A variable pitch device with a metal housing

Abstract

The present invention discloses a variable pitch device for a metal housing, comprising: a conveying unit, including a second conveying component and a first conveying component, the second conveying component including a plurality of second carriers, the first conveying component including a plurality of first carriers, both the second carriers and the first carriers being capable of detachably fixing the metal housing; a transfer unit capable of detachably fixing the metal housing. The variable pitch device for a metal housing provided by the present invention has a simple structure and low cost, can be applied to the long-distance conveying process of the metal housing, and performs variable pitch adjustment on the conveyed metal housing. At the same time, the variable pitch device for a metal housing provided by the present invention has a small floor area, rapid response, can effectively avoid damage to the appearance of the metal housing during the process of moving the metal housing, and is easy to maintain. When combined with a production line, it can quickly transfer the metal housing between two different production lines so that the production process of the metal housing proceeds smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a moving mechanism, in particular to a variable pitch device with a metal housing and a production line with a product variable pitch device, belonging to the technical field of mobile devices. Background Art

[0002] Taking the battery case of a new energy vehicle as an example. In the production process of automotive power battery cases, since the entire automated production line consists of many machines with different designed functions, the spacing of the battery cases will be different during the flow through the entire production line. During the processes of cleaning and packing into frames, the battery cases are basically next to each other with a very small spacing, which is convenient for transportation and handling. If the spacing is very large, the packaging boxes and cleaning baskets will be very large, which is obviously unreasonable. Moreover, the production speed of battery cases is very high, even reaching 600 - 800 per minute. If one product is placed into the packaging box or cleaning basket at a time, it is very difficult for the current equipment to reach this speed. Therefore, only by grasping multiple products simultaneously can the production speed of the battery cases be matched. However, if the spacing between multiple battery cases is large, it will lead to a very large size of the grasping mechanism, insufficient flexibility, large inertia, and thus a large driving energy. Therefore, a high-speed long-distance variable pitch mechanism is needed, which can easily place a group of battery cases into the packaging box or basket at a smaller spacing after variable pitch to the expected small spacing.

[0003] The existing variable pitch mechanisms are roughly as follows: (1) Multiple station manipulators alternately grasp products from a conveyor line with a large spacing and place them on a conveyor line with a small spacing. The defect of this method is that in the field of battery case production with a high speed, many manipulators need to be added, and industrial cameras are also needed for visual guidance and positioning, which will inevitably increase costs. At the same time, the manipulators also occupy space and the maintenance cost is relatively high; (2) A variable pitch mechanism with a right and left hand threaded screw rotation; (3) A variable pitch guide groove is machined on a guide plate, and a grasping mechanism is driven to move along the guide groove through the movement of the guide plate to achieve variable pitch. The common power sources of the guide plate are cylinders and motors; the defects of the two mechanisms of (2) and (3) are that they can only achieve variable pitch in a small range. For a long-distance high-speed battery case production line, since these two mechanisms need to reciprocate, the response speed of the cylinder or servo motor is too slow to meet the speed rhythm of the battery case production line; (4) A variable pitch screw rod variable pitch mechanism. The principle of this mechanism is to make the product achieve variable pitch along the variable pitch screw guide groove. This mechanism is relatively simple and efficient, but the appearance requirements of power battery cases are very high, and there should be no scratches on the surface. Therefore, this way of the product sliding along the screw groove cannot be adopted.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a variable pitch mechanism with high speed, large variable pitch range, and no scratching of products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a variable pitch device for a metal housing to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned invention purpose, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention include:

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a variable pitch device for a metal housing, including: a conveying unit, including a second conveying component and a first conveying component that are arranged at intervals along the second direction and can operate continuously. The second conveying component includes a plurality of second carriers, and the first conveying component includes a plurality of first carriers. Both the second carriers and the first carriers can detachably fix the metal housing.

[0008] A transfer unit that can detachably fix the metal housing and can drive the metal housing to move along the first direction and the second direction. The second conveying component and the first conveying component are located on the movement trajectory of the metal housing.

[0009] And during the movement of the transfer unit along the first direction, the transfer unit can fix the metal housing on the first carrier or separate from the metal housing on the second carrier; when the transfer unit moves along the second direction, the transfer unit can transfer the metal housing to the second carrier.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second conveying component further includes a synchronous belt and a synchronous pulley that matches the synchronous belt. The synchronous belt can operate continuously under the drive of the synchronous pulley, and the second carriers are fixedly arranged on the synchronous belt;

[0011] The first conveying component further includes a chain, a large sprocket that matches the chain, and a small sprocket. The chain is in transmission connection with the large sprocket and the small sprocket. The large sprocket and the small sprocket are respectively arranged on both sides of the chain. The chain can operate continuously under the drive of the large sprocket, and the first carriers are fixedly arranged on the chain;

[0012] The first distance between adjacent first carriers is different from the second distance between adjacent second carriers.

