Feeding device and automatic feeding system

Abstract

The utility model provides a feeding device and an automatic feeding system. The feeding device is provided with a supporting table, a carrying table arranged on the supporting table and a driving mechanism arranged in the supporting table. The carrying table comprises a plurality of trays and a supporting column, the supporting column is vertically arranged, the trays are arranged along the supporting column at intervals, and each tray is connected with the supporting column; wherein each tray is provided with a plurality of loading areas for bearing kits; the carrying table is connected with the driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is used for driving the carrying table to rotate for feeding. The driving mechanism is arranged in the supporting table, the carrying table design is adopted, the linear layout limitation of a traditional feeding device is broken through, the overall size is smaller, the feeding device is particularly suitable for small-size equipment or space-limited scenes, synchronous feeding of multiple materials is achieved through rotary feeding of the carrying table, and the feeding efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of feeding equipment, and in particular to a feeding device and an automated feeding system. Background Technology

[0002] In automated production equipment and assembly line operations, reagent kit feeding is a crucial step in ensuring production efficiency and accuracy. With the iterative upgrading of technology and the trend towards compact equipment design, traditional linear or stacked reagent kit feeding methods are gradually revealing many shortcomings. These problems are particularly prominent in applications with stringent space utilization requirements, diverse material types, and high precision requirements.

[0003] Traditional material feeding devices often suffer from space redundancy, significantly hindering production systems requiring high-density configurations. Achieving efficient integration and compact layout of feeding modules within limited space has become a critical technological bottleneck. Furthermore, traditional feeding devices generally lack intelligent material dynamic monitoring capabilities, failing to perceive material status in real time, easily leading to feeding interruptions or resource redundancy. In space-sensitive scenarios such as precision medical testing equipment and biopharmaceutical production lines, these shortcomings directly impact production continuity and cost control efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a feeding device and an automated feeding system that is small in size and has high feeding efficiency, and can meet the feeding needs of small-sized equipment or space-constrained scenarios.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a feeding device, including a support platform, a carrier platform disposed on the support platform, and a driving mechanism disposed within the support platform;

[0006] The platform includes several trays and support columns. The support columns are placed vertically, and the trays are spaced apart along the support columns and each tray is connected to the support column. Each tray has several loading areas for carrying the reagent kit.

[0007] The platform is connected to the drive mechanism, which drives the platform to rotate for feeding.

[0008] The beneficial effects of this feeding device are as follows: It comprises a support platform, a platform mounted on the support platform, and a drive mechanism located within the support platform. The platform includes several trays and support columns, with the support columns placed vertically. Several trays are spaced apart along the support columns, and each tray is connected to a support column. Each tray has several loading areas for carrying reagent kits. The platform is connected to the drive mechanism, which drives the platform to rotate for feeding. The drive mechanism is located inside the support platform and employs a platform design, breaking the linear layout limitations of traditional feeding devices. This results in a smaller overall size, making it particularly suitable for small-sized equipment or space-constrained scenarios. Furthermore, the platform's rotational feeding mechanism enables simultaneous feeding of multiple materials, resulting in high feeding efficiency.

[0009] Optionally, the mounting area of ​​the platform on the upper surface of the support platform accounts for more than 50%; preferably, the mounting area of ​​the platform on the upper surface of the support platform accounts for more than 75%.

[0010] And / or the lowest tray of the platform is connected to the drive mechanism; and / or all loading areas are evenly distributed on the corresponding trays; and / or the shape of the tray is centrally symmetrical. Preferably, the shape of the tray is cross-shaped, and the central area is used to fix and connect the corresponding support column. Each of the four raised areas is provided with a loading area for carrying the reagent kit. More preferably, the two adjacent raised areas of the lowest tray are connected by an arc edge for protection.

[0011] Optionally, the support column is composed of multiple interconnected segments, each segment of the support column is connected to a corresponding tray, and adjacent segments of the support column are interconnected. More preferably, adjacent segments of the support column are sleeved and fixed together.

[0012] And / or the edge of the loading area is provided with a slot that is adapted to the box body of the reagent kit, preferably, the slot is provided with a positioning chamfer around it.

