Feeding equipment and assembling machine

Abstract

The invention discloses feeding equipment and an assembling machine. The feeding equipment comprises a circulating module, a feeding module and a material taking module. The circulating module comprises a conveying device and a plurality of carriers, the conveying device is in driving connection with the carriers and used for driving the carriers to be conveyed circularly, and the carriers are provided with a plurality of acupoints; the loading modules are arranged beside the conveying path of the carrier, each loading module corresponds to at least one acupuncture point, the loading modules are used for loading the parts to the corresponding acupuncture points, and the colors of the parts loaded by the loading modules are different; the material taking module is arranged on the side of the conveying path of the carrier and located on the downstream of the feeding module. The material taking module is used for taking away one part from one of the acupoints of the carrier. Through cooperation of the circulating module and the multiple feeding modules, the material taking module can selectively grab different parts, so that mixed feeding of rear covers is achieved, and the production efficiency is not affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic product assembly equipment technology, and in particular to a feeding device and an assembly machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of electronic products such as tablets or mobile phones, charging modules need to be assembled onto the back covers. The same model of product may have back covers in various colors, each requiring a different colored charging module. During the production of a single batch of products, back covers of different colors may be mixed together. Current technology requires manual sorting of the different colored back covers before feeding them to the assembly machine in multiple batches. Furthermore, the number of feeding operations depends on the number of different colored back covers in the current batch, impacting production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a feeding device and assembly machine capable of mixed feeding without affecting production efficiency.

[0004] The feeding device according to a first aspect of this application includes: a circulation module, a feeding module, and a material handling module.

[0005] The circulating module includes a conveying device and multiple carriers. The conveying device is driven and connected to the carriers to drive the carriers to circulate and transport materials. The carriers are provided with multiple acupoints. A feeding module is provided on the side of the conveying path of the carrier. Multiple feeding modules are provided, and each feeding module corresponds to at least one of the acupoints. The feeding module is used to feed parts to the corresponding acupoints, and the parts fed by each feeding module are of different colors. The material handling module is located beside the conveying path of the carrier and downstream of the loading module. The material handling module is used to remove one of the parts from one of the cavity locations of the carrier.

[0006] The feeding device according to the first aspect of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The conveying device transports the carrier sequentially through multiple feeding modules, each feeding module feeding the corresponding slots on the carrier. Subsequently, the conveying device transports the carrier to the picking module. At this time, the carrier is in a full-load state, that is, multiple slots on the carrier are filled with parts of different colors. The picking module can pick up the parts of the corresponding color from the carrier according to the color of the back cover to be assembled, for subsequent assembly. After the picking module has finished picking up the parts, the conveying device transports the carrier through multiple feeding modules again to achieve cyclical transport of the carrier. At this time, there is an empty slot on the carrier, and the corresponding feeding module can replenish the empty slot so that the carrier is full again when it passes through the feeding module next time. With this setting, back covers of different colors can be mixed and fed to the assembly machine in the same batch of production. The feeding device of this application can feed the corresponding colors, eliminating the need for batch feeding and assembly, thus improving production efficiency.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, the feeding module includes a feeding robot, a detector, and a hopper. The hopper is used to store a tray loaded with parts. The detector is used to detect whether there are parts in the corresponding cavity on the carrier. The detector is electrically connected to the feeding robot and is used to feed back the detection signal to the feeding robot. The feeding robot is used to transfer the parts in the hopper to the empty cavity.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, each of the feeding modules can be detachably connected to the conveying device, and the carrier can be detachably connected to the conveying device.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the hopper includes a handling robot, a first lifting assembly, and a second lifting assembly. The first lifting assembly is used to drive the material tray carrying parts to rise and fall, and to drive the material tray to a loading position. The loading robot grabs the parts from the material tray at the loading position. The handling robot grabs the empty material tray from the first lifting assembly to the second lifting assembly. The second lifting assembly is used to drive the empty material tray to rise and fall.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the hopper further includes a loading conveyor belt and a discharging conveyor belt. The first lifting assembly includes a first lifting driver and a first support plate. The first support plate is used to support a tray carrying parts. The first lifting driver drives the first support plate to lift the tray on the loading conveyor belt. The second lifting drive assembly includes a second lifting driver and a second support plate. The second support plate is used to support an empty tray. The second lifting driver drives the second support plate to drop the tray onto the discharging conveyor belt.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the conveying device includes a first conveying mechanism, a second conveying mechanism, a first return mechanism, and a second return mechanism. The first conveying mechanism includes a first guide frame and a first power component. The first guide frame is slidably fitted with a corresponding carrier. The first power component is used to drive the carrier on the first guide frame to move along a first direction. The second conveying mechanism includes a second guide frame and a second power component. The second guide frame is arranged parallel to the first guide frame and is slidably fitted with a corresponding carrier. The second power component is used to drive the carrier on the second guide frame to move along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first return mechanism is disposed on one side of the first guide frame and the second guide frame in the first direction and is used to receive the carrier on the first guide frame to move the carrier to engage with the carrier on the second guide frame. The second return mechanism is disposed on one side of the first guide frame and the second guide frame in the second direction and is used to receive the carrier on the second guide frame to move the carrier to engage with the carrier on the first guide frame.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the first return mechanism includes a first driver and a first transfer stage. The first driver is used to drive the first transfer stage to move opposite to the first guide frame, so that the carrier on the first guide frame can slide onto the first transfer stage. The first driver is also used to drive the first transfer stage to move opposite to the second guide frame, so that the carrier on the first transfer stage can engage with the carrier on the second guide frame. And / or, the second return mechanism includes a second driver and a second transfer stage. The second driver is used to drive the second transfer stage to move opposite to the second guide frame, so that the carrier on the second guide frame can slide onto the second transfer stage. The second driver is also used to drive the second transfer stage to move opposite to the first guide frame, so that the carrier on the second transfer stage can engage with the carrier on the first guide frame.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the first guide frame, the second guide frame, the first transfer platform, and the second transfer platform are all provided with guide structures extending along the first direction, and the guide structures can slide with the carrier.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the first conveying mechanism includes a first limiting component disposed on the first guide frame, the first limiting component being used to cooperate with the carrier to restrict the carrier from sliding relative to the first guide frame; and / or, the second conveying mechanism includes a second limiting component disposed on the second guide frame, the second limiting component being used to cooperate with the carrier to restrict the carrier from sliding relative to the second guide frame.

