Material feeding device for machining center

Abstract

The utility model relates to material loading device technical field, especially processing center material loading device, including support, the upper end fixed connection of support has X axis linear slide, the front end fixed connection of X axis linear slide adjustable part has Z axis linear slide, Z axis linear slide lower end fixed connection has motor, and the output end of motor sets down and fixedly connected with the rotating plate, the lower end of rotating plate is installed with two groups of detachable clamping mechanism, and the both ends of rotating plate are all set up with the sliding slot, and the sliding block is connected in the sliding slot, and the lower end of sliding block is fixedly connected with the clamping mechanism of corresponding side, and the upper end of sliding block is fixedly connected with the connecting column, and the connecting column outer rotation sleeve connection has the connecting rod, and the both ends of connecting rod are all fixedly connected with the locking block, and the upper end of rotating plate corresponds to install with the locking sleeve that cooperates with locking block, the utility model combines the traditional two-way journey for once, greatly reduces the empty moving time of mechanical arm, and the standby time of processing center is reduced to the minimum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of material feeding device technology, and in particular to a material feeding device for a machining center. Background Technology

[0002] In modern manufacturing, machining centers are core equipment for achieving efficient and precise machining. Their production efficiency largely depends on the performance of automated loading and unloading systems. Traditional machining center material loading devices typically employ a single-arm robotic arm combined with a single gripper. In operation, this structure requires first unloading the already processed workpiece and then loading the workpiece to be processed onto the worktable. These two actions must be performed sequentially and cannot be executed simultaneously.

[0003] This sequential "loading-unloading" work mode has a significant efficiency bottleneck. Specifically, the robotic arm needs to repeat almost the same movement path twice: first, it moves into the machining center to unload the finished product and transfer it to the rack; then it moves back to the rack to clamp a new blank and enters the machining center again for loading. Throughout this process, the robotic arm's idle travel time accounts for a considerable proportion of the entire cycle, leading to extended standby time in the machining center and limiting further improvement in equipment utilization. This problem is particularly prominent on production lines where multiple machining centers work together. In addition, the clamping mechanism of existing devices often adopts a fixed or non-modular design. When processing workpieces of different shapes or sizes, the entire clamping unit must be replaced or cumbersome mechanical adjustments must be made. This disassembly and assembly process usually requires the use of specialized tools and consumes a lot of time for recalibration. This is not only inconvenient to operate but also increases the difficulty of equipment inspection and maintenance, directly affecting the rapid changeover capability of the production line and making it difficult to adapt to the needs of flexible manufacturing.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the problems of low efficiency caused by the serial working mode of the existing devices and the difficulty of replacement and maintenance due to the non-modular design of the clamping mechanism, a material loading device for machining centers can be designed, which has the ability to load and unload materials at the same time. The clamping mechanism adopts a modular design, which can realize quick and convenient replacement and adjustment, so as to meet the dual requirements of high efficiency and high flexibility of modern intelligent manufacturing. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problems of low efficiency caused by the serial working mode of existing devices and the difficulty of replacement and maintenance due to the non-modular design of the clamping mechanism.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a material feeding device for a machining center, including a bracket, an X-axis linear slide fixedly connected to the upper end of the bracket, a Z-axis linear slide fixedly connected to the front end of the adjustable part of the X-axis linear slide, a motor fixedly connected to the lower end of the Z-axis linear slide, a rotating plate fixedly connected to the output end of the motor facing downwards, two sets of detachable clamping mechanisms installed at the lower end of the rotating plate, grooves opened at both ends of the rotating plate, sliders slidably connected in the grooves, the lower end of the sliders fixedly connected to the clamping mechanisms on the corresponding sides, a connecting column fixedly connected to the upper end of the sliders, a connecting rod rotatably sleeved on the outside of the connecting column, locking blocks fixedly connected to both ends of the connecting rod, and a locking sleeve corresponding to the locking blocks installed at the upper end of the rotating plate.

