A product taking machine and a version changing method using a self-falling version changing

Abstract

The application discloses a product taking machine with self-falling die changing, which comprises product taking stations and lower die changing stations arranged in the horizontal direction, and a product taking lock pin unit reciprocally moving between the two stations. The product taking station is provided with a self-falling upper die changing device, which comprises a first needle library lock pin unit, a first die plate and a first lifting driving unit; the lower die changing station is provided with a self-falling lower die changing device, which comprises a second needle library lock pin unit, a second die plate and a second lifting driving unit. Each lifting driving unit drives the corresponding needle library lock pin unit to approach the die plate to enter a close distance die changing state, and releases the corresponding ejector pin to make it free fall; the ejector pin blocked by the die plate is re-locked by the corresponding needle library lock pin unit, and the ejector pin passing through the die plate forms a working ejector pin after being received; the product taking lock pin unit receives the lower die working ejector pin when being at the lower die changing station, and cooperates with the upper die working ejector pin to take products when being at the product taking station. The application releases the ejector pin at a close distance to reduce the impact force on the die plate, allows the use of thinner film sheets or even paper film sheets, and sets two stations to avoid high equipment, realizes synchronous die changing of the upper die and the lower die, and improves the efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of product dispensing machine plate changing, and more particularly to a product dispensing machine and plate changing method that employs a self-falling plate changing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the printing and packaging industry, ejector machines typically use upper and lower dies with a convex-concave fit to eject finished products, separating waste from finished goods. The upper and lower dies employ arrayed ejector pins for this convex-concave fit. Due to the diverse shapes of finished products, the ejector pin arrangement of the upper and lower dies needs frequent changes. However, the number of ejector pins often reaches hundreds or even thousands, and manually inserting and removing them one by one for plate changes results in excessively long machine setup times, severely restricting production efficiency.

[0003] To improve machine setup efficiency, those skilled in the art have proposed a solution for rapid plate changing using a template. The template includes a base plate and a diaphragm. The base plate has through holes that match the positions of the locking pin holes on the locking pin plate. The diaphragm is shaped to correspond to the arrangement of non-working ejector pins. By adhering the diaphragm to the base plate, the corresponding through holes (those corresponding to non-working ejector pins) are blocked, thus enabling plate changing. Taking the upper mold as an example: all ejector pins are pre-inserted into the locking pin plate. A template with through holes is placed below the locking pin plate, and the shape of the through holes on the template corresponds to the shape of the waste material. During plate changing, a drive mechanism moves the template upwards towards the locking pin plate. The through holes on the template keep the corresponding ejector pins (i.e., working ejector pins) stationary, while the remaining ejector pins (non-working ejector pins) are pushed upwards by the diaphragm portion of the template, causing them to exit the locking pin plate and be re-locked by it. Using this method, all ejector pins can be screened in a single operation, significantly reducing plate changing time.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned template push-up plate changing scheme has obvious defects: the template needs to push a large number of non-working ejector pins, which means that the diaphragm on the template has to bear not only the weight of all the non-working ejector pins, but also the reaction force generated by the pushing ejector pins. This forces the diaphragm to be made of thicker and stronger materials, which increases the material cost. In addition, the interference pin positions that cross the boundary between finished products and waste materials still rely on manual sealing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a product picking machine and plate changing method that uses a self-falling plate changing mechanism. This method reduces the impact force on the mold plate by releasing the ejector pins when they are close to the template, thereby enabling the replacement of the ejector pin arrangement using a thinner mold plate.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a product picking machine employing a self-falling plate changing mechanism, comprising a product picking station and a lower mold changing station, and further comprising a product picking locking pin unit that reciprocates between the product picking station and the lower mold changing station, wherein the product picking station and the lower mold changing station are arranged horizontally; the product picking station is provided with a self-falling upper mold changing device, which includes a first pin magazine locking pin unit, a first template, and a first lifting drive unit, wherein a plurality of first ejector pins are pre-arranged on the first pin magazine locking pin unit, and the first pin magazine locking pin unit is positioned above the first template; the lower mold changing station is provided with a self-falling lower mold changing device, which includes a second pin magazine locking pin unit, a second template, and a second lifting drive unit, wherein a plurality of second ejector pins are pre-arranged on the second pin magazine locking pin unit, and the second pin magazine locking pin unit is positioned above the second template; the first lifting drive unit... The first needle storage locking unit moves closer to the first template to enter a close-range plate changing state; the second lifting drive unit moves the second needle storage locking unit closer to the second template to enter a close-range plate changing state; in the close-range plate changing state, the first needle storage locking unit releases all the first ejector pins, allowing them to fall freely. The first ejector pins blocked by the first template are relocked by the first needle storage locking unit, and the ejector pins passing through the first template are received and become the corresponding upper mold working ejector pins; the second needle storage locking unit releases all the second ejector pins, allowing them to fall freely. The second ejector pins blocked by the second template are relocked by the second needle storage locking unit, and the ejector pins passing through the second template are received and become the corresponding lower mold working ejector pins; when the product picking locking unit is in the lower mold plate changing station, it is located below the self-falling lower mold plate changing device to receive the lower mold working ejector pins; when it is in the product picking station, it cooperates with the upper mold working ejector pins to perform product picking.

