An automatic device for ceramic sleeve steel drill string

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of automation device of ceramic sleeve steel drill string material, it is related to zirconium oxide ceramic sleeve production field, it includes the string sleeve tool for carrying and restricting ceramic sleeve, conveying unit for conveying string sleeve tool, sleeve loading unit for supplying ceramic sleeve, steel drill loading unit for supplying steel drill and controller.Sleeve loading unit has first displacement sensor for determining whether the supply of ceramic sleeve in string sleeve tool meets the requirement.The steel drill loading unit has second displacement sensor for determining whether the degree of steel drill string material in string sleeve tool meets the requirement.The controller based on the signal of first displacement sensor and second displacement sensor, closed-loop control logic, ensures the accuracy of string material action, realizes the whole process automation from ceramic sleeve arrangement to steel drill penetration, completely replaces inefficient, high-cost manual operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of zirconia ceramic sleeve production technology, and in particular to an automated device for threading steel rods for ceramic sleeves. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of optical fiber communication technology, the sleeve used to fix the optical fiber ferrule in an optical fiber connector is the most precise component in the entire optical network. As a sleeve for fixing the optical fiber ferrule, it requires high precision, wear resistance, aging resistance, and minimal thermal expansion and contraction over a wide temperature range. Under current technological conditions, zirconia ceramic sleeves are a suitable choice for fixing optical fiber ferrules.

[0003] Currently, zirconia ceramic sleeves are typically manufactured using powder injection molding or dry pressing followed by sintering. During high-temperature sintering, the material undergoes uneven shrinkage, leading to concentricity errors in the blank. Concentricity deviations greater than 0.02 mm can cause misalignment during fiber optic cable connection, resulting in signal attenuation or even interruption.

[0004] To meet the stringent alignment precision requirements of fields such as fiber optic communication, and given the challenges posed by the high hardness and brittleness of zirconia materials, common concentricity machining processes for zirconia ceramic sleeves include two extremely inefficient methods: multiple clamping operations and single-clamp ultra-precision composite grinding. Another method uses a steel drill bit as a mandrel, threading the zirconia ceramic sleeve sequentially onto the drill bit, and then using a specialized centerless grinder to machine the outer diameter. Relying on the drill bit as a mandrel, the concentricity index of the sleeve product can be corrected to achieve a acceptable concentricity of ≤0.02mm. However, currently, zirconia ceramic sleeves are mainly threaded onto the drill bit manually, which is inefficient and costly. Therefore, it is necessary to improve this process of threading the zirconia ceramic sleeve onto the drill bit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of related technologies, this invention provides an automated device for feeding ceramic sleeves and steel rods, comprising a feeding fixture for supporting and constraining the ceramic sleeves, a conveying unit for conveying the feeding fixture, a sleeve feeding unit for supplying the ceramic sleeves, a steel rod feeding unit for supplying the steel rods, and a controller. This device automates the entire process from arranging the ceramic sleeves to inserting the steel rods, completely replacing inefficient and costly manual operations.

[0006] This invention provides an automated device for threading ceramic sleeve steel rods, comprising: A series of tooling components, including a base and a cover plate detachably connected to the top surface of the base; at least one horizontal groove penetrating the base is provided on the top surface of the base; when there are multiple grooves, all grooves are parallel to each other; multiple ceramic sleeves with collinear axes and parallel to the grooves can be accommodated in the grooves; The conveying unit includes a linear conveying device and two baffles; the bushing device is on the linear conveying device, and the two baffles are located on both sides of the bushing device to prevent the ceramic sleeve from coming out of the groove. The sleeve feeding unit includes a vibratory plate for conveying ceramic sleeves with its discharge end passing through a baffle, and a first displacement sensor with its sensing end passing through another baffle and aligned with the discharge end of the vibratory plate; the signal from the first displacement sensor is used to determine whether the groove is full of ceramic sleeves. The steel rod feeding unit includes a trough with one end passing through a baffle, a second displacement sensor with its sensing end passing through another baffle and aligned with the trough, a first linear drive device with its output end extending into the other end of the trough, and a hopper with its discharge port located at the bottom and aligned with the trough. The hopper has an inclined surface that guides the steel rods toward the discharge port. The trough can only hold a single steel rod. When the output end of the first linear drive device extends, it pushes the steel rod in the trough through the ceramic sleeve in the wire groove, while simultaneously blocking the discharge port. After the output end of the first linear drive device retracts, the discharge port is exposed. The signal from the second displacement sensor is used to determine whether the steel rod has passed through all the ceramic sleeves in the wire groove. The controller controls the start and stop of the vibratory feeder, the linear conveyor, and the first linear drive device based on signals from the first and second displacement sensors.

