Automatic feeding machine and plate feeding method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic feeding machine which comprises a supporting base, an automatic feeding mechanism is arranged on the supporting base, and a plurality of machining plates are arranged on the automatic feeding mechanism. The automatic feeding mechanism comprises a plate containing frame, a supporting vertical plate is fixedly installed on the surface of the side, close to the supporting base, of the plate containing frame, a motor base plate is fixedly installed on the supporting vertical plate, and a feeding motor is fixedly installed on the motor base plate. Automatic and continuous pushing of machined plates is achieved, after the feeding motor is started, the feeding blocking column can be driven to horizontally push out the plates on the bottommost layer, after feeding is completed, the plates automatically fall for position covering, the process is completely automatic, traditional manual carrying or a complex mechanical arm is replaced, the structure is simple and reliable, the labor intensity of operators is remarkably reduced, and the production efficiency is improved. And the feeding efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of feeding machine technology, specifically relating to an automatic feeding machine and its plate feeding method. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industrial production, automatic feeding of sheet materials is a crucial step in improving production efficiency and ensuring processing accuracy. It is widely used in many fields such as machinery manufacturing, electronic assembly, building material processing, and refractory material molding.

[0003] Traditional sheet material feeding methods are mainly divided into two categories: manual feeding and semi-automatic mechanical assisted feeding. Manual feeding relies on operators to manually pick up and put down the sheets, which is labor-intensive and inefficient. Moreover, it is difficult to ensure the feeding rhythm of the sheets in continuous production. Semi-automatic mechanical assisted feeding usually uses cylinder pushing or simple conveyor belt structure. Although it reduces the burden on manual labor, there are still problems. These devices are mostly single-push structures, with complex equipment structures, which increases the cost of use. In addition, the sheets are prone to deviation, tilting or jamming during the conveying process, resulting in inaccurate feeding position, which in turn affects the processing quality of subsequent processing equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic feeder to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an automatic feeder, comprising:

[0006] A support base is provided, on which an automatic feeding mechanism is provided, and on which multiple processing plates are provided;

[0007] The automatic feeding mechanism includes a plate placement frame. A support plate is fixedly installed on the side surface of the plate placement frame near the support base. A motor base plate is fixedly installed on the support plate. A feeding motor is fixedly installed on the motor base plate. A first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft are rotatably inserted on the side surface of the support plate away from the feeding motor. The end of the first rotating shaft near the motor base plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the feeding motor. A driving synchronous pulley is fixedly installed on the end of the first rotating shaft away from the motor base plate. A driven synchronous pulley is fixedly installed on the end of the second rotating shaft away from the motor base plate. A synchronous belt is meshed on the outer surfaces of the driving and driven synchronous pulleys. A stop plate is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the synchronous belt. A feeding stop is detachably installed on the stop plate.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, symmetrically distributed plate limiting posts are fixedly installed on the plate placement frame. The plate limiting posts have a right-angled cross-section and are fitted to the corners of the processed plate.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the plate placement frame is provided with a discharge port and a baffle groove, and the height of the discharge port is greater than the height of the plate being processed.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, symmetrically distributed guide frames are fixedly installed on the side surface of the plate placement frame near the support base, and the guide frames are used in conjunction with the stop post mounting plate.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the feeding stop post is used in conjunction with the stop post groove, and the height of the feeding stop post is the same as the height of the processed plate.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the feed stop and the stop mounting plate are detachably connected by bolts.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an automatic feeder with the following advantages:

[0014] I. This invention achieves automatic and continuous pushing of processed plates through the coordinated action of the synchronous belt drive mechanism and the feeding stop column. After the feeding motor is started, the feeding stop column can be driven to push the bottom plate horizontally. After feeding is completed, the plate automatically falls to fill the gap. This process is fully automated, replacing traditional manual handling or complex robotic arms. The structure is simple and reliable, significantly reducing the labor intensity of operators and improving the feeding efficiency.

[0015] Second, the plate limiting posts can effectively prevent the plate from shifting or tipping during storage and falling. Under the guidance of the guide frame, the feeding stop pins accurately contact and apply force to the end of the plate through the stop pin groove, providing high-precision plates for subsequent processing steps, thereby ensuring processing quality.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for feeding sheet metal into an automatic feeder, comprising:

[0017] Obtain the material specifications of the processed material and measure the dimensions of the feed stop. Based on the material specifications, calculate the material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed material.

[0018] The surface roughness of the contact surface between the processed plate and the plate placement frame is measured, and the friction test is performed on the processed plate and the plate placement frame to obtain the plate-frame friction coefficient. Combining the plate-frame friction coefficient and the surface roughness, the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed in the plate placement frame is calculated.

