Feeding device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a feeding device. The feeding device comprises a feeding mechanism and a switching mechanism. The feeding mechanism comprises a first driving part, a first jig, a second driving part and a second jig, the first driving part can drive the first jig to be switched between a first material waiting position and a first discharging position, and the second driving part can drive the second jig to be switched between a second material waiting position and a second discharging position; the switching mechanism comprises a switching driving part and a switching sliding block, and the switching driving part can drive the switching sliding block to drive the first jig and the second jig to move in the second direction, so that the first jig is switched to the material taking position from the first material waiting position, the second jig is switched to the second material waiting position from the material taking position, or the switching sliding block is switched to the first material waiting position from the second material waiting position. Therefore, the second jig is switched to the material taking position from the second material waiting position, and the first jig is switched to the first material waiting position from the material taking position. According to the feeding device, the applicability of the feeding device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic feeding technology, and in particular to a feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process, multiple workpieces are sequentially transferred from the pick-up position to multiple fixtures of the loading device at fixed time intervals. The loading device can transfer the fixtures from the pick-up position to the unloading position so that the multiple workpieces can be unloaded sequentially by the unloading mechanism at the unloading position. In the prior art, to reduce the risk of interference between multiple fixtures, the loading device needs to transfer multiple fixtures to the unloading position synchronously. The multiple fixtures arrive at the unloading position sequentially at fixed time intervals, so that the time interval between any two adjacent workpieces being transferred to the fixtures is the same as the time interval between any two adjacent workpieces being unloaded by the unloading mechanism at the unloading position. This results in high performance requirements for the unloading mechanism, and consequently, low applicability of the loading device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a feeding device that improves the applicability of the feeding device.

[0004] This invention provides a feeding device, which includes a feeding mechanism and a switching mechanism. The feeding mechanism includes a first driving member, a first fixture, a second driving member, and a second fixture. The first driving member is connected to the first fixture, and the second driving member is connected to the second fixture. Both the first and second fixtures are used to carry workpieces at the picking position. The first driving member can drive the first fixture to move along a first direction, so that the first fixture switches between a first loading position and a first unloading position. The second driving member can drive the second fixture to move along the first direction, so that the second fixture switches between a second loading position and a second unloading position. When the first fixture is in the first loading position and the second fixture is in the second loading position, the first fixture and the second fixture switch... The two fixtures are adjacent in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The switching mechanism includes a switching drive and a switching slider. The switching drive is connected to the switching slider. Both the first fixture and the second fixture are slidably connected to the switching slider in the first direction. The switching drive can drive the switching slider to move the first fixture and the second fixture in the second direction, so that the first fixture is switched from the first material-equalizing position to the material-picking position, and the second fixture is switched from the material-picking position to the second material-equalizing position, or the second fixture is switched from the second material-equalizing position to the material-picking position, and the first fixture is switched from the material-picking position to the first material-equalizing position.

[0005] The feeding device provided by the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: On the one hand, the first fixture can be switched to the first material receiving position and the first unloading position, and the second fixture can be switched to the second material receiving position and the second unloading position. The first and second fixtures can enter or leave the picking position under the drive of the switching drive, so that after one of the first and second fixtures completes the loading of the workpiece at the picking position, the other can enter the picking position in time to load the workpiece, so that the loading device can load multiple workpieces at fixed time intervals. On the other hand, the first and second fixtures can operate independently under the drive of the first and second drive, respectively. When the first fixture is in the first material receiving position and the second fixture is in the second material receiving position, the first and second fixtures are adjacent in the second direction, so as to reduce the risk of mutual interference when the first and second fixtures move in the first direction, and allow the first and second fixtures to move to the first and second unloading positions asynchronously, respectively. Thus, the time interval between any two adjacent workpieces being transferred to the first or second unloading position can be adjusted according to the actual situation, thereby improving the applicability of the loading device.

[0006] In one embodiment of this implementation, both the first fixture and the second fixture are provided with a plurality of receiving slots. The plurality of receiving slots on the first fixture and the plurality of receiving slots on the second fixture are arranged at intervals along a first direction. The receiving slots are used to accommodate workpieces.

