Automatic feeding bin

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic feeding bin and relates to the technical field of feeding equipment. The automatic feeding bin comprises a machine body, a bin, a lifting mechanism, a carrying mechanism and a material positioning seat which are arranged on the machine body, a bracket arranged on the lifting mechanism and a pulling mechanism arranged on the bracket. The bin is divided into multiple bin layers along the Z direction. Each bin layer can place a pullable and movable tray. The lifting mechanism is used for driving the bracket to ascend or descend along the Z direction so that the pulling mechanism corresponds to the bin layer to be pulled. The pulling mechanism is used for pulling the tray in the bin layer to the bracket. The carrying mechanism is used for carrying the material in the tray on the bracket to the material positioning seat. The automatic feeding bin realizes automatic feeding of the material, meets the production rhythm requirement and greatly improves the production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of feeding equipment technology, and specifically to an automatic feeding hopper. Background Technology

[0002] Electrodes are essential components in electrical discharge machining (EDM), especially copper electrodes, because they have good ductility, are easy to process and shape, have a high conductivity, and suffer less loss during discharge, making them reusable and ideal for EDM of various product shapes in injection molds.

[0003] Currently, the daily consumption of electrodes within the company is very large, and materials need to be prepared daily through automatic electrode material preparation equipment. Copper is an important component of electrodes, and manual feeding of copper into the automatic electrode material preparation equipment cannot meet the production cycle requirements of the automatic electrode material preparation equipment, which seriously reduces work efficiency. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an automatic feeding silo that can automatically feed materials to solve the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects in the existing technology, the present invention provides an automatic feeding hopper, which realizes automatic material feeding, meets the production cycle requirements, and greatly improves production efficiency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] An automatic feeding hopper includes a body, a hopper, a lifting mechanism, a conveying mechanism, and a material positioning seat disposed on the body, a bracket disposed on the lifting mechanism, and a pull-out mechanism disposed on the bracket. The hopper is divided into multiple hopper layers along the Z-axis, and each hopper layer can hold a pull-out movable material tray. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the bracket to rise or fall along the Z-axis so that the pull-out mechanism corresponds to the hopper layer to be pulled out. The pull-out mechanism is used to pull out the material tray in the corresponding hopper layer onto the bracket. The conveying mechanism is used to convey the material in the material tray on the bracket to the material positioning seat.

[0007] The silo has silo openings at both ends in the X direction for the material tray to enter and exit. Each silo layer has silo tracks extending in the X direction on its opposite side walls. The material tray is placed on the two silo tracks of the same silo layer.

[0008] The machine body is provided with a dial frame, which is located on the side of the hopper. The dial frame is divided into multiple dial layers along the Z direction. Each dial layer corresponds to a hopper layer, and each dial layer is provided with a dial mechanism. The dial mechanism is used to push the material tray out or into the corresponding hopper layer.

[0009] The dial mechanism includes a first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member disposed on the dial frame, a first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member disposed on the first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member, and a toggle member disposed on the first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member. The side wall of the hopper layer is provided with an elongated hole extending in the X-axis, and the tray is provided with a toggle groove. The first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member is used to drive the toggle member to move linearly in the Y-axis so that the toggle member passes through the elongated hole and is inserted into the toggle groove. The first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member is used to drive the toggle member to move linearly in the X-axis so that the toggle member toggle the tray.

[0010] The pull-out mechanism includes a second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member disposed on the bracket, a support seat disposed on the second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member, and two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive members disposed on the support seat. Each of the two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive members is provided with a pull claw. The material tray is provided with two pull buckles. The two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive members are used to drive the two pull claws to move closer or further away so that the two pull claws hook or release the two pull buckles.

[0011] The bracket includes a base plate and side plates disposed on opposite sides of the base plate. The two side plates extend along the X direction and are respectively provided with slide rails extending along the X direction. The second X-direction reciprocating linear motion drive is disposed on the base plate, and the support seat is slidably disposed on the two slide rails.

[0012] The bracket has bracket tracks extending along the X direction on its two side plates, and the tray is pulled onto the two bracket tracks.

