Spacing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of material conveying technology, and discloses a spacing machine and a control method thereof. The spacing machine includes: a frame and a conveying system, the frame is provided with a feed port and a discharge port, the conveying system includes a first conveying device, a second conveying device, a third conveying device, a fourth conveying device and a fifth conveying device; the driving system includes a first driving member, a second driving member, a third driving member, a fourth driving member and a fifth driving member, which are respectively connected and drive the first conveying device to the fifth conveying device; the clapper mechanism includes a clapper moving seat, a clapper fixed seat and a clapper driving member, the clapper fixed seat is installed on the third conveying device, the clapper driving member is fixed to the clapper fixed seat and is connected to the clapper moving seat by transmission, driving the clapper moving seat to slide perpendicular to the material conveying direction. The present invention realizes the segmented and precise control of the material spacing through the coordinated work of five independent driving members, and solves the problems of overlapping plates and tracking failure caused by the fixed speed of the traditional spacing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of material transportation, and in particular to a spacing machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Existing spacing machines are primarily used in electroplating production lines to adjust the spacing of materials (such as circuit boards) between upstream and downstream processes to meet the stringent spacing requirements of different process stages. Due to the significant differences in spacing between upstream and downstream stations, traditional equipment typically utilizes a single drive system. This single drive system forces the entire spacing machine to move materials at a fixed speed, making it impossible to achieve continuous and precise spacing adjustment through speed gradients. Furthermore, existing equipment is designed solely for spacing adjustment, without segmenting functions such as spacing expansion, correction, and compression, resulting in a lack of coordinated control between various processes. For example, the lack of segmented design results in a single drive speed, making it impossible to precisely match material position with transport speed. This can lead to material displacement in the board-snapping area due to speed mismatches or signal anomalies due to board overlap. Furthermore, the single drive speed and mixed functions can easily cause board overlap or tracking failure in the board-tracking area due to improper spacing control. For example, sensor signals can continuously trigger during board overlap, causing the board-snapping action to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a spacing machine and a control method thereof to solve the problem that the spacing machine in the related art cannot achieve continuous and accurate spacing adjustment.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a spacing machine, comprising:

[0005] A frame and a conveying system, wherein the conveying system is mounted on the frame, and the frame is provided with a feed port and a discharge port respectively connected to two ends of the conveying system. In the conveying direction of the material, the conveying system sequentially includes a first conveying device, a second conveying device, a third conveying device, a fourth conveying device, and a fifth conveying device;

[0006] a drive system comprising a first drive member, a second drive member, a third drive member, a fourth drive member and a fifth drive member, which are respectively connected to and drive the first conveying device, the second conveying device, the third conveying device, the fourth conveying device and the fifth conveying device;

[0007] A clapper mechanism, comprising a clapper movable seat, a clapper fixed seat and a clapper driving member, wherein the clapper fixed seat is mounted on the third conveying device, and the clapper driving member is fixed to the clapper fixed seat and is transmission-connected to the clapper movable seat to drive the clapper movable seat to slide in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material;

[0008] Among them, the second conveying device is used to increase the distance between two adjacent materials, the clapping mechanism is used to clasp the materials so that they are aligned along the conveying direction, and the fourth conveying device is used to reduce the distance between two adjacent materials.

[0009] Beneficial Effects: The drive system achieves precise, segmented control of material spacing through the coordinated operation of five independent drive components, resolving issues such as overlap and tracking failures caused by the fixed speeds of conventional spacing machines. The speed settings of each drive component are tailored to specific process requirements (such as expanding spacing, correcting plate movement, and compressing spacing), ensuring efficient and stable conveying throughout the entire process. It is important to note that the spacing machine of the present invention can achieve a continuous transition from a spacing of ≥50mm at the front station to a spacing of ≤3mm at the rear station. This precise control prevents material drift and overlap, significantly improving the continuity and stability of the electroplating production line.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the rotational speed of the fourth driving member is greater than the rotational speed of the fifth driving member.

[0011] Beneficial Effects: The high-speed operation of the fourth conveyor can quickly reduce the material spacing, preventing the problem of material stacking caused by too small a spacing. At the same time, the present invention ensures that the material reaches the target spacing before entering the rear station by designing a speed gradient between the fourth and fifth conveyors.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the rotational speed of the first driving member is lower than the rotational speed of the second driving member.

[0013] Beneficial Effects: This embodiment achieves segmented control of material spacing by setting the speed of the first drive member to be lower than that of the second drive member. The first drive member provides a base conveying speed, thereby ensuring a stable transition from the pre-process to the spacing machine and avoiding material wear or damage caused by a significant speed difference between the two. The second drive member accelerates the material spacing, laying the foundation for the subsequent plate-forming mechanism stage, ensuring sufficient space between the materials for the plate-forming mechanism to adjust, thus avoiding the problem of overlapping plates caused by insufficient spacing in subsequent processes.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, when the material is located upstream of the clapper mechanism, the rotational speed of the third driving member is a first rotational speed; when the same material is located downstream of the clapper mechanism, the rotational speed of the third driving member is a second rotational speed, wherein the first rotational speed is greater than the second rotational speed.

[0015] Beneficial Effects: The variable speed design of the third drive ensures that the clapper mechanism performs corrections when the material position is stable, preventing deviations or correction failures caused by speed fluctuations. Specifically, upstream deceleration reduces the risk of material accumulation, while downstream acceleration shortens correction time. This combination ensures continuous operation in the clapper area and avoids process interruptions caused by clapper failures. Furthermore, the speed of the third drive is synchronized with the clapper mechanism's corrections, adapting to the correction needs of varying material thicknesses or shapes.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0017] a visual system comprising a visual camera and a transparent observation window, wherein the transparent observation window is mounted on the frame and located above the fourth conveying device, and the visual camera is mounted on the frame and located above the transparent observation window, and the visual camera is arranged toward the transparent observation window;

[0018] A controller is connected to the visual camera and the fourth driving member respectively, and is used to receive the spacing data sent by the visual camera and control and adjust the rotation speed of the fourth driving member according to the spacing data, wherein the spacing data includes the spacing size between two adjacent materials.

[0019] Beneficial Effects: By incorporating a vision system and controller, this invention enables real-time dynamic adjustment of the spacing between materials on the fourth conveyor. A vision camera collects material spacing data through a transparent observation window, and the controller adjusts the speed of the fourth drive member based on this data, ensuring that the spacing consistently meets the requirements of the downstream process (≤3mm). This design solves the problems of stacking and tracking failures associated with traditional spacing machines due to fixed speeds, significantly improving the accuracy and stability of the electroplating production line.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the conveying system includes a plurality of conveying rollers arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the conveying direction of the material; the driving system is connected to the conveying rollers in the conveying system through a transmission assembly;

[0021] Wherein, the transmission assembly includes a conveyor belt, a transmission shaft, a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear. The two ends of the conveyor belt are respectively sleeved on the driving end of the drive system and the transmission shaft. The first bevel gear is sleeved and fixed on the transmission shaft. The second bevel gear is sleeved and fixed on the end of the conveying roller. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are meshed.

[0022] Beneficial Effects: This invention achieves efficient and stable power transmission between the drive system and the conveyor rollers through a transmission assembly consisting of a conveyor belt, a drive shaft, and bevel gears. This structure offers advantages such as flexible spatial layout, high transmission efficiency, and excellent control precision, making it particularly suitable for use in spacing machines in electroplating production lines that require multi-stage variable speed control. In combination with a servo motor and controller, the conveying speed of each conveyor device can be precisely controlled, enabling a seamless transition from large spacing at the front station to extremely small spacing at the rear station, significantly improving equipment automation and production efficiency.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the clapper fixing seat is provided with a slide rod extending perpendicular to the material conveying direction, the clapper moving seat is provided with a sliding sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is sleeved on the slide rod; the driving end of the clapper driving member is installed with a screw rod, the screw rod extends perpendicular to the material conveying direction and the other end of the screw rod is rotatably connected to the clapper fixing seat, and the clapper moving seat is further provided with a nut, and the nut is sleeved on the screw rod;

[0024] In which, a plurality of push rods are provided on the clapper moving seat along the material transportation direction, and the push rods pass through the gap between two adjacent conveying rollers and are set higher than the conveying rollers; correspondingly, a plurality of reference rods are provided on the clapper fixed seat along the material transportation direction, and the reference rods pass through the gap between two adjacent conveying rollers and are set higher than the conveying rollers.

