Lift-and-shift cycle switch and lift-and-shift cycle method

Abstract

The application discloses a lifting circulation exchanger, which comprises the following devices: conveying lines, which are provided with a plurality of layers, each conveying line is arranged in a stack, and products are transported on the conveying lines, wherein the products comprise processed parts / finished parts; a processing station, which processes the processed parts into the finished parts; a lifting support, which is arranged between the conveying lines and the processing station and can be lifted relative to the conveying lines; and a transverse moving platform, which is arranged on the lifting support, lifts with the lifting support, and transmits the processed parts to the processing station / transmits the finished parts to the conveying lines. The lifting circulation exchanger can realize one-to-many feeding and discharging circulation between the processing station and the conveying lines, the space occupied by the arrangement of each conveying line is small, the space resources are utilized to the maximum extent, the manufacturing and using cost of the exchanger is low, the action process is simple, and the transmission is stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated production lines, and more particularly to a lifting and circulating exchange and a lifting and circulating method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of automation technology and the growth in demand for various products, enterprises are gradually moving towards high automation and high efficiency in product manufacturing, thereby increasing production speed and reducing production costs. The most common method is to set up multiple conveyor lines and multiple workstations on the production line to work synchronously. How to coordinate the flow of products between conveyor lines and workstations efficiently and at low cost is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0003] For example, publication number "CN210607199U" discloses "an LED die bonding production line," which includes multiple die bonding machines, a first belt conveyor, a second belt conveyor, a feeding transfer station, and an unloading transfer station arranged between the multiple die bonding machines to form a dual-line system. One side of the unloading transfer station is connected to a connecting platform for the next process. The first and second belt conveyors have identical structures and are arranged side-by-side. The multiple die bonding machines are located outside the first and second belt conveyors, each equipped with an LED die bonding station. The feeding transfer station is located at the feeding end of the parallel first and second belt conveyors on one side, and the unloading transfer station is located at the unloading end of the parallel first and second belt conveyors on the other side. However, in practical applications, the feeding and receiving steps are all achieved by robotic arms. As the product size and weight increase, the production and use costs of robotic arms increase significantly, and their stability is poor. Furthermore, the feeding and unloading production lines need to be separately arranged on both sides of the robotic arms, resulting in a large space occupation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the large space occupation and high production cost of existing multi-station production lines, the present invention provides a lifting circulation switch that can realize one-to-many feeding and discharging flow between processing stations and conveyor lines. Moreover, the layout of each conveyor line occupies little space, making the maximum use of space resources. Furthermore, the switch has low manufacturing and usage costs, simple operation process, and stable transmission.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] A lifting and circulating exchange includes the following devices: Conveyor lines: Several conveyor lines are provided, and each conveyor line is stacked. Products are transported on the conveyor lines, including processed parts and finished parts. Machining station: where the workpiece is processed into a finished product; Lifting support: It is installed between the conveyor line and the processing station and can be raised and lowered relative to the conveyor line; Transverse platform: Set on the lifting bracket, it moves up and down with the lifting bracket to transfer the workpiece to the processing station / transfer the finished part to the conveyor line.

[0007] Multiple conveyor lines are installed, stacked to reduce floor space. Lifting supports are installed between the conveyor lines and processing stations, allowing them to move up and down relative to the conveyor lines. This aligns the transverse platform with the different conveyor lines, facilitating product flow between the conveyor lines and processing stations. Since processing stations are typically purchased, standardized parts, their positions cannot be adjusted. The lifting supports and transverse platforms enable multi-functional operation of the processing stations. Both the lifting supports and transverse platforms are started by common cylinders. The lifting and lowering movements of the lifting supports and the left and right translations of the transverse platforms are simple, resulting in low production and operating costs. The transverse platforms provide stable support for the products, ensuring stable transport between the conveyor lines and processing stations.

