An automatic feeding system

Abstract

The utility model relates to machine tool parts feeding technology field especially, it is a kind of automatic feeding system, it includes part feeding mechanism, warehousing rack, transfer mechanism, transfer buffer mechanism and processing feeding mechanism, part feeding mechanism includes the feeding conveyor belt that transmits to the direction of warehousing rack, places the tooling tray for loading parts on feeding conveyor belt, feeding conveyor belt extends to warehousing rack along horizontal direction, multiple buffer trays for storing tooling tray are provided on warehousing rack, transfer buffer mechanism and warehousing rack are set on the opposite sides of transfer mechanism, processing feeding mechanism is set between transfer buffer mechanism and processing machine tool.The utility model breaks the strict correspondence of the part to be processed type / size-feeding system-processing machine tool, so that feeding system can meet the part feeding needs of multiple shapes and sizes, reduce the equipment cost required for feeding, and improve feeding operation accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the manufacturing process of machine tools such as lathes, existing material loading methods include manual loading and automated loading. Manual loading is inefficient, has high labor costs, and is prone to errors or damage. Therefore, automated loading technology is gradually being developed in large-scale machining scenarios. However, existing technologies have the following problems: Since machine tools can process a wide variety of parts, and the shape characteristics of each type of part are quite different, different types of pallets and tooling fixtures need to be changed when loading different types of parts to ensure that the needs of part placement and positioning are met. However, this method requires a lot of tooling fixture equipment, which is costly. Each change also requires additional time and labor costs, affecting processing efficiency and total cost. The automated material handling process involves parts storage and transfer. As the height and length of the racks increase, as well as the weight of the parts increases, the stability deteriorates. The storage racks may shake or tilt, which can lead to spatial distance errors between the placement of parts and tooling and the expected placement. This can cause interference or collisions when picking up or placing parts, which may affect the efficiency of picking up or placing parts and even cause the racks to tip over. The feeding system typically provides a limited number of types and sizes of parts, corresponding to a fixed number of machine tools. When the types or quantities of parts to be processed increase, a complete feeding system needs to be added, which significantly increases equipment costs and floor space. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to solve the above problems and provides an automatic feeding system, the technical solution of which is as follows: An automatic feeding system includes a parts feeding mechanism, a storage rack, a transfer mechanism, a transit buffer mechanism, and a processing feeding mechanism arranged sequentially. The parts feeding mechanism includes a feeding conveyor belt that transports parts towards the storage rack. Tooling pallets for loading parts are placed on the feeding conveyor belt. The tooling pallets have a planar structure and pallet legs are connected to the bottom of the tooling pallets. The feeding conveyor belt extends horizontally into the storage rack. Multiple buffer pallets for storing the tooling pallets are arranged on the storage rack. The transit buffer mechanism and the storage rack are arranged on opposite sides of the transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer guide rail arranged orthogonally in space. A material picking and placing mechanism for carrying the tooling pallets is slidably arranged on the transfer guide rail. The material picking and placing mechanism includes a sliding frame that can move bidirectionally in the horizontal direction. The processing feeding mechanism is arranged between the transit buffer mechanism and the processing machine tool. The processing feeding mechanism includes a feeding gantry and a gripping robot. The gripping robot moves along the feeding gantry and picks and places parts at the transit buffer mechanism and the processing machine tool.

[0004] Based on the above scheme, the parts loading mechanism also includes a loading rack, a loading drive wheel, and a positioning mechanism. The loading conveyor belt moves horizontally from the placement position to the positioning position on the loading rack. The loading conveyor belts are arranged in pairs, parallel to each other, and move synchronously in the same horizontal plane. A tooling pallet is placed on the loading conveyor belt at the placement position, simultaneously overlapping both loading conveyor belts. The tooling pallet is used to place the parts to be loaded. The positioning mechanism is located at the positioning position and is arranged in pairs on both sides of the conveying direction of the loading conveyor belt. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning clamping motor and a positioning clamping plate. The clamping motor is fixedly connected to the feeding rack and is arranged horizontally. The positioning clamping plate is fixedly connected to the movable part of the clamping motor and moves in the horizontal plane in a direction perpendicular to the feeding conveyor belt. The positioning clamping plate moves inward to the clamping position and outward to the releasing position. A guide block is fixedly connected to the side of the positioning clamping plate facing the tooling pallet, and a positioning groove is formed on the outer side of the guide block in the horizontal plane. When the positioning clamping plate moves to the clamping position, the pallet support legs are engaged in the positioning groove. When the positioning clamping plate moves to the releasing position, the pallet support legs are released from the positioning groove.

