Transfer equipment

Abstract

A transfer device is suitable for transferring a carrier unit for detachably loading a panel. The transfer device includes a cache unit including a top carrier, a conveying system, and an opening unit including a clamping device. The conveying system includes a lifting device and two translation devices. Each translation device has a movable carrier. The movable carrier can circulate in a circular path including a waiting position, a material-picked position, and a material placement position in sequence, so that the carrier unit is transferred from the top carrier to a position adjacent to the panel, thereby achieving the purpose of automatically transferring the carrier. And when the clamping device performs the opening procedure, the movable carrier continues to move along the circular path from the material placement position to the waiting position to perform another carrier transfer action, which can achieve the purpose of improving the carrier transfer efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a transfer device, in particular to a transfer device suitable for an automated production system. Background Art

[0002] In the circuit board processing process, the circuit board will be processed through several different workstations, and each workstation needs to be equipped with a carrier corresponding to the workstation to load the circuit board for the processing process of the workstation. In addition, in order to avoid the influence of human factors, in the circuit board processing process, an automated production system is usually used to improve production efficiency, stabilize product yield and overcome manpower problems. Therefore, how to use automated equipment to load circuit boards on carriers and improve the efficiency of transporting carriers to the loading position has become a topic worth studying. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device which can load a circuit board onto a carrier in an automated manner, and can automatically transfer the carrier to a position where the circuit board is to be loaded, and improve the transfer efficiency of the carrier.

[0004] The transfer device of the present invention is suitable for detachably transferring at least one carrier unit. The carrier unit is used for detachably loading a plate. The transfer device comprises a support seat, a buffer unit and a conveying system. The buffer unit is suitable for detachably placing the carrier unit and comprises at least one top platform. The top platform is located in front of the support seat and is suitable for supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit. The conveying system comprises a lifting device and two translation devices. The lifting device is connected to the support seat so as to be displaceable up and down. The translation devices are respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the lifting device so as to be displaceable forward and backward and are suitable for carrying the carrier unit. Each translation device has a movable platform. The movable platform is suitable for supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit and is located in front of the support seat. The movable platform can be cyclically moved in a circulation path including a waiting material taking position, a material taking position and a material placing position in sequence. At the waiting material taking position, the movable platform is aligned with and lower than the top platform, and the top platform supports the carrier unit that has not yet been loaded with the plate. In the material-removing position, the movable platform is aligned with and higher than the top platform, and continues to support the carrier unit from the top platform. In the material-loading position, the movable platform is lower than the top platform and adjacent to the plate, so that the carrier unit can hold the plate.

[0005] In some embodiments, the cache unit includes a first bracket and two top platforms. The first bracket is connected to the support seat. The top platforms are respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the first bracket and are suitable for supporting the two ends of the carrier unit. The spacing distance between the movable platforms is greater than the spacing distance between the top platforms.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cache unit includes a first bracket and two top platforms. The first bracket is suitable for being mounted on an external bearing structure. The top platforms are respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the first bracket and are suitable for supporting the two ends of the carrier unit. The spacing distance between the movable platforms is greater than the spacing distance between the top platforms.

[0007] In some embodiments, the carrier unit includes at least one clamp. The clamp can releasably clamp the plate. The transfer device also includes a clamping unit located in front of the support seat and lower than the cache unit. The clamping unit includes at least one limiter, an axle, a guide rod, a traction device and at least one clamping device that can be opened and closed. The limiter is connected to the support seat and has an arc-shaped through hole that passes through the left and right opposite sides of the limiter. The arc-shaped through hole bends and extends from the upper front side of the limiter toward the lower rear side of the limiter. The axle is connected to the limiter in a left-right extending manner. The guide rod extends left-right and extends through the arc-shaped through hole and can be translated along the arc-shaped through hole. The traction device is connected to the guide rod and can drive the guide rod to move along the arc-shaped through hole. The clamping device can be pivotally connected to the axle and connected to the guide rod, and has two opening and closing members that can adjust the relative distance. When the guide rod is driven by the traction device to move, it can drive the clamping device to move between the waiting position and the unclamping position. In the waiting position, the guide rod is located at the rear end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing member is away from the clamp. In the unclamping position, the movable platform is located at the material placement position, and the guide rod is located at the front end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing member is adjacent to and aligned with the clamp to perform the unclamping procedure of the clamp.

