High-speed automatic powder weighing device and use method

Abstract

An automatic powder weighing device comprises a material area, a weighing area and a full-automatic manipulator. The material area is provided with an intelligent positioning conveying rail and a plurality of large-capacity bins with the inner walls subjected to anti-static treatment, and the weighing area is provided with a high-precision weighing module and an anti-interference device which are controlled in a feedback mode. By combining horizontal variable-frequency vibration discharging, high-precision anti-interference weighing, automatic feedback, self-adaptive adjustment and mechanical arm auxiliary matching, the problems that traditional weighing equipment is prone to blockage, low in weighing precision, insufficient in automation degree and the like are solved, the weighing efficiency and accuracy are remarkably improved, and the weighing precision is improved. The device is suitable for high-precision weighing scenes of various powder materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-speed powder preparation, and in particular to a high-speed automatic weighing device for powders and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industry and scientific research, the accurate weighing of powder materials is a core link in experimental and production processes. Its efficiency and accuracy directly affect the research and development cycle and product quality, thus creating an urgent need for high-speed automated powder weighing. Traditional powder weighing methods rely heavily on manual operation, which is not only inefficient and unable to meet the high-throughput requirements of large-scale production and experimentation, but also highly susceptible to human factors, resulting in poor weighing accuracy, significant batch-to-batch variations, and difficulty in ensuring the stability and consistency of product quality and experimental results. With the rapid development of high-throughput experimental technology, automated liquid-phase experimental technology has been widely applied in fields such as biology, chemistry, and medicine. However, there are few reports on automated high-throughput experimental technologies for all-solid powders, mainly due to the challenges posed by the complex properties of powders to accurate metering and stable conveying. Existing sporadic reports of automated powder handling devices generally suffer from poor adaptability, complex operation, and low efficiency, failing to meet the stringent requirements of modern production and scientific research for high-throughput automated powder weighing in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and automation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention discloses a high-speed automatic powder weighing device and its usage method, aiming to overcome the technical bottleneck of automated weighing in all-solid-state powder processes. In solid-phase reaction preparation processes, the accuracy of raw material weighing directly determines the reliability of experimental results and the final powder material properties. Traditional manual weighing is only suitable for small-scale scenarios due to its low efficiency and susceptibility to operator skill and environmental factors. Existing high-throughput automatic weighing technologies still suffer from insufficient automation and difficulty in adapting to complex weighing needs involving multiple components.

[0004] This invention provides a high-speed automatic powder weighing device. The device adopts a modular integrated design, with core components including a large-capacity hopper with an anti-static inner wall, an intelligent positioning conveyor track, a variable frequency vibration mechanism, and a high-precision weighing and anti-interference device. This invention significantly improves weighing efficiency, accuracy, and automation through the deep integration of innovative mechanical structure and intelligent control technology, providing a highly efficient and reliable high-throughput automated weighing solution for all-solid powder processes.

[0005] Preferably, the material area of ​​the device is equipped with an intelligent positioning conveying track, which forms a linkage structure with the silo. Through program settings, the target silo is precisely driven to move above the material container for discharge, thereby realizing the orderly supply of multi-component powders.

[0006] Preferably, the device's inner wall of the hopper is designed to be anti-static, which can effectively prevent powder particles from adsorbing onto the inner wall of the hopper due to static electricity, resulting in poor discharge, residue accumulation, or even blockage, affecting the discharge efficiency and weighing accuracy.

[0007] Preferably, the device's hopper is designed with a large capacity (the hopper capacity exceeds 300 ml), which can store more materials, fully ensure the continuity of high-frequency automated weighing, significantly extend the continuous weighing time, stabilize the output, simplify scheduling, and directly improve the overall throughput of the device.

[0008] Preferably, the device's hopper is equipped with a horizontal variable frequency vibration mechanism. The horizontal vibration mode effectively solves the problem of flow rate runaway during the weighing of free-flowing powders. During the weighing process, this mechanism can dynamically adjust the vibration frequency and amplitude according to the powder's particle characteristics, the target weighing mass, and formulation requirements: for high-flowing powders, the vibration frequency and amplitude are reduced to suppress the discharge rate; for low-flowing powders, the vibration parameters are increased to ensure continuous discharge. Through this adaptive adjustment mechanism, the powder discharge process is ensured to be continuous and stable with precise and controllable flow, providing a reliable material supply guarantee for high-precision weighing.

