Automatic feeder

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic feeder. The automatic feeder may include a spindle for holding a supply of polymer tubes. The automatic feeder may include a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism for controlling the rate of feed of the polymer tube through the automatic feeder. The automatic feeder may include a photosensor for measuring the feed rate of the polymer tube. The automatic feeder may include a programmable logic controller that receives a signal from the photosensor, processes the signal, and instructs the first and second drive mechanisms to increase or decrease the feed rate. The automatic feeder may include a counterweight positioned downstream of the first drive mechanism and the programmable logic controller, wherein the polymer tube passes through the counterweight and the counterweight is supported by the polymer tube. The automatic feeder can comprise a work station, wherein a main shaft, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, a photoelectric sensor, a programmable logic controller and a counterweight are connected to the work station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automatic feeder for introducing a feed polymer tube or sleeve for wires into a cutting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Manual loading during the manufacturing process (e.g., feeding polymer tubing into the cutter) can present several significant challenges for workers, such as slower loading times, increased error rates, and potential health problems. Furthermore, inconsistent loading of polymer tubing into the cutter can lead to uneven feed rates, misalignment, and variations in cut quality, thus affecting the overall performance and accuracy of the cutter.

[0003] The automatic feeder provides a continuous and stable supply of polymer tubing to the cutter. By minimizing downtime associated with manual loading and unloading, it allows the machine to operate at full capacity, thereby increasing overall production speed. Furthermore, automatic feeding of the polymer tubing at a consistent rate helps maintain uniform cut quality and reduces the risk of operational errors caused by irregular manual feeding. Utility Model Content

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to an automatic feeder for controlling the feeding of polymer tubes to a machine cutter, comprising: a spindle for maintaining the supply of polymer tubes; a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism for controlling the feed rate of the polymer tubes through the automatic feeder; a photoelectric sensor for measuring the feed rate of the polymer tubes; a programmable logic controller (PLC) that receives signals from the photoelectric sensor, processes the signals, and instructs the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism to increase or decrease the feed rate; a counterweight positioned downstream of the first drive mechanism and the PLC, wherein the polymer tubes pass through the counterweight and the counterweights are supported by the polymer tubes; and a workstation wherein the spindle, the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism, the photoelectric sensor, the PLC and the counterweight are connected to the workstation.

[0005] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism are respectively connected to a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly, causing the rollers of the roller assembly to rotate at a speed that generates tension on the polymer tube.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder, wherein the feeder includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail extending a certain length downward from the workstation toward the ground.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder, wherein a first guide rail and a second guide rail include channels configured to receive a first side and a second side of a counterweight, respectively.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which a first guide rail and a second guide rail restrict the lateral movement of a counterweight.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which a counterweight is slidably movable along the length of a first guide rail and a second guide rail in response to changes in the force applied to the counterweight by a polymer tube.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which the counterweight is a hollow geometry having a continuous material periphery including a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, and a fifth side, wherein the first side is perpendicular to and connected to the second and third sides to create two right-angle joints, and the second and third sides are respectively connected to the fourth and fifth sides to create two obtuse-angle joints, and the fourth and fifth sides are connected to create a single acute-angle joint.

[0011] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which a polymer tube passes through a counterweight and contacts an acute-angle joint.

[0012] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which an acute-angle joint includes a roller mechanism for facilitating the movement of a polymer tube relative to a counterweight.

[0013] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which a programmable logic controller maintains a feedback loop with a photoelectric sensor to continuously adjust the motor speeds of a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism to ensure that the feed rate of the polymer tube is consistent with stored operating parameters.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder, wherein operating parameters include the desired cutting length of a polymer tube segment, the diameter of the polymer tube, the thickness of the outer wall of the polymer tube, the material composition of the polymer tube, the tension and straightening of the polymer tube as it moves through the feeder, the maintenance and wear of the feeder, the temperature and humidity of the environment surrounding the feeder, and the performance specifications of the machine cutter.