[0007] This invention uses lifting drive units to bring their respective needle magazine locking plates and templates closer together, reducing the distance between the template and the opposing ejector pins. This reduces the impact force of the ejector pins on the template. The needle magazine locking plates then release all ejector pins, and the template passively selects the ejector pins. Therefore, the template only bears the static weight of the blocked ejector pins and a slight impact force, significantly reducing the stress on the template. This allows for the use of thinner films, or even paper films. Furthermore, the equipment simultaneously includes a product retrieval station and a lower mold changing station, avoiding the problem of the equipment being too high due to the second ejector pin needing to fall freely. This enables simultaneous upper and lower mold changing, improving changing efficiency. The product retrieval locking unit also functions as a mobile receiver and locker of the second ejector pin, as well as participating in product retrieval.

[0008] Preferably, the first ejector pin locking unit also has a remote assembly state of the upper mold away from the first template. In the remote assembly state of the upper mold, the vertical distance between the first ejector pin and the first template is the first template installation distance H1. In the close-range replacement state of the upper mold, the vertical distance between the first ejector pin and the first template is the first buffer distance H2. The first buffer distance H2 is greater than or equal to 0, and the first template installation distance H1 is greater than the first buffer distance H2. The second ejector pin locking unit also has a remote assembly state of the lower mold away from the second template. In the remote assembly state of the lower mold, the vertical distance between the second ejector pin and the second template is the second template installation distance h1. In the close-range replacement state of the lower mold, the vertical distance between the second ejector pin and the second template is the second buffer distance h2. The second buffer distance h2 is greater than or equal to 0, and the second template installation distance h1 is greater than the second buffer distance h2. H2 and h2 being greater than 0 can eliminate the influence of the length tolerance of the ejector pin during the manufacturing process. H2 and h2 being equal to 0 means that the bottom of the ejector pin is in contact with the template, further reducing the impact force of the ejector pin falling on the diaphragm.

[0009] Preferably, the self-falling upper mold changing device further includes a first working locking pin plate group; the first working locking pin plate group is used to lock the first ejector pin that passes through the first template, so that the first ejector pin forms the upper mold working ejector pin. The film-penetrating ejector pin is accurately caught and locked by the working locking pin plate group, eliminating the need for an additional pin receiving structure under the film, thus simplifying the layout.

[0010] Based on the first locking needle plate assembly, the first needle magazine locking needle unit, the first working locking needle plate assembly, and the first template are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first template is fixedly installed on the first template receiving plate that is compatible with it. This improves the utilization rate of the first template receiving plate, enabling it to serve as the installation component of the template during the template adjustment process. When the equipment is picking up products, the bottommost first template receiving plate can act as a picking weight plate, pressing down the material to ensure the stability of the picking process.

[0011] Based on the first working locking pin plate assembly, the first needle magazine locking unit and the first working locking pin plate assembly are mounted on the upper mold moving base. The upper mold moving base is connected to the first lifting drive unit, which drives the first needle magazine locking unit and the first working locking pin plate assembly to move up and down synchronously. Only one power source is needed to bring the first needle magazine locking unit close to the first template. At the same time, during the product retrieval operation, it can drive the first working locking pin plate assembly to drive the upper mold working pins.

[0012] Based on the first working locking pin plate assembly, the first needle magazine locking pin unit includes a first needle magazine locking pin plate and a first needle magazine mounting plate, with the first needle magazine mounting plate positioned below the first needle magazine locking pin plate. The first working locking pin plate assembly includes a first working locking pin plate and a first working mounting plate, with the first working mounting plate positioned below the first working locking pin plate. The first needle magazine locking pin plate and the first working locking pin plate are each provided with a first locking pin hole. The first needle magazine mounting plate is provided with several first guide holes of equal diameter. The first working mounting plate is provided with several stepped holes with a T-shaped longitudinal section. These stepped holes are used to prevent the upper mold working pin from detaching from the first working mounting plate. The stepped holes prevent the upper mold working pin from falling off, facilitate the locking of the upper mold working pin by the first working locking pin plate assembly, and ensure the reliability of the upper mold working pin during the product retrieval process.

[0013] Preferably, the product-retrieving locking pin unit includes a lower mold locking pin plate, a lower mold support plate, and a base plate, which are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The second needle magazine locking pin unit includes a second needle magazine locking pin plate and a second needle magazine mounting plate, with the second needle magazine mounting plate positioned below the second needle magazine locking pin plate. The second needle magazine locking pin plate and the lower mold locking pin plate are each provided with a second locking pin hole. The second needle magazine mounting plate and the lower mold support plate are each provided with a second guide hole of equal diameter. The base plate supports the lower mold working ejector pin, preventing it from dislodging from below the lower mold support plate. The base plate ensures that the lower mold working ejector pin remains stably within the product-retrieving locking pin unit, allowing the product-retrieving locking pin unit to stably lock the lower mold working ejector pin.

