Automatic feeding and warehousing device and method for automobile oil pump accessories

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of feeding and warehousing devices, and discloses an automatic feeding and warehousing device and method for automobile oil pump accessories, the automatic feeding and warehousing device comprises a rotating platform, a lifting mechanism and storage bins, the multiple storage bins are arranged at the edge of the rotating platform, grooves are evenly distributed in the edge of the rotating platform, and each storage bin comprises a bin positioning rod erected around the corresponding groove; the top of the stock bin positioning rod is connected with a stock bin top plate, two outlets are formed in the stock bin top plate, the lifting mechanism comprises a liftable workpiece lifting claw, and the front end of the workpiece lifting claw can ascend and descend in the axis direction of the groove; a secondary positioning cylinder and a platform plate are mounted at the top end of the lifting mechanism, a first detection sensor is arranged on the mounting plate, a second detection sensor is arranged at the position, corresponding to the secondary positioning cylinder, of the platform plate, and after the first detection sensor detects that the workpieces are lifted, the secondary positioning cylinder pushes the two workpieces, higher than the two outlets, on the uppermost layer to the position of the platform plate. The second detection sensor detects the workpieces, and then the mechanical arm grabs the two workpieces at a time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of material feeding and storage devices, and in particular to an automatic material feeding and storage device and method for automotive oil pump parts. Background Technology

[0002] As the level of automation in the automotive manufacturing industry continues to increase, the "automatic feeding" process of the oil pump, as a core component of the engine fuel supply system, has become one of the bottlenecks restricting the overall production line's pace and stability.

[0003] The current industry standard is to have several "loading stations" evenly distributed around the circumference of an indexing turntable (or linear indexing table), with each station pre-stacked with a stack of automotive oil pump parts. When the equipment is running, the lifting mechanism (servo motor + lead screw / synchronous belt) drives the pallet to rise vertically, pushing the top layer of workpieces to the preset "picking height." Then, the robotic arm grabs the top piece in a single grab and transfers it to the next station. Afterward, the lifting mechanism rises again by the thickness of one workpiece, awaiting the next grab.

[0004] The above structure reveals the following common problems in mass production practice: 1. Single-piece sequential gripping with limited cycle time: Affected by the robot's movement trajectory, vacuum establishment / release time, and machine tool interlock signals, the average cycle time for single-piece gripping is 3.5 to 4.2 seconds / piece, which is difficult to meet the cycle time requirement of ≤2 seconds / piece for the new generation engine assembly line.

[0005] 2. Stacked feeding has a high probability of jamming; aluminum alloy die castings generally have draft angles and burrs on the edges, and a "negative pressure adsorption + micro jamming" effect is formed between adjacent workpieces; when the top workpiece is sucked up, it often lifts up the second or even the third workpiece together, and the connected workpieces fall off during rapid movement, causing collision damage or equipment shutdown. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide an automatic feeding and storage device and method for automotive oil pump parts. This device can separate the top two layers of workpieces before the robotic arm picks them up, preventing the second workpiece from being picked up along with the first and falling during the transfer process. Each storage bin has a dual-station feeding structure, which allows a secondary positioning cylinder to push two workpieces onto the platform plate at one time, and the robotic arm can pick up two workpieces at a time, thus improving work efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: In a first aspect, an automatic feeding and storage device for automotive oil pump parts includes a rotating platform, a lifting mechanism, and storage bins. Multiple storage bins are arranged along the edge of the rotating platform, with grooves evenly distributed along the edge. Each storage bin includes a bin positioning rod standing around the groove, with the top of the positioning rod connected to a bin top plate. The bin top plate has two outlets, each corresponding to a groove directly above it. The lifting mechanism is located on one side of the rotating platform and includes a liftable workpiece lifting claw. The workpiece lifting claw is U-shaped, and its front end can move up and down along the axis of the groove to lift two stacks of workpieces at once. A secondary positioning cylinder is mounted on the top of the lifting mechanism via a mounting plate. A platform plate is also provided on the top of the lifting mechanism. A first detection sensor is provided on the mounting plate, and a second detection sensor is provided on the platform plate corresponding to the position of the secondary positioning cylinder. After the first detection sensor detects that a workpiece has been lifted, the secondary positioning cylinder pushes the two workpieces on the top layer, which are higher than the two outlets, to the platform plate position. The second detection sensor then detects the workpiece, and a robotic arm grabs two workpieces at once.

