Automatic feeding device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic feeding device relates to feeding device technical field, and automatic feeding device includes: device body, support mechanism and a plurality of drive mechanisms, and support mechanism is used for placing material holding structure to support material holding structure, and support mechanism is movable along the first direction relative to device body to make support mechanism with material holding structure move to feeding position or tray switching position, and support mechanism is a plurality of, and a plurality of support mechanisms are arranged along the second direction, and a plurality of drive mechanisms are connected with a plurality of support mechanisms respectively, and drive mechanism is used for driving corresponding support mechanism to move to feeding position or tray switching position. According to the automatic feeding device of the application, it is favorable to realize the effect of automatic feeding device automatic feeding, and it is favorable to reduce the work load of workers, and the feeding speed of automatic feeding device is stable, and it is favorable to improve the stability and reliability of automatic feeding device feeding, and it is favorable to improve the production efficiency and finished product quality of parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of feeding device technology, and in particular to an automatic feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, existing production lines use manual feeding. During the feeding process, due to the long distance between the equipment, workers need to switch between feeding trays back and forth, which affects the production cycle, the production efficiency of parts, and the quality of finished products. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic feeding device that facilitates automated feeding, reduces worker workload, stabilizes the feeding speed, improves the stability and reliability of the automatic feeding device, and ultimately enhances production efficiency and finished product quality.

[0004] An automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a device body, a support mechanism, and multiple drive mechanisms. The support mechanism is used to place a material holding structure to support the material holding structure. The support mechanism is disposed on the device body and is movable relative to the device body along a first direction, so that the support mechanism drives the material holding structure to move to a feeding position or a tray switching position. The first direction is perpendicular to the height direction of the automatic feeding device. There are multiple support mechanisms, which are arranged along a second direction. Multiple drive mechanisms are respectively connected to multiple support mechanisms. The drive mechanisms are used to drive the corresponding support mechanism to move to the feeding position or the tray switching position. The first direction, the second direction, and the height direction of the automatic feeding device are perpendicular.

[0005] The automatic feeding device according to the embodiments of this application, by setting multiple driving mechanisms to drive corresponding support mechanisms to move the material holding structure to the feeding position or the tray switching position, is conducive to realizing the effect of the automatic feeding device controlling the movement of multiple support mechanisms, improving the reliability of the support mechanisms when moving along the first direction, and realizing the effect of automated feeding. Moreover, the worker only needs to place the material holding structure containing the material on the support mechanism, which helps to reduce the workload of the worker, stabilizes the feeding speed of the automatic feeding device, improves the stability and reliability of the automatic feeding device during feeding, and improves the production efficiency of parts and the quality of finished products.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support mechanism includes a first support structure and a second support structure. Both the first support structure and the second support structure are movable relative to the device body along the first direction. At least a portion of the first support structure and the second support structure are located above the device body. When both the first support structure and the second support structure are located at the material tray switching position, the first support structure is arranged around the second support structure.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first support structure includes a first support plate, which is located above and spaced apart from the device body. The first support structure and the device body together define a receiving space for accommodating the second support structure. The receiving space is located between the first support plate and the device body. When both the first support structure and the second support structure are located at the tray switching position, at least a portion of the second support structure is located within the receiving space.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first support structure further includes a connecting plate, the device body includes a top wall, the connecting plate extends along the height direction of the automatic feeding device and passes through the top wall, the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the first support plate and connected to the drive mechanism.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the automatic feeding device further includes: a first guide rail, the first guide rail being fixed to the lower surface of the top wall of the body and extending along the first direction, and a first slider being fixed to the connecting plate, the first slider being slidably disposed on the first guide rail along the first direction.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the automatic feeding device further includes: a controller and two first position detection elements. The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism and the two first position detection elements. The two first position detection elements are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the two first position detection elements are respectively set to correspond to the feeding position and the material tray switching position. The first position detection elements are used to detect the first support structure. The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism to stop working when the first position detection element detects the first support structure.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the automatic feeding device further includes: a second guide rail, the second support structure including a second support plate, the second guide rail being fixed to the upper surface of the device body and extending along the first direction, the second support plate being located above the second guide rail, and a second slider being fixedly provided on the lower surface of the second support plate, the second slider being slidably disposed on the second guide rail along the first direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the automatic feeding device further includes: a controller and two second position detection elements. The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism and the two second position detection elements. The two second position detection elements are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the two second position detection elements are respectively set to correspond to the feeding position and the tray switching position. The second position detection elements are used to detect the second support structure. The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism to stop working when the second position detection elements detect the second support structure.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the automatic feeding device further includes a first buffer structure, the first buffer structure including a first buffer portion and a second buffer portion, and along the first direction, the first support structure is located between the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion, both the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion being used to contact the first support structure to buffer the first support structure; and / or the automatic feeding device further includes a second buffer structure, the second buffer structure including a third buffer portion and a fourth buffer portion, and along the first direction, the second support structure is located between the third buffer portion and the fourth buffer portion, both the third buffer portion and the fourth buffer portion being used to contact the second support structure to buffer the second support structure.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driving mechanism includes: a first driving part and a second driving part, wherein the first driving part is connected to the first support structure to drive the first support structure to move, and the second driving part is connected to the second support structure to drive the second support structure to move.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure label: Automatic feeding device 1, Device body 10, top wall 11, first through hole 111, first body 12, second body 13, connecting rod 14, moving structure 15, fixing structure 16. Support mechanism 20, first support structure 21, first support plate 211, connecting plate 212, second support structure 22, second support plate 221, accommodating space 23, second limiting part 24. Material holding structure 30, first limiting part 31. Drive mechanism 40, first drive unit 41, second drive unit 42, drive slider 43, cylinder body 44. First guide rail 51, first slider 52, second guide rail 53, second slider 54. First position detection component 61, second position detection component 62. Third buffer section 71, fourth buffer section 72. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0019] The following is for reference. Figures 1-3 The automatic feeding device 1 according to an embodiment of the present utility model is described.

