Automatic feeding machine and feeding method

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic feeding machine and a feeding method of the automatic feeding machine. The automatic feeding machine comprises a rack, the stock bin is arranged on the rack and used for storing materials. The stock bin driving device is arranged on the rack and used for moving the stock bin to a feeding position; the automatic pushing device is arranged on the rack and used for pushing out materials in the stock bin. The automatic feeding device is arranged on the rack and used for receiving and conveying materials. In this way, efficient cooperation of the feeding process and the feeding process of the stock bin is achieved, the continuous operation capacity of a production line is remarkably improved, integrated, efficient and high-precision feeding operation is achieved, and the feeding device can further adapt to various application scenes.

Description

An automatic feeder and feeding method Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of packaging equipment, and particularly relates to an automatic feeder and feeding method. Background Technology

[0002] In automated production lines for photovoltaic modules, electronic devices, and packaging, it is typically necessary to automatically, continuously, and stably transport materials from storage locations such as silos to assembly stations, processing equipment, or conveyor lines to achieve automatic "from storage to use" connection.

[0003] However, the current material supply from the silo and the subsequent feeding process lack effective coordination, making it difficult to balance continuous and stable feeding; the functional modules are independent and lack an integrated process; in a production line with multiple varieties, multiple workstations, and high speed, it is difficult to simultaneously meet the requirements of high efficiency and greater reliability.

[0004] Therefore, how to design an automatic feeder and feeding method that can automatically move the silo, automatically push out materials, and connect buffering and conveying in an orderly manner, so as to achieve full-process automation, high efficiency, more stable and reliable feeding from the silo to the feeding device, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an automatic feeder and a feeding method.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solution: an automatic feeding machine, comprising a frame, a hopper disposed on the frame for storing materials; a hopper drive device disposed on the frame for moving the hopper to the feeding position; an automatic pushing device disposed on the frame for pushing the materials out of the hopper; and an automatic feeding device disposed on the frame for receiving and conveying materials.

[0007] Optionally, the hopper includes at least one storage unit configured to store multiple materials; a discharge channel is formed on the side wall of the storage unit; a lifting through-hole is provided on the bottom wall of the storage unit; the automatic pushing device includes a pushing mechanism mounted on the frame, the pushing mechanism's push block being able to extend into the discharge channel to push out the material in the hopper; a lifting mechanism is mounted on the frame, the lifting block of the lifting mechanism being located below the lifting through-hole, the lifting block being able to lift the material in the hopper onto the moving path of the push block.

[0008] Optionally, the discharge channel includes a first opening and a second opening disposed opposite to each other. The first opening allows the pushing mechanism of the automatic pushing device to enter in a first direction, and the second opening allows the material to be moved out in the first direction. The lifting through hole is configured to allow the lifting mechanism of the automatic pushing device to pass through in a second direction to lift the material to the discharge position aligned with the discharge channel.

[0009] Optionally, a plane perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the first plane, the first opening is adapted to the projection of the push block on the first plane, and the second opening is adapted to the projection of the material at the discharge position on the first plane; and / or a plane perpendicular to the second direction is defined as the second plane, and the lifting through hole is adapted to the projection of the material on the second plane.

[0010] Optionally, the material is a corner protector with an L-shaped cross-section. The corner protector includes two sides, and the lifting through hole includes two through holes spaced apart. The two through holes are respectively positioned at the bottom of the two sides.

[0011] Optionally, the hopper drive device includes a base plate, which is mounted on a frame. Multiple hoppers are slidably mounted on the base plate, and the sliding direction of the hoppers is a third direction. A first drive mechanism is mounted on the frame and connected to the base plate. The first drive mechanism can drive the base plate to move along the first direction. A second drive mechanism is mounted on the frame. When the first drive mechanism drives the base plate to move along the first direction until the hopper corresponds to the second drive mechanism, the second drive mechanism can connect to the hopper and move along the third direction to drive the hopper to the loading position.

[0012] Optionally, the hopper includes a bottom plate that is slidably mounted on a base plate. The bottom plate can be connected to a second drive mechanism, and the bottom plate is provided with a traction part. The storage unit is fixedly mounted on the bottom plate for storing materials. The second drive mechanism is provided with a traction engagement part. The second drive mechanism drives the hopper to move along a third direction through the engagement of the traction engagement part and the traction part, so as to move it to the loading position.

[0013] Optionally, the automatic feeding device includes a material carrier plate. The material carrier plate is mounted on the frame and can carry materials. A buffer platform is vertically mounted on the frame. When the buffer platform descends below the material carrier plate, it connects with the material carrier plate to receive the materials being transported by the material carrier plate. A material-grabbing mechanism is located above the buffer platform and is used to grab the materials held by the buffer platform. When the amount of materials held by the buffer platform reaches a preset quantity, the buffer platform rises to the material-grabbing position and / or the material-grabbing mechanism descends to the material-grabbing position, where it can grab the materials.

[0014] Optionally, the automatic feeding device also includes a material detection sensor, which is located at the material carrier plate or the buffer platform to detect whether the material has reached the buffer platform. When the material detection sensor detects that the material has reached the buffer platform, it controls the buffer platform to descend a predetermined height and counts the material.