[0008] As a further implementation, a frame is also included, on which a motor is provided, the output end of which is connected to a rotating platform, and the lifting mechanism is located on the frame.

[0009] As a further implementation, the frame is provided with multiple platform support mechanisms on its platform surface, and the top of each platform support mechanism is provided with rollers, which are supported below the rotating platform.

[0010] As a further implementation, the lifting mechanism includes a slide rail with a slider connected to it. The two claws of the workpiece lifting claw can move up and down along the axial direction of the groove.

[0011] As a further implementation, the platform plate is located at the top of the slide rail, and secondary positioning cylinders are installed on both sides of the top of the slide rail via mounting plates. The secondary positioning cylinders are located on the side of the storage bin away from the lifting mechanism, and the output end of the secondary positioning cylinders is connected to a push plate. The length of the push plate is adapted to the length of the top plate of the storage bin.

[0012] As a further implementation, the storage silo is equipped with a pallet, and pallet pads are provided on the top surface of the pallet at the two outlet positions, the thickness of which is not less than the thickness of the top plate of the silo.

[0013] As a further implementation, the platform support mechanism includes a vertical plate, a fixing block and an adjusting plate on one side of the vertical plate, an elongated hole on the adjusting plate for fixed connection with the vertical plate through the elongated hole, a protrusion on one side of the adjusting plate, a screw on the fixing block with the end of the screw abutting against the protrusion, and a roller on the top of the adjusting plate.

[0014] As a further implementation, a feeding auxiliary rod is also included. The outer diameter of the feeding auxiliary rod is adapted to the inner diameter of the workpiece. The feeding auxiliary rod can be inserted into the storage bin from the outlet for feeding stacks of workpieces.

[0015] As a further implementation, the height of the first detection sensor is adapted to the height of the uppermost workpiece after it has been lifted; the first detection sensor is mounted on a mounting plate.

[0016] Secondly, an automatic feeding method for automotive oil pump parts, employing any of the above-described automatic feeding and storage devices, includes the following steps: The workpiece lifting claw rises, pushing two stacks of workpieces in a set of storage bins upwards at a time. The two workpieces on the top layer are lifted to a position higher than the exit. After the first detection sensor detects that the workpieces have been lifted, the secondary positioning cylinder pushes the two workpieces on the top layer, which are higher than the two exits, to the platform plate position. The second detection sensor detects the workpieces, and then the robot arm grabs two workpieces at a time. After the workpieces in a set of storage bins are loaded, the workpiece lifting claw descends, the rotating platform rotates, and the next storage bin is switched to the lifting mechanism position to continue loading.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention, by setting up detection sensors and corresponding secondary positioning cylinders, can push the workpieces on the top two workstations onto the platform plate, enabling the robot arm to separate the top two workpieces before grabbing them, preventing the second workpiece from being grabbed along with the workpiece and falling during the transfer process; each storage bin has a dual-station loading structure, which can enable the secondary positioning cylinder to push two workpieces onto the platform plate at one time, and the robot arm can grab two workpieces at one time, improving work efficiency.

[0018] The outer diameter of the feeding auxiliary rod of this invention is adapted to the inner diameter of the workpiece. The feeding auxiliary rod can be inserted into the storage bin from the outlet for feeding stacked workpieces. Guided by the feeding auxiliary rod, the feeding speed of the workpieces is improved, ensuring that the workpieces are neatly stacked in the feeding station of the storage bin.

[0019] After all twelve storage silos of this invention are filled, they can meet the production capacity demand for more than 4 hours, optimize manpower, allow one person to manage multiple machines, and only require staff to replenish materials periodically.

