Side feeding metal part machining system and equipment

Abstract

The invention provides metal part machining equipment capable of achieving side face automatic feeding. The metal part machining equipment capable of achieving side face automatic feeding comprises an automatic material moving part, a feeding part and a feeding part, an automatic processing part; a manufacturing part; and a power part. Wherein the automatic material moving part is connected to the side face of the automatic machining part in an automatic feeding mode, the automatic material moving part and the automatic machining part are connected to the control part in a communication mode, and the automatic material moving part and the automatic machining part are connected to the power part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of short part processing, and in particular to a metal parts processing system and equipment with side feeding. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of automation technology, equipment for automatically processing metal parts is emerging in large numbers. This equipment can often automatically process parts into standard finished products, which can greatly improve the efficiency and yield of parts processing and reduce labor costs.

[0003] Some existing automated metal parts processing equipment still requires manual addition of raw materials during processing and manual removal of the finished product after processing. This prevents the equipment from achieving full automation and hinders further improvement in processing efficiency.

[0004] Furthermore, some companies use robotic arms to automate the loading and unloading of processing equipment. Although this can complete the entire automation process well, robotic arms are generally less integrated with processing equipment and often require a large space for installation. In addition, a certain amount of space needs to be reserved around the robotic arm when it is working to allow it to perform loading and unloading actions.

[0005] In existing processing equipment, the feeding port and tool or mold changing window share a single window. In other words, the robotic arm feeds the raw materials into the processing equipment through a working window located directly in front of the equipment. In this scenario, the loading of existing robotic arms typically involves at least four mechanical strokes—grabbing, turning and lifting, feeding into the front window, and then pushing forward—and in some cases, even five. Therefore, a very large space is required in front of the equipment to accommodate the robotic arm's work, significantly impacting the production plant's space. Furthermore, the numerous strokes of existing robotic arms result in relatively low work efficiency.

[0006] Moreover, these robotic arms for loading and unloading are mostly placed in front of the processing equipment, making it difficult for workers to observe the working status from the front or to maintain and repair the processing equipment from the front.

[0007] Furthermore, the robotic arm undergoes extensive rotation during loading and unloading operations, which could pose a safety hazard if operators are present nearby.

[0008] The biggest factor affecting production efficiency is that when continuously processing metal parts, the robotic arm needs to first remove the finished metal parts from the fixture for storage, then grab the metal raw material blanks, and finally place the metal raw material blanks to be processed onto the fixture. This means that the robotic arm needs to move back and forth twice during each loading and unloading process, which makes the loading and unloading efficiency inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. The side-feed metal parts processing system optimizes the spatial configuration relationship between the feeding area and the processing area, thereby improving the overall space utilization and reducing the space occupation of the factory.

[0010] This invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. The side-feed metal parts processing system is configured for side linear feeding, which greatly reduces the working stroke of the feeding process, reduces the space required for feeding, and improves working efficiency.

[0011] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment, which independently sets the side-feed inlet and the front working window of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment, so that the feeding does not affect the operation of the working window.

[0012] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. The advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that it includes a material transfer unit that automatically adds raw materials from the side to a processing unit for processing, which can appropriately reduce the overall installation space of the equipment.

[0013] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that the material transfer section can also remove the processed finished parts from the processing section.

[0014] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that the material transfer part is equipped with two material transfer claws, which can remove the processed metal parts before loading and then quickly load them, shortening the loading and unloading time.

[0015] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that the material transfer module of the material transfer unit mainly completes the loading and unloading by horizontal movement, which reduces the operating space of the material transfer action and improves its safety.

[0016] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that a feeding module of the material transfer section can automatically and continuously perform standardized feeding, enabling the processing equipment to perform continuous processing operations for a long time.

[0017] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that a clamping module of the processing unit is vertically mounted in a controllable rotation, so that a processing module of the processing unit can perform forming processing on the raw material from both sides of the clamping module, thereby improving its processing efficiency.

[0018] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that the processing module can also perform forming processing on the raw materials from above the fixture module, further improving its processing efficiency.

[0019] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that the clamping module can simultaneously clamp multiple raw materials for processing by the processing module, which can improve its production efficiency.

[0020] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that the processing part has a side space, which is disposed on one side of the fixture module. The side space can be used to install the material transfer part on the side of the processing part, thereby improving the integration level of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment.

[0021] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing system and equipment. Another advantage of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment is that the processing part has a transfer port, which is opened between the side space and the fixture module, so that the transfer part installed in the side space can perform loading and unloading operations from the side to the fixture module through the transfer port.

[0022] To achieve the aforementioned and other objectives and advantages, the side-feed metal parts processing equipment includes:

[0023] Material transfer section;

[0024] Processing Department 1;

[0025] A control department; and

[0026] Power Department;

[0027] The material transfer unit is automatically fed to the side of the processing unit, the material transfer unit and the processing unit are controllably driven to the control unit, and the material transfer unit and the processing unit are connected to the power unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the material transfer unit includes a feeding module, a material transfer module, and a discharging module. The feeding module is continuously provided with material near the material transfer module, and the discharging module is provided with material discharge capability near the material transfer module. The feeding module and the material transfer module are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit.

[0029] Furthermore, the material transfer module includes a lifting component, a translation component, and a gripping component. The translation component is controllably translatably connected to the lifting component, and the gripping component is controllably gripping connected to the translation component. The lifting component is positioned above the material supply module, and the lifting component, the translation component, and the gripping component are controllably driven and connected to the control unit.