[0020] According to the automatic feeding device 1 of this utility model embodiment, such as Figure 1-3As shown, the automatic feeding device 1 may include: a device body 10, a support mechanism 20, and multiple drive mechanisms 40. The support mechanism 20 is used to place the material holding structure 30 to support the material holding structure 30. The support mechanism 20 is located on the device body 10 and is movable relative to the device body 10 along a first direction so that the support mechanism 20 can drive the material holding structure 30 to the feeding position or the tray switching position. The first direction is perpendicular to the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1. There are multiple support mechanisms 20, which are arranged along a second direction. Multiple drive mechanisms 40 are respectively connected to multiple support mechanisms 20. The drive mechanisms 40 are used to drive the corresponding support mechanism 20 to move to the feeding position or the tray switching position. The first direction, the second direction, and the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1 are perpendicular.

[0021] It should be noted that the existing production line uses manual feeding. During the feeding process, due to the long distance between the equipment, workers need to switch between feeding trays back and forth, which affects the production cycle, the production efficiency of parts, and the quality of finished products.

[0022] Based on this, this application embodiment proposes an automatic feeding device 1. A support mechanism 20 can be used to place a material holding structure 30. The support mechanism 20 can support the material holding structure 30, meaning the material holding structure 30 can be located above the support mechanism 20. Materials required for production can be placed on the material holding structure 30. The material holding structure 30 can be fixed to the support mechanism 20 by means of snap-fit ​​or other methods. The material holding structure 30 can be a tray, etc. This application embodiment uses a tray as an example for explanation. The support mechanism 20 can be located on the device body 10. The support mechanism 20 can move relative to the device body 10 along a first direction. The support mechanism 20 can drive the material holding structure 30 to move synchronously, thereby achieving the effect of changing the position of the material holding structure 30. When the automatic feeding device 1... Figure 1 When setting the direction, the first direction can be... Figure 1 The Y-axis in the first direction is perpendicular to the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0023] The support mechanism 20 can move along the first direction on the device body 10, and can drive the material holding structure 30 to move to the feeding position or the tray switching position. The feeding position and the tray switching position can be arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the first direction. The support mechanism 20 can drive the material holding structure 30 to switch between the feeding position and the tray switching position, so that the material holding structure 30 can work at the feeding position or the tray switching position. As an example, a robot, robotic arm, etc. can be provided at the feeding position on the production line. The robot, robotic arm, etc. can be used to grasp materials so that the materials can participate in the production of parts. This application embodiment takes the example of a robot on the production line grasping materials on the material holding structure 30. The worker can be located at the tray switching position. The worker can remove the empty material holding structure 30 and place the material holding structure 30 filled with materials at the tray switching position. The worker can also switch the material holding structure 30 containing different types of materials at the tray switching position. When the material holding structure 30 is full of material and is in the feeding position, the robot can grab the material. After the material is fed on the material holding structure 30, the support mechanism 20 can drive the empty material holding structure 30 to the material tray switching position, and the worker can switch the material holding structure 30.