[0015] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which the polymer tube is made of plastic and has an outer diameter ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm, and is segmented into lengths between 100 mm and 1300 mm.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which a guide rail includes a plurality of sensors along the length of the guide rail for monitoring the position of a counterweight along the length of the guide rail, and the plurality of sensors transmit the position of the counterweight to a programmable logic controller.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described in this utility model relates to a feeder in which a programmable logic controller is operable to compare the position of a counterweight with a stored threshold position along the length of a guide rail, and if the threshold is exceeded, the programmable logic controller adjusts a first drive mechanism or a second drive mechanism and / or generates an alarm. Attached Figure Description

[0018] This disclosure can be further understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic feeder.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top-down view of the counterweight.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the counterweight and guide rail.

[0022] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives (including any of their aspects or corresponding features) described in the foregoing paragraphs or the following description and figures may be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment apply to all embodiments unless those features are incompatible. The same reference numerals and symbols in the various figures denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 An automatic feeder 2 is shown for use in a machine configured to cut polymer tubes 4 to specified lengths. The automatic feeder 2 includes a suspended counterweight 5 to provide a stable downward force on the polymer tubes 4 as they are fed through the automatic feeder 2. The automatic feeder 2 is designed to replace the operator traditionally responsible for manually feeding the polymer tubes into the cutting machine. Conventional tube cutting machines are inefficient due to manual feeding, present challenges in maintaining feed accuracy, high labor intensity, and increased safety risks due to potential manual errors. By integrating automated control technology, a precision mechanical transmission system, and intelligent sensors, the automatic feeder 2 achieves high efficiency in the feeding process of the tube cutting machine.

[0024] In the example embodiment, the polymer tubing 4 is sized and cut to enclose the wiring harness assemblies within the vehicle. These wiring harness assemblies are groups of organized wires, connectors, terminals, and other components bundled together to transmit power and signals throughout the vehicle. The polymer tubing 4 protects the wires from high temperatures, such as those providing electrical connections to sensors that measure exhaust gas temperature. Additionally, the polymer tubing 4 protects the wiring harnesses from external damage, such as physical impacts or environmental factors like moisture or debris.

[0025] The polymer tube 4 is a tubular segment made of PVC or other plastics with a defined diameter, wall thickness, and length. In an example embodiment, the outer diameter of the polymer tube 4 ranges from 4 mm to 6 mm, and the segments are cut to lengths between 100 mm and 1300 mm. However, other dimensions of the polymer tube 4 are also within the scope of this invention. Figure 1 As shown, the polymer tube 4 is pre-packaged and wound onto the spindle 6. The automatic feeder 2 includes a first drive mechanism 8 and a second drive mechanism 10 that respectively actuate the first roller assembly 12 and the second roller assembly 14. Typically, the first drive mechanism 8 and the second drive mechanism 10 may include a motor, gears, and belts for transmitting power from the motor to the roller assemblies 12 and 14. The roller assemblies 12 and 14 include two rollers that clamp and guide the tube through the automatic feeder 2. The roller assemblies 12 and 14 are adjustable to ensure proper straightening and accommodate tubes of various sizes, prevent malalignment, and ensure smooth feeding.

[0026] Drive mechanisms 8 and 10 maintain the stable rotation of the rollers, ensuring a continuous and consistent feed rate for the polymer tube 4 as it passes through the automatic feeder 2 and enters the cutter. The rollers in roller assemblies 12 and 14 rotate at a speed that generates tension on the polymer tube 4. This force drives the spindle 6 to rotate, which in turn causes the polymer tube 4 to unwind.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the first roller assembly 12 is positioned downstream of the main shaft 6, and the programmable logic controller (PLC) 16 is positioned downstream of the first roller assembly 12. The PLC 16 is configured to determine the rate at which the polymer tube 4 is fed through the automatic feeder 2 and adjust the drive mechanisms 8 and 10 accordingly. The PLC 16 is electrically powered and includes an input module, an output module, and a processor. The input module is configured to receive signals from the photoelectric sensor 18 and convert the electrical signals into a format that the processor can interpret. The photoelectric sensor 18 monitors the position and movement of the polymer tube 4 as it is fed through the automatic feeder 2. Specifically, the photoelectric sensor 18 detects whether the polymer tube 4 is correctly aligned and whether it is moving at the desired rate by analyzing interruptions or reflections of the light beam between the transmitter and receiver.

