Special-shaped part feeding mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of special-shaped part feeding mechanism, including the line body main part by material swinging assembly and material conveying line, material swinging assembly is set to material conveying line close to end position, it includes the fixed plate of being set to the both sides of material conveying line, between fixed plate, and located above material conveying line is connected with the positioning plate for blocking product, the plate body of positioning plate is arranged with recess position to product incoming direction side, each recess position corresponds with the external profile of each product, material swinging assembly is cooperated with the operation of line body main part by positioning plate, recess position, realize the positioning of product, equidistantly place. The utility model solves the problem that there is lack of automatic positioning and placing mechanism for arc-shaped product in the prior art, resulting in low efficiency of mechanical hand feeding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic loading and unloading equipment, and in particular to a loading mechanism for irregularly shaped parts. Background Technology

[0002] In the current technology, to improve the level of production automation, many factories have widely adopted automatic loading and unloading equipment in the material supply (loading) and finished product removal (unloading) stages of the material processing process. These devices come in various forms, but the mainstream structure usually consists of a conveyor belt, a drive motor, and a support frame to form a conveyor line. During operation, materials are fed into the conveyor line at one end, transported by the conveyor belt to the next workstation, and then gripped by a robotic arm.

[0003] However, existing conveyor lines have significant shortcomings for specific products with curved (e.g., circular) surfaces. Because curved surfaces are difficult to precisely pre-position on the conveyor belt, materials often cannot directly reach the ideal position where a robotic arm can reliably grasp them. If the material is not conveyed to a specific position and fixed in orientation, the robotic arm cannot reliably grip it. Currently, the industry generally lacks specialized mechanisms to effectively solve the automatic positioning and orientation correction of such curved products. This deficiency results in the need for manual intervention or inefficiency in the loading process of curved products, becoming a bottleneck for improving the overall level of automation.

[0004] In view of this, this technical solution proposes a non-circular part feeding mechanism that can be used in conjunction with existing conveyor lines to position curved products so that they can be easily gripped by a robotic arm. The overall structure of the equipment is simple and easy to assemble, disassemble and maintain. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art. Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to provide a feeding mechanism for irregularly shaped parts, aiming to solve the problem of low efficiency in robotic arm feeding caused by the lack of an automatic positioning and placement mechanism for curved products in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a feeding mechanism for irregularly shaped parts, comprising a main body consisting of a material handling assembly and a conveyor line.

[0007] The material handling assembly is located near the end of the conveyor line. It includes fixed plates on both sides of the conveyor line, and a positioning plate for blocking products is connected between the fixed plates and above the conveyor line. The positioning plate has recesses arranged on the side facing the product infeed direction, and each recess corresponds to the outer contour of the product.

[0008] The material placement assembly, through the positioning plate, recess, and the operation of the main body of the production line, achieves the positioning and equidistant placement of the products.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, a positioning sensor is provided in the direction of the material conveying line and at a position above the positioning plate.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this invention, the position sensor is mounted on both sides of the material conveying line via detachable brackets.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the fixed plate is provided with a driving device, one end of which is connected to a slider disposed on the guide rail. The slider is connected to the end of the positioning plate, and the positioning plate achieves forward and backward displacement through the cooperation of the driving device, the guide rail and the slider.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the fixing plate and the conveying line are detachably connected, and the positioning plate and the fixing plate are detachably connected.

[0013] As a further improvement of this invention, the driving device is a cylinder.

[0014] As a further embodiment of this invention, the number of recesses provided on the positioning plate is at least four.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] This technical solution solves the problem of product misalignment by assembling a positioning plate with recesses at the end of the material conveying line. These recesses precisely engage with the curved contours of the products, forcing them to stop at a preset position and maintaining equal spacing. A cylinder-driven device moves the positioning plate backward via a guide rail slider, instantly creating space for the robotic arm to grasp it. Moving it forward to reset it resumes material blocking, resulting in smooth, delay-free operation. A positioning sensor detects the positioning completion signal in real time, ensuring zero waiting time for the robotic arm to grasp the product. Key connection points, such as the fixed plate and the material conveying line, the positioning plate and the fixed plate, and the sensor bracket, are all detachable, improving the efficiency of recess shape adjustment, component replacement, and material cleanup. The cylinder also provides fast power response and cushioning against collisions. Ultimately, this significantly improves the efficiency of robotic arm loading, making it particularly suitable for the high-efficiency operation requirements of automated production lines for various curved surface products. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the technical solutions of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the overall structure of the main body of the line in this utility model and the product.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a preliminary disassembly diagram of the material handling assembly and conveying line in this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the components of the material handling assembly in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the recess on the positioning plate in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the material handling assembly being advanced in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the material handling assembly being advanced in this utility model.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the push-pull return of the material handling component in this utility model.