[0013] The bracket is slidably mounted on the machine body along the Z-axis, and the lifting mechanism includes a first Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member mounted on the machine body. The bracket is connected to the power output part of the first Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member.

[0014] The material hoppers are spaced in two, the bracket is located between the two material hoppers, and the conveying mechanism is located on top of the two material hoppers.

[0015] The conveying mechanism includes a clamping member for holding the material and a three-axis manipulator, wherein the clamping member is disposed on the three-axis manipulator.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] The automatic feeding hopper provided by this invention uses a lifting mechanism to drive the bracket to rise or fall along the Z-axis so that the pulling mechanism corresponds to the hopper layer to be pulled out. Then, the pulling mechanism pulls the material tray in the corresponding hopper layer onto the bracket. Finally, the conveying mechanism transports the material in the material tray on the bracket to the material positioning seat for positioning. This realizes automatic material feeding, ensures the continuity of the production process, meets the production cycle requirements, and greatly improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic feeding hopper of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the middle section structure;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the intermediate silo;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the transport mechanism;

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Machine body; 2. Hopper; 21. Hopper track; 211. Track groove; 212. Idler roller; 22. Elongated hole; 23. Transport track; 3. Lifting mechanism; 31. First Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive; 4. Bracket; 41. Slide rail; 42. Bracket track; 43. Guide column; 5. Pull-out mechanism; 51. Second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive; 52. Support base; 53. Second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive; 54. Claw; 6. Transport mechanism; 61. Third X-axis reciprocating linear motion... 62. Third Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive; 63. Second Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive; 64. Clamping component; 7. Material positioning seat; 8. Material tray; 81. Gutter; 82. Pull buckle; 83. Handle; 84. Grip; 9. Material; 10. Dial frame; 11. Dial mechanism; 111. First X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive; 112. First Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive; 113. Actuating component; 12. Support platform; 121. First linear bearing; 122. Second linear bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The XYZ spatial rectangular coordinate system is defined as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment discloses an automatic feeding hopper, including a body 1, a hopper 2, a lifting mechanism 3, a conveying mechanism 6, and a material positioning seat 7 disposed on the body 1, a bracket 4 disposed on the lifting mechanism 3, and a pull-out mechanism 5 disposed on the bracket 4. The hopper 2 is divided into multiple hopper layers along the Z direction, and each hopper layer can hold a pull-out movable material tray 8. The lifting mechanism 3 is used to drive the bracket 4 to rise or fall along the Z direction so that the pull-out mechanism 5 corresponds to the hopper layer to be pulled out. The pull-out mechanism 5 is used to pull out the material tray 8 in the corresponding hopper layer onto the bracket 4. The conveying mechanism 6 is used to convey the material 9 in the material tray 8 on the bracket 4 to the material positioning seat 7.

[0025] In this embodiment, the automatic feeding hopper is driven by the lifting mechanism 3 to raise or lower the bracket 4 along the Z direction so that the pulling mechanism 5 corresponds to the hopper layer to be pulled out. Then, the pulling mechanism 5 pulls the material tray 8 in the corresponding hopper layer onto the bracket 4. Then, the conveying mechanism 6 conveys the material 9 in the material tray 8 on the bracket 4 to the material positioning seat 7 for positioning, thus realizing the automatic feeding of material 9, ensuring the continuity of the production process, meeting the production cycle requirements, and greatly improving production efficiency.

[0026] In this embodiment, the hopper 2 has hopper openings at both ends in the X direction for feeding the tray 8. Each hopper layer has hopper tracks 21 extending in the X direction on its opposite side walls. The tray 8 is placed on the two hopper tracks 21 of the same hopper layer. By setting the hopper tracks 21, not only can the tray 8 be supported and guided to move along the hopper tracks 21, improving the stability of the tray 8 during movement, but the friction between the tray 8 and the hopper 2 can also be reduced, extending the service life of each component.