[0019] Based on the pushing resistance coefficient and the plate pushing stroke, the start-stop time interval of the feeding motor during synchronous belt drive is determined. Based on the plate specification data, the docking start position of the feeding stop column and the end of the processed plate is determined. Based on the start-stop time interval and the docking start position, the feeding stop column is used to push the plate to be pushed. After the pushing is completed, based on the cyclic operation of the synchronous belt, the falling and filling process of the upper processed plate is completed to obtain the feeding result.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, calculating the sheet material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed sheet material based on the sheet material specification data includes:

[0021] Based on the sheet material specification data, determine the sheet material conveying length corresponding to the processed sheet material;

[0022] Measure the conveying distance between the discharge port of the plate placement frame and the initial position of the feeding stop column;

[0023] Based on the conveying length and the conveying distance of the sheet material, the initial sheet material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed sheet material is calculated;

[0024] The overlap between the feeding stop and the end of the processed plate is obtained. Based on the overlap, the plate pushing stroke is corrected to obtain the plate pushing stroke.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the friction test performed on the processed plate and the plate placement frame to obtain the plate-frame friction coefficient includes:

[0026] Take test sample blocks and test plates made of the same material as the processed board and the board placement frame;

[0027] The test sample is placed on the upper surface of the test plate, and a preset vertical pressure is applied to the test sample.

[0028] The test sample is horizontally pulled by a preset force measuring device, and the maximum static friction force when the test sample starts to slide from rest and the sliding friction force when the test sample slides at a constant speed are recorded.

[0029] Combining the maximum static friction, the sliding friction, and the vertical pressure, the coefficient of friction between the plate and frame is calculated using the following formula:

[0030]

[0031] in, Indicates the coefficient of friction between the plate and frame. This represents the maximum static friction force. Represents sliding friction. This indicates vertical pressure.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, calculating the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed within the plate placement frame by combining the plate frame friction coefficient and the surface roughness includes:

[0033] Obtain the lateral contact force between the plate limiting post on the plate placement frame and the side of the processed plate;

[0034] Measure the lateral surface roughness and contact area of ​​the contact surface between the processed plate and the plate limiting post;

[0035] Combining the lateral contact force, the contact area, and the lateral surface roughness, the lateral frictional resistance of the processed plate is calculated using the following formula:

[0036]

[0037] in, λ represents the lateral frictional resistance, and λ represents the lateral friction factor. Indicates lateral contact force. Indicates lateral surface roughness. Indicates reference roughness;

[0038] Weigh the corresponding weight of the processed board and calculate the vertical pressure that the board to be pushed can withstand based on the weight of the board.

[0039] Based on the friction coefficient of the plate and frame, the weight of the plate, the vertical pressure, and the lateral frictional resistance, the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed within the plate placement frame is calculated using the following formula:

[0040]

[0041] Where K represents the pushing resistance coefficient, and μ represents the plate-frame friction coefficient. Indicates vertical pressure resistance. Indicates lateral frictional resistance. This indicates the weight of the sheet material.

[0042] As can be seen, this invention calculates the corresponding board pushing stroke based on the board specification data, and obtains the distance required for the feeding stop to push the board moving. This provides a basis for determining the start-stop time interval of the feeding motor during synchronous belt drive. By conducting friction tests on the board and the board placement frame, this invention obtains the board-frame friction coefficient, which helps to understand the frictional characteristics between the board and the board placement frame, thus providing a quantitative basis for calculating the subsequent pushing resistance coefficient. By combining the pushing resistance coefficient and the board pushing stroke, this invention determines the start-stop time interval of the feeding motor during synchronous belt drive, thereby obtaining the duration of continuous operation and the waiting time after each start of the feeding motor, improving the coordination between the feeding action and the board falling and filling action. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic feeding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a plate placement frame structure proposed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for feeding sheet metal into an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] In the diagram: 1. Support base; 11. Processing sheet material; 2. Automatic feeding mechanism; 21. Sheet material placement frame; 22. Supporting upright plate; 23. Motor base plate; 24. Feeding motor; 25. First rotating shaft; 26. Driving synchronous pulley; 27. Second rotating shaft; 28. Driven synchronous pulley; 29. ​​Synchronous belt; 211. Stop post mounting plate; 212. Feeding stop post; 213. Guide frame; 214. Discharge port; 215. Stop post groove; 216. Sheet material limiting post. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] Please see Figure 1-3 The system includes a support base 1, on which an automatic feeding mechanism 2 is provided. The automatic feeding mechanism 2 is provided with multiple processing plates 11, which are placed in an orderly manner in the automatic feeding mechanism 2 and await subsequent delivery to the processing station.