[0013] In some embodiments, the synchronous pulley and the large sprocket are parallel and arranged on the same main shaft. The first direction is parallel to the axial direction of the synchronous pulley and / or the large sprocket, and the second direction is parallel to the radial direction of the synchronous pulley and / or the large sprocket.

[0014] In some embodiments, the synchronous pulley and the large sprocket are coaxially arranged with the main shaft, and the diameter of the synchronous pulley is smaller than the diameter of the large sprocket.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first spacing between adjacent first carriers is greater than a second spacing between adjacent second carriers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second carrier fixes the metal shell by magnetic adsorption or negative pressure adsorption; and / or, the second carrier includes a magnetic adsorption mechanism or a negative pressure adsorption mechanism; and / or, the metal shell includes a ferromagnetic structure and / or a magnetic structure that can be magnetically adsorbed;

[0017] The first carrier fixes the metal shell by magnetic adsorption or negative pressure adsorption; and / or, the first carrier includes a magnetic adsorption mechanism or a negative pressure adsorption mechanism; and / or, the metal shell includes a ferromagnetic structure and / or a magnetic structure that can be magnetically adsorbed.

[0018] In some embodiments, the transfer unit includes a metal shell fixing mechanism, a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, the metal shell fixing mechanism can detachably fix the metal shell, the first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are transmission-connected to the metal shell fixing mechanism, the first driving mechanism can drive the metal shell fixing mechanism to move along the first direction, and the second driving mechanism can drive the metal shell fixing mechanism to move along the second direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the transfer unit further includes a rotating wheel, and the metal shell fixing mechanism is movably matched with the rotating wheel, wherein the rotating wheel, the synchronous pulley, and the large sprocket are all arranged on the main shaft.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rotating wheel has a guide rail arranged along the second direction, the first driving mechanism is movably arranged on the guide rail, and can move along the guide rail under the drive of the second driving mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second driving mechanism includes a cam driving mechanism, which includes a cam and a cam follower cooperating with the cam, and the cam follower is also fixedly connected to the metal shell fixing mechanism or the second driving mechanism. One of the cam and the rotating wheel can move around its own axis, thereby generating relative movement between the cam follower and the cam, so that the metal shell fixing mechanism can move along the guide rail.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention include:

[0023] 1) The variable pitch device of a metal shell provided by the present invention has a simple structure and low cost, and can be applied to the long-distance transmission process of the metal shell and perform variable pitch adjustment on the transmitted metal shell;

[0024] 2) The variable pitch device for a metal housing provided by the present invention has a small footprint, quick response, and can effectively prevent damage to the appearance of the metal housing during the process of moving the metal housing. Moreover, it is easy to maintain. When it is combined with a production line, it can quickly transfer the metal housing between two different production lines, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the production process of the metal housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a variable pitch device for a metal housing provided in a typical embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged schematic view of part B in

[0027] Figure 3 is a side view of a variable pitch device for a metal housing provided in a typical embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged schematic view of part D in

[0029] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a view in the direction of C in

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a transfer unit provided in a typical embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a view in the direction of A in

[0032] DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS:

[0033] 1. Conveying unit;

[0034] 11. Second conveying assembly; 111. Second carrier; 112. Synchronous belt; 113. Synchronous belt pulley;

[0035] 12. First conveying assembly; 121. First carrier; 122. Chain; 123. Large sprocket; 124. Small sprocket (124);

[0036] 2. Transfer unit;

[0037] 21. Metal housing fixing mechanism;

[0038] 22. First driving mechanism;

[0039] 23. Second driving mechanism; 231. Cam; 232. Cam follower; 233. First synchronous wheel; 234. Synchronous belt; 235. Second synchronous wheel; 236. Chain; 237. First gear; 238. Second gear;

[0040] 24. Runner;

[0041] 25. Guide rail;

[0042] 26. Mounting bracket;

[0043] 3. Spindle. Detailed implementation manner

[0044] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the inventors of this case have proposed the technical solution of the present invention through long-term research and a large number of practices. The following will further explain the technical solution, its implementation process, principles, etc.

[0045] The following will combine the drawings Figures 1-7 and specific implementation cases to further explain the technical solution, its implementation process, principles, etc. Unless otherwise specified, the cylinders, mechanical valves, etc. used in the embodiments of the present invention are all components known to those skilled in the art, and they can all be obtained through commercial purchase. The specific structures and models are not limited herein.