[0007] In some embodiments, the trough is composed of a bottom wall and two side walls, and the interval between the linear conveyor and the hopper is greater than or equal to the length of a single steel rod, so as to observe the condition of the steel rod from above the trough or remove abnormal steel rods.

[0008] In some embodiments, the steel rod feeding unit further includes a pressure plate located between the linear conveying device and the hopper and whose length direction is parallel to the length direction of the trough, and a second linear drive device with its output end pointing vertically downward and connected to the pressure plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the steel rod feeding unit further includes a support frame; the feed trough, the hopper, the first linear drive device, and the second linear drive device are all detachably connected to the support frame, and the pressure plate is detachably connected to the second linear drive device; the feed trough, the hopper, and the pressure plate can be replaced based on steel rods of different diameters.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second linear drive is a cylinder.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base and cover are made of non-metallic material. The top surface of the base is provided with a plurality of first grooves distributed on both sides of the wire groove, and a first magnet is embedded in each first groove. The cover is provided with second grooves that correspond one-to-one with the first grooves, and a second magnet is embedded in each second groove. Each first magnet attracts the corresponding second magnet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the magnetic force required for the base and cover to adhere is less than the weight of the base; The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeves with steel rods also includes a first robotic arm and a material box. After the controller determines that all ceramic sleeves in the slot have been pierced by steel rods based on the signal from the second displacement sensor, the controller controls the first robotic arm to perform the following actions: first, remove the cover plate from the base, then move all the finished products consisting of ceramic sleeves pierced by steel rods in the base to the material box, and finally fasten the cover plate to the base.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the base and the cover are made of transparent acrylic.

[0014] In some embodiments, the linear conveying device includes a first linear track, a first push plate, a first motor, and a first lead screw; the first linear track is used to carry the cascaded tooling, and two baffles are fixed to the first linear track; the first motor is located on the side of the sleeve feeding unit away from the steel rod feeding unit, the first lead screw passes through the first motor and is threadedly engaged with the first motor, the first motor drives the first lead screw to reciprocate axially under the control of the controller, the side of the first lead screw facing the sleeve feeding unit is connected to the first push plate, and the first push plate is used to make surface contact with the cascaded tooling.

[0015] In some embodiments, the automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods further includes a second robotic arm, a second pusher plate, a third linear drive device, and a second linear track. The top surface of the second linear track is provided with a groove to accommodate the linear sliding of the cascading tooling. One end of the groove is connected to the first linear track. The output end of the third linear drive device faces the first linear track and is connected to the second push plate. The second push plate is used for surface contact with the cascading tooling. When the first push plate is located on the side of the sleeve feeding unit away from the steel rod feeding unit, the controller controls the third linear drive device to drive the second push plate to push the cascading tooling in the groove between the first push plate and the sleeve feeding unit. One or two cascade fixtures are provided; the second robotic arm is used to move the cascade fixture containing the removed ceramic sleeve and steel rod between the material trough and the second displacement sensor to the front of the second push plate under the control of the controller.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention includes a casing fixture for carrying and constraining ceramic sleeves, a conveying unit for conveying the casing fixture, a sleeve feeding unit for supplying ceramic sleeves, a steel rod feeding unit for supplying steel rods, and a controller. The sleeve feeding unit has a first displacement sensor for determining whether the supply quantity of ceramic sleeves in the casing fixture meets requirements. The steel rod feeding unit has a second displacement sensor for determining whether the degree of steel rod feeding in the casing fixture meets requirements. Based on the signals from the first and second displacement sensors, the controller uses closed-loop control logic to ensure the accuracy of the feeding action, achieving full automation from ceramic sleeve arrangement to steel rod insertion, completely replacing inefficient and costly manual operations.