[0008] In some embodiments, the clamping unit further includes at least one bottom platform. The bottom platform is disposed in front of the shaft and is not aligned with the top platform, and is adapted to support the bottom side of the carrier unit. The circulation path further includes an intermediate process position between the taken material position and the loading position. In the intermediate process position, the movable platform is aligned with and higher than the bottom platform, and supports the carrier unit. In the loading position, the movable platform is aligned with the bottom platform, and the bottom platform can detachably support the bottom side of the carrier unit. When the movable platform moves from the intermediate process position to the loading position, the carrier unit is transferred from the movable platform to the bottom platform.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support seat has a frame and two slide rails. The slide rails are spaced apart from each other and are vertically connected to the rear side of the frame. The lifting device has a lifting cylinder and a second bracket. The lifting cylinder is arranged at the rear side of the support seat and has a first linkage member that can be displaced along the height direction of the frame. The second bracket is connected to the first linkage member and is slidably connected to the slide rail so that the second bracket can move up and down along the slide rail.

[0010] In some implementations, each translation device further comprises a translation cylinder and a third bracket. The translation cylinders of the translation device are respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the second bracket, and each translation cylinder has a second linkage that can move forward and backward. The third bracket is respectively connected to the second linkage of the translation device, so that the third bracket can move forward and backward relative to the second bracket as the second linkage moves.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device that can load a circuit board onto a carrier in an automated manner.

[0012] The transfer device of the present invention is suitable for detachably transferring a carrier unit. The carrier unit is used to detachably load a plate and includes at least one clamp. The clamp can releasably clamp the plate. The transfer device includes a support seat and a clamping unit. The clamping unit is located in front of the support seat and includes at least one limiter, an axle, a guide rod, a traction device, at least one openable and closable clamping device, and at least one bottom platform. The limiter is connected to the support seat and has an arc-shaped through hole passing through the left and right opposite sides of the limiter. The arc-shaped through hole bends and extends from the upper front side of the limiter toward the lower rear side of the limiter. The axle is connected to the limiter in a way that it extends left and right. The guide rod extends left and right through the arc-shaped through hole and can translate along the arc-shaped through hole. The traction device is connected to the guide rod and can drive the guide rod to move along the arc-shaped through hole. The clamping device is pivotally connected to the shaft and connected to the guide rod, and has two opening and closing parts with adjustable relative distances. The bottom carrier is arranged in front of the shaft and adjacent to the plate, and is suitable for detachably supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit. When the guide rod is driven by the traction device to move, it can drive the clamping device to move between the waiting position and the unclamping position. In the waiting position, the guide rod is located at the rear end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing part is away from the clamp. In the unclamping position, the guide rod is located at the front end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing part is adjacent to and aligned with the clamp to perform the unclamping procedure of the clamp.

[0013] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the guide rod is driven by the traction device to move, which can drive the clamping device to move between the material waiting position and the clamping position, so that the clamping device is close to and aligned with the clamp, and the clamping procedure is performed, so as to achieve the purpose of loading the circuit board on the carrier in an automated manner. In addition, the movable carrier can be cyclically moved in sequence along the circulation path, so that the carrier unit is transferred from being loaded on the top carrier to being loaded on the movable carrier, and as the movable carrier moves to the material placement position, the purpose of automatically moving the carrier to the position where the circuit board is to be loaded can be achieved. In addition, the movable platform can move in a circular motion in sequence along the circulating path, so that the carrier unit can be transferred from the top platform to the bottom platform along with the movable platform, and when the clamping device performs the clamping procedure on the carrier unit loaded on the bottom platform, the movable platform continues to move along the circulating path to the waiting position for material collection to perform the next round of transferring another carrier unit. In this way, the process of the movable platform waiting for the clamping device to perform the clamping procedure when moving along the circulating path can be omitted, thereby achieving the purpose of improving the carrier transfer efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a support base, a buffer unit, a conveying system, a clamping unit and a carrier unit of an embodiment of the transfer device of the present invention, wherein two movable carriers of the conveying system are at a material-waiting position, and two clamping devices of the clamping unit are at a material-waiting position;

[0016] Figure 2 is a rear view illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit;

[0017] Figure 3 is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit, with the movable carrier at the material-waiting position and the clamping device at the material-waiting position;

[0018] Figure 4 is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit, with the movable carrier at a material-removing position and the clamping device at the material-waiting position;

[0019] Figure 5 is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit, with the movable carrier at an intermediate process position and the clamping device at the material waiting position;

[0020] Figure 6 is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit, with the movable carrier at a material placement position and the clamping device at the material waiting position;

[0021] Figure 7 is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit, with the movable carrier at the material placement position, the clamping device at an open position, and the two opening and closing members of each clamping device in an open state;