[0015] A feeding method for an automatic feeder involves moving the hopper to the feeding position via a hopper drive device; pushing the material in the hopper to the automatic feeding device via an automatic pusher device; and receiving and conveying the material via the automatic feeding device.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects: through the integrated and coordinated control of the hopper, hopper drive device, automatic pusher device and automatic feeder device, the efficient coordination of the hopper supply and feeding process is realized, significantly improving the continuous operation capability of the production line and realizing integrated, efficient and highly accurate feeding operation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of structure A of the automatic feeding machine in Figure 1 of this application; Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 is a planar structural schematic diagram of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 is a side structural schematic diagram of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 is a partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an automatic feeding machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 is a partial enlarged view of structure B of the automatic feeding machine in Figure 6 of this application; Figure 8 is a partial enlarged view of structure C of the automatic feeding machine in Figure 6 of this application; Figure 9 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a hopper according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a silo according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 is a front structural diagram of a silo according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 is a rear structural diagram of a silo according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 13 is a bottom structural diagram of a silo according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 14 is a bottom structural diagram of a silo according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 15 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a multi-silo according to an embodiment of this application; wherein, 100-automatic feeder; 10-frame; 11-silo; 111-bottom plate; 112-traction unit; 113-accommodating cavity; 114-partition; 115-cover; 116-locking mechanism; 117-handle; 118-observation hole; 11 9-Guide rail, 12-Material, 121-First side, 122-Second side, 13-Storage unit, 14-Discharge channel, 141-First opening, 142-Second opening, 15-Lifting through hole, 151-First through hole, 152-Second through hole, 153-Third through hole, 154-Fourth through hole; 20-Hopper drive device, 21-Base plate, 22-First drive mechanism, 23-Second drive mechanism, 24-Traction mating part, 25-Limiting mechanism, 251-Electromagnet, 252-Magnetic accessory; 30-Automatic pusher device, 31-Pushing mechanism, 311-Push block, 312-Pushing drive component, 32-Lifting mechanism 321-Lifting block, 322-Lifting drive component; 40-Automatic feeding device, 41-Carrying plate, 42-Buffer platform, 43-Material handling mechanism, 44-Material detection sensor, 45-Protective part, 46-Lifting drive mechanism, 461-Lifting drive motor, 462-Lifting belt drive mechanism, 463-First driving wheel, 464-First driven wheel, 465-First synchronous belt, 47-Transverse movement mechanism, 471-Transverse drive motor, 472-Transverse belt drive mechanism, 473-Second driving wheel, 474-Second driven wheel, 475-Second synchronous belt; X-First direction, Y-Second direction, Z-Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

[0019] Referring to Figures 1-8, an automatic feeder 100 includes a frame 10; a hopper 11 is disposed on the frame 10 for storing materials 12; a hopper drive device 20 is disposed on the frame 10 for moving the hopper 11 to the feeding position; an automatic pusher device 30 is disposed on the frame 10 for pushing out the materials 12 from the hopper 11; and an automatic feeding device 40 is disposed on the frame 10 for receiving and conveying the materials 12.

[0020] The frame 10 serves as the mounting base for the entire automatic feeder 100, possessing sufficient rigidity and stable support capabilities for fixing and bearing other devices, structures, or components.

[0021] Referring to Figures 9-15, the hopper 11 refers to a container or module mounted on the frame 10 for storing materials 12. The hopper 11 includes at least one storage unit 13, configured to store multiple materials 12. The storage unit 13 is the basic functional module of the hopper 11, capable of accommodating and organizing multiple materials 12 to be retrieved. The storage unit 13 has a through-cavity 113 with a cross-sectional shape adapted to the shape of the materials 12. The cavity 113 allows multiple materials 12 to be neatly stacked in the vertical direction (second direction Y), while also providing appropriate constraint on the materials 12 in the horizontal direction (first direction X) to prevent them from tipping over. A hopper 11 may include one storage unit 13, or multiple storage units 13 may be arranged side-by-side to improve material 12 capacity and production efficiency.

[0022] Optionally, the hopper 11 also includes a discharge channel 14 formed on the side wall of the storage unit 13. The discharge channel 14 is a straight, through-type material 12 discharge path defined by a first opening 141 and a second opening 142 that are opened opposite each other on two side walls of the storage unit 13.

[0023] The first opening 141 serves as the inlet for the pushing mechanism 31, allowing the actuators of the pushing mechanism 31, such as the push block 311 and push rod, to extend unimpeded into the storage unit 13 along the first direction X. The second opening 142 serves as the outlet for the material 12, allowing the pushed material 12 to move out of the storage unit 13 along the first direction X. The discharge channel 14 provides the material 12 with a straight, unobstructed path, preventing jamming and enabling rapid ejection.

[0024] Optionally, the hopper 11 also includes a lifting through-hole 15, which is disposed on the bottom wall of the storage unit 13; the lifting through-hole 15 allows the actuator of the lifting mechanism 32, such as a lifting rod or lifting block 321, to enter the storage unit 13 along the second direction Y. The lifting mechanism 32 can act on a single piece of material 12 at the bottom or a designated position inside the storage unit 13 through the lifting through-hole 15, lifting it to the discharge position in the second direction Y. At this position, the lifted material 12 is precisely aligned in space with the discharge channel 14, that is, the centerline or specific precise surface of the material 12 is aligned with the central axis of the discharge channel 14, and the material 12 is ready to be smoothly discharged.

[0025] The lifting through hole 15 enables precise positioning of material 12, and the discharge channel 14 enables directional discharge of material 12. The coordinated design of the lifting through hole 15 and the discharge channel 14 realizes the material picking logic of first vertically lifting and positioning, and then horizontally and linearly pushing out. This solves the problems of reliably separating material 12 in the material pile, ensuring the shape of material 12, and automated feeding. In particular, for irregular parts such as L-shaped corner protectors, the discharge posture is absolutely controllable.

[0026] Optionally, a plane perpendicular to the first direction X is defined as the first plane. The first opening 141 is adapted to the projection of the push block 311 onto the first plane, and the second opening 142 is adapted to the projection of the material 12 at the discharge position onto the first plane. Here, "projection adaptation" means that the shape and size of each part meet a specific matching relationship on the first plane.

[0027] For example, the projected size of the first opening 141 is slightly larger than the projected size of the pusher block 311, such as 0.1%-10% larger, specifically 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 8%, etc. Alternatively, the projected outline of the first opening 141 is the same as the projected outline of the pusher block 311, with a gap of 0.1-5mm between their outline edges. This ensures that the pusher block 311 can smoothly pass through the first opening 141 into the storage unit 13.

[0028] For example, the projected outline of material 12 can be completely contained within the projected outline of the second opening 142, with a gap of 0.1-5mm between the edges of the two outlines, specifically 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, etc. This ensures that material 12 can be smoothly moved out of storage unit 13 along the discharge channel 14.

[0029] The first opening 141, the second opening 142, the material 12 at the discharge position, and the projection of the pusher block 311 on the first plane are matched to define a virtual pipe with precise and controllable shape and size, which serves as the movement path of the material 12, thus ensuring the stable pushing of the material 12.

[0030] Optionally, a plane perpendicular to the second direction is defined as the second plane, and the projection of the lifting through-hole 15 onto the material 12 is adapted to the projection onto the second plane. Here, "projection adaptation" means that the lifting through-hole 15 and the material 12 satisfy a specific matching relationship in terms of shape and size on the second plane.

[0031] For example, the projection position of the lifting through-hole 15 basically coincides with the critical stress area at the bottom of the material 12 that needs to be supported, such as a coincidence degree greater than 90%, specifically 92%, 95%, 98%, etc. Furthermore, the projected outline size of the lifting through-hole 15 is larger than the size of the lifting block 321 of the lifting mechanism 32. This ensures that the lifting block 321 can smoothly pass through the lifting through-hole 15 to reach the bottom of the material 12, providing stable support for the material 12.