[0014] Preferably, the product-picking locking pin unit is mounted on a translational base, and a support plate is fixedly mounted on the translational base. The support plate is positioned above the product-picking locking pin unit and has several first guide pin holes for the lower die working pins to pass through. The product-picking locking pin unit is connected to a vertical drive unit that drives it to move up and down relative to the support plate. The translational base drives the lower die locking pin plate to move between the product-picking station and the lower die changing station, and the support plate can be used to directly support the material.

[0015] Based on the support plate, the product retrieval station is also equipped with a waste discharge conveyor belt. The waste discharge conveyor belt is arranged in a ring on the frame, and its working plane is located between the support plate and the self-falling upper mold changing device. The waste discharge conveyor belt has several second guide pin holes for the lower mold working pins to pass through. Material is placed directly on the waste discharge conveyor belt, and after retrieval, the conveyor belt runs, discharging the waste. The support plate serves to support the waste discharge conveyor belt during product retrieval and guide the lower mold working pins.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, a plate-changing method involves setting a first template and a second template, each with through holes. The through holes in the first template corresponding to the finished material portion and the tear line are sealed, and the through holes in the second template corresponding to the tear line and the waste edge portion are sealed. The first needle magazine locking unit is initially filled with first ejector pins, and the first template is placed below the first needle magazine locking unit and the first working locking plate group. The first lifting drive unit drives the first needle magazine locking unit and the first template to approach each other, entering a close-range plate-changing state. In this close-range plate-changing state, the first ejector pin and the first template have a first buffer distance H2. The first needle magazine locking unit releases the first ejector pin, allowing the corresponding first ejector pin to pass through the first template and be locked by the first working locking plate group. The blocked first ejector pin... The first needle storage locking unit is locked; the picking locking unit moves from the picking station to the lower mold changing station and is located directly below the self-falling lower mold changing device; the self-falling lower mold changing device can work simultaneously with the self-falling upper mold changing device; the second needle storage locking unit is initially filled with second ejector pins, and the second template is placed below the second needle storage locking unit and above the lower mold locking plate; the second lifting drive unit drives the second needle storage locking unit and the second template to move closer together and enter the lower mold close-range changing state; in the lower mold close-range changing state, the second ejector pin and the second template are separated by a second buffer distance h2, the second needle storage locking unit releases the second ejector pin, so that the corresponding second ejector pin passes through the second template and enters the picking locking unit and is locked, and the blocked second ejector pin is locked by the second needle storage locking unit. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-falling upper mold changing device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the self-falling upper mold changing device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A sectional view along the AA direction.

[0021] Figure 5 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A magnified view of part B.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the product retrieval locking pin unit of the present invention when it is located at the product retrieval station.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the self-falling die changing device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of the product-retrieving locking pin unit of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the product retrieval locking pin unit of the present invention when it is located at the product retrieval station and the waste discharge conveyor belt.

[0026] The names of the parts referred to by the numbers in the first attached figure are as follows: Among them, 1. Frame; 2. Picking station; 3. Lower mold changing station; 4. Self-falling upper mold changing device; 41. First needle magazine locking unit; 411. First needle magazine locking plate; 412. First needle magazine mounting plate; 413. First template; 42. First lifting drive unit; 43. First working locking plate assembly; 431. First working locking plate; 432. First working mounting plate; 44. First template receiving plate; 45. Upper mold moving seat; 46. Guide shaft; 471. First ejector pin; 472. First locking pin hole; 48. First guide hole; 49. Step hole; 5. Self-falling... Drop-down die changing device; 51, Second needle magazine locking unit; 511, Second needle magazine locking plate; 512, Second needle magazine mounting plate; 513, Second template; 52, Second lifting drive unit; 53, Second template receiving plate; 54, Lower die lifting seat; 551, Second ejector pin; 552, Second locking pin hole; 56, Second guide hole; 6, Product retrieval locking unit; 61, Lower die locking plate; 62, Lower die support plate; 63, Base plate; 7, Translation seat; 8, Support plate; 9, First guide pin hole; 10, Vertical drive unit; 11, Waste discharge track; 12, Second guide pin hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The core concept of this invention lies in changing the way the template and the ejector pin interact. Existing technology uses a diaphragm to push the ejector pin from bottom to top, resulting in a complex and significant force exerted on the diaphragm as the force-applying component. This invention, however, allows the ejector pin to fall freely from top to bottom, with the template only passively filtering, thus reducing the force it experiences. Furthermore, by releasing the pin at close range, the impact force on the diaphragm is further reduced, ultimately achieving a breakthrough in using even thinner diaphragms.

[0028] See Figure 1 A product picking machine employing a self-falling plate changing mechanism includes a product picking station 2 and a lower mold changing station 3, and also includes a product picking locking pin unit 6 that reciprocates between the product picking station 2 and the lower mold changing station 3. The product picking station 2 and the lower mold changing station 3 are respectively arranged on the frame 1. The product picking station 2 and the lower mold changing station 3 are arranged in a horizontal direction, that is, the product picking station 2 and the lower mold changing station 3 are distributed left and right or front and back.