[0022] Figure 8 is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit and a plate, with the movable carrier at the material placement position, the clamping device at the open clamping position, and the opening and closing member in a closed state;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between the embodiment and the carrier unit, the plate and another carrier unit, with the movable carrier at the material-waiting position and the clamping device at the material-waiting position; and

[0024] Fig.10It is a right side view, illustrating the connection relationship between another implementation of the embodiment and the carrier unit and an external supporting structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig. 9 , is an embodiment of the transfer device of the present invention. The transfer device is suitable for detachably transferring at least one carrier unit 7. The carrier unit 7 is used to detachably load a panel 8, and includes a cross bar 71, and at least one clamp 72 connected to the cross bar 71. The clamp 72 can releasably clamp the panel 8. In the present embodiment, the clamp 72 is based on four examples so that the carrier unit 7 can clamp the panel 8 more stably. In the present embodiment, the panel 8 is a circuit board, however, the panel 8 can also be columnar, block-shaped or other plate-shaped, for example: a panel and other objects to be loaded that can be clamped are not limited to circuit boards.

[0026] See also Figures 1 to 3 , first define the directional terms used in this description. Figure 1 In the stereogram shown, the left side facing the transfer device shown is defined as the "left side", and the right side is defined as the "right side", that is, Figure 2 In the rear view shown, the left side facing the transfer device shown is defined as the "right side", and the right side facing the transfer device shown is defined as the "left side". Figure 3 In the right view shown, the left side facing the transfer device shown is defined as the "front side", and the right side facing the transfer device shown is defined as the "rear side". The transfer device includes a support base 1, a buffer unit 2, a conveying system 3 and a clamping unit 4. The support base 1 has a frame 11 and two slide rails 12. The frame 11 is upright. Each slide rail 12 is connected to the rear side of the frame 11 in an upward and downward manner, and the slide rails 12 are spaced apart from each other to the left and right, and the conveying system 3 is slidably connected to the slide rails 12.

[0027] The cache unit 2 is suitable for detachably placing the carrier unit 7, and includes a first bracket 21 connected to the front of the support seat 1 and extending left and right, and two top platforms 22 respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the first bracket 21. The top platform 22 is suitable for supporting the bottom side of the two ends of the carrier unit 7. In this embodiment, the number of the top platforms 22 can also be one or more than three. When the number of the top platforms 22 is one, the top platform 22 can be located at the center of the front of the support seat 1 and extend left and right along the front side of the support seat 1, so that the top platform 22 can also be used to support the bottom side of the middle of the carrier unit 7. In addition, when the number of the top platforms 22 is more than three, the top platforms 22 are connected to the first bracket 21 at intervals, so that the top platforms 22 can also be used to support the bottom side of the carrier unit 7, so that the cache unit 2 is suitable for more stable placement of the carrier unit 7. The number of the top platforms 22 is not limited to a specific number.

[0028] The conveying system 3 includes a lifting device 31 and two translation devices 32. The lifting device 31 is connected to the support base 1 so as to be displaceable up and down. The lifting device 31 has a lifting cylinder 311 and a second bracket 312. The lifting cylinder 311 is arranged at the rear side of the support base 1 and has a first linkage 314 that can be displaced along the height direction of the frame body 11. The second bracket 312 is connected to the first linkage 314 and is slidably connected to the slide rail 12 so that the second bracket 312 can move up and down along the slide rail 12.

[0029] The translation device 32 is respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the lifting device 31 so as to be displaceable forward and backward, and is suitable for carrying the carrier unit 7. Each translation device 32 has a translation cylinder 321, a third bracket 322 and a movable platform 323. The translation cylinders 321 are respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the second bracket 312, and each translation cylinder 321 has a second linkage 324 that can be displaced forward and backward. The third bracket 322 is respectively connected to the second linkage 324, so that the third bracket 322 is respectively pushed by the second linkage 324 and moves forward and backward relative to the second bracket 312. The movable platform 323 is suitable for supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit 7, and is located in front of the support seat 1, and is respectively connected to the third bracket 322. When the second linkage members 324 of the translation cylinder 321 respectively drive the third bracket 322 to move, the movable platform 323 connected to the third bracket 322 can move forward and backward relative to the second bracket 312 of the lifting device 31 .

