. The receiving section is used to receive the material transported by the robot. The material is confined to its first posture, reducing the likelihood of jamming in the receiving section. Since the width of the conveying section is smaller than that of the receiving section, the width of the guide section gradually narrows from the end closest to the receiving section towards the conveying section. This guides the material to rotate as it moves from the receiving section to the conveying section, allowing it to switch from the first posture to the second posture. This facilitates material handling and reduces the likelihood of jamming in the conveying section. It effectively overcomes the technical shortcomings of existing semi-circular tube feeding devices, which are prone to jamming and material slippage, affecting the material feeding process and quality. This not only ensures the material feeding process but also guarantees the quality of the material. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the semi-circular tube feeding device of the present invention; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the semi-circular tube feeding device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the separation mechanism in an embodiment of the semi-circular tube feeding device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the separation mechanism in the semi-circular tube feeding device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the material of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. Semicircular tube feeding device; 1. Feeding mechanism; 11. Feeding assembly; 111. Flexible vibratory feeder; 111a. Vibrating surface; 112. Support bracket; 1121. Support platform; 1122. Installation platform; 113. Vibrating hopper; 12. Vibration inspection assembly; 13. Robot; 2. Feeding mechanism; 21. Vibration assembly; 22. Feeding track; 221. Receiving section; 221a. First side wall; 221b. Second side wall; 222. Conveying section; 222a. Third side wall; 222b. Fourth side wall; 223, Guide section; 223a, Fifth side wall; 223b, Sixth side wall; 23, First detection component; 3, Separation mechanism; 31, Misalignment bracket; 32, Misalignment block; 321, Misalignment groove; 321a, Open section; 322, Baffle; 33, First guide rail; 34, First drive component; 35, Second detection component; 36, Connector; 37, Transition block; 371, Transition groove; 4, Limiting mechanism; 41, Mounting bracket; 42, Limiting plate; 43, Second drive component; 44, Second guide rail; 200, Material.

[0024] The objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] Semicircular tubes are common components in the evaporators and condensers of air conditioners. Their irregular shape and welded rings present challenges for automated feeding. Current technology typically employs manual feeding, which requires high cycle times, is labor-intensive, and has low efficiency. To reduce labor intensity and improve feeding efficiency, existing technology utilizes semicircular tube feeding devices, which generally include a circular vibrating disc and a direct vibrating feeder. The circular vibrating disc uses centrifugal force and spiral ascent to bring the semicircular tubes upright close to the outer wall. A shaping mechanism then screens the semicircular tubes, ensuring the material is conveyed upright to the direct vibrating feeder, where it is finally transported along the feed path. While this method can reduce labor intensity and improve feeding efficiency, the semi-circular tube is prone to jamming on the shaping mechanism of the circular vibratory feeder and the direct vibratory feeder, making it impossible to proceed with the next feeding step and affecting the feeding process. In addition, the welding ring on the semi-circular tube is prone to falling off when vibrating on the circular vibratory feeder, thus making it impossible to guarantee the quality of the semi-circular tube.

[0028] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a semi-circular tube feeding device 100, which aims to solve the technical problems of high labor intensity in manual feeding and easy material jamming and detachment in the semi-circular tube feeding device, which affect the feeding process and quality of materials.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the semi-circular tube feeding device 100 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the semi-circular tube feeding device 100 of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the material 200 of the present invention.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, a semi-circular tube feeding device 100 is used for automatic feeding of material 200, wherein material 200 may be, but is not limited to, semi-circular tubes of evaporators and condensers of air conditioners. The semi-circular tube feeding device 100 may include, but is not limited to, a feeding mechanism 1 and a delivery mechanism 2. The feeding mechanism 1 includes a feeding component 11, a vision detection component 12, and a robot 13. The feeding component 11 is used to provide material 200. The vision detection component 12 is electrically connected to the robot 13. Optionally, the vision detection component 12 may be implemented using a camera or a video camera. Specifically, the vision detection component 12 is implemented using a camera. The camera is used to take pictures of the material 200 on the feeding component 11 and feed the corresponding image signal back to the robot 13. Based on the received image signal, the robot 13 picks up the material 200 in a first posture from the feeding component 11 and delivers it to the delivery mechanism 2. The delivery mechanism 2 may include, but is not limited to, a vibration component 21 and a delivery track 22 disposed on the vibration component 21. The vibration component 21 is used to generate vibration to drive the material 200 to move along the feeding track 22, thereby automatically completing the feeding of the material 200 without human intervention, which solves the technical problem of high labor intensity when using manual feeding in the prior art.

