A charging system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of material production equipment, and provides a feeding system, which comprises: a material preparation device arranged at a front end material preparation area and used for providing materials; a feeding device arranged at a rear end feeding area and used for processing the materials to output material finished products; and a conveying device movably arranged between the material preparation device and the feeding device, used for connecting the material preparation device to obtain a full-load material bin, conveying the full-load material bin to the feeding device, connecting the feeding device to obtain an empty-load material bin, and conveying the empty-load material bin to the material preparation device. In the scheme, the conveying device connects the material preparation device to obtain the full-load material bin, the full-load material bin is conveyed to the feeding device, the empty-load material bin is obtained after unloading, the empty-load material bin is returned to the material preparation area, one conveying cycle is completed, the conveying and production efficiency is improved, and the configuration cost of the system is comprehensively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of material production equipment technology, and in particular to a feeding system. Background Technology

[0002] The current feeding system uses manual transport to move materials from the front-end preparation area to the rear-end feeding area. Because the preparation and feeding areas are far apart, manual transport is labor-intensive. Operators need to load materials into trolleys in the preparation area, push the trolleys to the feeding area, unload the materials there, and then push the empty trolleys back to the preparation area. This back-and-forth material transport operation between the preparation and feeding areas is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0003] Existing solutions utilize a combination of gantry cranes and robotic arms to automate material transport. However, due to the long distance between the preparation and feeding areas, the gantry crane needs to be adapted to this distance, increasing transport costs. Furthermore, if the positions of the preparation and feeding areas change later, the orientation of the gantry crane also needs to be changed, requiring operators to disassemble and reassemble the gantry crane. In addition, the initial purchase and maintenance costs of the robotic arm are also high. It is installed on the gantry crane, and adjustments are required as the gantry crane changes. Such operations are cumbersome and can easily affect the system's production efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a feeding system that facilitates the transportation of materials between the preparation area and the feeding area is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a feeding system that utilizes transport equipment to transfer materials between the preparation equipment and the feeding equipment, thereby improving transportation efficiency and production efficiency while saving system configuration costs.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A feeding system, characterized in that it comprises: Material preparation equipment located in the front-end material preparation area is used to supply materials; A feeding device located in the rear feeding area is used to process the material to output the finished material. A transport device movably disposed between the material preparation device and the feeding device is used to dock with the material preparation device to obtain a silo fully loaded with material and transport it to the feeding device, and to dock with the feeding device to obtain a silo empty of material and transport it to the material preparation device.

[0007] Preferably, the transport equipment includes at least two load-bearing structures for placing the hopper, which is either fully loaded or empty.

[0008] Preferably, the transport equipment further includes a Z-axis drive assembly connected to the bearing structure. The Z-axis drive assembly is used to drive the bearing structure to move up and down along the height direction of the transport equipment so that the bearing structure is aligned with the discharge port of the material preparation equipment or the inlet of the feeding equipment.

[0009] Preferably, the bearing structure includes a rolling assembly composed of a plurality of rollers arranged in a circular pattern; When the supporting structure is aligned with the discharge port of the material preparation device, the material preparation device is used to drive the hopper away from the discharge port and abut against a portion of the roller, and the rolling assembly is used to drive the roller to rotate so that the hopper slides completely to the top surface of the roller in a direction away from the discharge port.

[0010] Preferably, when the supporting structure is aligned with the feed inlet of the feeding device, the rolling assembly is used to drive the roller to rotate so that the hopper slides completely into the feeding device in a direction close to the feed inlet.

[0011] Preferably, the supporting structure further includes a guide structure disposed above the rolling assembly along the height direction of the transport equipment, the guide structure being open to form a guide path for the hopper to pass through.

[0012] Preferably, the supporting structure further includes a first detection element, which is used to detect whether the hopper is in place.

[0013] Preferably, the supporting structure further includes a second detection element connected to the first detection element, the second detection element being used to detect the weight of the hopper.