[0029] See Figures 2-4The picking station 2 is equipped with a self-falling upper mold changing device 4, which includes a first needle magazine locking unit 41, a first template 413, and a first lifting drive unit 42. The first needle magazine locking unit 41 is pre-arranged with multiple first ejector pins 471 and is positioned above the first template 413. The lower mold changing station 3 is equipped with a self-falling lower mold changing device 5, which includes a second needle magazine locking unit 51, a second template 513, and a second lifting drive unit 52. The second needle magazine locking unit 51 is pre-arranged with multiple second ejector pins 551 and is positioned above the second template 513. The second template 513 is fixedly mounted on the receiving plate of the second template 513. The first lifting drive unit 42 and the second lifting drive unit 52 respectively drive their respective needle magazine locking units to move closer to the template to enter a close-range changing state. The lifting drive unit can either move the needle magazine locking unit towards the template or move the template towards the needle magazine locking unit. In close-range template changing mode, each needle magazine locking unit releases all its ejector pins, allowing them to fall freely. Ejector pins blocked by the template are relocked by their corresponding needle magazine locking units. Ejector pins passing through the template are received and become their corresponding working ejector pins. Specifically, after the vertical distance between the first ejector pin 471 and the first template 413 shortens, the first needle magazine locking unit 41 releases all the first ejector pins 471. The first ejector pins 471 fall freely due to gravity. The first ejector pins 471 blocked by the diaphragm on the first template 413 are retained above the first template 413 for relocking by the first needle magazine locking unit 41. The first ejector pins 471 falling through the through-hole of the first template 413 become the upper mold working ejector pins. The lower mold changing principle is the same as the upper mold and will not be described further here. It should be noted that the second ejector pin 551 falling through the through-hole of the second template 513 becomes the lower mold working ejector pin. Each lifting drive unit moves its respective ejector pin closer to its respective template to shorten the distance between the ejector pin and the template, thereby reducing the impact force on the diaphragm when the ejector pin falls. In addition, the position of the template remains unchanged during the plate changing process, and it passively screens the corresponding ejector pins, so that thinner diaphragms, or even paper diaphragms, can be used.The first needle magazine locking unit 41 also has a distant assembly state of the upper mold away from the first template 413. In the distant assembly state of the upper mold, the vertical distance between the first ejector pin 471 and the first template 413 is the first template installation distance H1. In the close replacement state of the upper mold, the vertical distance between the first ejector pin 471 and the first template 413 is the first buffer distance H2. The first buffer distance H2 is greater than or equal to 0, and the first template installation distance H1 is greater than the first buffer distance H2. The second needle magazine locking unit 51 also has a distant assembly state of the lower mold away from the second template 513. In the distant assembly state of the lower mold, the vertical distance between the second ejector pin 551 and the second template 513 is the second template installation distance h1. In the close replacement state of the lower mold, the vertical distance between the second ejector pin 551 and the second template 513 is the second buffer distance h2. The second buffer distance h2 is greater than or equal to 0, and the second template installation distance h1 is greater than the second buffer distance h2. H1, H2, h1, and h2 are all non-negative numbers. H1 and h1 represent the initial distance between the diaphragm and the corresponding ejector pin for template installation. This initial distance is relatively large to facilitate template installation. H2 and h2 are equal to 0, which further reduces the impact force of the ejector pin on the template. Because there may be length tolerances between ejector pins during the production process, H2 and h2 are greater than 0 to eliminate the influence of length tolerances on the template. In addition, those skilled in the art can select the appropriate buffer distance based on the thickness of the diaphragm; therefore, the specific data for the first and second buffer distances are not described in detail here, but the buffer distance is necessarily smaller than the initial distance.

[0030] The self-falling upper mold changing device 4 further includes a first working locking pin plate group 43, which is used to lock the first ejector pin 471 passing through the first template 413, so that the first ejector pin 471 forms the upper mold working ejector pin. The first needle magazine locking unit 41, the first working locking pin plate group 43, and the first template 413 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first template 413 is fixedly installed on a first template receiving plate 44 that is adapted to it. The first needle magazine locking unit 41 includes a first needle magazine locking plate 411 and a first needle magazine mounting plate 412. The first needle magazine mounting plate 412 is located below the first needle magazine locking plate 411. The first needle magazine mounting plate 412 is provided with a plurality of first guide holes 48 of equal diameter. The diameter of the first guide holes 48 corresponds to the position of the maximum diameter on the first ejector pin 471, so that the first ejector pin 471 can fall smoothly. Of course, the first working locking needle plate group 43 can be set below the first template 413, but it is preferable that the first working locking needle plate group 43 is set below the first needle magazine locking needle unit 41 and above the first template 413 support plate used for installing the first template. In this way, the template support plate used for installation can not only support the first template 413 during the template adjustment work, but also press down the material in advance during the product picking work, so as to improve the quality of subsequent product picking and improve the utilization rate of the template support plate.