[0017] 2. By integrating a first robotic arm, this invention achieves automatic unloading of finished products and automatic resetting of tooling sets, upgrading the entire cycle from "semi-automatic" manual unloading of finished products to "fully automatic", greatly improving production efficiency.

[0018] 3. This invention forms a continuous tooling circulation flow by introducing a transfer and buffer zone consisting of a second linear track, a third linear drive device, and a second robotic arm. This means that while one tooling unit is performing the core material feeding operation on the first linear track, another tooling unit can prepare to reset the empty tooling unit at the chute, eliminating the time interval of waiting for the empty tooling unit to arrive at the core workstation. This achieves near-assembly line-style continuous operation, which is especially suitable for multi-tooling, high-volume production scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a series of tooling sets.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Serial tooling; 11. Base; 111. Wire groove; 12. Cover plate; 13. First magnet; 14. Second magnet; 211. First linear track; 212. First push plate; 213. First motor; 214. First lead screw; 22. Baffle; 31. Vibratory feeder; 32. First displacement sensor; 41. Material trough; 42. Second displacement sensor; 43. First linear drive device; 44. Hopper; 45. Pressure plate; 46. Second linear drive device; 5. Controller; 6. First robotic arm; 7. Material box; 8. Second robotic arm; 91. Second push plate; 92. Third linear drive device; 93. Second linear track. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in an illustrative embodiment of an automated device for threading ceramic sleeve steel rods according to the present invention, the automated device for threading ceramic sleeve steel rods includes: The cascading fixture 1 includes a base 11 and a cover plate 12 detachably connected to the top surface of the base 11; at least one wire groove 111 is provided on the top surface of the base 11, which is horizontally penetrating the base 11; when there are multiple wire grooves 111, all wire grooves 111 are parallel to each other; multiple ceramic sleeves with collinear axes and parallel to the wire grooves 111 can be accommodated in the wire grooves 111. The conveying unit includes a linear conveying device and two baffles 22; the cascading fixture 1 is placed on the linear conveying device, and the two baffles 22 are located on both sides of the cascading fixture 1 to prevent the ceramic sleeve from coming out of the wire groove 111. The sleeve feeding unit includes a vibratory plate 31 for conveying ceramic sleeves, with its discharge end passing through a baffle 22, and a first displacement sensor 32 with its sensing end passing through another baffle 22 and aligned with the discharge end of the vibratory plate 31; the signal from the first displacement sensor 32 is used to determine whether the wire groove 111 is full of ceramic sleeves. The steel rod feeding unit includes a trough 41 with one end passing through a baffle 22, a second displacement sensor 42 with its sensing end passing through another baffle 22 and aligned with the trough 41, a first linear drive device 43 with its output end extending into the other end of the trough 41, and a hopper 44 with its outlet located at the bottom and aligned with the trough 41. The hopper 44 has an inclined surface that guides the steel rods toward the outlet. The trough 41 can only hold a single steel rod. When the output end of the first linear drive device 43 extends, it pushes the steel rod in the trough 41 through the ceramic sleeve in the wire groove 111, while blocking the outlet. After the output end of the first linear drive device 43 retracts, the outlet is exposed. The signal from the second displacement sensor 42 is used to determine whether the steel rod has passed through all the ceramic sleeves in the wire groove 111. The controller 5 controls the start and stop of the vibratory feeder 31, the linear conveying device, and the first linear drive device 43 based on the signals from the first displacement sensor 32 and the second displacement sensor 42.