[0028] The processor of PLC 16 processes the signals received from the input modules and uses the data to determine the rate at which the polymer tube 4 is fed through the automatic feeder 2. The processor is programmed with parameters such as the desired feed rate, cutting length, and other operating conditions. The processor then instructs the output modules to send signals to roller assemblies 12 and 14 to maintain or adjust motor power and roller speed, thereby regulating the rate at which the polymer tube 4 is fed through the automatic feeder 2. PLC 16 maintains a feedback loop with sensor 18, continuously adjusting the motor speeds of drive mechanisms 8 and 10 as needed to ensure that the polymer tube 4 is fed smoothly and consistently through the automatic feeder 2 and into the cutter.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the counterweight 5 is positioned directly downstream of the PLC 16, between the PLC 16 and the roller assembly 14. The counterweight 5 provides a stable tension on the polymer tube 4 and helps to facilitate the feeding of the polymer tube 4 through the automatic feeder 2. Figure 2 A top view of a counterweight 5 is shown, which has a hollow geometry with a continuous material perimeter. In one embodiment, the counterweight 5 includes a first side 20, a second side 21, a third side 22, a fourth side 23, and a fifth side 24. The first side 20 is perpendicular to and connected to the second side 21 and the third side 22, thereby forming two right-angle joints 25 and 26. The second side 21 and the third side 22 are connected to the fourth side 23 and the fifth side 24, respectively, thereby forming two obtuse-angle joints 27 and 28. Furthermore, the fourth side 23 and the fifth side 24 are connected to form a single acute-angle joint 29. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes of the counterweight 5 will fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] First guide rail 30a and second guide rail 30b extend vertically for a length L from the workstation 32 of the automatic feeder 2 toward the ground. Guide rails 30a and 30b are configured to restrict the movement of the counterweight 5 in a lateral direction substantially parallel to the workstation 32. Guide rails 30a and 30b each include channels 34a and 34b, respectively, which are configured to receive a second side 21 or a third side 22 of the counterweight 5. Furthermore, a polymer tube 4 passes through the counterweight 5 and contacts an acute-angle connector 29. Therefore, the polymer tube 4 supports the counterweight 5.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, to facilitate the movement of the polymer tube 4 relative to the counterweight 5, the acute-angle joint 29 may be equipped with a roller mechanism 36. Furthermore, the counterweight 5 is capable of moving along the length L of the guide rails 30a and 30b to accommodate slight changes in force or disturbance as the polymer tube 4 is fed through the automatic feeder 2. For example, if the feed rate of the polymer tube 4 suddenly increases, the counterweight 5 moves upward along the length L of the guide rails 30a and 30b. Therefore, the counterweight 5 helps stabilize the feeding process and prevent fluctuations in the movement of the polymer tube 4 that could lead to uneven feeding or blockage. The weight of the counterweight 5 and its position along the length L of the guide rails 30a and 30b depend on the operating conditions of the automatic feeder 2, the characteristics of the polymer tube 4, and the operating conditions of the machine cutter.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, sensors 38a, 38b, and 38c can communicate with PLC 16 and are positioned along the length L of guide rails 30a and 30b to monitor the movement of the counterweight 5. For example, sensor 38a is configured to detect whether the counterweight 5 moves upward along the length L of guide rails 30a and 30b. If the upward movement of the counterweight 5 exceeds a specified threshold, PLC 16 can trigger an alarm indicating a malfunction in the first drive mechanism 8 or a desynchronization with the second drive mechanism 10, and vice versa. Additionally, sensors 38b and 38c are configured to detect whether the counterweight 5 moves downward along the length L of guide rails 30a and 30b. If the downward movement of the counterweight 5 exceeds a specified threshold, PLC 16 can trigger an alarm, for example, indicating that the supply of polymer tube 4 is exhausted or that the second drive mechanism 10 has stopped feeding polymer tube 4 to the cutter. Furthermore, based on the data received from sensors 38a-38c, PLC 16 can adjust the first drive mechanism 8 and the second drive mechanism 10 accordingly.

