An automatic device for drilling holes in a needle plate

The fully automated processing is achieved through the needle plate automation device, which solves the problems of low efficiency, poor accuracy and safety hazards of traditional needle plate drilling, and improves processing efficiency and safety.

CN224390016UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23JIANGSU LITTLE SUN TECH DEV CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU LITTLE SUN TECH DEV CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-23
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional needle plate drilling processes are labor-intensive, difficult to guarantee precision, have low production efficiency, lack full-process automation, and pose safety hazards.

Method used

It adopts automatic needle plate feeding, dual-channel conveying components and multi-axis linkage drilling system to achieve fully automated processing. It combines photoelectric sensors and laser positioning sensors to ensure accurate positioning, uses spray components to cool the drill bit, and sets up a safety guard to ensure safety.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves drilling efficiency and quality, reduces manual intervention, enhances processing accuracy and safety, and adapts to the processing of needle plates of different sizes and shapes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure CN224390016U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses a needle plate drilling automation device, including work table, work table is equipped with the processing area for needle plate drilling, work table still is equipped with the loading area for loading needle plate, and loading area is equipped with a plurality of loading needle plate's feeding assembly, and the top of feeding assembly is the feed inlet, and the bottom is the discharge port, and the discharge port is equipped with the buffer channel, and the processing area is equipped with the processing channel, and one end of processing channel communicates with buffer channel, and the other end of processing channel is equipped with the discharge bin, and loading area still is equipped with the transmission assembly for conveying the needle plate located in buffer channel to processing channel and for pushing the needle plate after drilling completion into the discharge bin, and the processing area is equipped with the drilling assembly for needle plate drilling. The utility model discloses through needle plate automatic material continuation, realizes automatic feeding in conjunction with double channel and transmission assembly, ensures continuous processing no downtime, adopts multi -shaft linkage unit, realizes high accuracy multi -hole synchronous drilling, constructs full -automatic operation device, and the processing efficiency and the yield are improved significantly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of textile machinery manufacturing technology, and in particular to an automated device for drilling needle plates. Background Technology

[0002] As a key component of dyeing and printing machinery, the needle plate is mainly used to control the movement trajectory and tension of the fabric. In the manufacturing process of the needle plate, the drilling process is one of the crucial steps, and its processing accuracy and efficiency directly affect the final quality and performance of the needle plate. Traditionally, the needle plate drilling process is usually completed on a conventional drilling machine, relying on operators to manually position the needle plate, adjust its position, and perform the drilling operation. This method is not only labor-intensive but also susceptible to human error, leading to inconsistent processing quality.

[0003] Traditional drilling operations are slow and can only process one hole at a time, making simultaneous processing of multiple holes impossible and resulting in low production efficiency. Due to manual operation, the positioning accuracy of the needle plate is difficult to guarantee, easily leading to problems such as hole position deviation and inconsistent hole diameters. Operators need to frequently load, unload, position, and adjust the needle plate, resulting in high labor intensity and impacting processing quality. Furthermore, traditional drilling machines lack effective safety protection measures, posing certain safety hazards during operation, such as drill bit breakage and workpiece splashing. Currently, some needle plate processing equipment still requires manual intervention in the loading, conveying, and processing stages, making it difficult to achieve full automation. Moreover, existing equipment generally suffers from insufficient positioning and processing accuracy, failing to meet the processing requirements of high-precision needle plates, and has limited adaptability, typically only able to process needle plates of specific specifications, lacking the ability to flexibly adjust to needle plates of different sizes and shapes.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this patent proposes an automated needle plate drilling device. By integrating a feeding assembly, a conveying assembly, and a drilling assembly, it achieves fully automated production of needle plate drilling, effectively solving the problems of traditional drilling machines and existing technologies, improving the efficiency and quality of needle plate drilling, and possessing broad application prospects. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated device for drilling holes in a needle plate.

