Automatic feeding mechanism and connector production device comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of connector production, in particular to an automatic feeding mechanism and a connector production device comprising the same, the automatic feeding mechanism comprises a cover processing module, a discharging module and a storage tray, the automatic feeding mechanism further comprises a feeding module, the feeding module is used for supplying materials to the cover processing module, and the feeding module comprises a lower total mechanism and an automatic transfer mechanism; the lower total mechanism comprises a box frame, a panel piece installed on the box frame, a vertical guide rail assembly installed in the box frame and a lifting frame driven by the vertical guide rail assembly. Automatic detection and recovery of the empty trays are achieved, mechanical weight detection serves as the core, reset triggering is achieved with the assistance of a single contact sensor, dependence on a complex sensor is reduced, the structure is simple and reliable, the mistake proofing function is achieved, it is ensured that only the empty trays are transferred, and different trays can be rapidly adapted through adjustment; and the production continuity and the equipment universality are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector manufacturing technology, specifically to an automatic feeding mechanism and a connector manufacturing apparatus containing the mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of connectors (such as memory module interfaces), the metal shielding cover (or "jacket") is a critical component. These metal covers require precision engraving, stamping, or testing processes before final assembly. Traditionally, the automatic and continuous supply of metal covers stacked in trays to the processing modules is an important part of automated production lines.

[0003] Currently, common material feeding methods mainly suffer from the following pain points: Many feeding mechanisms cannot automatically determine whether the material in the tray has been completely removed. This requires frequent inspections by operators or the installation of vision systems and multiple photoelectric sensors to detect the tray status. The former increases labor costs and is prone to causing equipment to idle or stop due to negligence; the latter significantly increases system complexity and manufacturing costs, and the sensors may pose a risk of misjudgment or contamination in industrial environments. When the material on a single tray is used up, the machine needs to be stopped, and manual intervention is required to remove the empty tray and replenish it with a new full tray. This process interrupts the continuous production cycle and reduces the overall production efficiency of the equipment. Empty trays are usually placed manually or require a special process for recycling, which can easily cause the material (empty trays) to pile up and become messy on the spot, which is not conducive to the management of the production site and may also affect the logistics continuity of the automated production line. For different models and weights of material trays, many feeding mechanisms lack convenient adjustment mechanisms. Changing products requires cumbersome mechanical adjustments or parameter resets, which affects the production flexibility of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide an automatic feeding mechanism and a connector production apparatus containing the mechanism, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An automatic feeding mechanism includes a cover processing module, a discharging module, and a storage tray. The mechanism further includes a feeding module for supplying material to the cover processing module, comprising a lower assembly and an automatic transfer mechanism. The lower assembly includes a box frame, a panel mounted on the box frame, a vertical guide rail assembly mounted within the box frame, and a lifting frame driven by the vertical guide rail assembly. A separation detection component group is provided under the panel, used to separate stacked storage trays one by one and detect whether any material remains in the storage trays. Two sets of separation detection components are provided, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the storage trays. Each separation detection component group includes a side guide plate, a linkage bracket fixedly connected to one side of the side guide plate, and an inner separation baffle fixedly connected to the end of the linkage bracket away from the side guide plate.

[0006] Preferably, the inner separation baffle is provided with a guide box outside the inner separation baffle, and the inner separation baffle is slidably connected inside the guide box; a side pressure block and a tension adjustment plate are slidably connected inside the inner separation baffle, and a tension spring is connected between the side pressure block and the tension adjustment plate.

[0007] Preferably, an adjusting bolt is rotatably connected to the tension adjusting plate, and the adjusting bolt is threadedly connected to the inner separation baffle. The height of the tension adjusting plate in the inner separation baffle can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting bolt.

[0008] Preferably, the bottom of the inner separation baffle is provided with a protruding triangular side, and the protruding triangular side is longer than the side pressure block, for insertion between stacked storage trays to achieve separation.

[0009] Preferably, a reset cylinder is installed under the inner separation baffle.

[0010] Preferably, the working end of the reset cylinder is fixedly connected to a side pressure block.

[0011] Preferably, the reset cylinder is electrically connected to a contact sensor.

[0012] Preferably, the contact sensor is installed inside the guide box, and its working end is used to contact the inner separation baffle box; when the contact sensor is triggered, it can control the working end of the reset cylinder to retract to pull the side pressure block down.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the side guide plate is provided with an inclined surface for contacting the storage tray.