[0025] Beneficial Effects: The clapper mechanism of the present invention achieves efficient and high-precision correction of materials during transportation through a guide structure consisting of a slide rod and a sleeve, a transmission structure consisting of a screw rod and a nut, and a correction system consisting of a push rod and a reference rod. This structure has the following core advantages: (1) Stable guidance: The slide rod and the sleeve ensure smooth movement of the clapper moving seat; (2) Precise transmission: The screw rod and nut combination achieves controllable displacement; (3) Efficient correction: Multiple push rods move synchronously to quickly complete alignment; (4) Good dynamic response: It can be integrated into a continuous conveying process without interrupting the main line conveying rhythm.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a control method for a spacing machine, which is applied to the spacing machine as described in the first aspect of the present invention, comprising:

[0027] In response to the material entering the spacing machine, controlling the rotation speed of the first driving member to be a first preset rotation speed and the rotation speed of the second driving member to be a second preset rotation speed, wherein the first preset rotation speed is less than the second preset rotation speed;

[0028] When the material enters the third conveying device, obtaining position information of the material on the third conveying device, and controlling and adjusting the rotation speed of the third driving member according to the position information;

[0029] The rotational speed of the fourth driving member is controlled to be a third preset rotational speed, and the rotational speed of the fifth driving member is controlled to be a fourth preset rotational speed, wherein the third preset rotational speed is greater than the fourth preset rotational speed.

[0030] Beneficial Effects: The drive system achieves precise, segmented control of material spacing through the coordinated operation of five independent drive components, resolving issues such as overlap and tracking failures caused by the fixed speeds of conventional spacing machines. The speed settings of each drive component are tailored to specific process requirements (such as expanding spacing, correcting plate movement, and compressing spacing), ensuring efficient and stable conveying throughout the entire process. It is important to note that the spacing machine of the present invention can achieve a continuous transition from a spacing of ≥50mm at the front station to a spacing of ≤3mm at the rear station. This precise control prevents material drift and overlap, significantly improving the continuity and stability of the electroplating production line.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, the step of controlling the rotational speed of the third driving member to be adjusted based on a third preset rotational speed according to the position information specifically includes:

[0032] In response to the material being located in the deceleration area, controlling the rotation speed of the third driving member to decrease to a fifth preset rotation speed;

[0033] In response to the material being located in the acceleration area, controlling the rotation speed of the third driving member to increase to a sixth preset rotation speed;

[0034] Wherein, in the material conveying direction, the deceleration area is located upstream of the clapper mechanism; the acceleration area is located downstream of the clapper mechanism; the fifth preset speed is less than the first preset speed, and the sixth preset speed is greater than the second preset speed.

[0035] Beneficial Effects: The above steps, through the linkage of sensors and controllers, achieve precise positioning of the deceleration and acceleration zones, ensuring efficient clapper correction. Furthermore, the hierarchical design of the fifth and sixth preset speeds prevents mechanical shock or material jitter caused by sudden speed changes. As can be understood, the deceleration zone prolongs the correction time, while the acceleration zone improves conveying efficiency, resulting in a tighter overall cycle and reduced production downtime. Furthermore, the entire process is completed collaboratively by sensors, controllers, and drive systems, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing operating costs.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the spacing machine further includes a visual system, including a visual camera and a transparent observation window, wherein the transparent observation window is mounted on the frame and located above the fourth conveying device, and the visual camera is mounted on the frame and located above the transparent observation window, and the visual camera is arranged toward the transparent observation window;

[0037] The control method further includes:

[0038] Receive the spacing data sent by the visual camera, and control and adjust the rotation speed of the fourth driving member according to the spacing data, wherein the spacing data includes the spacing size between two adjacent materials.

[0039] Beneficial Effects: This invention achieves high-precision and high-stability control of material spacing through the coordination of multiple drive components, visual feedback closed-loop control, and dynamic speed adjustment. Its core approach is to organically combine speed difference, slap plate correction, and visual feedback. This solves the problems of stacking and uneven spacing caused by the fixed speed of traditional spacing machines, making it suitable for high-precision, continuous industrial production scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0041] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a second structural diagram of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the internal structure of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of point A in the middle;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a second structural diagram of the internal structure of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a conveying system and a driving system of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a second structural diagram of a conveying system and a driving system of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a clapper mechanism of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a second structural diagram of a clapper mechanism of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 10 The figure is a schematic diagram of the steps of a control method of a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Description of reference numerals:

[0052] 1. Frame; 11. Feed port; 12. Discharge port; 2. Conveying system; 201. Conveying roller; 21. First conveying device; 22. Second conveying device; 23. Third conveying device; 24. Fourth conveying device; 25. Fifth conveying device; 26. Sixth conveying device; 31. First driving member; 32. Second driving member; 33. Third driving member; 34. Fourth driving member; 35. Fifth driving member; 36. Sixth driving member;

[0053] 4. Clapper mechanism; 41. Clapper moving seat; 42. Clapper fixed seat; 43. Clapper driving member; 44. Sliding rod; 45. Sliding sleeve; 46. Screw rod; 47. Push rod; 48. Reference rod;

[0054] 51. Visual camera; 52. Transparent observation window; 53. Light source;

[0055] 61. Conveyor belt; 62. Drive shaft; 63. First bevel gear; 64. Second bevel gear; 7. Spray system; 71. Spray water pump; 72. Spray pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0058] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; and direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0060] A spacing machine and a control method thereof provided by the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the spacing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 1, a conveying system 2, a driving system and a clapper mechanism 4.

[0062] The conveying system 2 is installed on the frame 1, and the frame 1 is provided with a feed port 11 and a discharge port 12 respectively connected to the two ends of the conveying system 2. Along the conveying direction of the material, the conveying system 2 includes a first conveying device 21, a second conveying device 22, a third conveying device 23, a fourth conveying device 24 and a fifth conveying device 25 in sequence.

[0063] The drive system includes a first drive member 31, a second drive member 32, a third drive member 33, a fourth drive member 34, and a fifth drive member 35, which are respectively connected to and drive the first conveying device 21, the second conveying device 22, the third conveying device 23, the fourth conveying device 24, and the fifth conveying device 25. The clapper mechanism 4 includes a clapper movable seat 41, a clapper fixed seat 42, and a clapper driving member 43. The clapper fixed seat 42 is mounted on the third conveying device 23. The clapper driving member 43 is fixed to the clapper fixed seat 42 and is in transmission connection with the clapper movable seat 41 to drive the clapper movable seat 41 to slide in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material.

[0064] Among them, the second conveying device 22 is used to increase the distance between two adjacent materials, the pattering mechanism 4 is used to pat the materials so that they are aligned along the conveying direction, and the fourth conveying device 24 is used to reduce the distance between two adjacent materials.

[0065] The specific structure of the spacing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is described as follows:

[0066] The frame 1 serves as the basic framework of the entire equipment, and is used to support and fix the conveying system 2, the drive system, and the clapper mechanism 4. The frame 1 is provided with a feed port 11 and a discharge port 12, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the conveying system 2, thereby ensuring continuous conveying of materials.