[0030] Furthermore, the gripping assembly includes a rotating base, a rotating body, a first gripper, and a second gripper. The rotating base is fixedly connected to the translation assembly, and the rotating body is controllably rotatably connected to the rotating base. The rotation axis of the rotating body forms a 45° angle with the translation assembly. The first gripper is vertically downward connected to the rotating body, and the second gripper is horizontally connected to the rotating body. The first gripper and the second gripper form a 90° angle. The rotating body, the first gripper, and the second gripper are controllably driven and connected to the control unit.

[0031] The present invention also provides a method for processing metal parts with side feeding, the method comprising the following steps:

[0032] A, a feeding module continuously supplies multiple metal blanks to be processed to a transferring module;

[0033] B, the material transfer module continuously moves the metal blank from the side of a processing section to the processing section for processing, and moves the formed metal part from the processing section to a discharge module for discharge.

[0034] Step B further includes the following steps:

[0035] B1, a translation component drives a gripping component to translate directly above one of the metal blanks;

[0036] B2, a lifting component drives the translation component to descend;

[0037] B3, the gripping component grips the metal blank;

[0038] B4, the gripping component places the metal blank in a clamping module and grips the formed metal part and transports it to the discharge module for discharge.

[0039] Step B4 further includes the following steps:

[0040] B41, a first gripper of the gripping assembly grips one of the metal blanks placed on the standard tray;

[0041] B42, the lifting component drives the gripping component to rise to a height corresponding to the clamping module;

[0042] B43, the translation component drives the gripping component to translate to the vicinity of the fixture module;

[0043] B44, a second gripper of the gripping assembly grips the shaped metal part from the fixture module;

[0044] B45, a rotating body of the gripping assembly rotates to interchange the positions of the first gripper and the second gripper;

[0045] B46, the first gripper places the metal blank to be processed into the fixture module for clamping;

[0046] B47, the translation component retracts the gripping component to the discharge module, and the second gripper discharges the formed metal part through the discharge module. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 The figure shown is a perspective view of a side-feed metal parts processing device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 The figure shown is a top view schematic diagram of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 The image shown is a side view of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The figure shown is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal device of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The figure shown is a perspective view of a material transfer section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a rear view of the material transfer section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 9 The image shown is a perspective view of a gripping component of the material transfer section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a side view of the working state of the gripping component of the material transfer section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11 The figure shown is a perspective view of a processing section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 The diagram shown is a side view of the processing section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13 The diagram shown is a front view of the processing section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 14 The diagram shown is a partially enlarged schematic of the processing section of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 15 The figure shown is a perspective view of a side-feed metal parts processing device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 16 and Figure 17 The figure shown is a perspective view of a feeding module of a side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 18 The image shown is a front view schematic diagram of the feeding module of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0063] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," 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 invention 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, the above terms should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0064] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0065] The present invention provides a side-feed metal parts processing equipment, which can be compactly installed on the side of the processing unit. By using side-feed processing, the side-feed metal parts processing equipment can be more compact than conventional equipment, saving installation space.

[0066] Figures 1 to 5 The first preferred embodiment of the present invention shows a side-feed metal parts processing system 1000, which includes a side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 and a feeding equipment 10. The feeding equipment is used to transport a metal blank 100 to the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 so as to process a metal part 101 by the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1.

[0067] Preferably, the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 is used to process short metal blanks, such as ball valves and water valves. In other words, the metal raw material is also a short metal raw material. Specifically, the metal blank 100 is a short tubular metal raw material that has been hot-stamped. In other words, during operation, the short metal raw material is fed into the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1, processed by the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1, and then output as a valve body part.

[0068] For ease of explanation, the direction facing the worker or the direction of the work window (to be discussed later) of the side metal parts processing equipment 1 is defined as the front or front, and the direction that has an angle or is perpendicular to this direction is defined as the side or side.

[0069] The side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 has a processing inner chamber 1001 and a feeding outer space 1002, which is formed by partially recessing the processing inner chamber 1001 inward. In other words, in this invention, the space occupied by the equipment used for processing metal raw materials is partially converted into a space for feeding, thereby reconfiguring the feeding and processing spaces as a whole, thus reducing the overall volume occupied by the processing system consisting of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 and the feeding equipment 10.

[0070] Preferably, the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 is configured to retract in the direction of the left or right side.

[0071] The side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 includes a processing unit 20, a control unit 30, and a power unit 40. During operation, the feeding device 10 is automatically fed to the side of the processing unit 20. The feeding device 10 and the processing unit 20 are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit 30, and the feeding device 10 and the processing unit 20 are respectively connected to the power unit 40.

[0072] The side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 further includes a protective housing 50, which is disposed around the processing section 20. That is, the processing section 20 is disposed inside the protective housing 50. The protective housing 50 forms the processing inner chamber 1002, and the processing section 20 is located inside the processing inner chamber 1002.

[0073] The protective outer shell 50 is partially recessed inward at its front side to form the processing inner chamber 1001 and the feeding outer space 1002. In other words, the position where the protective outer shell 50 is recessed inward corresponds to the feeding outer space 1002. Preferably, the left or right side of the protective outer shell 50 is recessed inward to form the feeding outer space 1002.