[0006] The innovation of this utility model lies in the automatic feeding of the needle plate, combined with the dual channels and conveyor components to achieve automatic feeding, ensuring continuous processing without downtime; and the use of a multi-axis linkage unit to achieve high-precision multi-hole synchronous drilling, thus constructing a fully automated operation device that significantly improves processing efficiency and yield.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is: an automated needle plate drilling device, comprising a workbench, characterized in that the workbench is provided with a processing area for needle plate drilling, and a loading area for loading needle plates. The loading area is provided with several feeding components for loading needle plates, the top of each feeding component being an inlet and the bottom an outlet, with a buffer channel at the outlet. The processing area is provided with a processing channel, one end of which is connected to the buffer channel, and the other end of which is provided with an outlet hopper. The loading area is also provided with a conveying component for conveying needle plates located in the buffer channel to the processing channel and for pushing the drilled needle plates into the outlet hopper. The processing area is also provided with a drilling component for drilling needle plates. By utilizing the workbench's partitioned design and the connection between the buffer channel and the processing channel, in conjunction with the conveying component, the entire process of needle plate drilling—from feeding, positioning and buffering, precise conveying, automatic drilling to finished product collection—is fully automated, significantly improving drilling efficiency and reducing the risk of manual intervention and handling damage.

[0008] Furthermore, the feeding assembly includes an inclined guide groove, on which a detection component for detecting the orientation of the needle plate during installation is provided. This detection component is a photoelectric sensor. The upper opening of the guide groove is the feed inlet, and the lower opening is the discharge outlet. By using an inclined guide groove with a photoelectric sensor as the feeding assembly, the needle plate can automatically slide to the processing position under gravity. Simultaneously, the photoelectric sensor detects the orientation of the needle plate in real time, effectively preventing processing failures due to incorrect needle plate orientation and ensuring processing quality.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide groove has an inclination angle of 15-20° with the vertical direction. By limiting the inclination angle of the guide groove to 15-20°, the needle plate can slide smoothly under gravity without jamming, while the sliding speed can be controlled to prevent impact deformation at the entrance of the buffer channel or processing channel due to excessive speed, thus ensuring stable and accurate positioning.

[0010] Furthermore, the drilling assembly includes a multi-axis linkage machining unit, which comprises several independently controllable spindles. Each spindle has a drilling tool at its end. The machining area is equipped with a three-axis linkage platform that drives the multi-axis linkage machining unit to move in linkage along the X, Y, and Z axes. The three-axis linkage platform is connected to the multi-axis linkage machining unit and is equipped with a primary motor unit that drives its operation. A secondary motor unit that drives the spindle is also located on the spindle. By employing a multi-axis linkage machining unit in conjunction with a three-axis linkage platform, the device can simultaneously perform drilling operations on multiple needle plates or different positions on the same needle plate, achieving precise tool positioning in three-dimensional space, significantly improving processing efficiency, flexibility, and drilling position accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, the buffer channel and the processing channel are connected, and the axis at the connection point corresponds to the spindle of the multi-axis linkage machining unit. By ensuring that the axis at the connection point between the buffer channel and the processing channel is strictly aligned with the corresponding spindle, the hole to be processed of the needle plate can automatically and accurately align with the drilling tool above after it is pushed from the buffer channel into the processing channel, eliminating the need for additional alignment steps, shortening the cycle time, and improving positioning accuracy.

[0012] Furthermore, the conveying assembly includes several push rod units corresponding to the buffer channel and the processing channel, and a primary cylinder driving each push rod unit. By setting multiple push rod units driven by the primary cylinder, the device can accurately and reliably push the needle plate from the buffer channel into the processing channel for drilling, and push the finished product into the discharge hopper after drilling is completed. The action is direct and efficient, and the structure is simple and reliable.

[0013] Furthermore, each spindle of the multi-axis linkage machining unit is equipped with a spray assembly for cooling the corresponding drilling tool. By integrating the spray assembly on the spindle, coolant can be directly and precisely sprayed onto the contact point between the drilling tool and the needle plate during drilling, effectively reducing drill temperature, reducing wear, extending tool life, and removing chips to ensure drilling quality and surface finish.

[0014] Furthermore, the processing area is equipped with a collection tank for collecting the coolant from the spray assembly. By setting up a collection tank in the processing area, the coolant used by the spray assembly and the copper shavings generated can be effectively collected and centrally processed, maintaining a clean working environment and facilitating the recycling, filtration, and reuse of the coolant or the professional disposal of waste liquid and shavings, thus meeting environmental protection requirements.