[0005] Preferably, the device further includes a centering mechanism disposed between the parts feeding mechanism and the storage rack. The centering mechanism includes a centering frame, a horizontal moving mechanism, a vertical moving mechanism, a centering mounting frame, a centering drive motor, a synchronous incomplete gear, and a clamping rod. The horizontal moving mechanism is fixedly mounted on the centering frame in the horizontal direction. The vertical moving mechanism is disposed in the vertical direction and moves horizontally on the horizontal moving mechanism. The centering mounting frame is slidably disposed on the vertical moving mechanism. The centering drive motor is mounted vertically on the axis of the centering mounting frame. The centering drive motor is coaxially connected to the centering drive gear and drives the centering drive gear to rotate. There are three synchronous incomplete gears, which are hinged on the centering mounting frame and are symmetrically arranged about the centering mounting frame axis. The synchronous incomplete gears have teeth on the side near the centering mounting frame axis, and the teeth of the three synchronous incomplete gears mesh with the centering drive gear simultaneously. There are three clamping rods, which are fixedly connected to the three synchronous incomplete gears respectively. The clamping rods extend in the vertical direction and are symmetrically arranged about the centering mounting frame axis.

[0006] Preferably, the storage rack includes multiple longitudinal support frames arranged vertically. The longitudinal support frames are arranged in two parallel rows, with multiple longitudinal support frames in each row that are parallel to each other in the vertical plane. The longitudinal support frames in the two rows are arranged in pairs, and a storage tray is provided between each pair of longitudinal support frames. The storage tray has a planar structure. A feeding crossbeam is fixedly connected to each row of longitudinal support frames in the horizontal direction. A feeding channel is formed between the feeding crossbeams of the two rows of longitudinal support frames, and the feeding conveyor belt passes through the feeding channel.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, the longitudinal support frame is provided with a position calibration slot on the side facing the transfer mechanism. There are multiple position calibration slots, and each slot corresponds to a storage tray. The relative position of the position calibration slot to each storage tray is consistent. The transfer mechanism includes a distance sensor. The distance sensor moves synchronously with the material handling mechanism on the transfer guide rail. The distance sensor is used to detect the distance between itself and the position calibration slot, and the distance sensor is communicatively connected to the power device that drives the sliding frame.

[0008] Preferably, the material handling mechanism includes a fixed connecting frame, a primary sliding frame, and a secondary sliding frame, with the upper surface of the secondary sliding frame being a plane. A primary drive gear is rotatably connected to the fixed connecting frame, rotating in a vertical plane. A primary rack is fixedly connected to the primary sliding frame on the side facing the fixed connecting frame, extending along the moving direction of the primary sliding frame, and the primary drive gear meshes with the primary rack. A secondary drive gear is rotatably connected to the primary sliding frame, rotating in a vertical plane. A secondary rack is fixedly connected to the secondary sliding frame on the side facing the primary sliding frame, parallel to the primary rack and extending along the moving direction of the secondary sliding frame, and the secondary drive gear meshes with the secondary rack. The extending directions of the primary and secondary racks are perpendicular to the traveling direction of the feeding conveyor belt.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the transfer guide rail of the transfer mechanism also includes a horizontal transfer guide rail, a vertical transfer guide rail, and a movable frame. The horizontal transfer guide rail is arranged parallel to the feeding conveyor belt, the vertical transfer guide rail is arranged along the vertical direction, and the vertical transfer guide rail is slidably arranged on the horizontal transfer guide rail. The movable frame is slidably arranged on the vertical transfer guide rail, and the fixed connecting frame is fixedly connected to the movable frame.

[0010] Preferably, the transfer buffer mechanism includes a buffer frame, a buffer conveyor belt, a buffer positioning motor, and a buffer clamping plate. The buffer conveyor belt circulates on the buffer frame, and the travel direction of the buffer conveyor belt is parallel to the travel direction of the feeding conveyor belt. Buffer tray supports overlap the bottom of the buffer tray on the buffer conveyor belt. The buffer positioning motors are arranged in pairs on both sides of the buffer conveyor belt in the conveying direction. The buffer positioning motors drive the buffer clamping plate to move in a direction perpendicular to the buffer conveyor belt in the horizontal plane. Buffer guide blocks are fixedly connected to the relatively inner sides of the buffer clamping plates, and buffer positioning grooves are formed on the outer sides of the buffer guide blocks. When the buffer clamping plates move relatively inward to the clamping position, the buffer tray supports are engaged in the buffer positioning grooves. When the buffer clamping plates move relatively outward to the releasing position, the buffer tray supports are released from the buffer positioning grooves.

[0011] Preferably, there are multiple storage racks, which are arranged in parallel along the direction perpendicular to the direction of the feeding conveyor belt, and a transfer mechanism is provided between adjacent storage racks.