[0014] Preferably, the transport equipment further includes a moving component, which is used to move the transport equipment along a preset path.

[0015] Preferably, the transport equipment further includes a vertically arranged chassis and a control cabinet, the moving component is located at the bottom of the chassis, and the load-bearing structure is arranged parallel to the chassis and perpendicular to the control cabinet.

[0016] According to the specific embodiments provided in this application, the following technical effects are disclosed: This application provides a feeding system, comprising: a material preparation device located in a front-end material preparation area for providing materials; a feeding device located in a rear-end feeding area for processing materials to output finished products; and a transport device movably located between the material preparation device and the feeding device, for docking with the material preparation device to obtain a fully loaded hopper and transporting it to the feeding device, and docking with the feeding device to obtain an empty hopper and transporting it to the material preparation device. In this system, the transport device docks with the material preparation device to obtain a fully loaded hopper, transports it to the feeding device, unloads it, obtains an empty hopper, and returns to the material preparation area, completing a transport cycle. This improves transport and production efficiency and comprehensively reduces the system's configuration cost. Attached Figure Description

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

[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the feeding system provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transport silo of the transport equipment provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the guide structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure label: 1. Material preparation equipment; 2. Feeding equipment; 3. Transport equipment; 30. Load-bearing structure; 31. Z-axis drive assembly; 32. Guiding structure; 33. Moving assembly; 34. Chassis; 35. Control cabinet; 300. Rolling assembly; 310. Slide rail; 311. Slider; 320. Limiting part; 321. Guiding part; 4. Material bins. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] As described in the background section, current feeding systems use manual transport to move materials from the front-end preparation area to the rear-end feeding area. Due to the long distance between the preparation and feeding areas, manual transport is labor-intensive. Operators must load materials into a trolley in the preparation area, push the trolley to the feeding area, unload the materials, and then push the empty trolley back to the preparation area. This back-and-forth material transport operation between the preparation and feeding areas is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0022] Existing solutions utilize a combination of gantry cranes and robotic arms to automate material transport. However, due to the long distance between the preparation and feeding areas, the gantry crane needs to be adapted to this distance, increasing transport costs. Furthermore, if the positions of the preparation and feeding areas change later, the orientation of the gantry crane also needs to be changed, requiring operators to disassemble and reassemble the gantry crane. In addition, the initial purchase and maintenance costs of the robotic arm are also high. It is installed on the gantry crane, and adjustments are required as the gantry crane changes. Such operations are cumbersome and can easily affect the system's production efficiency.

[0023] Based on this, this application provides a feeding system that aims to solve the technical problems of high labor intensity, low transportation and production efficiency, high configuration cost, and complicated operation in the prior art.

[0024] The embodiments of this application will be analyzed in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The feeding system includes: a material preparation device 1 located in the front-end material preparation area for providing materials; a feeding device 2 located in the rear-end feeding area for processing materials to output finished products; and a transport device 3 movably located between the material preparation device 1 and the feeding device 2 for docking with the material preparation device 1 to obtain a fully loaded silo 4 and transporting it to the feeding device 2, and docking with the feeding device 2 to obtain an empty silo 4 and transporting it to the material preparation device 1.

[0026] As an example, in this embodiment, the material refers to solder, and the finished product refers to solder paste.

[0027] The material preparation equipment 1 provides materials to be processed, and can store materials and load them into the silo 4, providing a stable supply of materials for subsequent transportation. The feeding equipment receives the fully loaded materials from the transportation equipment 3, processes the materials, and outputs finished products, serving as the execution equipment for the feeding system. The transportation equipment 3 is the carrier for material transfer, and its main functions include two cyclic processes: first, it connects to the material preparation equipment 1 to obtain the fully loaded silo 4 and transports it to the feeding equipment 2; second, it connects to the feeding equipment 2 to obtain the empty silo 4 after unloading materials and transports it back to the material preparation equipment 1.