[0020] The present invention provides a platform support mechanism, which supports the rotating platform through rollers to prevent deformation of the rotating platform. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic feeding and storage device for automotive oil pump parts in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structure of the automatic feeding and storage device for automotive oil pump parts in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the automatic feeding and storage device for automotive oil pump parts in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the platform support mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The diagram exaggerates the spacing or dimensions between parts to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0024] The components are: 1. Frame, 2. Rotating platform, 3. Lifting mechanism, 4. Platform plate, 5. Secondary positioning cylinder, 6. Storage bin, 7. Discharge auxiliary rod, 8. Workpiece; 11. Casters, 21. Motor, 23. Groove, 22. Platform support mechanism, 221. Vertical plate, 222. Adjusting plate, 223. Fixing block, 224. Screw, 225. Protrusion, 226. Roller, 31. Workpiece lifting claw; 32. Mounting plate, 33. Slider; 61. Storage bin positioning rod, 62. Support plate, 63. Support plate pad, 64. Storage bin top plate; 91. First detection sensor, 92. Second detection sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0026] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-5 As shown, an automatic feeding and storage device for automotive oil pump parts includes a rotating platform 2, a lifting mechanism 3, and a storage bin 6. The rotating platform 2 and the lifting mechanism 3 are both mounted on the frame 1.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, a motor 21 is provided on the platform of the frame 1. The output end of the motor 21 is connected to the center of the rotating platform 2. The lifting mechanism 3 is fixed on the platform of the frame and located on one side of the rotating platform 2. Casters 11 are provided at the bottom of the frame 1 for easy movement.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, twelve sets of storage bins 6 are set on the rotating platform 2. Each set includes two loading stations. Multiple storage bins 6 are set on the edge of the rotating platform 2. Grooves 23 are evenly distributed on the edge of the rotating platform 2. Each groove 23 is coaxially arranged with a loading station. A total of 24 grooves 23 are set. The grooves 23 are formed by the edge of the rotating platform 2 being recessed towards the center.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, each storage bin 6 includes a bin positioning rod 61 standing around the groove 23. The top of the bin positioning rod 61 is connected to the bin top plate 64. The bin top plate 64 is a plate structure with two circular outlets. Each outlet serves as an outlet for a loading station. The inner diameter of the outlet is adapted to the outer diameter of the workpiece. Each outlet is located directly above a groove. The bottom of each bin top plate 64 is connected to the rotating platform 2 by eight bin positioning rods 61.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the bottom of the storage hopper 6 is equipped with a support plate 62. Support plate pads 63 are located on the top surface of the support plate 62 at the two corresponding outlet positions. The thickness of the support plate pads 63 is not less than the thickness of the hopper top plate. The support plate pads 63 are coaxial with the outlets. Every four hopper positioning rods 61 form a channel, for a total of two channels. The two channels are coaxial with the two outlets, and workpieces can be stacked within the channels. Two support plate pads 63 can be fixedly installed on the support plate 62. The shape of the support plate 62 is similar to the shape of the number "8". The two ends of the support plate 62 are located above the two corresponding grooves.

[0031] The lifting mechanism 3 includes a liftable workpiece lifting claw 31, which is U-shaped. The front end of the workpiece lifting claw 31 can move up and down along the axis of the groove to lift two stacks of workpieces at once. Figure 4 As shown, the lifting mechanism includes a slide rail, which is fixed to the rotating platform 2 by a fixing frame. A slider 33 is provided on the slide rail, and the slider 33 is connected to the workpiece lifting claw 31. The two claws of the workpiece lifting claw 31 can move up and down along the axis of the groove 23.

[0032] The lifting mechanism is also equipped with a motor. The output end of the motor is connected to a threaded rod. The threaded rod cooperates with the slider to drive the slider to rise and fall along the slide rail, thereby realizing the lifting of the workpiece lifting claw.

[0033] A secondary positioning cylinder is installed at the top of the lifting mechanism via mounting plate 32, and a platform plate 4 is also provided at the top of the lifting mechanism.

[0034] Platform plate 4 is located at the top of slide rail. Secondary positioning cylinders 5 are installed on both sides of the top of slide rail via mounting plates 32. The secondary positioning cylinders 5 are located on the side of storage bin 6 away from lifting mechanism 3. The output end of the secondary positioning cylinders 5 is connected to a push plate. The length of the push plate is adapted to the length of the top plate 64 of the storage bin.

[0035] The push plate is higher than the top plate 64 of the silo, and the workpiece lifting claw 31 rises to lift the pallet 62. The pallet 62 drives the two stacks of workpieces 8 in a set of storage silos 6 to rise by one workpiece height through the pallet pad 63, so that the workpieces in the two uppermost workstations are higher than the top plate 64 of the silo.