[0030] In this embodiment, the spacing distance of the movable platforms 323 is greater than the spacing distance of the top platform 22 of the cache unit 2, that is, the movable platforms 323 are respectively located on the outside of the top platform 22, so when the height of the movable platforms 323 and the top platform 22 are equal, both can support the bottom side of the carrier unit 7 at the same time. However, the spacing distance of the movable platforms 323 can also be smaller than the spacing distance of the top platform 22, and away from the clamp 72 of the carrier unit 7, so that the movable platforms 323 and the top platform 22 can also support the bottom side of the carrier unit 7 at the same time, and the movable platforms 323 will not collide with the clamp 72.

[0031] The clamping unit 4 is located in front of the support seat 1 and lower than the buffer unit 2, and includes at least one limiter 41, an axle 42, a guide rod 43, a traction device 44, at least one openable and closable clamping device 45, and at least one bottom platform 46. In this embodiment, the limiter 41 is in two examples, the clamping device 45 is in two examples, and the bottom platform 46 is in six examples. The limiter 41 is suitable for being displaceably connected to the guide rod 43 so that the guide rod 43 maintains left-right balance. The bottom platform 46 is suitable for detachably supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit 7 so that the bottom platform 46 is suitable for allowing the carrier unit 7 to be placed more stably.

[0032] Specifically, the limiting members 41 are connected to the support seat 1 at intervals, and each limiting member 41 has an arcuate through hole 411 penetrating the left and right opposite surfaces of the limiting member 41. The arcuate through hole 411 bends and extends from the upper front side of each limiting member 41 toward the lower rear side of the limiting member 41. The shaft 42 is connected to the limiting member 41 in a manner extending left and right. The guide rod 43 extends left and right through the arcuate through hole 411 and can translate along the arcuate through hole 411. The traction device 44 is connected to the center of the guide rod 43 and can drive the guide rod 43 to move along the arcuate through hole 411. In this embodiment, the traction device 44 has a rod frame 441 extending forward from the frame body 11, and a telescopic cylinder group 442 whose two ends are respectively pivotally connected to the guide rod 43 and the rod frame 441, and the change in the length of the telescopic cylinder group 442 can drive the guide rod 43 to move. The clamping device 45 is connected to the left and right sides of the guide rod 43 respectively, and is pivotally connected to the shaft rod 42. Each clamping device 45 has two opening and closing members 451 whose relative distance can be adjusted. Each opening and closing member 451 has at least one pivotable roller 452. When the opening and closing member 451 is performing the clamping procedure of the clamp 72, the roller 452 can roll along the surface of the clamp 72 to prevent the opening and closing member 451 from scratching the clamp 72. At the same time, in this embodiment, the rollers 452 are eight examples, that is, each opening and closing member 451 has two rollers 452. More specifically, the two rollers 452 of one opening and closing member 451 of each clamping device 45 correspond to the two rollers 452 of another opening and closing member 451 of the clamping device 45 in pairs, so that the clamping unit 4 has a total of four groups of rollers 452. The number of rollers 452 corresponds to the number of fixtures 72 of the carrier unit 7, and the four rollers 452 are aligned with the fixtures 72. The bottom platform 46 is disposed in front of the shaft 42, and is not aligned with the top platform 22 in the horizontal and vertical directions, and is adjacent to the plate 8 (see Figure 8 ). More specifically, in this embodiment, the distance between the bottom platform 46 and the support base 1 is greater than the distance between the top platform 22 and the support base 1, and the bottom platform 46 is disposed at a position lower than the top platform 22.

[0033] See also Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 6 , Fig. 9 In this embodiment, the movable carrier 323 can be sequentially moved along a circulation path X including a waiting material taking position, a material taking position, an intermediate process position and a material placing position (see Figure 5 ) moves in a circular motion. Figure 3As shown, at the material-to-be-collected position, the movable platform 323 is aligned with and lower than the top platform 22, and the top platform 22 is supported by the top and has not yet loaded with the plate 8 (see Fig. 9 ) of the carrier unit 7; that is, the distance between the bearing surface of each movable carrier 323 supporting the carrier unit 7 and the support seat 1 is equal to the distance between the bearing surface of each top carrier 22 supporting the carrier unit 7 and the support seat 1, and the bearing surface of each movable carrier 323 supporting the carrier unit 7 is lower than the bearing surface of each top carrier 22 supporting the carrier unit 7, so that the movable carrier 323 is located below the carrier unit 7. Therefore, at the material-waiting position, the movable carrier 323 is respectively located at a relatively low position on the left and right outer sides of the top carrier 22, and at this time, the carrier unit 7 is supported by the top carrier 22.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, in the material-removed position, the movable platform 323 is aligned with and higher than the top platform 22, and continues to support the carrier unit 7 from the top platform 22; that is, in the material-removed position and the position to be removed, the distance between the bearing surface of each movable platform 323 supporting the carrier unit 7 and the support seat 1 does not change, and in the material-removed position, the bearing surface of each movable platform 323 supporting the carrier unit 7 is higher than the top surface of each top platform 22, so that the carrier unit 7 supported on the movable platform 323 is higher than the top platform 22.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, at the intermediate process position, the movable platform 323 is aligned with and higher than the bottom platform 46, and continues to support the carrier unit 7; more specifically, the distance between the bearing surface of each movable platform 323 supporting the carrier unit 7 and the support seat 1 is equal to the distance between the bearing surface of each bottom platform 46 supporting the carrier unit 7 and the support seat 1, and at the intermediate process position and the material-removed position, the height of the movable platform 323 does not change, so that the bottom platform 46 is located below the carrier unit 7.