[0031] Based on the above, it should be noted that the feeding track 22 can be implemented in many ways. For an embodiment of this invention, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The feeding track 22 has a receiving section 221, a guide section 223, and a conveying section 222 connected sequentially along a first direction. The receiving section 221 is used to receive the material 200 conveyed by the robot 13. The width of the conveying section 222 is smaller than the width of the receiving section 221. The width of the guide section 223 gradually narrows from one end near the receiving section 221 toward the conveying section 222, so as to guide the material 200 to rotate during its movement from the receiving section 221 to the conveying section 222 and switch from the first posture to the second posture, which facilitates the subsequent picking up of the semi-circular tube in the second posture.

[0032] It is important to emphasize that the material 200 only undergoes a change in posture during transport within the guide section 223. During transport within the receiving section 221, it maintains its first posture, and during transport within the conveying section 222, it maintains its second posture. Maintaining the same posture reduces the likelihood of material 200 jamming in the receiving section 221 and the conveying section 222, ensuring normal material transport and minimizing the impact of jamming on the feeding process.

[0033] The technical solution of this invention uses a vision detection component 12 to visually detect the material 200 on the feeding component 11. The robot 13, based on the signal fed back by the vision detection component 12, picks up the material 200 in a first posture from the feeding component 11 and transports it to the feeding mechanism 2. A feeding track 22 is also set on a vibration component 21, which vibrates to drive the material 200 along the feeding track 22, thereby achieving automatic feeding of the material 200 without human intervention. This effectively solves the problem of high labor intensity associated with manual feeding in existing technologies. Simultaneously, the feeding track 22 is defined to have a receiving section 221, a guiding section 223, and a conveying section 222 connected in sequence. The receiving section 221 is used to receive the material 200 transported by the robot 13. The material 200 is confined to a first posture, reducing the likelihood of jamming in the receiving section 221. Since the width of the conveying section 222 is smaller than that of the receiving section 221, the width of the guide section 223 gradually narrows from the end near the receiving section 221 toward the conveying section 222, guiding the material 200 to rotate during its movement from the receiving section 221 to the conveying section 222. This allows the material to switch from the first posture to the second posture, facilitating material handling and reducing the likelihood of jamming in the conveying section 222. This effectively overcomes the technical defects of the existing semi-circular tube feeding device 100, which is prone to jamming and material detachment, affecting the feeding process and quality of the material 200. This not only ensures the feeding process of the material 200 but also guarantees its quality.

[0034] The material 200 can be implemented in many ways. In the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 5 Material 200 specifically refers to the semi-circular tube of the evaporator and condenser of the air conditioner. The following embodiments will be described with material 200 as a semi-circular tube.

[0035] The first posture is a horizontal position of the semicircular tube, and the second posture is an vertical position of the semicircular tube. It is known that existing semicircular tube feeding methods are usually vertical, meaning the semicircular tube remains vertical throughout the feeding process, and there is no need to adjust it from a horizontal to a vertical position as required in this embodiment. Since the supporting surface of the semicircular tube in the horizontal posture is larger than that in the vertical posture, the stability of the semicircular tube in the first posture during feeding in the receiving section 221 can be ensured, while the semicircular tube in the second posture during feeding in the conveying section 222 facilitates subsequent material removal.