[0013] Optionally, the bottom end of the support column is connected to the lowest tray, and the drive mechanism drives the lowest tray to rotate, thereby rotating the entire platform; preferably:

[0014] The drive mechanism includes a motor driver, a power motor, and a speed reducer;

[0015] The motor driver is electrically connected to the power motor;

[0016] The output end of the power motor is connected to the input end of the reducer, and the output end of the reducer is connected to the bottommost tray via a flange. Preferably, the middle area of ​​the bottommost tray has a first opening, the flange is fixedly installed on the first opening, and the output end of the reducer is engaged with the flange for feeding material by driving the entire platform to rotate through the flange.

[0017] Optionally, the top plate of the support platform is provided with a second opening, and the output end of the reducer passes through the second opening and is connected to the bottommost tray through a flange.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a speed reducer mounting base, which is installed on the second opening, and the speed reducer is fixedly connected to the top plate through the speed reducer mounting base; preferably, it also includes a flange, and the middle area of ​​the lowermost tray has a first opening, the flange is fixedly installed on the first opening, and the output end of the speed reducer is engaged with the flange for feeding material by driving the entire platform to rotate through the flange.

[0019] Optional features also include an origin baffle and an origin sensor;

[0020] The origin baffle is fixed on the flange, and the origin sensor is fixed on the reducer mounting base. The origin baffle rotates with the flange and cooperates with the origin sensor to position the origin of the power motor. Preferably, the top plate of the support platform is also provided with a start button and a reset button.

[0021] Optionally, it may also include a material detection sensor installed within the support platform;

[0022] The top plate of the support platform is also provided with a third opening;

[0023] The loading area has a fourth opening in the region corresponding to the sample well of the reagent kit.

[0024] The third and fourth openings are used in conjunction with the material detection sensor to detect whether there is a reagent kit in the loading area directly above it.

[0025] Optionally, the support platform includes a combination of any one or more of the following features:

[0026] (1) The bottom of the support platform is provided with a shock-absorbing pad;

[0027] (2) The bottom of the support platform is provided with a positioning column;

[0028] (3) The side of the support platform is provided with an external interface, which includes a power interface, a communication interface and a control interface;

[0029] (4) The side of the support platform is provided with a heat dissipation vent, and a heat dissipation fan is provided at the heat dissipation vent. The heat dissipation fan is located inside the support platform.

[0030] Secondly, this utility model also provides an automated feeding system, including a feeding device, a robotic arm, a processing device and a control terminal, which are any combination of the above-mentioned first aspect.

[0031] The control terminal communicates with the feeding device, the robotic arm, and the processing device, respectively.

[0032] The control terminal controls the robotic arm to transfer the reagent kit between the feeding device and the processing device to achieve automated feeding.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this automated feeding system are as follows: by combining a miniaturized feeding device with a robotic arm and a processing device, and by controlling the entire system through a control terminal, the various devices work together to achieve automated feeding and improve production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first internal structure of a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 3 A side view of a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the second internal structure of a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a tray structure for a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a tray of a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 8 An assembly perspective view of the origin baffle and origin sensor of a feeding device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Support platform; 2. Stage; 3. Reagent kit; 4. Drive mechanism; 5. Reducer mounting base; 6. Flange; 7. Origin baffle; 8. Origin sensor; 9. Material detection sensor;

[0044] 11. Start button; 12. Reset button; 13. Shock-absorbing pad; 14. Positioning post; 15. External interface; 16. Heat dissipation vent;

[0045] 21. Pallet; 22. Support column; 23. Curved edge;

[0046] 211. Loading area; 212. Card slot; 213. Positioning chamfer;