[0015] An assembly machine according to a second aspect of this application includes: a feeding device according to a first aspect of this application.

[0016] The assembly machine according to the second aspect embodiment of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: including all the beneficial effects of the feeding equipment of the first aspect embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding device according to the first aspect of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the loading robot and detector; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate silo; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first lifting assembly, the second lifting assembly, the feeding conveyor belt, and the unloading conveyor belt; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a material handling robot. Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate circulation module; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 8 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 9 for Figure 6 A partial structural diagram of the medium-cycle circulation module.

[0019] Figure label: Circulating module 100; carrier 10; chute 101; mating groove 103; mating block 104; groove 105; limiting part 11; first mating part 12; second mating part 13; third mating part 14; acupoint 15; first conveying mechanism 20; first guide frame 21; first power component 22; first drive component 221; second drive component 222; first linkage block 223; first limiting component 23; first limiting post 231; third driver 232; second conveying mechanism 30; second guide frame 31; second power component 32; third drive component 321; fourth drive component 322; second linkage block 323; linkage part 3231; protrusion 32311; first return mechanism 40; first driver 41; first transfer table 42; second return mechanism 50; second driver 51; second transfer table 52; slide rail 61; Feeding module 200; feeding robot 70; detector 80; hopper 90; handling robot 91; first lifting assembly 92; first lifting driver 921; first support plate 922; second lifting assembly 93; second lifting driver 931; second support plate 932; feeding conveyor belt 94; unloading conveyor belt 95. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0023] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0024] In the description of this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 The feeding device according to an embodiment of this application includes: a circulation module 100, a feeding module 200, and a material handling module.

[0026] The circulating module 100 includes a conveying device and multiple carriers 10. The conveying device drives and connects to the carriers 10 to drive the carriers 10 to circulate and convey. The carriers 10 are provided with multiple acupoints 15. The feeding module 200 is located on the side of the conveying path of the carrier 10. Multiple feeding modules 200 are provided, and each feeding module 200 corresponds to at least one acupoint 15. The feeding module 200 is used to feed parts to the corresponding acupoint 15, and the parts fed by each feeding module 200 are different colors. The material handling module is located beside the conveying path of the carrier 10 and downstream of the loading module 200. The material handling module is used to remove a part from one of the cavity 15 of the carrier 10.

[0027] Understandably, the conveyor transports the carrier 10 through multiple loading modules 200 in sequence. Each loading module 200 loads a part into the corresponding slot 15 on the carrier 10. Specifically, if a part is present in the corresponding slot 15, loading is not required; if no part is present in the corresponding slot 15, the loading module 200 loads the part. Subsequently, the conveyor transports the carrier 10 to the picking module. At this point, the carrier 10 is full, meaning that all slots 15 on the carrier 10 contain parts of different colors. The picking module can then pick up the part of the corresponding color from the carrier 10 based on the color of the back cover to be assembled, for subsequent assembly. After the material-picking module completes its material-picking process, the conveying device will transport the carrier 10 through multiple feeding modules 200 again to achieve cyclical conveying of the carrier 10. At this time, there is an empty slot 15 on the carrier 10, and the corresponding feeding module 200 can replenish the empty slot 15 so that the carrier 10 is full again when it passes through the feeding module 200 next time. With this setting, the material-picking module can selectively pick up materials each time it picks up materials from the carrier 10 to adapt to the mixed feeding of back covers. That is, in the same batch of production, back covers of different colors are mixed and fed to the assembly machine. When the feeding equipment of this application encounters a back cover of any color, the material-picking module can grab and feed the corresponding color, so that batch feeding and assembly are not required, thus improving production efficiency.