[0027] To improve sensitivity and further reduce friction, the hopper track 21 in this embodiment is preferably a rolling track. Specifically, the hopper track 21 includes a track groove 211 extending along the X direction and multiple rollers 212 arranged side by side and rotatably in the track groove 211. Of course, the hopper track 21 can also be a sliding track, depending on the actual needs. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0028] In this embodiment, the machine body 1 is equipped with a dial holder 10, which is located on the side of the hopper 2. The dial holder 10 is divided into multiple dial layers along the Z direction, with each dial layer corresponding to a hopper layer. Each dial layer is equipped with a dial mechanism 11, which is used to push the material tray 8 out or into the corresponding hopper layer. By setting the dial mechanism 11, the stability and efficiency of the material tray 8 being discharged from the hopper are improved.

[0029] Specifically, the dial mechanism 11 includes a first X-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 111 disposed on the dial frame 10, a first Y-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 112 disposed on the first X-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 111, and a toggle member 113 disposed on the first Y-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 112. An elongated hole 22 extending in the X direction is provided on the side wall of the hopper layer, and a groove 81 adapted to the toggle member 113 is provided on the tray 8. The first Y-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 112 is used to drive the toggle member 113 to move linearly in the Y direction so that the toggle member 113 passes through the elongated hole 22 and is inserted into the groove 81. The first X-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 111 is used to drive the toggle member 113 to move linearly in the X direction so that the toggle member 113 toggle the tray 8.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 111 is preferably a pneumatic slide, the first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 112 is preferably a telescopic cylinder, and the actuating component 113 is an L-shaped lever. In practical applications, the first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 111 can also be an electric slide, the first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 112 can also be a telescopic electric cylinder, and the actuating component 113 can also be a lever. The specific selection depends on the actual needs, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0031] The pull-out mechanism 5 in this embodiment includes a second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 51 mounted on the bracket 4, a support base 52 mounted on the second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 51, and two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 53 mounted on the support base 52. Each of the two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 53 is provided with a pull claw 54, and the material tray 8 is provided with two pull buckles 82. The two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 53 are used to drive the two pull claws 54 to move closer or further away so that the two pull claws 54 hook or release the two pull buckles 82. The second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 51 is used to drive the two pull claws 54 to move linearly along the X-axis to pull the material tray 8 in the corresponding material bin layer onto the bracket 4 or push the material tray 8 on the bracket 4 into the corresponding material bin layer.

[0032] In this embodiment, the bracket 4 is U-shaped, including a base plate and side plates disposed on opposite sides of the base plate. The two side plates extend along the X-direction, and each side plate is provided with a slide rail 41 extending along the X-direction. A second X-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 51 is disposed on the base plate, and the support seat 52 is slidably disposed on the two slide rails 41. By providing the slide rails 41, not only can the support seat 52 be supported and guided to move along the slide rails 41, improving the stability of the support seat 52 during movement, but the friction between the support seat 52 and the bracket 4 can also be reduced, extending the service life of each component.

[0033] In order to reduce the friction between the tray 8 and the bracket 4, this embodiment provides bracket tracks 42 extending in the X direction on the two side plates of the bracket 4, and the tray 8 is pulled onto the two bracket tracks 42.

[0034] In this embodiment, the bracket track 42 has the same structure as the hopper track 21. The hopper track 21 has been described in detail above, so the specific structure of the bracket track 42 will not be repeated here.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 51 is preferably a lead screw slide with high precision, good stability and long service life, and the second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 53 is preferably a telescopic cylinder. Of course, the second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 51 can also be an electric slide, and the second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 53 can also be a telescopic electric cylinder. The specific choice depends on the actual needs, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0036] In this embodiment, the bracket 4 is slidably mounted on the body 1 along the Z direction. The lifting mechanism 3 includes a first Z-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 31 mounted on the body 1. The bracket 4 is connected to the power output part of the first Z-direction reciprocating linear motion drive 31.