[0028] Therefore, this embodiment completely replaces manual transportation with the mobile transport equipment 3, eliminating the physical exertion of manually pushing carts back and forth, and realizing unmanned transportation throughout the entire "pick-up-transport-unloading-return" cycle, thus improving transportation efficiency. Compared with the combination of gantry cranes and robotic arms, the initial configuration cost, installation cost, subsequent maintenance cost, and energy consumption cost of this embodiment are all at a low level. Furthermore, the transport equipment 3 in this embodiment does not require fixed tracks, and its transportation path can be adjusted and updated at any time through software to adapt to changes in the location of the material preparation area and the material feeding area. Even if production needs change later, operators can flexibly increase or decrease the number of transport equipment 3 without having to replan the overall architecture.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The transport equipment 3 includes at least two load-bearing structures 30, which are used to place silos 4 that are fully loaded or empty.

[0030] As one example, see reference Figure 2 The transport equipment 3 employs a double-layered support structure 30. When the feeding equipment 2 is empty, it calls the transport equipment 3 to replenish the material. Upon receiving the signal, the transport equipment 3 proceeds to the preparation equipment 1 to retrieve a fully loaded hopper 4, places it on the lower first-layer support structure 30, and moves along a preset path to the feeding equipment 2. It then docks with the feeding equipment 2 to remove the empty hopper 4 from the feeding equipment 2 and places it on the upper second-layer support structure 30. The transport equipment 3 controls the first and second layers of support structures 30 to rise synchronously, aligning the first-layer support structure 30 with the feeding equipment 2, and loading the fully loaded hopper 4 into the feeding equipment 2. This completes the feeding process. It is important to note that there is a certain distance between the first and second-layer support structures 30 to ensure that the hopper 4 can be placed securely on the first-layer support structure 30 without touching the upper second-layer support structure 30. In this example, the first-layer support structure 30 can also hold an empty hopper 4, and the second-layer support structure 30 can hold a fully loaded hopper 4.

[0031] As another example, the transport equipment 3 employs a four-layer support structure 30. When the feeding equipment 2 is empty, it calls the transport equipment 3 to replenish the material. Upon receiving the signal, the transport equipment 3 proceeds to the preparation equipment 1 to retrieve the fully loaded hoppers 4, placing them on the lower first and second layer support structures 30 respectively. Following a preset path, it moves to the feeding equipment 2, docks with it, and removes the two empty hoppers 4 from the feeding equipment 2, placing them on the upper third and fourth layer support structures 30 respectively. The transport equipment 3 then controls all four layers of support structures 30 to rise synchronously, aligning the first and second layer support structures 30 with the feeding equipment 2, and loading the two fully loaded hoppers 4 into the feeding equipment 2. This completes the feeding process. It is important to note that the spacing between each pair of support structures 30 remains consistent. In this example, the first and second layer support structures 30 can also hold empty hoppers 4, while the third and fourth layer support structures 30 can hold fully loaded hoppers 4.

[0032] As can be seen, this embodiment, through the setting of a multi-layer load-bearing structure, enables the task of delivering materials and returning to the warehouse in one transportation, thereby improving transportation efficiency and reducing the number of round trips.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 2 The transport equipment 3 also includes a Z-axis drive assembly 31 connected to the bearing structure 30. The Z-axis drive assembly 31 is used to drive the bearing structure 30 to move up and down along the height direction of the transport equipment 3 so that the bearing structure 30 is aligned with the discharge port of the material preparation equipment 1 or the inlet of the feeding equipment 2.

[0034] As an example, the Z-axis drive assembly 31 includes a slide rail 310 and a slider 311 slidably connected thereto, the slider 311 being connected to the support structure 30. Figure 2 As shown, the control cabinet 35 is provided with two vertical slide rails 310, and each slide rail 310 is provided with two sliders 311. The first and second layer load-bearing structures 30 are connected to the sliders 311 on the left and right slide rails 310. The Z-axis drive assembly 31 drives the sliders 311 to slide up and down along the slide rails 310, so as to drive the load-bearing structures 30 to move up and down synchronously.