[0014] Preferably, the linkage bracket and the panel are connected by a guide rail, and the linkage bracket can slide on the panel.

[0015] Preferably, a spring is provided between the linkage bracket and the panel component to allow it to return to its original position.

[0016] A connector manufacturing apparatus, comprising the aforementioned automatic feeding mechanism.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: By combining the separation detection component group with the automatic transfer mechanism, the system can automatically determine whether the material tray has been emptied and transfer the empty tray to the designated location for collection, reducing manual intervention and making material flow management more consistent. A simple and reliable state detection scheme is provided, which uses the balance between the weight of the material tray and the spring tension to drive the position change of the side pressure block, thereby mechanically indicating the state of the material tray. This mechanical detection method has a stable structure and reduces the dependence on external sensors and the associated costs and risks of misjudgment. Equipped with built-in error prevention function, the automatic transfer mechanism can only successfully grab the empty tray when it is moved to the predetermined height, which effectively prevents the production error of accidentally removing the tray when there is still material in it, improves the continuity of equipment operation, and the separation detection component group can automatically reset after the empty tray is removed, so that the next full tray can quickly enter the loading station, shortening the waiting time caused by the switching between full and empty trays. The mechanism has improved its adaptability to different products. The preload of the tension spring can be changed by adjusting the bolts, allowing the mechanism to quickly adapt to material trays of different weights. This improves the equipment's versatility and production changeover efficiency. The overall structure is compact and highly integrated. Separation, lifting, detection, and transfer functions are integrated into the feeding module. The layout is reasonable and conducive to deployment and integration in automated production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding module of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the panel component of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage tray and separation detection component assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the material storage tray and feeding module of the present invention. Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A; Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the initial state of the separation and detection component group of the present invention; Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the guide box of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the separation and detection component group of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Cover processing module; 11. Handling robotic arm; 2. Loading module; 21. Lower main mechanism; 211. Panel component; 212. Box frame; 213. Vertical guide rail assembly; 214. Lifting frame; 215. Separation and detection component group; 2151. Side guide plate; 2152. Linkage bracket; 2153. Inner separation baffle; 2154. Guide box; 2155. Side pressure block; 2156. Tension adjustment plate; 2157. Reset cylinder; 22. Automatic transfer mechanism; 3. Unloading module; 4. Storage tray. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] One embodiment provided by the present invention: An automatic feeding mechanism and a connector production apparatus containing the mechanism include a cover processing module 1, a unloading module 3, and a storage tray 4, wherein the apparatus further includes: The feeding module 2 is used to supply material to the cover processing module 1. The feeding module 2 includes a lower assembly mechanism 21 and an automatic transfer mechanism 22. The lower assembly 21 includes a box frame 212, a panel 211 is mounted on the box frame 212, a vertical guide rail assembly 213 is installed inside the box frame 212, a lifting frame 214 is driven on the vertical guide rail assembly 213, and a separation detection component group 215 is provided under the panel 211. The separation detection component group 215 is used to separate the stacked trays one by one and detect whether there is any material left in the trays.

[0022] Two sets of separation detection component groups 215 are provided, and the two sets of separation detection component groups 215 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the storage tray 4. Each separation detection component group 215 includes a side guide plate 2151. A linkage bracket 2152 is fixedly connected to one side of the side guide plate 2151. An inner separation baffle box 2153 is fixedly connected to the end of the linkage bracket 2152 away from the side guide plate 2151. A guide box 2154 is provided outside the inner separation baffle box 2153. The inner separation baffle box 2153 is slidably connected within the guide box 2154. A side pressure block 2155 and a tension adjustment plate 2156 are slidably connected within the inner separation baffle box 2153. The side pressure block 2155 and the tension adjustment plate 2156 can only slide vertically within the inner separation baffle box 2153. An adjustment bolt is rotatably connected to the tension adjustment plate 2156. The adjustment bolt is threadedly connected to the inner separation baffle box 2153.

[0023] A reset cylinder 2157 is installed under the inner separation baffle 2153. The working end of the reset cylinder 2157 is fixedly connected to the side pressure block 2155. The reset cylinder 2157 is electrically connected to a contact sensor. The contact sensor is installed inside the guide box 2154, and the working end of the contact sensor is used to contact the inner separation baffle 2153. When the working end of the contact sensor contacts the inner separation baffle 2153, the reset cylinder 2157 is activated to retract its working end, thereby pulling the side pressure block 2155 vertically downward.

