Panel turnover device

Abstract

The panel turnover device is applied to the technical field of mechanical equipment. The device comprises a panel conveying part, a panel turnover part, a support part supporting the panel turnover part, the panel turnover part comprising a turnover frame connected with the support part through a rotating part, the rotating part comprising a hollow shaft having one end connected with the turnover frame and the other end connected with the support part, an adsorption assembly arranged on the turnover frame, comprising a plurality of suction cups for adsorbing the panel and an adsorption air path for connecting the plurality of suction cups with a vacuum device, the adsorption air path penetrating through a through hole of the hollow shaft, the adsorption air path comprising a main adsorption air path and a secondary adsorption air path, the main adsorption air path being connected with the suction cups at a first stress position of the adsorbed panel, the secondary adsorption air path being connected with the suction cups at a second stress position of the adsorbed panel, the adsorption priority of the first stress position being higher than that of the second stress position, and the main adsorption air path being closer to the axis of the hollow shaft than the secondary adsorption air path in the through hole of the hollow shaft.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of mechanical equipment, and more particularly to a panel turnover device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a manufacturing process including a glass panel, such as display manufacturing, it is necessary to perform operations such as turning over the glass panel, which is generally achieved by using a robot. Two robots are generally used to alternately turn over the glass panel, for example, a first robot is used to turn over the glass panel by 90 degrees, and then a second robot is used to grasp the other side of the glass panel and turn it over by 90 degrees, so as to finally achieve 180-degree turning over of the glass panel. However, such a robot is expensive, and the turning over method is relatively complicated, which is not conducive to cost reduction and production efficiency improvement. In addition, the glass panel is adsorbed by using a suction cup, which is prone to causing wear of the adsorption gas path during the turning over process, and finally causing the panel to fall off and other problems. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a panel turnover device which can quickly realize turning over of a glass panel, can effectively reduce equipment cost, improve production efficiency, and at the same time reasonably design the adsorption gas path to effectively avoid the problem of wear of the adsorption gas path during the turning over process.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a panel turnover device is provided, which includes but is not limited to: a panel conveying part for conveying a panel in a first direction; a panel turnover part for turning over the panel conveyed to a set position; a support part for supporting the panel turnover part; wherein the panel turnover part includes: a turnover frame extending in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, the turnover frame being rotationally connected to the support part through a rotating part, the rotating part including a hollow shaft, one end of the hollow shaft being rotationally connected to the turnover frame, and the other end being rotationally connected to the support part; an adsorption assembly provided on the turnover frame, the adsorption assembly including a plurality of suction cups for adsorbing the panel and an adsorption gas path for connecting the plurality of suction cups to a vacuum device, the adsorption gas path penetrating through a through hole of the hollow shaft; the adsorption gas path includes a main adsorption gas path and a secondary adsorption gas path, the main adsorption gas path being connected to the suction cups at a first stress position for adsorbing the panel, the secondary adsorption gas path being connected to the suction cups at a second stress position for adsorbing the panel, the adsorption priority of the first stress position being higher than that of the second stress position; in the through hole of the hollow shaft, the main adsorption gas path is closer to the axis of the hollow shaft than the secondary adsorption gas path.

[0005] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, a bearing is arranged in the through hole of the hollow shaft, an outer ring of the bearing is matched with an inner wall of the through hole of the hollow shaft, and an inner ring of the bearing is wrapped around an outer wall of the adsorption gas path.

[0006] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the main adsorption gas path is arranged around the axis of the hollow shaft to form a first arrangement ring, and the secondary adsorption gas path is arranged around the axis of the hollow shaft to form a second arrangement ring, wherein the diameter of the first arrangement ring is smaller than the diameter of the second arrangement ring.

[0007] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel conveying part comprises a support frame, a driving conveying assembly arranged on the support frame, the driving conveying assembly extending in the first direction and being arranged in the second direction, and a driven conveying assembly arranged on the support frame, the driven conveying assembly extending in the first direction and being arranged in the second direction, wherein the driving conveying assembly is located between the driven conveying assemblies, and the driving conveying assembly and the driven conveying assembly are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the driving conveying assembly comprises a first mounting frame mounted on the support frame, a driven wheel and a driving wheel being arranged on the first mounting frame in the first direction, and a conveying belt being sleeved on the driven wheel and the driving wheel, wherein a driving shaft is connected with the motor, and the driving shaft drives the driving wheel to rotate by the rotation of the motor, and drives the conveying belt to convey the panel.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the driven conveying assembly comprises a second mounting frame mounted on the support frame, and an anti-static roller being arranged on the second mounting frame in the first direction, wherein the anti-static roller is used for conveying the panel.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel conveying part comprises a first panel conveying part and a second panel conveying part arranged in the first direction, and the panel overturning part is located between the first panel conveying part and the second panel conveying part.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the overturning frame comprises a first cross beam and a second cross beam extending in the second direction, the first cross beam and the second cross beam comprising opposite first ends and second ends, a first connecting plate fixedly connected with the first ends of the first cross beam and the second cross beam, and a second connecting plate fixedly connected with the second ends of the first cross beam and the second cross beam, wherein the first cross beam, the second cross beam, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate form a frame opening for the panel to pass through.