[0007] Preferably, each clamping mechanism has a slider fixed above it, which can slide within a groove on the rotating plate. A connecting rod is rotatably connected to the connecting column fixed to the slider. The locking blocks at both ends of the connecting rod can rotate and be inserted into the locking sleeve, thus firmly securing the entire slider and clamping mechanism to the rotating plate. The bracket is installed between two machining centers. When the machining center needs to load material, the X-axis linear slide is activated, and its adjustable part drives the entire vertical unit to move directly above the positioned material. Then, the Z-axis linear slide works, driving its... The lower motor, rotating plate, and clamping mechanism descend, while the front clamping mechanism grabs the material. The Z-axis linear slide rises, and the X-axis linear slide moves it to the designated position on the machining center's worktable. The Z-axis linear slide controls the clamping mechanism to descend, at which point the clamping mechanism on the side not grabbing the material grabs the processed material. After the X-axis linear slide rises, the motor starts, the rotating plate rotates, and the clamping mechanism containing the material to be processed releases, allowing the material to be precisely placed, completing the entire loading process. The processed material is then sent out, and the same operation is performed on another machining center.

[0008] Preferably, the clamping mechanism uses grippers or suction cups.

[0009] Preferably, both the locking block and the locking sleeve have threaded holes and are fastened together by locking bolts.

[0010] Preferably, the system also includes a base frame, with a discharge frame fixedly connected to the upper end of one side of the base frame, and a storage bin and a feeding frame installed sequentially from front to back on the upper end of the other side. A lifting and lowering pushing mechanism is provided between the storage bin and the feeding frame, and a positioning mechanism is installed at the outlet end of the feeding frame.

[0011] Preferably, the pushing mechanism includes a pushing block and a first cylinder. The pushing block is disposed between the storage bin and the feeding frame, and its lower end is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the first cylinder. The fixed end of the first cylinder is connected to the bottom frame of the feeding frame, and the guide rail is vertically installed on the frame surface of the feeding frame.

[0012] Preferably, the feeding mechanism also includes a guide rail and a guide block. The guide rail is vertically installed on the frame surface of the feeding rack, the guide block slides with the guide rail, and the guide block is fixedly connected to the feeding block.

