A safe automatic stamping production line and control method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOSHAN TAIMEI TIMES LAMPS & LANTERNS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In existing stamping production lines, workpieces experience unpredictable positional shifts after stamping, resulting in insufficient positioning accuracy, which affects the processing quality of subsequent stations and increases the scrap rate.
A positioning and transfer device is set between adjacent stamping stations, including a positioning component and a transfer component. The positioning component accurately positions the workpiece, and the synchronously moving pick-and-place structure enables efficient transfer of the workpiece. A vacuum suction cup and a lifting drive mechanism ensure accurate positioning and transfer of the workpiece.
It significantly improves the positioning accuracy of workpieces at the next workstation, enhances transfer efficiency, eliminates safety hazards caused by manual intervention, and realizes fully automated production.
Smart Images
Figure CN122425140A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of stamping equipment, and in particular to a safe automatic stamping production line and control method. Background Technology
[0002] In the stamping process, workpieces typically pass through a production line with multiple consecutive stamping stations to achieve continuous, progressive forming. To improve production efficiency and ensure operational safety, existing technologies often employ robotic arms between adjacent stamping stations to automatically grip and transfer workpieces, thereby automating the production line. However, in actual production, it has been found that after stamping at the previous station, the workpiece often experiences random spatial displacement due to the stamping force, and this displacement is unpredictable. Existing robotic arms only possess basic gripping and transfer functions and cannot effectively reposition or correct the posture of workpieces that have shifted, resulting in severely insufficient positioning accuracy when the workpiece enters the next station. Since stamping requires extremely high positioning accuracy, any positioning deviation can cause subsequent stations to fail, significantly increasing scrap rates and production costs, making it difficult to meet the demands of large-scale, high-precision stamping production. Summary of the Invention The purpose of this invention is to provide a safe and automated stamping production line and control method to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial option or create conditions.
[0003] The technical solution adopted to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: This invention provides a safe and automated stamping production line, comprising: Multiple stamping stations are arranged sequentially at intervals along a first direction, and each stamping station is equipped with a stamping machine for stamping workpieces. Multiple positioning and transfer devices are provided, with one positioning and transfer device installed between each of two adjacent stamping stations; The positioning and transfer device includes a positioning component and a transfer component; The positioning component is disposed between two adjacent stamping stations and is used to position the workpiece; The transfer component includes a moving drive mechanism and a pick-and-place mechanism. The pick-and-place mechanism includes at least two pick-and-place structures for picking up and placing workpieces. The at least two pick-and-place structures include a first pick-and-place structure and a second pick-and-place structure spaced apart along the first direction. The distance between the first pick-and-place structure and the second pick-and-place structure is equal to the distance between the positioning component and any adjacent stamping station. The moving drive mechanism is used to drive the material picking and placing mechanism to reciprocate along the first direction, so as to drive: The first material handling structure reciprocates between the first of two adjacent stamping stations and the positioning component. The second material handling structure reciprocates between the positioning component and the second of the two adjacent stamping stations.
[0004] The advantages of the fully automated stamping production line of the present invention are: In operation, the moving drive mechanism drives the pick-and-place mechanism to reciprocate along a first direction, thereby causing the first and second pick-and-place structures to move synchronously. This synchronous movement enables: the first pick-and-place structure to reciprocate between the preceding stamping station and the positioning component in two adjacent stamping stations, picking up the workpiece from the preceding stamping station and transferring it to the positioning component; simultaneously, the second pick-and-place structure reciprocates between the positioning component and the following stamping station in two adjacent stamping stations, picking up the workpiece from the positioning component and transferring it to the following stamping station. By adding a positioning component between adjacent stamping stations for precise workpiece positioning, the positioning accuracy when transferring the workpiece to the next station is significantly improved. Furthermore, the distance between the first and second pick-and-place structures is equal to the distance between the positioning component and any adjacent stamping station; combined with the synchronous linkage action, this effectively improves workpiece transfer efficiency. The entire transfer process requires no manual intervention, eliminating the safety hazards associated with manual operation.
[0005] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the safe automatic stamping production line also includes a discharge station, and the distance between the stamping station at the end and the discharge station in the first direction is equal to the distance between the positioning component and any adjacent stamping station. In the positioning and transfer device corresponding to the stamping station at the end, the material handling mechanism includes three material handling structures, which are arranged at equal intervals along the first direction, namely the first material handling structure, the second material handling structure, and the third material handling structure; When the moving drive mechanism drives the picking and dispensing mechanism to reciprocate along the first direction, it also drives the third picking and dispensing structure to reciprocate between the stamping station and the discharge station located at the end.