[0012] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the support portion includes a first support sub-part and a second support sub-part disposed opposite to each other in a second direction, and the rotating portion further includes: a driving assembly fixed on the first support sub-part and rotatably connected to the first connecting plate, the driving assembly being used to drive the panel flipping portion to flip; one end of the hollow shaft of the rotating portion is rotatably connected to the second support sub-part, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connecting plate.

[0013] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, suction cup mounting brackets extending along a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction are provided on the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam; wherein, when the panel is conveyed between the first panel conveying section and the second panel conveying section, and the panel passes through the frame opening, the suction cup mounting brackets on the first crossbeam or the suction cup mounting brackets on the second crossbeam are located within the interval between the active conveying component and / or the driven conveying component.

[0014] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the support is provided with a lifting part; the lifting part is used to drive the rotating part and the flipping frame to move in the vertical direction.

[0015] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the panel flipping device is configured to: adsorb the panel by suction cups on an adsorption assembly when the panel is conveyed between the first panel conveying section and the second panel conveying section and the panel passes through the frame opening; after adsorbing the panel, the lifting section drives the panel flipping section to move vertically upward to the flipping position; the rotating section controls the panel flipping section to flip, and after the panel flips, the lifting section drives the panel flipping section to move vertically downward to the panel conveying section; and the adsorption assembly places the panel on the panel conveying section.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by providing a panel flipping section, the panel conveyed to the set position on the panel conveying section can be quickly flipped. By passing the adsorption air path through the through hole of the hollow shaft, the wear problem of the adsorption air path during the panel flipping process can be effectively avoided. In addition, by setting different adsorption air paths to adsorb different stress positions of the panel, and setting the main adsorption air path to a position closer to the axis of the hollow shaft than the secondary adsorption air path, it can be ensured that the main adsorption air path is not damaged when the adsorption air path is worn, thereby further improving the reliability of panel adsorption. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The foregoing contents, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure, will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1This schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic top view of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 3A This schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the panel conveying section of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3B This schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of the active conveying component of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3C This schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of the drive shaft in the active conveying assembly of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3D This schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of the driven conveying assembly of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 This schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the panel flipping section of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5A This schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of the drive assembly of the rotating part of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5B This schematic diagram illustrates a three-dimensional structure of the hollow shaft of the rotating part of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5C The diagram illustrates the arrangement of the adsorption air passages in the through hole of a hollow shaft in a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6A This schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of a lifting section of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6B The schematic diagram shows a perspective view of another lifting part of the panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] It should be noted that, for clarity, the dimensions of structures or regions in the accompanying drawings used to describe embodiments of this disclosure may be enlarged or reduced; that is, these drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0033] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0034] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B and C", they should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having A alone, a system having B alone, a system having C alone, a system having A and B, a system having A and C, a system having B and C, and / or a system having A, B and C, etc.).

[0035] In manufacturing processes involving glass panels, such as those for displays or glass sheets, the glass panels need to be flipped at different stages for processing or treatment of different surfaces. Typically, two robotic arms work together to flip the glass panels. However, these robotic arms are expensive, and the coordination between them during flipping is cumbersome, hindering cost reduction and efficiency improvements. Furthermore, during the flipping process, the glass panel is held in place by suction cups connected to a vacuum pump via suction air channels. During flipping, friction occurs between the suction air channels and the flipping equipment, potentially causing damage to the suction air channels and ultimately leading to suction cup failure. If this damage occurs, the glass panel may fall during the flipping process, posing a safety hazard.