[0024] There can be multiple support mechanisms 20, each of which can be located on the device body 10. These support mechanisms 20 can be arranged along a second direction, or spaced apart along the second direction. Each support mechanism 20 can support the material holding structure 30. When the automatic feeding device 1... Figure 1 When setting the direction, the second direction can be... Figure 1 The X-direction, the first direction, the second direction, and the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1 are perpendicular to each other. Multiple drive mechanisms 40 can be connected to multiple support mechanisms 20 respectively. Each support mechanism 20 can have a corresponding drive mechanism 40 connected to it. Each drive mechanism 40 can be used to drive the corresponding support mechanism 20 to move along the first direction. Each drive mechanism 40 can be used to drive the corresponding support mechanism 20 to move to the feeding position or the tray switching position. This facilitates the automatic feeding device 1 to control the movement of multiple support mechanisms 20 separately, and improves the reliability of the support mechanisms 20 when moving along the first direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, by setting multiple driving mechanisms 40 to drive corresponding support mechanisms 20 to move the material holding structure 30 to the feeding position or the tray switching position, it is beneficial to achieve the effect of the automatic feeding device 1 controlling the movement of multiple support mechanisms 20 respectively, which is beneficial to improve the reliability of the support mechanism 20 when moving along the first direction, and to achieve the effect of automatic feeding device 1 automating the feeding. Moreover, the worker only needs to place the material holding structure 30 containing the material on the support mechanism 20, which is beneficial to reduce the workload of the worker, stabilize the feeding speed of automatic feeding device 1, improve the stability and reliability of automatic feeding device 1 during feeding, and improve the production efficiency of parts and the quality of finished products.

[0026] As an example, the material holding structure 30 may have a first limiting part 31, and the support mechanism 20 may have a second limiting part 24. One of the first limiting part 31 and the second limiting part 24 may be a limiting block, and the other of the first limiting part 31 and the second limiting part 24 may be a limiting notch. The limiting block may be assembled into the limiting notch, so that the first limiting part 31 and the second limiting part 24 can be limited and engaged, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the connection between the material holding structure 30 and the support mechanism 20, and is beneficial to improving the reliability of the synchronous movement of the material holding structure 30 driven by the support mechanism 20.

[0027] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the support mechanism 20 includes a first support structure 21 and a second support structure 22. Both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 are movable relative to the device body 10 along a first direction. At least a portion of the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 are located above the device body 10. When both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 are in the tray switching position, the first support structure 21 is arranged around the second support structure 22.

[0028] The support mechanism 20 may include a first support structure 21 and a second support structure 22. Both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 can be used to support the material holding structure 30. Both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 can move relative to the device body 10 along a first direction. Both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 can drive the corresponding material holding structure 30 to move to the feeding position or the material tray switching position. When the first support structure 21 moves to the feeding position, the second support structure 22 can move to the tray switching position. When the first support structure 21 moves to the tray switching position, the second support structure 22 can move to the tray feeding position. The first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 can cooperate with each other and work alternately. When one of the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 is used for feeding at the feeding position, the other of the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 can be equipped with a material holding structure 30 filled with material at the tray switching position and prepare for the next feeding. This is beneficial to ensure that there is always a material holding structure 30 in the feeding position on the production line, to ensure that the automatic feeding device 1 continuously provides materials, to ensure that the parts are produced without stopping, and to further improve the production efficiency of the parts.

[0029] At least a portion of the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 can both be located above the device body 10. A portion of the first support structure 21 can be located above the device body 10, or the entire first support structure 21 can be located above the device body 10. This embodiment uses the example of a portion of the first support structure 21 being located above the device body 10 for illustration. The portion of the first support structure 21 used to support the corresponding material holding structure 30 can be located above the device body 10, thereby facilitating worker access to the material holding structure 30 and robot access to materials on the material holding structure 30. When both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 are in the tray switching position, i.e., when neither the first support structure 21 nor the second support structure 22 is working, the first support structure 21 can be arranged around the second support structure 22. A portion of the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 can be arranged along the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1, which is beneficial for improving the structural compactness of the automatic feeding device 1, reducing the space occupied by the automatic feeding device 1, and reducing the cost of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0030] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first support structure 21 includes a first support plate 211, which is located above and spaced apart from the device body 10. The first support structure 21 and the device body 10 together define a receiving space 23 for accommodating the second support structure 22. The receiving space 23 is located between the first support plate 211 and the device body 10. When both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 are in the tray switching position, at least a portion of the second support structure 22 is located within the receiving space 23.