[0006] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the material handling structure includes at least one vacuum suction cup for adsorbing and releasing the workpiece. The transfer assembly further includes a lifting drive mechanism, which drives all the picking and placing mechanisms to reciprocate up and down along a second direction, so as to cause the vacuum suction cup in the picking and placing structure to contact or separate from the workpiece, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the moving drive mechanism includes a moving crossbeam and a moving drive structure; the moving crossbeam extends along the first direction, and at least two of the material picking and placing structures are installed on the moving crossbeam; the moving drive structure is used to drive the moving crossbeam to reciprocate along the first direction. The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting seat and a lifting drive structure; the movable crossbeam is slidably mounted on the lifting seat, and the lifting drive structure is used to drive the lifting seat to move up and down along the second direction.
[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the positioning component includes a positioning frame and a positioning mechanism, wherein the positioning frame has a positioning table surface for supporting the workpiece. The positioning mechanism includes at least two positioning structures disposed on the positioning platform; Each of the positioning structures includes two positioning blocks and a positioning drive module. The two positioning blocks are disposed opposite to each other on the positioning platform, and the positioning drive module is used to drive the two positioning blocks to move closer or further apart from each other. In at least two of the positioning structures, the relative directions between the two positioning blocks of each positioning structure are perpendicular to each other.
[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the positioning component further includes a lifting and adjusting mechanism; the lifting and adjusting mechanism is connected to the positioning platform and is used to adjust the position of the positioning platform in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.
[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the lifting and adjusting mechanism includes a fixed frame and an adjusting screw. The positioning frame is slidably installed on the fixed frame. The adjusting screw is rotatably connected to the positioning frame and axially fixed. The fixed frame is provided with a threaded connection part that is threadedly connected to the adjusting screw.
[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the safe automatic stamping production line also includes a feeding station, which is equipped with an unwinding machine and a leveling feeder for unwinding the coil material. The leveling feeder is used to level the coil material and transport it to the stamping station located at the first end.
[0012] The present invention also proposes a control method applicable to the aforementioned safe automatic stamping production line, comprising: Each of the material handling mechanisms is controlled to move along the first direction to a first position corresponding to each of two adjacent stamping stations, such that the first material handling structure is located at the first stamping station among the two adjacent stamping stations and the second material handling structure is located at the positioning component. The first picking and placing structure is controlled to pick up the workpiece processed by the first stamping station, and the second picking and placing structure is controlled to pick up the workpiece positioned by the positioning component. Each of the material handling mechanisms is controlled to move along the first direction to a second position corresponding to each of two adjacent stamping stations, such that the first material handling structure is located at the positioning component and the second material handling structure is located at the second stamping station among the two adjacent stamping stations. The first pick-and-place structure is controlled to place the workpiece on the positioning component, and the second pick-and-place structure is controlled to place the workpiece on the second stamping station.
[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the control method further includes: When the material handling mechanism corresponding to the stamping station at the end moves to the corresponding first position, the third material handling structure is positioned at the stamping station at the end, and the third material handling structure is controlled to pick up the workpiece processed by the stamping station at the end. When the material handling mechanism corresponding to the stamping station at the end moves to the corresponding second position, the third material handling structure is positioned at the discharge station, and the third material handling structure is controlled to release the workpiece to the discharge station.
[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments; Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the safe automatic stamping production line provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling mechanism moving to the first position in one embodiment of the positioning and transfer device for any two adjacent stamping stations before the end provided by the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling mechanism moving to the second position in one embodiment of the positioning and transfer device provided by the present invention, which is located between any two adjacent stamping stations before the end. Figure 4 This is a top view of an embodiment of the positioning component provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling mechanism of one embodiment of the positioning and transfer device for two adjacent stamping stations at the end provided by the present invention moving to the first position; Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the material handling mechanism moving to the second position in one embodiment of the positioning and transfer device for two adjacent stamping stations at the end provided by the present invention. Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the control method provided by the present invention; Icon labels: Stamping station 100; stamping machine 110; upper die 111; lower die 112; Positioning and transfer device 200; positioning assembly 210; positioning frame 211; positioning table 2111; positioning mechanism 212; positioning block 2121; positioning drive element 2122; lifting and adjusting mechanism 213; fixed frame 2131; adjusting screw 2132; guide rod 2133; threaded connection part 2134; transfer assembly 220; moving drive mechanism 221; moving crossbeam 2211; material pick-and-place mechanism 222; first material pick-and-place structure 2221A; second material pick-and-place structure 2221B; third material pick-and-place structure 2221C; vacuum suction cup 2222; lifting drive mechanism 223; lifting seat 2231; lifting drive structure 2232; 300 discharge station; 310 conveyor belt; 400 loading station; 410 unwinding machine; 420 leveling feeder. Detailed Implementation
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 this invention.