[0012] Preferably, there are multiple machine tools, which are arranged in parallel along the direction of the feeding conveyor belt.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The flat tooling pallet can accommodate most parts to be processed, eliminating the need to prepare multiple pallets based on the shape and size of the parts. It also eliminates the need to change tooling depending on the part being loaded, reducing equipment costs and the time required for replacement. The tooling pallet moves with the feeding conveyor belt using an overlapping mechanism, making loading flexible and easy to operate. A positioning mechanism clamps and positions the tooling pallet, accurately determining its relative position to the feeding conveyor belt and maintaining loading accuracy. A centering mechanism further ensures that each part on the tooling pallet is individually centered, guaranteeing the accurate loading position of each part. Each storage pallet in the warehouse rack is equipped with a fixed position calibration slot. By detecting the position of the position calibration slot, the actual position of the corresponding storage pallet can be determined. When picking up, placing and transferring, the operation is carried out according to the actual position, which effectively avoids the error in operation distance caused by the tilt of the warehouse rack. The transfer mechanism enables the material handling mechanism to move within space, satisfying material handling and transfer operations at different locations. Through a two-stage sliding mechanism, the material handling mechanism meets two different transfer needs: short-distance small-sized parts and long-distance large-sized parts. When transferring short-distance or small-sized parts and tooling, only the second-stage or first-stage sliding frame moves. When transferring long-distance or large-sized parts and tooling, both the first-stage and second-stage sliding frames extend together, effectively doubling the stroke of the load-bearing device based on the fixed connecting frame, thus meeting the needs of different sizes and transfer distances. A transit buffer mechanism is set up to meet the temporary storage needs before parts are processed and loaded, and to locate the temporarily stored parts and tooling to meet the position requirements of the parts in subsequent processing and loading operations. This eliminates the strict correspondence between the type / size of the parts to be processed, the feeding system, and the machine tool, enabling the feeding system to meet the feeding needs of parts of various shapes and sizes. The number of storage racks and machine tools can be flexibly adjusted according to the processing quantity and type, so that the feeding system can meet different processing needs and reduce the equipment cost of the corresponding feeding system. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 : Another structural schematic diagram of this utility model (with storage racks removed); Figure 3 : Schematic diagram of the parts feeding mechanism of this utility model; Figure 4 : A partial enlarged view of the positioning mechanism of this utility model; Figure 5 : Schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the centering mechanism of this utility model; Figure 6: Front view of the bottom surface of the centering mechanism of this utility model; Figure 7 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the storage rack, transfer mechanism and transit buffer mechanism of this utility model; Figure 8 Enlarged view of a partial structure of the storage rack of this utility model; Figure 9 : Schematic diagram of the transfer mechanism of this utility model; Figure 10 : Axonometric drawing of the material handling mechanism of this utility model; Figure 11 : Front view of the material handling mechanism of this utility model; Figure 12 : Schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the material handling mechanism of this utility model; Figure 13 : A schematic diagram of the transfer and buffer mechanism of this utility model; Figure 14 This utility model Figure 13 Enlarged view of part A in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0016] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "length," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," and "inner," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0017] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an automatic feeding system includes a parts feeding mechanism, a storage rack, a transfer mechanism, a transfer buffer mechanism, and a processing feeding mechanism arranged in sequence.

[0019] The parts loading mechanism includes a loading conveyor belt 12 that transports parts towards the storage rack. A tooling pallet 15 for loading parts is placed on the loading conveyor belt 12. The tooling pallet 15 has a planar structure; when placing cylindrical or conical parts to be processed, the end faces are simply placed on the planar surface of the tooling pallet 15. Pallet supports 151 are connected to the bottom of the tooling pallet 15, raising the supporting surface of the tooling pallet 15 and providing operating space for the transfer mechanism during subsequent movement of the tooling pallet 15. The feeding conveyor belt 12 extends horizontally into the storage rack, which is equipped with multiple buffer trays 53 for storing tooling trays 15. The transfer buffer mechanism and the storage rack are located on opposite sides of the transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes transfer guide rails orthogonally arranged in space. A material picking and placing mechanism 45 for carrying tooling trays 15 is slidably arranged on the transfer guide rails. The material picking and placing mechanism 45 includes a sliding frame that can move bidirectionally in the horizontal direction. The processing feeding mechanism is located between the transfer buffer mechanism and the processing machine tool 7. The processing feeding mechanism includes a feeding gantry 61 and a gripping robot 62. The gripping robot 62 moves along the feeding gantry 61 and picks and places parts at the transfer buffer mechanism and the processing machine tool 7.

[0020] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the parts loading mechanism also includes a loading rack 11, a loading drive wheel 14, and a positioning mechanism. A loading motor 13 is also installed on the loading rack 11, which drives the loading drive wheel 14 to rotate. A loading conveyor belt 12 is sleeved on the loading drive wheel 14. The loading conveyor belt 12 moves horizontally from the placement position to the positioning position on the loading rack 11. The loading conveyor belts 12 are arranged in pairs, parallel to each other, and move synchronously in the same horizontal plane. A tooling pallet 15 is placed on the loading conveyor belt 12 at the placement position and simultaneously overlaps two loading conveyor belts 12. The tooling pallet 15 is used to place the parts to be loaded. The positioning mechanism is located at the positioning position. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning clamping motor 16 and a positioning clamping plate 17. The clamping motor 16 is fixedly connected to the feeding frame 11 and is arranged in a horizontal direction. The positioning clamping plate 17 is fixedly connected to the movable part of the clamping motor 16 and moves in a direction perpendicular to the feeding conveyor belt 12 in the horizontal plane. The positioning clamping plate 17 moves inward to the clamping position and outward to the releasing position. The side of the positioning clamping plate 17 facing the tooling pallet 15 is fixedly connected to a guide block 171. The outer side of the guide block 171 forms a positioning groove 173 in the horizontal plane. When the positioning clamping plate 17 moves to the clamping position, the pallet support leg 151 is engaged in the positioning groove 173 to realize the relative position adjustment between the tooling pallet 15 and the feeding conveyor belt 12. When the positioning clamping plate 17 moves to the releasing position, the pallet support leg 151 is released from the positioning groove 173.