[0028] Specifically, the feeding equipment of this application is applied to an assembly machine, which also includes a back cover feeding device and an assembly device. The back cover feeding device is used to transport the back cover. A barcode scanner is installed at the back cover feeding device. The barcode scanner can scan the QR code on the back cover to confirm the model corresponding to the back cover, that is, to determine its color, and transmit this information to the picking module. The picking module will grab the part of the corresponding color on the carrier 10 according to the signal sent by the barcode scanner. The picking module can transfer the picked part to the assembly device, and the assembly device will assemble the part onto the back cover.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, the component is a charging module. In other embodiments, the component may also be a button, a camera module, or other accessories that need to be selected in different colors according to the color of the back cover.

[0030] Specifically, in this embodiment, the acupoints 15 on the carrier 10 correspond one-to-one with the feeding modules 200. The carrier 10 has four acupoints 15, and the feeding modules 200 have four colors. That is, the back cover has four colors, and the four feeding modules 200 can each feed a part of one color, thus feeding all four colors of parts. The four acupoints 15 on the carrier 10 are used to place parts of different colors. Each feeding module 200 only feeds to a specific acupoint 15 on the carrier 10, reducing system computation. In other embodiments, the acupoints 15 and feeding modules 200 can be set to eight or other numbers, and the feeding module 200 can also correspond to multiple acupoints 15 to adapt to production situations where the picking module needs to pick up multiple parts at once.

[0031] Specifically, the material handling module can grasp parts through adsorption, clamping, or magnetic attraction. Furthermore, the module is equipped with a CCD camera to ensure accurate material handling and precise operation.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to some embodiments of this application, the feeding module 200 includes a feeding robot 70, a detector 80, and a hopper 90. The hopper 90 is used to store a tray loaded with parts. The detector 80 is used to detect whether there are parts in the corresponding cavity 15 on the carrier 10. The detector 80 is electrically connected to the feeding robot 70 and is used to feed back the detection signal to the feeding robot 70. The feeding robot 70 is used to transfer the parts in the hopper 90 to the empty cavity 15.

[0033] Understandably, after the carrier 10 moves to the feeding module 200, the carrier 10 enters the detection range of the detector 80. The detector 80 will determine whether there is a part placed on the corresponding acupoint 15 of the feeding module 200. If there is no part on the acupoint 15, the detector 80 sends the signal to the feeding robot 70. The feeding robot 70 picks up the part from the hopper 90 and places it in the corresponding acupoint 15. With this setup, each feeding module 200 is equipped with a detector 80. The detector 80 only needs to detect a single acupoint 15. The detection process is fast and can reduce the calculation on the software. It avoids the need to detect multiple acupoints 15 to improve the recognition accuracy. In addition, the feeding modules 200 are independent machines, and each feeding module 200 has a detector 80. Therefore, the corresponding number of feeding modules 200 can be installed or operated according to actual production needs.

[0034] Specifically, the loading robot 70 can grasp parts by means of adsorption, clamping or magnetic attraction.

[0035] Reference Figure 1According to some embodiments of this application, each feeding module 200 can be detachably connected to the conveying device, and the carrier 10 can be detachably connected to the conveying device.

[0036] It is understandable that each feeding module 200 is independently set up and can be disassembled and assembled relative to the conveying device. At the same time, the carrier 10 can also be disassembled and assembled relative to the conveying device. Therefore, according to actual production needs, a corresponding number of feeding modules 200 can be installed, and carriers 10 with different numbers of acupoints 15 can be replaced. For example, when the parts to be assembled for the back cover are only three colors, three feeding modules 200 can be installed on the side of the conveying device, and carriers 10 with only three acupoints 15 can be installed on the conveying device.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 According to some embodiments of this application, the hopper 90 includes a handling robot 91, a first lifting assembly 92 and a second lifting assembly 93. The first lifting assembly 92 is used to drive the tray carrying parts to rise and fall, and to drive the tray to the loading position. The loading robot 70 grabs parts from the tray at the loading position. The handling robot 91 is used to grab the empty tray on the first lifting assembly 92 to the second lifting assembly 93. The second lifting assembly 93 is used to drive the empty tray to rise and fall.