[0025] Figure 8 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the material handling component in this utility model when it is pushed and pulled back.

[0026] label name label name 1 Line body 104 slider 10 Material handling components 105 Position sensor 100 Positioning plate 106 support 1000 concave 11 Material conveyor line 101 Fixed plate 12 frame 102 drive unit 2 product 103 guide Detailed Implementation

[0027] as follows:

[0028] Please see the appendix Figure 1-8 ,

[0029] The main structure includes a line body (1) consisting of a material placement component (10) and a conveying line (11). The material placement component (10) is located near the end of the conveying line (11). It includes fixed plates (101) on both sides of the conveying line (11). A positioning plate (100) for blocking products (2) is connected between the fixed plates (101) and above the conveying line (11). The positioning plate (100) has recesses (1000) arranged on the side facing the product (2) in the material inlet direction. Each recess (1000) corresponds to the outer contour of each product (2). The material placement component (10) achieves positioning and equidistant placement of products (2) through the operation and cooperation of the positioning plate (100), the recesses (1000) and the line body (1).

[0030] The working principle is as follows:

[0031] In the prior art, the arc-shaped product (2) is not easy to be automatically positioned and separated on the conveying line (11). Due to the lack of a reliable blocking mechanism on the arc surface, the product (2) is prone to shifting or stacking during the conveying process, making it difficult for the robot to grip efficiently. The loading process requires manual intervention, which is inefficient and prone to errors. This technical solution assembles a material handling component (10) at the end of the conveying line (11) of the main body (1). This includes installing fixing plates (101) on both sides of the conveying line (11). The fixing plates (101) are connected to a positioning plate (100) located above the conveying line (11). The positioning plate (100) has recesses (1000) arranged on the side facing the material direction of the product (2). Each recess (1000) corresponds to the outer contour of the product (2). When the product (2) moves along the conveyor line (11), the positioning plate (100) blocks and engages with the contour of the product (2) through the recess (1000), achieving precise positioning and equidistant placement of the product (2) without additional manual adjustment. At the same time, the position sensor 105 is mounted near the positioning plate (100) above the conveyor line (11) via a bracket (106) to detect the position signal of the product (2) (notifying the robot). The drive device (102) (such as a cylinder) is fixed on the fixed plate (101) and connected to the slider (104) on the guide rail (103) to drive the positioning plate (100) to move back and forth (pull it open to facilitate the robot to pick up the material). All connections, such as the connection between the fixed plate (101) and the conveyor line (11), and the connection between the positioning plate (100) and the fixed plate (101), are detachable for quick assembly and maintenance. This line (1) significantly improves the robot's feeding efficiency, ensures reliable positioning of the curved product (2), and provides smooth overall operation and easy maintenance.

[0032] The assembly and disassembly process can be,

[0033] During assembly, the two fixing plates (101) are vertically fixed to the two side frames (12) at the end of the conveying line (11) using detachable bolts, ensuring parallel alignment. The positioning plate (100) is horizontally connected between the two fixing plates (101), positioning it above the conveying line (11), and ensuring that the side of the plate with the recess (1000) faces the direction of the product (2) inlet. A cylinder (drive device) is installed on the fixing plate (101), and the cylinder push rod end is connected to the guide rail (103). Slider (104), then fix slider (104) to the end of positioning plate (100), install guide rail (103) along the length of conveying line (11) so that slider (104) can slide back and forth along guide rail (103) to verify that positioning plate (100) can be smoothly displaced by cylinder drive. Install position sensor 105 above conveying line (11) and near positioning plate (100) through detachable bracket (106) and adjust the height to detect product (2) position signal.

[0034] During disassembly, shut off the air circuit (cylinder) and the circuit (position sensor 105) to ensure that the system is powered off and the air supply is cut off. Remove the connection wire of the position sensor 105, loosen the bolts of the bracket (106), remove the sensor assembly, disassemble the connection between the cylinder and the slider (104) and the positioning plate (100), then remove the fixing bolts between the cylinder and the fixing plate (101), loosen the connecting bolts between the positioning plate (100) and the fixing plate (101), move the positioning plate (100) horizontally out, remove the fixing part of the slider (104), pull out the slider (104) along the direction of the guide rail (103), disassemble the connecting bolts between the guide rail (103) and the fixing plate (101), loosen the bolts between the fixing plate (101) and the conveyor line (11) frame (12), and remove the fixing plates (101) on both sides.

[0035] Reference Appendix Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a positioning sensor 105 is provided in the running direction of the conveyor line (11) and above the positioning plate (100).