[0032] Material 12 is an L-shaped corner protector. The corner protector includes two sides, and the lifting through hole 15 includes two spaced through holes, which are respectively located at the bottom of the two sides. Specifically, the L-shaped corner protector, i.e., the L-shaped corner guard, includes a first side 121 and a second side 122. The first side 121 and the second side 122 can form an angle of 45°-150°, such as 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150°, etc.

[0033] The lifting through-hole 15 includes two through-holes 151 and 152 spaced apart in a third direction. The first through-hole 151 corresponds to the bottom directly below the first side 121, and the second through-hole 152 corresponds to the bottom directly below the second side 122. The lifting block 321 is disposed at the upper end of the lifting mechanism 32. The diameter or shape of the first through-hole 151 and the second through-hole 152 can be slightly larger than the corresponding size of the lifting block 321 to provide an interference-free material-lifting channel, allowing the lifting block 321 to extend into the storage unit 13 through the first through-hole 151 and the second through-hole 152 to support the material 12.

[0034] The dual-point lifting support achieved by the aforementioned double through holes provides a stable constraint that naturally matches the L-shaped structure of the material 12. From the start of the lifting action, the material 12 is straightened and locked, preventing it from rotating or tilting and getting stuck, thus improving the pushing efficiency.

[0035] The lifting through-hole 15 includes two through-holes, a third through-hole 153 and a fourth through-hole 154, spaced apart in a first direction. A top block corresponding to each of the two through-holes is fixedly installed at the bottom of the material 12. The lifting block 321 of the lifting mechanism 32 can pass through the third through-hole 153 and the fourth through-hole 154 and then lift the top block, thereby raising the material 12. This arrangement protects the corner guards of the material 12 from damage during the lifting process and is suitable for applications where the corner guard material is relatively soft.

[0036] The silo 11 includes multiple storage units 13 arranged along a third direction, with adjacent storage units 13 separated by partitions 114. Specifically, the silo 11 can have multiple independent storage units 13 arranged along its length, with the number of storage units 13 ranging from 2 to 10, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, etc. Each storage unit 13 includes an independent discharge channel 14 and a lifting through-hole 15, forming a complete, independently operable storage and discharge module.

[0037] Adjacent storage units 13 are physically separated by vertically arranged partitions 114. These partitions 114 extend from the bottom wall of the silo 11 to the top or near the top, completely dividing the internal space into multiple non-communicating sub-chambers. Each sub-chamber constitutes a storage unit 13 for storing a stack of materials 12.

[0038] With this configuration, the hopper 11 can simultaneously store multiple materials of different types, specifications, or batches. For example, L-shaped corner protectors of different lengths, materials, or angles. Each storage unit 13 operates independently without interfering with others.

[0039] At least a portion of the sidewalls of the hopper 11 are configured as an openable cover 115, which is hinged to the body of the hopper 11. Specifically, one edge of the cover 115 can be connected to the body of the hopper 11 via a hinge, pivot, or other hinged component. This allows the cover 115 to rotate around the hinge axis, thus switching between a closed and an open state. In the closed state, the cover 115 and the body of the hopper 11 together form a closed or semi-closed containment space, protecting the internal material 12; in the open state, it forms a larger opening, facilitating operations such as adding materials.

[0040] By setting an openable cover 115, a quick and direct operation window is established, allowing operators to easily open the cover 115 to perform tasks such as adding materials, inspection, and cleaning, thus improving the ease of use of the hopper 11.

[0041] Optionally, a locking mechanism 116 is provided on the cover 115 to lock the cover 115 to the body in the closed state. Specifically, the locking mechanism 116 is a structure that can ensure a stable lock between the cover 115 and the body of the hopper 11 under various working conditions.

[0042] The locking mechanism 116 may include: a fixed base fixedly installed on the body of the hopper 11, a locking screw rotatably or fixedly connected at one end to the cover 115, and a locking nut threadedly engaged with the locking screw. When the cover 115 moves to the closed position, the free end of the locking screw passes through or aligns with the fixed base; then, the locking nut is tightened to press it against the fixed base; through the tension of the screw and the clamping force of the nut, the cover 115 and the body of the hopper 11 are firmly and rigidly connected as one unit.

[0043] The locking mechanism 116 described above enables a rigid mechanical connection between the cover 115 and the hopper 11 body that can withstand high-intensity vibration and impact.

[0044] Optionally, at least one handle 117 is provided on at least one side of the hopper 11. That is, at least one handle 117 can be provided on at least one side wall of the hopper 11. Preferably, two handles 117 can be symmetrically provided on two opposite side walls of the hopper 11. The handle 117 can be a groove integrally formed with the hopper 11, or it can be a detachable and installable independent component, such as a U-shaped or columnar handle; this application does not limit this. The installation position of the handle 117 can be set in the upper middle part of the height direction of the hopper 11.

[0045] This helps improve the handling, installation, and maintenance experience of silo 11, enhancing its ease of use, operability, and convenience.

[0046] Optionally, at least one observation hole 118 is provided on the side wall of the storage unit 13 for observing the storage status of the material 12.

[0047] Specifically, there can be multiple observation holes 118, evenly distributed on the side wall of the storage unit 13. The observation holes 118 can be transparent windows, such as inlaid acrylic or glass plates, or they can be strip-shaped holes or round holes directly opened on the side wall to achieve visual monitoring of the material 12 and facilitate checking the status of the material 12 at any time.

[0048] The hopper drive device 20 is a mechanism installed on the frame 10 for moving the hopper 11 to the loading position. Through multi-directional movement, it makes the target hopper 11 precisely aligned in space with the automatic pusher device 30 and the automatic loading device 40, providing conditions for subsequent pushing and loading.

[0049] Optionally, the hopper drive device 20 includes a base plate 21, which is disposed on the frame 10. A plurality of hoppers 11 are slidably disposed on the base plate 21, and the sliding direction of the hoppers 11 is the third direction Z. A first drive mechanism 22 is mounted on the frame 10 and connected to the base plate 21. The first drive mechanism 22 can drive the base plate 21 to move along the first direction X. A second drive mechanism 23 is mounted on the frame 10. When the first drive mechanism 22 drives the base plate 21 to move along the first direction X until the hoppers 11 correspond to the second drive mechanism 23, the second drive mechanism 23 can connect with the hoppers 11 and move along the third direction Z, driving the hoppers 11 to the loading position.