[0035] Therefore, this embodiment achieves height adjustment of the load-bearing structure 30 by setting the Z-axis drive component 31.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 2The supporting structure 30 includes a rolling assembly 300 composed of several rollers. When the supporting structure 30 is aligned with the discharge port of the material preparation device 1, the material preparation device 1 drives the hopper 4 away from the discharge port and abuts against a portion of the rollers. The rolling assembly 300 drives the rollers to rotate so that the hopper 4 slides completely to the top surface of the rollers in a direction away from the discharge port. When the supporting structure 30 is aligned with the inlet of the feeding device 2, the rolling assembly 300 drives the rollers to rotate so that the hopper 4 slides completely into the feeding device 2 in a direction close to the inlet.

[0037] As one example, see reference Figure 2 When the transport equipment 3 moves between the material preparation equipment 1 and the feeding equipment 2, the rolling assembly 300 controls the position of the roller to remain unchanged so that the hopper 4 can be stably placed on the mounting surface formed by the roller.

[0038] As another example, see Figure 2 When the supporting structure 30 is aligned with the discharge port of the material preparation device 1, the material preparation device 1 drives the hopper 4 away from the discharge port and abuts against part of the roller through its built-in pushing mechanism. At this time, the rolling component 300 drives the roller to rotate synchronously along the first circumferential direction. Through the friction between the roller and the bottom of the hopper 4, the hopper 4 is driven away from the discharge port and slides completely to the mounting surface of the top surface of the roller.

[0039] As yet another example, see reference Figure 2 When the supporting structure 30 is aligned with the feed inlet of the feeding device 2, the rolling assembly 300 drives the roller to rotate synchronously along the second circumferential direction. Through the friction between the roller and the bottom of the hopper 4, the hopper 4 is moved closer to the feed inlet and completely slid into the feeding device 2. The second circumferential direction is opposite to the first circumferential direction, one is clockwise and the other is counterclockwise.

[0040] It is evident that the rolling component 300 replaces manual labor, further reducing labor intensity and improving loading and unloading efficiency.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The supporting structure 30 also includes a guide structure 32 disposed above the rolling assembly 300 along the height direction of the transport equipment 3. The guide structure 32 is open to form a guide path through which the feed hopper 4 passes.

[0042] As an example, the guide structure 32 includes a limiting part 320 and a guide part 321. The limiting parts 320 on both sides are open-shaped, forming a horn structure. The larger end of the opening faces the docking end of the discharge port of the material preparation device 1 or the docking end of the inlet of the feeding device 2. The smaller end of the opening is adapted to the width of the guide part. In this way, the limiting part 320 and the guide part 321 cooperate to form a gradual guide path through which the feeding bin 4 passes.

[0043] It can be seen that the guide structure 32 can correct the offset of the hopper 4, and prevent the hopper 4 from getting stuck or falling off the bearing structure 30 due to docking deviation, thus improving the stability of the loading and unloading process.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the supporting structure 30 further includes a first detection element (not shown in the figure), which is used to detect whether the hopper 4 is in place.

[0045] As an example, the first detection element is a photoelectric sensor, which is installed at the end of the support structure 30 to detect whether the hopper 4 is accurately placed on the support structure 30.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the support structure 30 further includes a second detection element (not shown in the figure) connected to the first detection element, the second detection element being used to detect the weight of the hopper 4.

[0047] As an example, the second detection component uses a weight sensor, which is integrated on the roller bracket of the rolling assembly 300 and electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor. When the photoelectric sensor detects that the hopper 4 is in place, the weight sensor detects the weight of the hopper 4, which can distinguish between a fully loaded and an empty hopper 4.

[0048] Therefore, it can be seen that the two types of detection devices can detect the real-time status of transportation equipment and improve the reliability of system operation.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device 3 further includes a moving component 33, which is used to move the transport device 3 along a preset path.