[0018] In the description of this invention, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or their sequential relationship.
[0019] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.
[0021] In continuous stamping production, workpieces are often automatically transferred between adjacent stations using robotic arms. However, unpredictable positional shifts can occur after stamping, and existing robotic arms cannot reposition them, resulting in insufficient positioning accuracy at subsequent stations and a high scrap rate.
[0022] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides a safe and automated stamping production line. It aims to set up a positioning and transfer device 200 between adjacent stamping stations 100, reposition the workpiece through the positioning component 210, and achieve efficient and high-precision workpiece transfer by combining it with the synchronously linked material handling mechanism 222.
[0023] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the safe automatic stamping production line of the present invention is implemented in the following embodiment: like Figure 1 As shown, the safe automatic stamping production line of this embodiment of the invention includes multiple stamping stations 100 and multiple positioning and transfer devices 200.
[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple stamping stations 100 are arranged sequentially at intervals along a first direction. For ease of description, the first direction in this embodiment is the left-right direction, but in other embodiments, the first direction can also be set as the front-back direction or any direction according to the production line layout.
[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each stamping station 100 is equipped with a stamping machine 110 for stamping workpieces. The stamping machine 110 performs stamping processing on the workpieces through the closing action of the upper die 111 and the lower die 112. According to different stamping process requirements (such as deep drawing, punching, trimming, flanging, etc.), the workpieces pass through each stamping station 100 in sequence to achieve progressive stamping forming.
[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a positioning and transfer device 200 is provided between each two adjacent stamping stations 100, wherein each positioning and transfer device 200 includes a positioning component 210 and a transfer component 220; In this embodiment, the positioning component 210 is disposed at the midpoint between two adjacent stamping stations 100 for positioning the workpiece. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the positioning assembly 210 includes a positioning table 211 and a positioning mechanism 212. The positioning table 211 has a positioning platform 2111 for supporting the workpiece, and the positioning platform 2111 is horizontally arranged. The positioning mechanism 212 includes at least two positioning structures disposed on the positioning table 211. Figure 4 As shown, each positioning structure includes two positioning blocks 2121 and a positioning drive module. The two positioning blocks 2121 are disposed opposite to each other on the positioning platform 2111, and the positioning drive module is used to drive the two positioning blocks 2121 to move closer or further apart. In at least two positioning structures, the relative directions between the two positioning blocks 2121 of each positioning structure are perpendicular to each other.
[0027] As a specific implementation of this embodiment, two positioning structures are provided. Accordingly, as... Figure 4 As shown, four positioning blocks 2121 are provided in a rectangular arrangement. Two positioning blocks 2121 are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction, and the other two are positioned opposite each other in the front-back direction. Through the coordinated action of the four positioning blocks 2121, the workpiece can be bidirectionally centered and positioned in two vertical directions within the horizontal plane, thereby effectively correcting the random positional offset of the workpiece generated at the upstream stamping station 100.
[0028] The positioning drive module of this embodiment includes two independent positioning drive elements 2122, which are respectively connected to two positioning blocks 2121 for driving the two positioning blocks to move closer or further apart. The positioning drive elements 2122 can be cylinders or electric cylinders, etc.
[0029] It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of positioning structures can also be set to three or more according to the shape of the workpiece and the positioning requirements. For example, when the workpiece has an irregular contour, multiple positioning structures can be set to limit the workpiece from different directions.
[0030] In some other embodiments, sensors (such as photoelectric switches or proximity switches) may be added to the positioning platform 211 to detect whether the workpiece is placed in place, thereby automatically triggering the clamping action of the positioning mechanism 212.
[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the positioning assembly 210 also includes a lifting adjustment mechanism 213. The lifting adjustment mechanism 213 is connected to the positioning table 211 and is used to adjust the position of the positioning table 211 in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and in this embodiment, the second direction is the vertical direction. By setting the lifting adjustment mechanism 213, the height of the positioning table 2111 can be flexibly adjusted according to the thickness of different workpieces or the difference in mold height, ensuring that the workpiece support surface between the positioning assembly 210 and the adjacent stamping station 100 is consistent, thereby improving the reliability of positioning and transfer.