[0015] Furthermore, clamping assemblies are provided on both sides of the processing channel to hold the needle plate in place during drilling. Laser positioning sensors are also provided in both the buffer channel and the processing channel to calibrate the position of the needle plate. By providing clamping assemblies on both sides of the processing channel, the needle plate is firmly fixed during drilling, preventing vibration and displacement and ensuring drilling accuracy. The laser positioning sensors monitor the position of the needle plate in the buffer channel and the processing channel in real time, enabling the system to precisely control the conveying and clamping actions, ensuring consistent processing.

[0016] Furthermore, the workbench is equipped with a detachable safety guard around its perimeter. This guard includes an emergency stop button and an infrared anti-collision sensor for detecting processing abnormalities and immediately halting equipment operation. By installing a detachable safety guard with an emergency stop button and infrared anti-collision sensor around the workbench, operator safety is ensured, while also facilitating equipment maintenance and monitoring. The emergency stop button provides a manual, rapid shutdown function in emergencies, offering dual protection for both equipment and personnel safety.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] This invention utilizes a workbench partition design and a connection between the buffer channel and the processing channel, along with a conveyor assembly, to automate the entire process of the needle plate from feeding, positioning and buffering, precise conveying, automatic drilling to finished product collection. This significantly improves drilling efficiency and reduces the risk of manual intervention and damage during handling. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the various areas of the processing zone of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the loading area of ​​this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission component of this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Workbench; 11. Detachable safety guard; 12. Infrared anti-collision sensor; 2. Processing area; 21. Processing channel; 22. Discharge bin; 23. Clamping assembly; 24. Laser positioning sensor; 3. Loading area; 31. Feeding assembly; 32. Buffer channel; 33. Guide groove; 34. Detection assembly; 4. Conveying assembly; 41. Push rod unit; 42. Cylinder No. 1; 5. Drilling assembly; 6. Multi-axis linkage processing unit; 61. Spindle; 62. Drilling tool; 7. Three-axis linkage platform; 8. Motor set No. 1; 9. Motor set No. 2; 10. Spray assembly; 101. Collection box. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Example 1: As Figure 1 , 2The automated needle plate drilling device shown in Figures 3 and 4 includes a workbench 1, a processing area 2 for drilling needle plates, and a loading area 3 for loading needle plates. The loading area 3 has several feeding assemblies 31 for loading needle plates. The top of each feeding assembly 31 is an inlet, and the bottom is an outlet. A buffer channel 32 is provided at the outlet. The processing area 2 has a processing channel 21, one end of which is connected to the buffer channel 32, and the other end of which is a discharge bin 22. The loading area 3 also has a conveying assembly 4 for conveying needle plates located in the buffer channel 32 to the processing channel 21 and for pushing the drilled needle plates into the discharge bin 22. The processing area 2 also has a drilling assembly 5 for drilling needle plates. The feeding assembly 31 includes an inclined guide groove 33. A detection assembly 34, a photoelectric sensor, is provided on the guide groove 33 to detect the orientation of the needle plate during installation. The upper opening of the guide groove 33 is the inlet, and the lower opening is the outlet. The guide groove 33 has an inclination angle of 15-20° with the vertical direction. The drilling assembly 5 includes a multi-axis linkage machining unit 6, which contains several independently controllable spindles 61. Drilling tools 62 are provided at the ends of the spindles 61. The machining area 2 is equipped with a three-axis linkage platform 7 that drives the multi-axis linkage machining unit 6 to move in linkage in the X, Y, and Z axes. The three-axis linkage platform 7 is connected to the multi-axis linkage machining unit 6 and is equipped with a primary motor group 8 that drives the platform. A secondary motor group 9 that drives the spindles 61 is also provided. The buffer channel 32 and the machining channel 21 are connected, and the axis at the connection point corresponds to the corresponding spindle 61 of the multi-axis linkage machining unit 6. The conveying assembly 4 includes several push rod units 41 corresponding to the buffer channel 32 and the machining channel 21, and a primary cylinder 42 that drives each push rod unit 41. Each spindle 61 of the multi-axis linkage machining unit 6 is equipped with a spray assembly 10 for cooling the corresponding drilling tool 62. Processing area 2 is equipped with a collection tank 101 for collecting the coolant from the spray assembly 10. Clamping assemblies 23 are installed on both sides of the processing channel 21 to hold the needle plate in place during drilling. Laser positioning sensors 24 for calibrating the position of the needle plate are installed at both the buffer channel 32 and the processing channel 21. A detachable safety guard 11 is installed around the workbench 1. The detachable safety guard 11 is equipped with an emergency stop button and an infrared anti-collision sensor 12 for detecting processing abnormalities and immediately stopping the equipment.

