An automated rotary placement fixture

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of jig, especially to an automatic rotary placement jig, comprising a jig assembly and an XYZ three-axis driving assembly for driving the jig assembly reciprocating between an injection molding machine and a belt conveyor, the jig assembly comprises a fixed plate, a rotating shaft, a rotating plate, a rotation control assembly for driving the rotating shaft to rotate, a suction cup seat and a suction cup, the top of the fixed plate is fixed with a mounting seat, one side of the mounting seat is fixed with a driving motor, the output shaft of the driving motor is fixed with a connecting arm, and the end of the connecting arm is connected with the output end of the XYZ three-axis driving assembly, the automatic rotary placement jig, the rotation control assembly utilizes the principle of worm gear transmission and rack and pinion meshing, can accurately drive the rotating plate to rotate 180 degrees relative to the fixed plate, and ensures that the two injection molding products are consistent when transferred to the belt conveyor. This design solves the problem of inconsistent angle of injection molding products, and provides convenience for subsequent processing or packaging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of jigs, specifically to an automated rotating placement jig. Background Technology

[0002] After the injection molding process is completed, the injection-molded products need to be precisely removed from the injection molding machine using a robotic jig and properly placed on a belt conveyor for subsequent processing. It is worth noting that injection molding machines often mold two products at a time, with these two products arranged symmetrically at a 180-degree angle. During the transfer from the injection molding machine to the belt conveyor, one product needs to be rotated 180 degrees to ensure that both products are facing the same direction on the conveyor belt.

[0003] However, current robotic arms on the market generally have complex structures, primarily due to the need for precise coordination of multiple actuators to complete operations. This complexity is particularly pronounced when handling two injection-molded products: the robotic jig must first place one product on the conveyor belt, then rotate and adjust itself to ensure the second product is correctly positioned before placing it onto the conveyor. This series of operations is not only time-consuming but also increases the risk of operational errors.

[0004] Furthermore, existing robotic jigs typically rely on pneumatic power to pick up and place injection-molded products. If the factory stops supplying pneumatic power, the robotic arm cannot function properly, which undoubtedly limits the continuity and flexibility of production. In the event of an unstable or interrupted pneumatic supply, the production line will have to be shut down, resulting in losses in production efficiency and capacity.

[0005] Therefore, we propose an automated rotating placement fixture to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an automated rotating placement fixture.

[0007] This invention provides an automated rotating placement fixture, comprising a fixture assembly and an XYZ three-axis drive assembly for reciprocating the fixture assembly between an injection molding machine and a belt conveyor. The fixture assembly includes a fixed plate, a rotating shaft, a rotating plate, a rotation control assembly for driving the rotating shaft, a suction cup base, and a suction cup. A mounting base is fixed to the top of the fixed plate, and a drive motor is fixed to one side of the mounting base. A connecting arm is fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the end of the connecting arm is connected to the output end of the XYZ three-axis drive assembly. A rotating shaft is rotatably connected to one end of the fixed plate, and a rotating plate is fixedly connected to one end of the rotating shaft. Suction cup bases are installed at the ends of both the rotating plate and the fixed plate, and suction cups are installed at the ends of the suction cup bases. An L-shaped channel communicating with the suction cup is provided inside the suction cup base. The fixture assembly also includes a sealing assembly for sealing and unsealing the L-shaped channel.

[0008] Preferably, the XYZ three-axis drive assembly includes a connecting plate, an X-axis linear motor, a Y-axis linear motor, and a Z-axis linear motor. The bottom of the connecting plate is fixed with the X-axis linear motor, the output end of the X-axis linear motor is fixed with the Y-axis linear motor, the output end of the Y-axis linear motor is fixed with the Z-axis linear motor, and the end of the connecting arm is fixedly connected to the output end of the Z-axis linear motor.