[0032] As one specific implementation of this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lifting and adjusting mechanism 213 includes a fixed frame 2131 and an adjusting screw 2132. The positioning platform 211 can be slidably mounted on the fixed frame 2131 via a linear guide rail or a slider structure, and can be freely lifted and lowered in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the positioning platform 211 is slidably engaged with the fixed frame 2131 via multiple guide rods 2133. The adjusting screw 2132 is rotatably connected to the positioning platform 211 and is relatively fixed in the axial direction, for example, by using a retaining ring or a thrust bearing to limit the axial displacement of the screw relative to the positioning platform 211. The fixed frame 2131 is provided with a threaded connection part 2134, such as a nut block or a directly machined internal threaded hole, and the adjusting screw 2132 is threadedly engaged with the threaded connection part 2134. In use, the operator or drive device (such as a handwheel or motor) rotates the adjusting screw 2132. Since the screw is threadedly connected to the fixed frame 2131 and is axially fixed relative to the positioning platform 211, the rotational motion of the screw is converted into the lifting motion of the positioning platform 211, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the height of the positioning platform 2111.
[0033] It is understood that in other embodiments, the lifting and adjusting mechanism 213 can also be implemented using a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, electric push rod, or gear and rack mechanism, as long as it can drive the positioning table 211 to rise and fall smoothly and maintain its position locked. The screw adjustment method has the advantages of self-locking function, high adjustment accuracy, and compact structure, and is especially suitable for stamping production lines and other applications that require high positional stability.
[0034] The transfer component 220 of this embodiment of the invention is used to pick up, transfer, and place workpieces between the upstream stamping station 100, the positioning component 210, and the downstream stamping station 100. Specifically, the transfer component 220 includes a movement drive mechanism 221 and a pick-and-place mechanism 222, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown.
[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, each pick-and-place mechanism 222 includes at least two pick-and-place structures for picking up and placing workpieces. In this embodiment, except for the pick-and-place mechanism 222 corresponding to the stamping station 100 at the end, each of the other pick-and-place mechanisms 222 is provided with two pick-and-place structures, namely a first pick-and-place structure 2221A and a second pick-and-place structure 2221B. To facilitate understanding of the core linkage principle of the present invention, the following description uses two pick-and-place structures as an example. The specific structure and operation of the pick-and-place mechanism 222 near the end stamping station 100, which is provided with three pick-and-place structures, will be described in detail later.
[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first material handling structure 2221A and the second material handling structure 2221B are spaced apart along the first direction, and the distance between them is equal to the distance between the positioning component 210 and any adjacent stamping station 100. This dimensional relationship ensures that after the material handling mechanism 222 moves one step, the two material handling structures can simultaneously pick up materials from the two stations or simultaneously place materials onto the two stations, achieving synchronous linkage.
[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each pick-and-place structure includes at least one vacuum chuck 2222. The vacuum chuck 2222 is used to pick up the workpiece by negative pressure adsorption and release the workpiece by vacuum breaking or positive pressure. The vacuum chuck 2222 has the advantages of fast response and no damage to the workpiece surface, and is especially suitable for sheet-shaped stamped parts. It is understood that in other embodiments, the pick-and-place structure may also take the form of mechanical grippers, electromagnetic chucks, etc., depending on the material and shape of the workpiece.
[0038] The moving drive mechanism 221 is used to drive the material handling mechanism 222 to reciprocate along a first direction. Specifically: like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the moving drive mechanism 221 includes a moving crossbeam 2211 and a moving drive structure (not shown). The moving crossbeam 2211 extends in the left-right direction, and the first picking and placing structure 2221A and the second picking and placing structure 2221B are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and installed on the lower or side side of the moving crossbeam 2211. The moving drive structure is used to drive the moving crossbeam 2211 to reciprocate in the left-right direction. The moving drive structure can be in the form of a servo motor combined with a lead screw mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, or a linear motor, etc., to achieve precise position control.
[0039] During the reciprocating movement of the material handling mechanism 222 in the left and right directions, the following actions are performed: During the reciprocating movement of the material handling mechanism 222 in the left and right directions, the following actions are performed simultaneously: The first material handling structure 2221A reciprocates between the previous stamping station 100 and the positioning component 210 in two adjacent stamping stations 100, for picking up the workpiece from the previous stamping station 100 and transferring it to the positioning component 210. The second material handling structure 2221B reciprocates between the positioning component 210 and the latter stamping station 100 of the two adjacent stamping stations 100, and is used to pick up the workpiece from the positioning component 210 and transfer it to the latter stamping station 100.
[0040] By adding a positioning component 210 between adjacent stamping stations 100 to precisely position the workpiece, the positioning accuracy when transferring the workpiece to the next station is significantly improved. Combined with the synchronous linkage of two pick-and-place structures, the workpiece transfer efficiency is effectively enhanced. The entire transfer process requires no manual intervention, eliminating the safety hazards associated with manual operation.
[0041] Furthermore, to coordinate with the adsorption and release actions of the vacuum suction cup 2222, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the transfer assembly 220 also includes a lifting drive mechanism 223. The lifting drive mechanism 223 is used to drive the pick-and-place mechanism 222 to reciprocate up and down in the vertical direction, so that the vacuum suction cup 2222 in the pick-and-place structure comes into contact with or separates from the workpiece.