[0013] Preferably, the positioning mechanism includes a fixed plate, a second cylinder, and at least two sets of limiting seats. The fixed plate is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the feed rack. The second cylinder and the limiting seats are both fixedly installed on the fixed plate. The extension end of the second cylinder is fixedly connected to the limiting plate. The limiting plate and the two sets of limiting seats are on the same axis.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. By symmetrically installing two independent clamping mechanisms at the lower end of the rotating plate and giving them the ability to be driven by a motor to rotate 180 degrees, the device can simultaneously complete the loading and unloading actions in one cycle, combining the traditional two round trips into one, greatly reducing the idle movement time of the robotic arm and minimizing the standby time of the machining center. For systems that need to serve multiple machining centers, this efficiency improvement is multiplied, directly increasing the capacity of the entire production line. 2. The two sets of clamping mechanisms are slidably connected to the sliding grooves on the rotating plate via sliders, enabling quick replacement of different clamping mechanisms. By rotating the connecting rod, the locking blocks at both ends are embedded into the locking sleeves at the top of the rotating plate, and then the locking bolts are used for tightening. This design makes the clamping mechanism like an independent "tool," allowing for quick disassembly, replacement, or horizontal position adjustment without the need for special tools. When production tasks change and it is necessary to switch from clamping one type of workpiece to another, operators can complete the entire changeover process in a very short time, just like changing a standard fixture, without the need for complex mechanical modifications or lengthy system calibrations. This greatly enhances the flexibility of the production line, meets the needs of modern multi-variety, small-batch flexible manufacturing, and simplifies daily maintenance and repair processes. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of Embodiment 1 of the material feeding device for a machining center according to this utility model; Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of Embodiment 2 of the material feeding device for a machining center according to this utility model; Figure 3 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the rotating plate and clamping mechanism in the material feeding device for the machining center of this utility model. Figure 4 What is shown is Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of point A in the middle; Figure 5 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of Embodiment 3 of the material feeding device for a machining center according to this utility model; Figure 6 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the loading and unloading stacking and storage mechanism in the material loading device for a machining center of this utility model. Figure 7 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of Embodiment 4 of the material feeding device for a machining center according to this utility model. Figure 8 The illustration shows Embodiment 4 of the material feeding device for the machining center of this utility model and a schematic diagram of the machining center layout.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Bracket; 2. X-axis linear slide; 3. Z-axis linear slide; 4. Motor; 5. Rotating plate; 6. Clamping mechanism; 7. Slide groove; 8. Slider; 9. Connecting column; 10. Connecting rod; 11. Locking block; 12. Locking sleeve; 13. Threaded hole; 14. Locking bolt; 15. Base frame; 16. Discharge rack; 17. Storage bin; 181. Pushing block; 182. Guide rail; 183. Guide block; 184. First cylinder; 19. Feed rack; 201. Fixing plate; 202. Second cylinder; 203. Limit seat; 204. Limit plate. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] Example 1 Please see Figure 1 This utility model provides an embodiment: a material feeding device for a machining center, including a bracket 1, an X-axis linear slide 2 fixedly connected to the upper end of the bracket 1, a Z-axis linear slide 3 fixedly connected to the front end of the adjustable part of the X-axis linear slide 2, a motor 4 fixedly connected to the lower end of the Z-axis linear slide 3, a rotating plate 5 fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 4 facing downwards, two sets of detachable clamping mechanisms 6 installed at the lower end of the rotating plate 5, grooves 7 opened at both ends of the rotating plate 5, sliders 8 slidably connected in the grooves 7, the lower end of the sliders 8 fixedly connected to the clamping mechanism 6 on the corresponding side, a connecting column 9 fixedly connected to the upper end of the sliders 8, a connecting rod 10 rotatably sleeved on the outside of the connecting column 9, locking blocks 11 fixedly connected to both ends of the connecting rod 10, a locking sleeve 12 corresponding to the locking block 11 installed at the upper end of the rotating plate 5, and the clamping mechanism 6 adopts a gripper or a suction cup.

[0019] Depending on the characteristics of the material, the clamping mechanism 6 uses grippers or suction cups. Each clamping mechanism 6 has a fixed slider 8 on its upper part. This slider 8 can slide within a groove 7 on the rotating plate 5. A connecting rod 10 is rotatably connected to the connecting column 9, which is fixedly connected to the slider 8. The locking blocks 11 at both ends of the connecting rod 10 can rotate and insert into the locking sleeve 12, thus firmly securing the entire slider 8 and clamping mechanism 6 to the rotating plate 5. The bracket 1 is installed between two machining centers. When the machining center needs to load material, the X-axis linear slide 2 starts, and its adjustable part moves the entire vertical unit directly above the positioned material. Then, the Z-axis linear slide 3 operates, driving the motor 4 at its lower end. The rotating plate 5 and clamping mechanism 6 descend, the front clamping mechanism 6 grips the material, the Z-axis linear slide 3 rises, and the X-axis linear slide 2 moves it to the designated position on the machining center's worktable. The Z-axis linear slide 3 controls the clamping mechanism 6 to descend. At this time, the clamping mechanism 6 on the side not gripping the material grips the processed material. After the X-axis linear slide 2 rises, the motor 4 starts, the rotating plate 5 rotates, and the clamping mechanism 6 containing the material to be processed releases, the material is precisely placed, completing the entire loading process. The processed material is then sent out, and the same operation is performed on another machining center. Example 2 Please see Figures 2-4 The difference from Embodiment 1 is that both the locking block 11 and the locking sleeve 12 are provided with threaded holes 13, and are fastened together by locking bolts 14.

[0020] Furthermore, both the locking block 11 and the locking sleeve 12 are provided with threaded holes 13, and the connection between the slider 8 and the clamping mechanism 6 is strengthened by screwing in the locking bolts 14.