[0050] Each hopper 11 is an independent feeding module, and multiple hoppers 11 can be mounted side-by-side and slidably on the upper surface of the substrate 21. Each hopper 11 can slide relative to the substrate 21 in the third direction Z.

[0051] The first drive mechanism 22 is fixed on the frame 10, and its drive end is connected to the base plate 21. Its core function is to drive the base plate 21 and all the material bins 11 it carries to move as a whole along the first direction X, so as to realize the switching of different material bins 11 in the horizontal plane. For example, if a base plate 21 carries four different material bins 11, the first drive mechanism 22 can drive the movement of these four material bins 11 by driving the base plate 21 to move.

[0052] The second drive mechanism 23 is also fixed on the frame 10. Unlike the first drive mechanism 22, the second drive mechanism 23 can perform precise linear drive on a single hopper 11.

[0053] When the first hopper 11 needs to be filled, the first drive mechanism 22 first activates, driving the base plate 21 to move along the first direction X until the first hopper 11 is precisely aligned with the motion axis of the second drive mechanism 23 on the horizontal plane. At this time, the second drive mechanism 23 automatically connects to the first hopper 11 through a disengageable connecting mechanism, and then drives the first hopper 11 to slide independently along the third direction Z, precisely pushing it from the preparatory position to the preset filling position. At this position, the discharge channel 14 and the lifting through hole 15 on the first hopper 11 are completely aligned with the pushing mechanism 31 and the lifting mechanism 32, respectively.

[0054] When the material in the first hopper 11 is exhausted and it is necessary to switch to the second hopper 11, the second drive mechanism 23 first drives the first hopper 11 back to its ready position and disconnects it. Then, the first drive mechanism 22 actuates again, driving the base plate 21 to move along the first direction X, aligning the second hopper 11 with the second drive mechanism 23. Subsequently, the second drive mechanism 23 connects to and drives the second hopper 11 to complete the same precise positioning process. This "first-level overall movement, second-level individual drive" mode ensures that each hopper 11 achieves the same positioning accuracy, and the structure is simple and low-cost.

[0055] It should be noted that there is no limit to the number of hoppers 11. For example, there can be one, two, three, four, five, six, eight, etc. The specific number of hoppers 11 can be flexibly determined according to the production capacity requirements, the types and quantities of materials, and the equipment layout. Regardless of how the number of hoppers 11 increases, their basic structure, installation method, drive and positioning principles are exactly the same as those described above.

[0056] Optionally, each hopper 11 includes a base plate 111, which is slidably disposed on the base plate 21. The base plate 111 can be connected to the second drive mechanism 23. The base plate 111 is provided with a traction part 112. The storage unit 13 is fixedly disposed on the base plate 111 for storing materials. The number of storage units 13 can be multiple. The second drive mechanism 23 is provided with a traction engagement part 24. The second drive mechanism 23 drives the hopper 11 to move along the third direction Z through the engagement of the traction engagement part 24 and the traction part 112, so as to move it to the loading position.

[0057] After the hopper 11 is driven to the loading position by the second drive mechanism 23, the pushing mechanism 31 and the lifting mechanism 32 will cooperate with one of the currently aligned storage units 13 to remove the material 12 from the storage unit 13 one by one. When the material in the storage unit 13 is exhausted, the second drive mechanism 23 will drive the base plate 111 and all the storage units 13 on it to move a precise step distance along the third direction Z.

[0058] This step distance is equal to the distance between the center lines of two adjacent storage units 13. With this step, the next fully loaded storage unit 13 will be precisely moved to a position aligned with the pushing mechanism 31 and the lifting mechanism 32, thus continuing material supply. This process can be repeated within one connection cycle of the second drive mechanism 23 until all the material in all storage units 13 on the hopper 11 is used up. At this point, the second drive mechanism 23 drives the base plate 111 back to its original position and disconnects the connection, and the system then switches to the next hopper 11 through the first drive mechanism 22.

[0059] The structure and working process of the other hoppers 11 are exactly the same as those of the hopper 11 described above. For specific structures and movement processes, please refer to the description of the hopper 11 described above, which will not be repeated here. This arrangement makes the hopper drive device 20 more compact, provides more timely material supply, and further improves production efficiency.

[0060] Specifically, when the hopper 11 needs to be driven, the second drive mechanism 23 moves to the vicinity of its traction unit 112 and reliably engages with the traction unit 112 through the traction engagement unit 24. Subsequently, the second drive mechanism 23 starts and drives the hopper 11 as a whole along the third direction Z through direct mechanical traction drive until it reaches the preset loading position.

[0061] After the first hopper 11 is loaded, the second drive mechanism 23 drives it to reset and disengage. Subsequently, the second drive mechanism 23 can move to the traction unit 112 of the next hopper 11, repeating the above engagement and drive process to control different hoppers 11. This design simplifies the equipment structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves movement and positioning accuracy.

[0062] Optionally, the traction part 112 includes at least one of a traction pin, a protrusion, and a roller, and / or the traction part 24 includes at least one of a hook, a slot, and a clamping member.

[0063] The traction unit 112 can be effectively connected with the second drive mechanism 23 and can be designed as: a traction pin, a robust shaft-shaped protrusion that is easy to be clamped or hooked; a bump, a block-shaped or irregularly shaped protrusion that can provide a larger contact surface; and a roller, a rotatable wheel-shaped structure that can reduce friction when in contact and is suitable for engagement methods that require sliding or guided entry.

[0064] Correspondingly, the traction engagement part 24 is mainly used for actively gripping or accommodating the traction part, and can be designed as: a hook-shaped part, like a hook, to achieve traction by hooking the traction pin or protrusion; a slot, an open groove, to achieve connection and force transmission by allowing the traction pin or protrusion to be embedded therein; and a clamping part, such as a cylinder-driven gripper or mechanical clamp, which can actively open and close to clamp the traction part.

[0065] The traction part 112 and the traction mating part 24 are designed to be used in pairs to ensure a safe and reliable engagement. For example, the traction pin can mate with the hook-shaped part, the slot, or the clamping part; the protrusion can mate with the slot or the clamping part; and the roller can mate with the hook-shaped part or the slot with a special profile.

[0066] By setting up an engageable traction unit 112 and a traction engagement unit 24, multiple hoppers 11 can be driven alternately by a second drive mechanism 23, which significantly reduces hardware costs and equipment complexity, and improves switching and positioning efficiency.