[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lifting drive mechanism 223 includes a lifting seat 2231 and a lifting drive structure 2232. The moving crossbeam 2211 is slidably mounted on the lifting seat 2231 via a linear guide pair (e.g., a combination of a slider and a guide rail), allowing it to reciprocate in the left-right direction. The lifting drive structure 2232 drives the lifting seat 2231 to move up and down in the vertical direction. Specifically, the lifting drive structure 2232 can be in the form of a servo motor combined with a ball screw mechanism, a cylinder, an electric push rod, or a linear motor. In this embodiment, a combination of a servo motor and a ball screw is preferred to achieve precise position control and speed adjustment.
[0043] During operation, when the picking and placing mechanism 222 needs to pick up or place a workpiece, the lifting drive mechanism 223 drives the lifting seat 2231 to move the moving crossbeam 2211 and the picking and placing structure on it to descend as a whole, so that the vacuum suction cup 2222 is close to the surface of the workpiece and establishes negative pressure adsorption; after adsorption or release is completed, the lifting drive mechanism 223 drives the picking and placing mechanism 222 to rise, so that the vacuum suction cup 2222 is separated from the workpiece, providing a safe clearance space for subsequent horizontal movement.
[0044] The working process of the positioning and transfer device 200 in this embodiment of the invention: In the initial state, the material handling mechanism 222 moves to the left to the first position, such as... Figure 2 As shown, at this time, the first pick-and-place structure 2221A is located directly above the previous stamping station 100, and the second pick-and-place structure 2221B is located directly above the positioning component 210. The lifting drive mechanism 223 drives the pick-and-place mechanism 222 to descend, causing the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the first pick-and-place structure 2221A to contact and adhere to the workpiece that has been stamped on the previous stamping station 100, while simultaneously causing the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the second pick-and-place structure 2221B to contact and adhere to the workpiece that has been positioned on the positioning component 210. Subsequently, the lifting drive mechanism 223 drives the pick-and-place mechanism 222 to rise, causing the two workpieces to detach from their respective stations.
[0045] Next, as Figure 3 As shown, the moving drive mechanism 221 drives the pick-and-place mechanism 222 to move one step to the right to the second position. Since the distance between the first pick-and-place structure 2221A and the second pick-and-place structure 2221B is equal to the distance between the positioning component 210 and the stamping station 100, when the pick-and-place mechanism 222 moves into position, the first pick-and-place structure 2221A is exactly above the positioning component 210, and the second pick-and-place structure 2221B is exactly above the next stamping station 100. The lifting drive mechanism 223 drives the pick-and-place mechanism 222 to descend again, and the first pick-and-place structure 2221A places the workpiece it has attracted onto the positioning component 210, and the second pick-and-place structure 2221B places the workpiece it has attracted onto the next stamping station 100. After that, the pick-and-place mechanism 222 rises and returns to the first position, starting the next work cycle.
[0046] Through the aforementioned reciprocating motion, the workpiece is sequentially transferred from the previous stamping station 100 to the positioning component 210 for precise positioning, and then from the positioning component 210 to the next stamping station 100 for the next stamping process. This process simultaneously completes material handling, eliminating the need for additional waiting time and significantly improving the production line's efficiency.
[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the safe automatic stamping production line also includes a discharge station 300, which can be set after the stamping station 100 at the end, and is used to collect finished workpieces that have completed all stamping processes. The discharge station 300 can be equipped with a collection container or a conveyor belt 310. When a conveyor belt 310 is provided, the finished workpieces can be transported to the next processing process or packaging station via the conveyor belt 310.
[0048] The distance between the end stamping station 100 and the discharge station 300 in the left-right direction is equal to the distance between the positioning component 210 and any adjacent stamping station 100. This dimensional relationship ensures that the pick-and-place mechanism 222 can complete the transfer of workpieces from the end stamping station 100 to the discharge station 300 with a uniform step distance.
[0049] In the positioning and transfer device 200 corresponding to the stamping station 100 at the end, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the material handling mechanism 222 includes three material handling structures, which are arranged at equal intervals along the left and right sides. These three structures are the first material handling structure 2221A, the second material handling structure 2221B, and the third material handling structure 2221C. In other words, the material handling mechanism 222 at the end has an additional third material handling structure 2221C compared to the other material handling mechanisms 222, in order to meet the needs of the discharge station 300.