[0024] The side pressure block 2155 is used to contact the edge of the storage tray 4. The bottom of the inner separation baffle 2153 is provided with a protruding triangular edge, and the protruding triangular edge is longer than the side pressure block 2155. The protruding triangular edge is used to separate the top storage tray 4 and the multiple sets of storage trays 4 below among the multiple storage trays 4, and at the same time prevent the multiple storage trays 4 below from rising.

[0025] The guide box 2154 is fixedly connected to the panel 211. The bottom of the guide box 2154 is provided with a clearance groove corresponding to the reset cylinder 2157, and the top of the guide box 2154 is provided with a clearance groove corresponding to the bolt.

[0026] The inner separation baffle 2153 slides laterally in the guide box 2154 groove. A tension spring is connected between the tension adjustment plate 2156 and the side pressure block 2155. The height of the tension adjustment plate 2156 in the inner separation baffle 2153 is adjusted by rotating and adjusting the bolt on the tension adjustment plate 2156, thereby adjusting the tension of the tension spring to adapt to the weight of different storage trays 4.

[0027] The bottom of the side guide plate 2151 is provided with an inclined surface, and the inclined surface of the side guide plate 2151 is used to contact the storage tray 4.

[0028] The linkage bracket 2152 and the panel component 211 are connected by a guide rail, and the linkage bracket 2152 can slide in the panel component 211.

[0029] The manual staff places multiple stacked storage trays 4 onto the lifting frame 214 of the lower main mechanism 21 (this position is the tray stacking station, referred to as 21a). The automatic transfer mechanism 22 transfers the empty trays to the empty tray recycling station (referred to as 21b) of the lower main mechanism 21 for stacking and storage.

[0030] Working principle: In the engraving process of the front and back covers of memory modules, a cover processing module 1 is used. One side of the cover processing module 1 is equipped with a loading module 2 for loading materials, and the other side is equipped with a unloading module 3 for unloading materials. The loading module 2 needs to be used in conjunction with the handling robotic arm 11 installed on the cover processing module 1.

[0031] The workflow of this automatic feeding mechanism mainly includes five core stages: material storage and lifting, separation and positioning, material retrieval and detection, empty tray transfer, and mechanism reset. 1. Storage and Lifting: Multiple stacked storage trays 4, each containing the front and rear covers of the memory modules to be processed, are manually placed on the lifting frame 214 of the lower main mechanism 21. After startup, the vertical guide rail assembly 213 drives the lifting frame 214 to rise slowly and continuously, thereby lifting the entire stack of storage trays 4.

[0032] 2. Separation and Positioning: As the storage trays 4 stack rise, the edge of the topmost storage tray 4 contacts the bottom slope of the side guide plate 2151 of the separation detection component assembly 215. Under the continuous lifting force, the top storage tray 4 pushes the side guide plate 2151 and its fixed linkage bracket 2152 and inner separation baffle 2153 to slide laterally together. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 To move to the left.

[0033] During this process, the protruding triangular edge at the bottom of the inner separating baffle 2153 precisely inserts into the gap between the topmost storage tray 4 and the second-to-topmost storage tray 4. Subsequently, as the lifting frame 214 continues to rise, the lower stack of storage trays 4 cannot move further upward due to the mechanical obstruction of the inner separating baffle 2153. The separated topmost storage tray 4 is then fully positioned, its two sides supported by the side pressure blocks 2155, stably positioned at the preset loading station, awaiting material retrieval.

[0034] 3. Material Picking and Status Indication (Core): The robotic arm 11 of the cover processing module 1 begins to pick up the front and rear covers from the storage tray 4 at the loading station for loading. The key technology in this step lies in using weight changes for status indication: Initial state (full load): The storage tray 4 is heavy due to being fully loaded. Its own weight overcomes the tension of the tension spring between the side pressure block 2155 and the tension adjustment plate 2156, keeping the side pressure block 2155 in a low position.