[0031] To achieve locking of the ejector pin by the locking plate assembly, see [link / reference]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first working locking pin plate group 43 includes a first working locking pin plate 431 and a first working mounting plate 432. The first needle magazine locking pin plate 411 and the first working locking pin plate 431 are respectively provided with a first locking pin hole 472. The first locking pin hole 472 includes a long diameter portion corresponding to the first guide hole 48 and a short diameter portion that plays a locking role. The first needle magazine locking pin plate 411 is movably connected to the first needle magazine mounting plate 412. The first needle magazine locking pin plate 411 is driven to move longitudinally relative to the first needle magazine mounting plate 412 by an independent longitudinal push drive member. When the short diameter portion of the first locking pin hole 472 is aligned with the first guide hole 48, the first ejector pin 471 can be locked. When the long diameter portion of the first locking pin hole 472 is aligned with the first guide hole 48, the first ejector pin 471 is in the unlocked state. The first working locking pin plate 431 is also movably connected to the first working mounting plate 432. The working locking pin plate is driven to translate by another longitudinal push drive component. Its locking method is similar to that of the pin magazine locking pin plate and will not be repeated. To ensure that the upper mold working ejector pin remains within the first working locking pin plate 431 for locking, the first working mounting plate 432 is positioned below the first working locking pin plate 431. The first working mounting plate 432 has several stepped holes 49 with a T-shaped longitudinal section. These stepped holes 49 prevent the upper mold working ejector pin from detaching from the first working mounting plate 432. The stepped holes 49 are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The first ejector pin 471 can be a T-shaped pin, allowing the pin to fall into the stepped hole 49 and not fall down. The first ejector pin 471 is existing technology, and those skilled in the art can select it according to their needs.

[0032] See Figure 1 and Figure 6 The product-picking locking pin unit 6 can reciprocate between the product-picking station 2 and the lower mold changing station 3. When the product-picking locking pin unit 6 is at the lower mold changing station 3, it is located below the self-falling lower mold changing device 5 to receive the lower mold working ejector pin. When it is at the product-picking station 2, it cooperates with the upper mold working ejector pin to perform product picking. The product-picking locking pin unit 6 includes a lower mold locking pin plate 61, a lower mold support plate 62, and a base plate 63. See also Figure 7The lower mold locking pin plate 61, lower mold support plate 62, and base plate 63 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The second needle magazine locking unit 51 includes a second needle magazine locking pin plate 511 and a second needle magazine mounting plate 512, with the second needle magazine mounting plate 512 positioned below the second needle magazine locking pin plate 511. The second needle magazine locking pin plate 511 and the lower mold locking pin plate 61 are each provided with a second locking pin hole 552. The second needle magazine mounting plate 512 and the lower mold support plate 62 are each provided with a second guide hole 56 of equal diameter. The base plate 63 is used to support the lower mold working pin and prevent the lower mold working pin from coming out from below the lower mold support plate 62. In this embodiment, the base plate 63 is a plate without pin holes. The second ejector pin 551 can be a double-ended annular groove ejector pin. The second needle magazine locking plate 511 moves horizontally relative to the second needle magazine mounting plate 512, causing the short-diameter portion of the second locking pin hole 552 to enter the annular groove at the upper end of the second ejector pin 551 for locking. When the long-diameter portion of the second needle magazine locking plate 511 aligns with the second guide hole 56, the second ejector pin 551 is released. The lower mold working ejector pin disengages from the second needle magazine locking unit 51, passes through the second template 513, and enters the product-retrieving locking unit 6. The lower mold locking plate 61 moves horizontally relative to the lower mold support plate 62, causing the short-diameter portion of the second locking pin hole 552 of the lower mold locking plate 61 to enter the annular groove at the lower end of the second ejector pin 551 for locking. Alternatively, the locking plate assembly can also use magnetic attraction or other methods for locking.

[0033] See Figure 8 The product-picking locking pin unit 6 is mounted on a translation base 7, and a support plate 8 is fixedly mounted on the translation base 7. The support plate 8 is positioned above the product-picking locking pin unit 6 and has several first guide pin holes 9 for the lower mold working pins to pass through. The product-picking locking pin unit 6 is connected to a vertical drive unit 10 that drives it to move up and down relative to the support plate 8. The support plate 8 can be used to guide the displacement of the second ejector pin 551 into the lower mold locking pin plate 61, and the support plate 8 can also be used to directly place materials. However, placing materials directly on the support plate 8 requires manual waste removal. Therefore, in order to achieve automatic waste removal during product picking, the product picking machine of this invention needs to... (See also...) Figure 9 The product retrieval station 2 is also equipped with a waste removal conveyor belt 11. The waste removal conveyor belt 11 is arranged in a ring on the frame 1. The working plane of the waste removal conveyor belt 11 is located between the support plate 8 and the self-falling upper mold changing device 4. The waste removal conveyor belt 11 is provided with several second guide pin holes 12 for the lower mold working pins to pass through. At this time, the support plate 8 can be used to support the waste removal conveyor belt 11 during the product retrieval process to ensure stable product retrieval by the equipment. The waste removal conveyor belt 11 is composed of several chain plates. The two ends of the chain plates are fixedly mounted on the conveyor chain. The conveyor chain rotates in a cycle, driving the chain plates to move, thereby moving the waste material stuck on the waste removal conveyor belt 11 out of the product retrieval station 2 and into the next process for waste removal.