[0036] The feeding mechanism 1 can be implemented in many ways. In the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 1The feeding mechanism 1 includes a feeding assembly 11. The feeding assembly 11 may include, but is not limited to, a flexible vibratory feeder 111, which has a vibrating surface 111a for placing semi-circular tubes. Compared to existing circular vibratory feeders, the flexible vibratory feeder 111 generates slight vibrations to break up the semi-circular tubes on the vibrating surface 111a. The semi-circular tubes are less likely to detach during vibration, effectively ensuring their quality. Furthermore, since the vibrating surface 111a is planar, it reduces the likelihood of semi-circular tubes getting stuck on the flexible vibratory feeder 111, thus ensuring the normal feeding process of the semi-circular tubes.

[0037] Based on the above, please refer to the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 In addition to the flexible vibratory feeder 111, the feeding assembly 11 also includes a support bracket 112. The flexible vibratory feeder 111, the vision inspection assembly 12, and the robot 13 are respectively mounted on the support bracket 112, that is, the feeding assembly 11, the vision inspection assembly 12, and the robot 13 form an integrated structure, which facilitates the handling and use of the feeding mechanism 1.

[0038] The support bracket 112 can be implemented in many ways. In the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 2 The support bracket 112 has a support platform 1121 and an installation platform 1122, which are arranged at intervals along a third direction, where the third direction is the height direction of the support bracket 112. A flexible vibratory feeder 111 is mounted on the support platform 1121, and a vision inspection component 12 and a robot 13 are respectively mounted on the installation platform 1122, with the vision inspection component 12 facing the flexible vibratory feeder 111. Through this arrangement, the vision inspection component 12 can take large-area photographs of the semi-circular tubes on the flexible vibratory feeder 111, providing a reference for the robot 13 to pick up the semi-circular tubes in their first posture on the flexible vibratory feeder 111, thereby improving the material handling speed and the feeding efficiency of the semi-circular tubes.

[0039] Since the semi-circular tube that can be placed on the vibration surface 111a of the flexible vibratory feeder 111 is limited, in order to achieve the connection and feeding of the feeding mechanism 1, in the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The feeding assembly 11 also includes a vibrating hopper 113, which is connected to the flexible vibrating plate 111 and is used to vibrate and feed material to the flexible vibrating plate 111, filling the semi-circular tube on the vibrating surface 111a, thereby realizing continuous feeding of the semi-circular tube.

[0040] To achieve automated feeding of batches of semi-circular tubes, please refer to the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 5The feeding track 22 extends along a first direction. Multiple feeding tracks 22 are provided, and they are arranged at intervals along a second direction. For example, if three feeding tracks 22 are provided, they can be arranged at intervals along the second direction. The first and second directions intersect; the first direction can specifically be the length direction of the feeding track 22, and the second direction can specifically be the width direction of the feeding track 22. With this arrangement, the robot 13 can sequentially feed semi-circular tubes in a first posture onto multiple feeding tracks 22, achieving continuous feeding of multiple semi-circular tubes simultaneously, thereby improving the processing efficiency of batch semi-circular tubes.

[0041] The receiving section 221, conveying section 222, and guiding section 223 can be implemented in many ways. In the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 When the feeding track 22 extends along the first direction, the receiving section 221 includes a first sidewall 221a and a second sidewall 221b arranged opposite each other along the second direction; the conveying section 222 includes a third sidewall 222a and a fourth sidewall 222b arranged opposite each other along the second direction; and the guiding section 223 includes a fifth sidewall 223a and a sixth sidewall 223b. One end of the fifth sidewall 223a is connected to the first sidewall 221a, and the other end of the fifth sidewall 223a is connected to the third sidewall 222a. One end of the sixth sidewall 222b is connected to the second sidewall 221b, and the other end of the sixth sidewall 222b is connected to the third sidewall 222a. One end is connected to the fourth side wall 222b. The fifth side wall 223a and the sixth side wall 223b gradually tilt and move closer to the conveying section 222 from the end near the receiving section 221. That is, the width of the guide section 223 gradually decreases from the end near the receiving section 221 to the end away from the receiving section 222. This allows the semi-circular tube to rotate along the first direction on the guide section 223 during the process of moving from the receiving section 221 to the conveying section 222, and gradually switch from the first posture to the second posture, that is, from the lying posture to the upright posture. The semi-circular tube in the upright posture can facilitate the subsequent material picking work.

