Feeding device and working method

Abstract

The invention provides a feeding device and a working method, relates to the field of feeding tools, and aims at solving the problems of plate inclination and gap difference caused by magnetic separation through secondary positioning of a positioning table at present, ensuring that the position of a plate fed to a follow-up station is accurate, guaranteeing the machining precision and improving the machining efficiency due to the synchronous linkage design of double clamps of a transfer assembly. An independent transfer assembly does not need to be additionally configured while a transfer relocation function is realized, so that the system control complexity is reduced; and one set of driving system is shared, so that the occupied space is reduced, and the compact layout of equipment is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of feeding tooling, and more specifically to a feeding device and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] In industries using thin steel sheets, such as construction machinery, the sheets need to be stacked together for transport. Traditional technology uses suction cups to pick up the sheets, but due to the tight fit between the sheets, double sheets can be picked up. If double sheets are picked up, not only is the function of separating the sheets not achieved, but the double sheets may also detach during transport due to vibration and other factors, posing a certain safety hazard.

[0003] By configuring sheet metal conveying and transfer equipment, and cooperating with a magnetic separator to magnetize the sheets in contact with it, the sheets will then have the same polarity. According to the principle of like poles repelling, gaps will appear between the sheets, achieving the purpose of separating the sheets. A suction cup robot will grasp the sheets, and the transfer equipment will transport them. However, after the sheets are separated, they will tilt, causing the gripping position of the suction cup robot to be different from the position when the sheets are horizontal. Furthermore, due to the weight deviation of the sheets, the gaps formed by each sheet under the action of the magnetic separator will be different. Directly feeding the sheets to the subsequent processing station after the suction cup robot grasps them can easily cause positioning errors, affecting processing accuracy. The method of repositioning the sheets at the transfer station before feeding them can solve the deviation problem caused by the sheet metal separation and grasping, but it requires additional transfer components, increasing the control complexity of the system. In addition, the drive system corresponding to the transfer components also occupies the space in this position, affecting the equipment layout.

[0004] Since the feeding device is designed for various sizes of sheet metal workpieces, when the sheet metal workpieces have different thicknesses or shapes, especially when the sheet metal is thick, the magnetic separator does not take into account the different sheet metals. The separation gap of thick sheet metal is too small, which can easily result in double material when gripping, making it difficult to separate the sheet metal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a feeding device and its working method. Through secondary positioning by the positioning table, the device effectively corrects the problems of sheet tilting and gap differences caused by magnetic separation, ensuring the accurate positioning of the sheet at subsequent workstations and guaranteeing processing precision. The dual-clamp synchronous linkage design of the transfer component achieves the transfer and repositioning function without the need for additional independent transfer components, reducing the complexity of system control. Furthermore, the shared drive system reduces space occupation and facilitates a compact layout of the equipment.

[0006] The first objective of this invention is to provide a feeding device, which adopts the following solution: include: The platform is equipped with a first positioning component and a magnetic separator, which together form a top-open hopper. The positioning table is spaced apart from the carrier table and is equipped with a second positioning component and a clamping mechanism. The second positioning component forms a secondary positioning station that carries the workpiece, and the output end of the clamping mechanism faces the secondary positioning station. The transfer assembly includes a linear module and two sets of clamps spaced apart on a linkage beam. The linkage beam is mounted on the linear module via a lifting module. The output ends of the clamps are suspended above the hopper and the secondary positioning station. The linear module and the lifting module drive the two sets of clamps to move synchronously via the linkage beam, so that one of the clamps reciprocates between the hopper and the secondary positioning station.

[0007] Furthermore, a detection component is installed on the outside of the hopper. The detection component includes a thickness detection element to obtain the thickness of the top workpiece inside the hopper and send it to the controller. The controller is used to control the parameters of the magnetic separator to adjust the separation spacing to match the workpiece thickness.

[0008] Furthermore, the detection assembly also includes a photoelectric element, the detection beam of which is projected onto the hopper to identify whether a workpiece at the top of the hopper has been picked up.

[0009] Furthermore, the first positioning component includes a plurality of first positioning posts, the bottom of which is mounted on the platform with fasteners through elongated holes, and the magnetic separators are distributed along the workpiece stacking direction in the hopper. The magnetic separators and all the first positioning posts surround and form the hopper.