[0050] When the moving drive mechanism 221 drives the picking and unloading mechanism 222 to move back and forth in the left and right direction, in addition to driving the first picking and unloading structure 2221A and the second picking and unloading structure 2221B to move, it also drives the third picking and unloading structure 2221C to move back and forth between the stamping station 100 and the discharge station 300 located at the end.
[0051] Specifically, taking the action between the end-stamping station 100 and the discharge station 300 as an example: Figure 5 As shown, when the pick-and-place mechanism 222 moves to the first position, the third pick-and-place structure 2221C is located directly above the end stamping station 100, and can pick up the workpiece that has completed the last stamping process; as Figure 6 As shown, when the pick-and-place mechanism 222 moves to the second position, the third pick-and-place structure 2221C is located directly above the discharge station 300, which can release the workpiece onto the collection container or conveyor belt 310. This process is synchronized with the action of the front-end pick-and-place structure, without the need for additional cycle time.
[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the safe automatic stamping production line also includes a loading station 400. The loading station 400 is located before the first stamping station 100 and is used to automatically supply workpieces to be processed to the first stamping station 100. Specifically, the loading station 400 is equipped with an unwinding machine 410 and a leveling feeder 420. The unwinding machine 410 is used to carry and continuously unwind the coiled material, and the leveling feeder 420 is located downstream of the unwinding machine 410 to level the coiled material output from the unwinding machine 410, eliminate curling stress, and intermittently convey the leveled strip to the first stamping station 100 according to a set step distance.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the leveling feeder 420 includes a leveling device and a feeding device. The leveling device consists of multiple leveling rollers arranged in a staggered pattern to roll and level the coil material; the feeding device can employ clamping rollers or a servo feeding mechanism to precisely control the feed length. Through the coordinated operation of the unwinding machine 410 and the leveling feeder 420, it can be ensured that the workpiece entering the first stamping station 100 has a flat shape and consistent positional accuracy, laying a good foundation for continuous stamping forming in subsequent stations.
[0054] It is understood that in other embodiments, if the workpiece to be processed is a single sheet blank rather than a roll, the feeding station 400 may also be equipped with a hopper, a feeding robot, or a vibratory feeder to achieve automatic feeding of single blanks. This embodiment uses a roll feeding method as an example for illustration, but the scope of protection of this invention is not limited thereto.
[0055] This invention also proposes a control method applicable to the aforementioned safe automatic stamping production line. This method coordinates the movement of the moving drive mechanism 221, the lifting drive mechanism 223, and the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the pick-and-place structure in each positioning and transfer device 200 through a controller, achieving synchronous picking, transfer, and release of workpieces. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the control method includes the following steps: Step S100: Control each material pick-up and drop-off mechanism 222 to move along the first direction to the corresponding first position between each two adjacent stamping stations 100, so that the first material pick-up and drop-off structure 2221A is located at the first stamping station 100 in the two adjacent stamping stations 100 and the second material pick-up and drop-off structure 2221B is located at the positioning component 210.
[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the initial state or after the end of the previous work cycle, the controller sends a command to the moving drive structure, driving the moving beam 2211 to move to the left until the pick-and-place mechanism 222 reaches the first position. The position coordinates of this first position are pre-calibrated and stored in the controller. When the pick-and-place mechanism 222 reaches the first position, the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the first pick-and-place structure 2221A is directly facing the workpiece that has been stamped on the previous stamping station 100. The workpiece is located on the lower die 112 of the stamping machine 110 or is lifted by the ejection mechanism. At the same time, the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the second pick-and-place structure 2221B is directly facing the workpiece that has been repositioned on the positioning assembly 210. The workpiece has been released after being centered and clamped by the positioning block 2121. At this time, both pick-and-place structures are directly above the position to be picked up.
[0057] Step S200: Control the first pick-up and drop-off structure 2221A to pick up the workpiece processed by the first stamping station 100, and control the second pick-up and drop-off structure 2221B to pick up the workpiece positioned by the positioning component 210.
[0058] Specifically, the controller first controls the lifting drive mechanism 223 to drive the pick-and-place mechanism 222 to descend vertically until the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the first pick-and-place structure 2221A contacts the workpiece surface on the previous stamping station 100, and the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the second pick-and-place structure 2221B contacts the workpiece surface on the positioning assembly 210. The contact pressure can be controlled by limit switches or pressure sensors. Then, the controller turns on the vacuum generator, such as a vacuum pump, to create negative pressure in the vacuum suction cup 2222, firmly adsorbing the workpiece. After successful adsorption, the controller again controls the lifting drive mechanism 223 to rise, simultaneously lifting both workpieces from their respective stations, providing clearance for horizontal movement.
[0059] Step S300: Control each material handling mechanism 222 to move along the first direction to the corresponding second position between each two adjacent stamping stations 100, so that the first material handling structure 2221A is located in the positioning component 210 and the second material handling structure 2221B is located in the second stamping station 100 of the two adjacent stamping stations 100.
