An automated material transfer device

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic material transfer device to solve the technical problem of low material transfer efficiency caused by manual operation in existing material transfer systems. The device includes a buffer feeding mechanism located at the inlet end of the material conveying track, which transports pallets loaded with material to the track. A material suction position is provided on the track, with a suction device located above it. A tray loading / unloading mechanism is located on one side of the track, used to unload full trays and load empty trays. The suction device picks up material from the pallets and transfers it to empty trays provided by the tray loading / unloading mechanism. A clip loading / unloading mechanism is located at the outlet end of the track, used to load clips to receive empty pallets from the track and unload clips filled with pallets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automation equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic material transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] During the production process, materials often need to be transferred between different carriers to meet the processing needs of different equipment. Specifically, in the initial stage, materials need to be loaded onto pallets. Since the materials need to be processed on the processing equipment, they need to be transferred from the pallets to the material trays.

[0003] In existing technologies, materials are typically picked up one by one from the pallet and placed into the tray by hand. This manual picking undoubtedly consumes a lot of time, which seriously affects the efficiency of material transfer.

[0004] Therefore, finding a technical solution that can solve the above-mentioned technical problems has become an important research topic for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention discloses an automatic material transfer device to solve the technical problem that existing material transfer is completed manually, resulting in low material transfer efficiency.

[0006] The present invention provides an automatic material transfer device for transferring materials from a pallet to a tray, including a buffer feeding mechanism, a material conveying track, a suction device, a tray loading and unloading mechanism, and a clip loading and unloading mechanism.

[0007] The buffer feeding mechanism is located at the feed end of the material conveying track. The buffer feeding mechanism is used to convey the pallet loaded with material to the material conveying track. The material conveying track is used to convey the pallet loaded with material. The material conveying track is provided with a material suction position. The suction device is located above the material suction position. The tray loading and unloading mechanism is located on one side of the material conveying track. The tray loading and unloading mechanism is used to unload the tray filled with material and to load the tray empty. The suction device is used to suck up the material on the pallet and transfer it to the empty tray provided by the tray loading and unloading mechanism. The magazine loading and unloading mechanism is located at the discharge end of the material conveying track. The magazine loading and unloading mechanism is used to load magazines to receive empty pallets output from the material conveying track and to unload magazines filled with pallets.

[0008] Optionally, the buffer feeding mechanism includes a buffer module and a feeding module;

[0009] The buffer module includes a first support frame and at least two buffer tracks arranged along the X-axis on the first support frame, the buffer tracks conveying pallets loaded with materials along the Y-axis.

[0010] The feeding module includes a feeding track and a first X-axis linear module. The feeding track is connected to the first X-axis linear module. The first X-axis linear module is used to drive the feeding track to move along the X-axis direction to connect with the discharge end of the buffer track and the feed end of the material conveying track.

[0011] A blocking component is installed at the position corresponding to the discharge end of the buffer track on the first support frame. The blocking component is used to prevent material from flowing out from the discharge end of the buffer track.

[0012] Optionally, the cache module further includes a second X-axis linear module;

[0013] The second X-axis linear module is connected to the first support frame, and the second X-axis linear module is used to drive the first support frame to move along the X-axis direction.

[0014] Optionally, the material pick-up position of the material conveying track is provided with a first lifting platform;

[0015] The first lifting platform is used to lift the pallet containing the material along the Z-axis direction, and the first lifting platform is provided with at least one pair of first pneumatic clamps to clamp and fix the pallet containing the material.

[0016] Optionally, the suction device includes a gantry frame, a third X-axis linear module, and a suction module;

[0017] The gantry frame spans between the material conveying tracks, the third X-axis linear module is mounted on the gantry frame, the suction module is connected to the third X-axis linear module, and the third X-axis linear module is used to drive the suction module to move along the X-axis direction;

[0018] The suction module includes multiple first Z-axis linear modules, multiple first rotary drive components, and multiple vacuum suction heads;

[0019] The first Z-axis linear module is connected to the third X-axis linear module. The first rotary drive is connected to the first Z-axis linear module. The first Z-axis linear module is used to drive the first rotary drive to move up and down along the Z-axis direction. The vacuum suction head is connected to the first rotary drive. The first rotary drive is used to drive the vacuum suction head to rotate around the Z-axis direction.

[0020] Optionally, the material tray loading and unloading mechanism includes a material tray conveying track for transporting empty material trays and material trays filled with qualified materials, a material gripping robot for gripping and transferring material trays, a first material frame for storing empty material trays, a second material frame for storing material trays filled with qualified materials, and a material tray conveying platform.

[0021] The tray conveying track and the material conveying track are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis. The tray conveying platform is arranged close to the tray conveying track, and the gripping robot is located between the tray conveying platform and the tray conveying track to transfer the tray between the tray conveying platform and the tray conveying track. The first material frame and the second material frame are arranged adjacent to each other and are both located on the moving track of the tray conveying platform. The tray conveying platform is used to take away empty trays from the first material frame and push trays filled with qualified materials to the second material frame.