[0074] The protective housing 50 has a feed inlet 501, which connects the feed outer space 102 and the processing inner chamber 101. Preferably, the feed inlet 501 is located on the side of the protective housing 50. Working window 227

[0075] The feeding device 10 is mainly used to automatically transfer the metal blank 100 to be processed from the side of the processing unit 20. Through continuous automatic feeding, the feeding device 10 can continuously process and form the metal blank 100.

[0076] The feeding device 10 provides materials to the automated processing unit 20 from the side, which keeps the front of the automated processing unit 20 clean and makes it easy to observe the internal operation from the front, so that problems can be detected quickly and in a timely manner.

[0077] The processing unit 20 is mainly used to receive the metal blank 100 transmitted by the feeding device 10, and to automatically process the metal blank 100 into metal parts 101.

[0078] The control unit 30 is mainly used to control the feeding device 10 and the processing unit 20 to automatically and collaboratively process and form the metal part 101.

[0079] The power unit 40 is mainly used to provide the necessary power sources for the production process, such as electrical energy, air source or hydraulic source, to the feeding equipment 10, the processing unit 20 and the implementation control unit 30.

[0080] The protective housing 50 is mainly used to protect the various components and devices inside the processing section 20, making them less susceptible to external interference.

[0081] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the feeding device 10 includes a feeding module 11, a transferring module 12 and a discharging module 13. The feeding module 11 is continuously provided near the transferring module 11, and the discharging module 13 is provided near the transferring module 12 for discharging.

[0082] On the other hand, the feeding module 11 and the transferring module 12 are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit 30.

[0083] The feeding module 11 is mainly used to continuously supply the metal blank 100 to be processed to the transfer module 12.

[0084] The material transfer module 12 is mainly used to continuously obtain the metal blanks 100 from the material supply module 11 and transfer each metal blank 100 to the processing unit 20 for processing and shaping.

[0085] The discharge module 13 is mainly used to discharge the processed metal part 101 to the outside.

[0086] During the operation of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment, the metal blanks 100 are conveyed and stored to the feeding module 11 by external equipment, so that the feeding module 11 can continuously provide the metal blanks 100 to be processed to the transfer module 12. The transfer module 12 automatically and continuously delivers the metal blanks 100 one by one to the processing section 20 for processing. Furthermore, the transfer module 12 can also automatically deliver the metal parts 101 processed by the processing section 20 to the discharge module 13. The discharge module 13 finally transports each of the metal parts 101 to the outside of the equipment.

[0087] Preferably, the feeding module 11 is positioned below the transfer module 12, so that the transfer module 12 can quickly pick up the metal blank 100 from the feeding module 11 from above and quickly transfer it to the processing unit 20.

[0088] Preferably, the discharge module 13 is disposed between the transfer module 12 and the processing section 20, so that after the discharge module 13 obtains the formed metal part 101 from the processing section 20, it can quickly deliver the metal part 101 to the discharge module 13 for discharge operation, thereby improving the overall efficiency.

[0089] It should be noted that during the operation of the feeding device 10, the metal blank 100 is acquired by the transfer module 12 and then linearly fed into the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 along the extension direction of the transfer module 12. Only one to two working strokes are needed to complete the feeding process. For example, when the metal blank 100 is placed in the same direction as the transfer module 12, the transfer module 12 only needs one linear stroke to complete the feeding; when the metal blank 100 is placed under the transfer module, the transfer module 12 needs to first grab and lift, and then linearly feed, which requires two working strokes. Compared with the existing feeding methods, both methods reduce the working stroke and the required feeding space.

[0090] like Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the processing unit 20 includes a clamping module 21, a mounting body 22, and a processing module 23. The processing unit 20 also has a material transfer port 24 and a side space 25. The clamping module 21 is vertically mounted in the mounting body 22 in a controllable rotatable manner. The processing module 23 is mounted on the mounting body 22. The side space 25 is opened on one side of the clamping module 21. The material transfer port 24 is opened in the mounting body 22, between the side space 25 and the clamping module 21.

[0091] On the other hand, the feeding device 10 is positioned in the side space 25, the transfer port 24 is positioned between the feeding device 10 and the clamping module 21, and the clamping module 21 and the processing module 23 are respectively controllably driven connected to the control unit 30.

[0092] The feed inlet 501 is connected to the transfer inlet 24. Further, the feed inlet 501 is connected to the transfer inlet 24 laterally. Preferably, the feed inlet 501 and the transfer inlet 24 are connected in a longitudinal horizontal direction. In other words, during the feeding process, the feeding device 10 located in the feeding outer space 1002 transports the metal blank 100 to the fixture module 21 through the feed inlet 501 and the transfer inlet 24, and then the processing module 23 processes the metal blank 100.

[0093] It is worth mentioning that the feeding device 10 linearly feeds the metal blank 100 to be processed into the transfer port 24.

[0094] The clamping module 21 is mainly used to temporarily clamp and fix each of the metal blanks 100, and to drive each of the metal blanks 100 to the processing position of the processing module 23 for various processing through its controllable vertical rotation.

[0095] The mounting body 22 is mainly used to stably mount the fixture module 21 and the processing module 23, so that they can be stably installed and operated.

[0096] The processing module 23 is mainly used to automatically process each metal blank 100 held in the clamping module 21 in various steps. Through multiple processing steps, the metal blank 100 will eventually be processed into the metal part 101.