[0067] Conveying system 2 includes, sequentially along the material conveying direction, first through fifth conveying devices 21, 25. Each conveying device is independently driven by a drive system. For example, first through fifth drive members 31, 35 correspond to conveying devices 21, 25, respectively. A clapper mechanism 4 is mounted on third conveying device 23 for material alignment.

[0068] The specific functions of each conveying device are as follows: The first conveying device 21 receives materials and conveys them at a basic speed. The second conveying device 22 accelerates and increases the distance between adjacent materials. The third conveying device 23 cooperates with the paving mechanism 4 to adjust the position of materials. The fourth conveying device 24 closes the distance between adjacent materials by running at high speed. The fifth conveying device 25 delivers materials at an appropriate discharge speed to meet the process requirements of the downstream station.

[0069] The drive system includes a first drive member 31 to a fifth drive member 35, which respectively drive corresponding conveying devices. Each drive member is connected to the corresponding conveying device through a transmission component (such as a conveyor belt 61, gears, etc.). The functions of each drive member are as follows: the first drive member 31 is used to provide a basic conveying speed, which is usually matched with the discharge speed of the preceding process. The second drive member 32 is used to accelerate the operation to expand the spacing and ensure that the clapper mechanism 4 has sufficient operating space. The third drive member 33 is used to dynamically adjust the rotation speed according to the material position and cooperate with the clapper correction. The fourth drive member 34 is used to run at high speed to reduce the spacing, and the speed can be adjusted in real time through visual feedback. The fifth drive member 35 is used to output at the discharge speed to ensure the continuous operation of the subsequent process.

[0070] The clapper mechanism 4 includes a clapper movable base 41, a clapper fixed base 42, and a clapper drive 43. The clapper fixed base 42 is mounted on the third conveying device 23, and the clapper drive 43 is fixed to the clapper fixed base 42 and is connected to the clapper movable base 41 via a transmission structure such as a screw 46 and a nut. Furthermore, the clapper movable base 41 can also cooperate with a slide rod 44 via a sliding sleeve 45 to achieve sliding movement perpendicular to the conveying direction. In this way, the clapper drive 43 drives the clapper movable base 41 to slide, clapping and correcting the material, aligning it along the conveying direction and preventing deviation.

[0071] Based on the specific structure of the above-mentioned spacing machine, the specific working principle of the spacing machine of the present invention is as follows:

[0072] By providing multiple independent conveying devices and their associated drivers, the present invention achieves functional zoning within the material transportation process. This allows each conveying device and its corresponding driver to complete a specific step relatively independently. Specifically, the first through fifth drivers 31 through 35 operate independently but collaborate to achieve the overall function. This allows each conveying device and driver to operate independently, allowing speed adjustments of a single driver to remain constant throughout the other stages, minimizing material shifting or stalling caused by speed fluctuations. Furthermore, the functional zoning structure allows for flexible adjustment of driver parameters for different processes (such as debonding, copper deposition, and flash plating), thereby adapting to diverse production needs. Furthermore, since each driver is responsible for a specific task, wear on individual drivers caused by frequent speed changes or high loads can be avoided, extending equipment life.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention enables effective management of material spacing by tailoring the parameters of multiple independent drive elements. This allows for precise, segmented control of material spacing, preventing issues such as overlapping, skew, and excessive or insufficient spacing during conveyance. For example, the present invention allows for different speeds to be set for different drive elements (e.g., accelerating the second drive element 32 and rapidly catching the fourth drive element 34), achieving a continuous transition from wide to narrow spacing. For example, the speed of the second drive element 32 is set higher than that of the first drive element 31 to increase the distance between adjacent materials as they pass through the second conveyor 22. Similarly, the speed of the fourth drive element 34 is designed to be faster than that of the fifth drive element 35 to reduce the spacing upon arrival at the fourth conveyor 24. Through this carefully designed speed differential, the drive system effectively manages material spacing, paving the way for subsequent processing.

[0074] Furthermore, the specific working process of the present invention is as follows:

[0075] In the present invention, materials first enter the system through the first conveyor 21, maintaining their initial spacing. When the materials reach the second conveyor 22, the spacing between the materials begins to increase because the second drive member 32 is faster than the first drive member 31. Subsequently, the materials enter the area of ​​the third conveyor 23, at which point the clapper mechanism 4 begins to function. The clapper drive member 43 activates, driving the clapper movable seat 41 in a direction perpendicular to the material conveying direction, aligning the materials. Further on, when the materials reach the fourth conveyor 24, the spacing between the materials gradually decreases because the fourth drive member 34 is faster than the fifth drive member 35, preparing for subsequent processing.

[0076] In summary, the drive system achieves precise, segmented control of material spacing through the coordinated operation of five independent drive components, resolving issues such as stacking and tracking failures caused by the fixed speed of traditional spacing machines. The speed setting of each drive component is tailored to specific process requirements (such as expanding spacing, correcting the board, and compressing the spacing), ensuring an efficient and stable conveying process. It is important to note that the spacing machine of the present invention can achieve a continuous transition from a spacing of ≥50mm at the front station to a spacing of ≤3mm at the rear station, and through precise control, it avoids material deviation or stacking issues, significantly improving the continuity and stability of the electroplating production line.

[0077] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the rotation speed of the fourth driving member 34 is greater than the rotation speed of the fifth driving member 35 .

[0078] In this embodiment, the fourth drive member 34 operates at high speed to reduce the spacing between adjacent materials, ensuring that the spacing is ≤ 3 mm, as required by downstream processes (e.g., flash plating). Specifically, the fourth drive member 34 must rotate at a significantly higher speed than the fifth drive member 35, thereby enabling the conveying speed of the fourth conveyor 24 to be significantly higher than that of the fifth conveyor 25, enabling rapid board tracking. For example, the conveying speed of the fourth conveyor 24 (e.g., 3.6 m / min) can be set to three times the conveying speed of the fifth conveyor 25 (e.g., 1.2 m / min), thereby accelerating the material spacing.

[0079] The fifth drive element 35 operates at a constant speed, driving the fifth conveyor 25 to deliver the material out of the system at a constant speed (matching the downstream process), ensuring smooth material delivery to subsequent processes (such as gripping by a fixture). For example, the conveying speed of the fifth conveyor 25 must be consistent with the gripping speed of the gripper in the downstream process (such as the flash plating stage) (e.g., 1.2 m / min) to avoid material jitter or gripping failure caused by speed differences.

[0080] It can be understood that in this embodiment, by increasing the rotation speed of the fourth driving member 34 and shortening the linear speed of the conveying device, the moving distance of the material in unit time is reduced, and the distance between adjacent materials is gradually compressed.

[0081] In this way, the high-speed operation of the fourth conveyor 24 can quickly reduce the material spacing, preventing the problem of material stacking caused by too small a spacing. At the same time, the present invention can ensure that the materials reach the target spacing before entering the rear station by designing a speed gradient between the fourth conveyor 24 and the fifth conveyor 25.

[0082] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the rotation speed of the first driving member 31 is lower than the rotation speed of the second driving member 32 .

[0083] In this embodiment, the first drive member 31 is used to drive the first conveying device 21, responsible for the initial conveying of the material. After the material enters the system, the first drive member 31 operates at a base speed to ensure that the material smoothly enters the subsequent conveying section from the feed inlet 11. It is understood that the first drive member 31 serves as the basis for speed adjustment of subsequent drive members. The conveying speed of the first conveying device 21 driven by it must match the discharge speed of the preceding process. For example, if the discharge speed of the preceding process is 1.5 m / min, the conveying speed of the first conveying device 21 is 1.1 times that of 1.5 m / min, thereby providing a stable starting point for subsequent spacing adjustments.

[0084] The second drive member 32 drives the second conveyor 22 to increase the spacing between adjacent materials. The second drive member 32 has a higher speed than the first drive member 31. This allows the second drive member 32 to increase the spacing between adjacent materials by accelerating them, thus preventing stacking issues caused by insufficient spacing in subsequent processes.