[0034] like Figure 1The present invention also provides a method for changing the version, comprising the following steps: A first diaphragm and a second diaphragm are provided, and through holes are respectively opened on the first diaphragm and the through holes at the corresponding finished material part and tear line of the first diaphragm are blocked, and the through holes at the corresponding tear line and waste edge part of the second diaphragm are blocked. The first needle magazine locking unit 41 is initially filled with the first ejector pins 471, and the first diaphragm is placed below the first needle magazine locking unit 41 and the first working locking plate group 43; the first lifting drive unit 42 drives the first needle magazine locking unit 41 and the first diaphragm to move closer to each other, and enter the upper mold close-range plate changing state. In the close-range plate changing state of the upper mold, there is a first buffer gap H2 between the first ejector pin 471 and the first diaphragm. The first needle magazine locking unit 41 releases the first ejector pin 471. The first ejector pin 471 falls freely at a very small gap. The shoulder of the first ejector pin 471 is stuck in the stepped hole 49 of the first working mounting plate 432, so that the corresponding first ejector pin 471 passes through the first diaphragm and is locked by the first working locking plate group 43. The blocked first ejector pin 471 is locked by the first needle magazine locking unit 41 (the first ejector pin 471 stays on the upper surface of the first diaphragm and is received and locked by the first needle magazine locking plate 411).

[0035] The product picking locking pin unit 6 moves from the product picking station 2 to the lower mold changing station 3 and is located directly below the self-falling lower mold changing device 5; the self-falling lower mold changing device 5 can perform the changing work simultaneously with the self-falling upper mold changing device 4.

[0036] The second needle storage locking unit 51 is initially filled with the second ejector pins 551. The second diaphragm is placed below the second needle storage locking unit 51 and above the product picking locking unit 6. The second lifting drive unit 52 drives the second needle storage locking unit 51 and the second diaphragm to move closer together, entering the lower mold close-range plate changing state.

[0037] In the close-range plate changing state of the lower mold, there is a second buffer gap h2 between the second ejector pin 551 and the second diaphragm. The second pin magazine locking unit 51 releases the second ejector pin 551, so that the corresponding second ejector pin 551 passes through the second diaphragm and enters the product picking locking unit 6 and is locked. The blocked second ejector pin 551 is locked by the second pin magazine locking unit 51.

[0038] The working principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Both the first template 413 and the second template 513 are densely covered with through holes. According to the shape of the material to be processed, the through holes on the first template 413 corresponding to the finished material portion and the tear line are sealed (by attaching corresponding diaphragms), leaving only the holes through which the ejector pins need to pass; the through holes on the second template 513 corresponding to the tear line and the waste edge portion are sealed (by attaching corresponding diaphragms). The first ejector pin 471 is initially fully inserted into the first needle magazine locking unit 41, and the second ejector pin 551 is initially fully inserted into the second needle magazine locking unit 51.

[0039] When the mold changing begins, the first lifting drive unit 42 activates, causing the upper mold moving seat 45 and the first needle magazine locking unit 41, the first working locking plate group 43, and the first template 413 support plate (the upper mold moving seat 45 is sleeved on the guide shaft 46) fixed thereon to descend together until the first template 413 support plate contacts the waste discharge track 11 and stops moving. Meanwhile, the first needle magazine locking unit 41 and the first working locking plate group 43 continue to move downward until the first buffer distance H2 between them reaches the preset value. At this point, the upper mold close-range mold changing state is entered.

[0040] Next, the first needle locking plate 411 releases all the first ejector pins 471, allowing the first ejector pins 471 to fall freely at a small interval. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the first ejector pin 471, located above the through hole of the first diaphragm, passes through the first template 413. Its shoulder rests in the stepped hole 49 of the first working mounting plate 432 and is limited by it. It is then locked by the first working locking pin plate 431, becoming the upper mold working ejector pin. The first ejector pin 471, blocked by the part of the first template 413, stays on the upper surface of the first template 413 and is locked by the re-closed first needle magazine locking pin plate 411 (if H2 equals 0, the first needle magazine locking pin plate 411 can directly lock the first ejector pin 471; if H2 is greater than 0, the upper mold moving seat 45 drives the first needle magazine locking pin unit 41 to descend by the same stroke to receive the blocked first ejector pin 471 and then lock it). After the plate change is completed, the first lifting drive unit 42 resets, widening the gap to facilitate subsequent product retrieval.

