Automatic feeding device for water meter casing bottom cover

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automatic feeding device for water meter casing bottom covers, comprising: a storage mechanism including a storage cavity for vertically stacking and storing bottom covers, and a positioning plate located at the top of the storage cavity; the positioning plate has a discharge port corresponding to the storage cavity; a discharge mechanism disposed on one side of the storage mechanism, the discharge mechanism having a vertically movable material-supporting component located within the storage cavity, the material-supporting component being used to move the stacked bottom covers upwards for discharge; and a transfer mechanism disposed on one side of the storage mechanism for transferring the bottom covers at the discharge port. The storage cavity can stack and store multiple bottom covers, and the transfer mechanism can transfer and feed the bottom covers at the discharge port. Simultaneously, the material-supporting component on the discharge mechanism can move other bottom covers in the storage cavity upwards to fill the empty positions at the discharge port, repeating this process to achieve fully automatic feeding of bottom covers without manual operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of feeding equipment technology, and more specifically, to an automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of a water meter casing. Background Technology

[0002] The water meter casing is the external protective structure of the water meter, and its main function is to protect the internal metering device from the influence of the external environment. The stainless steel water meter casing consists of a cavity and a bottom cover; during the manufacturing process, the bottom cover needs to be welded to the cavity.

[0003] In existing technologies, the bottom cover is typically placed manually onto the mold cavity and then welded using welding equipment. This requires a worker to be present next to each welding equipment tray, resulting in high labor costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a feeding device that can automatically replenish and transfer materials to the bottom cover of a water meter casing.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] An automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of a water meter casing includes:

[0007] The storage mechanism includes a storage cavity for vertically stacking storage bottom covers, and a positioning plate located at the top of the storage cavity; the positioning plate has a discharge port corresponding to the storage cavity;

[0008] A discharge mechanism is disposed on one side of the storage mechanism. The discharge mechanism has a vertically movable support member located within the storage cavity. This support member is used to move the stacked bottom covers upwards to discharge materials.

[0009] A transfer mechanism is located on one side of the storage mechanism and is used to transfer the bottom cover of the discharge port.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0011] The storage chamber can stack and store multiple bottom covers. In conjunction with the transfer mechanism, the bottom covers at the discharge port can be transferred and loaded. At the same time, the material support component on the discharge mechanism can move other bottom covers in the storage chamber upwards to fill the empty positions at the discharge port. This process is repeated to achieve fully automatic loading of bottom covers without manual operation.

[0012] Preferably, the positioning plate is further provided with a positioning element located on one side of the discharge port; the transfer mechanism takes the bottom cover out of the discharge port and places it on the positioning element for positioning.

[0013] Preferably, the positioning element consists of a plurality of positioning blocks arranged in a ring.

[0014] Preferably, the storage mechanism further includes:

[0015] A support frame having a base located below the positioning plate; and

[0016] Several limiting rods are vertically arranged between the base and the positioning plate, and are arranged in a ring around the discharge port;

[0017] The positioning plate is disposed on the support frame; the storage cavity is formed between the plurality of limiting rods.

[0018] Preferably, the material discharge mechanism further includes a lifting drive component disposed on the support frame and whose output end is connected to the material support component; the material support component is vertically guided on the limiting rod.

[0019] Preferably, the feeding device further includes a control box; the positioning plate is also provided with a sensor for sensing whether the bottom cover is discharging from the discharge port; the sensor is electrically connected to the control box to instruct the lifting drive to work.

[0020] Preferably, the transfer mechanism includes:

[0021] A horizontal drive assembly is disposed on one side of the material storage mechanism, and the drive direction is parallel to the line connecting the discharge port and the positioning member;

[0022] A vertical drive component, disposed at the output end of the horizontal drive component, has a vertical drive function; and

[0023] A gripper, located at the output end of the vertical drive assembly, is used to grip the bottom cover.

[0024] Preferably, the gripping component is a suction cup.

[0025] Preferably, the feeding device further includes a housing disposed opposite to the storage mechanism, and the horizontal drive assembly is disposed on the housing.