[0085] It can be understood that the main purpose of the second driving member 32 is to achieve the first expansion of the spacing through the speed difference, so as to complete the preliminary adjustment of the spacing before the material enters the clapper area, thereby ensuring that there is enough space between the materials for the clapper mechanism 4 to correct.

[0086] In summary, this embodiment achieves segmented control of material spacing by setting the rotational speed of the first drive member 31 to be lower than that of the second drive member 32. The first drive member 31 provides a base conveying speed, thereby ensuring a stable transition from the pre-process to the spacing machine and avoiding material wear or damage caused by a significant speed difference between the two. The second drive member 32 accelerates the material spacing, laying the foundation for the subsequent stage of the paving mechanism 4, ensuring sufficient space between the materials for paving mechanism 4 to adjust, thereby avoiding the problem of overlapping plates caused by insufficient spacing in subsequent processes.

[0087] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the material is located upstream of the clapper mechanism 4, the rotational speed of the third driving member 33 is a first rotational speed; when the same material is located downstream of the clapper mechanism 4, the rotational speed of the third driving member 33 is a second rotational speed, wherein the first rotational speed is less than the second rotational speed.

[0088] In this embodiment, the present invention performs speed control on the third driving member 33, achieving deceleration upstream, that is, reducing the material movement speed at the first speed, thereby extending the correction time of the clapper mechanism 4 and ensuring the stability of the material position; achieving acceleration downstream, that is, accelerating the material movement speed at the second speed, reducing the residence time in the clapper area, and avoiding subsequent material accumulation.

[0089] The specific working principle of the above design is explained as follows:

[0090] When the material is located upstream of the clapper mechanism 4, the third driving member 33 runs at a lower first speed (for example, 1.2 m / min), thereby reducing the material movement speed. The purpose is to provide a stable operating window for the clapper mechanism 4, ensuring that the material is fixed in position before entering the clapper area, and avoiding deviation or correction failure due to excessive speed.

[0091] When the material is located downstream of the clapper mechanism 4, the third drive member 33 switches to a higher second speed (for example, 2.1 times the speed of 1.5 m / min), thereby accelerating the material movement speed. The purpose is to shorten the residence time of the material in the clapper area, improve the overall conveying efficiency, and avoid subsequent material accumulation.

[0092] The variable speed logic of the third drive member 33 (i.e., upstream deceleration and downstream acceleration) adapts to the different demands of the material in the paving area, thereby avoiding calibration failures or process interruptions caused by a fixed speed. It is understood that if the third drive member 33 consistently operates at a high speed, the material may be too fast for the paving mechanism 4 to calibrate in a timely manner; if it consistently operates at a low speed, material accumulation may occur.

[0093] The clapper mechanism 4, via the clapper movable base 41, slides perpendicularly to the conveying direction, correcting the material so that it is aligned along the conveying direction (i.e., aligned vertically on one side). It should be noted that in conventional spacing machines, the clapper mechanism 4 operates independently from the drive system, and the material can easily shift in the clapper area due to speed mismatch. In the present invention, however, the sliding speed of the clapper movable base 41 must match the rotational speed of the third drive member 33 to ensure the accuracy of the correction action. Thus, through the variable speed design of the third drive member 33 and the rotational speed design of the clapper drive member 43, the clapper action can be synchronized with the material movement speed, further improving correction accuracy.

[0094] Furthermore, the specific working process of the third driving member 33 is as follows:

[0095] When the material enters the upstream of the clapper area, the upstream sensor detects the material and triggers the deceleration signal of the third driving member 33. The third driving member 33 runs at the first speed. For example, the third driving member 33 decelerates to 1.2 m / min. At this time, the material slowly approaches the clapper area, thereby ensuring that the material reaches a stable distance in front of the clapper area.

[0096] When the material passes through the clapper area, the clapper mechanism 4 is started, and the clapper driving member 43 drives the clapper moving seat 41 to slide in the vertical direction to correct the material.

[0097] When the material enters the downstream area of ​​the clapper, the downstream sensor detects the material's position and triggers an acceleration signal to the third drive member 33, switching the third drive member 33 to its second rotational speed. For example, the third drive member 33 accelerates to 2.1 times its original speed of 1.5 m / min. This allows the material to quickly exit the clapper, ensuring that the material can quickly enter the next process step after the clapper is completed. After the clapper is completed, the third drive member 33 maintains the second rotational speed, allowing the material to quickly enter the fourth conveying device 24. This shortens the material's residence time in the clapper area and improves overall conveying efficiency.

[0098] In summary, the variable speed design of the third drive member 33 ensures that the clapper mechanism 4 performs corrections when the material position is stable, preventing deviations or correction failures caused by speed fluctuations. Specifically, upstream deceleration reduces the risk of material accumulation, while downstream acceleration shortens correction time. These two combined factors ensure continuous operation in the clapper area and avoid process interruptions caused by clapper failures. Furthermore, the speed of the third drive member 33 changes synchronously with the correction action of the clapper mechanism 4, thus adapting to the correction requirements of materials with varying thicknesses or shapes.

[0099] As mentioned above, the above design solves the problems of material deviation and plate failure caused by speed mismatch in traditional spacing machines, and significantly improves the correction accuracy and production efficiency of the spacing machine.

[0100] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing machine further includes a vision system and a controller.

[0101] The visual system includes a visual camera 51 and a transparent observation window 52. The transparent observation window 52 is installed on the frame 1 and is located above the fourth conveying device 24. The visual camera 51 is installed on the frame 1 and is located above the transparent observation window 52. The visual camera 51 is set toward the transparent observation window 52.

[0102] The controller is connected to the visual camera 51 and the fourth driving member 34 respectively. The controller is used to receive the spacing data sent by the visual camera 51 and control and adjust the rotation speed of the fourth driving member 34 according to the spacing data, wherein the spacing data includes the spacing size between two adjacent materials.

[0103] In this embodiment, a transparent observation window 52 is mounted on the frame 1 above the fourth conveyor 24. Its purpose is to provide an unobstructed observation area so that the visual camera 51 can clearly capture the material image and avoid image blur caused by obstruction of the conveyor structure or the material.

[0104] A vision camera 51 is mounted on the frame 1, above and facing the transparent observation window 52. The camera captures real-time images of the materials on the fourth conveyor 24 and, using image processing algorithms (such as edge detection and template matching), extracts the distance between adjacent materials and transmits this data to the controller. For example, if the distance between the edges of two adjacent materials is 40 mm, the camera detects this and transmits this value to the controller.

[0105] The controller is connected to the vision camera 51 and the fourth drive member 34. The controller receives spacing data (e.g., the distance between two adjacent pieces of material) from the vision camera 51. Based on this spacing data, the controller analyzes whether the current spacing meets the downstream process requirements (e.g., ≤3mm). For example, if the spacing is too large (e.g., >3mm), the controller instructs the fourth drive member 34 to accelerate and shorten the spacing. If the spacing is too small (e.g., <3mm), the controller instructs the fourth drive member 34 to decelerate and prevent overlap.

[0106] It can be understood that the controller indirectly controls the linear speed of the fourth conveyor 24 by adjusting the speed of the fourth drive member 34, thereby dynamically adjusting the material spacing. For example, if the spacing is 50 mm (much greater than the target value of 3 mm), the controller increases the speed of the fourth drive member 34 to three times the discharge speed. If the spacing is 2 mm (closer to the target value), the controller reduces the speed of the fourth drive member 34 to 1.2 m / min to prevent stacking. The visual camera 51 captures an image every 0.5 seconds, and the controller analyzes the spacing data in real time and adjusts the speed of the fourth drive member 34, forming a closed-loop control system.