[0031] The first support structure 21 may include a first support plate 211, which may be located above the device body 10 and spaced apart from it. The first support plate 211 can support the corresponding material holding structure 30. The first support structure 21 and the device body 10 can jointly define a receiving space 23, which may be located between the first support plate 211 and the device body 10. The receiving space 23 can accommodate the second support structure 22. When both the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 are located at the tray switching position, at least a portion of the second support structure 22 can be located within the receiving space 23. This is beneficial for further improving the structural compactness of the automatic feeding device 1, further reducing the space occupied by the automatic feeding device 1, and further reducing the cost of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0032] When the second support structure 22 moves along the first direction, that is, when the first support structure 21 moves toward the feeding position and the second support structure 22 moves toward the tray switching position, or when the first support structure 21 moves toward the tray switching position and the second support structure 22 moves toward the feeding position, the second support structure 22 can pass through the receiving space 23. When the first support structure 21 moves toward the feeding position and the second support structure 22 moves toward the tray switching position, a material holding structure 30 filled with material can be placed on the first support structure 21, and an empty material holding structure 30 can be placed on the second support structure 22. The first support structure 21 can move the material holding structure 30 filled with material to the feeding position so that the material in the material holding structure 30 can be used to participate in the production of parts. The second support structure 22 can move the empty material holding structure 30 to the material tray switching position so that the worker can remove the empty material holding structure 30 and reposition the material holding structure 30 filled with material. This is conducive to further realizing the effect of the automatic feeding device 1 continuously providing material to the feeding position, and further realizing the non-stop production of parts.

[0033] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3As shown, the first support structure 21 also includes a connecting plate 212. The device body 10 includes a body top wall 11. The connecting plate 212 extends along the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1 and passes through the body top wall 11. The connecting plate 212 is fixedly connected to the first support plate 211 and connected to the drive mechanism 40.

[0034] The first support structure 21 may further include a connecting plate 212. The device body 10 may include a top wall 11. The connecting plate 212 may extend along the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1 and may pass through the top wall 11. The connecting plate 212 may be fixedly connected to the first support plate 211 by welding, snap-fitting, or other methods. The connecting plate 212 may be used to support the first support plate 211, which is beneficial for the first support plate 211 to be arranged parallel to the top wall 11. The connecting plate 212 may be connected to the drive mechanism 40, which may drive the first support structure 21 to move along the first direction via the connecting plate 212. By setting the connecting plate 212, it is beneficial for the first support plate 211 and the top wall 11 to be spaced apart, which is beneficial for further defining the accommodating space 23, further improving the structural compactness of the automatic feeding device 1, further reducing the space occupied by the automatic feeding device 1, and further reducing the cost of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0035] As an example, there can be multiple connecting plates 212. Each first support structure 21 may include two sets of connecting plates 212, which can be arranged opposite each other along a second direction or spaced apart along the second direction. Each set of connecting plates may include multiple connecting plates 212, and the distance between any two adjacent connecting plates 212 in each set can be equal. This embodiment uses two connecting plates 212 per set as an example for illustration. By providing multiple connecting plates 212, the stability of the first support plate 211 can be improved.

[0036] As an example, the top wall 11 of the body can be formed with a first through hole 111. The first through hole 111 can penetrate the top wall 11 of the body along the thickness direction. The first through hole 111 can extend along a first direction. The connecting plate 212 can pass through the first through hole 111. When the first support structure 21 moves along the first direction, the connecting plate 212 can move within the first through hole 111.

[0037] As an example, the device body 10 may further include a first body 12 and a second body 13. The first body 12 and the second body 13 may be arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the height direction of the automatic feeding device 1, with the first body 12 located above the second body 13. A connecting rod 14 may be connected between the first body 12 and the second body 13. There may be multiple connecting rods 14, which may be arranged circumferentially along the device body 10. The first body 12, the second body 13, and the multiple connecting rods 14 may together define an installation space. The installation space may communicate with the first through hole 111, and the connecting plate 212 may pass through the first through hole 111 and extend into the installation space.

[0038] The first body 12 can be connected to the top wall 11 of the main body. The second body 13, on the side opposite to the connecting rod 14, can be provided with a movable structure 15. The movable structure 15 can achieve the effect of moving or fixing the device body 10. As an example, the movable structure 15 can be a caster wheel. The second body 13 can also be provided with a fixing structure 16. The fixing structure 16 can be fixed to the second body 13 by welding, bolting, or other methods. The fixing structure 16 can also be connected to the ground. The fixing structure 16 can cooperate with the movable structure 15 to fix the automatic feeding device 1 in place, which helps to reduce the probability of the automatic feeding device 1 moving around randomly and improves the reliability of the automatic feeding device 1 during operation.

[0039] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the automatic feeding device 1 may further include: a first guide rail 51, which is fixed to the lower surface of the top wall 11 of the main body and extends along a first direction; a connecting plate 212 is fixed with a first slider 52, which is slidably disposed on the first guide rail 51 along the first direction.