[0037] Specifically, the worktable of the machine body 1 is provided with mounting holes that fit the bracket 4. A support platform 12 is provided below the worktable at the position corresponding to the mounting holes. The bracket 4 is slidably disposed in the mounting holes and located above the support platform 12. The first Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 31 is disposed below the support platform 12, and the power output part of the first Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 31 passes through the support platform 12 and is connected to the bracket 4. This arrangement makes the structure of the entire device more compact, reduces its volume, and improves the space utilization of the device.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 31 is preferably an electric push rod. The push rod of the electric push rod passes through the support platform 12 and is connected to the bottom plate of the bracket 4. In order to improve the linearity of the electric push rod's movement, this embodiment provides a first linear bearing 121 on the support platform 12 and places the push rod of the electric push rod inside the first linear bearing 121.

[0039] To improve the stability of the sliding of the bracket 4, a sliding guide structure is provided between the support platform 12 and the bracket 4 in this embodiment.

[0040] Specifically, the sliding guide structure includes multiple second linear bearings 122 disposed on the support platform 12, and multiple guide posts 43 disposed on the base plate of the bracket 4. The guide posts 43 correspond one-to-one with the second linear bearings 122, and each guide post 43 is disposed in the corresponding second linear bearing 122.

[0041] To increase the capacity of the automatic feeding hopper, this embodiment sets two hoppers 2 on the workbench of the machine body 1, with the two hoppers 2 spaced apart, and the bracket 4 located between the two hoppers 2; at the same time, the conveying mechanism 6 is set on the top of the two hoppers 2. This arrangement further makes the structure of the equipment more compact, reduces the volume, and improves the space utilization of the equipment.

[0042] The handling mechanism 6 in this embodiment includes a clamping member 64 for holding the material 9 and a three-axis manipulator, with the clamping member 64 mounted on the three-axis manipulator. In practical applications, the three-axis manipulator can also be a four-axis manipulator or a robot; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0043] Specifically, the three-axis robot includes a third X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 61, a third Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 62, and a second Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 63. The third Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 62 is mounted on one of the hoppers 2, and a conveying track 23 extending along the Y-axis is mounted on the other hopper 2. The third X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 61 is mounted on the third Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 62 and the conveying track 23. The second Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 63 is mounted on the third X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 61, and a clamping member 64 is mounted on the second Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 63. This configuration enables the clamping member 64 to be driven in the X, Y, and Z directions, facilitating the clamping member 64 to clamp any material 9 on the material tray 8.

[0044] In this embodiment, the third X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 61, the third Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 62, and the second Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive 63 are all preferably electric cylinders. In practical applications, pneumatic cylinders or hydraulic cylinders can also be used, depending on the actual needs. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this. In this embodiment, the clamping member 64 is preferably a pneumatic gripper. Of course, electric grippers or other clamping mechanisms can also be used, depending on the actual needs. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0045] To facilitate loading and unloading of materials onto the tray 8, this embodiment also includes a handle 83 and a grip 84 on the tray 8.

[0046] In this embodiment, each layer of the silo 2 is equipped with loading / unloading stations and a pull-out station. The loading / unloading stations are located near the outer silo opening of the silo 2, and the pull-out stations are located near the inner silo opening of the silo 2. When a full tray 8 is loaded, the operator manually loads the full tray 8 to the loading / unloading station of the corresponding silo layer of the silo 2, and then the corresponding dial mechanism 11 moves the full tray 8 to the pull-out station of that silo layer. When an empty tray 8 is unloaded, the dial mechanism 11 moves the empty tray 8 from the pull-out station of that silo layer to the loading / unloading station of that silo layer, and then the operator moves the empty tray 8 away from the silo 2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the bracket 4 is also equipped with a barcode scanner (not shown in the figure), and the material tray 8 is equipped with an identification code containing the material type and location information (not shown in the figure).

[0048] When material 9 is being fed, the lifting mechanism 3 first drives the bracket 4 to rise along the Z direction, and the barcode scanner scans the identification codes on all the trays 8 in one hopper 2 and transmits the identification information to the equipment control system; then the lifting mechanism 3 drives the bracket 4 to descend along the Z direction, and the barcode scanner scans the identification codes on all the trays 8 in another hopper 2 and transmits the identification information to the equipment control system.