[0107] In this way, based on the above structure, it can dynamically adapt to changes in material flow rate to ensure that the spacing is always within the requirements of the post-station process (≤3mm), while avoiding the problem of excessive or insufficient spacing caused by traditional fixed-speed drive.

[0108] Furthermore, the specific working process of the above-mentioned visual system is as follows:

[0109] The material enters the fourth conveying device 24. The visual camera 51 starts to capture images of the material and transmits the spacing data to the controller. If the visual camera 51 detects that the distance between two adjacent pieces of material is 50 mm, the controller analyzes that the distance is much larger than the target value of 3 mm. The controller issues an instruction to increase the speed of the fourth drive member 34 to a higher speed, speed up the material movement speed, and gradually reduce the spacing. If the visual camera 51 detects that the distance between two adjacent pieces of material is 3 mm, the controller analyzes that the distance meets the target value. The controller maintains the current speed of the fourth drive member 34 to keep the material spacing stable. If the visual camera 51 detects that the distance between two adjacent pieces of material is 2 mm, the controller analyzes that the distance is less than the target value of 3 mm, and there is a risk of stacking. The controller issues an instruction to further reduce the speed of the fourth drive member 34, slow down the material movement speed, and prevent stacking from occurring.

[0110] After multiple adjustments, the material spacing is stabilized within a range of ≤3mm, and the fifth driving member 35 sends the material out of the system at a constant speed to enter the subsequent process (such as gripping by a fixture).

[0111] It will be appreciated that the present invention utilizes the visual camera 51 to monitor the spacing in real time, and the controller dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the fourth drive member 34 to ensure that the spacing remains within a safe range. Specifically, the controller can adjust the rotational speed of the fourth drive member 34 based on the real-time spacing data to ensure that the spacing between the materials remains within the camera's range.

[0112] As described above, the controller, combined with real-time feedback from the vision camera 51, can precisely adjust the rotational speed of the fourth drive member 34, improving the response speed and accuracy of spacing adjustment. For example, if the material flow rate suddenly increases, the controller can quickly increase the rotational speed of the fourth drive member 34 to maintain the target spacing. Furthermore, the automated linkage between the vision system and the controller reduces reliance on manual adjustments, lowering operating costs.

[0113] In summary, by incorporating a vision system and controller, the present invention achieves real-time dynamic adjustment of the spacing between materials on the fourth conveyor 24. A vision camera 51 collects material spacing data through a transparent observation window 52, ​​and the controller adjusts the speed of the fourth drive member 34 based on this data to ensure that the spacing consistently meets the requirements of the downstream process (≤3mm). This design solves the problems of stacking and tracking failures associated with traditional spacing machines due to fixed speeds, significantly improving the accuracy and stability of the electroplating production line.

[0114] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the visual system further includes a light source 53, which is installed above the fourth conveying device 24 and located on the inner side of the transparent observation window 52. The light source 53 is used to provide a sufficient visible environment when the visual camera 51 is working to ensure the clarity of the photos taken.

[0115] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the conveying system 2 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 201 sequentially arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the material; the driving system is connected to the conveying rollers 201 in the conveying system 2 through a transmission assembly.

[0116] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, the transmission assembly includes a conveyor belt 61, a transmission shaft 62, a first bevel gear 63 and a second bevel gear 64. The two ends of the conveyor belt 61 are respectively sleeved on the driving end of the drive system and the transmission shaft 62. The first bevel gear 63 is sleeved and fixed on the transmission shaft 62. The second bevel gear 64 is sleeved and fixed on the end of the conveying roller 201. The first bevel gear 63 and the second bevel gear 64 are meshed.

[0117] In this embodiment, the conveying system 2 of the spacing machine comprises a plurality of conveying rollers 201 arranged sequentially along the material conveying direction. These conveying rollers 201 collectively constitute multiple conveying devices (e.g., first conveying device 21 through fifth conveying device 25) for achieving continuous material conveying and spacing adjustment. For example, each of the first conveying device 21 through fifth conveying device 25 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 201.

[0118] To drive the conveyor rollers 201, the present invention utilizes a drive system (e.g., a servo motor) to transmit power to each conveyor roller 201 via a transmission assembly. It should be noted that the number of transmission assemblies is equal to the number of conveyor devices and drive elements. In other words, the spacing machine of the present invention is equipped with at least five transmission assemblies, each of which is used to establish a transmission connection between the first to fifth drive elements 31 to 35 and the first to fifth conveyor devices 21 to 25, respectively.

[0119] Specifically, each transmission assembly includes a conveyor belt 61, a drive shaft 62, a first bevel gear 63, and a second bevel gear 64. The conveyor belt 61 serves as a flexible transmission medium, transmitting the drive system's power from the drive end to the drive shaft 62. The ends of the conveyor belt 61 are respectively mounted on the drive system's output shaft (drive end) and the drive shaft 62, forming a closed loop. The conveyor belt 61 can be a synchronous toothed belt or a flat belt, depending on the torque requirements and installation space. The drive shaft 62 is an intermediate transmission component that receives power from the conveyor belt 61 and transmits it to the conveyor roller 201. The drive shaft 62 is supported on the frame 1 via bearings, ensuring free rotation.

[0120] The first bevel gear 63 (also known as the driving bevel gear) converts the rotational motion of the transmission shaft 62 into vertical rotational motion, thereby driving the meshing second bevel gear 64. The first bevel gear 63 is fixedly mounted on the transmission shaft 62, typically using a key connection or interference fit to ensure synchronous rotation. The second bevel gear 64 (also known as the driven bevel gear) receives the rotational power from the first bevel gear 63 and transmits it to the corresponding conveyor roller 201. The second bevel gear 64 is fixedly mounted on one end of the conveyor roller 201 and similarly uses a key connection to ensure synchronous rotation.

[0121] The transmission assembly operates as follows: When the drive system is activated, the driver (e.g., a servo motor) generates rotational power, driving the output shaft. This power is transmitted via the conveyor belt 61 to the drive shaft 62. The output shaft drives the conveyor belt 61, which in turn rotates the drive shaft 62. The drive shaft 62 receives power via the first bevel gear 63, which rotates synchronously with the drive shaft 62. The first bevel gear 63 meshes with the second bevel gear 64, which transmits the rotational power to the meshed second bevel gear 64. The second bevel gear 64 is fixedly connected to the conveyor roller 201, thereby rotating the conveyor roller 201 and driving the material forward.

[0122] As you can see, each conveyor is connected to its corresponding drive unit via an independent transmission assembly, facilitating disassembly and maintenance while also supporting multi-speed control. Furthermore, the transmission assembly, combined with a servo motor and bevel gear drive, enables precise speed matching and position control, adapting to complex pitch adjustment requirements. Furthermore, the vertical transmission structure utilizes bevel gears to achieve a 90° rotation of the power direction, saving space and making it suitable for compact equipment layouts.

[0123] In summary, the present invention achieves efficient and stable power transmission between the drive system and the conveyor roller 201 through a transmission assembly consisting of a conveyor belt 61, a drive shaft 62, and bevel gears. This structure offers advantages such as flexible spatial layout, high transmission efficiency, and excellent control precision, making it particularly suitable for use in electroplating production line spacing machines requiring multi-stage variable speed control. In combination with a servo motor and controller, the conveying speed of each conveyor device can be precisely controlled, achieving a seamless transition from large spacing at the front station to extremely small spacing at the rear station, significantly improving the automation level and production efficiency of the equipment.