[0067] The hopper drive device 20 also includes a limiting mechanism 25, which is partially mounted on the frame 10 and partially mounted on the hopper 22. The limiting mechanism 25 can limit the hopper 11 in the third direction Z.

[0068] The limiting mechanism 25 is a distributed active constraint system. Its active actuator is fixedly mounted on the frame 10 or the base plate 21, and its mounting position corresponds to the preparatory position of each hopper 11. Its passive engagement part is installed at the corresponding position of each hopper 11.

[0069] When either the initial or any of the hoppers 11 is not in operation, the limiting mechanism 25 applies force to its corresponding passive engagement part, firmly locking the hopper 11 in its ready position. In this state, even if the substrate 21 moves along the first direction X, the locked hopper 11 will not accidentally slide relative to the substrate 21 due to its own weight or inertia.

[0070] When the first drive mechanism 22 moves the drive base plate 21 to align the hopper 11 with the second drive mechanism 23, and the material loading process is about to begin, the limiting mechanism 25 acting on the hopper 11 partially releases its lock. At this time, the hopper 11 is in a "driveable" free state, allowing the second drive mechanism 23 to connect to and drive it. During this process, the limiting mechanisms acting on other hoppers 11 remain locked, ensuring that these non-working hoppers 11 are stably stopped in their respective ready positions.

[0071] Throughout the feeding operation of the hopper 11, the limiting mechanism 25 remains locked to the hopper 11 when no material is being fed, keeping it securely positioned on the frame 10. When the hopper 11 needs to be moved, the limiting mechanism 25 releases its lock, thus ensuring the smooth operation of the feeding action and preventing the hopper 11 from shaking and adversely affecting the operation.

[0072] Optionally, the limiting mechanism 25 includes an electromagnet 251, which is mounted on the frame 10; a magnetic attachment 252 is mounted on the hopper 11 and corresponds to the position of the electromagnet 251; wherein, when the electromagnet 251 is energized, it generates a magnetic force to attract the magnetic attachment 252 to limit the hopper 11, and when the electromagnet 251 is de-energized, it is demagnetized to release its limitation on the hopper 11.

[0073] Each hopper 11 is individually equipped with its own magnetic attachment 252, and each magnetic attachment 252 can be configured with an independent electromagnet 251. Each electromagnet 251 can be independently controlled to be energized. This method of control is flexible, allowing any hopper 11 to be locked or released independently without affecting others.

[0074] When electromagnet 251 is energized, it generates a strong permanent magnet force, firmly attracting the corresponding magnetic attachment and locking the corresponding hopper 11 in a ready position. When it is necessary to move a hopper 11, the controller de-energizes the corresponding electromagnet 251, causing the magnetic attachment 252 to separate from the electromagnet 251, releasing the hopper 11 and allowing the second drive mechanism 23 to drive it. The electromagnetic locking limit system features no mechanical wear, fast response, high locking force, and smooth state switching.

[0075] Optionally, the hopper 11 also includes a guide rail 119, which is located at the bottom of the base plate 111 and extends in the third direction Z. A magnetic attachment 252 is located at one end of the guide rail 119 near the electromagnet 251.

[0076] The magnetic attachment 252 is integrated into the end of the guide rail 119, achieving physical unity and precision coupling between the guiding and limiting functions. The guide rail 119 itself determines the sliding trajectory and final position of the hopper 11. Setting the limiting reference point, i.e., the magnetic attachment 252, directly at the physical end of the guide rail 119 means that the line of action of the locking force coincides with the motion reference line of the hopper, i.e., the guide rail height. This avoids cumulative errors that may occur due to installation on different components, ensuring that no additional torsional torque is generated on the hopper 11 during locking and limiting, resulting in higher locking accuracy and greater reliability.

[0077] Optionally, in the third direction Z, the maximum dimension of the guide rail 119 is greater than or equal to the maximum dimension of the base plate 111 and / or the hopper 11. Specifically, in the third direction Z, the maximum length of the guide rail 119 is greater than or equal to the maximum length of the base plate 111 and / or the hopper 11, which can be 100%, 120%, 150%, 180%, 200%, 250%, etc., of the maximum length of the base plate 111 and / or the hopper 11.

[0078] The magnetic attachment 252 is located at the end of the guide rail 119. The guide rail 119 is long enough to ensure that when the hopper 11 is accurately stopped in the ready position, the magnetic attachment 252 at its end can be aligned with the electromagnet 251 on the frame 10 and enter the effective engagement range. If the guide rail 119 is shorter than the hopper 11 body, when the hopper 11 is stopped, its magnetic attachment 252 may still be blocked by the hopper 11 body and cannot be connected with the electromagnet 251.

[0079] Furthermore, the long guide rail means that the contact and guiding length between the hopper and the slider of the substrate 21 is always relatively long throughout the entire sliding stroke, which improves the smoothness of the sliding process and the anti-tipping ability.

[0080] Optionally, the first drive mechanism 22 includes at least one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, an electric cylinder, a motor, and a ball screw module, and / or the second drive mechanism 23 includes at least one of a cylinder, an electric push rod, an electric cylinder, a motor, and a ball screw module.

[0081] This application does not impose a unique limitation on the specific types of the first drive mechanism 22 and the second drive mechanism 23, and aims to provide a variety of feasible implementation schemes to adapt to different working conditions.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, the automatic feeding device 30 refers to the actuator installed on the frame 10 for pushing the material 12 out of the hopper 11.

[0083] The automatic feeding device 30 includes a feeding mechanism 31, which is mounted on the frame 10. The feeding mechanism 31's push block 311 can extend into the discharge channel 14 to push out the material 12 in the hopper 11. The lifting mechanism 32 is mounted on the frame 10. The lifting block 321 of the lifting mechanism 32 is located below the lifting through hole 15 of the hopper 11. The lifting block 321 can lift the material 12 in the hopper 11 onto the moving path of the push block 311.

[0084] The lifting mechanism 32 is fixedly installed on the frame 10, located below the hopper 11. Its actuating end is a lifting block 321, such as a flat-headed column or a V-shaped block. In the initial state, the lifting block 321 is hidden below the lifting through hole 15. When material needs to be removed, the lifting mechanism 32 drives the lifting block 321 to move vertically upward, so that it passes through the lifting through hole 15 and directly acts on the bottom of the bottommost material 12 in the hopper 11, and smoothly lifts the material 12 vertically.