[0051] The automatic feeding mechanism 2 includes a plate placement frame 21. A support plate 22 is fixedly installed on the side surface of the plate placement frame 21 near the support base 1. A motor base plate 23 is fixedly installed on the support plate 22. A feeding motor 24 is fixedly installed on the motor base plate 23. A first rotating shaft 25 and a second rotating shaft 27 are rotatably inserted on the side surface of the support plate 22 away from the feeding motor 24. The end of the first rotating shaft 25 near the motor base plate 23 is fixedly connected to the output end of the feeding motor 24. A driving synchronous pulley 26 is fixedly installed on the end of the first rotating shaft 25 away from the motor base plate 23. A driven synchronous pulley 28 is fixedly installed on the end of the second rotating shaft 27 away from the motor base plate 23. A synchronous belt 29 is meshed on the outer surfaces of the driving synchronous pulley 26 and the driven synchronous pulley 28. A synchronous belt 29 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the synchronous belt 29. A stop post mounting plate 211 is provided, on which a feeding stop post 212 is detachably mounted. When the processing plate 11 needs to be processed, the feeding motor 24 is started. The feeding motor 24 drives the first rotating shaft 25 and the active synchronous wheel 26 to rotate. Through the synchronous belt 29, the driven synchronous wheel 28, the stop post mounting plate 211, and the feeding stop post 212 are driven to rotate. When the stop post mounting plate 211 rotates to the upper surface of the synchronous belt 29, the stop post mounting plate 211 will slide into the guide frame 213, and the feeding stop post 212 will pass through the stop post groove 215 and then fit against the bottom end of the processing plate 11. As the synchronous belt 29 continues to rotate, the feeding stop post 212 will drive the bottom end of the processing plate 11 to move horizontally along the upper surface of the plate placement frame 21, so as to deliver it to the processing station for processing.

[0052] Symmetrically distributed plate limiting posts 216 are fixedly installed on the plate placement frame 21. The plate limiting posts 216 have a right-angled cross-section and fit against the corners of the processed plate 11. This allows for positioning of the stacked processed plate 11, preventing it from shifting or tipping over during placement or transport. The plate placement frame 21 is provided with a discharge port 214 and a baffle groove 215. The height of the discharge port 214 is greater than the height of the processed plate 11. The discharge port 214 is used for outputting the processed plate 11, and its height design ensures that the processed plate 11 can be smoothly fed out of the plate placement frame 21, avoiding jamming. The baffle groove 215 provides a moving channel for the feeding baffle 212, ensuring that the feeding baffle 212 can smoothly pass through the plate placement frame 21 and push the processed plate 11 to move.

[0053] Symmetrically distributed guide frames 213 are fixedly installed on the side surface of the plate placement frame 21 near the support base 1. The guide frames 213 are used in conjunction with the stop plate mounting plate 211 to guide and support the stop plate mounting plate 211. The feeding stop 212 is used in conjunction with the stop groove 215. The height of the feeding stop 212 is the same as the height of the plate 11 being processed, which ensures that the feeding stop 212 can accurately push the plate 11 being processed. The feeding stop 212 and the stop plate mounting plate 211 are detachably connected by bolts, which makes it convenient for workers to replace the feeding stop 212 of the corresponding size according to the specifications of the plate 11 being processed.

[0054] The working principle and usage process of an automatic feeder of the present invention are as follows: In use, multiple processing plates 11 are first stacked and placed in the plate placement frame 21, and the corners of the plates are made to fit against the inner side of the plate limiting post 216 to complete the positioning of the plates. When it is necessary to transport the plates to the processing station, the feeding motor 24 is started. The feeding motor 24 drives the first rotating shaft 25 and the active synchronous wheel 26 to rotate, and then drives the driven synchronous wheel 28 and the second rotating shaft 27 to rotate synchronously through the synchronous belt 29. The baffle mounting plate 211 fixedly installed on the synchronous belt 29 moves accordingly. When the baffle mounting plate 211 runs to the upper horizontal section of the synchronous belt 29, it slides into the guide frame 213 to obtain support and guidance. At the same time, the feeding baffle 212 on it passes through the baffle slide groove 215 and enters the interior of the plate placement frame 21. The forward-moving end face of the feeding stop 212 is tightly fitted with the end of the bottommost processed plate 11. Under the continuous drive of the synchronous belt 29, the plate is pushed horizontally along the bottom surface of the plate placement frame 21. Driven by the feeding stop 212 and guided by the plate limiting post 216, the plate is smoothly fed out from the discharge port 214 until it reaches the designated processing station. After a single feeding cycle, the feeding stop 212 continues to move with the synchronous belt 29 and disengages from the stop groove 215. The stacked plates above automatically fall to the bottom under gravity, preparing for the next feeding cycle. By controlling the start and stop of the feeding motor 24, automatic, intermittent, and orderly conveying of processed plates can be achieved, effectively improving feeding efficiency and positioning accuracy.