[0022] Optionally, the material tray conveying track includes a first Y-axis linear module and a support platform connected to the first Y-axis linear module. The first Y-axis linear module is used to drive the support platform to move along the Y-axis direction. The support platform is used to support the material tray. At least one pair of second pneumatic clamps are provided on the support platform to clamp and fix the material tray.

[0023] The material handling robot includes a second support frame, a fourth X-axis linear module, and pneumatic grippers for gripping the material tray.

[0024] The fourth X-axis linear module is mounted on the second support frame. The fourth X-axis linear module is connected to a connecting frame. The fourth X-axis linear module is used to drive the connecting frame to move along the X-axis direction. The connecting frame is equipped with a second rotary drive component. A rotary frame is mounted on the second rotary drive component. The second rotary drive component is used to drive the rotary frame to rotate around the Z-axis. There are two pneumatic grippers, and the two pneumatic grippers are arranged adjacent to each other on the rotary frame along the X-axis direction.

[0025] The material tray conveying platform includes a second Y-axis linear module and a second lifting platform; the second Y-axis linear module is connected to the second lifting platform, the second Y-axis linear module is used to drive the second lifting platform to move along the Y-axis direction to pass through the first material frame and the second material frame, and the second lifting platform is used to lift the material tray;

[0026] The second lifting platform is equipped with a limiting plate for restricting the material tray along the X-axis and Y-axis directions;

[0027] The first material frame includes a first frame for storing stacked material trays. The first frame is a hollow structure, and a first cylinder is installed on each of the two sides of the bottom of the first frame. The first cylinder is connected to a first support plate. The first cylinder is used to drive the first support plate to extend along the X-axis to support the stacked material trays.

[0028] The second material frame includes a second frame body for storing stacked material trays filled with materials. The second frame body has a hollow structure. Spring hinges are installed on opposite sides of the bottom of the second frame body. The spring hinges are connected to a second support plate for supporting the stacked material trays. The second support plate can be driven to flip upward so that the material trays can enter the second frame body.

[0029] Optionally, the magazine loading and unloading mechanism includes a magazine conveying assembly and a magazine clamping assembly;

[0030] The magazine delivery assembly and the magazine clamping assembly are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction;

[0031] The magazine conveying assembly includes a third support frame and an loading conveying track and a unloading conveying track disposed on the third support frame and arranged along the Z-axis direction;

[0032] The loading conveyor track is used to load the magazine along the positive X-axis, and the unloading conveyor track is used to unload the magazine along the negative X-axis.

[0033] The magazine clamping assembly is used to remove the magazine from the loading conveyor track so that the magazine receives the pallet; the magazine clamping assembly is also used to transfer the magazine filled with the pallet to the unloading conveyor track so that the magazine is unloaded.

[0034] Optionally, the magazine clamping assembly includes a fifth X-axis linear module, a second Z-axis linear module, and a clamping module;

[0035] The second Z-axis linear module is connected to the fifth X-axis linear module, and the clamping module is connected to the second Z-axis linear module. The second Z-axis linear module is used to drive the clamping module to move along the Z-axis direction, and the fifth X-axis linear module is used to drive the clamping module to move along the X-axis direction to move closer to or further away from the magazine delivery assembly.

[0036] The clamping module includes a fixed frame, a third Z-axis linear module, a movable clamping arm, and a fixed clamping arm;

[0037] The fixed frame is connected to the second Z-axis linear module, the third Z-axis linear module is connected to the fixed frame, the movable clamping arm is connected to the third Z-axis linear module, the movable clamping arm is located above the fixed clamping arm, and the third Z-axis linear module is used to drive the movable clamping arm to move along the Z-axis direction to approach or move away from the fixed clamping arm to clamp or release the magazine.

[0038] Optionally, the material conveying track is also equipped with a push plate assembly for fully pushing the pallet into the magazine;

[0039] The pusher assembly includes a third Y-axis linear module, a lifting cylinder, and a pusher;

[0040] The third Y-axis linear module is installed on one side of the material conveying track. The lifting cylinder is connected to the third Y-axis linear module. The third Y-axis linear module is used to drive the lifting cylinder to move along the Y-axis direction. The push plate is connected to the lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder is used to drive the push plate to rise and fall along the Z-axis direction.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0042] In the automatic material transfer device of this embodiment, the buffer feeding mechanism transports a pallet containing material onto the material conveying track. The material conveying track moves the pallet to the material suction position. Simultaneously, the tray loading / unloading mechanism transports an empty tray. Then, the suction device sucks the material from the pallet into the tray. When the tray is full, the tray loading / unloading mechanism unloads the full tray. Subsequently, the clip loading / unloading mechanism loads clips to the discharge end of the material conveying track. The material conveying track transports an empty pallet into the clip. When the clip is full, the clip loading / unloading mechanism unloads the clip, thus completing the material transfer process. Through the above design, automated material transfer can be achieved, greatly improving material transfer efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic material transfer device.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a material conveying track in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the push plate assembly of the material conveying track in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the buffer module structure of a buffer feeding mechanism in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a buffer feeding mechanism in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a material tray loading and unloading mechanism in an automatic material transfer device.