[0010] Furthermore, the platform has a through hole at the bottom of the hopper, and a lifting mechanism is provided below the through hole. The lifting plate at the output end of the lifting mechanism passes through the through hole and abuts against the bottom surface of the stacked workpieces in the hopper. The lifting direction of the lifting plate is parallel to the stacking direction of the materials in the hopper.

[0011] Furthermore, the second positioning component includes a plurality of second positioning posts, which are partially distributed circumferentially around the secondary positioning station. A clamping mechanism is provided in the area where the second positioning posts are not distributed. The output end of the clamping mechanism moves along the top surface parallel to the workpiece carried by the positioning table to push the workpiece against the second positioning posts.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixture includes a fixture frame and suction cups. Multiple suction cups are connected to the fixture frame through flexible buffers. The suction cups adapt to the tilted state of the workpiece after separation by the deformation of the flexible buffers. The suction cups are connected to a negative pressure source through air pipes.

[0013] Furthermore, the two sets of clamps are a first clamp and a second clamp, respectively. The horizontal distance between the first clamp and the second clamp is equal to the horizontal distance between the hopper and the secondary positioning station. The lifting module is connected to the linear module through a transfer plate, and the linear module is installed on the bracket.

[0014] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a feeding device, comprising the feeding device as provided in the first objective, including: The stacked workpieces are placed into the hopper of the platform. The first positioning component initially limits the workpieces. The magnetic separator is activated, allowing the stacked workpieces to separate one by one and form gaps. The linear module and the lifting module work together and coordinate their actions to drive the two sets of clamps installed on the linkage beam to move synchronously. One set of fixtures grabs the workpiece from the hopper and transports it to the top of the positioning table, so that the workpiece falls into the secondary positioning station; When the workpiece enters the secondary positioning station, the second positioning component performs preliminary positioning of the workpiece, the clamping mechanism is activated, its output end faces the workpiece and applies clamping force to accurately position the workpiece. While one set of fixtures transfers the workpiece from the hopper to the secondary positioning station, another set of fixtures moves synchronously to transfer the workpiece that has been positioned at the secondary positioning station to the subsequent station. The two sets of fixtures work alternately under the linkage of the linear module and the lifting module, continuously realizing the seamless transportation of workpieces from the hopper to the secondary positioning station and then to the subsequent station.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixture descends under the drive of the lifting module to grab a single workpiece that has been split in the hopper. Then the lifting module rises to lift the workpiece. The linear module drives the linkage beam to move and transfer the grabbed workpiece to the secondary positioning station above the positioning table. Then the lifting module descends again and the fixture releases the workpiece, which falls into the secondary positioning station.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are: The secondary positioning via the positioning table effectively corrects the issues of sheet tilting and gap differences caused by magnetic separation, ensuring accurate sheet positioning at subsequent workstations and guaranteeing processing precision. The dual-clamp synchronous linkage design of the transfer component achieves the transfer and repositioning function without the need for additional independent transfer components, reducing system control complexity. Furthermore, the shared drive system reduces space occupation and facilitates a compact equipment layout.

[0017] The closed-loop control of the thickness detection element and the controller enables the magnetic sheet separator parameters to be adjusted in real time according to the sheet thickness, solving the problem of double sheeting caused by excessively small sheet separation gaps; the adjustable design of the first positioning column can adapt to workpieces of different shapes, expanding the applicability of the device.

[0018] Real-time detection by photoelectric components prevents empty or missed gripping, while flexible suction cups counteract the effects of sheet tilt, ensuring stable gripping. The coordinated positioning of the second positioning component and the clamping mechanism further corrects positional deviations during transport, ensuring that the secondary positioning accuracy is unaffected by sheet specifications and guaranteeing subsequent processing accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a feeding device in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the loading platform and positioning platform of the feeding device in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] The components include: 1. Platform; 2. Hopper; 3. Workpiece; 4. Detection assembly; 5. First positioning assembly; 6. Magnetic separator; 7. Support; 8. Linear module; 9. Lifting module; 10. Transfer plate; 11. Second positioning assembly; 12. First clamp frame; 13. First suction cup; 14. Second clamp frame; 15. Second suction cup; 16. Tightening mechanism; 17. Secondary positioning station; 18. Positioning table; 19. Linkage beam; 20. Lifting plate; 21. Lifting mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, a feeding device is presented.