[0009] Preferably, the rotation control assembly includes a worm gear fixed to the end of the shaft, a worm rotatably connected in a fixed plate, a first gear fixed to one end of the worm, and a first rack fixed to the belt conveyor. The first rack is meshed with the first gear, and the worm gear is meshed with the worm.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing assembly includes a U-shaped frame, a threaded cylinder, a threaded rod, a pressing rod, a sealing plug, a connecting shaft, a second gear, and a second rack. The bottom of both the rotating plate and the fixed plate are fixedly connected to the U-shaped frame. A threaded cylinder is fixedly connected to one side wall of the U-shaped frame. A threaded rod is threadedly connected inside the threaded cylinder. A pressing rod is fixed to one end of the threaded rod, and a sealing plug is fixed to the end of the pressing rod. A slide rail is embedded at the end of the threaded rod away from the pressing rod. A connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the other side wall of the U-shaped frame via a bearing. A connecting part is fixed to one end of the connecting shaft and slidably connected within the slide rail. A second gear is fixed to the other end of the connecting shaft, and the second rack is fixed to the belt conveyor.

[0011] Preferably, the ends of the L-shaped channel are chamfered.

[0012] Preferably, the sealing plug is tapered.

[0013] Preferably, both the first rack and the second rack have a square mounting portion at their ends. The width of the square mounting portion is greater than the width of the corresponding first rack and the second rack. Each of the four corners of the square mounting portion has a mounting hole, which is a stepped hole.

[0014] Preferably, the fixing plate has a mounting groove, and both the worm and the worm wheel are disposed in the mounting groove.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting shaft and one end of the L-shaped channel are on the same straight line.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting base is U-shaped.

[0017] Compared with related technologies, the present invention provides the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. Precise product positioning and rotation:

[0019] The rotary control assembly utilizes the principle of worm gear transmission and rack and pinion meshing to precisely drive the rotating plate to rotate 180 degrees relative to the fixed plate, ensuring that the two injection-molded products face the same direction when transferred to the belt conveyor. This design solves the problem of inconsistent angles between injection-molded products, providing convenience for subsequent processing or packaging.

[0020] 2. Flexible sealing and unsealing mechanisms can be achieved without relying on a gas source:

[0021] The sealing assembly, through the ingenious cooperation of the threaded rod, the extrusion rod, and the sealing plug, enables flexible sealing and unsealing operations of the L-shaped channel. When the injection-molded product needs to be released, the meshing of the second gear and the second rack drives the threaded rod to move, causing the sealing plug to disengage from the L-shaped channel. This breaks the vacuum environment between the suction cup and the injection-molded product, allowing for smooth product release without the need for an air source. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation positions of the first and second racks of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the fixture assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the fixture assembly of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the suction cup holder of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rack of the present invention.

