Automatic feeding system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automatic feeding systems, and discloses an automatic feeding system which comprises an electrical control unit, a signal reading and transmitting unit, an air suction unit, a rotary positioning unit, a feeding buffer unit, a lifting unit and a hopper opening and closing unit. By integrating various functional units, such as an electrical control unit, a signal reading and transmitting unit, an air suction unit and the like, the high integration of the feeding system is realized. The integrated design not only simplifies the mechanical structure, but also reduces the complexity of an electrical control system, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost and maintenance cost. By the adoption of the PLC and the servo driving technology, accurate control over the feeding process can be achieved. And by using the rotary servo module and the lifting servo module, accurate positioning and rapid switching of the materials are ensured, so that the accuracy and repeatability of detection are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic feeding systems, and particularly to an automatic feeding system. Background Art

[0002] In modern industrial production, the application of automation technology is becoming increasingly widespread, especially in the fields of material handling and detection. Traditional material detection processes often rely on manual operations, which are not only inefficient but also prone to human errors, affecting production efficiency and product quality. For example, during the use of a grinding strength detector, manual feeding and discharging are not only time-consuming and laborious but also prone to dust pollution during the handling of materials, affecting the health of operators and the cleanliness of the working environment.

[0003] Most existing feeding systems adopt simple mechanical structures such as vibrating bowls, conveyor belts, etc. These devices often have low efficiency when dealing with large quantities of materials and cannot achieve precise positioning and rapid switching. In addition, these systems usually lack effective dust treatment mechanisms, resulting in serious environmental pollution problems. In some occasions that require high precision and high efficiency, these traditional systems are even more difficult to meet production requirements.

[0004] In response to the above problems, some improved automatic feeding systems have emerged on the market. By introducing pneumatically or electrically driven robotic arms, rotary positioning devices, etc., the degree of automation of feeding has been improved. However, these systems still have some defects, such as:

[0005] Complex structure and high maintenance cost: Although some automatic feeding systems have a high degree of automation, their complex mechanical structures and electrical control systems lead to an increase in maintenance costs, and once a failure occurs, it is difficult to troubleshoot and repair.

[0006] Insufficient accuracy and reliability: During the rapid positioning and material handling processes of some automatic feeding systems, due to mechanical wear, insufficient control accuracy, etc., positioning deviations are likely to occur, affecting the accuracy and repeatability of detection.

[0007] Poor environmental adaptability: Some automatic feeding systems are not fully designed to consider adaptability in different environments, such as dust, humidity, temperature, etc., resulting in abnormal operation in specific environments.

[0008] Lack of intelligence: Most existing automatic feeding systems can only complete simple feeding and discharging tasks, lacking intelligent material identification, data processing, and fault self-diagnosis functions, and cannot meet the requirements of modern industry for intelligence and informatization.

[0009] In summary, although the existing automatic feeding systems have improved the automation level of material handling to a certain extent, there are still problems such as complex structure, insufficient precision and reliability, poor environmental adaptability, and low intelligence level.

[0010] Therefore, it is of great practical significance and application value to develop an automatic feeding system with a simple structure, convenient operation, high precision, strong reliability, good environmental adaptability, and a certain level of intelligence. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic feeding system to solve the problems raised in the above background technology.