[0007] In one embodiment of this implementation, each of the multiple receiving slots on the first fixture is provided with a feeding sensor. The multiple feeding sensors are electrically connected to the first driving member. The feeding sensors are used to determine whether the receiving slot contains a workpiece. When the receiving slot on the first fixture located at the material picking position contains a workpiece, the first driving member can drive the first fixture to move to another receiving slot located at the material picking position.

[0008] In one embodiment of this implementation, both the first driving member and the second driving member are disposed on the switching slider, the first fixture is mounted on the driving end of the first driving member, and the second fixture is mounted on the driving end of the second driving member.

[0009] In one embodiment of this implementation, the first driving member and the second driving member are arranged along a second direction, and the feeding mechanism further includes an extension member, which includes a connecting end and a mounting end. The connecting end is connected to the driving end of the second driving member, and the mounting end extends along the second direction to the top side of the first driving member. The second fixture is mounted on the mounting end.

[0010] In one embodiment of this implementation, the feeding device further includes two position sensors, which are arranged at intervals along a second direction. The two position sensors are electrically connected to the switching drive. Each position sensor is provided with a detection port, and a detection plate is provided on the switching slider. When the switching slider moves the first fixture to the material picking position, the detection plate extends into one of its detection ports. When the switching slider moves the second fixture to the material picking position, the detection plate extends into the other detection port. When the detection plate extends into the detection port, the position sensor can send a position signal to the switching drive.

[0011] In one embodiment of this implementation, the feeding device further includes a feeding driver, an adsorption element, and a positioning rod. The positioning rod and the adsorption element are connected. The adsorption element is disposed on the driving end of the feeding driver. A positioning hole is provided on the first fixture. When the first fixture moves to the first feeding position, the feeding driver can drive the adsorption element to move toward the first fixture so that the adsorption element adsorbs the workpiece and the positioning rod extends into the positioning hole. The positioning rod is used to correct the position of the first fixture in the first direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of this implementation, the feeding device further includes a turntable and a feeding mechanism. The turntable is provided with a plurality of gripping members along the circumference. The feeding mechanism is used to store workpieces, and the gripping members are used to connect workpieces. The turntable is rotatably connected to the feeding mechanism. The turntable can drive the gripping members to rotate from the top side of the feeding mechanism to the picking position, so that the gripping members transfer the workpieces from the feeding mechanism to the first fixture or the second fixture located at the picking position.

[0013] In one embodiment of this implementation, the feeding mechanism includes a material conveying assembly and a punching assembly. The punching assembly includes a top plate and a die. A cutting edge penetrating the top plate is provided on the top plate. The die is disposed on the bottom side of the top plate and is movably connected to the top plate. The material conveying assembly is used to convey the material conveying assembly with the workpiece attached to it to the top side of the top plate so that the material conveying assembly covers the cutting edge. When the die moves relative to the top plate, it can extend into the cutting edge from the bottom side of the top plate and extend out from the top side of the top plate to cut off the workpiece on the material conveying assembly. The turntable can drive the gripper to rotate to the top side of the top plate so that the gripper connects with the workpiece.

[0014] In one embodiment of this implementation, the gripper and the turntable can be movably connected along a third direction, and the die and the top plate can be movably connected along a third direction.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a feeding device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the feeding device; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part of the structure of the feeding device; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a feeding device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of part of the structure of the feeding device; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A top view of the feeding device; Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the turntable and gripper; Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Side view of the feeding mechanism; Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the punching component.