[0026] Preferably, the storage mechanism, the discharge mechanism, and the transfer mechanism are grouped together, and multiple groups can be set up. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the material storage mechanism and the material discharge mechanism of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the transfer mechanism of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0032] 1. Material storage mechanism; 11. Storage cavity; 12. Positioning plate; 121. Discharge port; 13. Support frame; 131. Base; 14. Limiting rod; 2. Discharge mechanism; 21. Material support component; 22. Lifting drive component; 3. Transfer mechanism; 31. Horizontal drive assembly; 32. Vertical drive assembly; 33. Gripping component; 4. Bottom cover; 5. Positioning component; 6. Sensor; 7. Control box; 8. Chassis. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0034] refer to Figure 1-2 An automatic feeding device for water meter casing bottom covers includes: a storage mechanism 1, a discharge mechanism 2, and a transfer mechanism 3. The storage mechanism 1 includes a storage cavity 11 for vertically stacking and storing bottom covers 4, and a positioning plate 12 located at the top of the storage cavity 11; the positioning plate 12 has a discharge port 121 corresponding to the storage cavity 11. The discharge mechanism 2 is located on one side of the storage mechanism 1, and has a vertically movable support member 21 located within the storage cavity 11, which is used to move the stacked bottom covers 4 upwards for discharge. The transfer mechanism 3 is located on one side of the storage mechanism 1 and is used to transfer the bottom covers 4 from the discharge port 121.

[0035] Understandably, the storage cavity 11 is a component used to stack the storage base cover 4. For example, it can be a tubular structure or a ring of multiple rods arranged in a circle, but it is not limited to these. The material support 21 is a component used to support the base cover 4. For example, it can be a plate structure or a rod structure placed on the bottom of the base cover 4, but it is not limited to these. The transfer mechanism 3 is a component used to transfer the base cover 4. For example, it can be a combination structure of a robotic arm, an X-axis and Y-axis combined drive assembly, an X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis combined drive assembly, etc., in conjunction with the gripper 33, but it is not limited to these.

[0036] With this configuration, the storage cavity 11 can stack and store multiple bottom covers 4. In conjunction with the transfer mechanism 3, the bottom covers 4 at the discharge port 121 can be transferred and loaded. At the same time, the material support 21 on the discharge mechanism 2 can move other bottom covers 4 in the storage cavity 11 upward to fill the empty positions of the discharge port 121. This process is repeated to achieve fully automatic loading of the bottom covers 4 without manual operation.

[0037] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The positioning plate 12 is also provided with a positioning element 5 located on one side of the discharge port 121; after the transfer mechanism 3 takes the bottom cover 4 out of the discharge port 121, it is placed on the positioning element 5 for positioning.

[0038] Understandably, the positioning component 5 is a part used to position the bottom cover 4. For example, it can be composed of several ring-shaped positioning blocks, a recessed groove structure, or a ring structure, but it is not limited to these. Here, the shape of the positioning component 5 is set to fit with the shape of the bottom cover 4.

[0039] With this configuration, the bottom cover 4 of the discharge port 121 can be transferred to the positioning part 5 by the transfer mechanism 3 for positioning, and then re-grabbed and transferred by the transfer mechanism 3. This ensures the accuracy of the transfer mechanism 3 in grasping the bottom cover 4, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the subsequent placement of the bottom cover 4 on the water meter housing cavity.

[0040] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The storage mechanism 1 further includes a support frame 13 and a plurality of limiting rods 14. The support frame 13 has a base 131 located below the positioning plate 12. The plurality of limiting rods 14 are vertically arranged between the base 131 and the positioning plate 12, and are arranged in a circular array with the discharge port 121 as the center. The positioning plate 12 is disposed on the support frame 13; the storage cavity 11 is formed between the plurality of limiting rods 14.

[0041] Understandably, the support frame 13 is a mounting and supporting component. The two ends of the limiting rod 14 can be integrally connected to the positioning plate 12 and the base 131, or they can be connected and fixed by a locking structure such as threaded parts. Here, the limiting rod 14 is not limited to a round rod structure; it can also be a long plate with an arc-shaped inner wall, etc., but it is not limited to these.

[0042] With this configuration, the bottom cover 4 can be stacked and stored in the storage cavity 11 surrounded by several limiting rods 14. The storage amount of the bottom cover 4 in the storage cavity 11 can also be observed, making it easy to promptly replenish the bottom cover 4.

[0043] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2The material discharge mechanism 2 also includes a lifting drive 22 mounted on the support frame 13 and whose output end is connected to the material support 21; the material support 21 is vertically guided on the limiting rod 14.

[0044] Understandably, the lifting drive component 22 is the part that drives the material support component 21 to rise and fall. For example, it can be a cylinder or an electric push rod directly installed below the storage cavity 11, or it can be a threaded screw drive structure installed on one side of the storage cavity 11, but it is not limited to these. The guide setting of the material support component 21 can be a shaft hole guide structure with the limit rod 14, or it can be a slide rail guide structure, but it is not limited to these.

[0045] With this configuration, the lifting drive 22 can move the material support 21 upwards to raise the bottom cover 4 for material replenishment. The guide cooperation between the material support 21 and the limiting component can further stabilize the lifting and moving of the material support 21.

