Panel and tray separation and conveying mechanism

Abstract

A panel and tray separation and conveying mechanism includes a panel-and-tray separation device, a panel processing device, two temporary storage devices (a receiving tray device and a supply tray device), and a tray pick-and-place device. The panel processing device is positioned at one end of the panel-and-tray separation device. The two temporary storage devices are arranged side by side and positioned at the other end of the panel-and-tray separation device. These two temporary storage devices have lifting functions, so that their height can be adjusted based on the number of panels. The tray pick-and-place device is located on one side of the panel-and-tray separation device. The tray pick-and-place device can pick up a tray supplied by one of the temporary storage devices (the supply tray device) and transfer it to the panel-and-tray separation device. The panel-and-tray separation device separates the panels from the trays, conveying the separated panels to the panel processing device and the separated trays to the other temporary storage device (the receiving tray device). The tray pick-and-place device is equipped with multiple suction cup assemblies and multiple gripping claws. The suction cup assemblies can be used to pick up trays and panels. The gripping claws can clamp the trays, and the gripping claws can be driven by a power source and guided by a slide rail assembly, so that gripping claws are adjustable. The tray pick-and-place device can simultaneously grip both panels and trays, releasing the tray first and then the panel, or it can pick and place the panel first followed by the tray. The tray pick-and-place device also includes multiple horizontal adjustment screws for leveling purposes and multiple sensors to detect the presence or absence of trays.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining, and more particularly to a plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism. Prior Technology

[0002] During the processing of circuit boards and other circuit boards, to facilitate conveying and improve efficiency, the boards are typically placed on trays, and a large number of trays are stacked together for transport. When a board needs to be picked up from the tray to the processing position, a robotic arm can first pick it up from the tray to the processing position, and then pick up the empty tray to the preset position. However, the current method of separating the board from the tray makes it difficult to increase the processing speed of the production line, hinders automated production, and limits efficiency. Furthermore, the existing trays come in various sizes, causing inconvenience for the robotic arm in handling them. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism that addresses the shortcomings of the prior art. This mechanism facilitates automated production, improves production efficiency, reduces costs, and allows for adjustable tray loading and unloading operations that can be flexibly adjusted according to the width of the tray.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism, comprising: a plate and tray separation device, which can be used to separate the plate and the tray; a plate processing device, which is disposed at one end of the plate and tray separation device; two temporary storage devices, which are disposed at the other end of the plate and tray separation device, the two temporary storage devices having a lifting function, and the two temporary storage devices can respectively serve as a tray receiving device and a tray supply device; and a tray picking and placing device, which is disposed on one side of the plate and tray separation device, which can be used to pick up the tray supplied by the tray supply device and place it to the plate and tray separation device, and the plate and tray separation device can be used to separate the plate and the tray. The separated plates and trays are respectively transported to the plate processing device and the tray receiving device; wherein the tray picking and placing device includes a robotic arm, a support, multiple suction cup groups and multiple claws, the support is connected to the robotic arm, the suction cup groups and the claws are disposed on the support, the suction cup groups can be used to pick up the tray and the plates, the claws can be used to clamp the tray, the robotic arm can drive the suction cup groups and the claws to move through the support, the support includes a fixed frame and two movable frames, the claws are respectively disposed on the two movable frames, the two movable frames are movably disposed on the fixed frame, and the two movable frames are respectively connected to a power source, the two movable frames can be pushed closer or further apart by the power source, so that the claws can be elastically adjusted according to the width of the tray.

[0005] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism provided by this invention includes a plate and tray separation device, a plate processing device, two temporary storage devices, and a tray pick-and-place device. The two temporary storage devices can respectively serve as a tray supply device and a tray collection device. The tray supply device supplies a tray fully loaded with plates to the tray pick-and-place device. The tray pick-and-place device picks up the tray supplied by the tray supply device and transfers it to the plate and tray separation device, which then separates the plates from the trays. The plates are then conveyed to the plate processing device, and the empty trays are conveyed to the tray collection device. The plate processing device processes the plates, and the tray collection device collects the empty trays. This invention, through the separation of plates and trays by the plate and tray separation device, automatically realizes the supply of full-load trays, the separation of plates and trays, the output and processing of plates, and the collection of empty trays. This facilitates automated production, improves production efficiency, and reduces costs.

