Automatic plug feeding and fixing device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automation, and discloses an automatic plug feeding and fixing device. The device comprises a stock bin installation frame, a grabbing movement mechanism, a plug grabbing mechanism and a plug stock bin, and the stock bin installation frame comprises a frame body, supporting cross beams installed on the two sides of the frame body and a stock bin installation support installed on the frame body; the grabbing movement mechanism comprises a grabbing mechanism transmission shaft, a movement electric cylinder, a transmission mechanism fixing seat and a transmission mechanism, the transmission shaft, the movement electric cylinder and the transmission mechanism fixing seat are mounted on the stock bin mounting frame, and the transmission mechanism is connected with the transmission mechanism fixing seat; the plug grabbing mechanism is installed on the grabbing movement mechanism through a connecting support and comprises a grabbing mechanism supporting plate, a limiting switch, a grabbing air cylinder, a grabbing air cylinder installation support, a first lead screw, a second lead screw, a first installation support, a second installation support and a plug grabbing execution mechanism. Therefore, automatic blanking of the plug can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automation technology, and in particular to an automated feeding and fixing device for plugs. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, a certain company needs to seal and apply adhesive to the pre-drilled screw holes of a certain product after assembly. Due to the large size of the product, the large number and irregular distribution of the screw holes to be sealed, and the variety of plug types, the sealing and adhesive application process has become a key step affecting product production efficiency and quality control.

[0003] Specifically, after the final assembly of a certain product, more than 160 pre-drilled screw holes on the product surface need to be sealed. Currently, the entire sealing operation is done manually. Due to the complexity of the sealing process, it takes more than two days to seal one product. Furthermore, the sealing quality often relies on the experience of the installers, and manual inspection is required after sealing, which places high demands on the workers and is not conducive to mass production. In particular, due to the variety and specifications of the plugs, the feeding of plugs becomes a crucial factor affecting the efficiency of the sealing operation.

[0004] The loading and unloading of plugs are done manually, requiring operators to manually grab different plugs from different plug bins. Due to the variety of plug types and significant size differences, the manual loading process is tedious, prone to errors, and also affects the appearance of the plugs. Furthermore, the plug sealing operation relies entirely on manual recording, resulting in low efficiency, long working hours, and the risk of errors due to manual loading, which also hinders the consistency of plug sealing quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an automated plug feeding and fixing device, which can solve the problems in the prior art.

[0006] This invention provides an automated plug feeding and fixing device, wherein the device includes a hopper mounting frame, a gripping motion mechanism, a plug gripping mechanism, and a plug hopper.

[0007] The silo mounting frame includes a frame, supporting beams installed on both sides of the frame, and a silo mounting bracket installed on the frame.

[0008] The gripping motion mechanism includes a gripping mechanism drive shaft, a motion cylinder, a drive mechanism mounting base, and a drive mechanism. The drive shaft, the motion cylinder, and the drive mechanism mounting base are mounted on the hopper mounting frame, and the drive mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism mounting base.

[0009] The plug gripping mechanism is mounted on the gripping motion mechanism via a connecting support. The plug gripping mechanism includes a gripping mechanism support plate, a limit switch, a gripping cylinder, a gripping cylinder mounting bracket, a first lead screw, a second lead screw, a first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket, and a plug gripping execution mechanism. The gripping cylinder is mounted on the gripping cylinder mounting bracket. The first and second mounting brackets are mounted on the gripping cylinder mounting bracket. The limit switch is mounted on the first and second mounting brackets. The first lead screw, the second lead screw, and the gripping cylinder mounting bracket are connected to the gripping mechanism support plate. The gripping mechanism support plate is mounted on the transmission mechanism. The plug gripping execution mechanism is connected to the first lead screw and the second lead screw.

[0010] The plug hopper is mounted on the hopper mounting bracket and connected to the hopper mounting frame. The plug hopper includes an upper hopper and a lower hopper, and the upper hopper and the lower hopper are connected.