[0028] The diagram is labeled as follows: A. Fixture assembly; B. Injection molding machine; C. Belt conveyor; D. XYZ three-axis drive assembly; E. Rotation control assembly; F. Sealing assembly; 1. Fixing plate; 2. Rotating shaft; 3. Rotating plate; 4. Suction cup seat; 5. Suction cup; 6. Mounting base; 7. Drive motor; 8. Connecting arm; 9. L-shaped channel; 10. Connecting plate; 11. X-axis linear motor; 12. Y-axis linear motor; 13. Z-axis linear motor; 14. Worm gear; 15. Worm; 16. First gear; 17. First rack; 18. U-shaped frame; 19. Threaded cylinder; 20. Threaded rod; 21. Extrusion rod; 22. Sealing plug; 23. Connecting shaft; 24. Second gear; 25. Second rack; 26. Slide rail; 27. Connecting part; 28. Chamfer; 29. ​​Square mounting part; 30. Mounting hole; 31. Mounting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 6 An automated rotating placement fixture mainly consists of fixture assembly A and XYZ three-axis drive assembly D. The latter is responsible for driving fixture assembly A to efficiently shuttle between injection molding machine B and belt conveyor C. Fixture assembly A includes a fixed plate 1, a rotating shaft 2, a rotating plate 3, a rotation control assembly E for driving the rotating shaft 2, a suction cup seat 4, and a suction cup 5. The fixed plate 1 serves as the foundation of the entire assembly, stably supporting the other components. A U-shaped mounting base 6 is cleverly installed on its top, which not only enhances the stability of the structure but also provides a solid mounting platform for the drive motor 7. The drive motor 7 is fixed to one side of the mounting base 6, and its output shaft is tightly connected to the XYZ three-axis drive assembly D through a connecting arm 8, ensuring smooth power transmission. One end of the fixed plate 1 is connected to the rotating shaft 2 through a rotatable connection, and the rotating plate 3 is fixed to the end of the rotating shaft 2, allowing the rotating plate 3 to rotate flexibly around the rotating shaft 2. Both the rotating plate 3 and the fixed plate 1 are equipped with suction cup seats 4 at their ends, and suction cups 5 are installed at the ends of the suction cup seats 4 for adsorbing injection molded products. More ingeniously, the suction cup seats 4 have an L-shaped channel 9 that communicates with the suction cups 5. This design allows the suction cups 5 to be quickly isolated from the outside air when needed, forming a vacuum environment to firmly adsorb the injection molded products.

[0031] To facilitate the sealing and unsealing of the L-shaped channel 9, fixture assembly A is also equipped with a sealing assembly F. This sealing assembly F includes components such as a U-shaped frame 18, a threaded cylinder 19, a threaded rod 20, a pressing rod 21, a sealing plug 22, a connecting shaft 23, a second gear 24, and a second rack 25. The bottom of both the rotating plate 3 and the fixed plate 1 are fixedly connected to the U-shaped frame 18, while the threaded cylinder 19 is fixedly connected to one side wall of the U-shaped frame 18. The threaded rod 20 is threadedly connected to the threaded cylinder 19, with the pressing rod 21 fixed at one end. The end of the pressing rod 21 is fitted with a tapered sealing plug 22 to ensure a good sealing effect. A slide 26 is provided at the end of the threaded rod 20 away from the pressing rod 21, while the connecting shaft 23 is rotatably connected to the other side wall of the U-shaped frame 18 via a bearing. One end of the connecting shaft 23 is fixed with a connecting part 27 that slides within the slide 26, and the other end is fixed with the second gear 24. When fixture assembly A moves directly above belt conveyor C, the second gear 24 engages with the second rack 25 fixed on belt conveyor C, thereby driving the threaded rod 20, the pressing rod 21 and the sealing plug 22 to move, thus achieving the sealing and unsealing operation of the L-shaped channel 9.

[0032] The XYZ three-axis drive assembly D includes a connecting plate 10, an X-axis linear motor 11, a Y-axis linear motor 12, and a Z-axis linear motor 13. The X-axis linear motor 11 is fixed to the bottom of the connecting plate 10. The output end of the X-axis linear motor 11 is fixed to the Y-axis linear motor 12, and the output end of the Y-axis linear motor 12 is then fixed to the Z-axis linear motor 13. The end of the connecting arm 8 is fixedly connected to the output end of the Z-axis linear motor 13, thereby achieving precise drive of the fixture assembly A in the XYZ directions.

[0033] Furthermore, fixture assembly A also includes a rotation control assembly E for driving the rotating plate 3 to rotate relative to the fixed plate 1. This assembly includes a worm gear 14 fixed to the end of the rotating shaft 2, a worm 15 rotatably connected within the fixed plate 1, a first gear 16 fixed to one end of the worm 15, and a first rack 17 fixed to the belt conveyor C. When fixture assembly A moves directly above the belt conveyor C, the first gear 16 meshes with the first rack 17, thereby driving the worm 15 and worm gear 14 to rotate, causing the rotating plate 3 to rotate 180 degrees relative to the fixed plate 1 along the rotating shaft 2. This design allows one of the two injection-molded products transferred from the injection molding machine B (distributed at a 180-degree angle) to be rotated 180 degrees, ensuring that each product lands on the belt conveyor C with the same orientation.