[0046] Embodiment 1

[0047] Please refer to Figures 1-5 , a variable pitch device with a metal shell provided in this embodiment. Here, the metal shell can be a battery shell, including:

[0048] A transfer unit 1, including a second transfer component 11 and a first transfer component 12 that are arranged at intervals along the second direction and can operate continuously. The second transfer component 11 includes a plurality of second carriers 111, and the first transfer component 12 includes a plurality of first carriers 121. Both the second carriers 111 and the first carriers 121 can detachably fix the metal shell;

[0049] A transfer unit 2, which can detachably fix the metal shell and can drive the metal shell to move along the first direction and the second direction. The second transfer component 11 and the first transfer component 12 are located on the movement track of the metal shell;

[0050] And during the movement of the transfer unit 2 along the first direction, the transfer unit 2 can fix the metal shell on the first carrier 121, or separate from the metal shell on the second carrier 111; when the transfer unit 2 moves along the second direction, the transfer unit 2 can transfer the metal shell to the second carrier 111.

[0051] It is understandable that the transfer unit 2 can transfer the metal housing between the second working station and the first working station. When the second carrier 111 and the first carrier 121 carry the metal housing, the transfer unit 2 can move along the first direction and fix with the metal housing on the first carrier 121 at the first working station, and then constrain or carry the metal housing to move along the second direction. After moving it to the second carrier 111 at the second working station, the transfer unit 2 moves along the first direction and separates from the metal housing. Then the transfer unit 2 returns from the second working station to the first working station and repeats the above operation steps again. During the working process of the transfer unit 2, the first transfer component 12 in the transfer unit 1 can continuously operate to continuously carry the metal housing to a specified position, and the second transfer component 11 can continuously transport the metal housing placed on the second carrier 111. In this way, the metal housing carried on the first transfer component 12 is continuously transferred to the second transfer component 11, thereby transferring the metal housing. When this equipment is applied to production, the battery housing on the first carrier 121 can be transferred to the second carrier 111, and the transfer work of the battery housing between two continuously operating transfer components can be realized.

[0052] More specifically, the second transfer component 11 further includes a synchronous belt 112 and a synchronous pulley 113 matching with the synchronous belt 112. The synchronous belt 112 can continuously operate under the drive of the synchronous pulley 113, and the second carrier 111 is fixedly arranged on the synchronous belt 112;

[0053] The first transfer component 12 further includes a chain 122, a large sprocket 123 and a small sprocket 124 matching with the chain 122. The chain 122 is in transmission connection with the large sprocket 123 and the small sprocket 124. The large sprocket 123 and the small sprocket 124 are respectively arranged on both sides of the chain 122. The chain 122 can continuously operate under the drive of the large sprocket 123, and the first carrier 121 is fixedly arranged on the chain 122;

[0054] The first spacing between adjacent first carriers 121 is different from the second spacing between adjacent second carriers 111. It can be understood that under the drive of the large sprocket 123, the timing belt 112 and the chain 122 can be continuously driven to run, and thus the second carriers 111 and the first carriers 121 provided thereon are continuously conveyed to the second station or the first station. The transfer unit 2 can transfer the metal shell from the first carrier 121 at the first station to the second carrier 111 at the second station. The arrangement spacing of the metal shells on the first transfer assembly 12 is different from the arrangement spacing on the second transfer assembly 11. Therefore, transferring the metal shell from the first carrier 121 to the second carrier 111 can realize the adjustment and conversion of the arrangement spacing of the metal shells.

[0055] The first transfer assembly 12 further includes a small sprocket 124. The small sprocket 124 can be in driving connection with the chain 122. The chain 122 can change its driving trajectory under the drive of the small sprocket 124, so that the metal shell is driven to a specified position.

[0056] Specifically, the number of the small sprockets 124 is at least two. The two small sprockets 124 can be in driving connection with the chain 122, and the two small sprockets 124 can limit the chain 122 therebetween to always fit and drive with the large sprocket 123. So that the metal shell is driven to a specified position, so that the transfer unit 2 fixes the metal shell of the first carrier 121 on the chain 122 here, facilitating the transfer of the metal shell.

[0057] Furthermore, the timing pulley 113 and the large sprocket 123 are parallel and arranged on the same main shaft 3. The first direction is parallel to the axial direction of the timing pulley 113 and / or the large sprocket 123, and the second direction is parallel to the radial direction of the timing pulley 113 and / or the large sprocket 123.