[0097] The transfer port 24 is mainly used by the feeding device 10 to feed material into the clamping module 21. The transfer module 12 of the feeding device 10 can transport the metal blank 100 to the clamping module 21 through the transfer port 24, and can also remove the formed metal part 101 from the clamping module 21 for unloading.

[0098] Preferably, the feeding port 501 and the transfer port 24 are connected in a direction perpendicular to the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock direction of the fixture module 21. It is worth noting that the fixture module 21 operates in a manner similar to a waterwheel rotation; in other words, the processing unit 20 includes multiple fixture modules 21 that are constantly rotating. Therefore, when the corresponding fixture module 21 rotates to the position corresponding to the transfer port 24, the metal blank 100 is fed in and fixed, and then rotated to the next workstation for processing.

[0099] Since the clamping module 21 is vertically mounted on the mounting body 22, the processing module 23 can process the clamped metal raw material from multiple positions on both sides of the clamping module 21. By reducing the component installation of the processing module 23 on one side of the clamping module 21, some space can be left empty on that side to form the side space 25 for installing the feeding device 10, so that the feeding device 10 can perform loading and unloading operations on the side of the clamping module 21.

[0100] The control unit 30 includes a control module 31 and a control panel 32, the control panel 32 being operably electrically connected to the control module 31.

[0101] On the other hand, the feeding device 10 and the processing unit 20 are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control module 31, and the control panel 32 is externally mounted on the protective housing 50.

[0102] The control module 31 is mainly used to control the feeding device 10 and the processing unit 20 to perform operations automatically.

[0103] The control panel 32 is mainly used to provide real-time operation process information and to allow operators to perform control and debugging.

[0104] In simple terms, during the automated processing, the control module 31 of the control unit 30 controls the feeding module 11 of the feeding device 10 to continuously feed material to the transfer module 12;

[0105] The material transfer module 12 obtains the metal blank 100 from the material supply module 11;

[0106] Then the material transfer module 12 transfers the metal blank 100 to the fixture module 21 through the material transfer port 24 of the processing unit 20;

[0107] The clamping module 21 temporarily clamps and fixes the metal blank 100;

[0108] Then, the clamping module 21 is rotated in a controlled manner, driving the metal blank 100 to the processing module 23 for processing and shaping into the metal part 101;

[0109] Then the clamp module 21 rotates to move the metal part 101 to the initial position;

[0110] Finally, the material transfer module 12 retrieves the metal part 101 from the fixture module 21 for discharge, and then transfers the new metal blank 100 to the fixture module 21 again, repeating this process.

[0111] Furthermore, the feeding module 11 includes a moving component 111 and at least one standard tray 112, the standard tray 112 being placed on the moving component 111. The moving component 111 is controllably connected to the control module 31 of the control unit 30.

[0112] On the other hand, the standard tray 112 is positioned below the transfer module 12, and the moving component 111 is controllably connected to the control module 31 of the control unit 30.

[0113] The standard tray 112 is used to place multiple metal blanks 100 to be processed. Each metal blank 100 is placed on the standard tray 112 in the same posture for use by the transfer module 12.

[0114] The moving component 111 is used to automatically move the standard tray 112 below the transfer module 12, so that the transfer module 12 can quickly acquire the metal blank 100.

[0115] The material transfer module 12 includes a lifting component 121, a translation component 122, and a gripping component 123. The translation component 122 is controllably translatably connected to the lifting component 121, and the gripping component 123 is controllably gripping the translation component 122.

[0116] On the other hand, the lifting component 121 is positioned above the feeding module 11, and the lifting component 121, the translation component 122, and the gripping component 123 are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control module 31.

[0117] The lifting component 121 is mainly used for controllable lifting and lowering, and the lifting and lowering action drives the translation component 122 to move up and down.

[0118] The translation component 122 is mainly used for controllable horizontal movement, which drives the gripping component 123 to move horizontally to the fixture module 21.

[0119] The gripping component 123 is mainly used to controllably grip the metal blank placed in the standard tray 112 of the feeding module 11.

[0120] When the material transfer module 12 is automatically fed under control, the translation component 122 drives the gripping component 123 to translate directly above one of the metal blanks 100, the lifting component 121 drives the translation component 122 to descend, and the gripping component 123 grips the metal blank 100.

[0121] After the gripping component 123 grips the metal blank 100, the lifting component 121 rises, driving the translation component 122 and the gripping component 123 to a height corresponding to the clamping module 21. Then, the translation component 122 translates, driving the gripping component 123 to the clamping module 21. The gripping component 123 places the metal blank 100 in the clamping module 21. Finally, the clamping module 21 clamps the metal blank 100.

[0122] Accordingly, after processing is completed, the lifting component 121, the translation component 122 and the gripping component 123 of the material transfer module 12 grip the finished metal part 101 from the fixture module 21 in a similar reverse direction and move it to the discharge module 13 for discharge.

[0123] The lifting assembly 121 includes two vertical rails 1211, a translation rail 1212, and two lifting seats 1213. The two vertical rails 1211 are respectively positioned and erected on both sides of the feeding module 11. The two lifting seats 1213 are respectively controllably lifted and lowered on the vertical rails 1211. The translation rail 1212 is horizontally connected to the two lifting seats 1213.

[0124] On the other hand, the translation component 122 is controllably connected to the translation track 1212, and the two lifting seats 1213 are controllably driven to be connected to the control module 31.