[0024] In current sheet metal gripping and transfer operations, the tilting and gap differences of the sheets after magnetic separation cause gripping and positioning deviations, affecting the accuracy of subsequent processing. Traditional transfer and repositioning methods require additional transfer components, increasing system control complexity and occupying space, affecting equipment layout. Therefore, this embodiment provides a feeding device that operates through a coordinated process of separation, gripping, positioning, and transfer. Utilizing secondary positioning by the positioning table 18, it effectively corrects the sheet metal tilting and gap differences caused by magnetic separation. Two sets of spaced-apart clamps share a single drive system, operating synchronously and reducing space occupation.

[0025] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the feeding device includes a platform 1, a positioning table 18, and a transfer assembly. The platform 1 and the positioning table 18 are arranged sequentially according to the flow direction of the workpiece 3. The transfer assembly is arranged outside the platform 1 and the positioning table 18. The working position can cover the platform 1 and the positioning table 18. The workpiece 3 is a sheet metal, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0026] The platform 1 is equipped with a first positioning component 5 and a magnetic separator 6, which together form a top-open hopper 2. The first positioning component 5 is used to initially limit the stacked workpieces 3 to prevent the workpieces 3 from shifting significantly before separation; the magnetic separator 6 generates like-pole repulsion force by magnetizing the workpieces 3, so that gaps are formed between the workpieces 3, thereby realizing the separation function.

[0027] The positioning platform 18 is spaced apart from the carrier platform 1 and is equipped with a second positioning component 11 and a clamping mechanism 16. The second positioning component 11 forms a secondary positioning station 17, which is used to carry the workpiece 3 grabbed from the hopper 2 and perform preliminary positioning; the output end of the clamping mechanism 16 faces the secondary positioning station 17 and can apply clamping force to the workpiece 3 that falls into the station to eliminate the tilt or positional deviation of the workpiece 3 and achieve precise repositioning.

[0028] The transfer assembly includes a linear module 8, a linkage beam 19, two sets of clamps, and a lifting module 9. The two sets of clamps are spaced apart on the linkage beam 19, which is connected to the linear module 8 via the lifting module 9, suspending the output ends of the clamps above the hopper 2 and the secondary positioning station 17. The linear module 8 drives the linkage beam 19 and the clamps to move horizontally, while the lifting module 9 drives the linkage beam 19 and the clamps to move vertically; their coordinated action causes the two sets of clamps to move synchronously.

[0029] After the magnetic separator 6 separates the workpiece 3, a gap is formed. However, the gap may be uneven due to differences in the weight of the workpiece 3, or the workpiece 3 may tilt due to the magnetic force. Direct gripping can easily cause positioning deviations. In this embodiment, this problem is solved by secondary positioning. After the magnetic separator 6 of the platform 1 completes the separation of the workpiece 3, a set of clamps of the transfer assembly grabs the separated workpiece 3 from the hopper 2. The linear module 8 and the lifting module 9 drive the clamps to transfer the workpiece 3 to the secondary positioning station 17 of the positioning platform 18. The second positioning assembly 11 initially limits the workpiece 3, and the output end of the clamping mechanism 16 clamps the workpiece 3, eliminating tilt and position deviation, achieving precise repositioning, and ensuring the positioning accuracy of subsequent processing.

[0030] Traditional transfer positioning requires an additional independent transfer component, resulting in complex control and space occupation. In this embodiment, the dual-clamp synchronous linkage action is implemented. The two sets of clamps of the transfer component are installed at intervals on the linkage beam 19 and are driven synchronously by the same set of linear module 8 and lifting module 9. When one set of clamps transfers workpiece 3 between the hopper 2 and the secondary positioning station 17, the other set of clamps can simultaneously load workpiece 3 from the secondary positioning station 17 to the subsequent process without the need for an additional drive system. This reduces the configuration of independent transfer components, simplifies the system control logic, avoids the space occupation of an additional drive system, and optimizes the equipment layout.