[0008] Preferably, the transverse platform is provided with a clamping assembly, which is provided with a first clamp and a second clamp. The product includes a first area and a second area. The first clamp and the first area are located near the processing station, and the second clamp and the second area are located near the conveyor line. The first clamp is movably connected to the second area, and the second clamp is movably connected to the first area. The clamping assembly on the transverse platform can clamp products within the conveyor line or processing station and, in conjunction with the transmission mechanism, drag and transport the products. The first and second grippers on the clamping assembly correspond to areas two and one on the product, respectively. These areas are located near the ends of the product. Therefore, during product dragging, the clamping assembly only clamps and fixes one end of the product, preventing it from penetrating too deeply into the conveyor line or processing station and avoiding interference. Changing the clamping area is accomplished through the retraction action of the clamping assembly, thus minimizing the area occupied by the transverse platform and reducing the maximum travel distance of the clamping assembly, thereby saving production costs.

[0009] Preferably, the transverse platform includes a stacked receiving layer and a feeding layer. The receiving layer transports workpieces from the conveyor line to the processing station, and the feeding layer transports finished parts from the processing station to the conveyor line. By stacking the receiving layer and the feeding layer together, the receiving layer transports workpieces from the conveyor line to the processing station, while the feeding layer transports finished parts already processed at the processing station to the conveyor line. Simultaneously, the stacked receiving layer and feeding layer are aligned with the processing station by a lifting bracket, thereby achieving one-to-many transport between the processing stations.

[0010] Preferably, along the lifting direction of the lifting support, the receiving layer and the feeding layer are provided with a gap at the same height as the gap between each conveyor line. Setting the gap between the receiving layer and the feeding layer to be the same as the gap between the conveyor lines allows the receiving layer and the feeding layer to be synchronously aligned with the corresponding conveyor lines. Furthermore, setting the conveyor lines flush with the processing station allows for overlap of product flow between the receiving layer / feeding layer and between the conveyor lines / processing station, thereby increasing product flow efficiency and improving production cycle time.

[0011] Preferably, the clamping device includes a clamping plate with a telescopic shaft. Both the first and second grippers have locking holes, and the telescopic shaft is movably connected to these locking holes. The clamping plate on the clamping device provides guidance for the product, while the telescopic shaft on the clamping plate can extend and retract according to a connected telescopic source, including but not limited to cylinders and hydraulic cylinders. The telescopic shaft is provided on both the first and second grippers, allowing for a compatible locking connection with the locking holes in the first and second grippers, ensuring stable connection during the traction / pushing of the product.

[0012] Preferably, the traverse platform includes a guide rail, and the clamp assembly is slidably connected to the guide rail. The clamp assembly is connected to a transmission mechanism, which drives the clamp assembly to slide on the guide rail. The clamp assembly slides on the guide rail, which provides guidance, ensuring smooth product transport and a uniform transport trajectory. The transmission mechanism, which drives the clamp assembly to move relative to the guide rail, includes, but is not limited to, cylinders and motors. Since there is one clamping assembly on each side, the transmission mechanism preferably uses a drive motor connected to a synchronous shaft to ensure synchronous movement of the clamp assemblies on both sides. The synchronous shaft is connected to a synchronous belt, and the belt is fixedly connected to the clamp assembly via a connector, thus achieving synchronous movement of the clamp assemblies on both sides and ensuring the stability and uniformity of the drive.

[0013] This invention also discloses a lifting and lowering cycle method, comprising the following steps: S1. The conveyor line includes a processing line and a finished product line. The clamping assembly of the receiving layer clamps the processed parts from the processing line to the receiving layer. S2. The clamping assembly transports the workpiece from the receiving layer to the processing station and then clamps a new workpiece from the processing line back to the receiving layer. S3. The lifting bracket drives the transverse platform to move, the feeding layer is aligned with the processing station, and the clamping assembly in the feeding layer clamps the finished part from the processing station to the feeding layer. S4. The lifting bracket drives the horizontal moving platform to align the receiving layer with the processing station. The feeding layer sends the finished parts to the finished product line. The receiving layer transports the original processed parts to the processing station and picks up new processed parts from the processing line to the receiving layer. S5. After the processing station is completed, the lifting bracket will once again drive the horizontal moving platform to rise and fall.