[0036] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this disclosure provide a panel flipping device, including but not limited to: a panel conveying section for conveying a panel along a first direction; a panel flipping section for flipping the panel conveyed to a set position; and a support section for supporting the panel flipping section; wherein the panel flipping section includes: a flipping frame extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the flipping frame being rotatably connected to the support section via a rotating section, the rotating section including a hollow shaft, one end of the hollow shaft being rotatably connected to the flipping frame and the other end being rotatably connected to the support section; and an adsorption assembly disposed thereon. On the flip frame, the adsorption assembly includes multiple suction cups for adsorbing the panel and an adsorption gas path connecting the multiple suction cups to a vacuum device. The adsorption gas path passes through the through hole of the hollow shaft. The adsorption gas path includes a main adsorption gas path and a secondary adsorption gas path. The main adsorption gas path is connected to the suction cup at the first force-bearing position of the panel, and the secondary adsorption gas path is connected to the suction cup at the second force-bearing position of the panel. The adsorption priority at the first force-bearing position is greater than that at the second force-bearing position. Within the through hole of the hollow shaft, the main adsorption gas path is closer to the axis of the hollow shaft than the secondary adsorption gas path.

[0037] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by providing a panel flipping section, panels conveyed to a set position on the panel conveying section can be quickly flipped, simplifying the flipping process. By passing the adsorption air path through the through hole of the hollow shaft, wear on the adsorption air path during panel flipping can be effectively avoided. Furthermore, by setting different adsorption air paths to adsorb different stress points on the panel, and setting the main adsorption air path closer to the axis of the hollow shaft than the secondary adsorption air path, the main adsorption air path can be prioritized to avoid damage when the adsorption air path wears down, further improving the reliability of panel adsorption.

[0038] The panel flipping device will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic top view of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the panel flipping device 100 includes a panel conveying part 10, a panel flipping part 20, and a support part 30.

[0041] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the panel flipping device 100 can be used to flip a panel P, which may be a glass panel, a glass-containing panel, a silicon panel, or a panel made of other brittle materials. Such panels need to be flipped during the manufacturing process, and it is necessary to prevent such panels from falling and being damaged during flipping.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the panel conveying unit 10 is used to convey the panel P along a first direction X, for example, it can convey the panel along the first direction parallel to the horizontal direction. The panel conveying unit 10 has a certain width along a second direction Y, wherein the second direction Y is a direction perpendicular to the first direction X and parallel to the horizontal direction. The first direction X can be adjusted according to the design of the production line.

[0043] For example, the panel conveying unit 10 includes a first panel conveying unit 101 and a second panel conveying unit 102 that are spaced apart in the first direction X, that is, there is a certain gap between the first panel conveying unit 101 and the second panel conveying unit 102.

[0044] The panel flipping section 20 is supported by support sections 30 located on both sides of the panel conveying section 10. The panel flipping section 20 extends in the second direction Y, meaning its length extends along the second direction Y. One side of the panel flipping section 20 is connected to the support section 30 on one side of the panel conveying section 10, and the other side is connected to the support section 30 on the other side of the panel conveying section 10, thus allowing the support sections 30 to support the panel flipping section 20. The panel flipping section 20 is located between the first panel conveying section 101 and the second panel conveying section 102. When the panel conveying section 10 conveys panel P between the first panel conveying section 101 and the second panel conveying section 102, the panel flipping section 20 flips panel P. The specific process of flipping panel P will be described in detail later.

[0045] Figure 3A The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the panel conveying section of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B The diagram illustrates a perspective view of the active conveying component of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3C The diagram illustrates a perspective view of the drive shaft in the active conveying assembly of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3D The diagram schematically illustrates a perspective view of the driven conveying assembly of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] like Figure 3AAs shown, the panel conveying unit 10 includes a first panel conveying unit 101 and a second panel conveying unit 102 that are spaced apart in the first direction X. A certain gap is provided between the first panel conveying unit 101 and the second panel conveying unit 102 to facilitate the control panel flipping unit 20 to move into the gap and thereby adsorb and flip the panel P.

[0047] like Figure 3A As shown, the panel conveying unit 10 includes a support frame 11, on which an active conveying component 12 and a driven conveying component 13 are provided. The active conveying component 12 is used to provide power for panel conveying, and the driven conveying component 13 is used to provide support for panel conveying.

[0048] The support frame 11 includes multiple support legs 111 and a support plate 112 disposed on the upper side of the support legs. The support plate 112 is used to install the active conveying assembly 12 and the driven conveying assembly 13.

[0049] Active conveying components 12 are mounted on the support frame 11, extending along a first direction X and spaced apart along a second direction Y. Specifically, the active conveying components 12 are fixedly mounted on the support plate 112 of the support frame 11. Each active conveying component extends a certain length along the first direction X, facilitating the movement and conveying of the panel along the first direction X. Multiple active conveying components 12 are spaced apart along the second direction Y, resulting in a certain distance between adjacent active conveying components 12 in the second direction Y.