[0033] Therefore, the polymer tube 4 is fed from the main shaft 6 through the first roller assembly 12, then to the PLC 16, continues through the counterweight 5, and finally leaves the automatic feeder 2 via the roller assembly 14, which guides the polymer tube 4 to the tube cutter.

[0034] Although exemplary embodiments have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain modifications will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the appended claims should be examined to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. An automatic feeder for controlling the feeding of polymer tubes into a machine cutter, characterized in that, include: The spindle, which is used to maintain the supply of polymer tubing; A first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism are used to control the feeding rate of the polymer tube through the automatic feeder; A photoelectric sensor is used to measure the feed rate of the polymer tube; A programmable logic controller receives signals from the photoelectric sensor, processes the signals, and instructs the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism to increase or decrease the feed rate; A counterweight positioned downstream of the first drive mechanism and the programmable logic controller, wherein the polymer tube passes through the counterweight and the counterweight is supported by the polymer tube; and A workstation, wherein the spindle, the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism, the photoelectric sensor, the programmable logic controller and the counterweight are connected to the workstation.

2. The automatic feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism are respectively connected to the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly, causing the rollers of the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly to rotate at a speed that generates tension on the polymer tube.

3. The automatic feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic feeder includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail extending a certain length downward from the workstation toward the ground.

4. The automatic feeder according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first guide rail and the second guide rail include channels configured to receive the first side and the second side of the counterweight, respectively.

5. The automatic feeder according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first guide rail and the second guide rail restrict the lateral movement of the counterweight.

6. The automatic feeder according to claim 5, characterized in that, The counterweight is slidably movable along the length of the first and second guide rails in response to changes in the force applied to it by the polymer tube.

7. The automatic feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight has a hollow geometry with a continuous material perimeter, which includes a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, and a fifth side. The first side is perpendicular to and connected to the second and third sides, thereby forming two right-angle joints. The second and third sides are respectively connected to the fourth and fifth sides, thereby forming two obtuse-angle joints. The fourth and fifth sides are connected, thereby forming a single acute-angle joint.

8. The automatic feeder according to claim 7, characterized in that, The polymer tube passes through the counterweight and contacts the acute-angle joint.

9. The automatic feeder according to claim 8, characterized in that, The acute-angle joint includes a roller mechanism for facilitating the movement of the polymer tube relative to the counterweight.

10. The automatic feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The programmable logic controller maintains a feedback loop with the photoelectric sensor, thereby continuously adjusting the motor speeds of the first and second drive mechanisms to ensure that the feed rate of the polymer tube is consistent with the stored operating parameters.

11. The automatic feeder according to claim 10, characterized in that, The operating parameters include the desired cutting length of the polymer tube segment, the diameter of the polymer tube, the thickness of the outer wall of the polymer tube, the material composition of the polymer tube, the tension and straightening of the polymer tube as it moves through the automatic feeder, the maintenance and wear of the automatic feeder, the temperature and humidity of the environment surrounding the automatic feeder, and the performance specifications of the machine cutter.

12. The automatic feeder according to claim 11, characterized in that, The polymer tube is made of plastic and has an outer diameter ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm, and is cut into sections with lengths between 100 mm and 1300 mm.

13. The automatic feeder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide rail includes multiple sensors along its length for monitoring the position of the counterweight along the length of the guide rail, and the multiple sensors transmit the position of the counterweight to the programmable logic controller.

14. The automatic feeder according to claim 13, characterized in that, The programmable logic controller is operable to compare the position of the counterweight with a stored threshold position along the length of the guide rail, and if the threshold is exceeded, the programmable logic controller adjusts the first drive mechanism or the second drive mechanism and / or generates an alarm.

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