[0041] While the upper mold changing process is underway, the product picking and locking pin unit 6 is moved from the product picking station 2 to the lower mold changing station 3 by the translation seat 7, and is located directly below the self-falling lower mold changing device 5. The second lifting drive unit 52 drives the second needle magazine locking pin unit 51 to descend. Specifically, the second needle magazine locking pin unit 51 is fixedly mounted on the lower mold lifting seat 54, and the second template 513 is mounted below the lower mold lifting seat 54 via a guide shaft. After the second template 513 contacts the support plate 8, it stops moving. The lower mold lifting seat 54 continues to drive the second needle magazine locking pin unit 51 to move downward, so that the second ejector pin 551 and the upper surface of the second template 513 reach a small second buffer distance h2, entering the lower mold close-range changing state. The second ejector pin 551 is released from the second needle storage locking plate 511. Passing through the through hole of the second template 513, the second ejector pin 551 continues to fall. After being guided by the first guide pin hole 9 of the support plate 8, it falls into the product-retrieving locking unit 6. Its lower end is supported and limited by the base plate 63 and locked by the lower mold locking plate 61, becoming the lower mold working ejector pin. The second ejector pin 551 blocked by the second template 513 is then re-locked by the second needle storage locking plate 511 (if h2 equals 0, the second needle storage locking plate 511 can directly lock the second ejector pin 551; if h2 is greater than 0, the lower mold lifting seat 54 drives the second needle storage locking unit 51 to descend by the same stroke to receive the blocked second ejector pin 551 and then lock it), thus completing the upper and lower mold changing operation.

[0042] The translation seat 7 then carries the product-picking locking pin unit 6, which is equipped with the lower die working pin, back to the product-picking station 2. During the product-picking operation, the upper die working pin and the lower die working pin are aligned vertically. The lower die working pin of the product-picking locking pin unit 6 is moved upward by the vertical drive unit 10 and passes through the first guide pin hole 9 of the support plate 8. The first lifting drive unit 42 drives the upper die working pin downward. The upper die working pin and the lower die working pin are staggered and their concave and convex parts are in contact to pick up the material placed on the waste discharge conveyor 11, realizing the ejection and collection of finished products. The finished product part is ejected by the lower die working pin, and the waste part is left on the waste discharge conveyor 11. The finished product part can be removed manually or by a robot. The upper die working pin and the lower die working pin are reset, and the waste discharge conveyor 11 runs again to transfer the waste to the next process for waste discharge.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "length," "width," "thickness," "first," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more of two first, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In summary, the first description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and all equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention should be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A product dispensing machine employing a self-falling plate changing mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a picking station (2) and a lower mold changing station (3), and also includes a picking locking pin unit (6) that moves back and forth between the picking station (2) and the lower mold changing station (3). The picking station (2) and the lower mold changing station (3) are arranged in a horizontal direction. The product picking station (2) is equipped with a self-falling upper mold changing device (4). The self-falling upper mold changing device (4) includes a first needle magazine locking unit (41), a first template (413) and a first lifting drive unit (42). The first needle magazine locking unit (41) is pre-arranged with a plurality of first ejector pins (471). The first needle magazine locking unit (41) is located above the first template (413). The lower mold changing station (3) is equipped with a self-falling lower mold changing device (5). The self-falling mold changing device (5) includes a second needle magazine locking unit (51), a second template (513), and a second lifting drive unit (52). Multiple second ejector pins (551) are pre-arranged on the second needle magazine locking unit (51), and the second needle magazine locking unit (51) is located above the second template (513). The first lifting drive unit (42) drives the first needle magazine locking unit (41) to move closer to the first template (413) to enter the close-range template changing state; The second lifting drive unit (52) drives the second needle magazine locking unit (51) to move closer to the second template (513) to enter the close-range template changing state; In the near-distance plate changing state, the first pin lock unit (41) releases all the first ejector pins (471), causing the first ejector pins (471) to fall freely. The first ejector pins blocked by the first template (413) are relocked by the first pin lock unit (41). The first ejector pins that pass through the first template (413) are received and formed into the corresponding upper mold working ejector pins. The second pin lock unit (51) releases all the second ejector pins (551), causing the second ejector pins (551) to fall freely. The second ejector pins blocked by the second template (513) are relocked by the second pin lock unit (51). The second ejector pins that pass through the second template (513) are received and formed into the corresponding lower mold working ejector pins. When the product-picking locking pin unit (6) is in the lower mold changing station (3), it is located below the self-falling lower mold changing device (5) to receive the lower mold working ejector pin; when it is in the product-picking station (2), it cooperates with the upper mold working ejector pin to perform product-picking work.

2. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first needle magazine locking unit (41) also has a distant assembly state of the upper mold away from the first template (413). In the distant assembly state of the upper mold, the vertical distance between the first ejector pin (471) and the first template (413) is the first template installation distance H1. In the close replacement state of the upper mold, the vertical distance between the first ejector pin (471) and the first template (413) is the first buffer distance H2. The first buffer distance H2 is greater than or equal to 0, and the first template installation distance H1 is greater than the first buffer distance H2. The second needle magazine locking unit (51) also has a lower mold remote assembly state that is far away from the second template (513); In the low mold remote assembly state, the vertical distance between the second ejector pin (551) and the second template (513) is the second template installation distance h1; When the lower mold is in a close-range plate changing state, the vertical distance between the second ejector pin (551) and the second template (513) is the second buffer distance h2; The second buffer spacing h2 is greater than or equal to 0, and the second template installation spacing h1 is greater than the second buffer spacing h2.

3. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The self-falling upper mold changing device (4) also includes a first working locking pin plate group (43). The first working locking pin plate group (43) is used to lock the first ejector pin (471) passing through the first template (413) so that the first ejector pin (471) is formed as the upper mold working ejector pin.

4. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first needle magazine locking unit (41), the first working locking plate group (43) and the first template (413) are arranged in order from top to bottom. The first template (413) is fixedly installed on the first template receiving plate (44) that is adapted to it.

5. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first needle magazine locking unit (41) and the first working locking plate group (43) are mounted on the upper mold moving seat (45). The upper mold moving seat (45) is connected to the first lifting drive unit (42) for transmission. The first lifting drive unit (42) drives the first needle magazine locking unit (41) and the first working locking plate group (43) to lift synchronously.

6. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first needle magazine locking unit (41) includes a first needle magazine locking plate (411) and a first needle magazine mounting plate (412), with the first needle magazine mounting plate (412) disposed below the first needle magazine locking plate (411); The first working locking pin plate assembly (43) includes a first working locking pin plate (431) and a first working mounting plate (432), wherein the first working mounting plate (432) is disposed below the first working locking pin plate (431); The first needle magazine locking plate (411) and the first working locking plate (431) are respectively provided with a first locking hole (472). The first needle magazine mounting plate (412) is provided with a plurality of first guide holes (48) of equal diameter; The first working mounting plate (432) is provided with a plurality of stepped holes (49) with a longitudinal section of T-shape. The stepped holes (49) are used to prevent the upper mold working pin from detaching from the first working mounting plate (432).

7. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The product-retrieving locking pin unit (6) includes a lower mold locking pin plate (61), a lower mold support plate (62), and a base plate (63), which are arranged sequentially from top to bottom; The second needle magazine locking unit (51) includes a second needle magazine locking plate (511) and a second needle magazine mounting plate (512), and the second needle magazine mounting plate (512) is disposed below the second needle magazine locking plate (511); The second needle magazine locking plate (511) and the lower mold locking plate (61) are respectively provided with a second locking hole (552); The second needle magazine mounting plate (512) and the lower mold support plate (62) are respectively provided with second guide holes (56) of equal diameter; The base plate (63) is used to support the lower mold working pin and prevent the lower mold working pin from coming out from under the lower mold support plate (62).

8. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The product-picking locking pin unit (6) is mounted on the translation seat (7), and a support plate (8) is fixedly mounted on the translation seat (7). The support plate (8) is mounted above the product-picking locking pin unit (6). The support plate (8) has several first guide pin holes (9) for the lower mold working pins to pass through. The product-picking locking pin unit (6) is connected to the vertical drive unit (10) that drives it to move up and down relative to the support plate (8).

9. The product dispensing machine with a self-falling plate changing mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The picking station (2) is also provided with a waste discharge track (11). The waste discharge track (11) is arranged in a ring on the frame (1). The working plane of the waste discharge track (11) is arranged between the support plate (8) and the self-falling upper mold changing device (4). The waste discharge track (11) is provided with several second guide pin holes (12) for the lower mold working pins to pass through.

10. A method for changing versions, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: A first diaphragm and a second diaphragm are provided, and through holes are respectively opened on the first diaphragm and the through holes at the corresponding finished material part and tear line of the first diaphragm are blocked, and the through holes at the corresponding tear line and waste edge part of the second diaphragm are blocked. The first needle magazine locking unit (41) is initially filled with the first ejector pins (471), and the first diaphragm is placed below the first needle magazine locking unit (41) and the first working locking plate group (43); the first lifting drive unit (42) drives the first needle magazine locking unit (41) and the first diaphragm to move closer to each other and enter the upper mold close-range plate changing state. In the close-range plate changing state of the upper mold, there is a first buffer gap H2 between the first ejector pin (471) and the first diaphragm. The first needle lock unit (41) releases the first ejector pin (471), so that the corresponding first ejector pin (471) passes through the first diaphragm and is locked by the first working lock plate group (43). The blocked first ejector pin (471) is locked by the first needle lock unit (41). The product picking lock pin unit (6) moves from the product picking station (2) to the lower mold changing station (3) and is located directly below the self-falling lower mold changing device (5); the self-falling lower mold changing device (5) can perform the changing work at the same time as the self-falling upper mold changing device (4); The second needle storage locking unit (51) is initially filled with the second ejector pins (551), and the second diaphragm is placed below the second needle storage locking unit (51) and above the product picking locking unit (6); the second lifting drive unit (52) drives the second needle storage locking unit (51) and the second diaphragm to get closer to each other and enter the lower mold close-range plate changing state. In the close-range plate changing state of the lower mold, there is a second buffer gap h2 between the second ejector pin (551) and the second diaphragm. The second pin lock unit (51) releases the second ejector pin (551), so that the corresponding second ejector pin (551) passes through the second diaphragm and enters the product lock unit (6) and is locked. The blocked second ejector pin (551) is locked by the second pin lock unit (51).

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