[0026] The operating instructions for the automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods are as follows: The casing fixture 1, used to carry and constrain the ceramic sleeves, is placed on a linear conveyor. The controller 5 starts the linear conveyor until one trough 111 aligns with the discharge end of the vibratory feeder 31. Then, the vibratory feeder 31 sequentially conveys the ceramic sleeves into the trough 111. When the first displacement sensor 32 detects a ceramic sleeve, it means that the current trough 111 is full. At this time, the controller 5 pauses the vibratory feeder 31 and starts the linear conveyor. After the next trough 111 aligns with the discharge end of the vibratory feeder 31, the controller 5 restarts the vibratory feeder 31.

[0027] When all the slots 111 of the base 11 are filled with ceramic sleeves, the controller 5 starts the linear conveying device until one slot 111 is aligned with the material trough 41. At this time, the controller 5 starts the first linear drive device 43 to push the steel rod through the ceramic sleeve in the slot 111. When the second displacement sensor 42 detects the steel rod, it means that the steel rod has passed through all the ceramic sleeves in the current slot 111. At this time, the controller 5 controls the first linear drive device 43 to return to its original position, and the hopper 44 replenishes the material trough 41 with a new steel rod. During this period, the controller 5 starts the linear conveying device. After the next slot 111 is aligned with the material trough 41, the controller 5 restarts the first linear drive device 43.

[0028] After all the ceramic sleeves in the slots 111 have been threaded onto the steel rods, the cover plate 12 can be removed from the base 11 to take out the threaded ceramic sleeves and steel rods. After the cover plate 12 and the empty base 11 are assembled, they are placed back on the linear conveyor and located on the side of the sleeve feeding unit away from the steel rod feeding unit, waiting for the next threading of ceramic sleeves and steel rods.

[0029] The aforementioned automated device for feeding ceramic sleeves and steel rods uses a feeding fixture 1 in conjunction with a conveying unit to achieve material positioning and flow; the sleeve feeding unit and the steel rod feeding unit provide precise and orderly supply of ceramic sleeves and steel rods; and the controller 5, based on the signals from the first displacement sensor 32 and the second displacement sensor 42, uses closed-loop control logic to ensure the accuracy of the feeding action, realizing full automation from the arrangement of ceramic sleeves to the insertion of steel rods, completely replacing inefficient and high-cost manual operation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vibratory feeder 31 and the feed trough 41 are respectively connected to different baffles 22, so that the feeding directions of the ceramic sleeve and the steel rod are opposite.

[0031] Since the ceramic sleeve and the steel rod enter the wire groove 111 from opposite directions, their respective endpoints are limited by baffles 22 at their corresponding ends. This design ensures that baffle 22 only bears the impact of a single material, avoiding stress concentration and accelerated wear caused by two materials simultaneously impacting the same baffle 22. Especially during high-frequency continuous operation, the baffle 22 experiences more uniform stress and less damage, thereby improving structural durability and stability.

[0032] Furthermore, if the two materials enter in the same direction, the ceramic sleeve may prematurely occupy the detection position of the second displacement sensor 42, causing the second displacement sensor 42 to mistakenly believe that the steel rod has been inserted, resulting in material feeding failure. Therefore, feeding the ceramic sleeve and the steel rod in opposite directions helps improve the detection reliability of the second displacement sensor 42.

[0033] Furthermore, one baffle 22 has two mounting slots on its top edge to accommodate the first displacement sensor 32 and the material trough 41, respectively, so that the first displacement sensor 32 and the material trough 41 can move up and down into the corresponding mounting slots. The first displacement sensor 32 and the material trough 41 are detachably connected to the baffle 22. The other baffle 22 has two mounting slots on its top edge to accommodate the second displacement sensor 42 and the discharge end of the vibrating plate 31, respectively, so that the second displacement sensor 42 and the discharge end of the vibrating plate 31 can move up and down into the corresponding mounting slots. The second displacement sensor 42 and the discharge end of the vibrating plate 31 are detachably connected to the baffle 22.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first displacement sensor 32 and the first displacement sensor 32 are non-contact sensors. Further, the first displacement sensor 32 and the first displacement sensor 32 are optical displacement sensors.