[0058] Furthermore, the timing pulley 113 and the large sprocket 123 are coaxially arranged with the main shaft 3, and the diameter of the timing pulley 113 is smaller than the diameter of the large sprocket 123. Please refer to Figure 5, the synchronous pulley 113 and the large sprocket 123 rotate coaxially, so the angular velocity of the two is the same when they rotate. According to the linear velocity formula: linear velocity = angular velocity × radius, it can be known that the linear velocity of the synchronous pulley 113 is less than the linear velocity of the large sprocket 123, so the transfer unit 2 can be configured to perform quasi-linear motion between the second station and the first station, so that the motion trajectory of the transfer unit 2 is simpler and the response is faster. The synchronous pulley 113 and the large sprocket 123 can be fixed with the main shaft 3 so that when the main shaft 3 rotates, the synchronous pulley 113 and the large sprocket 123 can rotate synchronously. In this embodiment, a variable pitch device of a metal shell can realize the variable pitch arrangement of the metal shell, and when the battery is quickly transported and arranged in this working area, the device not only occupies a small space, but also can realize a rapid response between the transmission units 1 by continuously rotating the main shaft 3 in a specified direction. When it is applied to production, the work efficiency of this process can be improved.

[0059] More specifically, the first spacing between adjacent first carriers 121 is greater than the second spacing between adjacent second carriers 111. The second carrier 111 or the first carrier 121 can carry a metal shell. If two adjacent second carriers 111 and / or the first carrier 121 both carry a metal shell, then the first spacing between two adjacent metal shells on the chain 122 is greater than the second spacing between two adjacent metal shells on the synchronous belt 112, so that the metal shells can be adjusted from a large spacing arrangement to a small spacing arrangement.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] See also Figures 2-7 , is a variable pitch device of a metal shell provided in this embodiment, and its structure is basically similar to that of embodiment 1, except that the transfer unit 2 includes a metal shell fixing mechanism 21, a first driving mechanism 22 and a second driving mechanism 23, the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 can detachably fix the metal shell, the first driving mechanism 22 and the second driving mechanism 23 are connected to the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 by transmission, the first driving mechanism 22 can drive the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 to move along the first direction, and the second driving mechanism 23 can drive the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 to move along the second direction. It can be understood that when the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 moves to the first station, the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 can fix a metal shell, and then the metal shell is driven by the first driving mechanism 22 and / or the second driving mechanism to move in the first direction and / or the second direction to separate the metal shell from the first carrier 121, and then the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 is driven by the second driving mechanism 23 to move in the second direction, that is, to move from the first station to the second station, thereby moving the metal shell to the second station.

[0062] More specifically, the transfer unit 2 further includes a runner 24, and the metal housing fixing mechanism 21 is movably engaged with the runner 24. Among them, the runner 24, the synchronous pulley 113, and the large sprocket 123 are all arranged on the main shaft 3. The runner 24, the synchronous pulley 113, and the large sprocket 123 are all coaxially arranged with the main shaft 3.

[0063] Furthermore, the runner 24 has a guide rail 25 arranged in the second direction. The first driving mechanism 22 is movably arranged on the guide rail 25 and can move along the guide rail 25 under the drive of the second driving mechanism 23. The guide rail 25 restricts the transfer unit 2 to a linear motion trajectory and prevents the transfer unit 2 from deviating from its reciprocating travel trajectory during operation. Moreover, the guide rail 25 can also be arranged according to actual usage conditions, such as Figure 7 shown in equally spaced arrangement, so as to prevent collisions between the transfer units 2 during operation.

[0064] Embodiment 3

[0065] Please refer to Figures 4-7 , a variable pitch device for a metal housing provided in this embodiment, whose structure is basically similar to that of Embodiment 2. The difference is that the second driving mechanism 23 includes a cam driving mechanism. The cam driving mechanism includes a cam 231 and a cam follower 232 that cooperates with the cam 231. The cam follower 232 is also fixedly connected to the metal housing fixing mechanism 21 or the second driving mechanism 23. One of the cam 231 and the runner 24 can rotate around its own axis, so that relative movement is generated between the cam follower 232 and the cam 231, thereby enabling the metal housing fixing mechanism 21 to move along the guide rail 25. The cam 231 can be understood as having a non-circular track groove, and the cam follower 232 slides in cooperation with the non-circular track.

[0066] More specifically, the cam driving mechanism further includes a first transmission component and a second transmission component. The first transmission component includes a first synchronous pulley 233 and a synchronous belt 234 that is drivingly connected to the first synchronous pulley 233. The cam follower 232 can be fixedly arranged on the synchronous belt 234; the second transmission component includes a second synchronous pulley 235 and a chain 236 that is drivingly connected to the second synchronous pulley 235. The metal housing fixing mechanism 21 can be fixedly arranged on the chain 236; the first synchronous pulley 233 is drivingly connected to the second synchronous pulley 235.

