An automatic feeding system for column components

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of automation technology and discloses an automatic column loading system, including a workpiece sorting and positioning device and a robot arm for transferring workpieces to a preset workstation. The workpiece sorting and positioning device includes a hopper for storing workpieces, a sorting mechanism connected to the hopper, and a workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism located at the discharge end of the sorting mechanism. After a single workpiece is separated by the sorting mechanism, it is adjusted to a preset position by the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism, and then the robot arm picks up the workpiece and transfers it to the preset workstation. This utility model has the beneficial effects of improving workpiece processing efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automation technology, and in particular to an automatic feeding system for column components. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 19 The figure shows a column member 9, which is a drill bit. The head of this drill bit has a rectangular cross-section, classifying it as an irregularly shaped drill bit. Further machining of the four sides of the drill bit's end using a CNC machine tool (e.g., a machining center) is required to improve accuracy. Additionally, cross grooves need to be cut into the end face. The machined drill bit is shown below. Figure 20 As shown, currently, this type of drill bit is processed manually on machine tools, involving manual loading and unloading. Furthermore, due to the directional nature of machining irregularly shaped drill bits, manual tool setting is required after loading, necessitating one operator per machine tool. Manual loading and unloading is inefficient, results in long waiting times for the machine tools, and prolonged manual work can lead to fatigue, further reducing efficiency. Fatigue can even cause decreased concentration, resulting in workpiece scrap. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, this utility model provides an automatic column feeding system that can improve workpiece processing efficiency and reduce labor costs.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An automatic column feeding system includes a workpiece sorting and positioning device and a robot arm for transferring workpieces to a preset station. The workpiece sorting and positioning device includes a hopper for storing workpieces, a sorting mechanism connected to the hopper, and a workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism located at the discharge end of the sorting mechanism. After a single workpiece is separated by the sorting mechanism, it is adjusted to a preset position by the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism, and then the robot arm picks up the workpiece and transfers it to the preset station.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution: a large number of column components are stored in the silo, and the column components are separated one by one by the material distribution mechanism. The separated column components enter the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism, and the axial direction and axial position of the column components are adjusted to the appropriate position. Finally, the workpiece is picked up by the robot and transferred to the preset station (the preset station is the workpiece processing station on the machine tool). This automatic column component feeding system automatically feeds the workpieces to the machine tool, which greatly improves the workpiece processing efficiency and reduces labor costs.

[0007] Preferably, the material distribution mechanism includes a fixed support frame, a movable material distribution frame, and a first lifting power that drives the material distribution frame to reciprocate up and down. The support frame includes several spaced-apart support members, each with several first support surfaces arranged in a stepped manner upwards, and a discharge guide surface at the upper end of each support member. The material distribution frame includes several spaced-apart distribution members, the bottom of which is connected to the first lifting power, and each distribution member has several second support surfaces arranged in a stepped manner upwards. The distribution members are arranged between the support members, with the first and second support surfaces staggered horizontally. The bottom surface of the hopper is configured as an inclined plane, and the lowest first support surface on each support member is aligned with the lower end of the bottom surface of the hopper. When the material distribution frame moves up and down once, one workpiece on each first support surface is simultaneously lifted to the next first support surface, and the workpiece on the highest first support surface enters the discharge guide surface. This material distribution mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to control, and has good stability, achieving stable material distribution with only one lifting power.

[0008] Preferably, a first baffle surface is provided between adjacent first support surfaces, and a second baffle surface is provided between adjacent second support surfaces; the first baffle surface and the second baffle surface are staggered in the vertical direction, so that only one workpiece can be accommodated between the second support surface and the corresponding first baffle surface; the first support surface and the second support surface are configured as inclined surfaces, so that the workpiece always remains in contact with the first baffle surface or the second baffle surface due to its own weight.