[0036] like Figure 6As shown, at the loading position, the movable platform 323 is aligned with and lower than the bottom platform 46, and the carrier unit 7 is transferred from the movable platform 323 to the bottom platform 46; that is, at the loading position and the intermediate process position, the distance between the bearing surface of each movable platform 323 supporting the carrier unit 7 and the support seat 1 does not change, and at the loading position, the top surface of each movable platform 323 is lower than the bearing surface of each bottom platform 46 supporting the carrier unit 7, so that the carrier unit 7 carried on the bottom platform 46 is higher than the movable platform 323, and the bottom platform 46 continues to support the carrier unit 7, and the carrier unit 7 is adjacent to the plate 8 (see Figure 8 ), so that the carrier unit 7 can hold the plate 8 (see Figure 8 ).

[0037] See also Figure 1 , Figures 5 to 7 In this embodiment, when the movable carrier 323 moves along the circulation path X to the material placement position, the carrier unit 7 is transferred to the vicinity of the clamping device 45 and the plate 8 (see Figure 8 At this time, the traction device 44 can drive the guide rod 43 to translate along the arc-shaped through hole 411, so that the clamping device 45 can move along the guide rod 43 with the shaft 42 as the axis. Figure 6 The waiting position is the same as Figure 7 In the material waiting position, the guide rod 43 (see Figure 1 ) is located at the rear end of the arc-shaped through hole 411, so that the opening and closing member 451 is away from the clamp 72. In the clamping position, the guide rod 43 is located at the front end of the arc-shaped through hole 411, so that the opening and closing member 451 is adjacent to and aligned with the clamp 72, so as to perform an opening procedure of the clamp 72.

[0038] See also Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the clamping device 45 is a pneumatic mechanical clamp. When the carrier unit 7 is adjacent to the clamping device 45 and the plate 8, and the clamping device 45 is in the open position, the clamping device 45 can include a Figure 7 The open state is the same as Figure 8 In the open state, the spacing distance between the opening and closing members 451 of each clamping device 45 is greater than the size of the top of the clamp 72; in the closed state, the opening and closing members 451 of each clamping device 45 are close to each other and exert force on both sides of the top of the clamp 72, so that the bottom of the clamp 72 is opened and the plate 8 is placed.

[0039] The following is a detailed description of the operation of this embodiment. Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 9 In this embodiment, the carrier unit 7 is illustrated as two examples. In the following, for the convenience of explanation and to simplify the description content, the carrier unit 7 is illustrated as a first carrier unit 7a and a second carrier unit 7b. When the first carrier unit 7a is transferred to the top carrier 22 by an external device (not shown), Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , at this time, the movable platform 323 is at the material-waiting position, the clamping device 45 is at the material-waiting position, and the opening and closing member 451 is in the open state. Then, the lifting cylinder 311 of the lifting device 31 operates, so that the translation device 32 is driven by the first linkage member 314 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ) is driven to move upward, and the movable carrier 323 moves along the circulation path X (see Figure 5 ) moves from the waiting material taking position to the material taking position, such as Figure 4 As shown, the movable platform 323 supports the first carrier unit 7a, so that the first carrier unit 7a is transferred to the conveying system 3. Next, the translation cylinder 321 of the translation device 32 operates, so that the movable platform 323 is driven by the second linking member 324 to move forward, and the movable platform 323 moves along the circulation path X from the material-removed position to the intermediate process position, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the movable platform 323 continues to support the first carrier unit 7a, so that the first carrier unit 7a is moved to the top of the bottom platform 46 along with the conveying system 3. Then, the lifting cylinder 311 of the lifting device 31 operates, so that the translation device 32 is driven by the first linking member 314 to move downward, and the movable platform 323 moves along the circulation path X (see Figure 5 ) moves from the intermediate process position to the material placement position, such as Figure 6 As shown, the bottom platform 46 supports the first carrier unit 7 a so that the first carrier unit 7 a is transferred to the clamping unit 4 .