[0067] It is understandable that when the cam follower 232 slides along the non-circular track groove, the cam follower 232 actually moves along the circumferential direction of the runner 24 and slides closer to or away from the main shaft 3 according to the shape of the non-circular track groove. When the cam follower 232 moves closer to the main shaft 3, the timing belt 234 will be driven in the clockwise direction as shown in Figure 4 . Since the first timing pulley 233 is drivingly connected to the second timing pulley 235, the chain 236 is driven in the counterclockwise direction. The transfer unit 2 fixedly arranged on the chain 236 can move away from the main shaft 3, that is, move from the first station to the second station; when the cam follower 232 moves away from the main shaft 3, the timing belt 234 will be driven in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 4 . The chain 236 is driven in the clockwise direction, and the transfer unit 2 moves closer to the main shaft 3, that is, it can move from the second station to the first station. In this embodiment, a variable pitch device for a metal shell occupies a relatively small area, and the runner 24 is driven by a driving unit to rotate in a specified direction. As the runner 24 rotates, the cam follower 232 slides along the non-circular track groove, and the transfer unit 2 reciprocates between the second station and the first station, continuously transferring the metal shells from a large-spacing arrangement to a small-spacing arrangement, which is relatively fast.

[0068] Further, a first gear 237 is coaxially arranged on the first timing pulley 233, and a second gear 238 is coaxially arranged on the second timing pulley 235. The first gear 237 is meshingly and drivingly connected to the second gear 238. The rotation radius of the first gear 237 is larger than the rotation radius of the second gear 238. It is understandable that the first gear 237 meshes with the second gear 238 to drive the second gear 238 to rotate. When the two gears mesh and rotate, the angular velocity of the first gear 237 is smaller than the angular velocity of the second gear 238. When the first gear 237 rotates, the moving speed of the second follower is greater than the moving speed of the transfer unit 2, thereby realizing the fast movement and fast response of the transfer unit 2.

[0069] Furthermore, the variable pitch device for a metal shell further includes a mounting frame 26. The mounting frame 26 is arranged on the runner 24, and the mounting frame 26 is at least used for movably arranging the first timing pulley 233 and the second timing pulley 235. More specifically, the transmission unit further includes an auxiliary pulley group. The auxiliary pulley group can be arranged on the runner 24 and / or the mounting frame 26. Please refer to Figure 4 to change the laying direction of the first conveyor belt and / or the second conveyor belt, reduce the friction between the conveyor belt and other components, and reasonably arrange the occupied space of the conveyor belt, so as to reduce the occupied space of the variable pitch device for a metal shell.

[0070] Furthermore, it can also be like Figure 5 shown in the figure, guide wheels can be arranged in the second conveying component 11 and / or the first conveying component 12, so that the direction of the first conveying component 12 for conveying the metal shell is consistent with the direction of the second conveying component 11 for outputting the metal shell. Thus, the pitch-changing device of the metal shell can be set to input the metal shells arranged in a long pitch on one side and output the metal shells arranged in a short pitch on the other side, avoiding the chaos of the production line conveying.

[0071] Further, the non-circular track groove is a cam-shaped annular track groove. The cam follower 232 slides in sliding cooperation with the annular track groove. It can be understood that the cam-shaped annular track groove has a kind of circular track groove and a curved track groove protruding from the kind of circular track groove. When the cam follower 232 slides in sliding cooperation with the curved track groove, the transfer unit 2 can move from the first station to the second station and then return to the first station; when the cam follower 232 slides in sliding cooperation with the kind of circular track groove, the transfer unit 2 can stay at the second station or the first station. By setting the cam-shaped track groove with corresponding specifications, the movement distance of the transfer unit 2 and the time of staying / holding at the second station or the first station can be adjusted.

[0072] Preferably, the axis of the cam is arranged parallel to the axis of the runner 24.

[0073] More preferably, the cam 231, the runner 24, the synchronous belt pulley 113, and the large sprocket 123 are all arranged on the main shaft 3. The cam 231 can be rotationally matched with the main shaft 3. The runner 24, the synchronous belt pulley 113, and the large sprocket 123 are fixed and can rotate synchronously with the main shaft 3. When a third driving mechanism drives the main shaft 3 to rotate, the cam follower 232 can slide along the cam-shaped annular track groove of the cam 231, thereby driving the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 to move in the second direction and the conveying unit 1 to convey the metal shell. Under the drive of the first driving mechanism 22, the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 can also move in the first direction to be fixed to or separated from the metal shell. With the mutual cooperation of these components, the pitch-changing treatment of the metal shell arrangement is realized, simplifying the transmission relationship between the components, changing the pitch arrangement distance of the metal shell through fewer driving units, thereby reducing the floor area of this equipment and saving the use cost.