[0042] It should be noted that when multiple semicircular tubes are arranged and conveyed on the feeding track 22, the semicircular tubes along the conveying direction are defined as the first semicircular tube, the second semicircular tube, the third semicircular tube, etc. The first semicircular tube can rotate at an angle of 5° on the guide section 223, the second semicircular tube can rotate at an angle of 10° on the guide section 223, the third semicircular tube can rotate at an angle of 15° on the guide section 223, and so on, until the semicircular tubes finally output to the conveying section 222 are at 90°, which facilitates material picking.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5The feeding mechanism 2 also includes a first detection component 23. The first detection component 23 is implemented using a material shortage sensor. The material shortage sensor is installed inside the feeding track 22 and electrically connected to the robot 13. When the material shortage sensor detects a lack of semi-circular tubes in the feeding track 22, it outputs a corresponding first detection signal to the robot 13. Based on the received first detection signal, the robot 13 promptly feeds semi-circular tubes to the feeding track 22, preventing any interruption in the batch feeding process of semi-circular tubes due to a lack of semi-circular tubes in the feeding track 22, thereby ensuring the feeding efficiency of batch semi-circular tubes.

[0044] After the semi-circular tube is conveyed, it often needs to be removed from the feeding track 22. However, the continuous feeding of semi-circular tubes can cause interference during removal. The semi-circular tube to be removed may be squeezed by the next semi-circular tube, making it difficult to remove. Furthermore, the welding ring can also cause two semi-circular tubes to squeeze against each other, failing to meet the removal requirements. To reduce this impact, in an embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The semi-circular tube feeding device 100 also includes a separation mechanism 3. The separation mechanism 3 is located on one side of the feeding track 22 in the first direction and is connected to the discharge end of the conveying section 222. The semi-circular tubes in the conveying section 222 are separated to the separation mechanism 3 under the action of the vibration component 21, thus separating the semi-circular tubes on the separation mechanism 3 from those on the feeding track 22. The worker can directly remove the required semi-circular tubes from the separation mechanism 3 without having to remove them from the conveying section 222, reducing interference between the front and rear semi-circular tubes and achieving stable and continuous material handling.

[0045] The separation mechanism 3 can be implemented in many ways. In this embodiment of the invention, the separation mechanism 3 is implemented using a misalignment mechanism. For details, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The misalignment mechanism includes a misalignment bracket 31 and a misalignment block 32. The misalignment block 32 is mounted on the misalignment bracket 31, which has a misalignment groove 321. The inlet of the misalignment groove 321 is connected to the outlet of the conveying section 222. The semi-circular tube of the conveying section 222 can be conveyed into the misalignment groove 321 under the vibration of the vibration component 21. It should be emphasized that when the feeding track 22 extends along the first direction, the misalignment block 32 can reciprocate along the second direction under the action of human or mechanical driving force, so that the semi-circular tube on the misalignment groove 321 is misaligned with the semi-circular tube on the feeding track 22 along the first direction. This ensures that the semi-circular tube in the feeding track 22 will not affect the picking up of the semi-circular tube on the misalignment groove 321, improving the convenience of material picking.

[0046] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the semi-circular tube located in the misalignment groove 321 of the misalignment block 32 is in a second posture, that is, the semi-circular tube is in an upright posture. The semi-circular tube has no support on both sides, making it prone to tilting to either side, and the tilted semi-circular tube is not easy to pick up. Therefore, to improve the above situation, in the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The misalignment block 32 is provided with baffles 322 on both sides of the misalignment groove 321. The two baffles 322 are arranged opposite each other along the second direction, which is the length direction of the misalignment block 32. The two baffles 322 are used to prevent the semicircular tube in the misalignment groove 321 from tilting towards either side of the misalignment block 32 in the second direction, thereby ensuring that the semicircular tube in the misalignment groove 321 is always in the second posture, which is convenient for picking up.