[0012] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0013] A technical solution for an automatic feeding system includes an electrical control unit, a signal reading and transmission unit, a suction unit, a rotation and positioning unit, a feeding buffer unit, a lifting unit, and a hopper opening and closing unit. The electrical control unit consists of a PLC controller, an HMI, relays, and contactors. The signal reading and transmission unit consists of a data processing module, a bar code scanner, and a wireless transmission module. The suction unit consists of a fan, an air duct, a valve, and a filter. The rotation and positioning unit consists of a rotary servo module, a rotary platform, and a guide rail. The feeding buffer unit consists of a vibrating feeder and a buffer bin. The lifting unit consists of a servo lifting module, a lifting platform, and a limit switch. The hopper opening and closing unit consists of a cylinder, a control valve, and a sensor.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, the PLC controller is responsible for the logic control of the entire system. The HMI provides an interface for operators to interact with the system, facilitating system monitoring and operation by operators. The relays and contactors are used to control the on / off of electrical components to ensure the safe operation of the electrical system.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the data processing module is used to process and store signal data, providing support for subsequent material management and analysis. The bar code scanner is used to read material identification information, providing data support for material tracking and management. The wireless transmission module is used to send the read signals to the control system to achieve real-time data transmission.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the fan generates the necessary suction to absorb dust during the material feeding process, reducing environmental pollution. The air duct and valve are used to control the direction and intensity of the air flow to ensure the suction effect and energy conservation. The filter is used to remove the dust generated during the suction process to ensure clean air.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution, the rotary platform is used to carry the silo and perform precise rotary positioning to ensure that the material can be accurately fed into the detector. The rotary servo module is used to precisely control the movement of the rotary platform to improve the positioning accuracy and speed. The guide rail is used to guide the movement of the silo to ensure smooth movement and accurate positioning.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution, the vibrating feeder is responsible for evenly feeding the material into the system to ensure continuous supply of the material. The buffer silo is used to temporarily store the material to ensure the continuity of feeding and reduce the situation of material supply interruption.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, the lifting platform is used to carry the silo for up and down movement to adapt to the feeding ports of detectors at different heights. The servo lifting module is used to control the movement of the lifting platform to achieve precise lifting control. The limit switch is used to detect the position of the lifting platform.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution, the cylinder is used to drive the opening and closing of the hopper to realize the input and closing of the material. The control valve is used to control the action of the cylinder to achieve precise opening and closing control. The sensor is used to detect the opening and closing state of the hopper.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0022] The present invention is an automatic feeding system. By integrating various functional units such as an electrical control unit, a signal reading and transmission unit, a suction unit, etc., the high integration of the feeding system is achieved. This integrated design not only simplifies the mechanical structure but also reduces the complexity of the electrical control system, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost and maintenance cost.

[0023] By adopting a PLC controller and servo drive technology, the present invention can achieve precise control of the feeding process. The use of the rotary servo module and the lifting servo module ensures the accurate positioning and rapid switching of the material, thereby improving the accuracy and repeatability of detection.

[0024] The suction unit of the present invention can effectively suck the dust during the material feeding process, reduce environmental pollution, and ensure the cleanliness of the air through a filter. In addition, the system design takes into account different environmental factors such as dust, humidity, temperature, etc., to ensure stable operation in various environments.

[0025] The present invention integrates a data processing module, a bar code scanner, and a wireless transmission module, which can realize the automatic reading, processing, and transmission of material information, improving the intelligent level of material processing. At the same time, the system also has a certain fault self-diagnosis function, which can detect and handle abnormal situations in a timely manner, further enhancing the intelligent degree of the system.

[0026] The automatic feeding system of the present invention reduces the need for manual operation, not only improving the efficiency of material handling, but also reducing the risks of errors and accidents caused by manual operation. At the same time, by reducing the direct contact between operators and dust, the working environment is improved and the health of operators is protected.

[0027] The automatic feeding system of the present invention is flexibly designed and can be modularly expanded according to different production requirements. For example, by increasing or adjusting the quantity and position of vibrating feeders and buffer bins, it can adapt to the material handling requirements of different types and batches.

[0028] The HMI (Human Machine Interface) design of the present invention enables operators to conveniently monitor and operate the system. At the same time, the modular design of the system also facilitates maintenance personnel to quickly locate and repair faults, shortening the downtime.

[0029] In summary, the present invention not only improves the automation level of material handling, but also has remarkable effects in aspects such as structural simplification, cost reduction, precision improvement, environmental adaptability, intelligence, production efficiency, safety, flexibility, ease of operation and ease of maintenance, and has important practical significance and application value for modern industrial production. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 It is a module schematic diagram of an automatic feeding system;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a module diagram of the electrical control unit of an automatic feeding system;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a module diagram of the signal reading and transmission unit of an automatic feeding system;

[0033] Figure 4 It is a module diagram of the air suction unit of an automatic feeding system;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a module diagram of the rotary positioning unit of an automatic feeding system;

[0035] Figure 6 It is a module diagram of the feeding buffer unit of an automatic feeding system;

[0036] Figure 7 It is a module diagram of the lifting unit of an automatic feeding system;

[0037] Figure 8 It is a module diagram of the hopper opening and closing unit of an automatic feeding system.