[0074] Embodiment 4

[0075] Please refer to Figure 2, a variable pitch device for a metal housing provided in this embodiment, has a structure substantially similar to that of Embodiment 3. The difference is that a plurality of metal housing fixing mechanisms 21 and a plurality of guide rails 25 are provided on the runner 24. Each of the metal housing fixing mechanisms 21 is arranged corresponding to at least one guide rail 25, and the guide rails 25 are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the runner 24. Refer to the above operation for the plurality of transfer units 2. When the runner 24 rotates, the transfer units 2 can move between the second station and the first station. As Figure 2 shown, the plurality of transfer units 2 provided on the runner 24 can be in different states. It can be understood that when a metal housing fixing mechanism 21 moves a metal housing fixed from the first carrier 121 to the second carrier 111, another metal housing on the runner 24 moves to the next first carrier 121 and is ready to fix the metal housing thereon. The plurality of metal housing fixing mechanisms 21 on the runner 24 are arranged in sequence so that the metal housing can be continuously placed on the second carrier 111 on the synchronous belt 112. Therefore, the handling rate of this equipment can be increased by increasing the number of metal housing fixing mechanisms 21 and arranging the spacing of the metal housing fixing mechanisms 21. For example, the metal housing fixing mechanisms 21 can be arranged in equal spacing. The transfer rate of the transfer unit 2 is increased, so as to better match the production speed of the metal housing, and the metal housing can be quickly adjusted from a long-distance arrangement to a short-distance arrangement.

[0076] A variable pitch device for a metal housing provided by the present invention can grab a metal housing from a synchronous belt 112 with a larger spacing and place it on a chain 122 with a smaller spacing. Compared with the realization of a plurality of conventional station manipulators, the requirements for the operation speed of the manipulator and the moving area of the placement are very high. Especially in the production field of metal housings, it not only requires a large number of manipulators, but also the maintenance and space placement costs will increase greatly. Compared with the "variable pitch mechanism of left and right hand threads screw rotation" and the realization of variable pitch by the cooperation of a guide groove and a guide plate, both of them cannot meet the requirement of long-distance transmission of metal housings, and both need to be realized by the reciprocating rotation of a cylinder or a motor. For the production speed of metal housings, their working efficiency is too low.

[0077] Using a variable pitch device for a metal housing can not only realize the conversion of the metal housing from a long-distance arrangement to a short-distance arrangement, but also continue to transfer the products after the short-distance arrangement to the next process. When applied to the production of metal housings, it can be adapted to the high-speed transmission work of metal housings.

[0078] Furthermore, when the present invention is applied to actual production, the second carrier 111 fixes the metal housing by magnetic adsorption or negative pressure adsorption. That is, the second carrier 111 can fix the metal housing by negative pressure or magnetic adsorption and transfer the metal housing to a designated position.

[0079] Specifically, the second carrier 111 includes a magnetic adsorption mechanism or a negative pressure adsorption mechanism. The second carrier 111 can restrain and fix the metal shell through the magnetic adsorption structure or the negative pressure adsorption mechanism.

[0080] Specifically, the metal shell includes a ferromagnetic structure and / or a magnet structure that can be magnetically adsorbed. That is, the metal shell is a ferromagnetic structure. For example, the metal shell can be made of iron material. The second carrier 111 has a magnetic adsorption mechanism, and the second carrier 111 can restrain the metal shell by magnetic adsorption. Compared with clamping and restraining the metal shell, it can avoid damaging the appearance of the metal shell.

[0081] Specifically, the first carrier 121 fixes the metal shell by magnetic adsorption or negative pressure adsorption. That is, the first carrier 121 can fix the metal shell by negative pressure or magnetic adsorption and transfer the metal shell to a designated position.

[0082] Specifically, the first carrier 121 includes a magnetic adsorption mechanism or a negative pressure adsorption mechanism. The first carrier 121 can restrain and fix the metal shell through the magnetic adsorption structure or the negative pressure adsorption mechanism.

[0083] Specifically, the metal shell includes a ferromagnetic structure and / or a magnet structure that can be magnetically adsorbed. That is, the metal shell is a ferromagnetic structure. For example, the metal shell can be made of iron material. The first carrier 121 has a magnetic adsorption mechanism, and the first carrier 121 can restrain the metal shell by magnetic adsorption. Compared with clamping and restraining the metal shell, it can avoid damaging the appearance of the metal shell. Thus, the metal shell can be stably and firmly restrained on the carrier. Using the magnetic adsorption method on the second carrier and the first carrier can minimize the damage to the appearance of the metal shell and can flexibly and quickly carry and transfer the metal shell.