[0050] Figure 7 Another structural schematic diagram of the material tray loading and unloading mechanism in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the material tray conveying track and the defective product conveying track in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0052] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a material handling robot in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first material frame, a second material frame, and a material tray conveying platform in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the second material frame in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the first material frame in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0056] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a suction device in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0057] Figure 14 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a clip loading and unloading mechanism in an automatic material transfer device.

[0058] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a clip holding assembly in an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention;

[0059] Illustrations: Buffer feeding mechanism 1; Buffer track 101; First support frame 102; Second X-axis linear module 103; Feeding track 104; First X-axis linear module 105; Material conveying track 2; First lifting platform 201; First pneumatic clamp 202; Third Y-axis linear module 203; Push plate 204; Lifting cylinder 205; Material tray loading / unloading mechanism 3; Material tray conveying track 301; First Y-axis linear module 3011; Support platform 3012; Second pneumatic clamp 3013; Material tray conveying platform 302; Second Y-axis linear module 3021; ​​Second lifting platform 3022; First material frame 303; First frame 3031; First cylinder 3032; First support plate 3033; Second material frame 304; Second frame 3041; Spring hinge 3042; Second support plate 3041; 43; Material handling robot 305; Fourth X-axis linear module 3051; Second rotary drive 3052; Rotary frame 3053; Pneumatic gripper 3054; Magazine loading / unloading mechanism 4; Magazine clamping assembly 401; Fifth X-axis linear module 4011; Second Z-axis linear module 4012; Third Z-axis linear module 4013; Movable clamping arm 4014; Fixed clamping arm 4015; Magazine conveying assembly 402; Loading conveying track 4021; Unloading conveying track 4022; Static eliminator assembly 5; AOI detection assembly 6; Suction device 7; Gantry 701; Third X-axis linear module 702; Suction module 703; First Z-axis linear module 7031; First rotary drive 7032; Vacuum suction head 7033; Non-conforming product conveying track 8; Pallet A; Material tray B; Material C; Magazine D. Detailed Implementation

[0060] This invention discloses an automatic material transfer device to solve the technical problem that the existing material transfer is completed by manual operation, resulting in low material transfer efficiency.

[0061] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0062] Please see Figures 1 to 15 The present invention provides an automatic material transfer device for transferring materials on a pallet to a material tray, including a buffer feeding mechanism 1, a material conveying track 2, a suction device 7, a material tray loading and unloading mechanism 3, and a clip loading and unloading mechanism 4.

[0063] The buffer feeding mechanism 1 is located at the feeding end of the material conveying track 2. The buffer feeding mechanism 1 is used to convey the pallet loaded with material to the material conveying track 2. The material conveying track 2 is used to convey the pallet loaded with material. The material conveying track 2 is provided with a material suction position. The suction device 7 is located above the material suction position. The tray loading and unloading mechanism 3 is located on one side of the material conveying track 2. The tray loading and unloading mechanism 3 is used to unload the tray filled with material and to load the empty tray. The suction device 7 is used to suck up the material on the pallet and transfer it to the empty tray provided by the tray loading and unloading mechanism 3. The clip loading and unloading mechanism 4 is located at the discharge end of the material conveying track 2. The clip loading and unloading mechanism 4 is used to load the clip to receive the empty pallet output from the material conveying track 2 and to unload the clip filled with pallet.

[0064] In the automatic material transfer device of this embodiment, the buffer feeding mechanism 1 transports a pallet containing material to the material conveying track 2. The material conveying track 2 moves the pallet to the material suction position. Simultaneously, the tray loading / unloading mechanism 3 transports an empty tray. Then, the suction device 7 sucks the material from the pallet into the tray. When the tray is full, the tray loading / unloading mechanism 3 unloads the full tray. Subsequently, the clip loading / unloading mechanism 4 loads clips to the discharge end of the material conveying track 2. The material conveying track 2 transports an empty pallet into the clip. When the clip is full, the clip loading / unloading mechanism 4 unloads the clip, thus completing the material transfer process. Through the above design, automated material transfer can be achieved, greatly improving material transfer efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, the buffer feeding mechanism 1 in this embodiment includes a buffer module and a feeding module;

[0066] The buffer module includes a first support frame 102 and at least two buffer tracks 101 arranged along the X-axis direction on the first support frame 102. The buffer tracks 101 convey pallets loaded with materials along the Y-axis direction.

[0067] The feeding module includes a feeding track 104 and a first X-axis linear module 105. The feeding track 104 is connected to the first X-axis linear module 105. The first X-axis linear module 105 is used to drive the feeding track 104 to move along the X-axis direction to connect with the discharge end of the buffer track 101 and the feed end of the material conveying track 2.

[0068] A blocking component is installed on the first support frame 102 at a position corresponding to the discharge end of the buffer track 101. The blocking component is used to prevent material from flowing out from the discharge end of the buffer track 101.