[0085] The pushing mechanism 31 is fixedly mounted on the frame 10, and its position corresponds to the discharge channel 14 of the hopper 11. Its actuating end is a push block 311, such as a push rod or push plate. In the initial state, the push block 311 is located outside the discharge channel 14. When the material 12 is lifted into position, the pushing mechanism 31 is activated. The push block 311 moves horizontally, extends into the discharge channel 14, contacts the side of the lifted and positioned material 12, and pushes it smoothly out of the hopper 11 along the discharge channel 14.

[0086] After the material is pushed out, the pushing mechanism 31 first drives the pushing block 311 back to its original position. Then, the lifting mechanism 32 drives the lifting block 321 to descend and reset, and the remaining material 12 in the hopper falls under the action of gravity, preparing for the next material handling cycle.

[0087] Through the above-mentioned coordination, material 12 is separated from the stockpile and precisely positioned before being pushed out, thereby achieving a stable, accurate, and low-resistance reliable push out, avoiding jamming and damage to material 12, ensuring that each pushed-out material 12 has completely consistent spatial coordinates and initial posture, and improving pushing efficiency.

[0088] Optionally, the pusher drive 312 of the pusher mechanism 31 is mounted on the frame 10; the pusher block 311 is connected to the output end of the pusher drive 312 and is driven by the pusher drive 312 to reciprocate along the first direction X.

[0089] Specifically, the pusher drive 312 serves as a power source and can be a linear drive device. It is fixedly mounted on the frame 10, and its mounting position and orientation are designed so that the axis of motion of its output shaft is strictly parallel or collinear with the axis of the discharge channel 14 (i.e., the first direction X). The pusher drive 312 can be a cylinder, an electric push rod, a servo electric cylinder, or a ball screw module driven by a motor.

[0090] The pusher block 311, acting as the direct actuator to the material, is connected to the output end of the pusher drive 312 via a connector. The shape and size of the pusher block 311 are adapted to the side shape of the discharge channel 14 and the material 12, and are typically rod-shaped, plate-shaped, or blocks with a specific contour.

[0091] The pusher drive 312 is activated, driving its output end and pusher block 311 to reciprocate linearly along the first direction X. When pushing out, pusher block 311 extends into the discharge channel 14 to push the material; when resetting, pusher block 311 completely retracts from the discharge channel 14 to make room for the next action or the movement of the hopper 11.

[0092] Optionally, the lifting mechanism 32's lifting drive 322 is mounted on the frame 10; the lifting block 321 is connected to the output end of the lifting drive 322 and is driven by the lifting drive 322 to reciprocate along the second direction Y.

[0093] Specifically, the lifting drive 322, as a power source, is also a linear drive device, fixedly mounted on the frame 10 and located directly below the hopper 11. Its mounting direction ensures that the axis of motion of its output shaft is perpendicular to the first direction X, defined as the second direction Y. The type of the lifting drive 322 can be the same as or different from that of the pushing drive 312.

[0094] The lifting block 321 serves as the actuator for directly lifting the material 12, and it is rigidly connected to the output end of the lifting drive 322. The top shape of the lifting block 321, such as a flat surface, a V-groove, or an irregular surface that matches the bottom contour of the material, is designed to stably support the bottom of the material 12.

[0095] When material needs to be retrieved, the lifting drive 322 is activated, driving the lifting block 321 to move linearly upward along the second direction Y, so that it passes through the lifting through hole 15 and contacts and lifts the material 12. It stops and holds after being lifted to the predetermined height, i.e., the discharge position; after the material 12 is pushed out, the lifting drive 322 then drives the lifting block 321 to descend and reset along the second direction Y. This achieves separation of power and execution functions, allowing for flexible selection and convenient maintenance. The movement paths of the pushing mechanism 31 and the lifting mechanism 32 are clear and direct, ensuring precise and efficient operation.

[0096] If material 12 is a corner protector with an L-shaped cross-section, then the push block 311 and / or the lifting block 321 are adapted to the shape of material 12. The top shape of the lifting block 321 is specifically designed to match the bottom contour of the L-shaped corner protector. For example, the top of the lifting block 321 is machined to form an inverted V-shaped protrusion, or two independent support surfaces arranged at an angle that matches the included angle of the two sides of the corner protector. In this way, stable support force can be provided for material 12 from all directions.

[0097] Similarly, the ejection end face of the push block 311 that contacts the material 12 can also be designed for compatibility. For example, its end face can be designed to match the outer contour of the L-shaped corner protector, or it can be designed as an L-shaped push face that can contact both sides of the corner protector at the same time.

[0098] This shape design ensures that when the pusher block 311 is pushed out, the thrust is evenly distributed across both sides of the corner protector or onto the area with the strongest structure, preventing the thrust from concentrating at a single point and causing the corner protector to rotate or experience excessive local stress. This ensures that the material 12 is subjected to balanced force and moves smoothly during the pushing process, further reducing the risk of deflection or jamming within the discharge channel 14, and helping to maintain a consistent posture when leaving the hopper 11.

[0099] As shown in Figures 6-8, the automatic feeding device 40 refers to the post-processing mechanism installed on the frame 10 for receiving and conveying materials 11.

[0100] The automatic feeding device 40 has a material carrier plate 41 mounted on the frame 10, which can carry material 12. The buffer platform 42 is vertically mounted on the frame 10. When the buffer platform 42 is lowered below the material carrier plate 41, it connects with the material carrier plate 41 to receive the material 12 transmitted by the material carrier plate 41. The picking mechanism 43 is located above the buffer platform 42 and is used to pick up the material 12 received by the buffer platform 42. When the amount of material received by the buffer platform 42 reaches a preset amount, the buffer platform 42 rises to the picking position and / or the picking mechanism 43 descends to the picking position, where the picking mechanism 43 can pick up the material 12.

[0101] The material carrier plate 41 is horizontally mounted on the frame 10, and its surface can support multiple pieces of material 12 to be loaded, such as L-shaped corner protectors. The material carrier plate 41 can be connected to upstream feeding equipment, allowing the material 12 to enter the conveying path of the material carrier plate 41 along the first direction X in a single-piece sequence or in small-batch continuous manner. The discharge end of the material carrier plate 41 is the inlet for the material 12 to enter the buffer platform 42, and its lower surface can be physically connected or closely connected to the top surface of the buffer platform 42 in terms of height.