[0035] In some embodiments, the trough 41 is composed of a bottom wall and two side walls, forming a U-shaped channel open at the top. Based on this, the interval between the linear conveyor and the hopper 44 is greater than or equal to the length of a single steel rod. When the trough 41 malfunctions due to the steel rod getting stuck or requiring inspection, the operator or maintenance personnel can directly observe the status of the steel rod from directly above the trough 41, or directly reach out from the open top of the trough 41 to remove the abnormal steel rod, effectively reducing downtime caused by occasional mechanical failures and improving the overall operating efficiency of the production line.

[0036] In some embodiments, the steel rod feeding unit further includes a pressure plate 45 located between the linear conveyor and the hopper 44 and parallel to the length direction of the trough 41, and a second linear drive device 46 with its output end pointing vertically downward and connected to the pressure plate 45.

[0037] When the steel rod is pushed by the first linear drive device 43 or when the equipment vibrates slightly during operation, the pressure plate 45 can reliably press the steel rod, effectively preventing the steel rod from jumping, rolling or shifting in position within the material trough 41. This ensures the accuracy and consistency of the steel rod pushing path, avoids bending of the steel rod during its passage through the ceramic sleeve, and further improves the quality and reliability of the material feeding process.

[0038] In some embodiments, the steel rod feeding unit further includes a support; the feed trough 41, the hopper 44, the first linear drive device 43 and the second linear drive device 46 are all detachably connected to the support, and the pressure plate 45 is detachably connected to the second linear drive device 46; the feed trough 41, the hopper 44 and the pressure plate 45 can be replaced based on steel rods of different diameters.

[0039] When it is necessary to replace the steel rods of different diameters to insert ceramic sleeves, the feed trough 41 with a cross-section adapted to the diameter of the steel rod, the hopper 44 with a discharge port width adapted to the diameter of the steel rod, and the pressure plate 45 with a width adapted to the width of the feed trough 41 can be replaced accordingly. This modular and detachable connection method allows the automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods to adapt the entire steel rod feeding unit to the new product specifications by only replacing a few parts. This design greatly shortens the equipment adjustment time when changing production specifications, reduces spare parts costs and maintenance difficulty, and enables the automated device to flexibly cope with the production needs of multiple varieties and small batches.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second linear drive device 46 is a cylinder. When the pressure plate 45 presses down to contact the steel rod, the pneumatic transmission of the cylinder can absorb part of the impact, avoiding hard impacts or scratches on the surface of the steel rod.

[0041] The cylinder's working medium is air, and during operation, it produces virtually no oil stains, metal shavings, or grease splashes. This is crucial for maintaining a clean environment in the material handling process, effectively preventing foreign matter, such as oil stains and particles, from adhering to the steel rod surface and reducing the possibility of contaminants causing a decrease in the machining accuracy of the ceramic sleeve.

[0042] Furthermore, as a standardized and modular pneumatic component, the cylinder has a simple structure and a relatively low failure rate. Even if a failure occurs, replacement is quick and easy. This rapid maintenance capability minimizes equipment downtime, ensures the continuous and stable operation of the steel rod feeding unit, and indirectly maintains the continuity of steel rod supply.

[0043] In some embodiments, the base 11 and the cover plate 12 are made of non-metallic material. The top surface of the base 11 is provided with a plurality of first grooves distributed on both sides of the wire groove 111, and a first magnet 13 is embedded in each first groove. The cover plate 12 is provided with second grooves that correspond one-to-one with the first grooves, and a second magnet 14 is embedded in each second groove. Each first magnet 13 attracts the corresponding second magnet 14.

[0044] When it is necessary to close the cover plate 12 to constrain the ceramic sleeve within the wire groove 111, simply align the cover plate 12 and place it on the base 11. At this time, each first magnet 13 automatically attracts the second magnet 14 directly above it, generating magnetic force. The cover plate 12 and the base 11 can easily achieve quick and precise self-alignment and connection. This non-contact magnetic connection method, compared to traditional mechanical snap-fit ​​or threaded connections, eliminates the need for additional torque or precise alignment operations, simplifying the operation process.