[0060] Specifically, after the material handling mechanism 222 rises to its position, the controller sends a command to the moving drive structure, driving the moving beam 2211 to move one fixed step to the right, reaching the second position, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown. Since the distance between the first pick-and-place structure 2221A and the second pick-and-place structure 2221B is equal to the distance between the positioning component 210 and any adjacent stamping station 100, when the pick-and-place mechanism 222 moves from the first position to the second position, the first pick-and-place structure 2221A, which was originally located at the previous stamping station 100, moves exactly above the positioning component 210, and the second pick-and-place structure 2221B, which was originally located at the positioning component 210, moves exactly above the next stamping station 100. During this movement, the vacuum suction cup 2222 maintains negative pressure to ensure that the workpiece does not fall off.
[0061] Step S400: Control the first pick-and-place structure 2221A to place the workpiece on the positioning component 210, and control the second pick-and-place structure 2221B to place the workpiece on the second stamping station 100.
[0062] Specifically, after the pick-and-place mechanism 222 reaches the second position, the controller controls the lifting drive mechanism 223 to descend again, causing the workpiece carried by the first pick-and-place structure 2221A to fall onto the positioning table 2111 of the positioning assembly 210, while simultaneously causing the workpiece carried by the second pick-and-place structure 2221B to fall onto the lower die 112 of the next stamping station 100. Then, the controller shuts off the vacuum generator, causing the vacuum suction cup 2222 to release the workpiece. Afterward, the lifting drive mechanism 223 rises again, causing the pick-and-place mechanism 222 to detach from the workpiece. At this point, a complete work cycle is completed, and the system returns to step S100 to begin the next cycle.
[0063] It should be noted that the above steps S100 to S400 are executed synchronously in the positioning and transfer device 200 between each adjacent stamping station 100, so that the entire production line can operate continuously and efficiently.
[0064] For the positioning and transfer device 200 corresponding to the stamping station 100 at the end, its pick-and-place mechanism 222 includes three pick-and-place structures. In addition to performing the first two pick-and-place structure actions in steps S100 to S400 above, the positioning and transfer device 200 also performs the following additional actions: like Figure 5 As shown, when the pick-and-place mechanism 222 moves to the corresponding first position, the third pick-and-place structure 2221C is located directly above the end stamping station 100. At this time, the controller controls the third pick-and-place structure 2221C to pick up the workpiece processed by the end stamping station 100. This picking action is synchronized with the picking actions of the first two placement structures: the lifting drive mechanism 223 descends, the vacuum suction cup 2222 of the third pick-and-place structure 2221C contacts the finished workpiece on the end stamping station 100 and establishes negative pressure adsorption, and then all pick-and-place structures rise together.
[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, when the pick-and-place mechanism 222 moves to the corresponding second position, the third pick-and-place structure 2221C is located directly above the discharge station 300. At this time, the controller controls the third pick-and-place structure 2221C to release the workpiece to the discharge station 300. This release action is synchronized with the placement actions of the first two discharge structures: the lifting drive mechanism 223 descends, the finished workpiece carried by the third pick-and-place structure 2221C contacts the supporting surface of the discharge station 300, the workpiece is released after the vacuum is closed, and then all pick-and-place structures rise together, preparing for the next cycle.
[0066] Through the above control method, the finished workpiece processed at the end stamping station 100 is automatically transferred to the unloading station 300, realizing fully automated production from blank input to finished product output without manual intervention, thus improving production efficiency and safety.
[0067] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0068] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Claims
1. A safe and automated stamping production line, characterized in that, include: Multiple stamping stations are arranged sequentially at intervals along a first direction, and each stamping station is equipped with a stamping machine for stamping workpieces. Multiple positioning and transfer devices are provided, with one positioning and transfer device installed between each of two adjacent stamping stations; The positioning and transfer device includes a positioning component and a transfer component; The positioning component is disposed between two adjacent stamping stations and is used to position the workpiece; The transfer component includes a moving drive mechanism and a pick-and-place mechanism. The pick-and-place mechanism includes at least two pick-and-place structures for picking up and placing workpieces. The at least two pick-and-place structures include a first pick-and-place structure and a second pick-and-place structure spaced apart along the first direction. The distance between the first pick-and-place structure and the second pick-and-place structure is equal to the distance between the positioning component and any adjacent stamping station. The moving drive mechanism is used to drive the material picking and placing mechanism to reciprocate along the first direction, so as to drive: The first material handling structure reciprocates between the first of two adjacent stamping stations and the positioning component. The second material handling structure reciprocates between the positioning component and the second of the two adjacent stamping stations.