[0038] In the attached drawing reference numerals: 1, electrical control unit; 11, PLC controller; 12, HMI; 13, relay, contactor; 2, signal reading and transmission unit; 21, data processing module; 22, bar code scanner; 23, wireless transmission module; 3, air suction unit; 31, fan; 32, air duct, valve; 33, filter; 4, rotary positioning unit; 41, rotary servo module; 42, rotary platform; 43, guide rail; 5, feeding buffer unit; 51, vibrating feeder; 52, buffer bin; 6, lifting unit; 61, servo lifting module; 62, lifting platform; 63, limit switch; 7, hopper opening and closing unit; 71, cylinder; 72, control valve; 73, sensor. Detailed implementation mode

[0039] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will be described in detail below. In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention will be further described in detail below in combination with the attached drawings and specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is only to provide a better understanding of the present invention by showing examples of the present invention.

[0040] As Figures 1-8 shown, the present invention provides a technical solution for an automatic feeding system: Electrical control unit 1: This unit consists of a PLC controller 11, a human-machine interface HMI 12, and a relay, contactor 13. The PLC controller 11 is responsible for the logical control of the entire system to ensure the automation and intelligence of the feeding process. The HMI 12 provides an interface for the operator to interact with the system, facilitating the operator to monitor and operate the system. The relay, contactor 13 is used to control the on and off of electrical components to ensure the safe operation of the electrical system.

[0041] Signal reading and transmission unit 2: This unit consists of a data processing module 21, a bar code scanner 22, and a wireless transmission module 23. The data processing module 21 is used to process and store signal data to provide support for subsequent material management and analysis. The bar code scanner 22 is used to read material identification information to provide data support for the tracking and management of materials. The wireless transmission module 23 is used to send the read signals to the control system to achieve real-time data transmission.

[0042] Air suction unit 3: This unit consists of a fan 31, an air duct, a valve 32, and a filter 33. The fan 31 generates the necessary air suction to suck dust during the material feeding process, reducing environmental pollution. The air duct, valve 32 is used to control the direction and intensity of the air flow to ensure the air suction effect and energy conservation. The filter 33 is used to remove the dust generated during the air suction process to ensure the cleanliness of the air.

[0043] Rotary positioning unit 4: This unit consists of a rotary servo module 41, a rotary platform 42, and a guide rail 43. The rotary platform 42 is used to carry the bin and perform precise rotary positioning to ensure that the material can be accurately fed into the detector. The rotary servo module 41 is used to precisely control the movement of the rotary platform, improving the positioning accuracy and speed. The guide rail 43 is used to guide the movement of the bin, ensuring smooth movement and accurate positioning.

[0044] Inlet buffer unit 5: This unit consists of a vibrating feeder 51 and a buffer bin 52. The vibrating feeder 51 is responsible for evenly feeding the material into the system to ensure continuous material supply. The buffer bin 52 is used to temporarily store the material, ensuring the continuity of feeding and reducing the situation of material supply interruption.

[0045] Lifting unit 6: This unit consists of a servo lifting module 61, a lifting platform 62, and a limit switch 63. The lifting platform 62 is used to carry the bin for up and down movement to adapt to the inlet of the detector at different heights. The servo lifting module 61 is used to control the movement of the lifting platform to achieve precise lifting control. The limit switch 63 is used to detect the position of the lifting platform.

[0046] Hopper opening and closing unit 7: This unit consists of a cylinder 71, a control valve 72, and a sensor 73. The cylinder 71 is used to drive the opening and closing action of the hopper to realize the input and sealing of the material. The control valve 72 is used to control the action of the cylinder to achieve precise opening and closing control. The sensor 73 is used to detect the opening and closing state of the hopper.

[0047] When the system starts, the PLC controller 11 issues instructions according to the preset program, activates the relays and contactors 13 in the electrical control unit 1, and provides necessary power support for the system.