[0045] When it is necessary to open the cover 12 to pick up or put in finished products or for manual inspection, simply apply a pulling force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction to lift the cover 12 vertically and separate it from the base 11.

[0046] In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction required for the base 11 and the cover plate 12 to fit together is less than the weight of the base 11; The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeves with steel rods also includes a first robotic arm 6 and a material bin 7. Based on the signal from the second displacement sensor 42, the controller 5 determines that all ceramic sleeves in the wire groove 111 have been pierced by the steel rod. Then, the controller 5 controls the first robotic arm 6 to perform the following actions: First, clamp and lift the cover plate 12 to remove it from the base 11, during which the base 11 remains in place under its own weight. Then, sequentially clamp and move all the finished products consisting of ceramic sleeves inserted with steel rods inside the base 11 to the material box 7. Finally, fasten the cover plate 12 back onto the base 11, ready for the next work cycle.

[0047] By integrating the first robotic arm 6, automatic unloading of finished products and automatic resetting of the nested tooling 1 are achieved, upgrading the entire cycle from "semi-automatic" (manually picking up finished products) to "fully automatic," greatly improving production efficiency. The first robotic arm 6 can perform the above actions according to a fixed path, or it can perform the above actions based on the signals from the vision sensors mounted on it.

[0048] In some embodiments, both the base 11 and the cover 12 are made of transparent acrylic. The excellent light transmittance allows operators or visual inspection systems to directly observe the position and arrangement of the ceramic sleeves within the wire trough 111, as well as the penetration of the steel rods, facilitating process monitoring and quality sampling. Furthermore, acrylic has moderate hardness, high processing precision, and is not prone to wear on the ceramic sleeves. It also does not generate much dust, meeting the cleanliness requirements for ceramic sleeve production.

[0049] In some embodiments, the linear conveying device includes a first linear track 211, a first push plate 212, a first motor 213, and a first lead screw 214; the first linear track 211 is used to carry the cascade tooling 1, and two baffles 22 are fixed to the first linear track 211; the first motor 213 is located on the side of the sleeve feeding unit away from the steel rod feeding unit, the first lead screw 214 passes through the first motor 213 and is threadedly engaged with the first motor 213, and the first motor 213 drives the first lead screw 214 to reciprocate axially under the control of the controller 5, and the side of the first lead screw 214 facing the sleeve feeding unit is connected to the first push plate 212, and the first push plate 212 is used to make surface contact with the cascade tooling 1.

[0050] Under the command of the controller 5, the first motor 213 drives the first lead screw 214 to reciprocate, thereby driving the first push plate 212 to push the cascading fixture 1 on the first linear track 211. The cascading fixture 1, using the friction between itself and the first linear track 211, and the thrust transmitted by the first motor 213 through the first lead screw 214, moves sequentially and precisely from the sleeve feeding unit to the steel rod feeding unit. The step of the cascading unit returning from the steel rod feeding unit to the sleeve feeding unit on the side away from the steel rod feeding unit is performed manually or by automated equipment.

[0051] The drive mechanism of the first motor 213 and the first lead screw 214 has advantages such as precise positioning, large thrust, and self-locking, ensuring the accuracy of the position of the cascading tool 1 after each movement. This is crucial for the precise coordination of subsequent sleeve feeding and steel rod insertion. The first push plate 212 makes surface contact with the cascading tool 1, avoiding stress concentration, ensuring a smooth pushing process, and protecting the tool and its internal precision ceramic components.