[0021] The guide blocks 171 are multiple in number and arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal plane along the direction of movement of the feeding conveyor belt 12. Positioning grooves 173 are located between adjacent guide blocks 171 and on the outer edge of the outermost guide block 171. During engagement, positioning can be achieved through the positioning grooves 173 between adjacent guide blocks 171 or through the outer edge of the outermost guide block 171. The positioning grooves 173 used for positioning can be adjusted according to the size of the tooling pallet 17 and the position of the positioning point. Preferably, a transition edge 172 is provided on the outer edge of the guide block 171 near the work pallet 15. The transition edge 172 is arc-shaped, thus providing a clamping and guiding function, compensating for positional errors when the tooling pallet 15 is placed, and reducing the precision requirements and operational difficulty during mechanical or manual operation.

[0022] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, it also includes a centering mechanism disposed between the parts feeding mechanism and the storage rack. The centering mechanism includes a centering frame 21, a horizontal moving mechanism 22, a vertical moving mechanism 23, a centering mounting frame 24, a centering drive motor 251, a synchronous incomplete gear 26, and a clamping rod 28. The centering frame 21 is fixedly connected to the feeding rack 11. The horizontal moving mechanism 22 is fixedly mounted on the centering frame 21 in the horizontal direction. The vertical moving mechanism 23 is disposed in the vertical direction and moves horizontally on the horizontal moving mechanism 22. The centering mounting frame 24 is slidably disposed on the vertical moving mechanism 23. The centering drive motor 251 is mounted vertically on the centering frame 21. The centering drive motor 251 is coaxially connected to the centering drive gear 252 at the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24, driving the centering drive gear 252 to rotate. Three synchronous incomplete gears 26 are hinged to the centering mounting bracket 24 and symmetrically arranged about the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24. The synchronous incomplete gears 26 have teeth on the side near the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24, and the teeth of all three synchronous incomplete gears 26 simultaneously mesh with the centering drive gear 252. Three clamping rods 28 are fixedly connected to the three synchronous incomplete gears 26, extending vertically and symmetrically arranged about the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24. Through this structure, when the centering drive motor 251 operates, it drives the centering drive gear 252 to rotate, thereby synchronously driving the three synchronous incomplete gears to rotate, further causing the three clamping rods 28 to retract or expand relative to the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24. When the clamping rod 28 retracts, it can center the cylindrical or conical part, ensuring that the part's axis coincides with the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24, thus completing the positioning. Since the part is a relatively hard solid, when the clamping rod 28 retracts to contact the part, the power provided by the centering drive motor 251 is less than the pressure required to damage the part; therefore, centering is performed without damaging the part. Preferably, the lower end of the clamping rod 28 protrudes radially outward to form a clamping ring 281. Multiple clamping rings 281 are distributed along the axial direction of the clamping rod 28, with gaps between adjacent rings. The clamping rings 281 increase the diameter of the clamping position of the clamping rod 28, facilitating the clamping of parts with smaller diameters. The gaps between adjacent rings 281 increase the axial friction between the part and the clamping rod 28, improving the stability of the centering process.

[0023] Preferably, the system further includes three drive blocks 27. Each drive block 27 has its two ends hinged to the teeth of two adjacent incompletely synchronized gears 26. The positions and orientations of the three drive blocks 27 are symmetrical about the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24. Three clamping rods 28 are connected to the three drive blocks 27, and their connection positions are symmetrical about the axis of the centering mounting bracket 24. The drive blocks 27 further ensure the synchronous rotation and angle of the three incompletely synchronized gears 26, thereby improving the synchronicity and centering of the clamping rods 28.

[0024] like Figure 7 As shown, the storage rack includes multiple vertically arranged longitudinal support frames 31, which are arranged in two parallel rows. Each row contains multiple longitudinal support frames 31 that are parallel to each other in the vertical plane. The longitudinal support frames 31 in the two rows are arranged in pairs, and a storage tray 33 is placed between each pair of longitudinal support frames 31. The storage tray 33 has a planar structure. A horizontal feeding crossbeam 32 is fixedly connected to each row of longitudinal support frames 31, forming a feeding channel between the feeding crossbeams 32 of the two rows of longitudinal support frames 31. The feeding conveyor belt 12 passes through the feeding channel. The storage tray 33 can be positioned above and / or below the feeding channel.