[0009] Preferably, the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism includes a pre-positioning mechanism, an axial positioning mechanism, and a circumferential adjustment mechanism. The pre-positioning mechanism includes a lifting seat and a second lifting force located at the bottom of the lifting seat. One end of the lifting seat has a first support seat, and the other end has a second support seat. The top surface of the first support seat has a first limiting groove, and the top surface of the second support seat has a second limiting groove. When a workpiece is individually separated by the material distribution mechanism and enters the pre-positioning mechanism, both ends of the workpiece are pre-positioned by the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove, respectively. The workpiece separated from the material distribution mechanism is first pre-positioned, then axially positioned, and finally circumferentially adjusted to a suitable position. The circumferential position of the workpiece grasped by the first gripper assembly is the same each time, eliminating the need for tool setting operations in subsequent machine tool processing and further improving processing efficiency.

[0010] Preferably, the axial positioning mechanism includes a gripper assembly and a first translational force that moves the gripper assembly closer to or further away from the workpiece at a predetermined position. The gripper assembly includes two sets of clamping arms and a clamping force that moves the two sets of clamping arms closer to or further away simultaneously. The opposing sides of the two sets of clamping arms are provided with V-shaped positioning grooves for centering. After the workpiece is pre-positioned, the second lifting force moves the lifting seat to a preset position, the first translational force moves the gripper assembly to the pre-positioned workpiece, and the clamping force moves the two sets of clamping arms to clamp the workpiece, thereby axially positioning the workpiece.

[0011] Preferably, the circumferential adjustment mechanism includes a pressure plate mounted on a first support, a second translational force that drives the pressure plate to move axially along the workpiece, a first motor mounted outside the second support, and a third translational force that drives the first motor to move axially along the workpiece. The first motor's shaft end is provided with a positioning sleeve, the axis of which is coaxially distributed with the axially positioned workpiece. The end of the positioning sleeve has a positioning hole that matches the cross-sectional shape of the workpiece end. When the workpiece is axially positioned, the second translational force causes the pressure plate to abut against one end of the workpiece, and the third translational force causes the positioning sleeve to abut against the other end of the workpiece. The first motor drives the positioning sleeve to rotate at least one revolution in the forward direction, causing one end of the workpiece to enter the positioning hole. At this point, the gripper assembly releases the workpiece, and the first motor drives the positioning sleeve to rotate in the reverse direction to a preset position and then stops. The circumferential adjustment of the workpiece is thus adjusted to the preset position. This type of circumferential adjustment mechanism has a simple structure, fewer actions, less control, and better stability.

[0012] Preferably, the upper end of the hopper is provided with several guide rods distributed parallel to the workpiece axis, and an adjusting plate is provided between the guide rods. The adjusting plate is slidably connected to the guide rods through a sliding sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is provided with a locking element. The width dimension of the hopper can be adjusted by the adjusting plate, thereby adapting to workpieces of different lengths and providing strong versatility.

[0013] Preferably, the second support is fixed on the lifting seat, and the first support is slidably connected to the lifting seat. A first translation mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first and second support seats is provided between the lifting seat and the first support seat. A second translation mechanism for adjusting the position of the gripper assembly in gripping the workpiece is provided at the bottom of the first translation mechanism. The distance between the first and second support seats is adjustable to accommodate pre-positioning of workpieces of different lengths.

[0014] Therefore, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: (1) The workpiece is stably separated by the workpiece sorting and positioning device, and the separated workpiece is transferred to the tooling of the machine tool by the robot arm. The workpiece is automatically loaded, which improves the workpiece processing efficiency and reduces labor costs; (2) The workpiece sorting and positioning device can realize the workpiece pre-positioning, axial positioning and circumferential position adjustment. The position and angle of the robot arm grabbing the workpiece are consistent each time, which saves the subsequent tool setting operation of the machine tool and further improves the processing efficiency; (3) The sorting mechanism has a simple and stable structure. The workpiece can be continuously and stably separated by a simple lifting action, and the workpiece separation stability is good. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one structure of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the gantry robot.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the workpiece material distribution and positioning device.

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial structural diagram.

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the internal structure.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the material distribution structure.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Exploded view.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the workpiece being limited by the first support surface and the first stop surface.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the workpiece being limited by the second support surface and the first stop surface after the material distribution rack rises.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the workpiece being limited by the second support surface and the second stop surface when the material distribution rack rises to its highest position.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing how the workpiece is limited by the first support surface and the second stop surface during the descent of the material distribution frame.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the workpiece being limited by the first support surface and the first stop surface when the material distribution rack descends to its lowest position.