[0014] The receiving layer transfers workpieces to the processing station. As the processing station begins processing the workpieces, the receiving layer simultaneously retrieves a new workpiece from the processing line, thus overlapping the actions of two workpieces in different processes and saving time. Subsequently, the lifting support moves, aligning the feeding layer with the processing station. The receiving layer, carrying the workpieces it holds, remains in a transitional state without movement. Once the feeding layer removes the finished workpieces from the processing station, the lifting support returns to its initial state, and the receiving layer aligns with the processing station again. At this point, the receiving layer and feeding layer move synchronously, with the receiving layer supplying the processing station with the workpieces. The conveyor conveys processed parts, and the feeding layer conveys finished parts to the finished product line. The different process actions of the two products overlap, which further shortens the time and improves the overall production efficiency. Moreover, this cyclical exchange method is simple to operate, realizes single-line to multi-line transmission and exchange, and there is no interference between them. There are always processed parts in the ready-to-convey state on the receiving layer, so that the various processes can be seamlessly connected. It has strong adaptability to products. As the product volume and weight increase, it is only necessary to increase the spacing between the two clamping assemblies. In addition, the transverse platform is stacked between the receiving layer and the feeding layer, which makes the support strength better.

[0015] Preferably, in steps S2 and S4, the clamping assembly of the receiving layer operates as follows: A. The No. 2 gripper holds the workpiece in Zone 1 and moves the workpiece toward the workstation. B. The workpiece enters the receiving layer, the second gripper separates from the first area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the conveyor line; C. The No. 1 gripper holds the workpiece in Zone 2, causing the workpiece to move toward the workstation; D. The workpiece enters the processing station, the first gripper separates from the second area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the conveyor line.

[0016] Since the receiving layer and the feeding layer are stacked, and the processing station and the conveyor line are set on opposite sides of the transfer platform, the movement sequence of the clamping components in the receiving layer is the opposite of that in the feeding layer. After the workpiece is first transferred to the processing station from the processing line, the clamping components transport the new workpiece to the transverse platform to prepare for the next transport to the processing station. The subsequent steps are: first, the workpiece on the transverse platform is transported to the processing station, then the new workpiece is taken from the processing line, and then it moves with the lifting bracket, thus saving the waiting time of the processing station during the loading process.

[0017] Preferably, in steps S3 and S4, the clamping assembly of the feeding layer operates as follows: a. The first gripper holds the finished part in area two, causing the finished part to move toward the conveyor line; b. The finished part enters the feeding layer, the No. 1 gripper separates from the No. 2 area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the processing station; c. After the lifting bracket aligns the feeding layer with the finished product line, the second gripper holds the finished product in area one and moves the finished product toward the conveyor line. d. The finished part enters the finished product line, the second gripper separates from the first area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the processing station.

[0018] For different positions of the finished product line and processing station relative to the transverse platform, by switching between gripper No. 1 and gripper No. 2, the product can be held close to the transverse platform during transfer between the processing station and the conveyor line, thereby avoiding interference between the clamping assembly and the processing station and the conveyor line. It can also shorten the maximum movement of the clamping assembly. By superimposing two short strokes, the production cost of the clamping assembly is reduced.

[0019] Preferably, in steps S2 and S4, the processing line is aligned with the processing station. After the clamping assembly of the receiving layer transports the workpiece to the receiving layer, it retracts towards the processing line. The first clamp holds the second area of ​​the workpiece in the receiving layer, and the second clamp simultaneously holds the first area of ​​the workpiece in the processing line, and drives the two workpieces to move synchronously towards the processing station. During the transfer of processed parts at the receiving layer, the processing line is aligned with the processing station. When the clamping assembly transfers the processed part from the transverse platform to the processing station, it simultaneously clamps the processed part from the processing line. At this time, the distance between the processed part from the transverse platform and the processed part from the processing line is the same as the distance between the first and second clamps in the clamping assembly. After the clamping assembly retracts towards the processing line, it can simultaneously clamp two processed parts. Then, it moves towards the processing station, transferring the processed part from the transverse platform to the processing station and transferring the processed part from the processing line back to the transverse platform to prepare for the next transfer. Through the above scheme, when transferring processed parts at the receiving layer, only one retraction and feed action is needed to complete the process steps of two processed parts, thereby saving the operation time of the receiving layer. This allows it to adapt to short processing stations, ensuring smooth connection between material feeding, discharging, and changing at the processing station, thus improving the production cycle.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) The movement of the transverse platform between the processing station and the conveyor line is driven by the lifting bracket to realize the single-line to multi-line transmission between the processing station and the conveyor line, thereby reducing production costs. The conveyor lines are stacked to reduce the floor space. (2) By connecting the No. 1 gripper with the No. 2 zone and the No. 2 gripper with the No. 1 zone, the driving path of the clamp assembly for the product consists of two short strokes, avoiding interference between the clamp assembly and the conveyor line and processing station, and reducing the space occupied and production cost of the switch itself. (3) Set the gap between the conveyor lines to be the same as the gap of the transverse platform support so that the actions between the feeding layer and the receiving layer overlap, shorten the overall action time, reduce the waiting gap of the processing station, and improve the product cycle time. (4) The clamping assembly of the receiving layer clamps and conveys two workpieces at the same time. The two workpieces are moved synchronously in one stroke, which reduces the time to re-clamp the workpieces from the processing line, improves production efficiency, and reduces the movement of the receiving layer. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partial isometric view of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Axonometric view of the transverse platform.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the clamp assembly.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the transverse sliding platform.