[0049] Then, the control system controls the lifting mechanism 3 to operate according to the selected specifications of material 9. The lifting mechanism 3 drives the bracket 4 to rise or fall along the Z direction, so that the pulling mechanism 5 corresponds to the selected tray 8. The pulling mechanism 5 then pulls the selected tray 8 from the pulling station of its respective silo layer onto the bracket 4. Then, the conveying mechanism 6 transports the material 9 in the tray 8 on the bracket 4 to the material positioning seat 7 for positioning, thus completing the automatic feeding of material 9. After all the material 9 in the tray 8 has been fed and the tray is empty, the pulling mechanism 5 pushes the empty tray 8 to the corresponding pulling station of the silo layer.

[0050] The structure and working principle of the automatic feeding hopper of the present invention have been described in detail above. In summary, the automatic feeding hopper of the present invention realizes automatic material feeding, ensures the continuity of the production process, meets the production cycle requirements, and greatly improves production efficiency.

[0051] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above concept without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding hopper, characterized in that, It includes a machine body, a hopper, a lifting mechanism, a conveying mechanism, and a material positioning seat mounted on the machine body, a bracket mounted on the lifting mechanism, and a pull-out mechanism mounted on the bracket. The silo is divided into multiple silo layers along the Z direction. Each silo layer can hold a retractable material tray. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the bracket to rise or fall along the Z direction so that the pulling mechanism corresponds to the silo layer to be pulled out. The pulling mechanism is used to pull the material tray in the corresponding silo layer onto the bracket. The conveying mechanism is used to convey the material in the material tray on the bracket to the material positioning seat. The machine body is provided with a dial frame, which is located on the side of the hopper. The dial frame is divided into multiple dial layers along the Z direction. Each dial layer corresponds to a hopper layer, and each dial layer is provided with a dial mechanism. The dial mechanism is used to push the material tray out or into the corresponding hopper layer. The dial mechanism includes a first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member disposed on the dial frame, a first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member disposed on the first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member, and a toggle member disposed on the first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member. An elongated hole extending along the X-axis is provided on the side wall of the hopper layer, and a toggle groove is provided on the hopper. The first Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member is used to drive the toggle member to move linearly along the Y-axis so that the toggle member passes through the elongated hole and is inserted into the toggle groove. The first X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member is used to drive the toggle member to move linearly along the X-axis so that the toggle member toggle the hopper.

2. The automatic feeding hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The silo has silo openings at both ends in the X direction for the material tray to enter and exit. Each silo layer has silo tracks extending in the X direction on its opposite side walls. The material tray is placed on the two silo tracks of the same silo layer.

3. The automatic feeding hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull-out mechanism includes a second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member disposed on the bracket, a support base disposed on the second X-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member, and two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive members disposed on the support base. Each of the two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive members is provided with a pull claw. The material tray is provided with two pull buckles. The two second Y-axis reciprocating linear motion drive members are used to drive the two pull claws to move closer or further away so that the two pull claws hook or release the two pull buckles.

4. The automatic feeding hopper according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bracket includes a base plate and side plates disposed on opposite sides of the base plate. The two side plates extend along the X direction and are respectively provided with slide rails extending along the X direction. The second X-direction reciprocating linear motion drive is disposed on the base plate, and the support seat is slidably disposed on the two slide rails.

5. The automatic feeding hopper according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two side plates of the bracket are respectively provided with bracket tracks extending in the X direction, and the tray is pulled into the two bracket tracks.

6. The automatic feeding hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is slidably mounted on the machine body along the Z-axis. The lifting mechanism includes a first Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member mounted on the machine body. The bracket is connected to the power output part of the first Z-axis reciprocating linear motion drive member.

7. The automatic feeding hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hoppers are spaced in two, the bracket is located between the two hoppers, and the conveying mechanism is located on top of the two hoppers.

8. The automatic feeding hopper according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes a clamping member for holding the material and a three-axis manipulator, the clamping member being disposed on the three-axis manipulator.

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