[0017] Figure label: Feeding device 100; feeding mechanism 10; first driving component 11; first fixture 12; second driving component 13; second fixture 14; receiving groove 15; extension component 16; connecting end 161; mounting end 162; positioning hole 17; switching mechanism 20; switching driving component 21; switching slider 22; position sensor 23; detection port 231; detection plate 232; unloading driver 31; adsorption component 32; positioning rod 33; transfer driver 34; elastic component 35; unloading hopper 36; turntable 41; gripper 411; feeding mechanism 42; material belt conveyor assembly 421; punching assembly 422; top plate 4221; die 4222; cutting edge 4223. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0021] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] In the description of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the feeding device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the feeding device 100; Figure 3 yes Figure 1An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the feeding device 100; This embodiment of the invention provides a feeding device 100, which includes a feeding mechanism 10 and a switching mechanism 20. The feeding mechanism 10 includes a first driving member 11, a first fixture 12, a second driving member 13, and a second fixture 14. The first driving member 11 is connected to the first fixture 12, and the second driving member 13 is connected to the second fixture 14. Both the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 are used to carry workpieces at the picking position. The first driving member 11 can drive the first fixture 12 to move along a first direction, so that the first fixture 12 switches between a first material-ready position and a first material-unloading position. The second driving member 13 can drive the second fixture 14 to move along the first direction, so that the second fixture 14 switches between a second material-ready position and a second material-unloading position. When the first fixture 12 is in the first material-ready position and the second fixture 14 is in the second material-ready position, the first fixture 12... 2. The first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 are adjacent to each other in the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The switching mechanism 20 includes a switching drive 21 and a switching slider 22. The switching drive 21 is connected to the switching slider 22. The first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 are both slidably connected to the switching slider 22 in the first direction. The switching drive 21 can drive the switching slider 22 to move the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 in the second direction, so that the first fixture 12 is switched from the first material-equalizing position to the material-taking position, and the second fixture 14 is switched from the material-taking position to the second material-equalizing position, or the second fixture 14 is switched from the second material-equalizing position to the material-taking position, and the first fixture 12 is switched from the material-taking position to the first material-equalizing position.

[0025] Specifically, the first direction is parallel to the X direction, the second direction is parallel to the Y direction, the first drive unit 11 and the second drive unit 13 are both linear motors, the switch drive unit 21 is a lead screw motor, the first drive unit 11 can drive the first fixture 12 to move in the X direction, and the second drive unit 13 can drive the second fixture 14 to move in the X direction.

[0026] It is understood that the first and second material-equalizing positions are located on opposite sides of the material-receiving position along the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first and second material-discharging positions are the same position and located on one side of the material-receiving position along the X direction. The switching slider 22 can drive the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 to move, so that the position of the first fixture 12 in the Y direction is opposite to the material-receiving position, and the position of the second fixture 14 in the Y direction is opposite to the second material-equalizing position. At this time, the first driving member 11 can drive the first fixture 12 to move along the X direction to the material-receiving position, so that the first fixture 12 can receive the workpiece at the material-receiving position. The second driving member 13 can drive the second fixture 14 to move to the second material-equalizing position. After the first fixture 12 has completed the bearing of the workpiece at the material-receiving position, the switching driving member 21 drives the switching slider 22 to move along the Y direction, so that the first fixture 12 moves along the Y direction to the first material-equalizing position, and the second fixture 14 moves along the Y direction to the material-receiving position, so that the second fixture 14 can bear the workpiece at the material-receiving position. During the process of the second fixture 14 carrying the workpiece at the picking position, the first driving member 11 can drive the first fixture 12 to move from the first material-equalizing position to the first unloading position, so that the workpiece on the first fixture 12 can be unloaded. After the first fixture 12 completes unloading at the first unloading position, the first driving member 11 can drive the first fixture 12 to move to the first material-equalizing position before the second fixture 14 at the picking position completes carrying the workpiece. After the second fixture 14 completes carrying the workpiece, the switching driving member 21 drives the switching slider 22 to move along the Y direction, so that the second fixture 14 moves along the Y direction to the second material-equalizing position, and the first fixture 12 moves along the Y direction to the picking position, so that the first fixture 12 can carry the workpiece at the picking position. During the process of the first fixture 12 carrying the workpiece at the picking position, the second driving member 13 can drive the second fixture 14 to move from the second loading position to the second unloading position, so that the workpiece on the second fixture 14 can be unloaded. After the second fixture 14 completes unloading at the second unloading position, the second driving member 13 can drive the second fixture 14 to move to the second loading position before the first fixture 12 at the picking position completes carrying the workpiece. The repetition of the above process constitutes the working process of the loading device 100 of the present invention. The time the first fixture 12 stays at the first unloading position and the speed at which the first fixture 12 moves from the first unloading position to the first loading position, as well as the time the second fixture 14 stays at the second unloading position and the speed at which the second fixture 14 moves from the second unloading position to the second loading position, can be adjusted according to actual needs. It should be understood that in some other embodiments, the first unloading position and the second unloading position can be located on opposite sides of the picking position along the X direction.