[0055] See Figure 4 The figure shows a method for feeding sheet metal into an automatic feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising:

[0056] S1. Obtain the material specifications of the processed material and measure the dimensions of the feed stop. Based on the material specifications, calculate the material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed material.

[0057] This invention calculates the corresponding board pushing stroke based on the board specification data, thereby obtaining the distance required for the feeding stop column to move the board. This provides a basis for determining the start-stop time interval of the feeding motor during synchronous belt drive.

[0058] The sheet material specification data refers to the physical dimensions of the processed sheet material, such as its length, width, and thickness. The baffle column dimension data refers to the external dimensions of the feeding baffle column, such as its height and width. The sheet material pushing stroke is the distance the feeding baffle column needs to move from the end of the sheet material to the outlet. Furthermore, the sheet material specification data can be obtained by measuring with calipers, consulting the sheet material's factory parameters, or scanning the sheet material's identification code. The baffle column dimension data can be measured using tools such as vernier calipers and height gauges.

[0059] As an embodiment of the present invention, the step of calculating the board pushing stroke corresponding to the processed board based on the board specification data includes:

[0060] Based on the sheet material specification data, determine the sheet material conveying length corresponding to the processed sheet material;

[0061] Measure the conveying distance between the discharge port of the plate placement frame and the initial position of the feeding stop column;

[0062] Based on the conveying length and the conveying distance of the sheet material, the initial sheet material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed sheet material is calculated;

[0063] The overlap between the feeding stop and the end of the processed plate is obtained. Based on the overlap, the plate pushing stroke is corrected to obtain the plate pushing stroke.

[0064] Wherein, the sheet material conveying length is the actual size of the processed sheet material along the conveying direction; the conveying spacing is the horizontal distance between the pushing end face of the feeding baffle and the inner wall of the discharge port when the feeding baffle is in the initial stationary position; the initial sheet material pushing stroke is the total moving distance required for the feeding baffle to move from the initial position to completely deliver the sheet material out of the discharge port; and the docking overlap is the overlap length in the contact direction when the pushing end face of the feeding baffle contacts the end of the sheet material.

[0065] Optionally, based on the sheet material specification data, the sheet material conveying length corresponding to the processed sheet material can be obtained by reading the sheet material length dimension; the conveying distance between the discharge port and the initial position of the feeding stop can be measured using a laser rangefinder; combining the sheet material conveying length and the conveying distance, the initial sheet material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed sheet material can be obtained by summation calculation, where the initial sheet material pushing stroke = sheet material conveying length + conveying distance; the amount of overlap between the feeding stop and the end of the processed sheet material can be obtained using a position sensor, and the sheet material pushing stroke can be corrected by subtraction based on the amount of overlap to obtain the corrected sheet material pushing stroke.

[0066] S2. Measure the surface roughness of the contact surface between the processed plate and the plate placement frame, perform a friction test on the processed plate and the plate placement frame to obtain the plate-frame friction coefficient, and calculate the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed in the plate placement frame by combining the plate-frame friction coefficient and the surface roughness.

[0067] This invention obtains the friction coefficient of the plate and the plate placement frame by conducting friction tests on the processed plate and the plate placement frame. This allows us to understand the frictional characteristics between the processed plate and the plate placement frame, and provides a quantitative basis for the subsequent calculation of the pushing resistance coefficient.

[0068] The surface roughness refers to the microscopic geometric unevenness of the bottom surface of the processed plate and the support surface of the plate placement frame in the contact area, reflecting the smoothness of the contact surface. The plate frame friction coefficient is the ratio of the frictional resistance generated between the contact surfaces of the processed plate and the plate placement frame during relative movement to the vertical pressure. Furthermore, the surface roughness can be measured by selecting multiple measurement points on the bottom surface of the plate and the support surface of the placement frame using a surface roughness meter.

[0069] As an embodiment of the present invention, the friction test treatment of the processed plate and the plate placement frame to obtain the plate-frame friction coefficient includes:

[0070] Take test sample blocks and test plates made of the same material as the processed board and the board placement frame;

[0071] The test sample is placed on the upper surface of the test plate, and a preset vertical pressure is applied to the test sample.