[0025] like Figure 8 As shown, the storage tray 33 is detachably mounted on the longitudinal support frame 31 to facilitate the removal and replacement of individual storage trays 33. Specifically, positioning blocks 331 protrude outward from opposite sides of the storage tray 33. The positioning blocks 331 engage with vertical grooves on opposite inner sides of the longitudinal support frame 31 to provide positioning. Vertical mounting grooves are provided on the longitudinal support frame 31. Mounting blocks 332 are fixedly connected to the outer side of the positioning blocks 331. The mounting blocks 332 engage with the mounting grooves on the corresponding sides to complete the installation of the storage tray 33.

[0026] like Figures 10 to 12As shown, the material handling mechanism 45 includes a fixed connecting frame 461, a primary sliding frame 471, and a secondary sliding frame 481. The upper surface of the secondary sliding frame 481 is flat and is used to support the tooling pallet 15. A primary drive gear 462 is rotatably connected to the fixed connecting frame 461. The primary drive gear 462 rotates in a vertical plane. A primary rack 472 is fixedly connected to the primary sliding frame 471 on the side facing the fixed connecting frame 461. The primary rack 472 extends along the moving direction of the primary sliding frame 471, and the primary drive gear 462 meshes with the primary rack 472. The rotation of the primary drive gear 462 drives the primary rack 472 and the primary sliding frame 471 to move relative to the fixed connecting frame 461. Preferably, there are multiple primary drive gears 462 arranged in a direction parallel to the primary rack 472. Adjacent primary drive gears 462 are meshed together, and each primary drive gear 462 is meshed with the primary rack 472. This improves the driving capability and supports the primary sliding frame 471 at different positions.

[0027] A secondary drive gear 473 is rotatably connected to the primary sliding frame 471. The secondary drive gear 473 rotates in a vertical plane. A secondary rack (not shown in the figure) is fixedly connected to the secondary sliding frame 481 facing the primary sliding frame 471. The secondary rack is parallel to the primary rack 472 and extends along the moving direction of the secondary sliding frame 481. The secondary drive gear 473 meshes with the secondary rack. The rotation of the secondary drive gear 473 drives the secondary rack and the secondary sliding frame 481 to move relative to the primary sliding frame 471. There are two secondary drive gears 473, which are located diagonally opposite each other on the primary sliding frame 471. Correspondingly, there are also two secondary racks to balance the supporting force of the secondary drive gears 473 on the secondary sliding frame 471.

[0028] The fixed connecting frame 461 is connected to a primary drive motor 463, which drives the primary drive gear 462 to rotate; the primary sliding frame 471 is connected to a secondary drive motor, which drives the secondary drive gear 473 to rotate.

[0029] Preferably, the fixed connecting frame 461 includes two vertically arranged and relatively parallel connecting plates. A primary drive gear 462 is connected between the two connecting plates. A primary sliding frame 471 is arranged above the fixed connecting frame 461. The primary sliding frame 471 extends downward in the outer region of the fixed connecting frame 471 and is bent to form a primary sliding groove. The primary sliding groove is a U-shaped groove that opens to one side of the connecting plate. A connecting frame pulley 464 is rotatably arranged on the fixed connecting frame 461 in the horizontal direction. The connecting frame pulley 464 rotates in the vertical plane and is arranged on the opposite outer side of the connecting plate. The connecting frame pulley 464 is rotatably engaged in the primary sliding groove. On the one hand, it supports the primary sliding frame 471, and on the other hand, it modifies the sliding friction between the primary sliding frame 471 and the fixed connecting frame 461 into rolling friction, which greatly reduces the frictional resistance. Preferably, there are multiple connecting frame pulleys 464 on each side connecting plate, and they are arranged in a direction parallel to the first-stage rack 472 to provide uniform support for different positions of the first-stage sliding frame 471.

[0030] Preferably, the secondary sliding frame 481 is disposed above the primary sliding frame 471. The bottom of the secondary sliding frame 481 is fixedly connected to the secondary connecting frame 482 in the outer region of the primary sliding frame 471. The secondary connecting frame 482 is rotatably connected to the secondary pulley 483, which rotates in the vertical plane. The primary sliding frame 471 is recessed inward on the side facing the secondary connecting frame 482 to form a secondary sliding groove. The secondary sliding groove is a U-shaped groove with a horizontally outward opening. The secondary pulley 483 is rotatably engaged in the secondary sliding groove, which on the one hand supports the secondary sliding frame 481, and on the other hand modifies the sliding friction between the secondary sliding frame 481 and the primary sliding frame 471 into rolling friction, greatly reducing frictional resistance. Preferably, the secondary connecting frame 482 and the secondary sliding groove are respectively arranged on both sides of the secondary sliding frame 481 and the primary sliding frame 471. Multiple secondary pulleys 483 are connected to each secondary connecting frame 482 and arranged in a direction parallel to the secondary rack. This is used to evenly support different positions of the secondary sliding frame 481.