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A top view of the transverse sliding platform.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of Example 2.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a top view of Example 3.

[0030] Figure 10 This is the structural flowchart of Example 3. In the diagram: 1 Conveyor line, 11 Processing line, 12 Finished product line, 2 Lifting support, 21 Lifting cylinder, 3 Transverse platform, 31 Receiving layer, 32 Feeding layer, 33 Guide rail, 4 Processing station, 5 Product, 501 Processed part, 502 Finished part, 51 Zone 1, 52 Zone 2, 53 Clamping hole, 6 Clamp assembly, 61 No. 1 clamp, 62 No. 2 clamp, 63 Clamping plate, 64 Telescopic shaft, 7 Transmission mechanism, 71 Drive motor, 72 Synchronous shaft, 73 Synchronous belt. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Example 1: like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a lifting and circulating exchange includes the following devices: Conveyor line 1: There are two conveyor lines, including a receiving layer 31 and a feeding layer 32. Each conveyor line 1 is stacked. The conveyor line 1 transports products 5, including processed parts 501 and finished parts 502. Processing station 4: Process part 501 into finished part 502; Lifting bracket 2: It is set between the conveyor line 1 and the processing station 4 and can be lifted or lowered relative to the conveyor line 1; Transverse platform 3: Set on the lifting bracket 2, it moves up and down with the lifting bracket 2 to transfer the workpiece 501 to the processing station 4 / transfer the finished part 502 to the conveyor line 1.

[0033] Multiple conveyor lines 1 are set up, and the various conveyor lines 1 are stacked to reduce the floor space. A lifting bracket 2 is set between the conveyor line 1 and the processing station 4. The lifting bracket 2 can move up and down relative to the conveyor line 1, thereby driving the transverse platform 3 to align with different conveyor lines 1, so as to facilitate the flow of products 5 between the conveyor line 1 and the processing station 4. Since the processing station 4 is generally a mature standard part purchased from outside, its position cannot be adjusted. However, the lifting bracket 2 and the transverse platform 3 complete the multi-functionality of the processing station 4. Both the lifting bracket 2 and the transverse platform 3 are started by common cylinders. The lifting movement of the lifting bracket 2 and the left and right translation of the transverse platform 3 are simple and have low production and operating costs. The transverse platform 3 can provide stable support for the products 5, ensuring the stable transport of the products 5 between the conveyor line 1 and the processing station 4.

[0034] like Figure 3 , 4As shown in Figures 5 and 7, a clamping assembly 6 is provided on the transverse platform 3. The clamping assembly 6 is provided with a first clamp 61 and a second clamp 62. The product 5 includes a first area 51 and a second area 52. The first clamp 61 and the first area 51 are located near the processing station 4, and the second clamp 62 and the second area 52 are located near the conveyor line 1. The first clamp 61 is connected to the second area 52, and the second clamp 62 is connected to the first area 51.