[0050] The driven conveying components 13 are mounted on the support frame 11, extending along a first direction X and spaced apart along a second direction Y. Specifically, the driven conveying components 13 are also fixedly mounted on the support plate 112 of the support frame 11. Each driven conveying component 13 extends along the first direction X with the same length as the active conveying component 12, thereby facilitating the support of the conveying and moving panel. The multiple driven conveying components 13 are spaced apart along the second direction Y, that is, there is a certain distance between adjacent driven conveying components 13 in the second direction Y.

[0051] like Figure 3A As shown, the active conveying component 12 is positioned between the passive conveying components 13, meaning that the active conveying component 12 is closer to the center of the panel conveying line than the passive conveying components 13. By positioning the active conveying component 12 between the passive conveying components 13, it is possible to better provide power for panel conveying and avoid the problem of panel shifting during the conveying process.

[0052] The active conveying assembly 12 and the passive conveying assembly 13 are spaced apart in the second direction Y, that is, there is a gap between adjacent active conveying assemblies 12 in the second direction Y, there is a gap between adjacent passive conveying assemblies 13 in the second direction Y, and there is a gap between adjacent active conveying assemblies 12 and passive conveying assemblies 13 in the second direction Y.

[0053] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, by setting the above-mentioned interval, it is convenient to accommodate part of the structure of the panel flipping part 20, so that without affecting the panel conveying, the panel flipping part 20 can move between the first panel conveying part 101 and the second panel conveying part 102 to perform adsorption and flipping operation on the panel conveying part.

[0054] like Figure 3B , 3C As shown, the active conveying assembly 12 includes: a first mounting frame 121, mounted on a support frame 11, for example, on a support plate 112 of the support frame. Driven wheels 122 and driving wheels 123 are spaced apart along a first direction on the first mounting frame 121. A conveyor belt 124 is fitted onto the driven wheels 122 and driving wheels 123. The conveyor belt 124 contacts the panel P. When the conveyor belt 124 is driven to move, it can drive the panel to move in the first direction X, thus realizing the function of conveying the panel.

[0055] A drive shaft 127 is connected to a motor 1271. The rotation of the motor 1271 drives the drive wheel to rotate, which in turn drives the conveyor belt to transport the panel. For example, multiple active conveying components 12 share the same drive shaft 127. The drive shaft 127 passes through the drive wheels 123 of the multiple active conveying components 12. The rotation of the motor 1271 drives the conveyor belt of the multiple active conveying components 12. By sharing the same drive shaft 127, the consistency of panel movement can be maintained, and panel misalignment can be avoided during movement.

[0056] The active conveying assembly is also equipped with a dust cleaning unit, which includes an air blowing assembly 125 and a brush 126 for cleaning dust from the surface of the conveyor belt that contacts the panel. The air blowing assembly 125 removes dust from the conveyor belt using airflow, and the brush 126 removes dust from the conveyor belt using friction, thereby achieving the effect of dust removal.

[0057] like Figure 3D As shown, the driven conveying assembly 13 includes a second mounting bracket 131 and an anti-static roller 132.

[0058] The second mounting bracket 131 can be, for example, a plate-like structure, mounted on the support frame 11, such as on the support plate 112 of the support frame 11. Multiple anti-static rollers 132 are spaced apart along the first direction X on the second mounting bracket 131. These anti-static rollers 132 are used to transport the panel. The multiple anti-static rollers 132 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the first direction X. This arrangement supports panel movement and effectively prevents static electricity generated by friction between panels.

[0059] Figure 4 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the panel flipping section of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A The schematic diagram shows a perspective view of the drive assembly of the rotating part of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B The schematic diagram shows a three-dimensional structural view of the hollow shaft of the rotating part of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5C The diagram illustrates the arrangement of the adsorption air passages in the through-hole of a hollow shaft in a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] The panel flipping part 20 includes a flipping frame 21 and an adsorption component 22, with the adsorption component 22 disposed on the flipping frame 21.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the flipping frame 21 includes: a first crossbeam 211 and a second crossbeam 212 extending along the second direction Y, the first crossbeam 211 and the second crossbeam 212 being arranged in parallel, the first crossbeam 211 and the second crossbeam 212 having opposing first ends D1 and second ends D2; a first connecting plate 213 fixedly connected to the first end D1 of the first crossbeam 211 and the second crossbeam 212; and a second connecting plate 214 fixedly connected to the second end D2 of the first crossbeam 211 and the second crossbeam 212, the first connecting plate 213 and the second connecting plate 214 being arranged in parallel. The first crossbeam 211, the second crossbeam 212, the first connecting plate 213 and the second connecting plate 214 form a frame opening for the panel to pass through, i.e., the frame opening is rectangular. For example, when flipping the panel, the panel P is transported into the frame opening via the panel conveying part 10, the adsorption assembly 22 adsorbs the panel P, and the flipping operation is performed.