[0031] The secondary positioning by the positioning table 18 effectively corrects the tilting and gap differences of workpiece 3 caused by magnetic tensioning, ensuring the accurate positioning of workpiece 3 when it is loaded to the subsequent station and guaranteeing processing accuracy. The dual-clamp synchronous linkage design of the transfer component achieves the transfer and repositioning function without the need for an additional independent transfer component, reducing the complexity of system control; and sharing a single drive system reduces space occupation and facilitates a compact layout of the equipment.

[0032] The linear module 8 can employ a ball screw mechanism, consisting of a ball screw, guide rail, slider, and motor (servo motor or stepper motor). The motor drives the ball screw to rotate, and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion of the slider through the helical transmission between the screw and the nut. The guide rail ensures the straightness of the slider's movement. The slider is connected to the lifting module 9 via the transfer plate 10, driving the lifting module 9 to move linearly. Alternatively, a synchronous belt mechanism can be used, consisting of a synchronous belt, synchronous pulley, guide rail, slider, and motor. The motor drives the synchronous pulley to rotate, and the synchronous belt drives the slider to move linearly along the guide rail.

[0033] The lifting module 9 can adopt a cylinder-driven lifting structure, consisting of a cylinder, a guide shaft, and a slider. Compressed air drives the cylinder piston rod to extend and retract, thereby raising and lowering the fixture frame. The guide shaft ensures the verticality of the lifting. The slider connects to the linkage beam 19, thereby driving the linkage beam 19 and the fixture to rise and fall.

[0034] When there are differences in sheet thickness or shape (especially significant thickness), traditional magnetic sheet separators 6, due to their fixed parameters, cannot adjust the sheet separation force according to the sheet characteristics, easily leading to excessively small separation gaps for thick sheets and double-sheet gripping problems. To address this, this embodiment includes a detection component, comprising a thickness detection element 4 installed on the outside of the hopper 2, which acquires the thickness of the top workpiece 3 in real time and feeds it back to the controller. The controller dynamically adjusts the output of the magnetic sheet separator 6 based on thickness parameters, such as magnetic strength, to match the separation gap with the thickness of the workpiece 3. For thick sheets, the magnetic force is increased to widen the gap; for thin sheets, the magnetic force is decreased to avoid over-separation, reducing the risk of double-sheet gripping at its source. To achieve magnetic force adjustment of the magnetic sheet separator 6, an electromagnet can be used as the magnetic source, with the current adjusted as needed to regulate the magnetic force.

[0035] The detection component also includes photoelectric elements. The detection beam of the photoelectric elements is projected onto the material bin 2 to identify whether the workpiece 3 at the top of the material bin 2 has been grasped. By projecting the detection beam onto the top of the material bin 2, it accurately identifies whether the workpiece 3 has been grasped. If the grasping is completed, a signal is fed back to the system to trigger the next splitting or lifting action; if the grasping is not completed, such as due to a suction cup malfunction, the machine will stop and alarm in time to avoid process disorder caused by empty grasping or repeated grasping.

[0036] The first positioning component 5 includes multiple first positioning posts. The bottom of each first positioning post is mounted on the platform 1 via an elongated hole and fasteners. Magnetic separators 6 are distributed along the stacking direction of the workpieces 3 within the hopper 2. The magnetic separators 6 and all the first positioning posts together form the hopper 2. The elongated hole structure allows the positioning posts to be adjusted horizontally, and together with the magnetic separators 6, they form hoppers 2 of different sizes to accommodate workpieces 3 of different shapes (such as rectangular or irregular shapes). At the same time, the magnetic separators 6 are distributed along the stacking direction of the workpieces 3, ensuring that the tension is evenly applied to the entire stack of workpieces 3, avoiding uneven separation due to shape differences.

[0037] The platform 1 has a through hole at the bottom of the hopper 2. A lifting mechanism 21 is located below the through hole. The lifting plate 20 at the output end of the lifting mechanism 21 passes through the through hole and abuts against the bottom surface of the stacked workpieces 3 inside the hopper 2. The lifting direction of the lifting plate 20 is parallel to the stacking direction of the materials inside the hopper 2. The through hole at the bottom of the platform 1, in conjunction with the lifting mechanism 21, allows the lifting plate 20 to pass through the through hole and abut against the bottom surface of the stacked workpieces 3, gradually lifting them along the stacking direction. The core function of the lifting mechanism 21 is to continuously lift the remaining workpieces 3 upwards during the gradual gripping and removal of the stacked workpieces 3, ensuring that the topmost workpiece 3 in the hopper 2 is always maintained at a height easily gripped by the fixture, thus ensuring the continuity and stability of the gripping action.