[0048] The operator inputs instructions or adjusts parameters through the HMI 12. The bar code scanner 22 in the signal reading and transmission unit 2 starts to read the material identification information and sends the information to the PLC controller 11 for processing through the wireless transmission module 23. The fan 31 of the suction unit 3 starts to work, controls the air flow through the air duct and valve 32, sucks the dust during the material feeding process, and removes the dust through the filter 33 to keep the environment clean. The rotary servo module 41 of the rotary positioning unit 4 controls the rotary platform 42 to perform precise rotary positioning according to the instructions of the PLC controller 11, and accurately feeds the material into the detector. The vibrating feeder 51 of the inlet buffer unit 5 starts to work, evenly feeds the material into the system, and the buffer bin 52 ensures the continuity of feeding. The servo lifting module 61 of the lifting unit 6 adjusts the height of the lifting platform 62 as needed to adapt to the inlets of different detectors. The cylinder 71 of the hopper opening and closing unit 7 performs the opening and closing action under the control of the control valve 72, and cooperates with the action of the lifting unit 6 to achieve accurate input and sealing of the material.

[0049] Under the unified coordination of the PLC controller 11, the entire system realizes the automatic feeding, positioning, detection and discharging of materials, improves the production efficiency and detection accuracy, while reducing manual operations, lowering production costs and human errors.

[0050] The present invention not only improves the automation level of material handling, but also has remarkable effects in aspects such as structural simplification, cost reduction, precision improvement, environmental adaptability, intelligence, production efficiency, safety, flexibility, ease of operation and ease of maintenance, and has important practical significance and application value for modern industrial production.

[0051] The working principle and usage process of the present invention: After the components of this solution are assembled in sequence, work according to the above respective embodiments in sequence according to actual requirements, and all working steps can be completed.

[0052] As described above, only the preferred specific embodiments of the present invention are provided, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, according to the technical solution of the present invention and its inventive concept, makes equivalent substitutions or changes, and should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0053] In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention as described above, these embodiments do not elaborate on all details, nor do they limit the invention to only the specific embodiments. Obviously, many modifications and changes can be made according to the above description. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principle and practical application of the present invention, so that those skilled in the art can make good use of the present invention and its modified use based on the present invention. Any modification, equivalent substitution, improvement, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding system, characterized in that: It includes an electrical control unit, a signal reading and transmission unit, a suction unit, a rotation and positioning unit, a feeding buffer unit, a lifting unit and a hopper opening and closing unit. The electrical control unit is composed of a PLC controller, an HMI, a relay and a contactor. The signal reading and transmission unit is composed of a data processing module, a bar scanner and a wireless transmission module. The suction unit is composed of a fan, an air duct, a valve and a filter. The rotation and positioning unit is composed of a rotating servo module, a rotating platform and a guide rail. The feeding buffer unit is composed of a vibrating feeder and a buffer bin. The lifting unit is composed of a servo lifting module, a lifting platform and a limit switch. The hopper opening and closing unit is composed of a cylinder, a control valve and a sensor.

2. An automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PLC controller is responsible for the logical control of the entire system, the HMI is used to provide an interface for the operator to interact with the system, making it convenient for the operator to monitor and operate the system, and the relays and contactors are used to control the on and off of electrical components to ensure the safe operation of the electrical system.

3. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data processing module is used to process and store signal data to provide support for subsequent material management and analysis. The bar scanner is used to read material identification information to provide data support for material tracking and management. The wireless transmission module is used to send the read signal to the control system to achieve real-time data transmission.

4. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan generates necessary suction to absorb dust during the material feeding process and reduce environmental pollution. The air duct and valve are used to control the direction and intensity of the wind flow to ensure the suction effect and energy saving. The filter is used to remove dust generated during the suction process to ensure the cleanliness of the air.

5. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating platform is used to carry the silo and perform precise rotational positioning to ensure that the material can be accurately fed into the detector. The rotating servo module is used to accurately control the movement of the rotating platform to improve the positioning accuracy and speed. The guide rail is used to guide the movement of the silo to ensure smooth movement and accurate positioning.

6. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vibrating feeder is responsible for feeding the material into the system evenly to ensure the continuous supply of the material. The buffer bin is used to temporarily store the material to ensure the continuity of the material supply and reduce the interruption of the material supply.

7. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting platform is used to carry the silo to move up and down to adapt to the detector inlet at different heights. The servo lifting module is used to control the movement of the lifting platform to achieve precise lifting control. The limit switch is used to detect the position of the lifting platform.

8. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cylinder is used to drive the opening and closing action of the hopper to realize the input and closing of materials. The control valve is used to control the action of the cylinder to realize precise opening and closing control. The sensor is used to detect the opening and closing state of the hopper.

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