[0062] Suction cup mounting brackets 215 extending along the first direction X and spaced apart in the second direction Y are respectively provided on the first crossbeam 211 and the second crossbeam 212. The suction cup mounting brackets 215 are elongated and have equal lengths on both sides of the first crossbeam 211 or the second crossbeam 212.

[0063] For example, multiple suction cup mounting brackets 215 are provided on both the first crossbeam 211 and the second crossbeam 212, and multiple suction cups 221 are installed on each suction cup mounting bracket 215. The suction cups 221 on the suction cup mounting bracket 215 of the first crossbeam 211 and the suction cups 221 on the suction cup mounting bracket 215 of the second crossbeam 212 are arranged opposite to each other, so that the opposite two sides of the panel can be adsorbed respectively, achieving a better adsorption effect, making the adsorption more reliable, and avoiding the problem of the panel falling off during the flipping process.

[0064] The flip frame 21 is rotatably connected to the support part 30 through the rotating part 40. That is, the support part 30 is fixedly installed on the ground, and the flip frame 21 is rotatably connected to the support part 30 through the rotating part 40. The flip frame 21 can rotate relative to the support part 30.

[0065] like Figure 1 , Figure 5A to Figure 5C As shown, the support portion 30 includes a first support sub-portion 301 and a second support sub-portion 302 disposed opposite to each other in the second direction Y. The first support sub-portion 301 and the second support sub-portion 302 are disposed opposite to each other and are used to support the two sides of the flip frame 21 respectively.

[0066] like Figure 5A and 5B As shown, the rotating part 40 includes a hollow shaft 41 and a drive assembly 42.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 5A As shown, the drive assembly 42 is fixed on the first support sub-part 301 and rotatably connected to the first connecting plate 213. The drive assembly 42 is used to drive the panel flipping part 20 to flip.

[0068] Specifically, the drive assembly 42 includes a servo motor 421, which is fixedly mounted on the first support sub-part 301. The first connecting plate 213 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the drive assembly. When the servo motor 421 drives the rotating shaft to rotate, the drive panel flipping part 20 rotates.

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 5B As shown, one end of the hollow shaft 41 is rotatably connected to the flip frame 21, and the other end is rotatably connected to the support part 30. Specifically, one end of the hollow shaft 41 is rotatably connected to the second connecting plate 214 via a rotary bearing, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second support sub-part 302 via a rotary bearing. When the drive assembly 42 drives the flip frame 21 of the panel flip part 20 to rotate, the flip frame 21 can rotate around the axis of the hollow shaft 41.

[0070] The adsorption assembly 22 includes multiple suction cups 221 and an adsorption gas passage 222 connecting the suction cups and a vacuum device, such as a vacuum pump. Figure 4As shown, the suction cup 221 is mounted on the suction cup mounting bracket 215, and the adsorption gas path 222 is connected to the suction cup 221 and passes through the through hole of the hollow shaft 41, thereby guiding the adsorption gas path from the suction cup to the vacuum device.

[0071] In the embodiments of this disclosure, since the vacuum device, such as the vacuum pump, is fixedly installed, when the panel flipping part flips the panel, the adsorption gas path connected to the suction cup is twisted, causing wear on other components of the flipping device. In severe cases, damage to the adsorption gas path will lead to suction cup failure, and the panel will slip off the panel flipping part during the flipping process, resulting in a safety accident. To reduce the wear of the adsorption gas path during the panel flipping process, this disclosure allows the adsorption gas path to pass through the through hole of the hollow shaft, thereby connecting it to the vacuum device. The two ends of the hollow shaft 41 are rotatably connected to the flipping frame 21 and the support part 30, respectively, which can significantly reduce the wear of the adsorption gas path when the panel flipping part rotates.

[0072] During the rotation of the panel flipping section, wear and tear inevitably occurs between the adsorption air path and other components of the flipping device. After prolonged use, the adsorption air path may still fail due to wear.

[0073] To further address the unavoidable wear and tear on the adsorption gas path, embodiments of this disclosure configure the adsorption gas path to solve the aforementioned problems and improve the safety factor during panel flipping.

[0074] like Figure 5C As shown, the adsorption gas path 222 includes a main adsorption gas path 2221 and a secondary adsorption gas path 2222. The main adsorption gas path 2221 is connected to the suction cup at the first force-bearing position of the adsorption panel, and the secondary adsorption gas path 2222 is connected to the suction cup at the second force-bearing position of the adsorption panel. The adsorption priority at the first force-bearing position is greater than the adsorption priority at the second force-bearing position.