[0069] It should be noted that in the buffer feeding mechanism 1 of this embodiment, the feeding track 104 can be connected to the discharge end of multiple buffer tracks 101 under the drive of the first X-axis linear module 105. After the feeding track 104 completes the conveying of the previous material, it can be driven to move to another buffer track 101 with material to be output to pick up the material, thereby realizing seamless material receiving and feeding operations, avoiding waiting for material receiving and wasting time, and effectively improving feeding efficiency. When the feeding track 104 receives the pallet loaded with material, it can be connected to the feed end of the material conveying track 2 under the drive of the first X-axis linear module 105, thereby conveying the pallet loaded with material to the material conveying track 2.

[0070] Furthermore, the aforementioned cache module also includes a second X-axis linear module 103;

[0071] The second X-axis linear module 103 is connected to the first support frame 102, and the second X-axis linear module 103 is used to drive the first support frame 102 to move along the X-axis direction.

[0072] It should be noted that, through the above design, the first support frame 102 and multiple buffer tracks 101 can move synchronously in the X-axis direction, so as to adjust the position of the multiple buffer tracks 101 in the X-axis direction.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the material conveying track 2 is provided with a first lifting platform 201 at the material suction position;

[0074] The first lifting platform 201 is used to lift the pallet containing the material along the Z-axis direction, and the first lifting platform 201 is provided with at least one pair of first pneumatic clamps 202 to clamp and fix the pallet containing the material.

[0075] It should be noted that, through the above design, when the pallet loaded with material moves to the material suction position, a pair of first pneumatic clamps 202 will clamp the pallet, and then the first lifting platform 201 will lift the pallet along the Z-axis direction to make it leave the material conveying track 2.

[0076] In addition, in this embodiment, an antistatic component 5 and an AOI detection component 6 are sequentially arranged above the material conveying track 2 between the feeding end and the material suction position.

[0077] Among them, the static eliminator 5 is used to remove static electricity from the surface of the material, and the AOI detection component 6 is used to detect the quality of the material to determine whether the material meets the preset standard. If it meets the standard, it is judged as qualified material; if it does not meet the standard, it is judged as unqualified product.

[0078] Furthermore, the suction device 7 in this embodiment includes a gantry frame 701, a third X-axis linear module 702, and a suction module 703;

[0079] The gantry frame 701 spans between the material conveying tracks 2, the third X-axis linear module 702 is mounted on the gantry frame 701, the suction module 703 is connected to the third X-axis linear module 702, and the third X-axis linear module 702 is used to drive the suction module 703 to move along the X-axis direction.

[0080] The suction module 703 includes multiple first Z-axis linear modules 7031, multiple first rotary drive components 7032, and multiple vacuum suction heads 7033;

[0081] It should be noted that when material is being picked up, the third X-axis linear module 702 drives the picking module 703 to move to the material picking position. The picking module 703 picks up the material and moves it above the material tray loading and unloading mechanism 3 under the drive of the third X-axis linear module 702, and places the material on the empty material tray.

[0082] The first Z-axis linear module 7031 is connected to the third X-axis linear module 702. The first rotary drive 7032 is connected to the first Z-axis linear module 7031. The first Z-axis linear module 7031 is used to drive the first rotary drive 7032 to move up and down along the Z-axis direction. The vacuum suction head 7033 is connected to the first rotary drive 7032. The first rotary drive 7032 is used to drive the vacuum suction head 7033 to rotate around the Z-axis direction.

[0083] It should be noted that the above design enables the vacuum suction head 7033 to have lifting and rotating functions, thereby enabling the vacuum suction head 7033 to complete the material transfer operation.

[0084] Furthermore, the material tray loading and unloading mechanism 3 in this embodiment includes a material tray conveying track 301 for transporting empty material trays and material trays containing qualified materials, a material gripping robot 305 for gripping and transferring material trays, a first material frame 303 for storing empty material trays, a second material frame 304 for storing material trays containing qualified materials, and a material tray conveying platform 302.

[0085] The material conveying track 301 and the material conveying track 2 are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis. The material conveying platform 302 is arranged close to the material conveying track 301. The gripping robot 305 is located between the material conveying platform 302 and the material conveying track 301 to transfer the material tray between the material conveying platform 302 and the material conveying track 301. The first material frame 303 and the second material frame 304 are arranged adjacent to each other and are both located on the moving track of the material conveying platform 302. The material conveying platform 302 is used to take away empty material trays from the first material frame 303 and push material trays filled with qualified materials to the second material frame 304.

[0086] It should be noted that, through the above design, the tray conveying platform 302 moves to the first material frame 303 to pick up an empty tray. Then, the tray conveying platform 302 moves with the empty tray to the gripping robot 305. The gripping robot 305 grabs the empty tray and places it on the tray conveying track 301. The tray conveying track 301 transports the empty tray to the material pick-up and drop-off point. At the same time, the material conveying track 2 moves the pallet containing material to the material suction position. The suction device 7 sucks up the material and places it on the tray of the tray conveying track 301. After the tray is full of material, the tray conveying track 301 returns to the gripping robot 305. The gripping robot 305 places the full tray on the tray conveying platform 302. The tray conveying platform 302 moves the full tray to the second material frame 304 and pushes the tray into the second material frame 304 for storage. This completes the loading and unloading operation of one tray. In addition, in the invention design, the number of material conveying track 2, suction device 7 and material tray conveying track 301 is at least two. Under this design, the material tray can effectively realize the alternating loading and unloading operation. That is, while the grabbing robot 305 places the empty material tray onto one of the material tray conveying tracks 301, it can also unload the material tray filled with material from the other material tray conveying track 301.