[0072] The test sample is horizontally pulled by a preset force measuring device, and the maximum static friction force when the test sample starts to slide from rest and the sliding friction force when the test sample slides at a constant speed are recorded.

[0073] Combining the maximum static friction, the sliding friction, and the vertical pressure, the coefficient of friction between the plate and frame is calculated using the following formula:

[0074]

[0075] in, Indicates the coefficient of friction between the plate and frame. This represents the maximum static friction force. Represents sliding friction. This indicates vertical pressure.

[0076] The test sample is a block-shaped specimen prepared using the same material, surface treatment process, and surface roughness as the processed plate; the test plate is a plate specimen prepared using the same material, surface treatment process, and surface roughness as the support surface of the plate placement frame; the preset vertical pressure is a normal load set by superimposing weights based on the self-weight of the processed plate; the force measuring device is a push-pull force gauge with continuous recording function; the maximum static friction force is the critical horizontal traction force required between the test sample and the test plate from a static state to the instant when relative motion is about to occur; the sliding friction force is the horizontal traction force required between the test sample and the test plate to maintain uniform relative motion.

[0077] Furthermore, the prepared test sample and test plate are placed in a constant temperature and humidity environment for a preset time to stabilize their surface conditions. The test plate is fixed on the test platform, and the test sample is placed at the center of the upper surface of the test plate. A vertical pressure equal to the weight of the processed plate is applied to the top of the test sample using a loading device. The force measuring device is activated to pull the test sample horizontally at a constant rate, with the pulling direction parallel to the length direction of the test sample. The change curve of the pulling force value over time is recorded in real time during the pulling process. The peak force value corresponding to the initial sliding moment is read from the change curve as the maximum static friction force, and the average force value corresponding to the stable interval of the sliding stage curve is read as the sliding friction force.

[0078] In detail, the above formula uses the arithmetic mean of the maximum static friction and the sliding friction as the comprehensive friction coefficient, which reflects the average friction characteristics of the plate from rest to motion. In engineering, static friction needs to be overcome when starting and sliding friction needs to be overcome when moving. Taking the average of the two can more evenly characterize the comprehensive resistance during the pushing process.

[0079] This invention calculates the pushing resistance coefficient of the processed sheet material within the sheet material placement frame by combining the friction coefficient of the plate frame and the surface roughness. This yields the ratio of the total resistance that the processed sheet material needs to overcome during the pushing process to the weight of the sheet material, providing a basis for determining the start-stop time interval of the subsequent feeding motor and setting the pushing force of the feeding baffle. The pushing resistance coefficient is a quantitative value reflecting the frictional characteristics between the processed sheet material and the sheet material placement frame.

[0080] As an embodiment of the present invention, the step of calculating the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed in the plate placement frame by combining the friction coefficient of the plate frame and the surface roughness includes:

[0081] Obtain the lateral contact force between the plate limiting post on the plate placement frame and the side of the processed plate;

[0082] Measure the lateral surface roughness and contact area of ​​the contact surface between the processed plate and the plate limiting post;

[0083] Combining the lateral contact force, the contact area, and the lateral surface roughness, the lateral frictional resistance of the processed plate is calculated using the following formula:

[0084]

[0085] in, λ represents the lateral frictional resistance, and λ represents the lateral friction factor. Indicates lateral contact force. Indicates lateral surface roughness. Indicates reference roughness;

[0086] Weigh the corresponding material of the processed material, and determine the vertical pressure that the material to be pushed can withstand based on the material weight.

[0087] Based on the friction coefficient of the plate and frame, the weight of the plate, the vertical pressure, and the lateral frictional resistance, the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed within the plate placement frame is calculated using the following formula:

[0088]

[0089] Where K represents the pushing resistance coefficient, and μ represents the plate-frame friction coefficient. Indicates vertical pressure resistance. Indicates lateral frictional resistance. This indicates the weight of the sheet material.

[0090] Wherein, the lateral contact force is the normal interaction force generated between the side of the processed plate and the contact surface of the limiting post under the limiting action of the plate limiting post; the lateral surface roughness is the micro-geometric unevenness of the contact surface between the side of the processed plate and the plate limiting post, which is obtained by measuring with a surface roughness meter; the lateral friction factor is an empirical coefficient predetermined based on the material properties of the lateral contact surface, used to characterize the degree of influence of the material combination on the frictional resistance; the reference roughness is a preset benchmark surface roughness value, which is usually set to 1μm according to industry standards or common processing accuracy; the plate weight is the mass value of all the processed plates obtained by weighing equipment; the vertical bearing pressure is the normal load generated by the total weight of the plate to be pushed and all the processed plates stacked above it.