[0038] The lifting mechanism 21 is linked with the hopper 2 through a through hole at the bottom of the platform 1. Its output lifting plate 20 directly abuts the bottom surface of the stacked workpieces 3, with the lifting direction parallel to the stacking direction of the workpieces 3. When the top workpiece 3 is gripped and removed by the fixture, the overall height of the remaining workpieces 3 decreases. At this time, the lifting mechanism 21 is activated, pushing the remaining workpieces 3 upwards through the lifting plate 20, raising the new top workpiece 3 to the original gripping height. This process is automatically triggered through cooperation with a detection component (such as a photoelectric element). After the photoelectric element detects that the top workpiece 3 has been removed, it sends a feedback signal to the controller. The controller then drives the lifting mechanism 21 to complete one lifting action, with the lifting height matching the thickness of a single workpiece 3.

[0039] Without the lifting mechanism 21, as workpieces 3 are continuously removed and the stacking height gradually decreases, the top workpiece 3 will deviate from the optimal gripping range of the fixture. If it is too low, the fixture's stroke will be insufficient; if it is too high, the workpiece 3 will sway during gripping. The lifting mechanism 21 ensures that the position of the top workpiece 3 remains consistent during each gripping by dynamically compensating for the height, thus avoiding gripping failures due to height deviations.

[0040] Regardless of the initial number of workpieces 3 stacked, the lifting mechanism 21 can gradually lift and adapt to the thickness of the remaining workpieces 3, ensuring consistent gripping conditions from the first to the last workpiece 3, thus enhancing the device's adaptability to different batches of workpieces 3. The lifting mechanism 21, through precise height compensation, provides a stable gripping reference for the fixture, making it a key auxiliary structure ensuring a continuous and efficient feeding process.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the second positioning component 11 includes multiple second positioning posts, which are partially distributed circumferentially around the secondary positioning station 17. A clamping mechanism 16 is installed in the area where the second positioning posts are not distributed. The output end of the clamping mechanism 16 moves along the top surface parallel to the positioning table 18, which carries the workpiece 3, to push the workpiece 3 against the second positioning posts. When the workpiece 3 falls into the secondary positioning station 17, the clamping mechanism 16 pushes the workpiece 3 along the top surface of the positioning table 18, causing it to abut against the second positioning posts, forming a rigid positioning system that pushes and limits the workpiece. The clamping stroke compensates for dimensional differences, adapting to workpieces 3 of different sizes, and the mechanical limiting eliminates positional deviations caused by tensioning, ensuring the accuracy of the secondary positioning.

[0042] The suction cups of the fixture are connected to the fixture frame via flexible buffers, such as springs or rubber pads. Multiple suction cups are connected to the fixture frame via these flexible buffers. The suction cups adapt to the tilted state of the workpiece 3 after it has been split by the deformation of the flexible buffers. The suction cups are connected to a negative pressure source via air pipes. When the split workpiece 3 is tilted, the flexible buffers can adaptively adjust the angle of the suction cups through deformation, ensuring a tight fit between the suction cups and the surface of the workpiece 3. This avoids unstable gripping or air leakage caused by tilting, and is especially suitable for gripping thick plates with uneven splitting gaps.

[0043] The two sets of clamps are a first clamp and a second clamp. The first clamp includes a first clamp frame 12 and a first suction cup 13. The second clamp includes a second clamp frame 14 and a second suction cup 15. The horizontal distance between the first clamp and the second clamp is the same as the distance between the hopper 2 and the secondary positioning station 17. The horizontal distance between the first clamp and the second clamp is equal to the horizontal distance between the hopper 2 and the secondary positioning station 17. The lifting module 9 is connected to the linear module 8 through the transfer plate 10. The linear module 8 is installed on the bracket 7 to ensure that when the clamps move synchronously, the first clamp picks up material from the hopper 2 while the second clamp can accurately dock with the secondary positioning station 17 to release material, reducing idle time. The linear module 8 is fixed by the bracket 7 to improve the stability of the transfer and avoid positioning deviation caused by vibration.