[0087] Furthermore, the material tray conveying track 301 in this embodiment includes a first Y-axis linear module 3011 and a support platform 3012 connected to the first Y-axis linear module 3011. The first Y-axis linear module 3011 is used to drive the support platform 3012 to move along the Y-axis direction. The support platform 3012 is used to support the material tray. At least one pair of second pneumatic clamps 3013 are provided on the support platform 3012 to clamp and fix the material tray.

[0088] It should be noted that, through the above design, the support platform 3012 used to support the material tray can move linearly under the drive of the first Y-axis linear module 3011. For example, when the support platform 3012 is driven to the first position, the suction device 7 can place the suction material into the material tray. When the material tray is full of material, the support platform 3012 is driven to the second position. At this time, the gripping robot 305 can take away the material tray full of material. When the support platform 3012 is in the second position, the gripping robot 305 can also place the empty material tray on the support platform 3012. This process is repeated to realize the loading and unloading operation of the material tray.

[0089] Furthermore, the material-grabbing robot 305 in this embodiment includes a second support frame, a fourth X-axis linear module 3051, and a pneumatic gripper 3054 for gripping the material tray;

[0090] The fourth X-axis linear module 3051 is mounted on the second support frame. The fourth X-axis linear module 3051 is connected to a connecting frame. The fourth X-axis linear module 3051 is used to drive the connecting frame to move along the X-axis direction. The connecting frame is equipped with a second rotary drive component 3052. A rotary frame 3053 is mounted on the second rotary drive component 3052. The second rotary drive component 3052 is used to drive the rotary frame 3053 to rotate around the Z-axis. There are two pneumatic grippers 3054, and the two pneumatic grippers 3054 are arranged adjacent to each other on the rotary frame 3053 along the X-axis direction.

[0091] It should be noted that, through the above design, the two pneumatic grippers 3054 can be driven to lift, rotate, and thus facilitate the gripping or placement of the material tray onto the material tray conveying platform 302 or the material tray conveying track 301. Furthermore, by designing two pneumatic grippers 3054, the material handling robot 305 can grip two material trays simultaneously, thereby more effectively improving the loading and unloading efficiency of the material trays.

[0092] Furthermore, the material tray conveying platform 302 in this embodiment includes a second Y-axis linear module 3021 and a second lifting platform 3022; the second Y-axis linear module 3021 is connected to the second lifting platform 3022, the second Y-axis linear module 3021 is used to drive the second lifting platform 3022 to move along the Y-axis direction to pass through the first material frame 303 and the second material frame 304, and the second lifting platform 3022 is used to lift the material tray;

[0093] The second lifting platform 3022 is provided with a limiting plate for restricting the material tray along the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0094] It should be noted that, through the above design, the second lifting platform 3022 can be moved to the second material frame 304, the first material frame 303 and the material gripping robot 305 under the drive of the second Y-axis linear module 3021.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first material frame 303 includes a first frame 3031 for storing stacked material trays. The first frame 3031 has a hollow structure, and a first cylinder 3032 is installed on each of the two opposite sides of the bottom of the first frame 3031. The first cylinder 3032 is connected to a first support plate 3033. The first cylinder 3032 is used to drive the first support plate 3033 to extend along the X-axis direction to support the stacked material trays.

[0096] It should be noted that when the material tray conveying platform 302 needs to remove an empty material tray, the second lifting platform 3022 is driven to move below the first material frame 303. Then, the second lifting platform 3022 moves upward to support the bottom material tray in the stack. Next, the piston rod of the first cylinder 3032 retracts to drive the first support plate 3033 to stop supporting the stacked material trays. At this time, the second lifting platform 3022 removes the empty material tray, and the first support plate 3033 is driven back to its original position to continue supporting the stacked material trays.

[0097] In addition, two first sensors are installed in the first material frame 303. The two first sensors are installed at the top and bottom of the first material frame 303. When the height of the stacked material tray is lower than the lower first sensor, the lower first sensor will be triggered. At this time, the lower first sensor can prompt the staff to replenish the empty material tray of the first material frame 303 through the warning device.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second material frame 304 includes a second frame body 3041 for storing stacked material trays filled with materials. The second frame body 3041 has a hollow structure. Spring hinge members 3042 are installed on both opposite sides of the bottom of the second frame body 3041. The spring hinge members 3042 are connected to a second support plate 3043 for supporting the stacked material trays. The second support plate 3043 can be driven to flip upward so that the material trays can enter the second frame body 3041.