[0040] The first guide rail 51 can be fixed to the lower surface of the top wall 11 of the main body. The first guide rail 51 can be fixedly connected to the top wall 11 of the main body by means of screw connection, bonding, etc. The first guide rail 51 can extend along the first direction, and there can be multiple first guide rails 51. The connecting plate 212 can be fixedly provided with a first slider 52. The first slider 52 can be connected to the connecting plate 212 by means of snap-fit, bolt connection, etc. The first slider 52 can be provided at the end of the connecting plate 212 away from the first support plate 211, and the first slider 52 can be located within the installation space. The first slider 52 can be assembled with the first guide rail 51. The first slider 52 is slidably provided on the first guide rail 51 along the first direction, thereby realizing the effect of the first support structure 21 moving relative to the device body 10 along the first direction. By setting the first slider 52 and the first guide rail 51, the movement of the first support structure 21 can be guided.

[0041] As an example, there can be multiple first guide rails 51, which can be arranged sequentially along the second direction. The multiple first guide rails 51 can be correspondingly set with multiple sets of connecting plates. Each set of connecting plates 212 is fixedly provided with a first slider 52. The first sliders 52 on the multiple connecting plates 212 in each set of connecting plates can be slidably set on the same first guide rail 51, which is beneficial to further improve the stability of the first support structure 21 when it moves.

[0042] As an example, along the first direction, the first guide rail 51 may be provided with first limiting screws at both ends. The first limiting screws can be used to abut against the first sliders 52 located at both ends of the first support structure 21 along the first direction. The first limiting screws can be used to prevent the first support structure 21 from continuing to move along the first direction, which helps to reduce the probability of the first sliders 52 falling off the first guide rail 51 and the probability of the first support structure 21 falling off the automatic feeding device 1.

[0043] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the support mechanism 20 may further include: a controller and two first position detection elements 61. The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism 40 and the two first position detection elements 61. The two first position detection elements 61 are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the two first position detection elements 61 are respectively set to correspond to the feeding position and the material tray switching position. The first position detection element 61 is used to detect the first support structure 21. The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism 40 to stop working when the first position detection element 61 detects the first support structure 21.

[0044] The controller can communicate with the drive mechanism 40 and the two first position detection elements 61. The two first position detection elements 61 can be arranged at intervals along a first direction, or they can be positioned opposite each other along the first direction. The two first position detection elements 61 can be respectively set to correspond to the feeding position and the tray switching position. The first position detection element 61 is used to detect the corresponding first support structure 21. The first position detection element 61 set to the feeding position can be used to detect whether the corresponding first support structure 21 has moved to the feeding position, and the first position detection element 61 set to the tray switching position can be used to detect whether the corresponding first support structure 21 has moved to the tray switching position. When the first position detection element 61 can detect the first support structure 21, that is, when the first support structure 21 has moved to the feeding position or the tray switching position, the corresponding first position detection element 61 can send the position information of the first support structure 21 to the controller.

[0045] The controller can stop the drive mechanism 40 when the first position detection element 61 detects the first support structure 21. When the first position detection element 61, corresponding to the feeding position, detects the first support structure 21 (i.e., when the first support structure 21 moves to the feeding position), the controller can stop the drive mechanism 40, and the first support structure 21 will stop moving. Similarly, when the first position detection element 61, corresponding to the tray switching position, detects the first support structure 21 (i.e., when the first support structure 21 moves to the tray switching position), the controller can stop the drive mechanism 40, and the first support structure 21 will stop moving. By setting up the controller and the first position detection element 61, it is beneficial to achieve precise control of the first support structure 21 moving along the first direction to the feeding position or the tray switching position, which further improves the automation level and reliability of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0046] As an example, the controller can connect to a robot on the production line. The robot can send information to the controller, and the controller can send information to the robot. When the first position detection element 61, which corresponds to the feeding position, detects the first support structure 21, the controller can control the drive mechanism 40 to stop working. When the first support structure 21 stops moving, the controller can control the robot to grab the material in the corresponding material holding structure 30. When the robot has finished grabbing the material in the corresponding material holding structure 30, the robot can send information to the controller. The controller can then control the drive mechanism 40 to drive the first support structure 21 to move toward the material tray switching position based on the robot's information. This helps to further achieve the effect of automatic feeding and improves the reliability of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0047] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic feeding device 1 may further include: a second guide rail 53, a second support structure 22 including a second support plate 221, the second guide rail 53 being fixed to the upper surface of the device body 10 and extending along a first direction, the second support plate 221 being located above the second guide rail 53, and a second slider 54 being fixedly provided on the lower surface of the second support plate 221, the second slider 54 being slidably disposed on the second guide rail 53 along the first direction.