[0027] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the uppermost workpiece in the material distribution mechanism after it enters the pre-positioning mechanism along the discharge guide surface.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the workpiece being clamped and positioned by the axial positioning mechanism after the lifting seat has risen.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state in which the two ends of the workpiece are abutted by the pressure plate and the positioning sleeve, respectively.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the workpiece after its end enters the positioning hole and the gripper assembly releases the workpiece.

[0031] Figure 17 This diagram shows the workpiece after it has been circumferentially adjusted, with the gripper assembly clamping the workpiece again and the positioning sleeve separating from the workpiece.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper device.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the workpiece (drill bit) to be processed.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the processed workpiece (drill bit). Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial technical effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0036] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features specified as "first" or "second" may expressly or implicitly indicate that at least one of those features is included.

[0037] like Figures 1-5 The illustrated automatic column feeding system includes a workpiece sorting and positioning device 1 and a robot arm 2. The workpiece sorting and positioning device 1 includes a hopper 10 for storing column components 9, a sorting mechanism 11 connected to the hopper 10, and a workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism 12 located at the discharge end of the sorting mechanism 11. When a single workpiece is separated by the sorting mechanism 11, it is adjusted to a preset position by the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism 12, and then the robot arm 2 picks up the workpiece and transfers it to a preset workstation. The preset position is the tooling 80 of the machine tool 8.

[0038] The material distribution mechanism 11 includes a fixed support frame 110, a movable material distribution frame 111, and a first lifting power 112 that drives the material distribution frame 111 to reciprocate and move up and down. The support frame 110 includes a plurality of spaced-apart support members 1100, each support member 1100 having a plurality of stepped first support surfaces 1101 arranged sequentially upwards. The upper end of each support member 1100 has a discharge guide surface 1103. The material distribution frame 111 includes a plurality of spaced-apart material distribution members 1110, the bottom of which is connected to the first lifting power 112. Each material distribution member 1110 has a plurality of stepped first support surfaces 1101 arranged sequentially upwards. The second support surface 1111 is distributed upwards; the material distribution component 1110 is arranged between the support components 1100, and the first support surface 1101 and the second support surface 1111 are staggered in the horizontal direction; the bottom surface of the hopper 10 is configured as an inclined surface, and the lowest first support surface 1101 on the support component 1100 is connected to the lower end of the bottom surface of the hopper 10; when the material distribution frame 111 moves up and down once, it lifts one workpiece on each first support surface 1101 to the previous first support surface 1101 at the same time, and the workpiece on the uppermost first support surface 1101 enters the discharge guide surface 1103.

[0039] A vertically distributed first stop surface 1102 is provided between adjacent first support surfaces 1101, and a vertically distributed second stop surface 1112 is provided between adjacent second support surfaces 1111; the first stop surface 1102 and the second stop surface 1112 are staggered in the vertical direction, so that only one workpiece can be accommodated between the second support surface 1111 and the corresponding first stop surface 1102; the first support surface 1101 and the second support surface 1111 are configured as inclined surfaces, so that the column 9 always remains in contact with the first stop surface 1102 or the second stop surface 1112 due to its own weight.

[0040] like Figure 9 As shown, the distance between the second stop surface and the corresponding first stop surface can only accommodate one workpiece. This distance can be configured to be greater than the radius of the workpiece but less than 1.5 times the radius of the workpiece, so that only one workpiece can be stably accommodated on the second support surface between the first stop surface and the second stop plate, thereby realizing the individual material distribution of the workpiece. Figures 8-12 The diagram illustrates the process of a workpiece being lifted from one first support surface to the previous support surface. Figure 8 Workpieces A, B, and C are lifted to [position missing] after one vertical movement of the material distribution frame. Figure 12 As shown, workpieces B and C are both lifted to the previous first support surface, while workpiece A on the uppermost first support surface is lifted to the discharge guide surface (inclined surface) and rolls along the discharge guide surface into the pre-positioning mechanism.