[0125] The vertical track 1211 is mainly used to install the two lifting seats 1213, so that the two lifting seats 1213 can make controllable lifting and lowering movements along the vertical track 1211, thereby driving the translation track 1212 connected to the lifting seat 1221 to make lifting and lowering movements.

[0126] The translation track 1212 is mainly used to install and connect the translation component 122, so that the translation component 122 can move in a controlled manner on the translation track 1212.

[0127] The lifting seat 1213 is mainly used to perform controlled lifting and lowering movements on the two vertical tracks 1221, and drive the translation track 1212 to perform lifting and lowering movements, thereby driving the translation component 122 and the gripping component 123 to perform lifting and lowering movements, so that the gripping component 123 can descend to grip each of the metal blanks 100 located on the standard tray 112.

[0128] The translation component 122 includes a movable seat 1221, a shaft 1222, and a claw seat 1223. The movable seat 1221 is controllably and horizontally movably connected to the translation track 1212 of the lifting component 121. One end of the shaft 1222 is fixedly connected to the movable seat 1221, and the shaft 1222 extends horizontally toward the processing part 20. The claw seat 1223 is fixedly connected to the other end of the shaft 1222.

[0129] On the other hand, the gripping component 123 is fixedly connected to the claw base 1223, and the movable base 1221 is controllably connected to the control module 31.

[0130] The movable seat 1221 is mainly used for controlled horizontal movement on the translation track 1212 of the translation component 122, and drives the shaft 1222, the claw seat 1223 and the gripping component 123 to move horizontally together.

[0131] The shaft 1222 is mainly used to extend the claw seat 1223 in the horizontal direction, so that the gripping assembly 123 mounted on the claw seat 1223 can move inward to the clamping module 21 of the processing unit 20 for loading and unloading operations.

[0132] The claw base 1223 is mainly used to fix the gripping component 123, so that the gripping component 123 can be driven to move horizontally by the translation component 122, and to provide a stable mounting position for the gripping component 123.

[0133] In the continuous processing and production of metal parts, traditional robotic arms require the following loading and unloading process: first, the finished metal part is removed from the fixture and stored; then, the raw metal blank is picked up; and finally, the raw metal blank to be processed is placed onto the fixture. This means that the robotic arm needs to move back and forth twice during each loading and unloading process, making the loading and unloading inefficient. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in a further optimized manner, the gripping component 123 includes a rotating base 1231, a rotating body 1232, a first gripper 1233, and a second gripper 1234. The rotating base 1231 is fixedly connected to the gripper seat 1223, and the rotating body 1232 is controllably rotatably connected to the rotating base 1231. The rotation axis of the rotating body 1232 forms a 45° angle with the shaft 1222 of the translation component 122. The first gripper 1233 is vertically downward connected to the rotating body 1232, and the second gripper 1234 is horizontally connected to the rotating body 1232. The first gripper 1233 and the second gripper 1234 form a 90° angle.

[0134] On the other side, the first gripper 1233 is facing the standard tray 112 of the feeding module 11, and the second gripper 1234 is facing the transfer port 24 of the processing unit 20. The rotating body 1232, the first gripper 1233 and the second gripper 1234 are respectively controllably driven to be connected to the control module 31.

[0135] The rotating base 1231 is mainly used to fix the claw seat 1223 to the translation component 122 and controllably drive the rotating body 1232 to rotate.

[0136] The rotating body 1232 is mainly used to drive the first gripper 1233 and the second gripper 1234 to rotate around their axis, so that the first gripper 1233 and the second gripper 1234 can interchange positions and perform loading and unloading operations in sequence.

[0137] The first gripper 1233 and the second gripper 1234 are mainly used for rapid loading and unloading operations. One gripper grabs and moves the metal blank 100, and the other gripper grabs the formed metal part 101. Then, by rotating and exchanging the positions of the two grippers, loading is performed to achieve a rapid loading and unloading operation.

[0138] When the optimized gripping component 123 loads or unloads materials, the first gripper 1233 moves downward to the standard tray 112 of the feeding module 11 under the drive of the lifting component 121.

[0139] Then the first gripper 1233 grasps one of the metal blanks 100 placed on the standard tray 112;

[0140] Then the lifting component 121 drives the gripping component 123 to rise to a height relative to the clamping module 21;

[0141] Then the translation component 122 drives the gripping component 123 to translate to the vicinity of the clamping module 21;

[0142] Then the second gripper 1234 picks up the shaped metal part 101 from the clamping module 21;

[0143] Then the rotating body 1232 rotates and interchanges the positions of the first gripper 1233 and the second gripper 1234;

[0144] Then the first gripper 1233 places the metal blank 100 to be processed into the fixture module 21 for clamping;

[0145] Finally, the translation component 122 retracts the gripping component 123 to the discharge module 13, and the second gripper 1234 discharges the formed metal part 101 through the discharge module 13, and so on.

[0146] With this structural design and loading / unloading method, the translation component 122 only needs one round trip to complete the loading and unloading process, which greatly shortens the loading and unloading process and improves production efficiency.

[0147] The discharge module 13 has a discharge channel 131, a receiving port 132 and a discharge port 133. The discharge channel 131 is positioned between the transfer module 12 and the mounting body 22. The receiving port 132 is opened upward at the upper end of the discharge channel 131, and the discharge port 133 is opened at the lower end of the discharge channel 131.