[0048] The second support structure 22 may include a second support plate 221, which may be located above the device body 10 and may be spaced apart from the device body 10. The second support plate 221 may be used to support the corresponding material holding structure 30. A second guide rail 53 may be fixed to the upper surface of the device body 10, i.e., the second guide rail 53 may be fixed to the upper surface of the top wall 11 of the body. The second guide rail 53 may be fixedly connected to the top wall 11 of the body by means of screws, adhesives, etc. The second guide rail 53 may extend along a first direction, and there may be multiple second guide rails 53. The second support plate 221 may be located above the second guide rail 53, and a second slider 54 may be fixed to the lower surface of the second support plate 221. The second slider 54 may be connected to the second support plate 221 by means of snap-fit, bolts, etc. The second slider 54 may be assembled with the second guide rail 53, and the second slider 54 may move along the second guide rail 53 in the first direction, thereby achieving the effect of the second support structure 22 moving relative to the device body 10 in the first direction. By setting the second slider 54 and the second guide rail 53, the movement of the second support structure 22 can be guided.

[0049] As an example, there can be multiple second guide rails 53, which can be arranged sequentially along the second direction, and each of the multiple second guide rails 53 can be fixed to the upper surface of the device body 10. There can also be multiple second sliders 54, with at least one second slider 54 provided on each second guide rail 53. The multiple second sliders 54 can move along the first direction on the corresponding second guide rail 53, which helps to further improve the stability of the second support structure 22 when it moves.

[0050] As an example, along the first direction, the two ends of the second guide rail 53 may be provided with second limiting screws. The second limiting screws can be used to abut against the second sliders 54 located at both ends of the second support structure 22 along the first direction. The second limiting screws can be used to prevent the second support structure 22 from continuing to move along the first direction, which helps to reduce the probability of the second sliders 54 falling off the second guide rail 53 and the probability of the second support structure 22 falling off the automatic feeding device 1.

[0051] In some embodiments of this utility model, the support mechanism 20 may further include: a controller and two second position detection elements 62. The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism 40 and the two second position detection elements 62. The two second position detection elements 62 are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the two second position detection elements 62 are respectively set to correspond to the feeding position and the material tray switching position. The second position detection elements 62 are used to detect the second support structure 22. The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism 40 to stop working when the second position detection element 62 detects the second support structure 22.

[0052] The controller can communicate with both the drive mechanism 40 and the two second position detection elements 62. The two second position detection elements 62 can be arranged spaced apart along a first direction, or they can be positioned opposite each other along the first direction. The two second position detection elements 62 can be respectively assigned to the feeding position and the tray switching position. The second position detection elements 62 are used to detect the corresponding second support structure 22. The second position detection element 62 assigned to the feeding position can detect whether the corresponding second support structure 22 has moved to the feeding position, and the second position detection element 62 assigned to the tray switching position can detect whether the corresponding second support structure 22 has moved to the tray switching position. When the second position detection element 62 detects the second support structure 22, that is, when the second support structure 22 has moved to the feeding position or the tray switching position, the corresponding second position detection element 62 can send the position information of the second support structure 22 to the controller.

[0053] The controller can stop the drive mechanism 40 when the second position detection element 62 detects the second support structure 22. When the second position detection element 62, corresponding to the feeding position, detects the second support structure 22 (i.e., when the second support structure 22 moves to the feeding position), the controller can stop the drive mechanism 40, and the second support structure 22 will stop moving. Similarly, when the second position detection element 62, corresponding to the tray switching position, detects the second support structure 22 (i.e., when the second support structure 22 moves to the tray switching position), the controller can stop the drive mechanism 40, and the second support structure 22 will stop moving. By setting up the controller and the second position detection element 62, it is beneficial to achieve precise control of the second support structure 22 moving along the first direction to the feeding position or the tray switching position, which further improves the automation level and reliability of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0054] The controller can communicate with robots and other equipment on the production line and send information to them. When the first position detection element 61, which corresponds to the feeding position, detects the first support structure 21, the controller can control the drive mechanism 40 to stop the first support structure 21 from moving. When the second position detection element 62, which corresponds to the tray switching position, detects the second support structure 22, the controller can control the drive mechanism 40 to stop the second support structure 22 from moving. At this time, the worker is at the tray switching position. The controller can send a signal to other equipment to notify the worker to move the second support structure 22 to the tray switching position. The worker can remove the empty material holding structure 30 and place the material holding structure 30 filled with material at the tray switching position. The worker can also switch between material holding structures 30 containing different types of materials at the tray switching position. When the robot finishes grabbing the material in the corresponding material holding structure 30, the robot can send information to the controller. The controller can control the drive mechanism 40 to drive the first support structure 21 to move toward the material tray switching position. The controller can also control the drive mechanism 40 to drive the second support structure 22 to move toward the feeding position. This helps to achieve the effect of the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 moving closer to each other and further away from each other along the first direction. This helps to improve the automation level of material tray switching, further improve the automation level of the automatic feeding device 1, further achieve the effect of automatic feeding, and further improve the reliability of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0055] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic feeding device 1 further includes a first buffer structure, which includes a first buffer section and a second buffer section. Along the first direction, a first support structure 21 is located between the first buffer section and the second buffer section. Both the first buffer section and the second buffer section are used to contact the first support structure 21 to buffer the first support structure 21. And / or the automatic feeding device 1 further includes a second buffer structure, which includes a third buffer section 71 and a fourth buffer section 72. Along the first direction, a second support structure 22 is located between the third buffer section 71 and the fourth buffer section 72. Both the third buffer section 71 and the fourth buffer section 72 are used to contact the second support structure 22 to buffer the second support structure 22.