[0009] Preferably, the weighing area of ​​the device is equipped with an anti-interference device, which includes a vibration-damping support platform located at the bottom of the weighing device. This device can effectively isolate mechanical disturbances such as platform vibration and equipment operation vibration, avoiding fluctuations in the weighing sensor signal caused by vibration. The anti-interference device also includes a weighing spill prevention enclosure located around the weighing device. This device can make the weighing area form a relatively independent local space, reducing the interference of external airflow, dust and other environmental factors on the weighing area, helping to maintain the stability of the weighing environment, and indirectly ensuring weighing accuracy. In addition, this device can collect small amounts of scattered powder, facilitating subsequent cleaning and maintenance, while reducing the risk of powder contamination to other components of the device, improving the durability and ease of maintenance of the equipment.

[0010] Preferably, the device includes a fully automatic robotic arm, which enables precise grasping and placement operations in three-dimensional space with its flexible working radius. It works in conjunction with the weighing module and, through a closed-loop feedback control device, completes the entire process of automated and precise operation from material picking to weighing with the help of automated equipment.

[0011] Preferably, the device supports user-defined program input and can automatically switch between different powder weighing modes with different components and contents according to preset formulas, strictly ensuring that the raw material ratio meets the process standards.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using the above-mentioned high-speed automatic powder weighing device.

[0013] The method includes the following steps: S1. The robotic arm grips the container and places it in the container placement platform in the weighing area; S2. The intelligent positioning and conveying device for the material area moves and positions the target hopper above the container opening according to the user's custom program requirements and program settings. S3. The programmable control device starts the frequency conversion vibration mechanism according to the instruction. After the powder in the hopper vibrates, it enters the horizontal discharge pipe and vibrates along the horizontal discharge pipe to the discharge port. The automatic feedback device in the weighing area feeds back data to the frequency conversion vibration mechanism in real time according to the discharge situation. The mechanism dynamically adjusts the vibration frequency and amplitude according to the target weighing mass to ensure that the powder discharge process is continuous and stable and the flow rate is accurate and controllable. S4. After weighing is completed, the intelligent positioning and conveying device will move and position the next target hopper above the container opening, and continue the above operation steps to complete the user-defined weighing requirements. S5. After completing the user-defined weighing requirements, the robotic arm grips the material container and moves it to the next work area to continue the subsequent automated experimental process.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided by the present invention features a large-capacity hopper with an anti-static inner wall treatment. The anti-static treatment eliminates the adverse effects of static electricity on the powder feeding process, preventing powder from being stuck to the inner wall due to static electricity, thus ensuring feeding efficiency and weighing accuracy. The large-capacity design can store more material, ensuring the continuity of high-frequency automatic weighing, extending the continuous operation time, stabilizing the output and simplifying scheduling, thereby improving the overall throughput of the device.

[0015] 2. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided by the present invention adopts a horizontal vibration discharge method, which can effectively solve the problem of flow control failure during the weighing of powders with good flowability compared with the design of vertical discharge port.

[0016] 3. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided by the present invention adopts a variable frequency vibration mechanism, which deeply integrates mechanical structure design and intelligent control technology. It can dynamically adjust the vibration frequency and amplitude in real time according to the adaptive adjustment mechanism of the program control and automatic feedback device, so as to realize the continuous and stable powder discharge process and the precise and controllable flow rate.

[0017] 4. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided by the present invention is equipped with an anti-interference device in the weighing area. In addition to the shock-absorbing load-bearing platform, which can effectively avoid the fluctuation of the weighing sensor signal caused by vibration, the design of the weighing overflow prevention enclosure not only makes the weighing area form a relatively independent local space, reducing the interference of external airflow, dust and other environmental factors on the weighing area, but also the device can collect a small amount of scattered powder, which is convenient for subsequent cleaning and maintenance. At the same time, it reduces the risk of powder contamination to other parts of the device, and improves the durability and maintenance convenience of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material zone structure of the high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the weighing zone structure of the high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm structure of the high-speed automatic powder weighing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this invention is not limited to the accompanying drawings and the following embodiments.

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention provides a high-speed automatic powder weighing device, the structure of each part of the device is as follows: Figure 1-4 As shown. The device includes a material handling area, a weighing area, and an automated robotic arm 12 (the structure of the automated robotic arm 12 is shown in the figure). Figure 4 (As shown). The flexible working radius of the robotic arm 12 enables precise grasping and placement operations in three-dimensional space, completing the entire process of automated and precise operation from material picking to weighing. Before weighing begins, the robotic arm 12 grips and positions the material container 7 into the container placement platform 8 in the weighing area.