[0044] The closed-loop control of the thickness detection element 4 and the controller enables the parameters of the magnetic separator 6 to be adjusted in real time according to the thickness of the workpiece 3. Combined with the auxiliary thrust of the lifting mechanism 21, it ensures that the thick plate can also form a sufficient separation gap, solving the problem of double material caused by the excessively small separation gap of the thick plate. The adjustable design of the first positioning column can adapt to workpieces 3 of different shapes, expanding the applicability of the device.

[0045] Real-time detection by photoelectric components avoids empty gripping or missed gripping, and the flexible suction cup counteracts the tilting effect of workpiece 3, ensuring stable gripping; the coordinated positioning of the second positioning component 11 and the clamping mechanism 16 further corrects the positional deviation during the transfer process, so that the secondary positioning accuracy is not affected by the specifications of workpiece 3, and ensures the accuracy of subsequent processing.

[0046] The precise linkage of the transfer components reduces fixture idle time and improves loading efficiency. Each structure is integrated around the platform 1 and positioning platform 18, without occupying excessive additional space, maintaining a compact equipment layout and avoiding the space redundancy issues of traditional multi-specification adaptation solutions. Adaptation adjustments are automatically completed through mechanical structures or closed-loop control, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments, simplifying the operation process, and avoiding errors caused by human intervention.

[0047] Example 2 In another typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, a method for operating a feeding device is given, using the feeding device as described in Example 1.

[0048] A method for operating a feeding device includes: The stacked workpieces 3 are placed into the hopper 2 of the platform 1. The first positioning component 5 initially limits the workpieces 3. The magnetic separator 6 is activated, allowing the stacked workpieces 3 to separate one by one and form gaps. The linear module 8 and the lifting module 9 cooperate and work together to drive the two sets of clamps installed on the linkage beam 19 to move synchronously. One set of clamps grabs the workpiece 3 from the hopper 2 and transports it above the positioning table 18, so that the workpiece 3 falls into the secondary positioning station 17. When workpiece 3 enters the secondary positioning station 17, the second positioning component 11 performs preliminary positioning of workpiece 3, the clamping mechanism 16 is activated, its output end faces workpiece 3 and applies clamping force to accurately position workpiece 3. While one set of fixtures transfers workpiece 3 from hopper 2 to secondary positioning station 17, another set of fixtures moves synchronously to transfer workpiece 3, which has been positioned on secondary positioning station 17, to subsequent stations. The two sets of fixtures work alternately under the linkage of the linear module 8 and the lifting module 9, continuously realizing the continuous transportation of workpiece 3 from the hopper 2 to the secondary positioning station 17, and then to the subsequent station.

[0049] Specifically, in conjunction with Example 1 and Figure 1 , Figure 2 The working method of the feeding device includes: The stacked workpieces 3 are placed into the hopper 2 of the platform 1. The first positioning component 5 initially limits the position of the workpieces 3. At the same time, the magnetic separator 6 is activated, and the magnetic force is used to separate the stacked workpieces 3 one by one to form gaps, in preparation for subsequent material handling.

[0050] The linear module 8 and lifting module 9 of the transfer assembly work together to drive the two sets of clamps on the linkage beam 19 to move synchronously. One set of clamps descends under the drive of the lifting module 9, grabs a single workpiece 3 that has been separated in the hopper 2, and then the lifting module 9 rises. The linear module 8 drives the linkage beam 19 to move, transferring the workpiece 3 to the secondary positioning station 17 above the positioning table 18. Then the lifting module 9 descends, the clamps release the workpiece 3, and the workpiece 3 falls into the secondary positioning station 17.

[0051] After workpiece 3 enters the secondary positioning station 17, the second positioning component 11 performs preliminary positioning of workpiece 3, the clamping mechanism 16 is activated, its output end faces workpiece 3 and applies clamping force to firmly fix workpiece 3 in the accurate position and ensure the stability of workpiece 3 posture.