[0124] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a slide rod 44 extending perpendicular to the material conveying direction is provided on the clapper fixing seat 42, and a sliding sleeve 45 is provided on the clapper moving seat 41, and the sliding sleeve 45 is sleeved on the slide rod 44; a screw rod 46 is installed on the driving end of the clapper driving member 43, and the screw rod 46 extends perpendicular to the material conveying direction and its other end is rotatably connected to the clapper fixing seat 42, and a nut is further provided on the clapper moving seat 41, and the nut is sleeved on the screw rod 46;

[0125] Among them, a plurality of push rods 47 are provided on the clapper moving seat 41 along the material transportation direction, and the push rods 47 pass through the gap between two adjacent conveying rollers 201 and are set higher than the conveying roller 201; correspondingly, a plurality of reference rods 48 are provided on the clapper fixed seat 42 along the material transportation direction, and the reference rods 48 pass through the gap between two adjacent conveying rollers 201 and are set higher than the conveying roller 201.

[0126] In this embodiment, a clapper mounting base 42 is fixed to the frame 1, positioned above and between the conveyor rollers 201. It is equipped with a slide bar 44 extending perpendicular to the material conveying direction and multiple reference rods 48, which provide reference surfaces for material positioning. It is understood that the clapper mounting base 42 supports the entire clapper mechanism 4 and serves as a base for motion guidance. It also provides a reference surface for contact with the material, enabling alignment and correction of the material.

[0127] The clapper moving seat 41 is provided with a sliding sleeve 45 that can be mounted on the slide rod 44 on the clapper fixed seat 42 to achieve sliding guidance. A nut is provided at its lower portion, which cooperates with the screw rod 46 to achieve linear movement input by the driver. In addition, the clapper moving seat 41 is also provided with multiple push rods 47, which correspond to the positions of the reference rods 48 and are inserted between the conveyor rollers 201. It can be understood that the clapper moving seat 41 can reciprocate along the slide rod 44 under the action of the driver, and the push rods 47 push the material close to the reference rod 48 to complete the alignment and correction operation.

[0128] The slide rod 44 and sleeve 45 in the above structure provide a high-precision linear guide, ensuring stable movement of the clapper moving base 41 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The screw rod 46 and nut in the above structure convert the rotational motion of the clapper driving member 43 into linear motion, thereby achieving precise displacement control of the clapper moving base 41.

[0129] It should be explained that the clapping process is primarily accomplished by push rods 47 and reference rods 48. Specifically, multiple push rods 47 and reference rods 48 are mounted on the clapping plate movable base 41 and the clapping plate fixed base 42, respectively, in a one-to-one correspondence. Both push rods 47 and reference rods 48 extend through the gaps between adjacent conveyor rollers 201. The height of these push rods 47 and reference rods 48 is higher than the surface of the conveyor rollers 201, ensuring effective contact with the edges of the material. Thus, as the clapping plate movable base 41 moves, the push rods 47 push the material toward the reference rods 48. The reference rods 48 serve as a reference surface for alignment, ensuring that the material is ultimately aligned on a designated side.

[0130] The specific operating process of the clapper mechanism 4 is as follows: Material approaches the clapper area and enters the clapper mechanism 4 area from the front conveyor device. The sensor detects the arrival of the material and triggers a clapper action preparation signal. The third drive member 33 decelerates, causing the third conveyor device 23 to reduce its conveying speed, slowing the material's passage through the clapper area and leaving a time window for calibration.

[0131] The controller issues a command, and the clapper driver 43 rotates the screw 46. The clapper movable seat 41, in conjunction with the screw 46 and the nut, moves along the slide bar 44 toward the reference bar 48. Push rods 47 gradually contact the edge of the material, pushing it toward the reference bar 48. Multiple push rods 47 operate synchronously to ensure the neat arrangement of the entire column of materials. After correction, the edge of the material is in close contact with the reference bar 48, completing the single-sided vertical alignment. The controller instructs the clapper driver 43 to reverse, causing the clapper movable seat 41 to return to its original position. At this point, the clapper action ends, without affecting the processing of the next material. The third driver 33 accelerates, and the material continues to be conveyed to the fourth conveyor device 24 for spacing compression.

[0132] In summary, the clapper mechanism 4 of the present invention achieves efficient and high-precision correction of materials during transportation through the guide structure composed of the slide rod 44 and the sleeve 45, the transmission structure composed of the screw rod 46 and the nut, and the correction system composed of the push rod 47 and the reference rod 48. This structure has the following core advantages: (1) Stable guidance: the slide rod 44 and the sleeve 45 ensure the smooth movement of the clapper moving seat 41; (2) Precise transmission: the screw rod 46 and the nut combination realizes controllable displacement; (3) Efficient correction: the multi-point push rod 47 moves synchronously to quickly complete alignment; (4) Good dynamic response: it can be integrated into the continuous conveying process without interrupting the main line conveying rhythm.

[0133] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing machine further includes a spraying system 7, and the spraying system 7 includes a spraying water pump 71, a spraying pipe 72, a baffle and a liquid storage barrel.

[0134] The liquid storage barrel is fixed on the frame 1 and is located on the outside of the conveying device. The spray pipe 72 is located above the conveying device and extends perpendicular to the material conveying direction. The spray pipe 72 is provided with a number of spray holes open toward the conveying roller 201 of the conveying device. The liquid storage barrel is connected to the spray pipeline through the spray water pump 71.

[0135] The baffle is located below the conveying device and is provided with a drainage hole, which is connected to the liquid storage barrel. In this way, after the pure water is sprayed out from the spray pipe 72, it falls on the inclined baffle and then enters the liquid storage barrel through the drainage hole for recovery.

[0136] It can be understood that the purpose of the spray system 7 is mainly to drip water onto the surface of the material, thereby forming a protective water film to prevent the material from being oxidized due to contact with air, thereby achieving full protection of the material.

[0137] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the conveying system 2 further includes a sixth conveying device 26 located downstream of the fifth conveying device 25, and the drive system includes a sixth drive member 36, which is in transmission connection with the sixth conveying device 26 via a transmission assembly. During the conveying process, the fifth drive member 35 and the sixth drive member 36 both operate at the same rotational speed, so that the conveying speed of the sixth conveying device 26 is the same as the conveying speed of the fifth conveying device 25, and both are consistent with the flash plating speed in the subsequent process.

[0138] A control method for a spacing machine provided by the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The control method can be applied to the spacing machine described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0139] like Figure 10 As shown, the control method includes:

[0140] Step S1: in response to the material entering the spacing machine, controlling the rotation speed of the first driving member 31 to be a first preset rotation speed and the rotation speed of the second driving member 32 to be a second preset rotation speed, wherein the first preset rotation speed is less than the second preset rotation speed;

[0141] Step S2: When the material enters the third conveying device 23, obtain the position information of the material on the third conveying device 23, and control and adjust the rotation speed of the third driving member 33 according to the position information;

[0142] Step S3: Control the rotation speed of the fourth driving member 34 to be the third preset rotation speed and the rotation speed of the fifth driving member 35 to be the fourth preset rotation speed, wherein the third preset rotation speed is greater than the fourth preset rotation speed.

[0143] The control method for a spacing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention utilizes a core logic based on a step-by-step speed control strategy. This strategy achieves continuous spacing adjustment of materials from the front station to the rear station by precisely adjusting the speed of each drive element. In the initial stage (step S1), the first and second drive elements 31 and 32 operate at different speeds (first preset speed < second preset speed). This speed difference widens the material spacing, preserving space for subsequent correction and compression operations. In the intermediate stage (step S2), a dynamic response mechanism adjusts the speed of the third drive element 33 based on the real-time position of the materials on the third conveyor 23. This ensures that the clapper mechanism 4 decelerates when the materials enter the correction zone to extend the correction time, and accelerates after the materials exit to improve conveying efficiency. In the final stage (step S3), the fourth and fifth drive elements 34 and 35 operate at opposite speed gradients (third preset speed > fourth preset speed), gradually compressing the spacing to achieve the target value (e.g., ≤3 mm). This entire logic, through phased functional division and dynamic feedback regulation, coordinates the operating rhythms of the various drive elements, balancing continuous material conveying and precise spacing adjustment.