[0075] In this disclosure, the adsorption priority refers to the different force points of the panel. For example, when adsorbing the panel, if the force point of the panel is the primary force point, then the force priority of the force position of the panel corresponding to the suction cup is high. If the force point of the panel is the secondary force point, then the force priority of the force position of the suction cup corresponding to the suction cup is low.

[0076] For example, taking a rectangular panel as an example, the point on the diagonal of the panel is the main stress point (i.e., the first stress point), while the point on the center vertical line corresponding to the edge of the panel is the secondary stress point (i.e., the second stress point). When adsorbing and flipping the panel, if only the main stress point of the panel is adsorbed, the panel can still be flipped. However, if only the secondary stress point of the panel is adsorbed, it may cause the panel to bend and break. That is, the secondary stress point cannot effectively adsorb the panel for flipping.

[0077] When adsorbing the panel, the main adsorption air path is connected to the suction cup at the first force-bearing position of the panel, and the adsorption air path is connected to the suction cup at the second force-bearing position of the panel, so that the panel is adsorbed and flipped together, which improves the stability of the adsorption process.

[0078] Since the adsorption gas path includes a main adsorption gas path and a secondary adsorption gas path, which pass through the through hole of the hollow shaft, when the panel flipping part adsorbs the panel and flips the panel, the main adsorption gas path and the secondary adsorption gas path may wear against other parts of the panel flipping device, eventually causing the adsorption gas path to fail, which may lead to the safety problem of the panel falling off.

[0079] In this regard, such as Figure 5C As shown, within the through hole of the hollow shaft 41, the main adsorption air passage 2221 is closer to the axis of the hollow shaft than the secondary adsorption air passage 2222. That is, the secondary adsorption air passage 2222 at least surrounds the main adsorption air passage 2221. Even if wear occurs, the secondary adsorption air passage will wear first. As mentioned above, the suction cup connected to the main adsorption air passage can adsorb the main stress position (first stress position) of the panel, and the suction cup connected to the secondary adsorption air passage can adsorb the secondary stress position (second stress position) of the panel. That is, the adsorption priority of the first stress position is greater than that of the second stress position. Even if the air passage of the secondary stress position wears down and causes the suction cup adsorbing the panel to fail, the suction cup of the main stress position can still flip the panel when adsorbing the panel, so the panel will not fall off.

[0080] like Figure 5C As shown, a bearing Z is installed inside the through hole of the hollow shaft. The outer ring Z1 of the bearing Z is fitted with the inner peripheral wall of the through hole of the hollow shaft 41, and the inner ring Z2 of the bearing Z is wrapped around the outer peripheral wall of the adsorption gas passage 222.

[0081] To avoid direct contact friction between the hollow shaft 41 and the adsorption gas passage 222, a bearing Z, such as a deep groove ball bearing, is installed between the adsorption gas passage and the hollow shaft. The outer ring of the bearing is fitted to the inner circumferential wall of the through hole of the hollow shaft, and the inner ring of the bearing wraps around the outer circumferential wall of the adsorption gas passage. Thus, the outer circumferential wall of the adsorption gas passage can rotate to a certain extent through the support of the bearing, without friction and wear between it and the inner circumferential wall of the through hole of the hollow shaft.

[0082] The main adsorption gas path 2221 is arranged around the center line O of the hollow shaft to form a first arrangement ring C1, and the adsorption gas path 2222 is arranged around the center line O of the hollow shaft to form a second arrangement ring C2. The diameter of the first arrangement ring C1 is smaller than the diameter of the second arrangement ring C2. That is, the second arrangement ring C2 formed by the adsorption gas path 2222 wraps around the outside of the first arrangement ring C1 formed by the main adsorption gas path 2221. Even if there is wear on the adsorption gas path, the adsorption gas path 2222 on the second arrangement ring C2 can provide a certain degree of protection for the main adsorption gas path 2221 of the first arrangement ring C1, effectively avoiding the problem of the panel flipping and falling off due to wear on the main adsorption gas path.

[0083] In an optional embodiment of this disclosure, in order to avoid wear and tear on the adsorption gas path at other locations, the main adsorption gas path and the secondary adsorption gas path can be configured to surround the main adsorption gas path in an arrangement ring formed by the secondary adsorption gas path, effectively avoiding wear and tear on the main adsorption gas path. By sacrificing the secondary adsorption gas path to protect the main adsorption gas path, the safety of the panel flipping process is improved.