[0011] Preferably, the device further includes a controller for receiving a plug-sealing operation instruction and outputting a gripping instruction according to the plug-sealing operation instruction. The gripping instruction is used to control the electric cylinder to drive the plug gripping mechanism to move to a predetermined position and, after reaching the predetermined position, control the plug gripping mechanism to grip the plug. The plug-sealing operation instruction includes the number and specifications of the plugs to be gripped.

[0012] Preferably, the plug hopper further includes a hopper bottom plate and a hopper connecting plate, and the discharge hopper and the hopper bottom plate are connected by the hopper connecting plate.

[0013] Preferably, the plug hopper further includes a spring, and the bottom plate of the hopper is controlled by the spring to prevent the plug from being exposed from below the plug hopper.

[0014] Preferably, the gripping mechanism further includes a sensor and a sensor support, the sensor support being disposed on the transmission mechanism and the sensor being disposed on the sensor support.

[0015] The above technical solution utilizes an electric cylinder to drive a gripping mechanism to a designated position. This gripping mechanism, in conjunction with the hopper, automatically grips the plug, enabling automatic plug unloading. This provides support for an automated feeding method in plug sealing operations, making the process more convenient, improving efficiency, and reducing manual labor intensity and time. Furthermore, the device's structure rationally arranges all components, maximizing automatic plug loading and unloading within a given space. All components are structurally reliable and operate stably. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the textual description, explain the principles of the invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 An axonometric view of an assembly structure of an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A front view of the assembly structure of an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 The diagram shows a left-side view of the assembly structure of an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 A view of the hopper bottom plate of an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A bottom view of the assembly structure of an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A structural view of a plug hopper of an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A perspective view of an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0027] like Figure 1-7 As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the invention provides an automated plug feeding and fixing device, wherein the device includes a hopper mounting frame, a gripping motion mechanism, a plug gripping mechanism, and a plug hopper.

[0028] The silo mounting frame includes a frame 1, support beams 2 installed on both sides of the frame 1, and a silo mounting bracket 10 installed on the frame 1.

[0029] The gripping motion mechanism includes a gripping mechanism drive shaft 6, a motion electric cylinder 9, a drive mechanism fixed seat 11, and a drive mechanism 12. The drive shaft 6, the motion electric cylinder 9, and the drive mechanism fixed seat 11 are mounted on the hopper mounting frame, and the drive mechanism 12 is connected to the drive mechanism fixed seat 11.

[0030] The plug gripping mechanism is mounted on the gripping motion mechanism via a connecting support 13. The plug gripping mechanism includes a gripping mechanism support plate 3, a limit switch 7, a gripping cylinder (e.g., a lifting cylinder for lifting operations), a gripping cylinder mounting bracket 8, a first lead screw 15, a second lead screw 16, a first mounting bracket 17, a second mounting bracket 18, and a plug gripping execution mechanism 20. The gripping cylinder is mounted on the gripping cylinder mounting bracket 8. The first mounting bracket 17 and the second mounting bracket 18 are mounted on the gripping cylinder mounting bracket 8. The limit switch 7 is mounted on the first mounting bracket 17 and the second mounting bracket 18. The first lead screw 15, the second lead screw 16, and the gripping cylinder mounting bracket 8 are connected to the gripping mechanism support plate 3. The gripping mechanism support plate 3 is mounted on the transmission mechanism 12. The plug gripping execution mechanism 20 is connected to the first lead screw 15 and the second lead screw 16.

[0031] The plug hopper is mounted on the hopper mounting bracket 10 and connected to the hopper mounting frame. The plug hopper includes an upper hopper 4 and a lower hopper 5, and the upper hopper 4 and the lower hopper 5 are connected.