[0047] 41. Motor driver; 42. Power motor; 43. Gear reducer. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be a limitation of this utility model. As used in the specification and appended claims of this utility model, the singular expressions "a," "the," "the," "the," and "this" are intended to include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the following embodiments of this utility model, "at least one" and "one or more" refer to one or more (including two). The term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0049] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of the present invention include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in still other embodiments" appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The term "connection" includes both direct and indirect connections, unless otherwise stated. "First" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0050] In the embodiments of this utility model, "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of this utility model should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0051] In response to the problems existing in the current technology, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, this utility model provides a feeding device, including a support platform 1, a platform 2 disposed on the support platform 1, and a driving mechanism 4 disposed within the support platform 1; the platform 2 includes a plurality of trays 21 and support columns 22, the support columns 22 being placed vertically, and the plurality of trays 21 being spaced apart along the support columns 22, with each tray 21 being fixedly connected to the support column 22; wherein, each tray 21 is provided with a plurality of loading areas 211 for carrying reagent kits 3; the platform 2 is connected to the driving mechanism 4, and the driving mechanism 4 is used to drive the platform 2 to rotate for feeding, wherein, in use, the loading areas of each tray 21 of the platform 2... Reagent kit 3 is placed on field 211. The drive mechanism 4 operates, causing the platform 2 to rotate. When the platform 2 rotates to a set angle (e.g., 30°, 45°, 90°, 180°, etc.), the reagent kit in one of the loading areas on the tray 21 will enter the picking point. As the platform 2 continues to rotate, the remaining loading areas 211 on the tray 21 will take turns entering the picking point. This can be coordinated with a corresponding robotic arm / transfer loading system for picking, thus achieving rotary feeding. This breaks the linear layout limitations of traditional feeding devices, resulting in a smaller overall size, making it particularly suitable for small-sized equipment or space-constrained scenarios. Furthermore, the rotary feeding of the platform 2 enables simultaneous feeding of multiple materials, resulting in high feeding efficiency. For example, the support platform 1 is preferably a box-type structure, including upper and lower base plates and side plates. It is worth noting that the number of trays 21 and support columns 22 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the set angle of rotation of the platform 2 is related to the number of loading areas 211 and their distribution on the tray.

[0052] In some embodiments, the support column 22 is composed of multiple interconnected segments, each segment of the support column 22 being connected to a corresponding tray 21. Adjacent segments of the support column 22 are interconnected. More preferably, adjacent segments of the support column 22 are sleeved and fixed together. For example, to facilitate assembly, the diameter of the support column 22 is gradually reduced from top to bottom. To reduce the weight of the platform 2, the support column 22 is hollow internally. In other embodiments, the bottom end of the support column 22 is connected to the lowermost tray 21, and the drive mechanism drives the lowermost tray 21 to rotate, thereby rotating the entire platform 2.

[0053] In some embodiments, to achieve efficient integration and compact layout, the mounting area of ​​the platform 2 on the upper surface of the support platform 1 accounts for more than 50%, and preferably, the mounting area of ​​the platform 2 on the upper surface of the support platform 1 accounts for more than 75%. In one embodiment, referring to... Figure 1As shown, the mounting area of ​​the platform 2 on the upper surface of the support platform 1 accounts for approximately 75%. Once the required size of the platform 2 is set, the larger the percentage of the mounting area of ​​the platform 2 on the upper surface of the support platform 1, the smaller the overall size of the feeding device, which is more advantageous for feeding small-sized equipment or in space-constrained scenarios. The remaining space on the upper surface of the support platform 1 is mainly used to install the start button 11 and the reset button 12. It should also be noted that the limitation on the percentage of the mounting area of ​​the platform 2 on the upper surface of the support platform 1 in the claims of this utility model is intended to illustrate that the feeding device protected by this utility model is manufactured, sold, and used as an independent, miniaturized feeding device, and the upper surface of the support platform 1 does not need to install other components unrelated to the feeding process.

[0054] In some embodiments, the component located at the bottom of the platform 2 can be a tray 21 or a support column 22, but in order to further reduce the size of the feeding device, such as Figure 2 As shown, the tray 21 at the bottom of the platform 2 is connected to the drive mechanism 4. The support column 22 is connected to the drive mechanism 4, which can reduce the height of the platform 2 and reduce the cost.

[0055] In some embodiments, in order to improve material feeding efficiency, such as Figure 6 As shown, all loading areas 211 are evenly distributed on the corresponding trays 21.