[0144] The specific execution process of the control method of the present invention is divided into three stages: First, when the material enters the spacing machine, the controller starts the first drive member 31 and the second drive member 32, which run at the first preset speed and the second preset speed respectively, so that the material spacing is gradually expanded; second, when the material enters the third conveying device 23, the visual system or sensor detects its position information, and the controller dynamically adjusts the speed of the third drive member 33 accordingly: if the material approaches the clapper area, it slows down; if it has left, it speeds up to match the action requirements of the clapper mechanism 4; finally, after the material is corrected, the controller switches to the fourth drive member 34 and the fifth drive member 35. The former quickly compresses the spacing at a higher speed, and the latter outputs stably at a lower speed, ensuring that the material enters the subsequent station process at the target spacing. The entire process achieves seamless connection from expansion, correction to compression through closed-loop feedback and coordinated driving of the drive members, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the equipment operation.

[0145] Furthermore, the step of controlling the rotation speed of the third driving member 33 to be adjusted based on the third preset rotation speed according to the position information specifically includes:

[0146] In response to the material being located in the deceleration area, controlling the rotation speed of the third driving member 33 to decrease to a fifth preset rotation speed;

[0147] In response to the material being located in the acceleration region, the rotation speed of the third driving member 33 is controlled to increase to a sixth preset rotation speed.

[0148] In the material conveying direction, the deceleration area is located upstream of the clapper mechanism 4. The acceleration area is located downstream of the clapper mechanism 4. The fifth preset speed is less than the first preset speed, and the sixth preset speed is greater than the second preset speed.

[0149] In this embodiment, when the material enters the deceleration zone upstream of the clapper mechanism 4 (i.e., near the clapper calibration position but not yet reaching the clapper zone), the controller detects this signal and reduces the rotational speed of the third drive member 33 to a fifth predetermined rotational speed. This is intended to prolong the material's residence time in the calibration zone, providing a more adequate calibration window for the clapper mechanism 4; it is also intended to avoid calibration errors caused by high-speed conveying (e.g., insufficient contact between the push rod 47 and the reference rod 48). For example, the entire system detects the material position using a photoelectric sensor or a vision system, triggering a deceleration command. The controller then adjusts the rotational speed of the third drive member 33 based on a preset algorithm (e.g., PID control) to ensure a smooth deceleration process and prevent material jitter or displacement.

[0150] When the material leaves the acceleration zone downstream of the clapper mechanism 4 (i.e., has passed the clapper correction and entered the subsequent conveying section), the controller detects this signal and increases the speed of the third drive member 33 to a sixth preset speed. This is intended to accelerate the flow of material to the fourth conveyor 24, reducing congestion in the clapper zone; it also meets subsequent gap compression requirements (e.g., high-speed clapping of the fourth drive member 34). For example, the system utilizes a position sensor or encoder to provide real-time feedback on the material's position, triggering an acceleration command. The controller then adjusts the speed of the third drive member 33 via a frequency converter or servo drive to ensure a smooth acceleration process and avoid gap fluctuations caused by material inertia.

[0151] It should be noted that the fifth preset speed is less than the first preset speed, ensuring that the speed in the deceleration zone is lower than the speed of the first drive member 31 in the initial stage (step S1), forming a speed gradient that gradually decelerates the material and avoids mechanical shock caused by sudden changes. The sixth preset speed is greater than the second preset speed, ensuring that the speed in the acceleration zone is higher than the speed of the second drive member 32 in the initial stage (step S1), thereby reducing the distance between the materials, enabling the materials to catch up in advance, and facilitating the smooth completion of subsequent plate chasing.

[0152] In this way, the above steps are linked by sensors and controllers to achieve precise positioning of the deceleration and acceleration areas, ensuring the efficiency of the clapper correction. At the same time, the hierarchical design of the fifth preset speed and the sixth preset speed can avoid mechanical shock or material jitter caused by sudden speed changes. It can be understood that the deceleration area prolongs the correction time, and the acceleration area improves the conveying efficiency, making the overall beat more compact and reducing production stagnation. In addition, the entire process is completed by the coordinated efforts of sensors, controllers and drive systems, without the need for human intervention, reducing operating costs.

[0153] Furthermore, the spacing machine also includes a visual system, including a visual camera 51 and a transparent observation window 52. The transparent observation window 52 is mounted on the frame 1 and located above the fourth conveying device 24. The visual camera 51 is mounted on the frame 1 and located above the transparent observation window 52. The visual camera 51 is set toward the transparent observation window 52. The control method also includes:

[0154] Receive the spacing data sent by the visual camera 51, and control and adjust the rotation speed of the fourth driving member 34 according to the spacing data, wherein the spacing data includes the spacing size between two adjacent materials.

[0155] It should be noted that the core logic of the above steps lies in the dynamic optimization of material spacing through closed-loop collaboration between the vision system and the drive element. First, the vision camera 51 captures real-time images of the materials on the fourth conveyor 24 through a transparent observation window 52. Using image processing algorithms (such as edge detection or deep learning models), it extracts data on the spacing between adjacent materials and transmits this data to the controller. The controller dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the fourth drive element 34 based on the deviation between this spacing data and the target value (e.g., ≤3 mm).

[0156] When the gap is greater than the target value, the controller instructs the fourth drive element 34 to accelerate to compress the gap. When the gap is less than the target value, the controller instructs it to decelerate to prevent overlap. When the gap approaches the target value, the current speed is maintained to stabilize output. This logic combines the principles of feedforward and feedback control. Through real-time monitoring by the vision system and the dynamic response of the drive element, a closed-loop control circuit is formed to ensure that the gap between the materials remains within the process requirements. In addition, the speed adjustment of the fourth drive element 34 must match the stable output speed of the fifth drive element 35, creating a speed differential to further optimize the gap compression efficiency.

[0157] The specific control process is divided into four stages:

[0158] (1) Image acquisition and data processing: The visual camera 51 captures images of materials on the fourth conveyor 24 at a fixed frequency (e.g., 0.5 seconds / time) and calculates the distance between adjacent materials (e.g., 40 mm) through an edge detection algorithm.

[0159] (2) Deviation Analysis and Command Generation: After receiving the spacing data, the controller compares it to the target value (e.g., 3 mm), calculates the deviation, and generates a control command. If the current spacing is 40 mm (> the target value), the controller determines that acceleration is required; if the spacing is 2.5 mm (< the target value), deceleration is required.

[0160] (3) Driving member speed adjustment: The controller adjusts the speed of the fourth driving member 34 through the frequency converter. For example, when the spacing is 40 mm, the speed of the fourth driving member 34 is increased to quickly compress the spacing; when the spacing is 2.5 mm, the speed of the fourth driving member 34 is reduced to extend the material spacing.

[0161] (4) Dynamic optimization and stable output: The fifth drive element 35 outputs at a fixed speed, which works together with the speed difference of the fourth drive element 34 to ensure that the materials enter the downstream process at the target spacing (≤3mm). The entire process achieves precise control of the material spacing through real-time feedback from the vision system and the dynamic response of the drive element.

[0162] In summary, the above steps significantly improve the accuracy and stability of spacing adjustment. Through the vision system's millimeter-level spacing detection and the dynamic speed adjustment of the fourth drive element 34, the material spacing can be controlled within the target value (≤3mm), effectively preventing overlap and tracking failures. Furthermore, the fast response speed of closed-loop control enables the system to quickly adapt to changes in material flow rate, ensuring continuous production.

[0163] A specific embodiment of the spacing machine and the control method thereof of the present invention is given below.