[0032] The above technical solution utilizes an electric cylinder to drive a gripping mechanism to a designated position. This gripping mechanism, in conjunction with the hopper, automatically grips the plug, enabling automatic plug unloading. This provides support for an automated feeding method in plug sealing operations, making the process more convenient, improving efficiency, and reducing manual labor intensity and time. Furthermore, the device's structure rationally arranges all components, maximizing automatic plug loading and unloading within a given space. All components are structurally reliable and operate stably.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a controller for receiving a plug sealing operation instruction and outputting a gripping instruction according to the plug sealing operation instruction. The gripping instruction is used to control the motion cylinder 9 to drive the plug gripping mechanism to move to a predetermined position and, after reaching the predetermined position, control the plug gripping mechanism to grip the plug. The plug sealing operation instruction includes the quantity and specifications of the plugs to be gripped.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plug hopper further includes a hopper bottom plate 19 and a hopper connecting plate 21, and the discharge hopper 5 and the hopper bottom plate 19 are connected by the hopper connecting plate 21.

[0035] The feeding bin 4 and the unloading bin 5 can also be connected by a bin connecting plate 21.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plug hopper further includes a spring, and the bottom plate 19 of the hopper is controlled by the spring to prevent the plug from being exposed from below the plug hopper.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping mechanism further includes a sensor and a sensor support 14, the sensor support 14 being disposed on the transmission mechanism 12, and the sensor being disposed on the sensor support 14.

[0038] The following description, with reference to examples, illustrates an automated plug feeding and fixing device according to the present invention.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, support beams 2 are installed on both sides of the frame 1, and hopper mounting brackets 10 are installed on the frame 1 on both sides, forming a hopper mounting frame.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the sensor support 14 is mounted on the transmission mechanism 12, and the motion cylinder 9, the fixed seat 11, the transmission mechanism 12, and the gripping mechanism transmission shaft 6 are mounted on the hopper frame, forming a gripping motion mechanism.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the limit switch 7 is installed on the first mounting bracket 17 and the second mounting bracket 18, and then on the gripping cylinder mounting bracket 8. The first lead screw 15, the second lead screw 16, the gripping cylinder mounting bracket 8 and the support plate 3 are connected to form the plug gripping mechanism. This mechanism is connected to the gripping motion mechanism through the connecting bracket 13. The plug gripping execution mechanism 20 is installed on the gripping motion mechanism composed of the motion electric cylinder 9, the fixed seat 11 and so on.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the upper hopper 4 and the lower hopper 5, and the lower hopper 5 and the hopper bottom plate 19 are connected together by the hopper connecting plate 21 to form a plug hopper. The plug hopper is fixed on the hopper mounting bracket 10 and connected to the hopper mounting frame.

[0043] By following the above installation steps, the structural installation of the plug feeding and fixing device can be completed.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, workers place plugs of different specifications into the hopper of the plug feeding mechanism according to the task, which has the basis for automated operation.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the hopper mounting frame is used to support and install all actuators, the plug hopper is used to store plugs of different specifications, the plug gripping mechanism is used to grip the plug of the required specifications, and the gripping motion mechanism is used to match the plug gripping mechanism with the corresponding position of the plug hopper.

[0046] The plug hopper can store a certain number of plug components according to actual needs. They are placed in different zones according to different plug specifications, and the location information is recorded in the control system of the mechanism.

[0047] The controller receives a plug sealing operation instruction, which includes the number and specifications of plugs to be grabbed. The controller can accurately match the storage location of the plugs in the plug hopper.

[0048] The controller controls the gripping motion mechanism to move the end cap gripping mechanism to the bottom of the corresponding end cap (that is, to move the gripping mechanism to the predetermined position), and the end cap gripping mechanism works to push the end cap out of the end cap hopper a certain distance, which is less than the total height of the end cap;

[0049] The lifting plug is picked up by the cylinder of the gripping mechanism, and the bottom plate 19 of the hopper can prevent excess plug from leaking out, thus completing the automatic gripping operation of the plug.