[0006] Furthermore, the tray picking and placing device of the present invention includes a robotic arm, a support frame, multiple suction cup assemblies, and multiple claws. The suction cup assemblies can be used to pick up trays and plates, and the claws can be used to clamp trays, thus stably picking up and placing trays and plates. The support frame includes a fixed frame and two movable frames. The claws are respectively disposed on the two movable frames, which are movably disposed on the fixed frame. The two movable frames are respectively connected to a power source, and the two movable frames can be pushed closer or further apart by the power source, so that the claws can be elastically adjusted according to the width of the tray, making the tray picking and placing operation adjustable and elastically adjustable according to the width of the tray.

[0007] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the plate processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the plate processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0012] Figure 5 is a plan view of the plate processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tray-retrieving and placing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0014] The following specific embodiments illustrate the relevant implementation methods disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. In addition, the term "or" used herein should, as appropriate, include any combination of any one or more of the associated listed items.

[0015] [Example]

[0016] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. The present invention provides a plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism, including a plate and tray separation device 1, a plate processing device 2, two temporary storage devices 3 and a tray picking and placing device 4.

[0017] The plate and tray separation device 1 can be used to separate plates and trays. Since the plate and tray separation device 1 is existing technology, and the present invention does not limit the structure of the plate and tray separation device 1, it will not be described in detail. The plate processing device 2 is set at one end of the plate and tray separation device 1. Two temporary storage devices 3 are arranged side by side at the other end of the plate and tray separation device 1. The two temporary storage devices 3 have lifting functions and can be adjusted according to the number of trays and plates. In this embodiment, each of the two temporary storage devices 3 includes a conveying mechanism 31 and a lifting mechanism 32. The conveying mechanism 31 can be a conveying roller mechanism, which can be used to convey the plates and trays horizontally. The lifting mechanism 32 is connected to the conveying mechanism 31. The lifting mechanism 32 can be a motor screw mechanism, which can drive the conveying mechanism 31 to move up and down, so as to drive the trays and plates to move up and down. The two temporary storage devices 3 can be used as a tray receiving device and a tray supply device, respectively. The tray picking and placing device 4 is located on one side of the board and tray separation device 1. The tray picking and placing device 4 can pick up the tray supplied by one of the two temporary storage devices 3 (tray supply device) and place it into the board and tray separation device 1. The board and tray separation device 1 can separate the board from the tray and transport the separated board and tray to the board processing device 2 and the other of the two temporary storage devices 3 (tray receiving device), respectively. In this embodiment, the board is preferably a circuit board, but this is not a limitation.

[0018] In this embodiment, one of the two temporary storage devices 3 (the tray supply device) supplies a tray fully loaded with boards to the tray pick-up and drop-off device 4. The tray pick-up and drop-off device 4 picks up the tray supplied by the tray supply device and places it to the board and tray separation device 1. Then, the board and tray separation device 1 separates the board and tray, and then transports the board to the board processing device 2. The empty tray is then transported to the other of the two temporary storage devices 3 (the tray collection device). The board processing device 2 processes the board, and the tray collection device collects the empty tray. This invention, through the separation of the board and tray by the board and tray separation device 1, automates the supply of a full tray, the separation of the board and tray, the output and processing of the board, and the collection of an empty tray, which can significantly improve the efficiency of board processing.

[0019] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5. In this embodiment, the sheet metal processing device 2 may include a conveyor table 21, at least one sheet metal positioning mechanism 22, a connecting roller assembly 23, and a connecting driver 24. The sheet metal positioning mechanism 22 is disposed on the conveyor table 21, the connecting roller assembly 23 is rotatably disposed on the conveyor table 21, and the connecting driver 24 is connected to the connecting roller assembly 23. The connecting driver 24 can be used to drive the connecting roller assembly 23 to rotate. The connecting roller assembly 23 is used to connect the conveyor table 21 and the sheet metal and tray separation device 1. The connecting driver 24 may be a cylinder. One end of the connecting roller assembly 23 is rotatably connected to the conveyor table 21, and the other end of the connecting roller assembly 23 is connected to the connecting driver 24. The conveyor table 21 may be an electric roller conveying mechanism, and the connecting roller assembly 23 can rotate actively.

[0020] In this embodiment, after the plate and tray separation device 1 lifts the plate to separate it from the tray, the connecting driver 24 drives the connecting roller assembly 23 to rotate downwards until the connecting roller assembly 23 connects with the separation roller assembly 11 of the raised plate and tray separation device 1. At this time, the separation roller assembly 11 drives the plate to be transported to the conveyor table 21 via the connecting roller assembly 23. The conveyor table 21 transports the plate. When the plate is transported to the plate positioning mechanism 22, the plate positioning mechanism 22 centers the plate to ensure the positional accuracy and stability of the plate. After the plate is transported to the conveyor table 21, the connecting driver 24 drives the connecting roller assembly 23 to reset and rotate, so that the connecting roller assembly 23 separates from the separation roller assembly 11 of the plate and tray separation device 1, so that the plate and tray separation device 1 can transport the empty tray to the receiving device.