[0021] Example 3 Please see Figures 5-6The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the material feeding device for the machining center also includes a base frame 15. A discharge rack 16 is fixedly connected to the upper end of one side of the base frame 15, and a storage bin 17 and a feeding rack 19 are sequentially installed from front to back on the upper end of the other side. A liftable pushing mechanism is provided between the storage bin 17 and the feeding rack 19. A positioning mechanism is installed at the outlet end of the feeding rack 19. The pushing mechanism includes a pushing block 181 and a first cylinder 184. The pushing block 181 is located between the storage bin 17 and the feeding rack 19, and its lower end is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the first cylinder 184. The fixed end of the first cylinder 184 is connected to the bottom frame of the feeding rack 19. The guide rail 182 is vertically installed. On the frame surface of the feeding rack 19, the pushing mechanism also includes a guide rail 182 and a guide block 183. The guide rail 182 is vertically installed on the frame surface of the feeding rack 19. The guide block 183 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 182 and is fixedly connected to the pushing block 181. The positioning mechanism includes a fixed plate 201, a second cylinder 202 and at least two sets of limiting seats 203. The fixed plate 201 is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the feeding rack 19. The second cylinder 202 and the limiting seats 203 are both fixedly installed on the fixed plate 201. The telescopic end of the second cylinder 202 is fixedly connected to a limiting plate 204. The limiting plate 204 and the two sets of limiting seats 203 are on the same axis.

[0022] Furthermore, the entire feeding process begins in the storage bin 17 on the base frame 15, where materials are neatly stacked. When the machining center needs to feed materials, the pushing mechanism starts working. The telescopic rod of the first cylinder 184 extends upward, driving the pushing block 181, which is fixedly connected to it, to rise. The pushing block 181 slides with the guide rail 182, which is vertically installed on the feed rack 19 frame, through the guide block 183, ensuring the smoothness and precision of the pushing process. The pushing block 181 lifts up the single material at the bottom of the storage bin 17 and pushes it towards the feed rack 19. After the material enters the feed rack 19, it is transported to its outlet end, where the positioning mechanism precisely positions it. The fixed plate 201 serves as the mounting base for this mechanism, and the second cylinder 202 installed on it actuates, with its telescopic end pushing the limit plate 204 forward. This works in conjunction with at least two sets of limit seats 203, which are also fixed on the fixed plate 201, to clamp and position the material, ensuring that the material is at the preset accurate coordinates.

[0023] Example 4 Please see Figures 7-8The difference from Embodiment 2 is that the material feeding device for the machining center also includes a base frame 15. A discharge rack 16 is fixedly connected to the upper end of one side of the base frame 15, and a storage bin 17 and a feeding rack 19 are sequentially installed from front to back on the upper end of the other side. A liftable pushing mechanism is provided between the storage bin 17 and the feeding rack 19. A positioning mechanism is installed at the outlet end of the feeding rack 19. The pushing mechanism includes a pushing block 181 and a first cylinder 184. The pushing block 181 is located between the storage bin 17 and the feeding rack 19, and its lower end is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the first cylinder 184. The fixed end of the first cylinder 184 is connected to the bottom frame of the feeding rack 19. The guide rail 182 is vertically installed. On the frame surface of the feeding rack 19, the pushing mechanism also includes a guide rail 182 and a guide block 183. The guide rail 182 is vertically installed on the frame surface of the feeding rack 19. The guide block 183 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 182 and is fixedly connected to the pushing block 181. The positioning mechanism includes a fixed plate 201, a second cylinder 202 and at least two sets of limiting seats 203. The fixed plate 201 is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the feeding rack 19. The second cylinder 202 and the limiting seats 203 are both fixedly installed on the fixed plate 201. The telescopic end of the second cylinder 202 is fixedly connected to a limiting plate 204. The limiting plate 204 and the two sets of limiting seats 203 are on the same axis.