[0046] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The feeding device also includes a control box 7; the positioning plate 12 is also equipped with a sensor 6 for sensing whether the bottom cover 4 is discharged from the discharge port 121; the sensor 6 is electrically connected to the control box 7 to instruct the lifting drive component 22 to work.

[0047] Understandably, control box 7 is a control system, such as a PLC control system or a microcontroller control system. Sensor 6 can be a laser sensor, proximity sensor, etc., but is not limited to these. Since the control principles of control box 7, sensor 6, and actuator (lifting drive 22) are existing technologies, they will not be elaborated on here.

[0048] With this configuration, when the transfer component transfers the bottom cover 4 out of the discharge port 121, the bottom cover 4 will pass through the sensor 6. The sensor 6 senses that the bottom cover 4 has been removed and sends a signal to the control box 7. The control box 7 then instructs the lifting drive component 22 to move the material support component 21 up by the cover size of the bottom cover 4, thereby filling the empty position of the discharge port 121 with a bottom cover 4.

[0049] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 3-4 The transfer mechanism 3 includes a horizontal drive assembly 31, a vertical drive assembly 32, and a gripping component 33. The horizontal drive assembly 31 is located on one side of the storage mechanism 1, and its driving direction is parallel to the line connecting the discharge port 121 and the positioning component 5. The vertical drive assembly 32 is located at the output end of the horizontal drive assembly 31 and has a vertical drive function. The gripping component 33 is located at the output end of the vertical drive assembly 32 and is used to grip the bottom cover 4.

[0050] Understandably, both the horizontal drive assembly 31 and the vertical drive assembly 32 are linear drives, such as screw drives or electric actuators, but are not limited to these. The gripper 33 can be an electromagnetic clamp, a mechanical claw, or a suction cup, but is not limited to these. Here, since the bottom cover 4 is a planar structure, a suction cup is preferred.

[0051] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 The feeding device also includes a housing 8 disposed opposite to the storage mechanism 1, and a horizontal drive assembly 31 is mounted on the housing 8. Thus, the housing 8 can house the horizontal drive assembly 31, thereby positioning and installing the entire transfer mechanism 3. Welding equipment can also be mounted on the housing 8 for use in conjunction with this invention.

[0052] In some embodiments, the storage mechanism 1, the discharge mechanism 2, and the transfer mechanism 3 are grouped together, and multiple groups can be set up. In this way, multiple groups of structures can simultaneously feed multiple bottom covers 4.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model; however, the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, based on the technical solution and its improved concept, should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of a water meter casing, characterized in that, include: The storage mechanism includes a storage cavity for vertically stacking storage bottom covers, and a positioning plate located at the top of the storage cavity; the positioning plate has a discharge port corresponding to the storage cavity; A discharge mechanism is provided on one side of the storage mechanism. The discharge mechanism has a material support member that can move up and down and is located in the storage cavity. The material support member is used to drive the stacked bottom cover to move up and discharge the material. as well as A transfer mechanism is located on one side of the storage mechanism and is used to transfer the bottom cover of the discharge port.

2. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning plate is also provided with a positioning component located on one side of the discharge port; the transfer mechanism takes the bottom cover out of the discharge port and places it on the positioning component for positioning.

3. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning element consists of several positioning blocks arranged in a ring.

4. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage mechanism also includes: A support frame having a base located below the positioning plate; and Several limiting rods are vertically arranged between the base and the positioning plate, and are arranged in a ring around the discharge port; The positioning plate is disposed on the support frame; the storage cavity is formed between the plurality of limiting rods.

5. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The material discharge mechanism also includes a lifting drive component mounted on the support frame and whose output end is connected to the material support component; the material support component is vertically guided on the limiting rod.

6. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The feeding device also includes a control box; the positioning plate is also equipped with a sensor for sensing whether the bottom cover is discharging from the discharge port; the sensor is electrically connected to the control box to instruct the lifting drive to work.

7. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism includes: A horizontal drive assembly is disposed on one side of the material storage mechanism, and the drive direction is parallel to the line connecting the discharge port and the positioning member; A vertical drive component, disposed at the output end of the horizontal drive component, has a vertical drive function; and A gripper, located at the output end of the vertical drive assembly, is used to grip the bottom cover.

8. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gripping component is a suction cup.

9. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of the water meter casing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The feeding device also includes a housing disposed opposite to the storage mechanism, and the horizontal drive assembly is disposed on the housing.

10. The automatic feeding device for the bottom cover of a water meter casing according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The storage mechanism, the discharge mechanism, and the transfer mechanism are grouped together, and multiple groups can be set up.

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