[0050] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the present invention addresses the problems of high manual labor intensity, low efficiency, and long time consumption by providing an automated plug feeding and fixing device, capable of clamping, fixing, and automating the loading and unloading of plugs of different specifications and types. The automated plug feeding and fixing device of the present invention has at least the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0051] 1) The frame is a square beam structure, which supports the entire mechanism and can be fixed to the whole machine. Support beams are installed on the left and right sides of the frame. The motion mechanism of the gripping mechanism is installed above the bottom beams on both sides. The motion mechanism is used to drive the gripping mechanism to move, precisely control the initial gripping position of the gripping mechanism, and can reciprocate according to the instructions.

[0052] 2) The gripping mechanism consists of a sensor, a device bracket, a lifting cylinder, and a gripping execution mechanism. They are connected together by a bracket and a support and are installed on the electric cylinder of the motion mechanism. The controller issues a gripping command, and the gripping mechanism grips the corresponding specification plug according to the command.

[0053] 3) The plug hopper can hold a certain number of plugs of different specifications. The bottom plate of the hopper is controlled by springs to prevent the plugs from being exposed from below. It works with the gripping mechanism to realize automatic plug feeding.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0055] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated plug feeding and fixing device, characterized in that, The device includes a hopper mounting frame, a gripping motion mechanism, a plug gripping mechanism, and a plug hopper. The silo mounting frame includes a frame (1), support beams (2) installed on both sides of the frame (1), and a silo mounting bracket (10) installed on the frame (1); The gripping motion mechanism includes a gripping mechanism drive shaft (6), a motion electric cylinder (9), a transmission mechanism fixed seat (11), and a transmission mechanism (12). The drive shaft (6), the motion electric cylinder (9), and the transmission mechanism fixed seat (11) are mounted on the hopper mounting frame. The transmission mechanism (12) is connected to the transmission mechanism fixed seat (11). The plug gripping mechanism is mounted on the gripping motion mechanism via a connecting support (13). The plug gripping mechanism includes a gripping mechanism support plate (3), a limit switch (7), a gripping cylinder, a gripping cylinder mounting bracket (8), a first lead screw (15), a second lead screw (16), a first mounting bracket (17), a second mounting bracket (18), and a plug gripping execution mechanism (20). The gripping cylinder is mounted on the gripping cylinder mounting bracket (8). The first mounting bracket (17) and the second mounting bracket (18) are connected to the gripping cylinder mounting bracket (8). The seat (18) is installed on the gripping cylinder mounting bracket (8), the limit switch (7) is installed on the first mounting bracket (17) and the second mounting bracket (18), the first lead screw (15), the second lead screw (16) and the gripping cylinder mounting bracket (8) are connected to the gripping mechanism support plate (3), the gripping mechanism support plate (3) is set on the transmission mechanism (12), and the plug gripping execution mechanism (20) is connected to the first lead screw (15) and the second lead screw (16); The plug hopper is installed on the hopper mounting bracket (10) and connected to the hopper mounting frame. The plug hopper includes an upper hopper (4) and a lower hopper (5), and the upper hopper (4) is connected to the lower hopper (5).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a controller for receiving plug sealing operation instructions and outputting grabbing instructions according to the plug sealing operation instructions. The grabbing instructions are used to control the motion cylinder (9) to drive the plug grabbing mechanism to move to a predetermined position and, after reaching the predetermined position, control the plug grabbing mechanism to grab the plug. The plug sealing operation instructions include the number and specifications of the plugs to be grabbed.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plug hopper also includes a hopper bottom plate (19) and a hopper connecting plate (21), and the discharge hopper (5) and the hopper bottom plate (19) are connected by the hopper connecting plate (21).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plug hopper also includes a spring, and the bottom plate (19) of the hopper is controlled by the spring to prevent the plug from being exposed from below the plug hopper.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gripping mechanism also includes a sensor and a sensor support (14), the sensor support (14) is mounted on the transmission mechanism (12), and the sensor is mounted on the sensor support (14).

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