[0027] In the feeding device 100 of the present invention, on the one hand, the first fixture 12 can be switched to the first material receiving position and the first material unloading position, and the second fixture 14 can be switched to the second material receiving position and the second material unloading position. The first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 can enter or leave the material picking position under the drive of the switching drive member 21, so that after one of the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 completes the loading of the workpiece at the material picking position, the other can enter the material picking position in time to load the workpiece, so that the feeding device 100 can load multiple workpieces at fixed time intervals. On the other hand, the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 can operate independently under the drive of the first drive member 11 and the second drive member 13, respectively. When the first fixture 12 is located at the first material leveling position and the second fixture 14 is located at the second material leveling position, the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 are adjacent in the second direction, so as to reduce the risk of mutual interference when the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 move along the first direction, and enable the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 to move to the first unloading position and the second unloading position asynchronously, respectively. Thus, the time interval between any two adjacent workpieces being transferred to the first unloading position or the second unloading position can be adjusted according to the actual situation, thereby improving the applicability of the feeding device 100.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this implementation, both the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 are provided with a plurality of receiving slots 15. The plurality of receiving slots 15 on the first fixture 12 and the plurality of receiving slots 15 on the second fixture 14 are arranged at intervals along a first direction. The receiving slots 15 are used to receive workpieces.

[0029] Specifically, the receiving grooves 15 on the first fixture 12 and the receiving grooves 15 on the second fixture 14 are arranged at equal intervals along the X direction.

[0030] Understandably, during the production process, multiple workpieces are transported to the picking position at fixed time intervals. When the first drive member 11 drives the first fixture 12 to move in the X direction, the multiple receiving slots 15 on the first fixture 12 pass through the picking position in sequence, so that the multiple receiving slots 15 on the first fixture 12 can sequentially accommodate the workpieces at the picking position. When the second drive member 13 drives the second fixture 14 to move in the X direction, the multiple receiving slots 15 on the second fixture 14 pass through the picking position in sequence, so that the multiple receiving slots 15 on the second fixture 14 can sequentially accommodate the workpieces at the picking position. This arrangement is beneficial to further improve the ability of the feeding mechanism 10 to carry multiple workpieces at fixed time intervals.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of this implementation, each of the multiple receiving slots 15 on the first fixture 12 is provided with a feeding sensor. The multiple feeding sensors are electrically connected to the first driving member 11. The feeding sensors are used to determine whether the receiving slot 15 contains a workpiece. When the receiving slot 15 on the first fixture 12 located at the material picking position contains a workpiece, the first driving member 11 can drive the first fixture 12 to move to another receiving slot 15 located at the material picking position.

[0032] Specifically, the first fixture 12 has a detection hole that connects to the receiving groove 15. The feed sensor is installed inside the detection hole, which exposes the feed sensor inside the receiving groove 15.

[0033] It is understandable that multiple receiving slots 15 are equally spaced. When the feeding sensor detects that a receiving slot 15 currently at the picking position contains a workpiece, the feeding sensor sends an electrical signal to the first driving member 11. The first driving member 11 drives the first fixture 12 to move the distance between two adjacent receiving slots 15, so that another receiving slot 15 can move to the picking position, thereby enabling the sequential acceptance of workpieces at the picking position. This arrangement helps reduce the risk of workpieces falling out due to a filled receiving slot 15 remaining at the picking position for too long. After the workpiece is unloaded from the first unloading position, the feeding sensor sends an electrical signal to the first driving member 11. Upon receiving the electrical signal, the first driving member 11 drives the first fixture 12 to move to the first unloading position. This ensures that the first fixture 12 completes the unloading process at the first unloading position before leaving the first unloading position, thus reducing the risk that the first fixture 12 cannot hold the workpiece when it moves to the picking position. It should be understood that a feeding sensor can also be installed in the receiving slot 15 on the second fixture 14. Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this implementation, the first driving member 11 and the second driving member 13 are both disposed on the switching slider 22, the first fixture 12 is mounted on the driving end of the first driving member 11, and the second fixture 14 is mounted on the driving end of the second driving member 13.