[0164] After the materials enter the spacing machine, the first drive element 31 runs at 1.65 m / min (1.1 times the speed of 1.5 m / min), while the second drive element 32 runs at 1.8 m / min (1.2 times the speed of 1.5 m / min), creating a speed difference of 0.15 m / min. This speed difference increases the spacing of the materials, expanding the initial spacing to over 50 mm, providing room for subsequent plate adjustment and spacing compression. The aforementioned 1.5 m / min represents the discharge speed of the preceding process.

[0165] When the discharge sensor detects the previous piece of material leaving the clapping area, the third drive member 33 immediately accelerates to 3.15 m / min (2.1 times the speed of 1.5 m / min), quickly "chasing the board" to prevent material accumulation. When the infeed sensor detects a new piece of material entering the clapping area, the third drive member 33 decelerates to 1.2 m / min, extending the material's residence time in the calibration area. During this phase, the clapping mechanism 4 performs unilateral alignment correction on the material, ensuring that the material edge is aligned with the reference bar 48 and eliminating deviation.

[0166] Vision camera 51 captures real-time images of the materials on the fourth conveyor 24 through a transparent observation window 52 and calculates the spacing between adjacent materials (e.g., 40 mm). The controller dynamically adjusts the speed of the fourth drive member 34 based on this spacing data. When the spacing is excessive (e.g., >3 mm), the fourth drive member 34 accelerates to 3.6 m / min (three times the speed of 1.2 m / min) to rapidly compress the spacing. When the spacing is too small (e.g., <2 mm), the fourth drive member 34 decelerates to 0.8 m / min to prevent stacking. When the spacing is moderate (≈3 mm), the speed is maintained at 1.2 m / min to maintain stable output. This way, through closed-loop feedback from the vision system, the spacing between materials is precisely compressed to ≤3 mm, meeting the requirements of the downstream process.

[0167] The fifth and sixth drive members 35 and 36 both operate at 1.2 m / min, creating a stable output speed. This creates a speed difference (2.4 m / min) compared to the high-speed tracking speed of the fourth drive member 34 (3.6 m / min), further optimizing pitch compression efficiency. Materials enter downstream processes (such as electroplating or SMT) at the target pitch (≤3 mm), ensuring continuity and stability in subsequent processes. The 1.2 m / min figure represents the feed rate for subsequent processes.

[0168] In summary, this invention achieves high-precision and high-stability control of material spacing through the coordination of multiple drive components, closed-loop control with visual feedback, and dynamic speed adjustment. Its core lies in the organic combination of speed difference, clapper correction, and visual feedback. This solves the problems of stacking and uneven spacing caused by the fixed speed of traditional spacing machines, making it suitable for high-precision, continuous industrial production scenarios.

[0169] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A spacing machine, characterized in that, include: A frame (1) and a conveying system (2), wherein the conveying system (2) is mounted on the frame (1), and the frame (1) is provided with a feed port (11) and a discharge port (12) respectively connected to two ends of the conveying system (2), and along the conveying direction of the material, the conveying system (2) sequentially includes a first conveying device (21), a second conveying device (22), a third conveying device (23), a fourth conveying device (24), and a fifth conveying device (25); a driving system comprising a first driving member (31), a second driving member (32), a third driving member (33), a fourth driving member (34) and a fifth driving member (35), which are respectively connected to and drive the first conveying device (21), the second conveying device (22), the third conveying device (23), the fourth conveying device (24) and the fifth conveying device (25); A clapper mechanism (4) comprising a clapper movable seat (41), a clapper fixed seat (42) and a clapper driving member (43), wherein the clapper fixed seat (42) is mounted on the third conveying device (23), and the clapper driving member (43) is fixed to the clapper fixed seat (42) and is in transmission connection with the clapper movable seat (41) to drive the clapper movable seat (41) to slide in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material; The second conveying device (22) is used to increase the distance between two adjacent materials, the clapping mechanism (4) is used to clasp the materials so that they are aligned along the conveying direction, and the fourth conveying device (24) is used to reduce the distance between two adjacent materials; The rotation speed of the fourth driving member (34) is greater than the rotation speed of the fifth driving member (35); the rotation speed of the first driving member (31) is less than the rotation speed of the second driving member (32); when the material is located upstream of the clapper mechanism (4), the rotation speed of the third driving member (33) is the first rotation speed; when the same material is located downstream of the clapper mechanism (4), the rotation speed of the third driving member (33) is the second rotation speed, wherein the first rotation speed is greater than the second rotation speed; When the material enters the spacing machine, the controller controls the rotation speed of the first driving member (31) to be a first preset rotation speed and the rotation speed of the second driving member (32) to be a second preset rotation speed, wherein the first preset rotation speed is less than the second preset rotation speed; When the material enters the third conveying device (23), position information of the material on the third conveying device (23) is obtained, and the rotation speed of the third driving member (33) is controlled and adjusted according to the position information; The controller controls the rotation speed of the fourth driving member (34) to be a third preset rotation speed and the rotation speed of the fifth driving member (35) to be a fourth preset rotation speed, wherein the third preset rotation speed is greater than the fourth preset rotation speed; Controlling the rotation speed of the third driving member (33) according to the position information comprises: When the material is in the deceleration area, the controller controls the rotation speed of the third driving member (33) to decrease to a fifth preset rotation speed based on the third preset rotation speed; When the material is located in the acceleration area, the controller controls the rotation speed of the third driving member (33) to increase to a sixth preset rotation speed based on the third preset rotation speed; Wherein, in the material conveying direction, the deceleration area is located upstream of the clapper mechanism (4); the acceleration area is located downstream of the clapper mechanism (4); the fifth preset speed is less than the first preset speed, and the sixth preset speed is greater than the second preset speed.

2. The spacing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A visual system comprising a visual camera (51) and a transparent observation window (52), wherein the transparent observation window (52) is mounted on the frame (1) and located above the fourth conveying device (24), and the visual camera (51) is mounted on the frame (1) and located above the transparent observation window (52), and the visual camera (51) is arranged toward the transparent observation window (52); A controller is connected to the visual camera (51) and the fourth driving member (34), respectively, and is used to receive spacing data sent by the visual camera (51) and control and adjust the rotation speed of the fourth driving member (34) according to the spacing data, wherein the spacing data includes the spacing size between two adjacent materials.

3. The spacing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The conveying system (2) comprises a plurality of conveying rollers (201) sequentially arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the material; the driving system is connected to the conveying rollers (201) in the conveying system (2) via a transmission assembly; The transmission assembly comprises a conveyor belt (61), a transmission shaft (62), a first bevel gear (63) and a second bevel gear (64); the two ends of the conveyor belt (61) are respectively sleeved on the driving end of the drive system and the transmission shaft (62); the first bevel gear (63) is sleeved on and fixed to the transmission shaft (62); the second bevel gear (64) is sleeved on and fixed to the end of the conveying roller (201); and the first bevel gear (63) and the second bevel gear (64) are meshed.

4. The spacing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The clapper fixing seat (42) is provided with a slide rod (44) extending in a direction perpendicular to the material conveying direction, and the clapper moving seat (41) is provided with a slide sleeve (45), and the slide sleeve (45) is sleeved on the slide rod (44); the driving end of the clapper driving member (43) is installed with a screw rod (46), and the screw rod (46) extends in a direction perpendicular to the material conveying direction and the other end of the screw rod is rotatably connected to the clapper fixing seat (42), and the clapper moving seat (41) is also provided with a nut, and the nut is sleeved on the screw rod (46); Wherein, a plurality of push rods (47) are provided on the clapper moving seat (41) along the material transport direction, and the push rods (47) pass through the gap between two adjacent conveying rollers (201) and are arranged higher than the conveying rollers (201); correspondingly, a plurality of reference rods (48) are provided on the clapper fixing seat (42) along the material transport direction, and the reference rods (48) pass through the gap between two adjacent conveying rollers (201) and are arranged higher than the conveying rollers (201).

5. A control method for a spacing machine, applied to the spacing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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