[0024] The structure of the material area is as follows Figure 2As shown, the material area includes several large-capacity hoppers 1 with anti-static inner walls (through electroplating, the inner walls of the large-capacity hoppers 1 will form a nickel-based alloy electroplating layer 2 with both high conductivity and wear resistance), an intelligent positioning conveying track 5, a horizontal discharge pipe 3, and a frequency conversion vibration mechanism 4. The number of hoppers 1 in the material area can be adjusted according to actual needs. Each hopper 1 can hold powders of different compositions. For example, if 8 hoppers 1 are set up, 8 different powders can be placed in each hopper. The anti-static electroplating layer 2 on the inner wall of the hopper 1 is extremely thin (50-200 nm) with a surface roughness Ra<0.1 μm and a mirror-like glossy appearance, which can effectively prevent powder particles from adsorbing onto the inner wall of the hopper due to electrostatic effects. The intelligent positioning conveying track 5 and the hopper 1 form a linkage structure. This linkage structure is controlled in a closed loop by the servo motor 6. The servo motor 6 consists of three parts: the motor body, the encoder (feedback device), and the driver (controller). The upper controller sends pulse signals to set the target position, speed, and torque. After receiving the instruction, the driver accurately drives the target hopper 1 to move above the container 7 for discharge through torque control, thereby realizing the orderly supply of multi-component powder. The device employs a horizontal vibration discharge method. The hopper 1 is equipped with a variable frequency vibration mechanism 4. The programmable controller activates the variable frequency vibration mechanism 4 according to instructions. After vibration, the powder in the hopper 1 enters the horizontal discharge pipe 3 and vibrates along the pipe until it exits through the discharge port. The automatic feedback system in the weighing area provides real-time data feedback to the variable frequency vibration mechanism 4 based on the discharge status. This mechanism dynamically adjusts the vibration frequency and amplitude according to the target weighing mass, ensuring continuous and stable powder discharge with precise and controllable flow rate. For example, if the initial weighing mass differs significantly from the target mass, the variable frequency vibration mechanism 4 adjusts to a high-frequency vibration mode for rapid discharge. As the powder continues to fall and the real-time feedback mass from the weighing area gradually approaches the target mass, the variable frequency vibration mechanism 4 dynamically adjusts to a low-frequency vibration mode to slow down the powder discharge flow rate. Through this adaptive adjustment mechanism, a weighing accuracy of 0.1 mg can be achieved.

[0025] The structure of the weighing zone is as follows Figure 3As shown, the weighing area includes a material container 7, a container placement platform 8, a high-precision weighing device 9, a vibration-damping support platform 10, and a weighing overflow prevention barrier 11. The weighing device has a weighing accuracy of 0.1 mg. The weighing data in the weighing area is linked to the frequency conversion vibration mechanism 4 in the material area via an automatic feedback system, achieving accurate weighing through dynamic adjustment of vibration parameters. To further improve weighing accuracy, the weighing area is equipped with anti-interference devices, including the vibration-damping support platform 10 located at the bottom of the weighing device and the weighing overflow prevention barrier 11 surrounding it. The vibration-damping support platform 10 uses a cast iron mass block and a precision helical spring assembly to form a parallel vibration isolation system, combined with a silicon-based damper to dissipate vibration energy. The mass block design follows the equivalent mass principle, and its weight is strictly limited to 1.5-3 times the total system load. Through the synergistic effect of mass, spring, and damping, the transmission of high-risk vibration energy to the weighing sensor is significantly reduced, effectively isolating mechanical disturbances such as platform vibration and equipment operation vibration, and preventing signal fluctuations in the weighing sensor due to vibration. The weighing spill containment barrier 11 is constructed primarily of anti-static acrylic, and is tightly fitted to the weighing platform along the front and left and right sides using soft sealing strips, forming a three-sided enclosed protective structure. The side closest to the robotic arm operating point is an open, unconstrained structure with an adjustable working window, balancing robotic arm path planning and container transfer efficiency. This layout allows the weighing area to form a relatively independent local space, reducing interference from external airflow, dust, and other environmental factors, thus helping to maintain a stable weighing environment and indirectly ensuring weighing accuracy. The weighing spill containment barrier 11 also collects small amounts of spilled powder, facilitating subsequent cleaning and maintenance, reducing the risk of powder contamination of other components, and improving the equipment's durability and ease of maintenance.

[0026] Furthermore, after weighing each component according to the user's customized requirements, the robotic arm 12 clamps the container 7 to the next work area to continue the subsequent automated experimental process.