[0031] The outer side of the primary sliding frame 471 is rotatably connected to a supporting pulley 474, which rotates in a vertical plane. The upper part of the supporting pulley 474 abuts against the lower edge of the secondary connecting frame 482 and rotates relative to the secondary connecting frame 482, thereby supporting the secondary connecting frame 482 and the secondary sliding frame 481 and reducing friction. The lower edge of the secondary connecting frame 482 is rotatably connected to a limiting pulley 484, which rotates in a horizontal plane. The side of the limiting pulley 484 near the primary sliding frame 471 abuts against the outer edge of the primary sliding frame 471 and rotates relative to the primary sliding frame 471, thereby limiting the relative positional relationship between the secondary sliding frame 481 and the primary sliding frame 471.

[0032] like Figure 9 As shown, the transfer mechanism's transfer guide rails also include a horizontal transfer guide rail 41, a vertical transfer guide rail 42, and a movable frame 43. The horizontal transfer guide rail 41 is arranged parallel to the feeding conveyor belt 12, the vertical transfer guide rail 42 is arranged vertically and is slidably mounted on the horizontal transfer guide rail 41, and the movable frame 43 is slidably mounted on the vertical transfer guide rail 42. A fixed connecting frame 461 is fixedly connected to the movable frame 43. This structure enables the material handling mechanism 45 to move over a wide range in space, thereby allowing material transfer at different locations.

[0033] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the longitudinal support frame 31 has a position calibration slot 34 facing the transfer mechanism. There are multiple position calibration slots 34, each corresponding to a storage tray 33. The relative position of each position calibration slot 34 to each storage tray 33 is consistent. The position calibration slot 34 can be located above or below the corresponding storage tray 33. The position calibration slot 34 has an inverted T-shaped structure, including a transverse calibration slot 341 extending vertically and a longitudinal calibration slot 342 extending horizontally. The bottom of the transverse calibration slot 341 is located in the middle of the longitudinal calibration slot 342. The transfer mechanism includes a distance sensor 44. The distance sensor 44 moves synchronously with the material handling mechanism 45 on the transfer guide rail. The distance sensor 44 is used to detect the distance between itself and the position calibration slot 34. The distance sensor 44 is communicatively connected to the power device that drives the sliding frame. Specifically, the distance sensor 44 is fixedly mounted on the moving frame 43 and communicatively connected to the primary drive motor 463 and the secondary drive motor.

[0034] like Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the transfer buffer mechanism includes a buffer rack 51, a buffer conveyor belt 52, a buffer positioning motor 54, and a buffer clamping plate 55. The tooling pallet 15 from the storage rack is transferred to the transfer buffer mechanism as a buffer pallet 53, and the pallet support 151 is referred to as the buffer pallet support 531 here. The buffer conveyor belt 52 circulates on the buffer rack 51. The buffer pallet support legs 531 at the bottom of the buffer pallet 53 overlap the buffer conveyor belt 52. The buffer positioning motors 54 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the buffer conveyor belt 52 in the conveying direction. The buffer positioning motors 54 drive the buffer clamping plates 55 to move in the horizontal plane in a direction perpendicular to the buffer conveyor belt 52. The buffer guide blocks 551 are fixedly connected to the inner side of the buffer clamping plates 55. The outer side of the buffer guide blocks 551 forms a buffer positioning groove 552. There are multiple buffer positioning blocks 551, which are arranged in parallel in the horizontal plane in the direction of movement of the buffer conveyor belt 52. The buffer positioning groove 552 is located between adjacent buffer guide blocks 551 and at the outer edge of the outermost buffer guide block 551.

[0035] When the buffer clamping plate 55 moves inward to the clamping position, the buffer tray support legs 531 engage in the buffer positioning groove 552 to determine the relative position of the buffer tray 53 and the buffer conveyor belt 52. This engagement can be achieved through the buffer positioning groove 552 between adjacent buffer guide blocks 551, or through the outer edge of the outermost buffer guide block 551. When the buffer clamping plate 55 moves outward to the releasing position, the buffer tray support legs 531 disengage from the buffer positioning groove 552, allowing the buffer tray 53 to continue moving with the buffer conveyor belt 52.

[0036] The number of storage racks is multiple, and the multiple storage racks are arranged in parallel along the direction perpendicular to the direction of the feeding conveyor belt 12. A transfer mechanism is set between adjacent storage racks to increase the storage capacity of parts.

[0037] The number of processing machine tools 7 is multiple, and they are arranged in parallel along the direction of travel of the feeding conveyor belt 12. Each processing machine tool 7 is equipped with a set of transfer buffer mechanism, which can be used to process different types of parts or improve processing efficiency.