[0038] It is understood that the handling robot 91 and the loading robot 70 are positioned above the first lifting assembly 92 and the second lifting assembly 93. In some embodiments, the first lifting assembly 92 is used to drive the stacked trays carrying parts to rise, so that the topmost tray in the stack rises to the loading position. Multiple parts are placed in the tray, and the loading robot 70 picks up parts from the tray. After the parts in the topmost tray at the first lifting assembly 92 are loaded, i.e., after the tray is empty, the handling robot 91 picks up the empty tray and places it to the second lifting assembly 93. Subsequently, the first lifting assembly 92 drives the stacked trays to rise, moving the next tray to the loading position, ensuring that the loading robot 70 picks up materials at a consistent height each time. Simultaneously, the second lifting assembly 93 can lower the trays by one tray height, ensuring that the handling robot 91 releases materials at a consistent height each time. It is also understood that using the first lifting assembly 92 and the second lifting assembly 93 to load and unload the stacked trays improves loading and unloading efficiency. In other embodiments, the first lifting assembly 92 can also be used to drive a single tray carrying parts to rise to the loading position, so as to lift the trays one by one to the loading position. Similarly, the second lifting assembly 93 can also be used to drive a single empty tray to descend, so as to retrieve the trays one by one.

[0039] Specifically, the material handling robot 91 can grasp the material tray by means of adsorption, clamping or magnetic attraction.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to some embodiments of this application, the hopper 90 further includes an loading conveyor belt 94 and a discharging conveyor belt 95. The first lifting assembly 92 includes a first lifting driver 921 and a first support plate 922. The first support plate 922 is used to support a tray carrying parts. The first lifting driver 921 drives the first support plate 922 to lift the tray on the loading conveyor belt 94. The second lifting drive assembly includes a second lifting driver 931 and a second support plate 932. The second support plate 932 is used to support an empty tray. The second lifting driver 931 drives the second support plate 932 to drop the tray onto the discharging conveyor belt 95.

[0041] It is understandable that the feeding conveyor belt 94 is connected to an upstream loading device for loading parts onto a tray. Initially, the first support plate 922 is located below the conveying surface of the feeding conveyor belt 94. After the tray is conveyed above the first support plate 922, the first lifting driver 921 drives the first support plate 922 to rise, thereby raising the tray. It is also understandable that initially, the second support plate 932 is located above the conveying surface of the unloading conveyor belt 95. After a set number of trays are placed on the second support plate 932, the second lifting driver 931 drives the second support plate 932 to descend below the conveying surface of the unloading conveyor belt 95, transferring the trays to the unloading conveyor belt 95. The unloading conveyor belt 95 is connected to a downstream tray recovery device or the aforementioned loading device to recover the trays.

[0042] Reference Figure 6 The conveying device includes a first conveying mechanism 20, a second conveying mechanism 30, a first return mechanism 40, and a second return mechanism 50. The first conveying mechanism 20 includes a first guide frame 21 and a first power assembly 22. The first guide frame 21 is slidably fitted with a corresponding carrier 10, and the first power assembly 22 is used to drive the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 to move along a first direction. The second conveying mechanism 30 includes a second guide frame 31 and a second power assembly 32. The second guide frame 31 is arranged parallel to the first guide frame 21 and is slidably fitted with a corresponding carrier 10. The second power assembly 32 is used to drive the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 to move along a first direction. The first guide frame 21 and the second guide frame 31 are located on one side of the first guide frame 21 and the second guide frame 31 in the first direction, and are used to receive the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 so as to move the carrier 10 to cooperate with the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31; the second guide frame 50 is located on one side of the first guide frame 21 and the second guide frame 31 in the second direction, and is used to receive the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 so as to move the carrier 10 to cooperate with the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21.

[0043] Specifically, the carrier 10 and the first guide frame 21 and the second guide frame 31 can achieve sliding cooperation through guide rails, guide columns, etc.

[0044] It is understood that in this embodiment, the carriers 10 on the first guide frame 21 and the second guide frame 31 are interconnected in the first direction (or the second direction). That is, the first power component 22 only needs to apply a thrust along the first direction to one of the carriers 10 to make each carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 slide along the first direction. Similarly, the second power component 32 only needs to apply a thrust along the second direction to one of the carriers 10 to make each carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 slide along the second direction.