[0034] Specifically, the first driving member 11 and the second driving member 13 can be mounted on the switching slider 22 by means of magnetic attraction, adhesive bonding, welding, or threaded connection. It is understood that mounting the first driving member 11 and the second driving member 13 on the switching slider 22 can reduce the risk of interference caused by the first driving member 11 driving the first fixture 12 to move in the X direction, the second driving member 13 driving the second fixture 14 to move in the X direction, and the switching driving member 21 driving the switching slider 22 to move the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 in the Y direction.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of this implementation, the first driving member 11 and the second driving member 13 are arranged along a second direction. The feeding mechanism 10 further includes an extension member 16, which includes a connecting end 161 and a mounting end 162. The connecting end 161 is connected to the driving end of the second driving member 13, and the mounting end 162 extends along the second direction to the top side of the first driving member 11. The second fixture 14 is mounted on the mounting end 162.

[0036] Specifically, the extension 16 is a plate extending along the Y direction. The connecting end 161 of the extension 16 is bolted to the driving end of the second driving member 13, and the mounting end 162 of the extension 16 extends along the Y direction to the top side of the first driving member 11. It is understood that the second fixture 14 is mounted on the mounting end 162 located on the top side of the first driving member 11, which reduces the distance between the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 in the Y direction. This reduces the distance the first fixture 12 needs to move from the first waiting position to the picking position, and also reduces the distance the second fixture 14 needs to move from the second waiting position to the picking position. This helps to reduce the distance the switching driving member 21 needs to drive the switching slider 22, thereby reducing the positional deviation generated when the switching slider 22 moves. This reduces the risk that the first fixture 12 and the second fixture 14 cannot accurately carry the workpiece from the picking position.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this implementation, the feeding device 100 further includes two position sensors 23, which are arranged at intervals along a second direction. The two position sensors 23 are electrically connected to the switching drive 21. Each position sensor 23 is provided with a detection port 231. A detection plate 232 is provided on the switching slider 22. When the switching slider 22 moves the first fixture 12 to the material picking position, the detection plate 232 extends into one of its detection ports 231. When the switching slider 22 moves the second fixture 14 to the material picking position, the detection plate 232 extends into the other detection port 231. When the detection plate 232 extends into the detection port 231, the position sensor 23 can send a position signal to the switching drive 21.

[0038] Specifically, in some embodiments, the distance between the two position sensors 23 is equal to the distance between the positions of the receiving groove 15 on the first fixture 12 and the receiving groove 15 on the second fixture 14 in the Y direction. It is understood that when the switching slider 22 moves the first fixture 12 at the first material level to the receiving groove 15 of the first fixture 12 in the material-taking position, the detection piece 232 extends into the detection port 231 of one of the position sensors 23, and the position sensor 23 sends a position signal to the switching drive 21, causing the switching drive 21 to stop driving the switching slider 22. When the switching slider 22 moves the second fixture 14 at the second material level to the receiving groove 15 of the second fixture 14 in the material-taking position, the detection piece 232 extends into the detection port 231 of the other position sensor 23, and the position sensor 23 sends a position signal to the switching drive 21, causing the switching drive 21 to stop driving the switching slider 22. This configuration allows the receiving groove 15 on the first fixture 12 and the receiving groove 15 on the second fixture 14 to move accurately to the material picking position.

[0039] Please see Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the feeding device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the feeding device 100; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A top view of the feeding device 100. In one embodiment of this invention, the feeding device 100 further includes a discharging driver 31, an adsorption member 32, and a positioning rod 33. The positioning rod 33 and the adsorption member 32 are connected. The adsorption member 32 is disposed on the driving end of the discharging driver 31. A positioning hole 17 is provided on the first fixture 12. When the first fixture 12 moves to the first discharging position, the discharging driver 31 can drive the adsorption member 32 to move toward the first fixture 12 so that the adsorption member 32 adsorbs the workpiece and the positioning rod 33 extends into the positioning hole 17. The positioning rod 33 is used to correct the position of the first fixture 12 in the first direction.