2. The safe automatic stamping production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The safe automatic stamping production line also includes a discharge station, and the distance between the stamping station at the end and the discharge station in the first direction is equal to the distance between the positioning component and any adjacent stamping station. In the positioning and transfer device corresponding to the stamping station at the end, the material handling mechanism includes three material handling structures, which are arranged at equal intervals along the first direction, namely the first material handling structure, the second material handling structure, and the third material handling structure; When the moving drive mechanism drives the picking and dispensing mechanism to reciprocate along the first direction, it also drives the third picking and dispensing structure to reciprocate between the stamping station and the discharge station located at the end.
3. The safe automatic stamping production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material handling structure includes at least one vacuum suction cup for adsorbing and releasing the workpiece. The transfer assembly further includes a lifting drive mechanism, which drives all the picking and placing mechanisms to reciprocate up and down along a second direction, so as to cause the vacuum suction cup in the picking and placing structure to contact or separate from the workpiece, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
4. The safe automatic stamping production line according to claim 3, characterized in that: The moving drive mechanism includes a moving crossbeam and a moving drive structure; the moving crossbeam extends along the first direction, and at least two of the material picking and placing structures are installed on the moving crossbeam; the moving drive structure is used to drive the moving crossbeam to reciprocate along the first direction. The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting base and a lifting drive structure; The movable crossbeam is slidably mounted on the lifting seat, and the lifting drive structure is used to drive the lifting seat to move up and down along the second direction.
5. The safe automatic stamping production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning assembly includes a positioning frame and a positioning mechanism, wherein the positioning frame has a positioning table surface for supporting the workpiece; The positioning mechanism includes at least two positioning structures disposed on the positioning platform; Each of the positioning structures includes two positioning blocks and a positioning drive module. The two positioning blocks are disposed opposite to each other on the positioning platform, and the positioning drive module is used to drive the two positioning blocks to move closer or further apart from each other. In at least two of the positioning structures, the relative directions between the two positioning blocks of each positioning structure are perpendicular to each other.
6. The safe automatic stamping production line according to claim 5, characterized in that: The positioning component further includes a lifting and adjusting mechanism; the lifting and adjusting mechanism is connected to the positioning platform and is used to adjust the position of the positioning platform in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.
7. The safe automatic stamping production line according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lifting and adjusting mechanism includes a fixed frame and an adjusting screw. The positioning frame is slidably mounted on the fixed frame. The adjusting screw is rotatably connected to the positioning frame and axially fixed. The fixed frame is provided with a threaded connection part that is threadedly connected to the adjusting screw.
8. The safe automatic stamping production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The safe automatic stamping production line also includes a feeding station, which is equipped with an unwinding machine and a leveling feeder for unwinding the coil material. The leveling feeder is used to level the coil material and transport it to the stamping station located at the first end.
9. A control method applicable to a safe automatic stamping production line as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: Each of the material handling mechanisms is controlled to move along the first direction to a first position corresponding to each of two adjacent stamping stations, such that the first material handling structure is located at the first stamping station among the two adjacent stamping stations and the second material handling structure is located at the positioning component. The first picking and placing structure is controlled to pick up the workpiece processed by the first stamping station, and the second picking and placing structure is controlled to pick up the workpiece positioned by the positioning component. Each of the material handling mechanisms is controlled to move along the first direction to a second position corresponding to each of two adjacent stamping stations, such that the first material handling structure is located at the positioning component and the second material handling structure is located at the second stamping station among the two adjacent stamping stations. The first pick-and-place structure is controlled to place the workpiece on the positioning component, and the second pick-and-place structure is controlled to place the workpiece on the second stamping station.
10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The safe automatic stamping production line also includes a discharge station, and the distance between the stamping station at the end and the discharge station in the first direction is equal to the distance between the positioning component and any adjacent stamping station. In the positioning and transfer device corresponding to the stamping station at the end, the material handling mechanism includes three material handling structures, which are arranged at equal intervals along the first direction, namely the first material handling structure, the second material handling structure, and the third material handling structure; When the moving drive mechanism drives the picking and dispensing mechanism to reciprocate along the first direction, it also drives the third picking and dispensing structure to reciprocate between the stamping station and the discharge station located at the end. The control method further includes: When the material handling mechanism corresponding to the stamping station at the end moves to the corresponding first position, the third material handling structure is positioned at the stamping station at the end, and the third material handling structure is controlled to pick up the workpiece processed by the stamping station at the end. When the material handling mechanism corresponding to the stamping station at the end moves to the corresponding second position, the third material handling structure is positioned at the discharge station, and the third material handling structure is controlled to release the workpiece to the discharge station.