[0056] In other embodiments, to improve the stability of the stage 2, such as Figure 6 As shown, the shape of the tray 21 is centrally symmetrical. In some specific embodiments, in order to reduce the weight of the platform 2, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the tray 21 is shaped like a cross, with the central area used for fixing and connecting the corresponding support column 22. Each of the four raised areas has a loading area 211 (unmarked) for carrying the reagent kit 3. In some preferred embodiments, to improve safety, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the lowermost tray 21 is connected to two adjacent raised areas by an arc edge 23 for protection, which can prevent the lowermost tray 21 and the support platform 1 from getting pinched during the rotation of the platform 2.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the connection between the tray 21 and the support column 22 is configured as a fixed connection (such as welding or integral molding) or a detachable connection (such as using threaded, snap-fit, or other detachable connection methods). In other embodiments, to improve material feeding efficiency, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the edge of the loading area 211 is provided with a slot 212 that fits the box body of the reagent kit 3. In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6and Figure 7 As shown, the card slot 212 is surrounded by a positioning chamfer 213. The positioning chamfer 213 can automatically correct and position the reagent kit 3, avoiding the reagent kit 3 from being placed unstable.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the drive mechanism 4 includes a motor driver 41, a power motor 42, and a reducer 43; the motor driver 41 is electrically connected to the power motor 42; the output end of the power motor 42 is connected to the input end of the reducer 43, and the output end of the reducer 43 is connected to the lowermost tray 21 via a flange 6. In some specific embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the lowermost tray 21 has a first opening in its central area. The flange 6 is fixedly installed on the first opening, and the output end of the reducer 43 is engaged with the flange 6 for feeding material by driving the entire platform 2 to rotate via the flange 6. In other specific embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the top plate of the support platform 1 has a second opening, and the output end of the reducer 43 passes through the second opening and is connected to the bottom tray 21 through the flange 6.

[0059] In some embodiments, to facilitate the fixing of the reducer 43 and the power motor 42, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device also includes a speed reducer mounting base 5, which is installed on the second opening, and the speed reducer 43 is fixedly connected to the top plate through the speed reducer mounting base 5.

[0060] In some embodiments, to improve the accuracy of material feeding, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the device also includes an origin baffle 7 and an origin sensor 8. The origin baffle 7 is fixed to the flange 6, and the origin sensor 8 is fixed to the reducer mounting base 5. The origin baffle 7 rotates with the flange 6 and cooperates with the origin sensor 8 to position the origin of the power motor 42. When the origin baffle 7 coincides with the origin sensor 8 during rotation, it will block the origin sensor 8, thereby causing a change in the signal of the origin sensor 8, thus determining the starting point of the power motor 42. Based on this starting point and the predetermined rotation angle relative to the starting point, it is easy to know the location of each loading area 211, and it is easy to control the robotic arm to pick up materials at the predetermined position, thereby realizing automated feeding and production. In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, for ease of operation, the top plate of the support platform 1 is also equipped with a start button 11 and a reset button 12, which are used to start the power motor 42 and reset the power motor 42 to its origin, respectively.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the device also includes a material detection sensor 9 disposed within the support platform 1; a third opening is provided on the top plate of the support platform 1; a fourth opening is provided in the middle of the loading area 211 corresponding to the sample dispensing port of the reagent kit 3; the third and fourth openings are used in conjunction with the material detection sensor 9 to detect whether there is a reagent kit 3 in the loading area 211 directly above it. It is worth noting that... Figure 3 The symbol "A" shown is a schematic diagram of the material detection sensor 9. The material detection sensor 9 can emit visible or invisible light. This sensor 9 can detect whether there is a reagent kit 3 on the three loading areas 211 directly above it, and determine which tray the reagent kit 3 closest to the sensor 9 is located on based on distance. Additionally, the presence or absence of reagent kit 3 on all loading areas 211 can be detected by additional sensors (laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or visual recognition sensors). These new sensors can be installed on each tray 21, the support column 22, or on the surface of the support platform 1.

[0062] In other embodiments, the support platform 1 includes a combination of any one or more of the following features: (1) the bottom of the support platform 1 is provided with a shock-absorbing pad 13 (such as...). Figure 2 (as shown), it can buffer the entire feeding device; (2) the bottom of the support platform 1 is provided with positioning column 14 (as shown). Figure 2 (as shown), which facilitates the positioning of the feeding device in the entire production system and improves the efficiency of automated feeding and processing; (3) The side of the support platform 1 is provided with an external interface 15 (such as Figure 3 As shown), the external interface 15 includes a power interface, a communication interface, and a control interface, which facilitates power supply and communication, obtaining stored information, operating status, and issuing control commands; (4) the side of the support platform 1 is provided with a heat dissipation vent 16 (as shown). Figure 3 As shown in the figure, a cooling fan (not shown) is provided at the heat dissipation port 16. The cooling fan is located inside the support platform 1 to facilitate heat dissipation inside the support platform 1.