[0040] Specifically, the second fixture 14 also has a positioning hole 17. The feeding device 100 also includes a transfer driver 34 and a discharge hopper 36. The discharge driver 31 is mounted on the drive end of the transfer driver 34. The drive direction of the transfer driver 34 is parallel to the Y direction, and the drive direction of the discharge driver 31 is parallel to the Z direction. The positioning rod 33 extends along the Z direction. Multiple adsorption elements 32 are provided. The multiple adsorption elements 32 are arranged along the X direction on the drive end of the discharge driver 31. The suction cup 32 is movably connected to the drive end of the unloading drive in the Z direction. The drive end of the unloading drive is provided with multiple elastic elements 35, which are arranged one-to-one with the suction element 32. One end of the elastic element 35 is connected to the drive end of the unloading drive and the other end is connected to the suction element 32. The elastic element 35 can provide a force to the suction element 32 in the Z direction. The axial direction of the positioning hole 17 is parallel to the Z direction. The unloading bin 36 is located on one side of the loading mechanism 10 in the Y direction.

[0041] It is understood that the transfer driver 34 can drive the adsorption member 32 to move along the Y direction to the top side of the feeding mechanism 10 or the top side of the unloading hopper 36. In some embodiments, when the adsorption member 32 is located on the top side of the feeding mechanism 10, the adsorption member 32 is opposite to the first unloading position and the second unloading position in the Z direction. The unloading driver 31 can drive the adsorption member 32 and the positioning rod 33 to move along the Z direction to approach the first fixture 12 located at the first unloading position and the second fixture 14 located at the second unloading position, so that the adsorption member 32 adsorbs the workpiece on the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14. After the adsorption member 32 adsorbs the workpiece, the transfer driver 34 drives the adsorption member 32 to move along the Y direction to the top side of the feeding hopper, and the unloading driver 31 drives the adsorption member 32 to approach the unloading hopper 36, so as to place the workpiece on the adsorption member 32 into the unloading hopper 36. When the unloading driver 31 drives the adsorption member 32 closer to the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14, the positioning rod 33 can extend into the positioning hole 17 on the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14. When the positioning rod 33 extends into the positioning hole 17, it can correct the position of the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14 relative to the adsorption member 32, so as to reduce the risk that the adsorption member 32 will not be able to adsorb the workpiece. The positions of the workpieces contained in the multiple receiving slots 15 in the Z direction may be different. During the process of the unloading driver 31 driving the multiple adsorption members 32 closer to the loading mechanism 10, some of the adsorption members 32 will contact the workpiece first and prevent the unloading driver 31 from driving the remaining adsorption members 32 to continue to move towards the loading mechanism 10. This will result in some of the adsorption members 32 being able to adsorb the workpiece, while the remaining adsorption members 32 will not be able to adsorb the workpiece. The adsorption member 32 is movably disposed along the Z direction at the drive end of the unloading driver 31. The elastic member 35 can provide a force along the Z direction toward the loading mechanism 10 to the adsorption member 32. When the adsorption member 32 contacts the workpiece, the elastic member 35 can undergo elastic deformation along the Z direction. When some adsorption members 32 are in contact with the workpiece, the unloading driver 31 can continue to drive the remaining adsorption members 32 toward the loading mechanism 10, so as to reduce the risk that the adsorption member 32 cannot adsorb the workpiece. This is beneficial to reduce the risk that the receiving groove 15 cannot accommodate the workpiece after the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14 moves to the picking position.

[0042] Please see Figures 4 to 7 , Figure 7 yes Figure 4A schematic diagram of the structure of the turntable 41 and the gripper 411. In one embodiment of this implementation, the feeding device 100 further includes a turntable 41 and a feeding mechanism 42. The turntable 41 is provided with a plurality of grippers 411 along its circumference. The feeding mechanism 42 is used to store workpieces, and the grippers 411 are used to connect workpieces. The turntable 41 is rotatably connected to the feeding mechanism 10. The turntable 41 can drive the grippers 411 to rotate from the top side of the feeding mechanism 42 to the picking position, so that the grippers 411 transfer the workpiece from the feeding mechanism 42 to the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14 located at the picking position.