[0050] As an example, the mobile component 33 can be an AGV drive module, and the transport equipment also includes a vision navigation module (not shown in the figure). The AGV drive module, in conjunction with the vision navigation module, can drive the transport equipment 3 to move along a preset path. The preset path can be set according to the layout of the preparation area and the feeding area. Through system adjustments, it can adapt to the needs of changes in the positions of the preparation area and the feeding area without disassembling and adjusting the system equipment, thus improving the system's configuration flexibility.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the transport equipment 3 also includes a vertically arranged chassis 34 and a control cabinet 35, a moving component 33 is located at the bottom of the chassis 34, and a load-bearing structure 30 is arranged parallel to the chassis 34 and perpendicular to the control cabinet 35.

[0052] As an example, the control cabinet 35 integrates a PLC controller, drive circuit, vision navigation module and communication module to receive instructions from the host computer, control the coordinated work of each component, and realize signal interaction with the material preparation equipment 1 and the feeding equipment 2.

[0053] Therefore, the chassis 34 provides a supporting foundation for the transport equipment 3, and the moving component 33 is integrated into the bottom of the chassis 34 to ensure the stability of the transport equipment 3 during movement. The control cabinet 35 ensures the automated operation of the entire system.

[0054] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "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 this application. 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.

[0055] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0056] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A feeding system, characterized in that, include: Material preparation equipment (1) located in the front-end material preparation area is used to provide materials; A feeding device (2) located in the rear feeding area is used to process the material to output the finished material; A transport device (3) is movably disposed between the material preparation device (1) and the feeding device (2) for docking with the material preparation device (1) to obtain a silo (4) fully loaded with materials and transporting it to the feeding device (2), and docking with the feeding device (2) to obtain a silo (4) empty with materials and transporting it to the material preparation device (1).

2. The feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport equipment (3) includes at least two load-bearing structures (30) for placing the silo (4) which is fully loaded or empty.

3. The feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transport equipment (3) also includes a Z-axis drive assembly (31) connected to the bearing structure (30). The Z-axis drive assembly (31) is used to drive the bearing structure (30) to move up and down along the height direction of the transport equipment (3) so that the bearing structure (30) is aligned with the discharge port of the material preparation equipment (1) or the inlet of the feeding equipment (2).

4. The feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The load-bearing structure (30) includes a rolling assembly (300) consisting of a plurality of rollers arranged in a circular pattern. When the bearing structure (30) is aligned with the discharge port of the material preparation device (1), the material preparation device (1) is used to drive the hopper (4) away from the discharge port and abut against part of the roller, and the rolling assembly (300) is used to drive the roller to rotate so that the hopper (4) slides completely to the top surface of the roller in a direction away from the discharge port.

5. The feeding system according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the supporting structure (30) is aligned with the feed inlet of the feeding device (2), the rolling assembly (300) is used to drive the roller to rotate so that the hopper (4) slides completely into the feeding device (2) in a direction close to the feed inlet.

6. The feeding system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The supporting structure (30) also includes a guide structure (32) disposed above the rolling assembly (300) along the height direction of the transport equipment (3). The guide structure (32) is open to form a guide path for the hopper (4) to pass through.

7. The feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting structure (30) also includes a first detection element, which is used to detect whether the hopper (4) is in place.

8. The feeding system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The supporting structure (30) further includes a second detection element connected to the first detection element, the second detection element being used to detect the weight of the hopper (4).

9. The feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transport equipment (3) further includes a moving component (33) for driving the transport equipment (3) to move along a preset path.

10. The feeding system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transport equipment (3) also includes a vertically arranged chassis (34) and control cabinet (35), the moving component (33) is located at the bottom of the chassis (34), and the load-bearing structure (30) is arranged parallel to the chassis (34) and perpendicular to the control cabinet (35).

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