[0045] In the first conveying mechanism 20, a corresponding carrier 10 is slidably fitted onto the first guide frame 21. A first power assembly 22 can drive the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 to move along a first direction, thereby realizing the flow of parts on the first guide frame 21. In the second conveying mechanism 30, a corresponding carrier 10 is slidably fitted onto the second guide frame 31. A second power assembly 32 can drive the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 to move along a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby realizing the flow of parts on the second guide frame 31. Furthermore, a first return mechanism 40 receives the carrier 10 flowing out of the first guide frame 21 and moves it to a position corresponding to the second guide frame 31. The carrier 10 is engaged so that the outgoing carrier 10 can enter the first guide frame 21 for circulation. The second return mechanism 50 receives the carrier 10 flowing out of the second guide frame 31 and moves it to engage with the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21, allowing the outgoing carrier 10 to enter the second guide frame 31 for circulation. In this way, the first conveying mechanism 20, the second conveying mechanism 30, the first return mechanism 40, and the second return mechanism 50 work together to realize the cyclic circulation of the carrier 10. During the circulation process, since the carrier 10 has a sliding engagement with the first guide frame 21 and the second guide frame 31, the positional accuracy of the parts is high, and there is no need for a complex conveying structure, thus reducing costs. In addition, compared with the conveying structure of the prior art, the first conveying mechanism 20 and the second conveying mechanism 30 in this invention realize the circulation of the carrier 10 through independent power components, which reduces the power requirements of the power components.

[0046] Reference Figure 6According to some embodiments of this application, in order to realize the return of the carrier 10 from the first guide frame 21 to the second guide frame 31, the first return mechanism 40 includes a first driver 41 and a first transfer platform 42. The first driver 41 is used to drive the first transfer platform 42 to move opposite to the first guide frame 21 so that the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 can slide onto the first transfer platform 42. The first driver 41 is also used to drive the first transfer platform 42 to move opposite to the second guide frame 31 so that the carrier 10 on the first transfer platform 42 can cooperate with the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31.

[0047] Understandably, when the first transfer platform 42 moves to be opposite the first guide frame 21, driven by the first power component 22, the rightmost carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 can enter the first transfer platform 42. Driven by the first driver 41, the first transfer platform 42 moves the carrier 10 to be opposite the second guide frame 31, allowing the carrier 10 to engage with the rightmost carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31. Subsequently, driven by the second power component 32, the carrier 10 and the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 can move synchronously away from the first transfer platform 42. After the carrier 10 leaves the first transfer platform 42, the first driver 41 drives the first transfer platform 42 to reset to be opposite the first guide frame 21, so as to continue receiving the carrier 10 flowing out of the first guide frame 21.

[0048] Reference Figure 6 According to some embodiments of this application, in order to realize the return of the carrier 10 from the second guide frame 31 to the first guide frame 21, the second return mechanism 50 includes a second driver 51 and a second transfer platform 52. The second driver 51 is used to drive the second transfer platform 52 to move opposite to the second guide frame 31 so that the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 can slide onto the second transfer platform 52. The second driver 51 is also used to drive the second transfer platform 52 to move opposite to the first guide frame 21 so that the carrier 10 on the second transfer platform 52 can cooperate with the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21.

[0049] Understandably, when the second transfer platform 52 moves to be opposite the second guide frame 31, driven by the second power assembly 32, the leftmost carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 can enter the second transfer platform 52. Driven by the second driver 51, the second transfer platform 52 moves the carrier 10 to be opposite the first guide frame 21, allowing the carrier 10 to engage with the leftmost carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21. Subsequently, driven by the first power assembly 22, the carrier 10 and the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 can move synchronously away from the second transfer platform 52. After the carrier 10 leaves the second transfer platform 52, the second driver 51 drives the second transfer platform 52 to reset to be opposite the second guide frame 31, so as to continue receiving the carrier 10 flowing out of the second guide frame 31.

[0050] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second reflux mechanism 50 and the first reflux mechanism 40 have the same structure.

[0051] Reference Figure 6 According to some embodiments of this application, in order to enable the carrier 10 to flow sequentially between the first guide frame 21, the first transfer platform 42, the second guide frame 31, and the second transfer platform 52, the first guide frame 21, the second guide frame 31, the first transfer platform 42, and the second transfer platform 52 are all provided with guide structures extending along a first direction, and the guide structures can slide with the carrier 10.

[0052] Please refer to the following in this embodiment: Figure 5 The guide structure is a slide rail 61, and the carrier 10 has a slide groove 101 that cooperates with the slide rail 61.

[0053] Specifically, the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the third direction (bidirectional), the driving direction of the first driver 41 is parallel to the third direction, and the driving direction of the second driver 51 is parallel to the third direction. This arrangement allows the first transfer stage 42 and the second transfer stage 52 to be respectively opposite to the first guide frame 21 or the second guide frame 31 in the first direction (or the second direction).