[0047] To improve the automation level of the semi-circular tube feeding device 100, please refer to the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The separation mechanism 3 further includes a first guide rail 33 and a first drive assembly 34. The first guide rail 33 is disposed on the misalignment bracket 31 and extends along a second direction, wherein the second direction is the length direction of the misalignment block 32. The misalignment block 32 is slidably mounted on the first guide rail 33. The first drive assembly 34 can be implemented using a first cylinder or a first motor. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first drive assembly 34 is implemented using a first cylinder, which is disposed on the misalignment bracket 31 and is drivenly connected to the misalignment block 32. When it is necessary to pick up the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321, the first cylinder is used to drive the misalignment block 32 to slide on the first guide rail 33, so that the semi-circular tube on the misalignment groove 321 is misaligned with the semi-circular tube on the feeding track 22 along the first direction, so that the semi-circular tube in the feeding track 22 will not affect the picking up of the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321, improving the convenience of picking up materials; after the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 is picked up, the first cylinder is used to drive the misalignment block 32 to slide on the first guide rail 33, so that the inlet of the misalignment groove 321 and the outlet of the feeding track 22 are correspondingly set along the first direction, so as to continue to feed the semi-circular tube.

[0048] To determine whether the semi-circular tube within the misalignment groove 321 has been properly conveyed, in an embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4The separation mechanism 3 also includes a second detection component 35. The second detection component 35 can be implemented using a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor is installed in the misalignment groove 321 and electrically connected to the first cylinder. The photoelectric sensor detects when the semi-circular tube is conveyed into position within the misalignment groove 321 and outputs a corresponding second detection signal to the robot 13. Based on the received second detection signal, the first cylinder drives the misalignment block 32 to slide on the first guide rail 33, causing the semi-circular tube on the misalignment groove 321 to be misaligned with the semi-circular tube on the feeding track 22 along a first direction. This ensures that the semi-circular tube in the feeding track 22 does not affect the picking up of the semi-circular tube on the misalignment groove 321, achieving stable and continuous material picking and guaranteeing the stable operation of the automated production line.

[0049] Based on the above, in order to improve the structural compactness of the separation mechanism 3, please refer to the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The separation mechanism 3 also includes a connecting member 36. The connecting member 36 can be implemented using a connecting plate. The connecting plate extends along a third direction. The misalignment block 32 and the first cylinder extend along a second direction and are spaced apart along a third direction. One end of the connecting plate is connected to the misalignment block 32, and the other end of the connecting plate is driven to the first cylinder. That is, the misalignment block 32, the connecting plate, and the first cylinder are connected to form a compact U-shaped structure, which can reduce the volume of the separation mechanism 3 and improve the structural compactness of the separation mechanism 3.