[0084] In some embodiments of this disclosure, there may be multiple main adsorption air paths and secondary adsorption air paths. For example, the suction cups adsorbing each side of the panel may have four main adsorption air paths and four secondary adsorption air paths, each corresponding to a panel of different sizes. For instance, one main adsorption air path and one secondary adsorption air path are used to adsorb and flip small-sized panels (e.g., less than 20 inches). Two to three main adsorption air paths and two to three secondary adsorption air paths are used to adsorb and flip medium-sized panels (e.g., 21 inches to 40 inches), and four main adsorption air paths and four secondary adsorption air paths are used to adsorb and flip large-sized panels (e.g., 41 inches to 60 inches). In some optional embodiments, the number of main adsorption air paths and secondary adsorption air paths can be adjusted according to the actual panel size.

[0085] Figure 6A The schematic diagram shows a perspective view of a lifting part of a panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B The schematic diagram shows a perspective view of another lifting part of the panel flipping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the support portion 30 of the panel flipping device 100 is provided with a lifting portion 50, which is used to drive the rotating portion and the flipping frame to move in the vertical direction. The lifting portion 50 may include two parts, for example, lifting portions may be provided on the first support sub-part 301 and the second support sub-part 302 respectively, to achieve synchronous lifting of the control panel flipping portion.

[0087] Specifically, the lifting unit can be, for example, a lead screw assembly mounted on the support unit. The lead screw assembly is driven to rotate by a servo motor, and the rotation of the lead screw causes the slide to move up and down in the vertical direction. The rotating unit is mounted on the slide, so the movement of the rotating unit driven by the slide controls the vertical movement of the flipping frame.

[0088] The drive assembly of the rotating part is fixed on the slide of the lead screw assembly on the first support sub-part 301, and the hollow shaft of the rotating part is fixed on the slide of the lead screw assembly on the second support sub-part 302. Through the synchronous movement of the lifting parts on both sides, the flipping frame is driven to move in the vertical direction.

[0089] As described above, in the first direction X, there is a gap between the first panel conveying unit and the second panel conveying unit. In the second direction Y, there are gaps between adjacent active conveying components, adjacent driven conveying components, and adjacent active and driven conveying components disposed on the panel conveying units. Simultaneously, in the second direction, there is a gap between adjacent suction cup mounting brackets disposed on the first and second crossbeams of the flip frame.

[0090] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the suction cups are provided with telescopic components, which can adjust the distance between suction cups that are arranged opposite to each other.

[0091] The following is a detailed explanation of the process of flipping the panel using the panel flipping device.

[0092] First, the tilting section of the lifting control panel moves vertically downwards, moving the tilting frame to within the gap between the first panel conveyor and the second panel conveyor. The suction cup mounting bracket near the lower side moves to within the gap between adjacent active conveyor components, adjacent driven conveyor components, and adjacent active and driven conveyor components. There is a certain distance between the suction cups on the upper and lower suction cup mounting brackets.

[0093] Next, as the panel is conveyed between the first panel conveying section and the second panel conveying section, and the panel passes through the opening of the flip frame, the suction cup mounting bracket on the first crossbeam and / or the suction cup mounting bracket on the second crossbeam are located in the gap between the active conveying component and / or the driven conveying component. The suction cup is controlled by the vacuum device through the adsorption air path, and the suction cup extends and adsorbs onto the surface of the panel.

[0094] After the panel is attracted by the suction cup, the lifting unit moves the panel flipping unit vertically upward to the flipping position. The flipping position corresponds to a different height for different panel sizes. At the flipping position, the panel will not interfere with the panel conveying unit or other components when flipping. For example, the flipping position of smaller panels is lower than that of larger panels. Setting the panel flipping position according to the panel size helps to reduce flipping time and improve production efficiency.

[0095] In the flip position, the panel flipping unit is flipped via the control panel of the rotating part, for example, by driving the panel flipping unit via the drive assembly of the rotating part, such as by flipping 180 degrees. After the flipping is completed, the panel flipping unit is moved vertically downward to the panel conveying part by the lifting part.