[0036] Platform plate 4 is close to the top plate 64 of the hopper. The push plate of the secondary positioning cylinder 5 can push the workpieces on the two workstations outward at one time and push the two workpieces onto platform plate 4.

[0037] Multiple platform support mechanisms 22 are provided on the platform surface of the frame 1. The top of the platform support mechanism 22 is provided with rollers 226, which are supported below the rotating platform 2.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the platform support mechanism 22 includes a vertical plate 221, which is fixed to the rotating platform 2. The top of the vertical plate 221 has multiple through holes. A fixing block 223 and an adjusting plate 222 are located on one side of the vertical plate. The adjusting plate 222 is higher than the fixing block 223. The adjusting plate has elongated holes that correspond to the through holes. Bolts are used to engage with the elongated holes and through holes to achieve relative fixation of the vertical plate 221 and the adjusting plate 222. A protrusion 225 is located on one side of the adjusting plate. A screw 224 is mounted on the fixing block 223, with the end of the screw 224 abutting against the protrusion 225. A roller 226 is located on the top of the adjusting plate. Rotating the screw 224 on the fixing block 223 causes the top of the screw to push the adjusting plate 222 up, thus adjusting the height of the roller 226. By placing multiple sets of platform support mechanisms 22 at the bottom of the rotating platform 2, the rollers 226 can support the rotating platform 2 and prevent deformation of the turntable.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, a first detection sensor 91 is provided on one of the mounting plates, and a second detection sensor 92 is provided on the platform plate corresponding to the position of the secondary positioning cylinder 5.

[0040] The height of the first detection sensor is adapted to the height of the top workpiece after it is lifted. When the two top workpieces in a set of storage bins are pushed out above the top plate 62 of the bin, the first detection sensor detects that the workpieces are lifted and sends a signal to the controller configured in the device. The controller controls the secondary positioning cylinder to push the two workpieces that are higher than the two outlets to the platform plate position. After the second detection sensor detects that the workpieces are pushed onto the platform plate, the controller can control the robot to grab the two workpieces at one time.

[0041] By setting up detection sensors and corresponding secondary positioning cylinders, the workpieces on the top two workstations can be pushed onto the platform plate, so that the top two workpieces can be separated before the robot arm picks up the material, preventing the second workpiece from being picked up along with it and falling during the transfer process.

[0042] To facilitate material loading, this embodiment also includes a material feeding auxiliary rod 7. The outer diameter of the material feeding auxiliary rod 7 is adapted to the inner diameter of the workpiece 8. The material feeding auxiliary rod 7 can be inserted into the storage bin 6 from the outlet for feeding stacked workpieces 8. Guided by the material feeding auxiliary rod 7, the loading speed of the workpieces 8 is improved, ensuring that the workpieces 8 are neatly stacked in the loading station of the storage bin.

[0043] In addition, each storage bin 6 in this embodiment has a dual-station feeding structure, which can realize that the secondary positioning cylinder pushes two workpieces onto the platform plate 4 at one time, and the robot can grab two workpieces at one time, thus improving work efficiency.

[0044] Once all twelve storage silos are filled, they can meet the production capacity demand for more than 4 hours, achieving manpower optimization. One person can manage multiple machines, and staff only need to come to replenish materials periodically.