[0035] The clamping assembly 6 installed on the transverse platform 3 can clamp the product 5 in the conveyor line 1 or processing station 4 and drag and transport the product 5 in conjunction with the transmission mechanism 7. The first clamp 61 and the second clamp 62 on the clamping assembly correspond to the second area 52 and the first area 51 on the product 5, respectively. The second area 52 and the first area 51 are located on the product 5 near the end. Therefore, when the clamping assembly 6 drags the product 5, it only clamps and fixes one end of the product 5, thereby avoiding the clamping assembly 6 from penetrating too deeply into the conveyor line 1 or processing station 4 and avoiding interference. When changing the clamping area of ​​the product 5 by the clamping assembly 6, the switching is completed by the retraction action of the clamping assembly 6. This can minimize the area occupied by the transverse platform 3 and shorten the maximum movable stroke of the clamping assembly 6, thereby saving production costs.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the transverse platform 3 includes a stacked receiving layer 31 and a feeding layer 32. The receiving layer 31 conveys the processed part 501 from the conveyor line 1 to the processing station 4, and the feeding layer 32 conveys the finished part 502 from the processing station 4 back to the conveyor line 1. The receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 are stacked together. The receiving layer 31 conveys the processed part 501 from the conveyor line 1 to the processing station 4, while the feeding layer 32 conveys the finished part 502 that has been processed at the processing station 4 back to the conveyor line 1. At the same time, the stacked receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 are aligned with the processing station 4 by the lifting bracket 2, thereby realizing one-to-many conveying at the processing station 4.

[0037] Along the lifting direction of the lifting bracket 2, there is a gap between the receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 at the same height as the gap between each conveyor line 1. Setting the gap between the receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 to the same height as the gap between the conveyor lines 1 allows the receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 to be synchronously aligned with the corresponding conveyor line 1. Furthermore, setting the conveyor line 1 flush with the processing station 4 allows the flow of product 5 between the receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 to overlap with the flow of product 5 between the conveyor line 1 and the processing station 4, thereby increasing the flow efficiency of product 5 and improving the production cycle time.

[0038] like Figure 4 , 5As shown, the clamping device includes a clamping plate 63, on which a telescopic shaft 64 is provided. Both zone 1 51 and zone 2 52 are provided with locking holes 53, and the telescopic shaft 64 is movably connected to the locking holes 53. The clamping plate 63 on the clamping device can guide the product 5 to a certain extent, while the telescopic shaft 64 on the clamping plate 63 can extend and retract according to the connected telescopic source. In this embodiment, the telescopic source is a cylinder. The telescopic shaft 64 is provided on both the first and second grippers, thereby engaging with the locking holes 53 on zone 2 52 and zone 1 51 to ensure stable connection during the traction / pushing of the product 5.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the transverse platform 3 includes a guide rail 33, and a clamp assembly 6 is slidably connected to the guide rail 33. The clamp assembly 6 is connected to a transmission mechanism 7, which drives the clamp assembly 6 to slide on the guide rail 33. The clamp assembly 6 slides on the guide rail 33, which provides guidance, ensuring smooth and uniform transport of the product 5. The transmission mechanism 7 drives the clamp assembly 6 to move relative to the guide rail 33. Since there is one clamp assembly on each side, the transmission mechanism 7 preferably uses a drive motor 71 connected to a synchronous shaft 72 to ensure synchronous movement of the clamp assemblies 6 on both sides. The synchronous shaft is connected to a synchronous belt 73, which is fixedly connected to the clamp assembly 6 via a connector on the synchronous belt. This achieves synchronous movement of the clamp assemblies 6 on both sides, ensuring the stability and uniformity of the drive.