[0036] In this technical solution, the positioning sensor 105 is installed above the material conveying line (11) and close to the positioning plate (100). When the product (2) is precisely stuck in the recess (1000) of the positioning plate (100), the sensor immediately detects the positioning status of the product (2) and sends a trigger signal to the robot arm. This ensures that the robot arm can obtain accurate information on the positioning completion of the product (2) in real time and directly perform the grasping operation, thereby eliminating the action delay and greatly improving the continuity and efficiency of material feeding.

[0037] Reference Appendix Figure 2 , 3 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the position sensor is mounted on both sides of the conveyor line (11) via a detachable bracket (106).

[0038] The detachable bracket (106) of this solution firmly supports the positioning sensor 105 on both sides of the conveying line (11), allowing for flexible adjustment of the sensor's height and horizontal position to ensure accurate alignment of the product (2) at the recess (1000) of the positioning plate (100). The bracket (106) can be quickly disassembled for easy cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of the sensor, avoiding the impact of dust accumulation or damage on the reliability of signal detection and ensuring the real-time and accuracy of the signal received by the robot.

[0039] Reference Appendix Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a driving device (102) is provided on the fixed plate (101). One end of the driving device (102) is connected to a slider (104) provided on the guide rail (103). The slider (104) is connected to the end of the positioning plate (100). The positioning plate (100) achieves forward and backward displacement through the cooperation of the driving device (102), the guide rail (103) and the slider (104).

[0040] Specifically, the drive device (102) (such as a cylinder) pushes the slider (104) on the guide rail (103) to move the positioning plate (100) backward. After the product (2) is positioned, the positioning plate (100) is pulled open in time to make room for the robot to grasp and avoid the positioning plate (100) from blocking the robot's movement. After the grasping is completed, the cylinder drives the positioning plate (100) to move forward and reset, and continues to perform the next round of positioning and blocking, ensuring that the feeding process is continuous and efficient.

[0041] Reference Appendix Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the fixing plate (101) and the conveying line (11) are detachably connected, and the positioning plate (100) and the fixing plate (101) are detachably connected.

[0042] Specifically, the detachable connection design allows the fixed plate (101) to be quickly separated from the conveyor line (11), and the positioning plate (100) can also be easily removed from the fixed plate (101). Its core function is to facilitate the replacement of positioning plates (100) of different specifications (such as the shape / spacing adjustment of the recess (1000)) or to quickly disassemble and clean up accumulated materials. At the same time, it simplifies equipment maintenance, such as the elimination of the need to shut down the entire machine when replacing worn parts, thus minimizing production interruption time.

[0043] Reference Appendix Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the driving device (102) is a cylinder.

[0044] In this design, the cylinder serves as the driving device, providing rapid and stable linear thrust. Through pneumatic control, it precisely moves the slider (104) and positioning plate (100) back and forth. Its structure is simple and its response is fast, allowing the positioning plate (100) to be instantly opened to create space for the robotic arm to grasp.

[0045] Reference Appendix Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the number of recesses (1000) provided on the positioning plate (100) is at least 4.

[0046] Preferably, the positioning plate (100) has at least four recesses (1000). When the product (2) moves with the conveyor line (11), the multiple recesses (1000) can simultaneously accommodate and hold multiple products (2), preventing subsequent products (2) from accumulating and blocking after the first product (2) is positioned. At the same time, the evenly spaced recesses (1000) ensure that the products (2) are precisely arranged at fixed intervals, providing stable and continuous gripping for the robot arm and effectively matching the high-efficiency operation requirements of the automated production line. Of course, the number of recesses (1000) is not limited to four, but can also be multiple.

[0047] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and do not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings under the concept of the present utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A feeding mechanism for irregularly shaped parts, characterized in that, include The main body of the production line consists of a material handling assembly and a material conveying line. The material handling assembly is located near the end of the conveyor line. It includes fixed plates on both sides of the conveyor line, and a positioning plate for blocking products is connected between the fixed plates and above the conveyor line. The positioning plate has recesses arranged on the side facing the product infeed direction, and each recess corresponds to the outer contour of the product. The material placement assembly, through the positioning plate, recess, and the operation of the main body of the production line, achieves the positioning and equidistant placement of the products.

2. The irregular part feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material conveying line runs in the same direction, and a positioning sensor is located above the positioning plate.

3. The irregular part feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The position sensor is mounted on both sides of the material conveying line via detachable brackets.

4. The irregular part feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed plate is equipped with a driving device. One end of the driving device is connected to a slider set on the guide rail. The slider is connected to the end of the positioning plate. The positioning plate achieves forward and backward displacement through the cooperation of the driving device, the guide rail and the slider.

5. The irregular part feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing plate is detachably connected to the conveying line, and the positioning plate is detachably connected to the fixing plate.

6. The irregular part feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The driving device is a cylinder.

7. The irregular part feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of recesses provided on the positioning plate is at least four.

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