[0096] Finally, the vacuum device is controlled to contract and release the suction force of the suction cup, placing the flipped panel onto the panel conveyor. The panel conveyor continues to transport panels and performs the next panel flipping process. The flipping direction of adjacent panel flipping processes can be set to opposite directions. For example, if the panel rotates 180 degrees clockwise in the first panel flipping process, then in the second panel flipping process, the panel rotates 180 degrees counterclockwise, thus avoiding the problem of wear on the suction air path caused by flipping in one direction.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this disclosure can be combined or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this disclosure. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this disclosure can be combined or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0098] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Although various embodiments have been described above, this does not mean that the measures in the various embodiments cannot be used advantageously in combination. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various substitutions and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A panel turnover device, characterized by The panel conveying part conveys the panel in a first direction. The panel overturning part overturns the panel conveyed to a set position. The support part supports the panel overturning part. The panel overturning part comprises: The overturning frame is arranged to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and is rotationally connected to the support part through a rotating part. The rotating part comprises a hollow shaft, one end of which is rotationally connected to the overturning frame, and the other end is rotationally connected to the support part. The suction assembly is arranged on the overturning frame and comprises a plurality of suction cups for suctioning the panel and a suction gas path for connecting the plurality of suction cups to a vacuum device. The suction gas path penetrates the through hole of the hollow shaft. The suction gas path comprises a main suction gas path and a secondary suction gas path. The main suction gas path is connected to the suction cups at a first force position for suctioning the panel, and the secondary suction gas path is connected to the suction cups at a second force position for suctioning the panel. The suction priority of the first force position is higher than that of the second force position. In the through hole of the hollow shaft, the main suction gas path is closer to the axis of the hollow shaft than the secondary suction gas path.

2. The panel overturning device according to claim 1, wherein a bearing is arranged in the through hole of the hollow shaft, the outer ring of the bearing cooperates with the inner wall of the through hole of the hollow shaft, the inner ring of the bearing is wrapped around the outer wall of the suction gas path.

3. The panel overturning device according to claim 2, wherein the main suction gas path is arranged around the axis of the hollow shaft to form a first arrangement ring, the secondary suction gas path is arranged around the axis of the hollow shaft to form a second arrangement ring, the diameter of the first arrangement ring is smaller than that of the second arrangement ring.

4. The panel overturning device according to claim 1, wherein the panel conveying part comprises: a support frame; a driving conveying assembly arranged on the support frame, extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction; a driven conveying assembly arranged on the support frame, extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction; the driving conveying assembly is located between the driven conveying assemblies, and the driving conveying assembly and the driven conveying assemblies are spaced apart in the second direction.

5. The panel overturning device according to claim 4, wherein the driving conveying assembly comprises: a first mounting frame mounted on the support frame, on which a driven wheel and a driving wheel are arranged in the first direction, and a conveyor belt is sleeved on the driven wheel and the driving wheel; a driving shaft connected to a motor, which is driven to rotate the driving wheel and the conveyor belt by the rotation of the motor.

6. The panel overturning device according to claim 5, wherein the driven conveying assembly comprises: a second mounting frame mounted on the support frame, on which anti-static rollers are arranged in the first direction, and the anti-static rollers are used to convey the panel. ​ 7. The panel turnover device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the panel conveying section comprises a first panel conveying section and a second panel conveying section arranged in a first direction with a spacing therebetween, and the panel turnover section is arranged between the first panel conveying section and the second panel conveying section.

8. The panel turnover device according to claim 7, wherein the turnover frame comprises a first cross beam and a second cross beam extending in the second direction, the first cross beam and the second cross beam comprising opposite first ends and second ends, a first connecting plate fixedly connected to the first ends of the first cross beam and the second cross beam, and a second connecting plate fixedly connected to the second ends of the first cross beam and the second cross beam, and the first cross beam, the second cross beam, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate form a frame opening for the panel to pass through.

9. The panel turnover device according to claim 8, wherein the support section comprises a first support sub-section and a second support sub-section arranged opposite in the second direction, and the rotating section further comprises a drive assembly fixedly connected to the first support sub-section and rotatably connected to the first connecting plate, the drive assembly being configured to drive the panel turnover section to turn, and a hollow shaft of the rotating section being rotatably connected to the second support sub-section at one end and rotatably connected to the second connecting plate at the other end.

10. The panel turnover device according to claim 8, wherein the first cross beam and the second cross beam are provided with suction disc mounting racks extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction with a spacing therebetween, and when the panel is conveyed between the first panel conveying section and the second panel conveying section and passes through the frame opening, the suction disc mounting racks on the first cross beam or the second cross beam are located within the spacing between the driving conveying assembly and / or the driven conveying assembly.

11. The panel turnover device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the support section is provided with a lifting section, and the lifting section is configured to move the rotating section and the turnover frame in a vertical direction.

12. The panel turnover device according to claim 11, wherein the panel turnover device is configured to: when the panel is conveyed between the first panel conveying section and the second panel conveying section and passes through the frame opening, the panel is adsorbed by the suction disc of the adsorption assembly, after the panel is adsorbed, the panel turnover section is moved vertically upward to a turnover position by the lifting section, the panel turnover section is controlled to turn by the rotating section, and after the panel is turned, the panel turnover section is moved vertically downward to the panel conveying section by the lifting section, and the panel is placed on the panel conveying section by the adsorption assembly. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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