[0040] In this embodiment, the assembly and operation process of the lifting circulation exchanger is as follows: In this embodiment, the conveyor line 1 includes a processing line 11 and a finished product line 12. The processing line 11 is located above the finished product line 12. A lifting bracket 2 is slidably connected to the side of the conveyor line 1. A lifting cylinder 21 is provided at the top of the conveyor line 1 to drive the lifting bracket 2 to rise and fall. Two layers of transverse platforms 3 are fixedly connected inside the lifting bracket 2, namely the upper receiving layer 31 and the lower feeding layer 32. A processing station 4 is provided on the side of the lifting bracket 2 away from the conveyor line 1. For sewing machines, the product 5 placed on processing line 11 is a binding strap to be sewn, and the finished product line 12 contains binding straps that have already been sewn by the sewing machine. When the exchanger is working, the receiving layer 31 first clamps the processing part 501 in area 51 of the first section through the second gripper 62 in the clamping assembly 6. The clamping assembly 6 is driven to move through the transmission mechanism 7, thereby clamping and conveying the processing part 501 from the processing line 11. When the processing part 501 is on the transverse platform 3, the clamping assembly 6 disengages from the processing part 501 and moves toward the processing line 11, and then clamps... The first gripper 61 of the clamp assembly 6 aligns with the second zone 52 of the workpiece 501, re-clamping the workpiece 501. The transmission mechanism 7 drives both to move towards the processing station 4, transferring the workpiece 501 to the processing station 4. Subsequently, the lifting bracket 2 rises under the drive of the cylinder. After the sewing machine finishes sewing, the feeding layer 32 uses the first gripper 61 to clamp the second zone 52 of the finished workpiece 502, removing the finished workpiece 502 from the sewing machine. Then, the lifting bracket 2 descends, aligning the feeding layer 32 with the finished thread 12, and the second gripper 62 clamps the finished workpiece 502. In zone 51 of 02, finished part 502 is conveyed to finished product line 12. At this time, receiving layer 31 repeats the above action, taking a new processed part 501 from processing line 11 and transferring it to processing station 4. After waiting for the sewing machine to finish sewing, lifting bracket 2 drives feeding layer 32 to rise again. Through the above working mode, the flow of product 5 between multiple stacked conveyor lines 1 and fixed processing station 4 is realized. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of the switch is low, the support area is large, the movement trajectory overlaps vertically, and the overall volume is small, which is suitable for multiple conveyor lines 1 to be stacked.

[0041] Example 2: like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment discloses an ascending and descending cycle method, which includes the following steps: S1. Conveyor line 1 includes processing line 11 and finished product line 12. The clamping assembly 6 of receiving layer 31 clamps the processed part 501 from processing line 11 to receiving layer 31. S2, the clamping assembly 6 transports the workpiece 501 from the receiving layer 31 to the processing station 4, and then clamps a new workpiece 501 from the processing line 11 back to the receiving layer 31; S3, the lifting bracket 2 drives the transverse platform 3 to move, the feeding layer 32 is aligned with the processing station 4, and the clamping assembly 6 in the feeding layer 32 clamps the finished part 502 from the processing station 4 to the feeding layer 32. S4. The lifting support 2 drives the transverse platform 3 to move. The receiving layer 31 is aligned with the processing station 4. The feeding layer 32 sends the finished part 502 to the finished product line 12. The receiving layer 31 transports the original processed part 501 to the processing station 4 and picks up the new processed part 501 from the processing line 11 to the receiving layer 31. S5. After processing station 4 is completed, the lifting bracket 2 drives the transverse platform 3 to rise and fall again. In steps S2 and S4, the clamping assembly 6 of the receiving layer 31 operates as follows: A. The second gripper 62 holds the workpiece 501 in area 51 of the workpiece 501 and moves the workpiece 501 toward the workstation 4. B. The workpiece 501 enters the receiving layer 31, the second gripper 62 separates from the first zone 51, and the clamp assembly 6 moves toward the conveyor line 1. C. The first gripper 61 holds the second area 52 of the workpiece 501 and moves the workpiece 501 toward the processing station 4. D. The workpiece 501 enters the processing station 4, the first gripper 61 separates from the second zone 52, and the clamp assembly 6 moves toward the conveyor line 1. In steps S3 and S4, the clamping assembly 6 of the feeding layer 32 operates as follows: a. The first gripper 61 grips the second zone 52 of the finished part 502, causing the finished part 502 to move toward the conveyor line 1; b. Finished part 502 enters the feeding layer 32, the first gripper 61 separates from the second zone 52, and the clamp assembly 6 moves toward the processing station 4. c. After the lifting bracket 2 aligns the feeding layer 32 with the finished product line 12, the second gripper 62 clamps the first area 51 of the finished product 502 and moves the finished product 502 toward the conveyor line 1. d. Finished part 502 enters the finished product line 12, the second gripper 62 separates from the first area 51, and the clamp assembly 6 moves toward the processing station 4.