[0056] The automatic feeding device 1 may also include a first buffer structure, or the automatic feeding device 1 may also include a second buffer structure, or the automatic feeding device 1 may also include a first buffer structure and a second buffer structure. In this embodiment, the automatic feeding device 1 is further described as including a first buffer structure and a second buffer structure.

[0057] The first buffer structure may include a first buffer section and a second buffer section, and the structures of the first buffer section and the second buffer section may be identical. As an example, both the first buffer section and the second buffer section may be hydraulic buffers, rubber, etc. Along the first direction, the first support structure 21 may be located between the first buffer section and the second buffer section. When the first support structure 21 moves along the first direction toward the feeding position, the first support structure 21 may move toward either the first buffer section or the second buffer section. When the first support structure 21 moves along the first direction toward the tray switching position, the first support structure 21 may move toward the other of the first buffer section or the second buffer section. Both the first buffer section and the second buffer section may contact the first support structure 21, and both the first buffer section and the second buffer section may buffer the first support structure 21, which helps to reduce the force between the first slider 52 and the first limit screw, and helps to reduce the probability of the first support structure 21 colliding with other structural components on the automatic feeding device 1 when it moves to the feeding position or the tray switching position.

[0058] The second buffer structure may include a third buffer section 71 and a fourth buffer section 72, and the structures of the third buffer section 71 and the fourth buffer section 72 may be identical. As an example, both the third buffer section 71 and the fourth buffer section 72 may be hydraulic buffers, rubber, etc. Along the first direction, the second support structure 22 may be located between the third buffer section 71 and the fourth buffer section 72. When the second support structure 22 moves along the first direction toward the feeding position, the second support structure 22 may move toward either the third buffer section 71 or the fourth buffer section 72. When the second support structure 22 moves along the first direction toward the tray switching position, the second support structure 22 may move toward the other of the third buffer section 71 or the fourth buffer section 72. This embodiment of the application is described with the third buffer section 71 located at the tray switching position and the fourth buffer section 72 located at the feeding position as an example. Both the third buffer section 71 and the fourth buffer section 72 can contact the second support structure 22. Both the third buffer section 71 and the fourth buffer section 72 can buffer the second support structure 22, which helps to reduce the force between the second slider 54 and the second limit screw, and helps to reduce the probability of the second support structure 22 colliding with other structural components on the automatic feeding device 1 when it moves to the feeding position or the material tray switching position.

[0059] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the drive mechanism 40 may include: a first drive part 41 and a second drive part 42. The first drive part 41 is connected to the first support structure 21 to drive the first support structure 21 to move, and the second drive part 42 is connected to the second support structure 22 to drive the second support structure 22 to move.

[0060] The first driving unit 41 and the second driving unit 42 can be used to drive the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 to move along a first direction, respectively. The first driving unit 41 can be correspondingly arranged with the first support structure 21 and can be connected to the first support structure 21 to drive the first support structure 21 to move. The second driving unit 42 can be correspondingly arranged with the second support structure 22 and can be connected to the second support structure 22 to drive the second support structure 22 to move. This is beneficial to achieving the effect of the driving mechanism 40 driving the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 respectively, and to achieving the effect of the automatic feeding device 1 controlling the first support structure 21 and the second support structure 22 respectively. When one of the first driving unit 41 and the second driving unit 42 is damaged, the other one can still be used, which helps to extend the service life of the automatic feeding device 1.

[0061] The first drive unit 41 and the second drive unit 42 can have the same structure. As an example, the first drive unit 41 can be constructed as a rodless cylinder. The rodless cylinder can include a drive slider 43 and a cylinder body 44. The cylinder body 44 can extend along a first direction, and the drive slider 43 can be mounted on the cylinder body 44. The drive slider 43 can move relative to the cylinder body 44 along the first direction, and the cylinder body 44 can drive the drive slider 43 to move on the cylinder body 44. The drive slider 43 can also be connected to a corresponding first slider 52, thereby achieving the effect of the first drive unit 41 driving the first support structure 21 to move along the first direction. As an example, the second drive unit 42 can be constructed as a rodless cylinder. The rodless cylinder can include a drive slider 43 and a cylinder body 44. The cylinder body 44 can extend along the first direction, and the drive slider 43 can be mounted on the cylinder body 44. The drive slider 43 can move relative to the cylinder body 44 along the first direction, and the cylinder body 44 can drive the drive slider 43 to move on the cylinder body 44. The drive slider 43 can also be connected to the corresponding second slider 54, thereby achieving the effect of the second drive unit 42 driving the second support structure 22 to move along the first direction.