[0041] like Figures 13-17As shown, the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism 12 includes a pre-positioning mechanism 120, an axial positioning mechanism 121, and a circumferential adjustment mechanism 122. The pre-positioning mechanism 120 includes a lifting seat 1200 and a second lifting power 1201 located at the bottom of the lifting seat 1200. One end of the lifting seat 1200 is provided with a first support seat 1202, and the other end of the lifting seat 1200 is provided with a second support seat 1203. The top surface of the first support seat 1202 is provided with a first limiting groove 1204, and the top surface of the second support seat 1203 is provided with a second limiting groove 1205. When the column 9 is separated individually by the material distribution mechanism 11 and enters the pre-positioning mechanism 120, both ends of the column 9 are pre-positioned by the first limiting groove 1204 and the second limiting groove 1205, respectively (e.g., ...). Figure 13 (As shown).

[0042] The axial positioning mechanism 121 includes a gripper assembly 1210, a first translational force 1211 that moves the gripper assembly 1210 closer to or further away from the pre-positioned workpiece, the gripper assembly 1210 including two sets of clamping arms 1212, and a clamping force 1213 that moves the two sets of clamping arms 1212 synchronously closer to or further away, and each of the opposing sides of the two sets of clamping arms 1212 is provided with a V-shaped positioning groove 1214 for centering; after the workpiece is pre-positioned, a second lifting force 1201 drives the lifting seat 1200 to rise to the preset position, the first translational force 1211 drives the gripper assembly 1210 to move to the pre-positioned workpiece, and the clamping force 1213 drives the two sets of clamping arms 1212 to clamp the workpiece, thus positioning the workpiece axially (e.g., ...). Figure 14 (As shown).

[0043] The circumferential adjustment mechanism 122 includes a pressure plate 1220 mounted on a first support 1202, a second translational force 1221 that drives the pressure plate 1220 to move axially along the workpiece, a first motor 1222 mounted outside the second support 1203, and a third translational force 1223 that drives the first motor 1222 to move axially along the workpiece. A positioning sleeve 1224 is provided at the shaft end of the first motor 1222. The axis of the positioning sleeve 1224 is coaxially distributed with the axially positioned workpiece, and the end of the positioning sleeve 1224 has a positioning hole 1225 that matches the cross-sectional shape of the workpiece end. When the workpiece is axially positioned, the second translational force 1221 drives the pressure plate 1220 to abut against one end of the workpiece, and the third translational force 1223 drives the positioning sleeve 1224 to abut against the other end of the workpiece. The workpiece is abutted by the pressure plate and the positioning sleeve at both ends as follows: Figure 15 As shown; then the first motor 1222 drives the positioning sleeve 1224 to rotate at least one revolution in the positive direction, so that one end of the workpiece enters the positioning hole 1225, as shown. Figure 16 As shown;

[0044] After the workpiece enters the positioning hole 1225, the gripper assembly 1210 releases the workpiece, and the first motor 1222 drives the positioning sleeve 1224 to rotate in the opposite direction to the preset position and then stops. The circumferential direction of the workpiece is adjusted to the preset position. Then the gripper assembly clamps the workpiece again, and the pressure plate and positioning sleeve are reset to the preset position. Figure 17 The initial state shown is such that the axial and circumferential positions of the workpiece are adjusted, waiting for the gantry robot to pick it up. The first gripper assembly on the gantry robot picks up the workpiece at the same position and angle each time, thus eliminating the need for tool setting after feeding it into the tooling.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the first lifting power 112, the second lifting power 1201, the first translational power 1211, the second translational power 1221, and the third translational power 1223 are all cylinders, and the clamping power 1213 is a double-headed cylinder.