[0042] When the receiving layer 31 transfers the workpiece 501 to the processing station 4 and the processing station 4 begins processing the workpiece 501, the receiving layer 31 simultaneously retrieves a new workpiece 501 from the processing line 11. This overlaps the actions of two workpieces 501 in different processes, thus saving time. Subsequently, the lifting bracket 2 moves to align the feeding layer 32 with the processing station 4. The receiving layer 31, along with the workpiece 501 placed on it, is in a transitional state and does not move. After the feeding layer 32 retrieves the finished workpiece 502 from the processing station 4, the lifting bracket 2 moves back to its initial state, and the receiving layer 31 aligns with the processing station 4 again. At this time, the receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 operate synchronously. The receiving layer 31 conveys the processed part 501 to the processing station 4, and the feeding layer 32 conveys the finished part 502 to the finished product line 12. The different process actions of the two products 5 overlap, further shortening the time and improving the overall production efficiency. Moreover, this cyclical exchange method is simple to operate, realizes single-line to multi-line transmission and exchange, and there is no interference between them. There is always a processed part 501 on the receiving layer 31 in the ready-to-transport state, so that the various processes can be seamlessly connected. It has strong adaptability to products 5. As the size and weight of products 5 increase, it is only necessary to increase the distance between the two clamping assemblies 6. Yes, and the transverse platform 3 is stacked between the receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32, which improves the support strength. Since the receiving layer 31 and the feeding layer 32 are stacked, and the processing station 4 and the conveyor line 1 are respectively set on both sides of the transfer platform, the movement sequence of the clamping assembly 6 in the receiving layer 31 is the opposite of the movement sequence of the clamping assembly 6 in the feeding layer 32. After the workpiece 501 is first transferred to the processing station 4 from the reprocessing line 11, the clamping assembly 6 transfers the new workpiece 501 to the transverse platform 3 again to prepare for the next transfer to the processing station 4. The subsequent action steps are: first, transfer the workpiece 501 on the transverse platform 3 to the processing station 4. After processing station 4 is fed, a new workpiece 501 is taken from processing line 11 and then moves with lifting bracket 2, thus saving the waiting time of processing station 4 during the loading process; for different positions of finished product line 12 and processing station 4 relative to transverse platform 3, by switching between gripper 61 and gripper 62, when transferring between processing station 4 and conveyor line 1, product 5 can be held close to the transverse platform 3, thus avoiding interference between clamping assembly 6 and processing station 4 and conveyor line 1, and shortening the maximum movement of clamping assembly 6. By superimposing two short strokes, the production cost of clamping assembly 6 is reduced.

[0043] Example 3: like Figure 9 , 10As shown, unlike Embodiment 2, in this embodiment, in steps S2 and S4, the processing line 11 is aligned with the processing station 4. After the clamping assembly 6 of the receiving layer 31 transports the workpiece 501 to the receiving layer 31, it retracts towards the processing line 11. The first clamp 61 clamps the second area 52 of the workpiece 501 in the receiving layer 31, and the second clamp 62 simultaneously clamps the first area 51 of the workpiece 501 in the processing line 11, and drives the two workpieces 501 to move synchronously towards the processing station 4. During the transfer of workpiece 501 in the receiving layer 31, the processing line 11 is aligned with the processing station 4. When the clamping assembly 6 transfers the workpiece 501 in the transverse platform 3 to the processing station 4, it simultaneously clamps the workpiece 501 in the processing line 11. At this time, the distance between the workpiece 501 in the transverse platform 3 and the workpiece 501 in the processing line 11 is the same as the distance between the first clamp 61 and the second clamp 62 in the clamping assembly 6. After the clamping assembly 6 retracts towards the processing line 11, it can simultaneously clamp two workpieces 501, and then proceed towards the processing station 4. The movement transfers the workpiece 501 within the transverse platform 3 to the processing station 4, while transferring the workpiece 501 within the processing line 11 back to the transverse platform 3 to prepare for the next transport. Through this scheme, when transporting workpiece 501 in the receiving layer 31, only one retraction and feed action is needed to complete the different process steps of two workpieces 501, thereby saving the operation time of the receiving layer 31. This allows it to adapt to the short processing station 4, ensuring smooth connection between feeding, discharging, and changing materials in the processing station 4, thus improving the production cycle.