[0024] The base frame 15 serves as a stable foundation, integrating the storage bin 17, the feeding rack 19, and the discharging rack 16 into a compact material flow line. The path from storage and feeding to finished product discharge is clear, effectively saving equipment space. Secondly, the pushing mechanism is ingeniously designed and highly reliable. The pushing block 181 is directly driven by the first cylinder 184, providing ample power. The added guide rail 182 and guide block 183 form a robust guiding structure, ensuring that the pushing block 181 moves smoothly and steadily during vertical lifting without shaking or jamming. This is crucial for protecting the material surface and maintaining accurate pushing position. Finally, the positioning mechanism at the outlet end is key to achieving high-precision feeding. The second cylinder 202 drives the limiting plate 204 to move towards the fixed limiting seat 203, reliably clamping and positioning the material from both sides, effectively eliminating positional errors of the material on the feeding rack 19.

[0025] Through the above steps, by symmetrically installing two independent clamping mechanisms 6 at the lower end of the rotating plate 5 and giving the motor 4 the ability to drive them to rotate 180 degrees, the device can simultaneously complete the loading and unloading actions in one cycle, merging the traditional two round trips into one, greatly reducing the idle movement time of the robotic arm and minimizing the standby time of the machining center. For systems that need to serve multiple machining centers, this efficiency improvement is multiplied, directly increasing the capacity of the entire production line; thus solving the problems of low efficiency caused by the serial working mode of existing devices and the difficulty of replacement and maintenance due to the non-modular design of the clamping mechanism.

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A material feeding device for a machining center, characterized in that: It includes a bracket (1), an X-axis linear slide (2) fixedly connected to the upper end of the bracket (1), a Z-axis linear slide (3) fixedly connected to the front end of the adjustable part of the X-axis linear slide (2), a motor (4) fixedly connected to the lower end of the Z-axis linear slide (3), a rotating plate (5) fixedly connected to the output end of the motor (4) downwards, and two sets of detachable clamping mechanisms (6) installed at the lower end of the rotating plate (5). Slide grooves (7) are opened at both the front and rear ends of the rotating plate (5), and a slider (8) is slidably connected in the slide grooves (7). The lower end of the slider (8) is fixedly connected to the clamping mechanism (6) on the corresponding side. A connecting column (9) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the slider (8), and a connecting rod (10) is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the connecting column (9). Locking blocks (11) are fixedly connected to both ends of the connecting rod (10), and a locking sleeve (12) that cooperates with the locking block (11) is installed on the upper end of the rotating plate (5).

2. The material feeding device for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism (6) uses a gripper or a suction cup.

3. The material feeding device for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the locking block (11) and the locking sleeve (12) have threaded holes (13) and are fastened together by locking bolts (14).

4. The material feeding device for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a base frame (15), on one side of the upper end of the base frame (15) a discharge rack (16) is fixedly connected, and on the other side the upper end a storage bin (17) and a feeding rack (19) are installed sequentially from front to back. A lifting and lowering pushing mechanism is provided between the storage bin (17) and the feeding rack (19), and a positioning mechanism is installed at the outlet end of the feeding rack (19).

5. A material feeding device for a machining center according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pushing mechanism includes a pushing block (181) and a first cylinder (184). The pushing block (181) is located between the storage bin (17) and the feeding rack (19). Its lower end is fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the first cylinder (184). The fixed end of the first cylinder (184) is connected to the bottom frame of the feeding rack (19). The guide rail (182) is vertically installed on the frame surface of the feeding rack (19).

6. A material feeding device for a machining center according to claim 5, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism also includes a guide rail (182) and a guide block (183). The guide rail (182) is vertically installed on the frame surface of the feed rack (19). The guide block (183) slides with the guide rail (182) and is fixedly connected to the feeding block (181).

7. A material feeding device for a machining center according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism includes a fixed plate (201), a second cylinder (202), and at least two sets of limiting seats (203). The fixed plate (201) is fixedly connected to the outlet end of the feed rack (19). The second cylinder (202) and the limiting seats (203) are both fixedly installed on the fixed plate (201). The telescopic end of the second cylinder (202) is fixedly connected to the limiting plate (204). The limiting plate (204) and the two sets of limiting seats (203) are on the same axis.

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