[0091] Furthermore, a thin-film pressure sensor is embedded between the plate limiting post and the side of the processed plate. When the processed plate is placed in the plate placement frame and comes into contact with the plate limiting post, the value displayed by the pressure sensor is read as the lateral contact force. The measurement is repeated at least three times, and the arithmetic mean of the measurement results is taken as the final lateral contact force.

[0092] Furthermore, multiple measurement points are selected in the contact area between the side of the processed sheet and the sheet limiting post. A surface roughness tester is used to detect each measurement point to obtain the arithmetic mean deviation value of the profile of each point. The arithmetic mean deviation value of the profile of each measurement point is then arithmetically averaged to obtain the lateral surface roughness.

[0093] Furthermore, based on the combination type of the side material of the processed plate and the material of the plate limiting post, a pre-established material friction characteristic database is consulted to obtain the empirical coefficient corresponding to the material combination as the lateral friction factor; or by preparing a sample with the same material combination, multiple friction tests are conducted using a friction testing machine, and the lateral friction factor is determined after statistical analysis of the test results.

[0094] Furthermore, an electronic platform scale is used to weigh each individual processing board to obtain its weight; the total number of processing boards stacked in the board placement frame is counted, and the number of boards stacked above the board to be pushed is multiplied by the weight of the individual board to obtain the vertical bearing pressure.

[0095] It should be understood that the formula for calculating lateral friction resistance uses a lateral friction factor λ obtained through friction tests on the same batch of processed sheet metal and the sheet metal retaining post. Specifically, a sample of the same material as the processed sheet metal and a mating piece of the same material as the retaining post are cut. A normal pressure equal to the measured lateral contact force is applied on a universal friction testing machine, and the sliding friction resistance is measured before calculating the λ value. The lateral contact force is directly read by embedding a thin-film pressure sensor between the sheet metal retaining post and the side of the processed sheet metal. The measurement points are selected at three evenly distributed locations along the sheet metal pushing direction, and the average value is taken. The lateral surface roughness is obtained by taking the arithmetic mean of multiple measurements at various points in the contact area between the side of the processed sheet metal and the retaining post using a portable roughness meter. The reference roughness value is 1.0 micrometer, serving as the baseline value for dimensionless processing.

[0096] Optionally, in the formula for calculating lateral friction resistance, the dimension of the lateral contact force is Newton, the dimension of the lateral surface roughness is micrometer, and the dimension of the reference roughness is also micrometer. Therefore, the roughness ratio is dimensionless, and the lateral friction factor λ is a dimensionless coefficient. Thus, the dimension of the calculation result remains Newton, which is consistent with the physical dimension of lateral friction resistance, ensuring the rationality of the calculation formula in terms of dimension.

[0097] Furthermore, the formula for calculating lateral frictional resistance is based on Coulomb's law of friction. It expresses the sliding frictional resistance between the processed sheet and the sheet's limiting post as the product of the friction factor and the normal force. A surface roughness correction term is introduced to reflect the influence of the microstructure of the contact surface on the friction coefficient. When the lateral surface roughness increases, the number of actual contact points on the contact surface increases or the micro-meshing effect is enhanced, resulting in a corresponding increase in frictional resistance. Conversely, when the surface roughness decreases, the contact surface becomes smoother, and the frictional resistance decreases accordingly. This correction relationship conforms to the fundamental law of the influence of surface roughness on sliding friction in tribology.

[0098] Optionally, in the formula for calculating the pushing resistance coefficient, the plate-frame friction coefficient is obtained by conducting a friction test on the contact surface between the bottom plate of the plate placement frame and the processed plate. Specifically, a sample of the same material as the processed plate is cut and placed on a mating surface of the same material as the bottom plate. A normal pressure of the same as the measured vertical bearing pressure is applied, and the friction coefficient is calculated after measuring the horizontal sliding resistance. The vertical bearing pressure is directly read by a pressure sensor array embedded in the bottom of the plate placement frame, and the average value is taken after selecting the four corners of the plate as the measurement points. The lateral friction resistance is calculated using the formula in the previous embodiment. The weight of the plate is obtained by directly weighing it using an electronic crane scale or a weighbridge.

[0099] Optionally, in the above formula for the pushing resistance coefficient, the plate-frame friction coefficient is a dimensionless coefficient, the dimension of the vertical pressure is Newton, the dimension of the lateral friction resistance is Newton, and the dimension of the plate weight is Newton. Therefore, the calculated result of the plate-frame friction coefficient × vertical pressure is in Newton, and the calculated result of the lateral friction resistance / plate weight is dimensionless. When the two are added together, the pushing resistance coefficient is dimensionless.