[0099] It should be noted that after the material tray conveying platform 302 acquires the material tray filled with material, the second lifting platform 3022 is driven to move to the bottom of the second material frame 304. At this time, the second lifting platform 3022 lifts the material tray upward so that it pushes the second support plate 3043 from bottom to top. After the material tray completely passes the second support plate 3043, the second support plate 3043 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the spring hinge 3042 to support the material tray.

[0100] In addition, a second sensor is installed in the second material frame 3046. The second sensor is installed on the top of the second material frame 3046. When the stacked material trays reach a certain height, the second sensor will be triggered. At this time, the second sensor can alert the staff that the material trays in the second material frame 3046 are full through the warning device.

[0101] The first and second sensors mentioned above are similar to water level sensors for detecting water levels, and they can specifically be photoelectric sensors.

[0102] Furthermore, the magazine loading and unloading mechanism 4 includes a magazine conveying assembly 402 and a magazine clamping assembly 401;

[0103] The magazine delivery assembly 402 and the magazine clamping assembly 401 are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction;

[0104] The magazine conveying assembly 402 includes a third support frame and a loading conveying track 4021 and a unloading conveying track 4022 disposed on the third support frame and arranged along the Z-axis direction;

[0105] The feeding conveyor track 4021 is used to feed the magazine along the positive X-axis direction, and the unloading conveyor track 4022 is used to feed the magazine along the negative X-axis direction.

[0106] The magazine clamping assembly 401 is used to remove the magazine from the loading conveyor track 4021 so that the magazine receives the pallet; the magazine clamping assembly 401 is also used to transfer the magazine filled with the pallet to the unloading conveyor track 4022 so that the magazine is unloaded.

[0107] It should be noted that the magazines mentioned in this embodiment are all existing technologies. Magazines are generally hollow structures. In this embodiment, the opening of the magazine is oriented towards the Y-axis direction, and the hollow structure of the magazine has multiple slots from top to bottom for inserting the tray.

[0108] It should be further explained that in the magazine loading and unloading mechanism 4 of this embodiment, the loading conveying track 4021 in the magazine conveying assembly 402 first transports empty magazines. When the empty magazine reaches the discharge end of the loading conveying track 4021, the magazine clamping assembly 401 removes the magazine and moves it to the discharge end of the material conveying track 2 to wait for the receiving pallet. When the magazine is full, the magazine clamping assembly 401 moves the magazine to the unloading conveying track 4022. Finally, the unloading conveying track 4022 unloads the magazine. This process is repeated to complete the automatic magazine loading and unloading process. Through the above design, the loading and unloading efficiency of magazines is greatly improved.

[0109] Furthermore, the magazine clamping assembly 401 includes a fifth X-axis linear module 4011, a second Z-axis linear module 4012, and a clamping module;

[0110] The second Z-axis linear module 4012 is connected to the fifth X-axis linear module 4011, and the clamping module is connected to the second Z-axis linear module 4012. The second Z-axis linear module 4012 is used to drive the clamping module to move along the Z-axis direction, and the fifth X-axis linear module 4011 is used to drive the clamping module to move along the X-axis direction to move closer to or further away from the magazine delivery assembly 402.

[0111] The clamping module includes a fixed frame, a third Z-axis linear module 4013, a movable clamping arm 4014, and a fixed clamping arm 4015.

[0112] The fixed frame is connected to the second Z-axis linear module 4012, the third Z-axis linear module 4013 is connected to the fixed frame, the movable clamping arm 4014 is connected to the third Z-axis linear module 4013, the movable clamping arm 4014 is located above the fixed clamping arm 4015, and the third Z-axis linear module 4013 is used to drive the movable clamping arm 4014 to move along the Z-axis direction to approach or move away from the fixed clamping arm 4015 to clamp or release the magazine.

[0113] It should be noted that, through the above design, when the third Z-axis linear module 4013102 drives the movable clamping arm 4014 to approach the fixed clamping arm 4015, the magazine can be clamped and fixed; when the third Z-axis linear module 4013 drives the movable clamping arm 4014 away from the movable clamping arm 4015, the magazine can be released.

[0114] Furthermore, the material conveying track 2 in this embodiment is also equipped with a pusher assembly for fully pushing the pallet into the magazine;

[0115] The pusher assembly includes a third Y-axis linear module 203, a lifting cylinder 205, and a pusher 204.

[0116] The third Y-axis linear module 203 is installed on one side of the material conveying track 2. The lifting cylinder 205 is connected to the third Y-axis linear module 203. The third Y-axis linear module 203 is used to drive the lifting cylinder 205 to move along the Y-axis direction. The push plate 204 is connected to the lifting cylinder 205. The lifting cylinder 205 is used to drive the push plate 204 to rise and fall along the Z-axis direction.

[0117] It should be noted that, since the pallet may not be able to fully enter the magazine slot under the drive of the material conveying track 2, in order to avoid the above situation, this embodiment is equipped with a push plate assembly on the material conveying track 2. When the pallet is conveyed to the discharge end of the material conveying track 2, the push plate 204 is driven by the lifting cylinder 205 to rise to the same level position as the pallet. Then, the push plate 204 is driven by the third Y-axis linear module 203 to push the pallet completely into the magazine slot.