[0044] In addition to the above embodiments, within the scope disclosed in the claims and specification of this invention, the technical features of this invention can be reselected and combined to form new embodiments. These can be achieved by those skilled in the art without creative effort. Therefore, these embodiments not described in detail in this invention should also be regarded as specific embodiments of this invention and within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A lifting and lowering cycle method, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: S1. The conveyor line includes a processing line and a finished product line. The clamping assembly of the receiving layer clamps the processed parts from the processing line to the receiving layer. S2. The clamping assembly transports the workpiece from the receiving layer to the processing station and then clamps a new workpiece from the processing line back to the receiving layer. S3. The lifting bracket drives the transverse platform to move, the feeding layer is aligned with the processing station, and the clamping assembly in the feeding layer clamps the finished part from the processing station to the feeding layer. S4. The lifting bracket drives the horizontal moving platform to align the receiving layer with the processing station. The feeding layer sends the finished parts to the finished product line. The receiving layer transports the original processed parts to the processing station and picks up new processed parts from the processing line to the receiving layer. S5. After the processing station is completed, the lifting bracket will drive the transverse platform to rise and fall again. The clamp assembly is equipped with a No. 1 clamp and a No. 2 clamp. The product includes a No. 1 area and a No. 2 area. The No. 1 clamp and the No. 1 area are located near the processing station, and the No. 2 clamp and the No. 2 area are located near the conveyor line. In steps S2 and S4, the processing line is aligned with the processing station. After the clamping assembly of the receiving layer transports the workpiece to the receiving layer, it retracts towards the processing line. The first clamp holds the second area of ​​the workpiece in the receiving layer, and the second clamp simultaneously holds the first area of ​​the workpiece in the processing line, and drives the two workpieces to move synchronously towards the processing station.

2. The lifting and lowering cycle method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In steps S2 and S4, the clamping assembly of the receiving layer operates as follows: A. The No. 2 gripper holds the workpiece in Zone 1 and moves the workpiece toward the workstation. B. The workpiece enters the receiving layer, the second gripper separates from the first area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the conveyor line; C. The No. 1 gripper holds the workpiece in Zone 2, causing the workpiece to move toward the workstation; D. The workpiece enters the processing station, the first gripper separates from the second area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the conveyor line.

3. The lifting and lowering cycle method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In steps S3 and S4, the clamping assembly of the feeding layer operates as follows: a. The first gripper holds the finished part in area two, causing the finished part to move toward the conveyor line; b. The finished part enters the feeding layer, the No. 1 gripper separates from the No. 2 area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the processing station; c. After the lifting bracket aligns the feeding layer with the finished product line, the second gripper holds the finished product in area one and moves the finished product toward the conveyor line. d. The finished part enters the finished product line, the second gripper separates from the first area, and the clamp assembly moves toward the processing station.

4. A lifting and circulating exchange, applied to the lifting and circulating method described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It includes the following devices: Conveyor lines: Several conveyor lines are provided, and each conveyor line is stacked. Products are transported on the conveyor lines, including processed parts and finished parts. Machining station: where the workpiece is processed into a finished product; Lifting support: It is installed between the conveyor line and the processing station and can be raised and lowered relative to the conveyor line; Transverse platform: Set on the lifting bracket, it moves up and down with the lifting bracket to transfer the workpiece to the processing station / transfer the finished part to the conveyor line.

5. A lifting and circulating exchange according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transverse platform is equipped with a clamp assembly, with the first clamp being movably connected to the second clamp, and the second clamp being movably connected to the first clamp.

6. A lifting and circulating exchange according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The transverse platform includes a receiving layer and a feeding layer stacked together. The receiving layer transports the workpiece from the conveyor line to the processing station, and the feeding layer transports the finished workpiece from the processing station to the conveyor line.

7. A lifting and circulating switch according to claim 6, characterized in that, Along the lifting direction of the lifting support, there is a gap between the receiving layer and the feeding layer at the same height as between each conveyor line.

8. A lifting and circulating switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamp assembly includes a clamping plate, a telescopic shaft is provided on the clamping plate, and locking holes are provided on both the first and second zones. The telescopic shaft and the locking holes are movably connected.

9. A lifting and circulating exchange according to claim 5, characterized in that, The traverse platform includes a guide rail, the clamp assembly is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the clamp assembly is connected to a transmission mechanism, which drives the clamp assembly to slide on the guide rail.

Images