[0040] Continuing with the above steps, when the first carrier unit 7a is transferred to the clamping unit 4 and the movable carrier 323 is located at the material placement position, the traction device 44 operates to drive the clamping device 45 to move from the material waiting position to the clamping position. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the clamping device 45 is in the open position, and the opening and closing member 451 is in the open state. Then, the clamping device 45 is operated to drive the opening and closing member 451 of each clamping device 45 to switch from the open state to the closed state, as shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown, the clamping device 45 is in the open and close position, and the opening and closing parts 451 are close to each other and apply force to the clamp 72, so that the clamp 72 clamps the plate 8. Finally, the clamping devices 45 are operated separately, so that the opening and closing parts 451 of each clamping device 45 are switched from the closed state to the open state. At the same time, the traction device 44 is operated to drive the clamping device 45 to move from the open position to the waiting position. At this point, the actuation steps of moving the first carrier unit 7a to the corresponding plate 8 and clamping the plate 8 by the first carrier unit 7a are completed. Subsequently, the translation cylinder 321 is operated, so that the movable platform 323 is first driven by the second linking member 324 and moves backward, and then the lifting cylinder 311 is operated, so that the movable platform 323 is driven by the first linking member 314 (see Figure 2 ) is driven to move upward, and the movable carrier 323 moves along the circulation path X (see Figure 5 ) is moved from the material placement position to the material removal position. In addition, the second carrier unit 7b is moved to the top carrier 22 by an external device. Fig. 9 As shown, the movable carrier 323 is ready to transfer the second carrier unit 7b at the material-waiting position, the clamping device 45 is at the material-waiting position, and the first carrier unit 7a is loaded with the plate 8. At this point, the overall operation process along the circulation path X is completed. At this time, the first carrier unit 7a clamping the plate 8 can be transferred by other external equipment (not shown) to perform subsequent processing procedures, and the second carrier unit 7b can start the transfer, clamping and other operation processes of the first carrier unit 7a. In this way, Figure 5 As shown, the circulation path X presented by the operation track of the movable carrier 323 located on the right side runs in a counterclockwise direction in the figure.

[0041] In other embodiments, when the movable carrier 323 moves from the intermediate process position to the material placement position, the first carrier unit 7a is transferred to the clamping unit 4. Then, the clamping device 45 moves between the material waiting position and the clamping position, and performs the clamping procedure of the first carrier unit 7a. At this time, the movable carrier 323 can move from the material placement position to the intermediate process position along the circulation path X, passing through the material waiting position and the material taken position in sequence, so that the second carrier unit 7b is transferred from the top carrier 22 to the movable carrier 323 and is located above the bottom carrier 46. In this way, when the first carrier unit 7a is removed by another external device (not shown), the movable carrier 323 can continue the circulation path X and move to the material placement position, so that the time for the movable carrier 323 to detour the circulation path X is shortened, thereby improving the transfer efficiency.

[0042] It is worth mentioning that in some other embodiments, the bottom platform 46 of the clamping unit 4 can be omitted. In this embodiment, except that the top platform 22 supports the first carrier unit 7a at the material-to-be-collected position, the first carrier unit 7a is supported by the movable platform 323 during other operations. More specifically, the movable platform 323 moves cyclically along the cyclic path X including the material-to-be-collected position, the material-collected position, and the material-placing position in sequence as described above. In the process of the movable platform 323 moving from the material-retrieving position to the material-placing position along the circulation path X, the translation cylinder 321 operates first, so that the movable platform 323 supports the first carrier unit 7a, and is respectively driven by the second linkage 324 to move forward, and the movable platform 323 is misaligned with the top platform 22, and then the lifting cylinder 311 operates, so that the movable platform 323 supports the first carrier unit 7a, and is driven by the first linkage 314 to move downward. In this way, when the movable platform 323 is located at the material-placing position, since the bottom platform 46 is omitted, the movable platform 323 is adjacent to the plate 8 and still supports the first carrier unit 7a. At this time, the first carrier unit 7a is in the state of being supported by the movable carrier 323, and the clamping device 45 can move between the material waiting position and the clamping position. In the clamping position, the clamping device 45 can perform the clamping procedure on the first carrier unit 7a loaded on the movable carrier 323. When the clamping procedure is completed and the first carrier unit 7a is removed by another external device, the movable carrier 323 can also move from the material placement position to the material waiting position along the circulation path X to prepare for the transfer of the second carrier unit 7b. In this way, the purpose of transferring the carrier to the position to be loaded with the panel 8 and loading the panel 8 on the carrier unit 7 in an automated manner can also be achieved.