[0054] Reference Figure 6According to some embodiments of this application, the first conveying mechanism 20 includes a first limiting component 23 disposed on the first guide frame 21. The first limiting component 23 is used to cooperate with the carrier 10 to limit the sliding of the carrier 10 relative to the first guide frame 21. Two first limiting components 23 are provided, one at the end of the first guide frame 21 near the first transfer platform 42 and the other at the end near the second transfer platform 52. By providing the first limiting component 23 at the end of the first guide frame 21 near the first transfer platform 42, after the carrier 10 slides into position, the first limiting component 23 can limit the carrier 10 from continuing to slide, so as to prevent the carrier 10 from sliding out of the first guide frame 21. By providing the first limiting component 23 at the end near the second transfer platform 52, when the second transfer platform 52 receives the carrier 10 from the second guide frame 31 and moves towards the first guide frame 21, it can be ensured that the carrier 10 on the second transfer platform 52 is accurately docked with the carrier 10 at the end of the first guide frame 21 near the second transfer platform 52.

[0055] It is also understood that the material picking module is used to pick up materials from the carrier 10 that is limited by the first limiting component 23, so as to fix the position of the parts on the carrier 10 and improve the picking accuracy of the material picking module.

[0056] Reference Figure 6 According to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 1-2, Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the second conveying mechanism 30 in the circulating circulation device of Figure 3. The second conveying mechanism 30 includes a second limiting component disposed on the second guide frame 31. The second limiting component is used to cooperate with the carrier 10 to limit the sliding of the carrier 10 relative to the second guide frame 31. Two second limiting components are provided, which are respectively disposed at one end of the second guide frame 31 near the second transfer table 52 and the other end near the first transfer table 42. By providing the second limiting component at the end of the second guide frame 31 near the second transfer table 52, after the carrier 10 slides into place, the second limiting component can limit the carrier 10 from continuing to slide, so as to prevent the carrier 10 from sliding out of the second guide frame 31. By setting a second limiting component at one end near the first transfer platform 42, when the first transfer platform 42 receives the carrier 10 from the first guide frame 21 and moves toward the second guide frame 31, it can ensure that the carrier 10 on the first transfer platform 42 and the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 near the first transfer platform 42 are accurately docked.

[0057] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8According to some embodiments of this application, in order to limit and release the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21, the carrier 10 is provided with a limiting part 11. The first limiting component 23 includes a first limiting post 231 and a third driver 232 installed on the first guide frame 21. The third driver 232 is connected to the first limiting post 231 and can drive the first limiting post 231 to engage or disengage from the limiting part 11.

[0058] Understandably, the first limiting post 231 can cooperate with the limiting part 11 under the drive of the third driver 232, thereby fixing the relative position of the carrier 10 and the first guide frame 21 and achieving limiting. Specifically, the first limiting post 231 is inserted into the limiting part 11 to limit the carrier 10. Correspondingly, the first limiting post 231 can separate from the limiting part 11 under the drive of the third driver 232, and the carrier 10 regains its freedom of sliding relative to the first guide frame 21, so that the carrier 10 can be transferred to the next station.

[0059] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 According to some embodiments of this application, in order to limit and release the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31, the carrier 10 is provided with a limiting part 11. The second limiting component includes a second limiting post and a fourth driver installed on the second guide frame 31. The fourth driver is connected to the second limiting post and can drive the second limiting post to engage or disengage from the limiting part 11.

[0060] Understandably, the second limiting post can cooperate with the limiting part 11 under the drive of the fourth driver, thereby fixing the relative position of the carrier 10 and the second guide frame 31 and achieving limiting. Specifically, the second limiting post is inserted into the limiting part 11 to limit the carrier 10. Correspondingly, the second limiting post can separate from the limiting part 11 under the drive of the fourth driver, and the carrier 10 regains its freedom of sliding relative to the second guide frame 31, so that the carrier 10 can move to the next station.

[0061] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second limiting component has the same structure as the first limiting component 23.

[0062] Specifically, the first, second, and third directions are all horizontal, while the driving directions of the third driver 232 and the fourth driver are both vertical.

[0063] Reference Figure 9According to some embodiments of this application, the carrier 10 is provided with a first mating part 12 and a second mating part 13. The first mating part 12 is used to mate with the second mating part 13 of the carrier 10 adjacent in a first direction, and the second mating part 13 is used to mate with the first mating part 12 of the carrier 10 adjacent in a second direction. When the first mating part 12 and the second mating part 13 mate, the corresponding two carriers 10 are linked together in the first direction and the second direction, and the first mating part 12 and the second mating part 13 are configured to be able to separate under the action of the first return mechanism 40 or the second return mechanism 50.