[0118] Furthermore, the material tray loading and unloading mechanism 3 in this embodiment also includes a non-conforming product conveying track 8 for transporting the material tray containing non-conforming materials;

[0119] The defective product conveying track 8 has the same structure as the material tray conveying track 301, and the defective product conveying track 8 is located on one side of the material tray conveying track 301.

[0120] It should be noted that when the material is detected and determined to be unqualified, the suction device 7 will directly grab the unqualified material onto the tray of the unqualified product conveyor track.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the buffer track 101, the loading track 104, the material conveying track 2, the loading conveying track 4021, and the unloading conveying track 4022 are all adjustable-width tracks, which are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0122] Furthermore, the rotary drive component in this embodiment can be a rotary motor, and the X-axis linear module, Y-axis linear module, and Z-axis linear module in this embodiment can all be linear modules with motor and lead screw drive or motor and belt drive.

[0123] The above provides a detailed description of an automatic material transfer device provided by the present invention. For those skilled in the art, based on the ideas of the embodiments of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic material transfer device for transferring materials from a pallet to a tray, characterized in that, It includes a buffer feeding mechanism (1), a material conveying track (2), a suction device (7), a tray loading and unloading mechanism (3), and a clip loading and unloading mechanism (4). The buffer feeding mechanism (1) is located at the feeding end of the material conveying track (2). The buffer feeding mechanism (1) is used to convey the pallet loaded with material to the material conveying track (2). The material conveying track (2) is used to convey the pallet loaded with material. The material conveying track (2) is provided with a material suction position. The suction device (7) is located above the material suction position. The tray loading and unloading mechanism (3) is located on one side of the material conveying track (2). The tray loading and unloading mechanism (3) is used to unload the tray filled with material and to load the empty tray. The suction device (7) is used to suck up the material on the pallet and transfer it to the empty tray provided by the tray loading and unloading mechanism (3). The clip loading and unloading mechanism (4) is located at the discharge end of the material conveying track (2). The clip loading and unloading mechanism (4) is used to load the clip to receive the empty pallet output from the material conveying track (2) and to unload the clip filled with pallet. The magazine loading and unloading mechanism (4) includes a magazine conveying assembly (402) and a magazine clamping assembly (401). The magazine delivery assembly (402) and the magazine clamping assembly (401) are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction; The magazine conveying assembly (402) includes a third support frame and an loading conveying track (4021) and a unloading conveying track (4022) disposed on the third support frame and arranged along the Z-axis direction. The loading conveyor track (4021) is used to load the magazine along the positive X-axis direction, and the unloading conveyor track (4022) is used to unload the magazine along the negative X-axis direction. The magazine clamping assembly (401) is used to remove the magazine from the loading conveyor track (4021) so that the magazine receives the pallet; the magazine clamping assembly (401) is also used to transfer the magazine filled with the pallet to the unloading conveyor track (4022) so that the magazine is unloaded. The material conveying track (2) is also equipped with a push plate assembly for fully pushing the pallet into the magazine; The push plate assembly includes a third Y-axis linear module (203), a lifting cylinder (205), and a push plate (204); The third Y-axis linear module (203) is installed on one side of the material conveying track (2). The lifting cylinder (205) is connected to the third Y-axis linear module (203). The third Y-axis linear module (203) is used to drive the lifting cylinder (205) to move along the Y-axis direction. The push plate (204) is connected to the lifting cylinder (205). The lifting cylinder (205) is used to drive the push plate (204) to rise and fall along the Z-axis direction.

2. The automatic material transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer feeding mechanism (1) includes a buffer module and a feeding module; The buffer module includes a first support frame (102) and at least two buffer tracks (101) arranged along the X-axis direction on the first support frame (102), the buffer tracks (101) conveying pallets loaded with materials along the Y-axis direction; The feeding module includes a feeding track (104) and a first X-axis linear module (105). The feeding track (104) is connected to the first X-axis linear module (105). The first X-axis linear module (105) is used to drive the feeding track (104) to move along the X-axis direction to connect with the discharge end of the buffer track (101) and the feed end of the material conveying track (2). A blocking component is installed on the first support frame (102) at a position corresponding to the discharge end of the buffer track (101). The blocking component is used to prevent material from flowing out from the discharge end of the buffer track (101).

3. The automatic material transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cache module also includes a second X-axis linear module (103); The second X-axis linear module (103) is connected to the first support frame (102), and the second X-axis linear module (103) is used to drive the first support frame (102) to move along the X-axis direction.

4. The automatic material transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material conveying track (2) is equipped with a first lifting platform (201) at the material suction position. The first lifting platform (201) is used to lift the pallet containing the material along the Z-axis direction, and the first lifting platform (201) is provided with at least one pair of first pneumatic clamps (202) to clamp and fix the pallet containing the material.