[0043] See also Fig.10 , is another implementation of the embodiment. Figures 1 to 9The structural type of the embodiment of the present invention is similar. The main difference is that, in this embodiment, the cache unit 2 is suitable for being installed on an external bearing structure 9, the external bearing structure 9 includes an external supporting surface 91 facing the support seat 1, the first bracket 21 is connected to the external supporting surface 91, and the top platform 22 of the cache unit 2 is respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the first bracket 21 and away from the external supporting surface 91. More specifically, in this embodiment, the external bearing structure 9 and the support seat 1 are arranged in a front-to-back spacing, so that the top platform 22 is located between the external bearing structure 9 and the support seat 1, and the distance between the top platform 22 and the support seat 1 is greater than the distance between the bottom platform 46 and the support seat 1. In this way, when the movable platform 323 circulates in the circulation path X including the waiting material position, the material-removed position, the intermediate process position and the material placement position in sequence, the position of the movable platform 323 relative to the top platform 22 and the bottom platform 46 does not change. However, the position of the top platform 22 relative to the bottom platform 46 is changed, so that when the movable platform 323 moves from the material-removed position to the intermediate process position along the circulation path X, the movable platform 323 is respectively driven by the second linking member 324 to move backward. In addition, when the movable platform 323 moves from the material-loading position to the material-waiting position along the circulation path X, the movable platform 323 is first respectively driven by the second linking member 324 to move forward, and then the movable platform 323 is driven by the first linking member 314 to move upward. In this way, Fig.10 As shown, the circulation path X presented by the operation track of the movable carrier 22 located on the right side runs in a clockwise direction in the figure.

[0044] In summary, the guide rod 43 is driven by the traction device 44 to move, which can drive the clamping device 45 to move between the material waiting position and the clamping opening position, so that the clamping device 45 is close to and aligned with the clamp 72, and the clamping process of the clamp 72 is performed, so as to achieve the purpose of loading the circuit board on the carrier in an automated manner. In addition, the movable carrier 323 can be cyclically moved in sequence along the circulation path X, so that the carrier unit 7 is transferred from being loaded on the top carrier 22 to being loaded on the movable carrier 323, and as the movable carrier 323 moves to the material placement position, the purpose of automatically moving the carrier to the position where the circuit board is to be loaded can be achieved. In addition, the movable platform 323 can be moved in sequence along the circulation path X, so that the carrier unit 7 can be transferred from the top platform 22 to the bottom platform 46 along with the movable platform 323, and when the clamping device 45 performs the clamping procedure of the clamp 72 on the carrier unit 7 loaded on the bottom platform 46, the movable platform 323 continues to move along the circulation path X to the waiting position for material collection to perform the next round of transfer of another carrier unit 7. In this way, the process of the movable platform 323 waiting for the clamping device 45 to perform the clamping procedure when moving along the circulation path X can be omitted, thereby achieving the purpose of improving the carrier transfer efficiency, and thus the purpose of the present invention can be achieved.

[0045] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, any simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and description of the present invention still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transfer device, suitable for detachably transferring at least one carrier unit, wherein the carrier unit is used to detachably load a panel, characterized in that: The transfer device comprises: Support seat; A cache unit, adapted to be detachably placed by the carrier unit, and comprising at least one top platform, the top platform being located in front of the support seat and adapted to support the bottom side of the carrier unit; and The conveying system includes a lifting device and two translation devices. The lifting device is connected to the support seat so as to be displaceable up and down. The translation devices are connected to the left and right opposite sides of the lifting device so as to be displaceable forward and backward, and are suitable for carrying the carrier unit. Each translation device has a movable platform, and the movable platform is suitable for supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit and is located in front of the support seat. Wherein, the movable carrier can be cyclically moved in a circulating path including a waiting-to-take position, a taken-material position and a placing position in sequence. In the waiting-to-take position, the movable carrier is aligned with and lower than the top carrier, and the top carrier supports the carrier unit that has not yet been loaded with the panel. In the taken-material position, the movable carrier is aligned with and higher than the top carrier, and continues to support the carrier unit from the top carrier. In the placing position, the movable carrier is lower than the top carrier and adjacent to the panel so that the carrier unit can hold the panel.

2. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cache unit includes a first bracket and two top platforms, the first bracket is connected to the support seat, the top platforms are respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the first bracket and are suitable for supporting the two ends of the carrier unit; the spacing distance between the movable platforms is greater than the spacing distance between the top platforms.

3. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cache unit includes a first bracket and two top platforms. The first bracket is suitable for being installed on an external supporting structure. The top platforms are respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the first bracket and are suitable for supporting both ends of the carrier unit. The spacing distance between the movable platforms is greater than the spacing distance between the top platforms.

4. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The carrier unit includes at least one clamp, which can releasably clamp the plate, and the transfer device also includes a clamping unit located in front of the support seat and lower than the cache unit, and the clamping unit includes at least one limit member, an axle, a guide rod, a traction device and at least one openable and closable clamping device, the limit member is connected to the support seat, and has an arc-shaped through hole penetrating through the left and right opposite sides of the limit member, the arc-shaped through hole bends and extends from the upper front side of the limit member to the lower rear side of the limit member, the axle is extended left and right to be connected to the limit member, the guide rod extends left and right to extend through the arc-shaped through hole and can translate along the arc-shaped through hole, and the traction device The device is connected to the guide rod and can drive the guide rod to move along the arc-shaped through hole. The clamping device can be pivotally connected to the shaft rod and connected to the guide rod, and has two opening and closing parts with adjustable relative distances. When the guide rod is driven by the traction device to move, it can drive the clamping device to move between a waiting position and an opening and clamping position. In the waiting position, the guide rod is located at the rear end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing parts are away from the clamp. In the opening and clamping position, the movable platform is located at the material placement position, and the guide rod is located at the front end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing parts are adjacent to and aligned with the clamp to perform the opening and clamping procedure of the clamp.

5. The transfer device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clamping unit also includes at least one bottom platform, which is arranged in front of the shaft and is not aligned with the top platform, and is suitable for supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit. The circulation path also includes an intermediate process position between the material-picked position and the material-placing position. At the intermediate process position, the movable platform is aligned with and higher than the bottom platform, and supports the carrier unit. At the material-placing position, the movable platform is aligned with the bottom platform, and the bottom platform can detachably support the bottom side of the carrier unit. When the movable platform moves from the intermediate process position to the material-placing position, the carrier unit is transferred from the movable platform to the bottom platform.

6. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support seat has a frame and two slide rails, the slide rails are spaced apart from each other on the left and right and are upright connected to the rear side of the frame, the lifting device has a lifting cylinder and a second bracket, the lifting cylinder is arranged on the rear side of the support seat, and has a first linkage that can be displaced along the height direction of the frame, the second bracket is connected to the first linkage and is slidably connected to the slide rails, so that the second bracket can move up and down along the slide rails.

7. The transfer device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each translation device also has a translation cylinder and a third bracket. The translation cylinder of the translation device is respectively connected to the left and right opposite sides of the second bracket, and each translation cylinder has a second linkage that can be moved forward and backward. The third bracket is respectively connected to the second linkage of the translation device, so that the third bracket can move forward and backward relative to the second bracket as the second linkage moves.

8. A transfer device, suitable for detachably transferring a carrier unit, the carrier unit being used to detachably load a panel and comprising at least one clamp, the clamp being capable of releasably clamping the panel, characterized in that: The transfer device comprises: support base; and The clamping unit is located in front of the support seat and includes at least one limit member, an axle, a guide rod, a traction device, at least one openable and closable clamping device, and at least one bottom carrier. The limit member is connected to the support seat and has an arc-shaped through hole penetrating the left and right opposite sides of the limit member. The arc-shaped through hole bends and extends from the upper front side of the limit member toward the lower rear side of the limit member. The axle is extended left and right to be connected to the limit member. The guide rod extends left and right to pass through the arc-shaped through hole and can be translated along the arc-shaped through hole. The traction device is connected to the guide rod and can drive the guide rod to move along the arc-shaped through hole. The clamping device It is pivotally connected to the shaft and connected to the guide rod, and has two opening and closing parts with adjustable relative distances. The bottom carrier is arranged in front of the shaft and adjacent to the plate, and is suitable for detachably supporting the bottom side of the carrier unit. When the guide rod is driven by the traction device to move, it can drive the clamping device to move between a waiting position and an opening position. At the waiting position, the guide rod is located at the rear end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing part is away from the clamp. At the opening position, the guide rod is located at the front end of the arc-shaped through hole, so that the opening and closing part is adjacent to and aligned with the clamp to perform the opening procedure of the clamp.

Images