[0100] Furthermore, the above formula is based on the principle of resistance superposition during the pushing process. The total resistance that the material to be pushed needs to overcome to move within the material placement frame is decomposed into two parts: the bottom contact surface friction resistance and the lateral contact surface friction resistance. Among them, the plate frame friction coefficient × vertical bearing pressure represents the sliding friction resistance between the bottom plate and the bottom of the material. This resistance is proportional to the vertical bearing pressure and the friction characteristics of the contact surface. The lateral friction resistance / material weight represents the ratio of lateral friction resistance to the material weight, reflecting the degree of obstruction of the lateral constraint on the pushing process. The sum of the two is the pushing resistance coefficient. The larger the coefficient value, the greater the difficulty of pushing the material. This provides a quantitative basis for setting the driving force of the subsequent pushing mechanism.

[0101] S3. Combining the pushing resistance coefficient and the plate pushing stroke, determine the start-stop time interval of the feeding motor during the synchronous belt drive process. Based on the plate specification data, determine the docking start position between the feeding stop and the end of the processed plate. Combining the start-stop time interval and the docking start position, use the feeding stop to push the plate to be pushed. After the pushing is completed, the upper processed plate of the plate to be pushed will fall to fill the gap, thus obtaining the feeding result.

[0102] This invention determines the start-stop time interval of the feeding motor during synchronous belt drive by combining the pushing resistance coefficient and the board pushing stroke. This allows for the determination of the duration of continuous operation and the waiting time of the feeding motor after each start, thereby improving the coordination between the feeding action and the board falling and filling action. The start-stop time interval is a general term for the duration of each start of the feeding motor and the interval between two adjacent starts. Furthermore, the frictional resistance experienced by the board to be pushed during movement is first evaluated based on the pushing resistance coefficient. The total moving distance required for the feeding stop to complete one full push is calculated based on the board pushing stroke. The total moving distance is converted into the operating time required by the feeding motor according to the rated speed of the feeding motor and the transmission ratio of the synchronous belt. Then, the waiting time of the feeding motor is determined based on the falling time of the upper processed board under gravity and the time required for the upper board to stabilize after the board to be pushed is pushed out, thus forming a complete start-stop time interval.

[0103] This invention determines the initial contact position between the feeding stop and the end of the processed material based on the material specifications. This ensures that the feeding stop accurately contacts the end of the material to be pushed after activation, preventing pushing failure due to misalignment. The initial contact position is the horizontal relative position between the pushing end face of the feeding stop and the end of the material to be pushed when the feeding stop is stationary. Furthermore, based on the material length in the specifications, combined with the outlet position of the material placement frame and the dimensions of the feeding stop, the horizontal distance that the pushing end face of the feeding stop should maintain between the end of the feeding stop and the end of the material to be pushed when stationary is calculated. This ensures that the feeding stop can contact the end of the material and apply thrust in the shortest possible time after activation. This process avoids the feeding stop column from having empty travel or excessively squeezing the end of the plate when it is not in contact with the plate. Combining the start-stop time interval and the docking start position, the feeding stop column is used to push the plate to be pushed. The feeding motor drives the synchronous belt to rotate in a cycle according to the start-stop time interval, which drives the feeding stop column to move from the docking start position. It sequentially completes the process of contacting the end of the plate to be pushed, pushing the plate to move towards the discharge port, and completely sending the plate out of the discharge port. After the pushing is completed, the feeding motor enters a stop waiting stage. At this time, the upper processed plate of the plate to be pushed automatically falls to the bottom of the plate placement frame under the action of gravity, completing the falling and filling position, and preparing for the next pushing, thus obtaining a continuous and orderly feeding result.

[0104] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic feeder, comprising a support base (1), characterized in that: The support base (1) is provided with an automatic feeding mechanism (2), and the automatic feeding mechanism (2) is provided with multiple processing plates (11). The automatic feeding mechanism (2) includes a plate placement frame (21). A support plate (22) is fixedly installed on the side surface of the plate placement frame (21) near the support base (1). A motor base plate (23) is fixedly installed on the support plate (22). A feeding motor (24) is fixedly installed on the motor base plate (23). A first rotating shaft (25) and a second rotating shaft (27) are rotatably inserted on the side surface of the support plate (22) away from the feeding motor (24). The end of the first rotating shaft (25) near the motor base plate (23) is connected to the feeding motor. The output end of the motor (24) is fixedly connected. The first shaft (25) is fixedly mounted with a driving synchronous pulley (26) at one end away from the motor base plate (23). The second shaft (27) is fixedly mounted with a driven synchronous pulley (28) at one end away from the motor base plate (23). The outer surfaces of the driving synchronous pulley (26) and the driven synchronous pulley (28) are fitted with a synchronous belt (29). The outer surface of the synchronous belt (29) is fixedly mounted with a baffle plate (211). A feeding baffle (212) is detachably mounted on the baffle plate (211).