[0050] To reduce the impact of vibration on the feeding track 22 on the separation mechanism 3, in an embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The separation mechanism 3 also includes a transition block 37. The transition block 37 is mounted on the misalignment bracket 31 and located between the misalignment block 32 and the conveying section 222. The end of the transition block 37 closest to the conveying section 222 is positioned adjacent to it. The transition block 37 has a transition groove 371; the inlet of the transition block 37 connects to the outlet of the conveying section 222, and the outlet of the transition groove 371 connects to the inlet of the misalignment groove 321. With this configuration, the semi-circular tube conveyed by the conveying section 222 can be transported through the transition groove 371 of the transition block 37 to the misalignment groove 321 of the misalignment block 32, thus realizing the conveying and unloading of the semi-circular tube. Furthermore, because the transition block 37 and the conveying section 222 are positioned adjacent to each other, i.e., there is a certain gap between them, the impact of vibration on the separation mechanism 3 is reduced.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1The semi-circular tube feeding device 100 also includes a limiting mechanism 4. The limiting mechanism 4 includes a mounting bracket 41, a limiting plate 42, and a second driving assembly 43. The limiting plate 42 is mounted on the mounting bracket 41 and has a first position and a second position. The misalignment groove 321 has an open section 321a. When the limiting plate 42 is in the first position, it covers the open section 321a of the misalignment groove 321 to restrict the semi-circular tube within the misalignment groove 321 from escaping outwards. When the limiting plate 42 is in the second position, it is misaligned with the open section 321a of the misalignment groove 321 to allow the semi-circular tube within the misalignment groove 321 to be exposed outwards. The second driving assembly 43 can be implemented using a second cylinder or a second motor. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second driving assembly 43 is implemented using a second cylinder, which is drivenly connected to the limiting plate 42 to drive the limiting plate 42 to switch between the first and second positions. When the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 of the misalignment block 32 is picked up, the second cylinder drives the limiting plate 42 to switch from the first position to the second position. At this time, the limiting plate 42 is misaligned with the open section 321a of the misalignment groove 321 so that the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 is exposed to the outside for easy picking. After the semi-circular tube is picked up, the second cylinder drives the limiting plate 42 to switch from the second position to the first position. At this time, the limiting plate 42 covers the open section 321a of the misalignment groove 321 to prevent the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 from being impacted and escaping outward during the conveying process.

[0052] To improve the structural compactness of the limiting mechanism 4, please refer to the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 The second drive component 43 extends along the first direction and is arranged at intervals with the feeding track 22 along the second direction. The limiting plate 42 extends along the second direction. The second drive component 43 is used to drive the limiting plate 42 to reciprocate along the first direction to realize the switching between the first position and the second position. The first direction is the length direction of the feeding track 22 and the second direction is the width direction of the feeding track 22.

[0053] To improve the switching speed of the limit plate 42, in an embodiment of the present invention, please refer to... Figure 1The limiting mechanism 4 also includes a second guide rail 44, which is mounted on the mounting bracket 41 and extends along the first direction. The limiting plate 42 is slidably mounted on the first guide rail 33. When it is necessary to pick up the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 of the misalignment block 32, the second cylinder drives the limiting plate 42 to slide on the second guide rail 44 and switch from the first position to the second position. At this time, the limiting plate 42 is misaligned with the open section 321a of the misalignment groove 321 so that the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 is exposed to the outside for easy picking. After the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 of the misalignment block 32 is picked up, the second cylinder drives the limiting plate 42 to slide on the second guide rail 44 and switch from the second position to the first position. At this time, the limiting plate 42 covers the open section 321a of the misalignment groove 321 to prevent the semi-circular tube in the misalignment groove 321 from being impacted and escaping outward during the conveying process.

[0054] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made under the technical concept of the present invention using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A semi-circular tube feeding device, characterized in that, include: The feeding mechanism includes a feeding component, a vision inspection component, and a robot electrically connected to the vision inspection component. The robot is used to pick up the material in a first posture from the feeding component and transport it according to the signal fed back by the vision inspection component. A feeding mechanism includes a vibration component and a feeding track disposed on the vibration component. The vibration component is used to generate vibration to drive the material to move along the feeding track. The feeding track has a receiving section, a guide section and a conveying section connected in sequence. The receiving section is used to receive the material conveyed by the robot. The width of the conveying section is smaller than the width of the receiving section. The width of the guide section gradually narrows from one end near the receiving section toward the conveying section, so as to guide the material to rotate during its movement from the receiving section to the conveying section and switch from a first posture to a second posture. A separation mechanism is provided, which is connected to the discharge end of the conveying section. Material in the conveying section is separated into the separation mechanism under the action of the vibration component. The separation mechanism includes a misalignment bracket and a misalignment block. The misalignment block is disposed on the misalignment bracket and has a misalignment groove. The inlet of the misalignment groove is connected to the discharge end of the conveying section. Material in the conveying section is conveyed into the misalignment groove under the action of the vibration component. The feeding track extends along a first direction, and the misalignment block can reciprocate along a second direction, so that the material on it is misaligned with the material on the feeding track along the first direction, where the first direction intersects the second direction. as well as A limiting mechanism includes a limiting plate having a first position and a second position, and an open section having a misaligned groove. When the limiting plate is in the first position, it covers the open section of the misaligned groove to restrict the material in the misaligned groove from escaping outward. When the limiting plate is in the second position, the limiting plate is offset from the open section of the misaligned groove to allow the material in the misaligned groove to be exposed outward.

2. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material is a semi-circular tube, the first posture is the semi-circular tube lying flat, and the second posture is the semi-circular tube standing upright.

3. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding assembly includes a flexible vibrating plate, which has a vibrating surface for placing materials, and the vibrating surface is planar.

4. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The feeding assembly also includes a support bracket, and the flexible vibratory feeder, the vision detection component and the robot are respectively disposed on the support bracket, with the vision detection component facing the vibration surface of the flexible vibratory feeder; And / or, the feeding assembly further includes a vibrating hopper, which is connected to the flexible vibrating plate and is used to vibrate and feed material to the flexible vibrating plate.

5. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding track extends along a first direction, and there are multiple feeding tracks. The multiple feeding tracks are arranged at intervals along a second direction, and the first direction intersects the second direction. And / or, the feeding track extends along a first direction, the receiving section includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall arranged opposite to each other along a second direction, the conveying section includes a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall arranged opposite to each other along a second direction, the guiding section includes a fifth sidewall and a sixth sidewall, the fifth sidewall connects the first sidewall and the third sidewall, the sixth sidewall connects the second sidewall and the fourth sidewall, and the fifth sidewall and the sixth sidewall gradually slope towards the conveying section from one end near the receiving section.

6. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism also includes: A first detection component is disposed within the feeding track and electrically connected to the robot; the first detection component is used to output a corresponding first detection signal to the robot when it detects that there is a lack of material in the feeding track; the robot is used to feed material into the feeding track according to the received first detection signal.

7. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The misaligned block is provided with baffles on the two opposite side walls of the misaligned groove. The baffles are used to prevent the material in the misaligned groove from tilting toward one side of the misaligned block in the second direction.

8. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The separation mechanism further includes: A first guide rail is disposed on the misalignment bracket, the first guide rail extending along the second direction, and the misalignment block is slidably mounted on the first guide rail; and A first driving component is disposed on the misalignment bracket. The first driving component is drivingly connected to the misalignment block to drive the misalignment block to slide on the first guide rail.

9. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The separation mechanism further includes: The second detection component is disposed in the misalignment groove and electrically connected to the first drive component; the second detection component is used to output a corresponding second detection signal to the robot when it detects that the material is in place in the misalignment groove; the first drive component is used to drive the misalignment block to slide on the first guide rail according to the received second detection signal.

10. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The separation mechanism further includes: A connector extends along a third direction, the misalignment block and the first driving component extend along a second direction and are spaced apart along the third direction, one end of the connector is connected to the misalignment block, and the other end of the connector is driven to the first driving component, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

11. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The separation mechanism further includes: A transition block is provided on the misaligned bracket. The transition block is located between the misaligned block and the conveying section. The transition block has a transition groove that connects the conveying section and the misaligned groove.

12. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism further includes a mounting bracket, and the limiting plate is disposed on the mounting bracket; The semi-circular tube feeding device also includes: A second driving component is disposed on the mounting bracket and is drivingly connected to the limiting plate to drive the limiting plate to switch between the first position and the second position.

13. The semi-circular tube feeding device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The second driving component extends along the first direction, and the second driving component and the feeding track are arranged at intervals along the second direction. The limiting plate extends along the second direction, and the second driving component is used to drive the limiting plate to reciprocate along the first direction. The first direction intersects the second direction. And / or, the limiting mechanism further includes a second guide rail, the second guide rail being disposed on the mounting bracket, the second guide rail extending along a first direction, the limiting plate being slidably mounted on the second guide rail, and the second driving component being used to drive the limiting plate to slide on the second guide rail.

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