[0064] With the above configuration, two adjacent vehicles 10 can be linked in the first and second directions through the cooperation of the first mating part 12 and the second mating part 13, so that they can slide along the corresponding guide frame under the drive of the power component. The power component only needs to be connected to one of the vehicles 10 and apply force to realize the flow. At the same time, the outgoing vehicle 10 can be separated from its adjacent vehicle 10 under the drive of the corresponding return mechanism, so that it can flow between the two guide frames to realize the return. Moreover, the structure of the vehicle 10 is relatively simple and does not require additional mechanisms to realize the linkage, which helps to reduce costs.

[0065] Reference Figure 9 According to some embodiments of this application, one of the first mating part 12 and the second mating part 13 is provided with a mating groove 103 extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the other is provided with a mating block 104 that can extend into or out of the mating groove 103 in the third direction. This arrangement allows the first return mechanism 40 and the second return mechanism 50 to drive the outflowing carrier 10 to move in the third direction and separate from the adjacent carrier 10, thereby realizing the flow. The structure of the carrier 10 is relatively simple, which can reduce costs.

[0066] In this embodiment, the mating groove 103 is formed in the second mating portion 13, and the mating block 104 is provided in the first mating portion 12. In other embodiments, the mating groove 103 may also be formed in the first mating portion 12, and the mating portion may also be provided in the second mating portion 13.

[0067] Specifically, the mating groove 103 has chamfers at both openings in the third direction to guide the mating block 104. The mating block 104 is cylindrical to facilitate insertion into the mating groove 103.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7According to some embodiments of this application, in order to achieve the flow of the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 at low cost, the second power assembly 32 includes a third drive member 321, a fourth drive member 322, and a second linkage block 323. The third drive member 321 is used to drive the second linkage block 323 to move along a direction intersecting the second direction, so that the second linkage block 323 engages or disengages from the carrier 10. The fourth drive member 322 is used to drive the second linkage block 323 to move along the second direction, so that the second linkage block 323 drives the carrier 10 to move synchronously. With this configuration, the third drive member 321 and the fourth drive member 322 can cooperate to drive the second linkage block 323 to drive the carrier 10 on the second guide frame 31 to move along the second direction. Since the flow of the carrier 10 can be achieved by the back-and-forth drive of the fourth drive member 322, the drive stroke requirement of the fourth drive member 322 is low, which can reduce costs.

[0069] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to some embodiments of this application, in order to achieve the flow of the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 at low cost, the first power assembly 22 includes a first drive member 221, a second drive member 222, and a first linkage block 223. The first drive member 221 is used to drive the first linkage block 223 to move along a direction intersecting a first direction, so that the first linkage block 223 engages or disengages from the carrier 10. The second drive member 222 is used to drive the first linkage block 223 to move along the first direction, so that the first linkage block 223 drives the carrier 10 to move synchronously. With this configuration, the first drive member 221 and the second drive member 222 can cooperate to drive the first linkage block 223 to drive the carrier 10 on the first guide frame 21 to move along the first direction. Since the flow of the carrier 10 can be achieved by the back-and-forth drive of the second drive member 222, the drive stroke requirement of the second drive member 222 is low, which can reduce costs.

[0070] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first power component 22 and the second power component 32 have the same structure.

[0071] Specifically, the driving direction of the first driving component 221 and the driving direction of the third driving component 321 are both parallel to the third direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the linear drive of the first driver 41, the second driver 51, the third driver 232, the fourth driver, the second drive member 222, and the fourth drive member 322 is achieved by using a motor in conjunction with a lead screw and nut. The linear drive of the first drive member 221 and the third drive member 321 is achieved by using a cylinder.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 9According to some embodiments of this application, in order to realize the engagement and disengagement of the linkage block and the carrier 10, and to simplify the structural design of the carrier 10 and the linkage block, both the first linkage block 223 and the second linkage block 323 are provided with linkage part 3231, and the carrier 10 is provided with third engagement part 14. One of the linkage part 3231 and the third engagement part 14 is provided with a groove 105, and the other is provided with a protrusion 32311 that can engage with the groove 105.

[0074] In this embodiment, the groove 105 is formed in the third mating part 14, and the protrusion 32311 is provided in the linkage part 3231. In other embodiments, the groove 105 may also be formed in the linkage part 3231, and the protrusion 32311 may be provided in the third mating part 14.

[0075] To improve the tolerance for misfitting, the interior of the groove 105 is arc-shaped, and the protrusion 32311 is a matching cylindrical shape.

[0076] Specifically, there are two third mating parts 14, which are arranged opposite each other in the third direction so that the first linkage block 223 of the first power assembly 22 can cooperate with it from the side of the first guide frame 21 facing away from the second guide frame 31, and the second linkage block 323 of the second power assembly 32 can cooperate with it from the side of the second guide frame 31 facing away from the first guide frame 21.

[0077] An assembly machine according to a second aspect of this application includes: a feeding device according to a first aspect of this application.