[0148] The discharge channel 131 is mainly used for rapid discharge. After the formed metal part 101 enters the discharge channel 131, it can quickly slide down and be discharged by its own gravity without the need for additional power to assist in the discharge.

[0149] The receiving port 132 is mainly used to receive the metal part 101 transferred by the gripping component 123 of the transfer module 12, so that it accurately enters the discharge channel 131.

[0150] The discharge port 133 is mainly used for the metal parts 101 to slide out from the discharge channel 131 and enter the finished product storage area.

[0151] The clamp module 21 includes a turntable 211, a rotating shaft assembly 212, and a plurality of clamps 213. The rotating shaft assembly 212 is rotatably mounted on the mounting body 22. The turntable 211 is vertically connected to the rotating shaft assembly 212. Each of the clamps 213 is respectively disposed on the edge side of the turntable 211.

[0152] On the other hand, the rotating shaft assembly 212 and each of the clamps 213 are controllably driven to be connected to the control module 31.

[0153] The turntable 211 is mainly used to install multiple clamps 213. The turntable 211 rotates vertically under the drive of the rotating shaft assembly 212, and drives each clamp 213 and the clamped metal parts 100 to the processing module 23 for processing and shaping.

[0154] The rotating shaft assembly 212 is mainly used to controllably drive the turntable 211 to rotate in the vertical direction.

[0155] Each of the clamps 213 is mainly used to clamp multiple metal blanks 100, so that each metal blank 100 can be driven to different parts of the processing module 23 for processing.

[0156] The installation body 22 includes a working window 227, which is openable to connect to the external space.

[0157] The opening directions of the feed inlet 501 and the working window 227 of the protective housing 50 form a predetermined angle. Preferably, the opening directions of the feed inlet 501 and the working window 227 are perpendicular to each other. In other words, the feed inlet 501 and the working window 227 are located in different directions.

[0158] Furthermore, the opening directions of the transfer port 24 and the working window 227 form a predetermined angle. In other words, the transfer port 24 and the working window 227 are positioned in different directions. Preferably, the opening directions of the transfer port 24 and the working window 227 are perpendicular to each other.

[0159] It is worth mentioning that the working window 227 is located on the front wall of the mounting body 22, that is, in a position or direction opposite to the worker or user. Preferably, the working window 227 is located in a direction directly facing the user, and the feed inlet 501 is located in a direction perpendicular to the working window 227.

[0160] During operation, the metal blank 100 passes through the feed inlet 501 from the feed outer space 102 into the processing inner chamber 1001. It should be noted that in this invention, the feed inlet 501 located on the side and the working window 227 located at the front of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 are independently arranged, so that feeding does not affect the operation of the working window. In other words, the position of the side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1 will not obstruct or affect the operator's operation through the working window 227.

[0161] The work window 227 is mainly used by operators to observe the operation status of the automated processing unit 20 from the outside, so as to facilitate the timely detection and handling of problems. Alternatively, the work window 227 can be used to maintain or repair the equipment, and it also facilitates operators to change molds, cutting tools or fixtures of the processing module 23 through the work window 227.

[0162] In existing robotic arm loading and unloading operations, traditional robotic arms require the space in front of the processing equipment to load and unload materials, making it difficult for workers to observe or inspect the processing equipment from the front of the equipment.

[0163] The present invention uses a side loading and unloading method, which eliminates the space occupied by equipment in front of the processing unit 20, allowing the staff to observe the operation of the processing unit 20 through the work window 227 during the production process, so as to identify problems and make adjustments in a timely manner.

[0164] The mounting body 22 includes a first side mounting wall 221, a second side mounting wall 222, and a top mounting wall 223. The mounting body 22 also has a processing space 224, a collection groove 225, and multiple mounting holes 226. The first side mounting wall 221 and the second side mounting wall 222 are respectively disposed on both sides of the fixture module 21. The top mounting wall 223 is connected to the top of the first side mounting wall 221 and the second side mounting wall 222. The processing space 224 is formed within the side mounting walls 221, the second side mounting wall 222, and the top mounting wall 223. The collection groove 225 is formed below the fixture module 21. Each of the mounting holes 226 is formed in the side mounting wall 221, the second side mounting wall 222, and the top mounting wall 223. Furthermore, the working window 227 is openable, connecting the processing space 224 to the external space. The fixture module 21 and the machining module 23 are located within the machining space 224.

[0165] In other words, during operation, workers can operate the fixture module or the processing module 23 arranged in the processing space 224 by opening the work window 227, for example, but not limited to, replacement and repair operations. The feed port 501 connects with the transfer port 24 to form a feed channel 5001, that is, the external metal blank 100 is fed into the processing space 224 through the feed channel 5001.

[0166] The side mounting wall 221, the second side mounting wall 222, the top mounting wall 223, and each mounting hole 226 are respectively used to install the processing module 23, so that the processing module 23 can be stably installed on the mounting body 22.

[0167] The processing space 224 provides a movement space for the fixture module 21 and an operating space for the processing module 23 to perform processing operations.

[0168] The collection tank 225 is mainly used to collect waste generated during processing, which facilitates waste recycling.