[0102] The buffer platform 42 is a movable platform that can be raised and lowered along the second direction Y. In standby or receiving state, the buffer platform 42 is lowered to below or slightly below the discharge end of the material plate 41, so that a receiving area with a high connection or close transition is formed between the material plate 41 and the buffer platform 42. The material 12 can slide from the material plate 41 into or fall into the buffer platform 42 by gravity or slight pushing, so as to achieve continuous receiving without impact or jamming.

[0103] In the material picking state, when the quantity of material 12 on the buffer platform 42 reaches the preset value (such as the quantity required for a batch), the buffer platform 42 rises along the second direction Y to the material picking position, or the material picking mechanism 43 descends along the second direction Y to the material picking position, so that the buffer platform 42 and the material picking mechanism 43 are precisely aligned at the material picking position, creating conditions for batch picking.

[0104] The material handling mechanism 43 is mounted on the frame 10 above the buffer platform 42 and can be configured as a suction cup, robotic arm, gripper, etc., to grab or pick up the material 12 on the buffer platform 42. At the material handling position, the material handling mechanism 43 and the material queue of the buffer platform 42 form a positional correspondence in different directions, ensuring that the grabbing action is completed in one go, and that the material 12 is in a uniform posture after being grabbed, which facilitates subsequent conveying or assembly.

[0105] Optionally, the material detection sensor 44 of the automatic feeding device 40 is set at the material carrier plate 41 or the buffer platform 42 to detect whether the material 12 has reached the buffer platform 42; when the material detection sensor 44 detects that the material 12 has reached the buffer platform 42, it controls the buffer platform 42 to descend a predetermined height and counts the material 12.

[0106] The material detection sensor 44 can be set near the discharge end of the material carrier plate 41, or above or to the side of the receiving area of ​​the buffer platform 42. Its detection direction is directly facing the position of the material 12 on the transfer path, and it can detect whether the material 12 has reached the designated position.

[0107] When material 12 is conveyed on the carrier plate 41 to its discharge end and enters the receiving area of ​​the buffer platform 42, the material detection sensor 44 will detect the presence of material 12 and send a signal to the controller. After receiving the signal, the controller controls the buffer platform 42 to descend a predetermined height along the second direction Y to make room for the next piece of material 12, so that the materials 12 can be stacked neatly one by one on the buffer platform 42.

[0108] Each time the controller detects material 12 and controls the buffer platform 42 to descend, it simultaneously counts and accumulates the quantity of material 12. When the accumulated quantity reaches the preset batch value N, the system determines that the buffer platform 42 has collected a batch of material. At this point, it controls the buffer platform 42 to rise to the material-retrieving position, or controls the material-retrieving mechanism 43 to descend to the material-retrieving position, to enter the batch material-retrieving stage. By setting up a material detection sensor 44 and linking it with the descent action and counting function of the buffer platform 42, the system achieves automatic and precise management of the height of the buffer platform 42, realizes real-time and accurate counting of the quantity of material 12, and ensures a stable and continuous material receiving process.

[0109] Optionally, the predetermined height is greater than or equal to the thickness of a material 12 in the vertical direction (second direction Y), so that the height of the buffer platform 42 in the second direction Y after receiving the material 12 is lower than the height of the carrier plate 41 in the second direction Y.

[0110] The predetermined height design allows the buffer platform 42 to automatically retreat below the carrier plate 41 after receiving the material, forming a clear height difference. The next material 12 can smoothly enter the buffer platform 42 without colliding with or getting stuck with the already received material 12, ensuring a continuous, stable, and trouble-free material receiving process.

[0111] Optionally, the material detection sensor 44 is a photoelectric sensor. Using a photoelectric sensor allows for instantaneous detection of the material 12 as it passes through, triggering the descent of the buffer platform 42. This results in a short response time and synchronized action with the material's height, ensuring that the height of the buffer platform 42 and the quantity of material 12 are always dynamically matched. This provides a stable foundation for subsequent batch material handling and improves feeding efficiency.

[0112] The automatic feeding device 40 also includes a lifting drive mechanism 46; the lifting drive mechanism 46 includes a lifting drive motor 461 and a lifting belt transmission mechanism 462 driven by the lifting drive motor 461; the lifting belt transmission mechanism 462 is connected to the buffer platform 42, and the lifting drive motor 461 drives the buffer platform 42 to lift by driving the lifting belt transmission mechanism 462.

[0113] The lifting drive motor 461 is fixedly installed at a suitable position on the frame 10, and its output shaft is connected to the lifting belt drive mechanism 462 to provide power for the entire lifting system. The motor type can be selected as a servo motor, stepper motor, or ordinary AC geared motor, etc., to achieve precise control of speed, position, and torque.

[0114] The lifting belt drive mechanism 462 can be composed of a first driving pulley 463, a first driven pulley 464, and a first synchronous belt 465 surrounding both. When the lifting drive motor 461 starts, its output shaft drives the first driving pulley 463 to rotate, and the first driving pulley 463 drives the first synchronous belt 465 to move through friction or tooth meshing. Since the first synchronous belt 465 is fixedly connected to the buffer platform 42, the movement of the first synchronous belt 465 is directly converted into the vertical linear movement of the buffer platform 42, realizing the raising or lowering in the second direction Y. This ensures the smoothness and accuracy of the lifting of the buffer platform 42, guarantees feeding accuracy, and has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to install and maintain.

[0115] Optionally, the automatic feeding device 40 also includes a lateral moving mechanism 47, on which the picking mechanism 43 is mounted, and the lateral moving mechanism 47 can drive the picking mechanism 43 to reciprocate laterally.

[0116] Specifically, the lateral movement mechanism 47 refers to a mechanical structure configured to mount and drive the picking mechanism 43 to perform reciprocating linear motion in the lateral direction. Its function is to change the position of the picking mechanism 43 in the horizontal direction to achieve the picking operation. Here, "lateral" refers to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the buffer platform 42, see the third direction Z in the attached figure.

[0117] Optionally, the lateral movement mechanism 47 includes a lateral drive motor 471 and a lateral belt drive mechanism 472 driven by the lateral drive motor 471; the lateral belt drive mechanism 472 is connected to the material handling mechanism 43, and the lateral drive motor 471 drives the material handling mechanism 43 to reciprocate laterally by driving the lateral belt drive mechanism 472.