[0035] Status Switching (Empty Tray): As all the material in the tray is removed, the total weight of the storage tray 4 decreases. When the weight is lower than the preset restoring force of the tension spring (pre-set via the adjusting bolt), the tension spring pulls the side pressure block 2155 and the empty storage tray 4 upwards together until they reach the upper mechanical limit. This "moving to the upper limit" action is the clear mechanical signal that "the tray is empty".

[0036] 4. Empty tray transfer: The linear module of the automatic transfer mechanism 22 drives the air suction frame to move above the loading station. Its telescopic cylinder descends according to a fixed stroke.

[0037] If material retrieval is not completed (the tray is not empty): The material tray 4 is in a low position because the weight does not meet the standard, and the distance between the air suction frame and the material tray 4 is too large to complete the retrieval, thus realizing the detection function of "material prohibited from transfer".

[0038] If material handling is complete (the tray is empty): The empty tray is at a preset precise height, and the air suction frame can smoothly contact and use vacuum suction to grab the empty tray. Subsequently, the automatic transfer mechanism 22 transfers the empty trays to the lower main mechanism 21 for stacking and storage. Once the main mechanism is full, the trays are manually removed.

[0039] 5. After the empty disk is removed, the separation detection component group 215 needs to be reset to start the next cycle: The top storage tray 4 is removed, preventing the side guide plate 2151 from remaining in a leftward position. At this point, the spring between the linkage bracket 2152 and the panel piece 211 releases its stored force, causing it to reset. Consequently, the inner separation baffle 2153 moves to the right, from... Figure 7 The state shown gradually returns to Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, once the inner separation baffle 2153 moves to the right to its limit position, it will trigger the contact sensor, which will then cause the reset cylinder 2157 to work and pull the side pressure block 2155 back to the bottom. After reaching the bottom, it will close and will not self-lock, ensuring that subsequent cycles will be triggered normally.

[0040] As the inner separation baffle 2153 retracts, it will not block the multiple storage trays 4 below. The lifting frame 214 continues to rise and push to continue, and then repeats step 2.

[0041] The overall procedure is as follows: after loading the material storage tray 4 containing material into 21a, the empty material storage tray 4 is stacked in 21b.

[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding mechanism, comprising a cover processing module, a discharging module, and a storage tray, characterized in that, Also includes: The feeding module is used to supply materials to the cover processing module, and the feeding module includes a lower assembly mechanism and an automatic transfer mechanism; The lower main mechanism includes a box frame, a panel piece mounted on the box frame, a vertical guide rail assembly mounted inside the box frame, and a lifting frame driven by the vertical guide rail assembly. The panel is provided with a separation and detection component group, which is used to separate the stacked storage trays one by one and detect whether there is any material left in the storage trays; The separation detection component group is provided in two sets, and the two sets of separation detection component groups are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the storage tray. The separation detection component group includes a side guide plate, a linkage bracket is fixedly connected to one side of the side guide plate, and an inner separation baffle is fixedly connected to the end of the linkage bracket away from the side guide plate.

2. The automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner separation baffle is provided with a guide box outside, and the inner separation baffle is slidably connected inside the guide box; a side pressure block and a tension adjustment plate are slidably connected inside the inner separation baffle, and a tension spring is connected between the side pressure block and the tension adjustment plate.

3. The automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: An adjusting bolt is rotatably connected to the tension adjustment plate. The adjusting bolt is threadedly connected to the inner separation baffle. By rotating the adjusting bolt, the height of the tension adjustment plate in the inner separation baffle can be adjusted.

4. The automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom of the inner separation baffle is provided with a protruding triangular side, which is longer than the side pressure block, for insertion between stacked storage trays to achieve separation.

5. An automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: A reset cylinder is installed under the inner separation baffle.

6. An automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The working end of the reset cylinder is fixedly connected to the side pressure block.

7. An automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reset cylinder is electrically connected to a contact sensor.

8. An automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The contact sensor is installed inside the guide box, and its working end is used to contact the inner separation baffle box; when the contact sensor is triggered, it can control the working end of the reset cylinder to retract to pull the side pressure block down.

9. An automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the side guide plate is provided with an inclined surface for contacting the storage tray.

10. An automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage bracket and the panel are connected by a guide rail, and the linkage bracket can slide on the panel.

11. An automatic feeding mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: A spring is provided between the linkage bracket and the panel component to allow it to return to its original position.

12. A connector manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the automatic feeding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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