[0062] Other components and operations of the automatic feeding device 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding device, characterized in that, include: Device body (10); A support mechanism (20) is provided to place the material holding structure (30) for supporting the material holding structure (30). The support mechanism (20) is located on the device body (10) and is movable relative to the device body (10) along a first direction so that the support mechanism (20) can drive the material holding structure (30) to move to the feeding position or the tray switching position. The first direction is perpendicular to the height direction of the automatic feeding device (1). Multiple drive mechanisms (40) are provided, and multiple support mechanisms (20) are provided. The multiple support mechanisms (20) are arranged along the second direction. The multiple drive mechanisms (40) are respectively connected to the multiple support mechanisms (20). The drive mechanism (40) is used to drive the corresponding support mechanism (20) to move to the feeding position or the tray switching position. The first direction, the second direction and the height direction of the automatic feeding device (1) are perpendicular.

2. The automatic feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support mechanism (20) includes a first support structure (21) and a second support structure (22). Both the first support structure (21) and the second support structure (22) are movable relative to the device body (10) along the first direction. At least a portion of the first support structure (21) and the second support structure (22) are located above the device body (10). When both the first support structure (21) and the second support structure (22) are located at the tray switching position, the first support structure (21) is arranged around the second support structure (22).

3. The automatic feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first support structure (21) includes a first support plate (211), which is located above and spaced apart from the device body (10). The first support structure (21) and the device body (10) together define a receiving space (23) for accommodating the second support structure (22). The receiving space (23) is located between the first support plate (211) and the device body (10). When both the first support structure (21) and the second support structure (22) are located at the tray switching position, at least a portion of the second support structure (22) is located within the receiving space (23).

4. The automatic feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first support structure (21) further includes a connecting plate (212). The device body (10) includes a top wall (11). The connecting plate (212) extends along the height direction of the automatic feeding device (1) and passes through the top wall (11). The connecting plate (212) is fixedly connected to the first support plate (211) and connected to the drive mechanism (40).

5. The automatic feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device (1) further includes: a first guide rail (51), which is fixed to the lower surface of the top wall (11) of the main body and extends along the first direction; and a first slider (52) is fixed to the connecting plate (212), which is slidably disposed on the first guide rail (51) along the first direction.

6. The automatic feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support mechanism (20) further includes: a controller and two first position detection elements (61). The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism (40) and the two first position detection elements (61). The two first position detection elements (61) are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the two first position detection elements (61) are respectively set to correspond to the feeding position and the material tray switching position. The first position detection elements (61) are used to detect the first support structure (21). The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism (40) to stop working when the first position detection element (61) detects the first support structure (21).

7. The automatic feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device (1) further includes: a second guide rail (53), the second support structure (22) includes a second support plate (221), the second guide rail (53) is fixed to the upper surface of the device body (10) and extends along the first direction, the second support plate (221) is located above the second guide rail (53), and a second slider (54) is fixed on the lower surface of the second support plate (221), the second slider (54) is slidably disposed on the second guide rail (53) along the first direction.

8. The automatic feeding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support mechanism (20) further includes a controller and two second position detection elements (62). The controller is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism (40) and the two second position detection elements (62). The two second position detection elements (62) are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the two second position detection elements (62) are respectively set to correspond to the feeding position and the material tray switching position. The second position detection elements (62) are used to detect the second support structure (22). The controller is configured to control the drive mechanism (40) to stop working when the second position detection element (62) detects the second support structure (22).

9. The automatic feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The automatic feeding device (1) further includes a first buffer structure, which includes a first buffer section and a second buffer section. Along the first direction, the first support structure (21) is located between the first buffer section and the second buffer section. Both the first buffer section and the second buffer section are used to contact the first support structure (21) to buffer the first support structure (21); and / or The automatic feeding device (1) further includes a second buffer structure, which includes a third buffer section (71) and a fourth buffer section (72). Along the first direction, the second support structure (22) is located between the third buffer section (71) and the fourth buffer section (72). Both the third buffer section (71) and the fourth buffer section (72) are used to contact the second support structure (22) to buffer the second support structure (22).

10. The automatic feeding device according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The driving mechanism (40) includes a first driving part (41) and a second driving part (42). The first driving part (41) is connected to the first support structure (21) to drive the first support structure (21) to move, and the second driving part (42) is connected to the second support structure (22) to drive the second support structure (22) to move.

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