5. The automatic material transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction device (7) includes a gantry (701), a third X-axis linear module (702), and a suction module (703). The gantry (701) spans between the material conveying tracks (2), the third X-axis linear module (702) is mounted on the gantry (701), the suction module (703) is connected to the third X-axis linear module (702), and the third X-axis linear module (702) is used to drive the suction module (703) to move along the X-axis direction; The suction module (703) includes multiple first Z-axis linear modules (7031), multiple first rotary drive components (7032), and multiple vacuum suction heads (7033). The first Z-axis linear module (7031) is connected to the third X-axis linear module (702). The first rotary drive (7032) is connected to the first Z-axis linear module (7031). The first Z-axis linear module (7031) is used to drive the first rotary drive (7032) to move up and down along the Z-axis direction. The vacuum suction head (7033) is connected to the first rotary drive (7032). The first rotary drive (7032) is used to drive the vacuum suction head (7033) to rotate around the Z-axis direction.

6. The automatic material transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material tray loading and unloading mechanism (3) includes a material tray conveying track (301) for transporting empty material trays and material trays filled with qualified materials, a material gripping robot (305) for gripping and transferring material trays, a first material frame (303) for storing empty material trays, a second material frame (304) for storing material trays filled with qualified materials, and a material tray conveying platform (302). The tray conveying track (301) and the material conveying track (2) are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis. The tray conveying platform (302) is arranged close to the tray conveying track (301). The gripping robot (305) is located between the tray conveying platform (302) and the tray conveying track (301) to transfer the tray between the tray conveying platform (302) and the tray conveying track (301). The first material frame (303) and the second material frame (304) are arranged adjacent to each other and are both located on the moving trajectory of the tray conveying platform (302). The tray conveying platform (302) is used to take away empty trays from the first material frame (303) and push trays filled with qualified materials to the second material frame (304).

7. The automatic material transfer device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The material tray conveying track (301) includes a first Y-axis linear module (3011) and a support platform (3012) connected to the first Y-axis linear module (3011). The first Y-axis linear module (3011) is used to drive the support platform (3012) to move along the Y-axis direction. The support platform (3012) is used to support the material tray. At least one pair of second pneumatic clamps (3013) are provided on the support platform (3012) to clamp and fix the material tray. The material handling robot (305) includes a second support frame, a fourth X-axis linear module (3051), and a pneumatic gripper (3054) for gripping the material tray. The fourth X-axis linear module (3051) is mounted on the second support frame. The fourth X-axis linear module (3051) is connected to a connecting frame. The fourth X-axis linear module (3051) is used to drive the connecting frame to move along the X-axis direction. The connecting frame is equipped with a second rotary drive (3052). A rotary frame (3053) is mounted on the second rotary drive (3052). The second rotary drive (3052) is used to drive the rotary frame (3053) to rotate around the Z-axis. There are two pneumatic grippers (3054), and the two pneumatic grippers (3054) are arranged adjacent to each other on the rotary frame (3053) along the X-axis direction. The material tray conveying platform (302) includes a second Y-axis linear module (3021) and a second lifting platform (3022); the second Y-axis linear module (3021) is connected to the second lifting platform (3022), the second Y-axis linear module (3021) is used to drive the second lifting platform (3022) to move along the Y-axis direction to pass through the first material frame (303) and the second material frame (304), and the second lifting platform (3022) is used to lift the material tray; The second lifting platform (3022) is provided with a limiting plate for restricting the material tray along the X-axis and Y-axis directions; The first material frame (303) includes a first frame (3031) for storing stacked material trays. The first frame (3031) has a hollow structure, and a first cylinder (3032) is installed on each of the two opposite sides of the bottom of the first frame (3031). The first cylinder (3032) is connected to a first support plate (3033). The first cylinder (3032) is used to drive the first support plate (3033) to extend along the X-axis direction to support the stacked material trays. The second material frame (304) includes a second frame body (3041) for storing stacked and filled material trays. The second frame body (3041) is a hollow structure. Spring hinges (3042) are installed on opposite sides of the bottom of the second frame body (3041). The spring hinges (3042) are connected to a second support plate (3043) for supporting the stacked material trays. The second support plate (3043) can be driven to flip upward so that the material trays can enter the second frame body (3041).

8. The automatic material transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magazine clamping assembly (401) includes a fifth X-axis linear module (4011), a second Z-axis linear module (4012), and a clamping module; The second Z-axis linear module (4012) is connected to the fifth X-axis linear module (4011), and the clamping module is connected to the second Z-axis linear module (4012). The second Z-axis linear module (4012) is used to drive the clamping module to move along the Z-axis direction, and the fifth X-axis linear module (4011) is used to drive the clamping module to move along the X-axis direction to approach or move away from the magazine delivery assembly (402). The clamping module includes a fixed frame, a third Z-axis linear module (4013), a movable clamping arm (4014), and a fixed clamping arm (4015). The fixed frame is connected to the second Z-axis linear module (4012), the third Z-axis linear module (4013) is connected to the fixed frame, the movable clamping arm (4014) is connected to the third Z-axis linear module (4013), the movable clamping arm (4014) is located above the fixed clamping arm (4015), and the third Z-axis linear module (4013) is used to drive the movable clamping arm (4014) to move along the Z-axis direction to approach or move away from the fixed clamping arm (4015) to clamp or release the magazine.

Images