[0021] In this embodiment, the board processing device 2 is provided with two board positioning mechanisms 22. Each board positioning mechanism 22 includes a servo motor 221, a screw assembly 222 and a plurality of positioning elements 223. The screw assembly 222 is connected between the servo motor 221 and the positioning elements 223, so that the servo motor 221 can drive the positioning elements 223 to move through the screw assembly 222. The positioning elements 223 are arranged on the side of the board to center the board and can be adjusted according to the size of the board, and have a sequential board positioning function.

[0022] In this embodiment, the plate positioning mechanism 22 further includes a coupling 224, which is connected between the servo motor 221 and the screw assembly 222. The coupling 224 can absorb sway and reduce the assembly and adjustment process. The plate processing device 2 may be equipped with a plurality of first sensors 225, which may be photoelectric sensors. These first sensors 225 are arranged above and below the conveyor table 21 and can be used to detect plates.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 and 6, in this embodiment, the tray handling device 4 includes a robotic arm 41, a support 42, multiple suction cup assemblies 43, and multiple claws 44. The support 42 is connected to the robotic arm 41, and the suction cup assemblies 43 and claws 44 are disposed on the support 42. The robotic arm 41 can move the suction cup assemblies 43 and claws 44 via the support 42. Preferably, the suction cup assemblies 43 are disposed on opposite sides of the support 42, and the claws 44 are disposed on the other opposite sides of the support 42. The suction cup assemblies 43 can be used to pick up trays and plates, and the claws 44 can be used to clamp trays.

[0024] In this embodiment, the support 42 may include a fixed frame 421 and two movable frames 422. The two movable frames 422 are movably mounted on the fixed frame 421. The hooks 44 are respectively mounted on the two movable frames 422, and the two movable frames 422 are respectively connected to a power source 45, which may be a cylinder or the like. The two movable frames 422 can be pushed closer or further apart by the power source 45, so that the hooks 44 can be flexibly adjusted according to the width of the material tray. Multiple slide rail groups 423 may also be provided between the fixed frame 421 and the movable frames 422. Preferably, the slide rail groups 423 are located near the two ends of the movable frames 422, so that the two movable frames 422 can be stably moved and adjusted by the slide rail groups 423.

[0025] The pick-and-place device 4 can simultaneously grab the sheet metal and the tray, placing the tray first and then the sheet metal. Alternatively, the pick-and-place device 4 can pick up and place the sheet metal first, and then pick up and place the tray.

[0026] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 421 may further include a central portion 4211 and an outer portion 4212. The outer portion 4212 is disposed around the central portion 4211. The robotic arm 41 is connected to the central portion 4211 of the mounting bracket 421. The suction cup assemblies 43 and the claws 44 are disposed on the outer portion 4212. The outer portion 4212 is connected to the central portion 4211 by a plurality of leveling screws 46. The leveling screws 46 are located near the four corners of the central portion 4211 and can be used to adjust the levelness. The tray loading and unloading device 4 may further include a plurality of second sensors 47, which are disposed on the bracket 42 and can be used to detect the presence or absence of a tray.

[0027] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism provided by this invention includes a plate and tray separation device, a plate processing device, two temporary storage devices, and a tray pick-and-place device. The two temporary storage devices can respectively serve as a tray supply device and a tray collection device. The tray supply device supplies a tray fully loaded with plates to the tray pick-and-place device. The tray pick-and-place device picks up the tray supplied by the tray supply device and transfers it to the plate and tray separation device, which then separates the plates from the trays. The plates are then conveyed to the plate processing device, and the empty trays are conveyed to the tray collection device. The plate processing device processes the plates, and the tray collection device collects the empty trays. This invention, through the separation of plates and trays by the plate and tray separation device, automatically realizes the supply of full-load trays, the separation of plates and trays, the output and processing of plates, and the collection of empty trays. This facilitates automated production, improves production efficiency, and reduces costs.