[0078] The assembly machine according to the second aspect embodiment of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: including all the beneficial effects of the feeding equipment of the first aspect embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0079] Specifically, the assembly machine also includes a back cover feeding device and an assembly device. The back cover feeding device is used to transport the back cover. A barcode scanner is installed at the back cover feeding device. The barcode scanner can scan the QR code on the back cover to confirm the signal corresponding to the back cover, that is, to determine its color, and transmit this information to the picking module. The picking module will grab the part of the corresponding color on the carrier 10 according to the signal sent by the barcode scanner. The picking module can transfer the picked part to the assembly device, and the assembly device will assemble the part onto the back cover.

[0080] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A feeding device, characterized in that, include: The circulating module includes a conveying device and multiple carriers. The conveying device is driven and connected to the carriers to drive the carriers to circulate and transport materials. The carriers are provided with multiple acupoints. A feeding module is provided on the side of the conveying path of the carrier. Multiple feeding modules are provided, and each feeding module corresponds to at least one of the acupoints. The feeding module is used to feed parts to the corresponding acupoints, and the parts fed by each feeding module are of different colors. The material handling module is located beside the conveying path of the carrier and downstream of the loading module. The material handling module is used to remove one of the parts from one of the cavity locations of the carrier.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding module includes a feeding robot, a detector, and a hopper. The hopper is used to store a tray loaded with parts. The detector is used to detect whether there are parts in the corresponding acupoints on the carrier. The detector is electrically connected to the feeding robot and is used to feed back the detection signal to the feeding robot. The feeding robot is used to transfer the parts in the hopper to the empty acupoints.

3. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the feeding modules can be detachably connected to the conveying device, and the carrier can be detachably connected to the conveying device.

4. The feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hopper includes a handling robot, a first lifting assembly, and a second lifting assembly. The first lifting assembly is used to drive the material tray carrying parts to rise and fall, and to drive the material tray to the loading position. The loading robot grabs the parts from the material tray at the loading position. The handling robot grabs the empty material tray from the first lifting assembly to the second lifting assembly. The second lifting assembly is used to drive the empty material tray to rise and fall.

5. The feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hopper also includes a loading conveyor belt and a discharging conveyor belt. The first lifting assembly includes a first lifting driver and a first support plate. The first support plate is used to support a tray carrying parts. The first lifting driver drives the first support plate to lift the tray on the loading conveyor belt. The second lifting drive assembly includes a second lifting driver and a second support plate. The second support plate is used to support an empty tray. The second lifting driver drives the second support plate to drop the tray onto the discharging conveyor belt.

6. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying device includes a first conveying mechanism, a second conveying mechanism, a first return mechanism, and a second return mechanism. The first conveying mechanism includes a first guide frame and a first power component. The first guide frame is slidably fitted with a corresponding carrier. The first power component is used to drive the carrier on the first guide frame to move along a first direction. The second conveying mechanism includes a second guide frame and a second power component. The second guide frame is arranged parallel to the first guide frame and is slidably fitted with a corresponding carrier. The second power component is used to drive the carrier on the second guide frame to move along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first return mechanism is located on one side of the first guide frame and the second guide frame in the first direction and is used to receive the carrier on the first guide frame to move the carrier to engage with the carrier on the second guide frame. The second return mechanism is located on one side of the first guide frame and the second guide frame in the second direction and is used to receive the carrier on the second guide frame to move the carrier to engage with the carrier on the first guide frame.

7. The feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first return mechanism includes a first driver and a first transfer table. The first driver is used to drive the first transfer table to move opposite to the first guide frame so that the carrier on the first guide frame can slide onto the first transfer table. The first driver is also used to drive the first transfer table to move opposite to the second guide frame so that the carrier on the first transfer table can cooperate with the carrier on the second guide frame. And / or, The second return mechanism includes a second driver and a second transfer stage. The second driver is used to drive the second transfer stage to move opposite to the second guide frame so that the carrier on the second guide frame can slide onto the second transfer stage. The second driver is also used to drive the second transfer stage to move opposite to the first guide frame so that the carrier on the second transfer stage can engage with the carrier on the first guide frame.

8. The feeding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first guide frame, the second guide frame, the first transfer platform, and the second transfer platform are all provided with guide structures extending along the first direction, and the guide structures can slide with the vehicle.

9. The feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first conveying mechanism includes a first limiting component disposed on the first guide frame, the first limiting component being used to cooperate with the carrier to restrict the carrier from sliding relative to the first guide frame; and / or, The second conveying mechanism includes a second limiting component disposed on the second guide frame. The second limiting component is used to cooperate with the carrier to limit the sliding of the carrier relative to the second guide frame.

10. An assembly machine, characterized in that, The feeding device includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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