[0038] Parts loading includes the following steps: S1. Place the part to be processed on the tooling tray 15, with the end face of the part facing down and abutting against the tooling tray 15; according to the type, size and quantity of the part, the ideal placement position and error size range can be set on the tooling tray 15 for easy operation, and the centering mechanism will then perform precise positioning. S2. The tooling pallet 15 containing the parts is placed on the feeding conveyor belt 12 at the placement position, and the feeding conveyor belt 12 drives the tooling pallet 15 to the positioning position; S3. The positioning mechanism operates to determine the relative position of the tooling pallet 15 and the feeding conveyor belt 12; the centering mechanism operates to determine the relative position of each part and the tooling pallet 15. S4. The feeding conveyor belt 12 moves the tooling pallet 15 to the feeding channel of the storage rack. The transfer mechanism then transfers the tooling pallet 15 to the storage pallet 33 at the predetermined position. After that, the tooling pallet 15 corresponding to the parts to be processed on the storage rack is transferred to the intermediate buffer mechanism. The process of the transfer mechanism detecting the position of the storage pallet 33 includes: S4-1. Move the material handling mechanism 45 to the theoretically predetermined position; S4-2. The distance sensor 44 is moved horizontally by the moving frame 43. When it moves to the horizontal calibration slot 341, a falling edge signal is detected, which proves that the horizontal movement is in place. S4-3. The distance sensor 44 is moved vertically by the moving frame 43. When it moves to the longitudinal calibration slot 342, a falling edge signal is detected, which proves that the vertical movement is in place. S4-4. Drive the sliding frame to pick up and place materials; S5. The gripping robot 62 of the processing and feeding mechanism grips the parts to be processed from the transfer buffer mechanism and transfers them to the processing machine tool 7.

[0039] The present invention has been described above by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications or variations made based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic feeding system, characterized in that, The system includes a parts loading mechanism, a storage rack, a transfer mechanism, a transit buffer mechanism, and a processing loading mechanism arranged sequentially. The parts loading mechanism includes a loading conveyor belt (12) that transports parts towards the storage rack. Tooling pallets (15) for loading parts are placed on the loading conveyor belt (12). The tooling pallets (15) have a planar structure and are connected to pallet legs (151) at the bottom. The loading conveyor belt (12) extends horizontally into the storage rack. Multiple buffer pallets (53) for storing the tooling pallets (15) are provided on the storage rack. The transit buffer mechanism is connected to the storage rack. The transfer mechanism is set on opposite sides of the transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism includes transfer guide rails orthogonally arranged in space. A material picking and placing mechanism (45) for carrying tooling pallets (15) is slidably arranged on the transfer guide rail. The material picking and placing mechanism (45) includes a sliding frame that can move bidirectionally in the horizontal direction. The processing loading mechanism is set between the transfer buffer mechanism and the processing machine tool (7). The processing loading mechanism includes a loading gantry (61) and a gripping robot (62). The gripping robot (62) moves along the loading gantry (61) and picks and places parts at the transfer buffer mechanism and the processing machine tool (7).

2. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parts loading mechanism also includes a loading rack (11), a loading drive wheel (14), and a positioning mechanism. The loading conveyor belt (12) moves horizontally from the placement position to the positioning position on the loading rack (11). The loading conveyor belts (12) are arranged in pairs parallel to each other and move synchronously in the same horizontal plane. The tooling tray (15) is placed on the loading conveyor belt (12) at the placement position and overlaps with the two loading conveyor belts (12). The tooling tray (15) is used to place the parts to be loaded. The positioning mechanism is set at the positioning position and is arranged in pairs on both sides of the conveying direction of the loading conveyor belt (12). The positioning mechanism includes a positioning clamping motor (16) and a positioning clamping plate (17). The clamping motor (16) is fixedly connected to the loading rack (11). The clamping motor (16) is set in the horizontal direction, and the positioning clamping plate (17) is fixedly connected to the movable part of the clamping motor (16). It moves in the horizontal plane in a direction perpendicular to the feeding conveyor belt (12). The positioning clamping plate (17) moves inward to the clamping position and moves outward to the releasing position. The positioning clamping plate (17) is fixedly connected to the guide block (171) on the side facing the tooling tray (15). The outer side of the guide block (171) forms a positioning groove (173) in the horizontal plane. When the positioning clamping plate (17) moves to the clamping position, the tray support foot (151) is engaged in the positioning groove (173). When the positioning clamping plate (17) moves to the releasing position, the tray support foot (151) is released from the positioning groove (173).

3. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a centering mechanism disposed between the parts loading mechanism and the storage rack. The centering mechanism includes a centering frame (21), a horizontal moving mechanism (22), a vertical moving mechanism (23), a centering mounting frame (24), a centering drive motor (251), a synchronous incomplete gear (26), and a clamping rod (28). The horizontal moving mechanism (22) is fixedly mounted on the centering frame (21) in the horizontal direction. The vertical moving mechanism (23) is disposed in the vertical direction and moves in the horizontal direction on the horizontal moving mechanism (22). The centering mounting frame (24) is slidably disposed on the vertical moving mechanism (23). The centering drive motor (251) is mounted in the vertical direction on the axis of the centering mounting frame (24). The centering drive motor (251) is coaxially connected to the centering drive gear (252) and drives the centering drive gear (252) to rotate. There are three synchronous incomplete gears (26), which are hinged on the centering mounting frame (24) and are symmetrically arranged about the centering mounting frame (24). The synchronous incomplete gears (26) are provided with teeth on the side near the centering mounting frame (24), and the teeth of the three synchronous incomplete gears (26) mesh with the centering drive gear (252) at the same time. There are three clamping rods (28), which are fixedly connected to the three synchronous incomplete gears (26). The clamping rods (28) extend in the vertical direction and are symmetrically arranged about the centering mounting frame (24).

4. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage rack includes multiple vertical support frames (31) arranged in two parallel rows. Each row has multiple vertical support frames (31) that are parallel to each other in the vertical plane. The vertical support frames (31) in the two rows are arranged in pairs. A storage tray (33) is set between each pair of vertical support frames (31). The storage tray (33) is a planar structure. A loading crossbeam (32) is fixedly connected to each row of vertical support frames (31) in the horizontal direction. A loading channel is formed between the loading crossbeams (32) of the two rows of vertical support frames (31). The loading conveyor belt (12) passes through the loading channel.

5. An automatic feeding system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The longitudinal support frame (31) is provided with a position calibration slot (34) facing the transfer mechanism. There are multiple position calibration slots (34), and they correspond one-to-one with the storage trays (33). The relative position of the position calibration slot (34) and each storage tray (33) is consistent. The transfer mechanism includes a distance sensor (44). The distance sensor (44) moves synchronously with the material picking and placing mechanism (45) on the transfer guide rail. The distance sensor (44) is used to detect the distance between itself and the position calibration slot (34). The distance sensor (44) is also communicatively connected to the power device that drives the sliding frame.

6. The automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material handling mechanism (45) includes a fixed connecting frame (461), a primary sliding frame (471), and a secondary sliding frame (481). The upper surface of the secondary sliding frame (481) is flat. A primary drive gear (462) is rotatably connected to the fixed connecting frame (461). The primary drive gear (462) rotates in a vertical plane. A primary rack (472) is fixedly connected to the primary sliding frame (471) on the side facing the fixed connecting frame (461). The primary rack (472) extends along the moving direction of the primary sliding frame (471), and the primary drive gear (462) is connected to a... The first-stage rack (472) is meshed with the second-stage drive gear (473) rotatably connected to the first-stage sliding frame (471). The second-stage drive gear (473) rotates in the vertical plane. The second-stage rack is fixedly connected to the second-stage sliding frame (481) on the side facing the first-stage sliding frame (471). The second-stage rack is parallel to the first-stage rack (472) and extends along the moving direction of the second-stage sliding frame (481). The second-stage drive gear (473) is meshed with the second-stage rack. The extending directions of the first-stage rack (472) and the second-stage rack are perpendicular to the traveling direction of the feeding conveyor belt (12).

7. An automatic feeding system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism also includes a horizontal transfer guide rail (41), a vertical transfer guide rail (42), and a movable frame (43). The horizontal transfer guide rail (41) is arranged parallel to the feeding conveyor belt (12), the vertical transfer guide rail (42) is arranged in the vertical direction, and the vertical transfer guide rail (42) is slidably arranged on the horizontal transfer guide rail (41). The movable frame (43) is slidably arranged on the vertical transfer guide rail (42), and the fixed connecting frame (461) is fixedly connected to the movable frame (43).

8. An automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer buffer mechanism includes a buffer frame (51), a buffer conveyor belt (52), a buffer positioning motor (54), and a buffer clamping plate (55). The buffer conveyor belt (52) circulates on the buffer frame (51), and the travel direction of the buffer conveyor belt (52) is parallel to the travel direction of the feeding conveyor belt (12). The buffer pallet support legs (531) at the bottom of the buffer pallet (53) overlap on the buffer conveyor belt (52). The buffer positioning motors (54) are arranged in pairs on both sides of the conveying direction of the buffer conveyor belt (52). The drive buffer clamping plate (55) moves in a direction perpendicular to the buffer conveyor belt (52) in the horizontal plane. The buffer guide block (551) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the buffer clamping plate (55), and the outer side of the buffer guide block (551) forms a buffer positioning groove (552). When the buffer clamping plate (55) moves inward to the clamping position, the buffer tray support leg (531) is engaged in the buffer positioning groove (552). When the buffer clamping plate (55) moves outward to the release position, the buffer tray support leg (531) is released from the buffer positioning groove (552).

9. An automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of storage racks is multiple, and the multiple storage racks are arranged in parallel along the direction perpendicular to the direction of the feeding conveyor belt (12). A transfer mechanism is set between adjacent storage racks.

10. An automatic feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the processing machine tools (7) is multiple, and they are arranged in parallel along the direction of travel of the feeding conveyor belt (12).

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