[0052] While one set of fixtures transfers workpiece 3 to the secondary positioning station 17, another set of fixtures simultaneously moves workpiece 3 from the secondary positioning station 17 to the subsequent station. The two sets of fixtures, through the linkage of the linear module 8 and the lifting module 9, realize the conveying of workpiece 3 from the hopper 2 to the secondary positioning station 17 and then to the subsequent station, thus achieving continuous feeding of workpiece 3.

[0053] 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. A feeding device, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a kind of workpiece transfer device, including: Support, it is equipped with first positioning component and magnetic force separator, first positioning component and magnetic force separator are surrounded and form the open top bin; Positioning table, it is spacedly distributed with support, it is equipped with second positioning component and jacking mechanism, second positioning component is surrounded and forms the secondary positioning station of carrying workpiece, the output end of jacking mechanism is towards secondary positioning station; Transfer component, including linear module and two groups of clamps spacedly installed on linkage beam, linkage beam is installed on linear module by lifting module, the output end of clamp is suspended above bin and secondary positioning station, linear module and lifting module drive two groups of clamps synchronous action through linkage beam, so that one of clamps reciprocatingly runs between bin and secondary positioning station.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that Detection component is installed outside bin, detection component includes thickness detection element, obtains the thickness of top workpiece in bin and sends to controller, controller is used to control magnetic force separator parameter to adjust the spacing of separating and adapt workpiece thickness.

3. The feeding device according to claim 2, wherein Detection component also includes photoelectric element, the detection light beam of photoelectric element projects bin, to identify whether top workpiece in bin is grabbed.

4. The loading device of claim 1, wherein, First positioning component includes multiple first positioning columns, first positioning column bottom is installed on support by long round hole cooperation fastener, magnetic force separator is distributed along the stacking direction of workpiece in bin, magnetic force separator and all first positioning columns are surrounded and form bin.

5. The feeding device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein The support is provided with a through hole corresponding to the bottom of the bin, and a jacking mechanism is arranged below the through hole.

6. The loading device of claim 1, wherein, Second positioning component includes multiple second positioning columns, second positioning column is circumferentially locally distributed around secondary positioning station, second positioning column is not distributed region and is provided with jacking mechanism, the output end of jacking mechanism moves along the top surface of the workpiece carried by the positioning table to push the workpiece against the second positioning column.

7. The loading device of claim 1, wherein, The clamp includes a clamp frame and a suction cup, a plurality of suction cups are respectively connected to the clamp frame by flexible buffers, the suction cups adapt to the inclined state of the workpiece after separation through the deformation of the flexible buffers, and the suction cups are connected to a negative pressure source through air pipes.

8. The loading device of claim 7, wherein, The two groups of clamps are respectively a first clamp and a second clamp, the horizontal distance between the first clamp and the second clamp is equal to the horizontal distance between the bin and the secondary positioning station, the lifting module connects the linear module through a transfer plate, and the linear module is installed on a bracket.

9. A method of operating a loading device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that The stacked workpieces are placed in the bin of the support, the first positioning component preliminarily positions the workpieces, and the magnetic force separator is started to separate the stacked workpieces one by one and form gaps. The linear module and the lifting module cooperate with each other and move synchronously to drive the two groups of clamps installed on the linkage beam to move synchronously. One of the clamps grabs the workpiece from the bin and transports it to above the positioning table, so that the workpiece falls into the secondary positioning station. When the workpiece enters the secondary positioning station, the second positioning component preliminarily positions the workpiece, and the jacking mechanism is started to accurately position the workpiece by applying a jacking force to the output end of the jacking mechanism towards the workpiece. While one of the clamps transfers the workpiece from the bin to the secondary positioning station, the other clamp simultaneously moves to transfer the workpiece positioned in the secondary positioning station to a subsequent station. ​ Two sets of clamps work alternately under the linkage of the linear module and the lifting module to continuously realize the coherent conveying of the workpieces from the stock bin to the secondary positioning station and then to the subsequent stations.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the material is fed into the hopper by a conveyor. The clamps are driven by the lifting module to descend, grab the single workpiece that has been separated in the stock bin, and then the lifting module is lifted to lift the workpiece; The linear module drives the linkage beam to move, and the grabbed workpiece is transferred to above the secondary positioning station of the positioning table, and then the lifting module is lowered again, and the clamps release the workpiece to fall into the secondary positioning station.

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