[0046] In some embodiments, to adapt to workpieces of different lengths and improve versatility, the following scheme is adopted: The upper end of the hopper 10 is provided with several guide rods 100 distributed parallel to the workpiece axis; an adjusting plate 101 is provided between the guide rods 100; the adjusting plate 101 is slidably connected to the guide rods 100 via a sliding sleeve 1010; a locking element is provided on the sliding sleeve; a second support seat 1203 is fixedly mounted on the lifting seat 1200; a first support seat 1202 is slidably connected to the lifting seat 1200; a first translation mechanism 1206 for adjusting the distance between the first support seat 1202 and the second support seat 1203 is provided between the lifting seat 1200 and the first support seat 1202; a second translation mechanism 1215 for adjusting the position of the gripper assembly 1210 gripping the workpiece is provided at the bottom of the first translation force 1211. Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the first translation mechanism 1206 adopts a gear and rack translation mechanism, that is, a rack is installed on the lifting seat, a motor is installed in the first support seat, and a gear that meshes with the rack is set on the motor output shaft, thereby realizing the movement of the first support seat, so that the first support seat moves closer to or away from the second support seat; the second translation mechanism 1215 adopts a lead screw and lead screw seat structure, that is, a lead screw seat is installed at the bottom of the first translation force, the lead screw seat is connected to the lead screw, and a handwheel is set at one end of the lead screw, and the position of the first translation force is adjusted by rotating the handwheel.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown, a second hopper 102 is provided at the upper end of the hopper 10. A slide bar 103, parallel to the workpiece, is provided on the lower side of the feed end of the second hopper 102. A slider 104 is provided on the slide bar 103, and the slider 104 is locked and limited to the slide bar 103 by fasteners. A sensor 105 for detecting the position status of both ends of the workpiece is provided on the slider 104. When a workpiece separated from the dispensing mechanism 11 is positioned by the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism 12, the first gripper assembly 210 grips the workpiece and moves one end of the workpiece to the sensor 105. If the sensor 105 detects that the position of both ends of the workpiece is correct, the workpiece is moved to the machine tool; if the sensor 105 detects that the position of both ends of the workpiece is incorrect, the workpiece is placed into the second hopper 102. The sensor uses a laser reflection sensor, such as... Figure 19 and Figure 20 The drill bit workpiece shown has different outer diameters at its two ends. When the larger end moves to the preset position of the sensor, the sensor can detect the drill bit; when the smaller end moves to the preset position, the sensor cannot detect it. The sensor signal is used to determine whether the positions of the two ends of the drill bit are incorrect. In this structure, the circumferential adjustment mechanism 122 has a simplified structure without complex visual recognition or sensor detection. It can operate normally even when the smaller end of the drill bit enters the positioning hole. Therefore, a sensor is used to further detect whether the positions of the two ends of the workpiece are incorrect. That is, by setting a simple sensor, the structure of the circumferential adjustment mechanism is simplified to the maximum extent, reducing equipment complexity and cost, while ensuring stability.

[0048] It also includes a third material bin 106. The second material bin 102 and the third material bin 106 are distributed on both sides of the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism 12. When the processed workpiece is moved to the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism 12 by the second gripper assembly 211, the second gripper assembly 211 first puts the workpiece into the third material bin 106, and then the first gripper assembly 210 grabs the workpiece to be processed.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 18As shown, in some embodiments, the robotic arm 2 adopts the gantry robot shown in the figure. The specific gantry robot includes a gantry 20 erected between the workpiece sorting and positioning device 1 and the machine tool 8, and a three-axis motion gripper device 21 mounted on the gantry 20. The gripper device 21 includes two sets of switchable positions for gripping the column 9: a first gripper assembly 210 and a second gripper assembly 211. The first gripper assembly 210 and the second gripper assembly 211 are mounted on a rotating base 212, and a rotational power 213 is connected to the rotating base 212. The rotational power 213 is configured to drive the first gripper assembly 210 and the second gripper assembly 211 to reciprocate between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first gripper assembly 210 is in a vertically downward state. In the second state, the second gripper assembly 211 rotates to coincide with the position of the first gripper assembly 210 in the first state. The first gripper assembly 210 includes two sets of opposing gripper arm assemblies 2100 and a gripper arm power 2101 that drives the gripper arm assemblies 2100 to move closer or further away synchronously. Each gripper arm assembly 2100 includes a connecting arm 2102 and gripping seats 2103 located at both ends of the connecting arm 2102. The inner surface of the gripping seat has a gripping groove 2104, and both ends of the connecting arm 2102 have elongated slots 2105. The ends of the gripping seats 2103 are fastened to the elongated slots by bolts 2106. In this embodiment, the rotational power is provided by a rotary cylinder.