[0034] The L-shaped channel 9 has a chamfer 28 at its end, and the sealing plug 22 is tapered, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0035] The first rack 17 and the second rack 25 are each provided with a square mounting portion 29 at their ends. The width of the square mounting portion 29 is greater than the width of the corresponding first rack 17 and the second rack 25. Each of the four corners of the square mounting portion 29 is provided with a mounting hole 30. The mounting hole 30 is a stepped hole, which facilitates the installation and fixing of the first rack 17 and the second rack 25.

[0036] The fixing plate 1 is provided with a mounting groove 31, and the worm gear 15 and worm wheel 14 are both set in the mounting groove 31 for easy maintenance.

[0037] The connecting shaft 23 and one end of the L-shaped channel 9 are on the same straight line, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0038] The mounting base 6 is U-shaped, which makes the installation of the connecting arm 8 more stable.

[0039] Working principle: Initially, fixture assembly A is positioned between injection molding machine B and belt conveyor C, opening the mold of injection molding machine B. Then, the Y-axis linear motor 12 moves fixture assembly A directly above injection molding machine B. Subsequently, the Z-axis linear motor 13 lowers fixture assembly A, and the drive motor 7 moves the fixed plate 1 and rotating plate 3 into a vertical plane. As fixture assembly A continues to descend, when the suction cup 5 is directly facing the injection molded product, the X-axis linear motor 11 moves fixture assembly A, bringing the suction cup 5 into contact with the injection molded product and expelling the air from the suction cup 5. At this point, the injection molded product is held by the suction cup. Then, the X-axis linear motor 11 is controlled to move in the opposite direction, separating the injection molded product from the mold. Then, the Z-axis linear motor 13 raises fixture assembly A. After rising for a period of time, the drive motor 7 moves the fixed plate 1 and rotating plate 3 into a horizontal plane. Next, the Y-axis linear motor 12 drives the fixture assembly A to move directly above the belt conveyor C. When the first gear 16 meshes with the first rack 17, the first gear 16 drives the worm 15 and worm wheel 14 to rotate, causing the rotating plate 3 and the fixed plate 1 to rotate 180 degrees along the rotating shaft 2. This moves the second gear 24 on the rotating plate 3 directly above the second rack 25. As the fixture assembly A continues to descend, the first gear 16 disengages from the first rack 17, and the second gear 24 meshes with the corresponding second rack 25, causing the second gear 24 and the connecting shaft 23 to rotate together. Due to the relative sliding connection between the connecting shaft 23 and the threaded rod 20, the threaded cylinder 19... The L-shaped channel 9 is connected to the threaded rod 20 by a thread, so the threaded rod 20 will also rotate. At the same time, the threaded rod 20 moves towards the connecting shaft 23, causing the L-shaped channel 9 to disengage from the sealing plug 22 at the end of the extrusion rod 21. At this time, the L-shaped channel 9 is connected to the external air and the suction cup 5, which disrupts the vacuum environment between the suction cup 5 and the injection molded product. The injection molded product separates from the suction cup 5 and falls onto the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor C under the action of gravity (the gap is very small, and the injection molded product will not have excessive displacement). The fixture assembly A is driven to rise by the Z-axis linear motor 13. Subsequently, the sealing plug 22 re-seals the L-shaped channel 9, and the rotating plate 3 returns to its original position relative to the fixed plate 1. This cycle repeats.

[0040] It should be emphasized that injection molding machines typically mold two products at a time, with the two products at a 180-degree angle. During the transfer of the products from injection molding machine B to belt conveyor C, one of the products needs to be rotated 180 degrees.