[0084] Embodiment 5

[0085] Please refer to Figures 1-3 As shown, a pitch-changing device for a metal shell provided in this embodiment has a structure basically similar to that of Embodiment 4, except that the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 is a cylinder, and the metal shell fixing mechanism 21 can restrain the metal shell by plugging into the metal shell. Please refer to Figures 1-3It is understandable that when the cylinder moves to the first station, the piston rod of the cylinder can be driven by a first driving unit to extend, and the extended piston rod is plugged into the metal shell. The cylinder moves from the first station to the second station. When the cylinder moves to the first station, the first carrier 121 constrains the metal shell, and the piston rod of the cylinder can be driven by the first driving unit to be retracted. The metal shell remains on the first carrier 121, and the first conveying component 12 conveys the first carrier 121 and the metal shell thereon; the cylinder moves from the second station to the first station, and repeats the above operation. In this way, the metal shells on the second conveying component 11 are moved one by one to the first conveying component. Compared with the common mechanical grasping method, it is simple and efficient, and realizes the moving metal shell between the two conveying components, and occupies a small area, responds quickly, and can be used in long-distance transportation environments. And because general manufacturers have high requirements for the appearance of metal shells, in the present invention, the cylinder can be plugged into the inner wall of the metal shell to transport or move the metal shell, avoiding the possibility of scratching the appearance of the metal shell and realizing the movement of the metal shell efficiently and quickly.

[0086] Furthermore, the first driving unit is a mechanical valve, which can be connected to the main shaft 3 by transmission. When the cylinder moves to the first station, the main shaft 3 rotates to drive the valve stem of the mechanical valve to extend, so that the compressed air enters the air inlet at the rear of the cylinder, thereby extending the piston rod of the cylinder, plugging and fixing the piston rod with the metal shell, and removing the metal shell from the first carrier. When the cylinder moves to the second station, the valve stem of the mechanical valve switches to another direction, and the compressed air enters the air inlet at the front end of the cylinder, thereby retracting the piston rod of the cylinder, separating the piston rod from the metal shell, and leaving the metal shell on the second carrier, so that the metal shell is converted from a long-pitch arrangement to a short-pitch arrangement.

[0087] Example 6

[0088] See also Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment also provides a conveying production line with a variable pitch device, and its structure is basically similar to that of embodiment 5, except that it includes the metal shell variable pitch device described in the above embodiment 1 or embodiment 4, as well as a first production line and a second production line, the second conveying component 11 is at least used to convey the metal shell of the first production line to the first station, and the first conveying component 12 is at least used to output the metal shell at the second station to the second production line. The first production line can receive and convey the metal shell to the second conveying component 11, and the second conveying component 11 removes the metal shell on the first production line and conveys it to the second production line. Figure 5The first carrier carries the metal shell in the third and fourth positions, and the metal shell is transported to the first conveying assembly 12 through the transfer unit 2. The first conveying assembly 12 outputs the metal shell to the second production line, and conveys it to the next process through the second production line. That is, the conversion of the spacing arrangement of the metal shells between the two production lines can be realized. In the production process of automotive power metal shells, since the entire automated production line is composed of many machines, each machine has different functions, the spacing of the metal shells will be different during the circulation of the entire production line, and the production speed of the metal shells is very high, even up to 600-800 per minute. A conveying production line with a variable pitch device is set between different production lines to form a conveying production line with a variable pitch device, which can not only realize the long-distance transportation of the metal shells, but also respond quickly and can quickly adjust the metal shells.

[0089] The variable-pitch device for metal shells provided in Examples 1-5 of the present invention, and the conveying production line with the variable-pitch device provided in Example 6, can not only be used to convey and transfer metal shells, but can also be applied to conveying and transferring other workpieces or materials, such as for conveying and transferring cylindrical battery shells, cans, cubic battery shells, and other workpieces or materials. Specifically, the first carrier and the second carrier can be provided with placement grooves corresponding to the outer contour of the workpiece, and the shape and size of the placement groove can be adjusted according to actual needs, so that the variable-pitch transfer work of the variable-pitch device for metal shells provided by the present invention can achieve the best working effect.