[0050] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the method of using this utility model is as follows: Figures 3-5 As shown, column 9 is stored in the silo, and the material distribution rack in the material distribution mechanism is arranged according to... Figures 8-12 The sequence of lifting and lowering occurs once, each time raising the workpiece on the first support surface to a step, i.e., raising it to the next first support surface. The workpiece on the uppermost first support surface enters along the discharge guide surface. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The pre-positioning mechanism 120 shown is pre-positioned, and the lifting seat rises to... Figure 14 In the state shown, the gripper assembly grasps the workpiece to achieve axial positioning; then the pressure plate and positioning sleeve move closer to each other and abut against both ends of the workpiece (e.g., Figure 15 As shown), the first motor drives the positioning sleeve to rotate one revolution in the forward direction. During this process, one end of the rectangular drill bit will inevitably enter the positioning hole of the rectangular structure (as shown). Figure 16 As shown), the gripper assembly releases the workpiece, and the first motor drives the positioning sleeve to rotate in the opposite direction to the preset position (the first motor can be a servo motor, which precisely controls the angle and position of the positioning sleeve's rotation). The gripper assembly then clamps the workpiece again, and the pressure plate and positioning sleeve return to their original positions. Figure 17 The initial position shown indicates that the workpiece is fully positioned. After the workpiece is processed on the machine tool fixture, the processed workpiece is removed by the robot arm, and then the robot arm transfers the positioned workpiece to the machine tool fixture for clamping and positioning processing.

[0051] In some embodiments, direct adoption Figure 2 and Figure 18 The gantry robot shown is equipped with a first gripper assembly and a second gripper assembly. When the second gripper assembly removes a machined workpiece from the fixture, it directly loads the workpiece to be processed into the fixture through the first gripper assembly, reducing the robot's movements and further improving loading efficiency. In some embodiments, a through-beam sensor is installed between the two ends of the lowermost first support surface. When there is no workpiece on the lowermost first support surface, the through-beam sensor detects a signal and issues an alarm to remind the operator to load material into the hopper.

[0052] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by up, down, left, right, inner end, outer end, one end, and the other end are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of more clearly describing the technical solution of this utility model, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0053] Although specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail herein, they are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding system for column components, characterized in that, It includes a workpiece distribution and positioning device (1) and a robot (2) for transferring workpieces to a preset work station; the workpiece distribution and positioning device (1) includes a hopper (10) for storing column parts (9), a distribution mechanism (11) connected to the hopper (10), and a workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism (12) provided at the discharge end of the distribution mechanism (11). After a single workpiece is separated by the material distribution mechanism (11), it is adjusted to a preset position by the workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism (12), and then the workpiece is picked up by the robot (2) and transferred to the preset work station.

2. The automatic column feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material distribution mechanism (11) includes a fixed support frame (110), a movable material distribution frame (111), and a first lifting power (112) that drives the material distribution frame (111) to reciprocate up and down. The support frame (110) includes a plurality of spaced support members (1100), and the support members (1100) are provided with a plurality of first support surfaces (1101) arranged in a stepped manner upwards. The upper end of the support member (1100) is provided with a discharge guide surface (1103). The material distribution rack (111) includes a number of spaced material distribution components (1110). The bottom of the material distribution component (1110) is connected to the first lifting power (112). The material distribution component (1110) is provided with a number of second support surfaces (1111) arranged in a stepped manner upward. The material distribution component (1110) is arranged between the support components (1100), and the first support surface (1101) and the second support surface (1111) are staggered in the horizontal direction; the bottom surface of the hopper (10) is configured as an inclined surface, and the lowermost first support surface (1101) on the support component (1100) is connected to the lower end of the bottom surface of the hopper (10); When the material distribution rack (111) lifts and lowers once, it simultaneously lifts one workpiece on each first support surface (1101) to the next first support surface (1101), and the workpiece on the uppermost first support surface (1101) enters the discharge guide surface (1103).