[0043] Specifically, the workpiece on the feeding mechanism 42 is conveyed along the Y direction, and the workpiece on the feeding mechanism 42 is exposed on the top side of the feeding mechanism 42. The turntable 41 is rotatably arranged on one side of the loading mechanism 10 along the Y direction about an axis parallel to the Z direction. The feeding mechanism 42 is located on one side of the turntable 41 along the X direction. The gripper 411 is a suction cup. The turntable 41 can drive multiple grippers 411 arranged along the circumference of the turntable 41 to rotate around the axis of the turntable 41, and cause the grippers 411 to move the workpiece from the top side of the feeding mechanism 42 to the top side of the loading mechanism 10, so that the workpiece is located above the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14 at the picking position, thereby enabling the workpiece to be rotated 90 degrees around an axis parallel to the Z direction and transferred to the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14 at the picking position.

[0044] It is understandable that the turntable 41 can sequentially transport multiple workpieces to the pick-up position at fixed time intervals. The first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14 can drive multiple receiving slots 15 to pass through the pick-up position in sequence so that the multiple receiving slots 15 can sequentially accommodate the workpieces. The turntable 41 can adjust the angle of the workpiece relative to the receiving slot 15 by driving the workpiece to rotate, which helps to reduce the risk that the workpiece cannot enter the receiving slot 15.

[0045] Please see Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism 42; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Side view of the feeding mechanism 42; Figure 10 yes Figure 8A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the punching assembly 422. In one embodiment of this implementation, the feeding mechanism 42 includes a material conveying assembly 421 and a punching assembly 422. The punching assembly 422 includes a top plate 4221 and a die 4222. The top plate 4221 has a cutting edge 4223 that penetrates through the top plate 4221. The die 4222 is disposed on the bottom side of the top plate 4221 and is movably connected to the top plate 4221. The material conveying assembly 421 is used to convey the material belt with the workpiece attached to it to the top side of the top plate 4221 so that the material belt covers the cutting edge 4223. When the die 4222 moves relative to the top plate 4221, it can extend into the cutting edge 4223 from the bottom side of the top plate 4221 and extend out of the cutting edge 4223 from the top side of the top plate 4221 to cut off the workpiece on the material belt. The turntable 41 can drive the gripper 411 to rotate to the top side of the top plate 4221 so that the gripper 411 is connected to the workpiece.

[0046] Specifically, the material conveying assembly 421 includes two ratchet wheels, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the punching assembly 422 along the Y direction. The ratchet wheels can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the Y direction. The ratchet wheels are provided with protrusions for extending into the spaced holes on the material belt. The axis of the cutting edge 4223 is parallel to the Z direction. The die 4222 and the top plate 4221 can be movably connected along the Z direction.

[0047] Understandably, the protrusion of the ratchet extends into the hole on the material belt so that when the ratchet rotates, it can drive the material belt along the Y direction through the cutting edge 4223. The movement of the material belt driven by the ratchet can move the material belt and the workpiece to the expected position, which helps to reduce the risk that the turntable 41 cannot transfer the workpiece to the first fixture 12 or the second fixture 14. During the process of the material belt carrying multiple workpieces passing through the cutting edge 4223 in sequence, the die 4222 can reciprocate relative to the cutting edge 4223 along the Z direction to cut multiple workpieces from the material belt in sequence. The turntable 41 can then transfer multiple workpieces cut from the material belt to the area above the picking position in sequence. This arrangement helps to improve the applicability of the feeding device 100.

[0048] Please see Figures 7 to 10 In one embodiment of this implementation, the gripper 411 and the turntable 41 can be movably connected along a third direction, and the die 4222 and the top plate 4221 can be movably connected along a third direction.

[0049] Specifically, a spring is provided on the turntable 41, which is parallel to the Z direction. One end of the spring is connected to the turntable 41, and the other end is connected to the gripper 411. The spring can elastically deform along the Z direction.

[0050] Understandably, before the die 4222 cuts the workpiece that has moved to the cutting edge 4223 off the conveyor belt, the gripper 411 on the turntable 41 needs to first attract the workpiece to reduce the risk of the workpiece falling. When the die 4222 punches the workpiece, it will push the workpiece to move in the Z direction. The gripper 411 can be movably connected to the turntable 41 in the Z direction, and a force in the Z direction is provided to the gripper 411 by a spring, which helps to reduce the risk of the gripper 411 hindering the movement of the die 4222 when attracting the workpiece.