[0029] Furthermore, the tray picking and placing device of the present invention includes a robotic arm, a support frame, multiple suction cup assemblies, and multiple claws. The suction cup assemblies can be used to pick up trays and plates, and the claws can be used to clamp trays, thus stably picking up and placing trays and plates. The support frame includes a fixed frame and two movable frames. The claws are respectively disposed on the two movable frames, which are movably disposed on the fixed frame. The two movable frames are respectively connected to a power source, and the two movable frames can be pushed closer or further apart by the power source, so that the claws can be elastically adjusted according to the width of the tray, making the tray picking and placing operation adjustable and elastically adjustable according to the width of the tray.

[0030] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

[0031] 1: Plate and tray separation device 11: Separating roller assembly 2: Sheet metal processing equipment 21: Conveyor Platform 22: Panel positioning mechanism 221: Servo Motor 222: Screw assembly 223: Positioning component 224: Coupling 225: First Sensor 23: Connecting roller assembly 24: Connector Driver 3: Temporary storage device 31: Conveying mechanism 32: Lifting mechanism 4: Plate pick-up and drop-off device 41: Robotic Arm 42: Bracket 421: Fixture 4211: Central Department 4212: Outer side 422: Movable rack 423: Slide rail assembly 43: Suction Cup Assembly 44: Hook Claw 45: Power Source 46: Leveling screw 47: Second sensor

Claims

1. A sheet metal and tray separation and conveying mechanism, comprising: A plate-to-tray separation device, which can be used to separate a plate from a tray; a plate processing device, which is disposed at one end of the plate-to-tray separation device; two temporary storage devices, which are disposed at the other end of the plate-to-tray separation device, and the two temporary storage devices have lifting functions and can be used as a tray receiving device and a tray supply device, respectively; and a tray picking and placing device, which is disposed on one side of the plate-to-tray separation device, which can be used to pick up the tray supplied by the tray supply device and place it to the plate-to-tray separation device, which can be used to separate the plate from the tray and transport the separated plate and the tray to the plate processing device and the tray receiving device, respectively. The tray-loading device includes a robotic arm, a support frame, multiple suction cup assemblies, and multiple claws. The support frame is connected to the robotic arm. The suction cup assemblies and claws are mounted on the support frame. The suction cup assemblies are used to pick up the tray and the plate, and the claws are used to grip the tray. The robotic arm can move the suction cup assemblies and claws via the support frame. The support frame includes a fixed frame and two movable frames. The claws are respectively mounted on the two movable frames, and the two movable frames are movably mounted on the fixed frame. The two movable frames are respectively connected to a power source, and the two movable frames can be pushed closer or further apart by the power source, so that the hooks can be flexibly adjusted according to the width of the material tray; the fixed frame includes a central part and an outer part, the robotic arm is connected to the central part of the fixed frame, the suction cups and the hooks are disposed on the outer part, and the outer part is connected to the central part by a plurality of leveling screws, which are located near the four corners of the central part and can be used to adjust the levelness.

2. The plate and tray separation conveying mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate processing device includes a conveying table, at least one plate positioning mechanism, a connecting roller assembly, and a connecting driver, wherein the plate positioning mechanism is disposed on the conveying table, the connecting roller assembly is rotatably disposed on the conveying table, the connecting driver is connected to the connecting roller assembly, the connecting driver is capable of driving the connecting roller assembly to rotate, and the connecting roller assembly is capable of connecting the conveying table and the plate and tray separation device.

3. The plate and tray separation and conveying mechanism as described in claim 2, wherein the plate processing device includes two plate positioning mechanisms, each of the two plate positioning mechanisms including a servo motor, a screw assembly and a plurality of positioning elements, wherein the screw assembly is connected between the servo motor and the positioning elements, and can be driven by the servo motor to drive the positioning elements to move through the screw assembly for positioning the plate.

4. The plate and tray separation conveying mechanism as described in claim 3, wherein the plate positioning mechanism further includes a coupling connected between the servo motor and the screw assembly.

5. The plate and tray separation conveying mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plate processing device is provided with a plurality of first sensors disposed above and below the conveying table, the first sensors being capable of detecting the plate.

6. The plate and tray separation conveying mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction cup assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of the support, and the hooks are disposed on the other opposite sides of the support.

7. The plate and tray separation conveying mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of slide rail assemblies are provided between the fixed frame and the two movable frames, and the slide rail assemblies can guide the movement and adjustment of the two movable frames.

8. The plate and tray separation conveying mechanism as described in claim 7, wherein the slide rail assemblies are respectively located near both ends of the movable frame.

9. The plate and tray separation conveying mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tray pick-and-place device is provided with a plurality of second sensors on the bracket, which can be used to detect the presence or absence of the tray.

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