2. The automatic feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plate placement frame (21) is fixedly installed with symmetrically distributed plate limiting posts (216). The cross-section of the plate limiting post (216) is right-angled, and the plate limiting post (216) fits against the corner of the processed plate (11).

3. An automatic feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plate placement frame (21) is provided with a discharge port (214) and a baffle groove (215), and the height of the discharge port (214) is greater than the height of the plate (11) being processed.

4. An automatic feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plate placement frame (21) has symmetrically distributed guide frames (213) fixedly installed on one side surface near the support base (1). The guide frames (213) are used in conjunction with the stop post mounting plate (211).

5. An automatic feeder as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The feeding stop (212) is used in conjunction with the stop groove (215), and the height of the feeding stop (212) is the same as the height of the processed plate (11).

6. An automatic feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding stop (212) and the stop mounting plate (211) are detachably connected by bolts.

7. A method for feeding sheet metal using an automatic feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the material specifications of the processed material and measure the dimensions of the feed stop. Based on the material specifications, calculate the material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed material. The surface roughness of the contact surface between the processed plate and the plate placement frame is measured, and the friction test is performed on the processed plate and the plate placement frame to obtain the plate-frame friction coefficient. Combining the plate-frame friction coefficient and the surface roughness, the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed in the plate placement frame is calculated. Based on the pushing resistance coefficient and the plate pushing stroke, the start-stop time interval of the feeding motor during synchronous belt drive is determined. Based on the plate specification data, the docking start position of the feeding stop column and the end of the processed plate is determined. Based on the start-stop time interval and the docking start position, the feeding stop column is used to push the plate to be pushed. After the pushing is completed, based on the cyclic operation of the synchronous belt, the falling and filling process of the upper processed plate is completed to obtain the feeding result.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of calculating the board pushing stroke corresponding to the processed board based on the board specification data includes: Based on the sheet material specification data, determine the sheet material conveying length corresponding to the processed sheet material; Measure the conveying distance between the discharge port of the plate placement frame and the initial position of the feeding stop column; Based on the conveying length and the conveying distance of the sheet material, the initial sheet material pushing stroke corresponding to the processed sheet material is calculated; The overlap between the feeding stop and the end of the processed plate is obtained. Based on the overlap, the plate pushing stroke is corrected to obtain the plate pushing stroke.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The friction test between the processed sheet metal and the sheet metal placement frame to obtain the sheet metal frame friction coefficient includes: Take test sample blocks and test plates made of the same material as the processed board and the board placement frame; The test sample is placed on the upper surface of the test plate, and a preset vertical pressure is applied to the test sample. The test sample is horizontally pulled by a preset force measuring device, and the maximum static friction force when the test sample starts to slide from rest and the sliding friction force when the test sample slides at a constant speed are recorded. Combining the maximum static friction, the sliding friction, and the vertical pressure, the coefficient of friction between the plate and frame is calculated using the following formula: in, Indicates the coefficient of friction between the plate and frame. This represents the maximum static friction force. Represents sliding friction. This indicates vertical pressure.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The calculation of the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed within the plate placement frame, combining the plate frame friction coefficient and the surface roughness, includes: Obtain the lateral contact force between the plate limiting post on the plate placement frame and the side of the processed plate; Measure the lateral surface roughness and contact area of ​​the contact surface between the processed plate and the plate limiting post; Combining the lateral contact force, the contact area, and the lateral surface roughness, the lateral frictional resistance of the processed plate is calculated using the following formula: in, λ represents the lateral frictional resistance, and λ represents the lateral friction factor. Indicates lateral contact force. Indicates lateral surface roughness. Indicates reference roughness; Weigh the corresponding weight of the processed board and calculate the vertical pressure that the board to be pushed can withstand based on the weight of the board. Based on the friction coefficient of the plate and frame, the weight of the plate, the vertical pressure, and the lateral frictional resistance, the pushing resistance coefficient of the plate to be pushed within the plate placement frame is calculated using the following formula: Where K represents the pushing resistance coefficient, and μ represents the plate-frame friction coefficient. Indicates vertical pressure resistance. Indicates lateral frictional resistance. This indicates the weight of the sheet material.

Images