[0051] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A feeding device, characterized in that, include: The feeding mechanism includes a first driving member, a first fixture, a second driving member, and a second fixture. The first driving member is connected to the first fixture, and the second driving member is connected to the second fixture. Both the first fixture and the second fixture are used to carry workpieces at the picking position. The first driving member can drive the first fixture to move along a first direction, so that the first fixture switches between a first material-equalizing position and a first material-discharging position. The second driving member can drive the second fixture to move along the first direction, so that the second fixture switches between a second material-equalizing position and a second material-discharging position. When the first fixture is located at the first material-equalizing position and the second fixture is located at the second material-equalizing position, the first fixture and the second fixture are adjacent in a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. A switching mechanism includes a switching drive and a switching slider. The switching drive is connected to the switching slider. Both the first fixture and the second fixture are slidably connected to the switching slider along the first direction. The switching drive can drive the switching slider to move the first fixture and the second fixture along the second direction, so that the first fixture switches from the first material-equalizing position to the material-picking position, and the second fixture switches from the material-picking position to the second material-equalizing position; or, so that the second fixture switches from the second material-equalizing position to the material-picking position, and the first fixture switches from the material-picking position to the first material-equalizing position.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first fixture and the second fixture have multiple receiving slots. The multiple receiving slots on the first fixture and the multiple receiving slots on the second fixture are arranged at intervals along the first direction. The receiving slots are used to receive the workpiece.

3. The feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the multiple receiving slots on the first fixture is provided with a feeding sensor. The multiple feeding sensors are electrically connected to the first driving component. The feeding sensors are used to determine whether the receiving slot contains the workpiece. When the receiving slot on the first fixture located at the material picking position contains the workpiece, the first driving component can drive the first fixture to move to another receiving slot located at the material picking position.

4. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first driving component and the second driving component are mounted on the switching slider. The first fixture is mounted on the driving end of the first driving component, and the second fixture is mounted on the driving end of the second driving component.

5. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first driving member and the second driving member are arranged along the second direction. The feeding mechanism further includes an extension member, which includes a connecting end and a mounting end. The connecting end is connected to the driving end of the second driving member, and the mounting end extends along the second direction to the top side of the first driving member. The second fixture is mounted on the mounting end.

6. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device further includes two positioning sensors, which are arranged at intervals along the second direction. The two positioning sensors are electrically connected to the switching drive. Each positioning sensor is provided with a detection port, and the switching slider is provided with a detection plate. When the switching slider moves the first fixture to the material picking position, the detection plate extends into one of the detection ports. When the switching slider moves the second fixture to the material picking position, the detection plate extends into the other detection port. When the detection plate extends into the detection port, the positioning sensor can send a positioning signal to the switching drive.

7. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device further includes a feeding driver, an adsorption element, and a positioning rod. The positioning rod is connected to the adsorption element, and the adsorption element is disposed on the driving end of the feeding driver. The first fixture has a positioning hole. When the first fixture moves to the first feeding position, the feeding driver can drive the adsorption element to move toward the first fixture so that the adsorption element adsorbs the workpiece and the positioning rod extends into the positioning hole. The positioning rod is used to correct the position of the first fixture in the first direction.

8. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding device further includes a turntable and a feeding mechanism. The turntable is provided with a plurality of gripping members along its circumference. The feeding mechanism is used to store the workpiece. The gripping members are used to connect the workpiece. The turntable is rotatably connected to the feeding mechanism. The turntable can drive the gripping members to rotate from the top side of the feeding mechanism to the picking position, so that the gripping members transfer the workpiece from the feeding mechanism to the first fixture or the second fixture located at the picking position.

9. The feeding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes a material conveying assembly and a punching assembly. The punching assembly includes a top plate and a die. A cutting edge penetrating the top plate is provided on the top plate. The die is disposed on the bottom side of the top plate and is movably connected to the top plate. The material conveying assembly is used to convey the material conveying assembly with the workpiece attached to it to the top side of the top plate so that the material conveying assembly covers the cutting edge. When the die moves relative to the top plate, it can extend into the cutting edge from the bottom side of the top plate and extend out of the cutting edge from the top side of the top plate to cut off the workpiece on the material conveying assembly. The turntable can drive the gripper to rotate to the top side of the top plate so that the gripper connects with the workpiece.

10. The feeding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gripper and the turntable can be movably connected along a third direction, and the die and the top plate can be movably connected along the third direction.

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