[0027] The above embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative of the apparatus and its usage method, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or adjustments can be made based on the above description, and any technical solution that embodies the technical concept and characteristics of the present invention should be considered to fall within the protection scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention is determined by the claims, and all equivalent transformations or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-speed automatic powder weighing device, characterized in that, The device includes a material area, a weighing area, and a robotic arm (12); the material area includes an intelligent positioning conveying track (5), several large-capacity silos (1) with anti-static inner walls, a horizontal discharge pipe (3), and a frequency conversion vibration mechanism (4); the weighing area includes a high-precision weighing module equipped with feedback control, a shock-absorbing load-bearing platform (10), and a weighing overflow prevention barrier (11); the robotic arm (12) can cooperate with automated equipment to assist in completing the entire process of automated and precise operation.

2. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material area adopts an intelligent positioning conveying track and a linkage structure with the silo. The linkage structure is controlled by a servo motor (6) in a closed loop. The servo motor (6) consists of a motor body, an encoder, and a driver. The upper controller sends a pulse signal to set the target position, speed, and torque. After receiving the instruction, the driver accurately drives the target silo (1) to move above the container (7) for discharge through torque control, thereby realizing the orderly supply of multi-component powder.

3. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material area includes several large-capacity hoppers with antistatic treatment on the inner wall, and the hopper capacity exceeds 300 ml; the antistatic electroplating layer (2) on the inner wall of the hopper (1) has a thickness of 50nm-200nm, a surface roughness Ra<0.1 μm, and a mirror-like glossy appearance, which can effectively prevent powder particles from being adsorbed on the inner wall of the hopper due to electrostatic effect.

4. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device uses a horizontal vibration discharge method, equipped with a horizontal discharge pipe and a variable frequency vibration mechanism. The variable frequency vibration mechanism can dynamically adjust the vibration frequency and amplitude according to the target weighing mass, ensuring that the powder discharge process is continuous and stable and the flow rate is accurately controllable, with a discharge accuracy of 0.1mg.

5. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Above the weighing platform of the device is a container placement area. The robotic arm clamps and moves the container into this area to complete the positioning. A high-precision weighing device is integrated below the platform, with a weighing accuracy of 0.1mg. After being linked with the device, it transmits data back in real time with the help of an automatic feedback system. At the same time, it works in coordination with the frequency conversion vibration mechanism to dynamically adjust the vibration parameters based on the feedback data, so as to accurately complete the weighing operation of the target powder preset in the program.

6. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The weighing area includes a material container (7), a container placement platform (8), a high-precision weighing device (9), a vibration-damping load-bearing platform (10), and a weighing spill prevention enclosure (11). The weighing accuracy of the weighing device reaches 0.1 mg. The weighing data of the weighing area is linked with the frequency conversion vibration mechanism (4) of the material area through an automatic feedback system. The accurate weighing is achieved by dynamically adjusting the vibration parameters. The weighing area is equipped with an anti-interference device, including a vibration damping support platform (10) at the bottom of the weighing device and a weighing spill prevention enclosure (11) around it. The vibration damping support platform (10) adopts a parallel vibration isolation system composed of cast iron mass blocks and precision helical springs, and works with silicon-based dampers to realize vibration energy dissipation. The mass block design follows the principle of equivalent mass, and its weight is 1.5-3 times the total load of the system. Through the synergistic effect of mass-spring-damping, the transmission of high-risk vibration energy to the weighing sensor is significantly reduced, effectively isolating mechanical disturbances such as platform vibration and equipment operation vibration, and preventing the weighing sensor from generating signal fluctuations due to vibration. The weighing anti-overflow enclosure (11) uses anti-static acrylic to construct the main barrier, and achieves tight fit with the weighing platform along the front end and left and right sides through soft sealing strips, forming a three-sided closed protection structure.

7. The high-speed automatic powder weighing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device uses a robotic arm (12) to perform container gripping and placement operations, and assists in the automation of the entire process.

8. The method of using the high-speed automatic powder weighing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The robotic arm grips and positions the material container to the weighing area / container placement area. S2. The intelligent positioning conveyor track accurately positions and drives the target material hopper outlet to above the container opening according to the user's set requirements. S3. After the variable frequency vibration mechanism starts according to the program instructions, the powder in the hopper enters the horizontal discharge pipe through vibration, and then is conveyed to the discharge port through vibration along the pipe to complete the discharge. The mechanism automatically adjusts the vibration parameters according to the feedback data of the automatic feedback system, thereby accurately adjusting the discharge speed and flow rate. S4. After completing the weighing of a target powder, the intelligent positioning conveyor track automatically switches between different powder weighing modes with different components and contents according to the preset formula to complete the user's customized weighing requirements. S5. After weighing, the robotic arm holds the container and moves it to the next work area to continue the subsequent automated experimental process.

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