3. The automatic column feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A vertically distributed first stop surface (1102) is provided between adjacent first support surfaces (1101), and a vertically distributed second stop surface (1112) is provided between adjacent second support surfaces (1111); the first stop surface (1102) and the second stop surface (1112) are staggered in the vertical direction, so that only one workpiece can be accommodated between the second support surface (1111) and the corresponding first stop surface (1102); The first support surface (1101) and the second support surface (1111) are configured as inclined surfaces, so that the column (9) always remains in contact with the first stop surface (1102) or the second stop surface (1112) due to its own weight.

4. The automatic column feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workpiece orientation adjustment mechanism (12) includes a pre-positioning mechanism (120), an axial positioning mechanism (121), and a circumferential adjustment mechanism (122). The pre-positioning mechanism (120) includes a lifting seat (1200) and a second lifting power (1201) provided at the bottom of the lifting seat (1200). One end of the lifting seat (1200) is provided with a first support seat (1202), and the other end of the lifting seat (1200) is provided with a second support seat (1203). The top surface of the first support seat (1202) is provided with a first limiting groove (1204), and the top surface of the second support seat (1203) is provided with a second limiting groove (1205). After the column (9) is separated individually by the material distribution mechanism (11) and enters the pre-positioning mechanism (120), the two ends of the column (9) are pre-positioned by the first limiting groove (1204) and the second limiting groove (1205) respectively.

5. The automatic column feeding system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The axial positioning mechanism (121) includes a gripper assembly (1210) and a first translational force (1211) that drives the gripper assembly (1210) to approach or move away from the pre-positioned workpiece. The gripper assembly (1210) includes two sets of clamping arms (1212) and a clamping force (1213) that drives the two sets of clamping arms (1212) to approach or move away synchronously. The opposing sides of the two sets of clamping arms (1212) are provided with V-shaped positioning grooves (1214) for centering. After the workpiece is prepositioned, the second lifting power (1201) drives the lifting seat (1200) to rise to the preset position, the first translational force (1211) drives the gripper assembly (1210) to move to the prepositioned workpiece, and the clamping power (1213) drives the two sets of clamping arms (1212) to clamp the workpiece, and the axial direction of the workpiece is positioned.

6. An automatic column feeding system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The circumferential adjustment mechanism (122) includes a pressure plate (1220) on the first support (1202), a second translational force (1221) that drives the pressure plate (1220) to move along the workpiece axis, a first motor (1222) on the outside of the second support (1203), and a third translational force (1223) that drives the first motor (1222) to move along the workpiece axis. The first motor (1222) has a positioning sleeve (1224) at its shaft end. The axis of the positioning sleeve (1224) is coaxially distributed with the workpiece that is axially positioned. The end of the positioning sleeve (1224) has a positioning hole (1225) that matches the cross-sectional shape of the workpiece end. After the workpiece is axially positioned, the second translational force (1221) drives the pressure plate (1220) to abut against one end of the workpiece, and the third translational force (1223) drives the positioning sleeve (1224) to abut against the other end of the workpiece. The first motor (1222) drives the positioning sleeve (1224) to rotate at least one revolution in the forward direction, so that one end of the workpiece enters the positioning hole (1225). At this time, the gripper assembly (1210) releases the workpiece, and the first motor (1222) drives the positioning sleeve (1224) to rotate in the reverse direction to the preset position and then stops. The circumferential direction of the workpiece is adjusted to the preset position.

7. The automatic column feeding system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper end of the hopper (10) is provided with a plurality of guide rods (100) distributed parallel to the workpiece axis. An adjustment plate (101) is provided between the guide rods (100). The adjustment plate (101) is slidably connected to the guide rods (100) through a sliding sleeve (1010). A locking element is provided on the sliding sleeve.

8. The automatic column feeding system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second support seat (1203) is fixed on the lifting seat (1200), the first support seat (1202) is slidably connected to the lifting seat (1200), and a first translation mechanism (1206) for adjusting the distance between the first support seat (1202) and the second support seat (1203) is provided between the lifting seat (1200) and the first support seat (1202). The bottom of the first translation force (1211) is provided with a second translation mechanism (1215) for adjusting the position of the gripper assembly (1210) gripping the workpiece.

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