[0041] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated rotating placement fixture, characterized in that, The device includes a fixture assembly (A) and an XYZ three-axis drive assembly (D) for driving the fixture assembly (A) to reciprocate between an injection molding machine (B) and a belt conveyor (C). The fixture assembly (A) includes a fixed plate (1), a rotating shaft (2), a rotating plate (3), a rotation control assembly (E) for driving the rotating shaft (2) to rotate, a suction cup seat (4), and a suction cup (5). A mounting base (6) is fixed to the top of the fixed plate (1), and a drive motor (7) is fixed to one side of the mounting base (6). 7) The output shaft is fixed with a connecting arm (8), the end of which is connected to the output end of the XYZ three-axis drive assembly (D). One end of the fixed plate (1) is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft (2), and one end of the rotating shaft (2) is fixedly connected to a rotating plate (3). Both the ends of the rotating plate (3) and the fixed plate (1) are equipped with suction cup seats (4). The end of the suction cup seat (4) is equipped with a suction cup (5). The suction cup seat (4) has an L-shaped channel (9) communicating with the suction cup (5). The fixture Component (A) also includes a sealing component (F) for sealing and unsealing the L-shaped channel (9); the XYZ three-axis drive component (D) includes a connecting plate (10), an X-axis linear motor (11), a Y-axis linear motor (12), and a Z-axis linear motor (13). The bottom of the connecting plate (10) is fixed with the X-axis linear motor (11), the output end of the X-axis linear motor (11) is fixed with the Y-axis linear motor (12), and the output end of the Y-axis linear motor (12) is fixed with the Z-axis linear motor (13). 3) The end of the connecting arm (8) is fixedly connected to the output end of the Z-axis linear motor (13); the rotation control assembly (E) includes a worm wheel (14) fixed to the end of the rotating shaft (2), a worm (15) rotatably connected in the fixed plate (1), a first gear (16) fixed to one end of the worm (15), and a first rack (17) fixed on the belt conveyor (C). The first rack (17) meshes with the first gear (16), and the worm wheel (14) meshes with the worm (15).The sealing assembly (F) includes a U-shaped frame (18), a threaded cylinder (19), a threaded rod (20), a pressing rod (21), a sealing plug (22), a connecting shaft (23), a second gear (24), and a second rack (25). The bottom of both the rotating plate (3) and the fixed plate (1) are fixedly connected to the U-shaped frame (18). A threaded cylinder (19) is fixedly connected to one side of the U-shaped frame (18). A threaded rod (20) is threadedly connected inside the threaded cylinder (19). A pressing rod (21) is fixed to one end of the threaded rod (20). The end of the extrusion rod (21) is fixed with a sealing plug (22). The end of the threaded rod (20) away from the extrusion rod (21) is embedded with a slide rail (26). The other side wall of the U-shaped frame (18) is rotatably connected to a connecting shaft (23) via a bearing. One end of the connecting shaft (23) is fixed with a connecting part (27), and the connecting part (27) is slidably connected in the slide rail (26). The other end of the connecting shaft (23) is fixed with a second gear (24), and the second rack (25) is fixed on the belt conveyor (C).

2. The automated rotating placement fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The L-shaped channel (9) has a chamfer (28) at its end.

3. The automated rotating placement fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing plug (22) is conical in shape.

4. The automated rotating placement fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rack (17) and the second rack (25) are each provided with a square mounting part (29) at their ends. The width of the square mounting part (29) is greater than the width of the corresponding first rack (17) and the second rack (25). The four corners of the square mounting part (29) are provided with mounting holes (30), which are stepped holes.

5. An automated rotating placement fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing plate (1) is provided with a mounting groove (31), and the worm (15) and worm wheel (14) are both located in the mounting groove (31).

6. The automated rotating placement fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting shaft (23) and one end of the L-shaped channel (9) are on the same straight line.

7. An automated rotating placement fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (6) is U-shaped.

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