[0169] The processing module 23 includes multiple rotating devices 231, multiple processing tools 233, and multiple spray heads 233. The rotating devices 231 are respectively mounted on the side mounting wall 221, the second side mounting wall 222, and the top mounting wall 223. Each processing tool 233 is respectively mounted on each of the rotating devices 231, and each spray head 233 is respectively arranged adjacent to each of the rotating devices 231.

[0170] On the other hand, each of the rotating devices 231 and each of the spray heads 233 are controllably driven and connected to the control module 31.

[0171] Each of the rotating devices 231 is mainly used to drive each of the machining tools 233 to rotate and process the metal blank 100.

[0172] The machining tool 233 is mainly used to cut the metal blank 100 to form it.

[0173] The spray head 233 is mainly used to spray coolant onto the metal blank 100 to prevent it from getting too hot during the cutting process.

[0174] When the material transfer module 12 of the feeding device 10 transfers the metal blank 100 to the processing unit 20, the clamp 213 of the clamp module 21 first clamps and fixes the metal blank 100.

[0175] Then the rotating shaft assembly 212 is rotated in a controlled manner, causing the turntable 211 to rotate;

[0176] This causes each of the metal blanks 100 held by the clamp 213 to rotate to each of the rotating devices 231 of the processing module 23;

[0177] Each of the machining tools 232 performs cutting operations on each of the metal blanks 100;

[0178] Each of the spray heads 233 sprays coolant onto each of the metal blanks 100 to keep the metal blanks 100 at a suitable temperature;

[0179] After the turntable 211 rotates once, the metal blank 100 is shaped and processed into the metal part 101;

[0180] Finally, the transfer module 12 retrieves the metal part 101 from the fixture 213 and delivers a new metal blank 100 to the fixture 213 for the next round of processing.

[0181] Figures 15 to 18The image shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, a side-feed metal parts processing device 1A, which improves upon the feeding device 10 of the first preferred embodiment.

[0182] The side-feed metal parts processing equipment 1A includes an automatic feeding unit 10A, the processing unit 20, the control unit 30, the power unit 40, and the protective housing 50. The feeding device 10A is automatically connected to the side of the processing unit 20. The feeding device 10A and the processing unit 20 are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit 30. The feeding device 10A and the processing unit 20 are respectively connected to the power unit 40. The protective housing 50 covers the periphery of the processing unit 20.

[0183] The feeding device 10A includes a feeding module 11A, a transferring module 12A and a discharging module 13A. The feeding module 11A is continuously provided with material near the transferring module 11A, and the discharging module 13A is provided with material discharge capability near the transferring module 12A.

[0184] On the other hand, the feeding module 11A and the transferring module 12A are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit 30, and the transferring module 12A is installed facing outward.

[0185] The feeding module 11A includes a moving component 111A and at least one standard tray 112, the standard tray 112 being placed on the moving component 111A. The moving component 111A is controllably driven connected to the control module 31 of the control unit 30.

[0186] The mobile component 111A includes an upper mobile platform 1111A and a lower mobile platform 1112A. The upper mobile platform 1111A is mounted on the lower mobile platform 1112A. The upper mobile platform 1111A and the lower mobile platform 1112A are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit 30.

[0187] On the other side, the two standard trays 112 are respectively placed on the upper moving platform 1111A and the lower moving platform 1112A.

[0188] The upper moving platform 1111A and the lower moving platform 1112A can each hold a standard tray 112 for storing the metal blank 100 to be processed. Through the stacking of the upper and lower layers, there can be more storage space than the feeding module 11 in the first embodiment.

[0189] The material transfer module 12A includes the lifting component 121, the translation component 122, and the gripping component 123. The translation component 122 is controllably translatably connected to the lifting component 121, and the gripping component 123 is controllably gripping the translation component 122.

[0190] On the other hand, the lifting component 121 is positioned above the feeding module 11A, and the lifting component 121, the translation component 122, and the gripping component 123 are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control module 31.

[0191] The discharge module 13A includes a conveying mechanism 134A. The discharge module 13A also has a discharge channel 131A, a receiving port 132A, and a discharge port 133A. The discharge channel 131A is positioned below the transfer module 12A. The receiving port 132A is opened upwards at the inner end of the discharge channel 131A, and the discharge port 133A is opened at the outer end of the discharge channel 131A. The conveying mechanism 134A is disposed at the bottom of the discharge channel 131A. Furthermore, the conveying mechanism 134A is controllably connected to the control unit 30.

[0192] The transmission mechanism 134A is used to quickly transport the formed metal blank 101 from the receiving port 132A to the discharge port 133A for discharge.

[0193] Preferably, the transmission mechanism 134A can be a motor-driven conveyor belt.

[0194] With the above improvements, the feeding device 10A becomes more compact and efficient.

[0195] The present invention also provides a method for processing metal parts with side feeding, the method comprising the following steps:

[0196] A, the feeding module 11 continuously provides the multiple metal blanks 100 to be processed to the transferring module 12;

[0197] B. The material transfer module 12 continuously moves the metal blank 100 from the side of the processing section 20 to the processing section 20 for processing, and moves the formed metal part 101 from the processing section 20 to the discharge module 13 for discharge.

[0198] Step A further includes the following steps:

[0199] A1, Place multiple metal blanks 100 into the standard tray 112 in the same orientation;

[0200] A2, the moving component 111 moves the standard tray 112 below the transfer module 12.