[0090] It should be understood that the above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable people familiar with the technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and they cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A variable pitch device with a metal shell, It is characterized in that include: A conveying unit (1) comprises a second conveying assembly (11) and a first conveying assembly (12) which are arranged at intervals along a second direction and are capable of continuously running, wherein the second conveying assembly (11) comprises a plurality of second carriers (111), and the first conveying assembly (12) comprises a plurality of first carriers (121), and the second carriers (111) and the first carriers (121) are both capable of detachably fixing a metal shell; the second conveying assembly (11) further comprises a synchronous belt (112) and a synchronous pulley (113) matched with the synchronous belt (112), wherein the synchronous belt (112) is capable of continuously running under the drive of the synchronous pulley (113), and the second carrier (111) is fixedly arranged on the synchronous pulley. The first transmission component (12) further comprises a chain (122), a large sprocket (123) and a small sprocket (124) matched with the chain (122); the chain (122) is drivingly connected with the large sprocket (123) and the small sprocket (124); the large sprocket (123) and the small sprocket (124) are respectively arranged on both sides of the chain (122); the chain (122) can run continuously under the drive of the large sprocket (123); the first carrier (121) is fixedly arranged on the chain (122); the first spacing between adjacent first carriers (121) is different from the second spacing between adjacent second carriers (111); A transfer unit (2) capable of detachably fixing the metal shell and driving the metal shell to move along a first direction and a second direction, wherein the second transfer assembly (11) and the first transfer assembly (12) are located on a movement track of the metal shell; Furthermore, when the transfer unit (2) moves along the first direction, the transfer unit (2) can be fixed to the metal shell on the first carrier (121), or separated from the metal shell on the second carrier (111); when the transfer unit (2) moves along the second direction, the transfer unit (2) can transfer the metal shell to the second carrier (111).

2. A pitch-changing device with a metal shell according to claim 1, Features: The synchronous belt pulley (113) and the large sprocket (123) are parallel and arranged on the same main shaft (3); the first direction is parallel to the axial direction of the synchronous belt pulley (113) and / or the large sprocket (123); and the second direction is parallel to the radial direction of the synchronous belt pulley (113) and / or the large sprocket (123).

3. A pitch-changing device with a metal shell according to claim 2, Features: The synchronous belt wheel (113) and the large sprocket (123) are coaxially arranged with the main shaft (3); the diameter of the synchronous belt wheel (113) is smaller than the diameter of the large sprocket (123).

4. A pitch-changing device with a metal shell according to claim 1, Features: The first spacing between adjacent ones of the first carriers (121) is greater than the second spacing between adjacent ones of the second carriers (111).

5. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 3, wherein: The second carrier (111) fixes the metal housing by magnetic adsorption or negative pressure adsorption; the first carrier (121) fixes the metal housing by magnetic adsorption or negative pressure adsorption.

6. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 5, wherein: The second carrier (111) includes a magnetic adsorption mechanism or a negative pressure adsorption mechanism.

7. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 5, wherein: The first carrier (121) includes a magnetic adsorption mechanism or a negative pressure adsorption mechanism.

8. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 5, wherein: The metal housing includes a ferromagnetic structure and / or a magnet structure that can be magnetically adsorbed.

9. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 5, wherein: The transfer unit (2) includes a metal housing fixing mechanism (21), a first driving mechanism (22), and a second driving mechanism (23). The metal housing fixing mechanism (21) can detachably fix the metal housing. The first driving mechanism (22) and the second driving mechanism (23) are in transmission connection with the metal housing fixing mechanism (21). The first driving mechanism (22) can drive the metal housing fixing mechanism (21) to move along the first direction, and the second driving mechanism (23) can drive the metal housing fixing mechanism (21) to move along the second direction.

10. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 9, wherein: The transfer unit (2) further includes a rotating wheel (24). The metal housing fixing mechanism (21) is movably matched with the rotating wheel (24). Among them, the rotating wheel (24), the synchronous pulley (113), and the large sprocket (123) are all arranged on the main shaft (3).

11. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 10, wherein: The rotating wheel (24) has a guide rail (25) arranged along the second direction. The first driving mechanism (22) is movably arranged on the guide rail (25) and can move along the guide rail (25) under the drive of the second driving mechanism (23).

12. The variable-spacing device for a metal housing according to claim 11, wherein: The second driving mechanism (23) includes a cam driving mechanism. The cam driving mechanism includes a cam (231) and a cam follower (232) that cooperates with the cam (231). The cam follower (232) is also fixedly connected to the metal housing fixing mechanism (21) or the second driving mechanism (23). One of the cam (231) and the rotating wheel (24) can rotate around its own axis, so that a relative movement is generated between the cam follower (232) and the cam (231), thereby enabling the metal housing fixing mechanism (21) to move along the guide rail (25).

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