[0045] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 1-5 As shown, an automatic feeding method for automotive oil pump parts, using the automatic feeding and storage device described in Embodiment 1, includes the following steps: The motor at the lifting mechanism drives the slider 33 to rise, which in turn drives the workpiece lifting claw 31 to rise. The two claws of the workpiece lifting claw 31 pass through the groove 23, pushing two stacks of workpieces 8 in a set of storage bins 6 upwards at a time. The two uppermost workpieces 8 are lifted to an outlet position higher than the top plate 64 of the bin. After the first detection sensor 91 detects that the workpieces have been lifted, the secondary positioning cylinder 5 pushes the two uppermost workpieces 8 above the two outlets onto the platform plate 4. After the second detection sensor 92 detects the workpieces on the platform plate 4, the robot arm grabs two workpieces 8 at a time. After the workpieces in a set of storage bins 6 are filled, the workpiece lifting claw descends until it is below the groove. Then the platform rotates, switching to the next storage bin at the lifting mechanism position to continue filling. The staff replenishes the materials regularly. When replenishing, the material release auxiliary rod is inserted into the channel, and the workpieces can be smoothly stacked in the storage bins.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automobile oil pump accessory automatic feeding and storage device, characterized in that, The automatic feeding warehouse device comprises a rotating platform, a lifting mechanism and a storage bin, a plurality of storage bins are arranged at the edge of the rotating platform, the edge of the rotating platform is uniformly provided with grooves, each storage bin comprises a bin positioning rod which stands around the groove, the top of the bin positioning rod is connected with a bin top plate, two outlets are arranged on the bin top plate, and each outlet is arranged above a groove; The lifting mechanism is arranged on one side of the rotating platform and comprises a liftable workpiece lifting claw, the workpiece lifting claw is in a U-shaped structure, and the front end of the workpiece lifting claw can be lifted along the axis direction of the groove to lift two piles of workpieces at a time; a secondary positioning cylinder is arranged at the top of the lifting mechanism through a mounting plate, a platform plate is further arranged at the top of the lifting mechanism, a first detection sensor is arranged on the mounting plate, and a second detection sensor is arranged on the platform plate and corresponds to the position of the secondary positioning cylinder; after the workpiece is lifted and detected by the first detection sensor, the secondary positioning cylinder pushes the two workpieces on the uppermost layer and higher than the two outlets to the position of the platform plate, and the second detection sensor detects the workpiece, and then a manipulator grasps the two workpieces at a time.

2. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic feeding warehouse device further comprises a rack, a motor is arranged on the table top of the rack, and the output end of the motor is connected with the rotating platform.

3. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 2, characterized in that, A plurality of platform support mechanisms are arranged on the table top of the rack, and rollers are arranged at the top of the platform support mechanisms and support the rotating platform.

4. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism comprises a sliding rail and a sliding block arranged on the sliding rail, the sliding block is connected with the workpiece lifting claw, and the two claw parts of the workpiece lifting claw can be lifted along the axis direction of the groove.

5. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 4, characterized in that, The platform plate is arranged at the top of the sliding rail, secondary positioning cylinders are arranged on the two sides of the top of the sliding rail through mounting plates, the secondary positioning cylinders are located on the side, away from the lifting mechanism, of the storage bin, the output end of the secondary positioning cylinder is connected with a push plate, and the length of the push plate is matched with the length of the bin top plate.

6. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, A supporting plate is arranged in the storage bin, supporting plate pads are arranged on the top surface of the supporting plate and correspond to the positions of the two outlets, and the thickness of the supporting plate pads is not less than the thickness of the bin top plate.

7. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 3, characterized in that, The platform support mechanism comprises a vertical plate, a fixing block and an adjusting plate are arranged on one side of the vertical plate, a long circular hole is arranged on the adjusting plate and is fixedly connected with the vertical plate through the long circular hole, a protruding block is arranged on one side of the adjusting plate, a screw rod is arranged on the fixing block and abuts against the protruding block, and the roller is arranged on the top of the adjusting plate.

8. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic feeding warehouse device further comprises a feeding auxiliary rod, the outer diameter of the feeding auxiliary rod is matched with the inner diameter of the workpiece, the feeding auxiliary rod can be inserted into the storage bin from the outlet, and the feeding auxiliary rod is used for feeding the piled workpieces.

9. The automatic feeding and storing device for automobile oil pump accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the first detection sensor is matched with the height of the uppermost workpiece after being lifted, and the first detection sensor is arranged on the mounting plate.

10. An automobile oil pump accessory automatic feeding method, characterized by, The automatic feeding warehouse device comprises the following steps: The workpiece lifting claw is lifted to lift two piles of workpieces in a group of storage bins, the two workpieces on the uppermost layer are lifted to be higher than the outlet position, after the workpieces are lifted and detected by the first detection sensor, the secondary positioning cylinder pushes the two workpieces on the uppermost layer and higher than the two outlets to the position of the platform plate, the second detection sensor detects the workpieces, and then a manipulator grasps the two workpieces at a time; after the workpieces in a group of storage bins are fed, the workpiece lifting claw is lowered, the rotating platform is rotated, the next storage bin is switched to the position of the lifting mechanism, and the feeding is continued.

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