[0201] Step B further includes the following steps:

[0202] B1, the translation component 122 drives the gripping component 123 to translate directly above one of the metal blanks 100;

[0203] B2, the lifting component 121 drives the translation component 122 to descend;

[0204] B3, the gripping component 123 grips the metal blank 100;

[0205] B4, the gripping component 123 places the metal blank 100 in the clamping module 21, and grips the formed metal part 101 and transports it to the discharge module 13 for discharge.

[0206] Step B4 further includes the following steps:

[0207] B41, the first gripper 1233 grasps one of the metal blanks 100 placed on the standard tray 112;

[0208] B42, the lifting component 121 drives the gripping component 123 to rise to a height corresponding to the clamping module 21;

[0209] B43, the translation component 122 drives the gripping component 123 to translate to the vicinity of the clamping module 21;

[0210] B44, the second gripper 1234 grips the shaped metal part 101 from the clamping module 21;

[0211] B45, the rotating body 1232 rotates and interchanges the positions of the first gripper 1233 and the second gripper 1234;

[0212] B46, the first gripper 1233 places the metal blank 100 to be processed into the fixture module 21 for clamping;

[0213] B47, the translation component 122 translates and retracts the gripping component 123 to the discharge module 13, and the second gripper 1234 discharges the formed metal part 101 through the discharge module 13.

[0214] Those skilled in the art should understand that the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the objectives of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved, and the functions and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments. Without departing from the stated principles, the implementation of the present invention may have any variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A side-feed metal parts processing system, characterized in that, include: Metal parts processing equipment with one-sided feeding; and A feeding device is provided, wherein the feeding device is used to supply metal raw materials to the side-feed metal parts processing equipment for processing into metal parts by the side-feed metal parts processing equipment, the side-feed metal parts processing equipment has a processing inner chamber and a feeding outer space, the feeding outer space is formed by partially inwardly retracting the processing inner chamber, and the feeding device is disposed in the feeding outer space.

2. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 1, wherein the side-feed metal parts processing equipment includes a protective shell and a processing section, the protective shell forming the processing inner chamber, the processing section being disposed inside the protective shell, and the protective shell partially retracting inward at its front side to form the feeding outer space.

3. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 2, wherein the protective housing has a feed port that connects the feed outer space and the processing inner chamber.

4. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 3, wherein the processing section has a working window, the working window is located on the front side wall of the processing section, and the feed port has a predetermined angle with the opening direction of the working window.

5. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 4, wherein the working window and the feed port are located in two mutually perpendicular directions.

6. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 4, wherein the processing unit has a transfer port, the feed port is connected to the transfer port, and the transfer port has a predetermined angle with the opening direction of the working window.

7. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 6, wherein the processing unit has a processing space, the processing space being connected to the transfer port, the feed port and the working window respectively.

8. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the side-feed metal parts processing equipment comprises: A control unit and a power unit are provided, wherein the feeding device and the processing unit are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit, and the feeding device and the processing unit are respectively connected to the power unit.

9. The side-feed automatic metal parts processing equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The feeding device includes a feeding module, a transferring module and a discharging module. The feeding module is continuously feeding material and is disposed near the transferring module. The discharging module is discharging material and is disposed near the transferring module. The feeding module and the transferring module are respectively controllably driven and connected to the control unit.

10. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 9, wherein, The material transfer module includes a lifting component, a translation component, and a gripping component. The translation component is controllably and translatably connected to the lifting component, and the gripping component is controllably and grippingly connected to the translation component. The lifting component is positioned above the material supply module, and the lifting component, the translation component, and the gripping component are controllably and driven to the control unit.

11. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 10, wherein, The gripping assembly includes a rotating base, a rotating body, a first gripper, and a second gripper. The rotating base is fixedly connected to the translation assembly. The rotating body is controllably rotatably connected to the rotating base. The rotation axis of the rotating body forms a 45° angle with the translation assembly. The first gripper is vertically downward connected to the rotating body. The second gripper is horizontally connected to the rotating body. The first gripper and the second gripper form a 90° angle. The rotating body, the first gripper, and the second gripper are controllably driven and connected to the control unit.

12. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 7, wherein, The processing unit includes a fixture module, a mounting body, and a processing module. The fixture module is vertically mounted in the mounting body in a controllable rotation manner. The mounting body forms the processing space, and the processing module and the fixture module are located within the processing space.

13. A side-feed metal parts processing equipment, characterized in that, The device includes a processing unit with an internal processing space, a material transfer port, and a working window. The window is openably disposed in the processing unit. The internal processing space is connected to the openings of the material transfer port and the working window. The material transfer port is used to transport metal blanks, and the working window is used for operator operation. The opening directions of the material transfer port and the working window have a predetermined angle.

14. The side-feed metal parts processing equipment according to claim 13, comprising a protective housing, wherein the front side of the protective housing is partially recessed inward to form a feeding outer space and a processing inner chamber, the processing part is disposed in the processing inner chamber, and the feeding outer space is adapted to be configured with a feeding device for the feeding device to linearly convey metal blanks to the processing inner chamber.

15. The side-feed metal parts processing system according to claim 2, wherein the protective housing has a feed port, the feed port communicating with the transfer port and the feed outer space, and the feed port having a predetermined angle with the opening direction of the working window.

16. A method for machining metal parts with side feeding, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A. Obtain a metal blank in a vertical direction; B. The metal blank is fed into a side-feed metal parts processing equipment in a straight horizontal direction for processing.

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