[0052] In some embodiments, the automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods further includes a second robotic arm 8, a second pusher plate 91, a third linear drive device 92, and a second linear track 93. The top surface of the second linear track 93 is provided with a groove to accommodate the linear sliding of the cascading tool 1. One end of the groove is connected to the first linear track 211. The output end of the third linear drive device 92 faces the first linear track 211 and is connected to the second push plate 91. The second push plate 91 is used for surface contact with the cascading tool 1. When the first push plate 212 is located on the side of the sleeve feeding unit away from the steel rod feeding unit, the controller 5 controls the third linear drive device 92 to drive the second push plate 91 to push the cascading tool 1 in the groove between the first push plate 212 and the sleeve feeding unit. One or two cascading fixtures 1 are provided; the second robotic arm 8, under the control of the controller 5, moves the cascading fixture 1 containing the removed ceramic sleeve and steel rod between the material trough 41 and the second displacement sensor 42 to the front of the second push plate 91. The second robotic arm 8 can perform the above actions according to a fixed path, or it can perform the above actions based on the signals from the vision sensor mounted on itself.

[0053] After the cascading fixture 1 completes one material feeding cycle and the finished product is removed, the empty cascading fixture 1 is temporarily stored in the chute of the second linear track 93. When the fixture position on the first linear track 211 is waiting for loading, the controller 5 starts the third linear drive device 92, which pushes the spare fixture back to the starting loading position of the first linear track 211 through the second push plate 91.

[0054] By introducing a transfer and buffer zone consisting of a second linear track 93, a third linear drive device 92, and a second robotic arm 8, a continuous tooling cycle is formed. This means that while one tooling unit 1 is performing the core material feeding operation on the first linear track 211, another tooling unit 1 can be prepared to reset the empty tooling unit 1 at the chute, eliminating the time interval of waiting for the empty tooling unit 1 to arrive at the core workstation, and realizing a near-assembly line-like continuous operation, which is especially suitable for multi-tooling, high-volume production scenarios.

[0055] Through the description of several embodiments of the automated device for stringing ceramic sleeve steel rods according to the present invention, it can be seen that the embodiments of the automated device for stringing ceramic sleeve steel rods according to the present invention have at least one or more of the following advantages: 1. This invention includes a casing fixture for carrying and constraining ceramic sleeves, a conveying unit for conveying the casing fixture, a sleeve feeding unit for supplying ceramic sleeves, a steel rod feeding unit for supplying steel rods, and a controller. The sleeve feeding unit has a first displacement sensor for determining whether the supply quantity of ceramic sleeves in the casing fixture meets requirements. The steel rod feeding unit has a second displacement sensor for determining whether the degree of steel rod feeding in the casing fixture meets requirements. Based on the signals from the first and second displacement sensors, the controller uses closed-loop control logic to ensure the accuracy of the feeding action, achieving full automation from ceramic sleeve arrangement to steel rod insertion, completely replacing inefficient and costly manual operations.

[0056] 2. By integrating a first robotic arm, this invention achieves automatic unloading of finished products and automatic resetting of tooling sets, upgrading the entire cycle from "semi-automatic" manual unloading of finished products to "fully automatic", greatly improving production efficiency.

[0057] 3. This invention forms a continuous tooling circulation flow by introducing a transfer and buffer zone consisting of a second linear track, a third linear drive device, and a second robotic arm. This means that while one tooling unit is performing the core material feeding operation on the first linear track, another tooling unit can prepare to reset the empty tooling unit at the chute, eliminating the time interval of waiting for the empty tooling unit to arrive at the core workstation. This achieves near-assembly line-style continuous operation, which is especially suitable for multi-tooling, high-volume production scenarios.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0059] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods, characterized in that, include: A set of fixtures, including a base and a cover plate detachably connected to the top surface of the base; The top surface of the base is provided with at least one horizontal groove that runs through the base; when there are multiple grooves, all grooves are parallel to each other; multiple ceramic sleeves with collinear axes and parallel to the grooves can be accommodated in the grooves; The conveying unit includes a linear conveying device and two baffles; the bushing device is on the linear conveying device, and the two baffles are located on both sides of the bushing device to prevent the ceramic sleeve from coming out of the groove. The sleeve feeding unit includes a vibratory plate for conveying ceramic sleeves with its discharge end passing through a baffle, and a first displacement sensor with its sensing end passing through another baffle and aligned with the discharge end of the vibratory plate; the signal from the first displacement sensor is used to determine whether the groove is full of ceramic sleeves. The steel rod feeding unit includes a trough with one end passing through a baffle, a second displacement sensor with its sensing end passing through another baffle and aligned with the trough, a first linear drive device with its output end extending into the other end of the trough, and a hopper with its discharge port located at the bottom and aligned with the trough. The hopper has an inclined surface that guides the steel rods toward the discharge port. The trough can only hold a single steel rod. When the output end of the first linear drive device extends, it pushes the steel rod in the trough through the ceramic sleeve in the wire groove, while simultaneously blocking the discharge port. After the output end of the first linear drive device retracts, the discharge port is exposed. The signal from the second displacement sensor is used to determine whether the steel rod has passed through all the ceramic sleeves in the wire groove. The controller controls the start and stop of the vibratory feeder, the linear conveyor, and the first linear drive device based on signals from the first and second displacement sensors.

2. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trough consists of a bottom wall and two side walls. The interval between the linear conveying device and the hopper is greater than or equal to the length of a single steel rod, so that the condition of the steel rod can be observed from above the trough or abnormal steel rods can be removed.

3. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 2, characterized in that, The steel rod feeding unit also includes a pressure plate located between the linear conveyor and the hopper, with its length direction parallel to the length direction of the trough, and a second linear drive device with its output end pointing vertically downward and connected to the pressure plate.

4. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steel rod feeding unit also includes a support frame; the material trough, hopper, first linear drive device and second linear drive device can all be detachably connected to the support frame, and the pressure plate can be detachably connected to the second linear drive device; the material trough, hopper and pressure plate can be replaced based on steel rods of different diameters.

5. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second linear drive device is a cylinder.

6. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base and cover are made of non-metallic material. The top surface of the base is provided with multiple first grooves distributed on both sides of the wire groove, and a first magnet is embedded in each first groove. The cover is provided with second grooves that correspond one-to-one with the first grooves, and a second magnet is embedded in each second groove. Each first magnet attracts the corresponding second magnet.

7. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 6, characterized in that, The magnetic force required for the base and cover to fit together is less than the weight of the base; The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeves with steel rods also includes a first robotic arm and a material box. After the controller determines that all ceramic sleeves in the slot have been pierced by steel rods based on the signal from the second displacement sensor, the controller controls the first robotic arm to perform the following actions: first, remove the cover plate from the base, then move all the finished products consisting of ceramic sleeves pierced by steel rods in the base to the material box, and finally fasten the cover plate to the base.

8. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the base and the cover are made of transparent acrylic.

9. The automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear conveying device includes a first linear track, a first push plate, a first motor, and a first lead screw. The first linear track is used to carry the cascaded tooling, and two baffles are fixed to the first linear track. The first motor is located on the side of the sleeve feeding unit away from the steel rod feeding unit. The first lead screw passes through the first motor and is threadedly engaged with the first motor. Under the control of the controller, the first motor drives the first lead screw to reciprocate axially. The side of the first lead screw facing the sleeve feeding unit is connected to the first push plate, and the first push plate is used for surface contact with the cascaded tooling.

10. An automated device for feeding ceramic sleeve steel rods according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a second robotic arm, a second push plate, a third linear drive unit, and a second linear track; The top surface of the second linear track is provided with a groove to accommodate the linear sliding of the cascading tooling. One end of the groove is connected to the first linear track. The output end of the third linear drive device faces the first linear track and is connected to the second push plate. The second push plate is used for surface contact with the cascading tooling. When the first push plate is located on the side of the sleeve feeding unit away from the steel rod feeding unit, the controller controls the third linear drive device to drive the second push plate to push the cascading tooling in the groove between the first push plate and the sleeve feeding unit. One or two cascade fixtures are provided; the second robotic arm is used to move the cascade fixture containing the removed ceramic sleeve and steel rod between the material trough and the second displacement sensor to the front of the second push plate under the control of the controller.

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