[0118] Specifically, the transverse drive motor 471 is fixedly mounted at a suitable position on the frame 10, and its output shaft is connected to the transverse belt drive mechanism 472 to provide power for transverse movement. The transverse belt drive mechanism 472 consists of a second driving pulley 473, a second driven pulley 474, and a second synchronous belt 475 wrapped around both. When the transverse drive motor 471 starts, its output shaft drives the second driving pulley 473 to rotate, and the second driving pulley 473 drives the second synchronous belt 475 to move through friction or tooth meshing. Since the second synchronous belt 475 is fixedly connected to the material handling mechanism 43, the movement of the second synchronous belt 475 is directly converted into the reciprocating linear motion of the material handling mechanism 43 along the third direction Z, realizing the change of transverse position. This ensures the smoothness and accuracy of the transverse movement of the material handling mechanism 43.

[0119] The plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the projection plane, and the projections of the buffer platform 42 and the lateral moving mechanism 47 on the projection plane at least partially overlap; wherein, when the picking mechanism 43 moves to the overlapping projection area, the picking mechanism 43 can perform a descent action to pick up materials on the buffer platform 42.

[0120] Specifically, the projection overlap area is the part of the buffer platform 42 covered by the projection of the lateral moving mechanism 47 and the picking mechanism 43 in the third direction Z. That is, the position of the picking mechanism 43 in the third direction Z corresponds exactly to the position of the buffer platform 42, so as to ensure that the descent path of the picking mechanism 43 can accurately reach the material on the buffer platform 42.

[0121] When the picking mechanism 43 moves to the projection overlap area via the lateral moving mechanism 47, the system determines that it is aligned with the buffer platform 42 in the third direction Z. At this time, the picking mechanism 43 can perform a descent action, allowing the picking end (such as a suction cup or gripper) to enter above the material on the buffer platform 42 and perform gripping. If the picking mechanism 43 does not enter the projection overlap area, the system prohibits its descent to avoid collisions or interference between the picking mechanism 43 and the buffer platform 42, the material carrier plate 41, or other components due to positional deviation, and to avoid gripping failure. This achieves positional condition control of the picking action, significantly improving the safety and reliability of picking, and enhancing the accuracy and intelligence of loading and picking.

[0122] Optionally, the outer periphery of the buffer platform 42 is provided with a protective portion 45 having notches or gaps to allow the material handling mechanism 43 to handle the material and to prevent the material 12 from falling during the stacking process. Specifically, the protective portion 45 is a protrusion or barrier structure provided along the edge of the upper surface of the buffer platform 42. The protective portion 45 has notches or gaps formed on at least one side.

[0123] The gap or interval in the protective part 45 provides an entry channel for the material picking end of the picking mechanism 43, enabling the picking mechanism 43 to accurately reach the material 12 and complete the picking action.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding machine, characterized in that, include: frame; A hopper, mounted on the frame, is used to store materials; a hopper drive device, mounted on the frame, is used to move the hopper to the loading position; an automatic pusher device, mounted on the frame, is used to push the materials out of the hopper; and an automatic loading device, mounted on the frame, is used to receive and transport materials.

2. The automatic feeding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hopper includes: at least one storage unit configured to store multiple materials; a discharge channel formed on the side wall of the storage unit; and a lifting through-hole disposed on the bottom wall of the storage unit. The automatic pushing device includes: a pushing mechanism mounted on the frame, wherein a pushing block of the pushing mechanism can extend into the discharge channel to push out the material in the hopper; and a lifting mechanism mounted on the frame, wherein a lifting block of the lifting mechanism is located below the lifting through-hole, and the lifting block can lift the material in the hopper onto the moving path of the pushing block.

3. The automatic feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The discharge channel includes a first opening and a second opening arranged opposite to each other. The first opening allows the pushing mechanism of the automatic pushing device to enter along a first direction, and the second opening allows the material to be moved out along the first direction. The lifting through hole is configured to allow the lifting mechanism of the automatic pushing device to pass through along a second direction to lift the material to a discharge position aligned with the discharge channel.

4. The automatic feeder according to claim 3, characterized in that, Define a plane perpendicular to the first direction as a first plane, the first opening is adapted to the projection of the push block on the first plane, the second opening is adapted to the projection of the material at the discharge position on the first plane; and / or define a plane perpendicular to the second direction as a second plane, the lifting through hole is adapted to the projection of the material on the second plane.

5. The automatic feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The material is a corner protector with an L-shaped cross-section. The corner protector includes two sides, and the lifting through hole includes two through holes spaced apart. The two through holes are respectively located at the bottom positions of the two sides.

6. The automatic feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hopper driving device includes: a base plate disposed on the frame, a plurality of hoppers slidably disposed on the base plate, the sliding direction of the hoppers being a third direction; a first driving mechanism mounted on the frame, the first driving mechanism being connected to the base plate, the first driving mechanism being capable of driving the base plate to move along a first direction; and a second driving mechanism mounted on the frame, wherein when the first driving mechanism drives the base plate to move along the first direction until the hopper corresponds to the second driving mechanism, the second driving mechanism is capable of connecting to the hopper and moving along the third direction to drive the hopper to the loading position.

7. The automatic feeder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hopper includes: a base plate slidably disposed on the base plate, the base plate being connectable to the second drive mechanism, and the base plate having a traction part; a storage unit fixedly disposed on the base plate for storing materials; the second drive mechanism having a traction engagement part, the second drive mechanism driving the hopper to move along the third direction through the engagement of the traction engagement part and the traction part, so as to move it to the loading position.

8. The automatic feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device includes: a material carrier plate disposed on the frame, the material carrier plate being capable of carrying the material; a buffer platform movably mounted on the frame, the buffer platform connecting with the material carrier plate when the buffer platform descends below the material carrier plate to receive the material conveyed by the material carrier plate; and a material picking mechanism disposed above the buffer platform, the material picking mechanism being used to pick up the material received by the buffer platform; when the number of materials received by the buffer platform reaches a preset quantity, the buffer platform rises to the material picking position and / or the material picking mechanism descends to the material picking position, the material picking mechanism being able to pick up the material at the material picking position.

9. The automatic feeder according to claim 8, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device further includes a material detection sensor, which is disposed at the material carrier plate or the buffer platform, for detecting whether the material has reached the buffer platform; when the material detection sensor detects that the material has reached the buffer platform, it controls the buffer platform to descend a predetermined height and counts the material.

10. A feeding method based on the automatic feeder according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: The hopper is moved to the loading position by a hopper drive device; the material in the hopper is pushed out to the automatic loading device by an automatic pushing device; The material is received and transported by the automatic feeding device.

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