[0063] like Figure 1As shown, based on the above-mentioned feeding device, this utility model also provides an automated feeding system, including the feeding device, a robotic arm, a processing device, and a control terminal; the control terminal communicates with the feeding device, the robotic arm, and the processing device respectively; the control terminal controls the robotic arm to transmit the reagent kit 3 between the feeding device and the processing device to achieve automated feeding. By using a miniaturized feeding device combined with the robotic arm and the processing device, and through the control terminal for overall control, the various devices work together to achieve automated feeding and improve production efficiency.

[0064] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments. However, it should be understood that such modifications and variations fall within the scope and spirit of this utility model as described in the claims. Moreover, the utility model described herein may have other embodiments and can be implemented or realized in various ways.

Claims

1. A feeding device, characterized in that, It includes a support platform, a platform disposed on the support platform, and a drive mechanism disposed within the support platform; The platform includes several trays and support columns. The support columns are placed vertically, and the trays are spaced apart along the support columns and each tray is connected to the support column. Each tray has several loading areas for carrying the reagent kit. The platform is connected to the drive mechanism, which drives the platform to rotate for feeding.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting area of ​​the platform on the upper surface of the support platform accounts for more than 50%; preferably, the mounting area of ​​the platform on the upper surface of the support platform accounts for more than 75%. And / or the lowest tray of the platform is connected to the drive mechanism; and / or all loading areas are evenly distributed on the corresponding trays; and / or the shape of the tray is centrally symmetrical. Preferably, the shape of the tray is "+", and the central area is used to fix and connect the corresponding support column. Each of the four raised areas is provided with a loading area for carrying the reagent kit. More preferably, the two adjacent raised areas of the lowest tray are connected by an arc edge for protection.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support column is composed of multiple interconnected segments, each segment of the support column is connected to a corresponding tray, and adjacent segments of the support column are interconnected. More preferably, two adjacent segments of the support column are sleeved and fixed together. And / or the edge of the loading area is provided with a slot that is adapted to the box body of the reagent kit, preferably, the slot is provided with a positioning chamfer around it.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The bottom end of the support column is connected to the lowest tray, and the drive mechanism drives the lowest tray to rotate, thereby rotating the entire platform; preferably: The drive mechanism includes a motor driver, a power motor, and a speed reducer; The motor driver is electrically connected to the power motor; The output end of the power motor is connected to the input end of the reducer, and the output end of the reducer is connected to the bottommost tray via a flange. Preferably, the middle area of ​​the bottommost tray has a first opening, the flange is fixedly installed on the first opening, and the output end of the reducer is engaged with the flange for feeding material by driving the entire platform to rotate through the flange.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top plate of the support platform has a second opening, and the output end of the reducer passes through the second opening and is connected to the bottommost tray through a flange.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a speed reducer mounting base, which is installed on the second opening, and the speed reducer is fixedly connected to the top plate through the speed reducer mounting base.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an origin baffle and an origin sensor; The origin baffle is fixed on the flange, and the origin sensor is fixed on the reducer mounting base. The origin baffle rotates with the flange and cooperates with the origin sensor to position the origin of the power motor. Preferably, the top plate of the support platform is also provided with a start button and a reset button.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes material detection sensors installed inside the support platform; The top plate of the support platform is also provided with a third opening; The loading area has a fourth opening in the region corresponding to the sample well of the reagent kit. The third and fourth openings are used in conjunction with the material detection sensor to detect whether there is a reagent kit in the loading area directly above it.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The support platform includes any combination of one or more of the following features: (1) The bottom of the support platform is provided with a shock-absorbing pad; (2) The bottom of the support platform is provided with a positioning column; (3) The side of the support platform is provided with an external interface, which includes a power interface, a communication interface and a control interface; (4) The side of the support platform is provided with a heat dissipation vent, and a heat dissipation fan is provided at the heat dissipation vent. The heat dissipation fan is located inside the support platform.

10. An automated feeding system, characterized in that, Includes the feeding device, robotic arm, processing device, and control terminal as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The control terminal communicates with the feeding device, the robotic arm, and the processing device, respectively. The control terminal controls the robotic arm to transfer the reagent kit between the feeding device and the processing device to achieve automated feeding.

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