[0026] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: The operator stacks the needle plates sequentially into the feed inlets of several inclined guide grooves 33 in the loading area 3. The guide grooves 33 adjust the inclination angle range according to the actual working conditions, and the needle plates slide down at an inclination angle of 15-20°. During this process, photoelectric sensors detect the front and back orientation to ensure that the needle plates with the correct orientation fall into the buffer channel 32. The laser positioning sensor in the buffer channel 32 calibrates the position of the needle plates in real time. Then, the first cylinder 42 of the conveying component 4 drives the push rod unit 41 to push the needle plates into the processing channel 21. The push rod unit 41 retracts, and the needle plates continue to fall in the guide grooves 33. The clamping components 23 on both sides of the processing channel immediately fix the needle plates. At the same time, the three-axis linkage platform 7 is powered by the first motor group 8. The drive unit 6 moves the multi-axis linkage machining unit 6 in three-dimensional space, enabling the drilling tools 62 at the ends of the spindles 61, which are independently driven by the No. 2 motor unit 9, to be precisely positioned and drilled synchronously. During the drilling process, the spray assembly 10 on the spindle sprays coolant to cool it down, and the waste liquid flows into the collection box 101 for recycling. After drilling is completed, the clamping assembly is released, and the push rod unit 41 of the conveying assembly pushes the needle plate falling in the guide groove 33. The falling needle plate pushes the finished needle plate into the discharge bin 22. In the whole process, the buffer channel 32 stores a needle plate to be processed, realizing continuous production. The detachable safety guard 11 around the workbench 1 monitors abnormalities through the infrared anti-collision sensor 12 and triggers the emergency stop button to ensure operational safety.

[0027] In summary, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automated needle plate drilling device, comprising a worktable, characterized in that, The workbench is provided with a processing area for drilling needle plates, and a loading area for loading needle plates. The loading area is provided with several feeding components for loading needle plates. The top of the feeding component is a feed inlet and the bottom is a discharge outlet. A buffer channel is provided at the discharge outlet. The processing area is provided with a processing channel. One end of the processing channel is connected to the buffer channel, and the other end of the processing channel is provided with a discharge bin. The loading area is also provided with a conveying component for conveying needle plates located in the buffer channel to the processing channel and for pushing the needle plates after drilling into the discharge bin. The processing area is provided with a drilling component for drilling needle plates.

2. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding assembly includes an inclined guide groove, and the guide groove is equipped with a detection component for detecting the orientation of the needle plate during installation. The detection component is a photoelectric sensor. The upper opening of the guide groove is the feed inlet, and the lower opening is the discharge outlet.

3. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide groove has an inclination angle of 15-20° with respect to the vertical direction.

4. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drilling assembly includes a multi-axis linkage machining unit, which contains several independently controllable spindles. The spindle ends are equipped with drilling tools. The machining area is equipped with a three-axis linkage platform that drives the multi-axis linkage machining unit to move in linkage in the X, Y, and Z axes. The three-axis linkage platform is connected to the multi-axis linkage machining unit. The three-axis linkage platform is equipped with a first motor group that drives the three-axis linkage platform. The spindle is equipped with a second motor group that drives the spindle.

5. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The buffer channel and the processing channel are connected, and the axis at the connection point corresponds to the main spindle of the multi-axis linkage processing unit.

6. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes several push rod units corresponding to the buffer channel and the processing channel, and a first cylinder that drives each push rod unit.

7. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each spindle of the multi-axis linkage machining unit is equipped with a spray assembly for cooling the corresponding drilling tool of the spindle.

8. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The processing area is equipped with a collection tank for collecting the coolant from the spray assembly.

9. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing channel is equipped with clamping components on both sides for clamping the needle plate during drilling. Both the buffer channel and the processing channel are equipped with laser positioning sensors for calibrating the position of the needle plate.

10. The automated needle plate drilling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workbench is equipped with a detachable safety guard around its perimeter. The detachable safety guard is equipped with an emergency stop button and an infrared anti-collision sensor for detecting processing abnormalities and stopping the equipment in an emergency.