Processing line body

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of processing, in particular to a processing line body, comprising a plurality of serially connected processing stations, each of the processing stations comprising at least one processing device, the processing device comprising a transmission mechanism, a processing mechanism and a pick-and-feed mechanism, the transmission mechanism comprising a first transmission line and a second transmission line, the first transmission line being used for transmitting unprocessed workpieces, and the second transmission line being used for transmitting the workpieces processed by the processing mechanism to a target position; the pick-and-feed mechanism is used for picking up the unprocessed workpieces and feeding them to the processing station, and is also used for picking up the workpieces processed by the processing mechanism and feeding them to the second transmission line; the first transmission line of the first processing device of the first processing station is connected with a feeding position, and the second transmission line of the last processing device of the last processing station is connected with a discharging position; the first transmission line of the first processing device of an intermediate processing station is connected with the second transmission line of the last processing device of the previous processing station, and the second transmission line is connected with the first transmission line of the next processing station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and in particular to a machining line. Background Technology

[0002] Processing equipment is a key device in industrial production used to perform physical or chemical treatments on parts or products. This type of equipment typically consists of a power system, transmission mechanism, working parts, and control system, and is characterized by high efficiency, precision, and automation. Common processing equipment includes machine tools (such as lathes and milling machines), injection molding machines, stamping equipment, and welding robots, capable of performing various processes such as cutting, forming, assembly, and inspection.

[0003] In previous technologies, the conveyor mechanism of processing equipment typically consisted of a single conveyor line, used to connect with other processing equipment to form processing stations or lines, enabling automated processing from workpiece loading to unloading upon completion. This approach has the following limitations: because each processing device has only one conveyor line, when the devices are connected in a fixed sequence, the processing order cannot be flexibly adjusted or devices can be added or removed. This necessitates rebuilding the production line structure for process changes, making it difficult to adapt to the demands of multi-variety, small-batch production. Failure of a single device or conveyor belt can easily paralyze the entire chain; the lack of redundancy design mechanisms results in high downtime maintenance costs. Furthermore, the lack of intelligent scheduling capabilities between devices means that the processing rhythm is limited by the conveyor belt speed, making dynamic cycle time matching difficult. It also prevents the configuration of different numbers of processing devices based on the varying time required for each processing step, reducing processing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a processing line that makes the scheduling and combination of processing equipment more flexible, can configure a corresponding number of processing equipment for each processing step of the workpiece, and enables several processing equipment of the same processing step to achieve parallel processing in a series state, thereby improving the workpiece processing efficiency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a processing line comprising multiple interconnected processing stations. Each processing station includes at least one processing device. The processing device includes a transmission mechanism, a processing mechanism, and a feeding mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line arranged side by side. The first transmission line is used to transmit unprocessed workpieces, and the second transmission line transmits workpieces processed by the processing mechanism to a destination position. The feeding mechanism is used to pick up the unprocessed workpieces and feed them to the processing station, and also to pick up the workpieces processed by the processing mechanism and feed them to the second transmission line.

[0006] In the plurality of processing stations, the first transmission line of the first processing equipment in the first processing station is connected to the loading position, and the second transmission line of the last processing equipment in the last processing station is connected to the unloading position; the first transmission line of the first processing equipment in the intermediate processing station is connected to the second transmission line of the last processing equipment in the previous processing station, and the second transmission line of the last processing equipment is connected to the first transmission line of the next processing station.

[0007] Furthermore, when the processing station has multiple identical processing devices connected in series, the first transmission line of each identical processing device is connected to the first transmission line of the adjacent identical processing device, and the second transmission line is connected to the second transmission line of the adjacent identical processing device.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive unit of the first transmission line of each processing equipment is connected to the controller. After receiving the sensor signal, the controller controls the start and stop of the drive motor, thereby facilitating the picking and feeding mechanism to pick up the material.

[0009] Furthermore, each processing device is provided with a first lifting and blocking component on the transmission path of the first transmission line. The first lifting and blocking component is used to block the unprocessed workpiece arriving at this location, and the feeding and picking mechanism is used to pick up the unprocessed workpiece blocked by the first lifting and blocking component.

[0010] Furthermore, each processing device is provided with a first lifting mechanism on the transmission path of the first transmission line; the first lifting mechanism is used to lift the unprocessed workpiece, the surface of the first lifting mechanism platform is provided with anti-slip texture, the feeding mechanism is used to pick up the unprocessed workpiece on the first lifting mechanism, and the first lifting mechanism is also used to return to its downward position after the feeding mechanism picks up the unprocessed workpiece.

[0011] A first lifting stop is provided on the side of the first lifting mechanism facing the output end of the first transmission line. The first lifting stop is used to rise when the unprocessed workpiece reaches or is about to reach the first lifting mechanism to prevent it from moving towards the output end.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a workpiece carrier, wherein the first lifting stop is used to block the workpiece carrier, which contains a plurality of unprocessed workpieces; the first lifting mechanism is used to lift the workpiece carrier upward; the feeding mechanism is used to pick up the workpiece carrier at the first lifting mechanism; the first lifting mechanism is also used to return to its downward position after the feeding mechanism picks up the workpiece carrier.

[0013] Furthermore, a second lifting mechanism is provided on the transmission path of the second transmission line of each processing equipment; the picking and feeding mechanism is also used to feed the workpiece tray picked up by the first lifting mechanism to the second lifting mechanism in the lifting state, the picking and feeding mechanism is also used to feed the unprocessed workpieces in the workpiece tray to the processing station one by one, the picking and feeding mechanism is also used to alternately feed the processed workpieces at the processing station to the workpiece tray at the second lifting mechanism; the second lifting mechanism is also used to return downward after the workpieces in the workpiece tray are processed, so that the workpiece tray loaded with the processed workpieces is transmitted to the destination position by the second transmission line.

[0014] Furthermore, a second lifting stop is also provided on the first transmission path of each processing device. The second lifting stop is located between the first lifting stop and the input end of the first transmission line. The area of ​​the first lifting stop facing the second lifting stop forms a first blocking position, and the area of ​​the second lifting stop facing the input end forms a second blocking position.

[0015] The second lifting stop is used to rise when there is an unprocessed workpiece blocked at the first stop position, so as to prevent the unprocessed workpiece located at the second stop position from entering the first stop position; the first lifting stop and the second lifting stop are also used to return to the lower position based on the corresponding release command to release the unprocessed workpiece, so that the unprocessed workpiece at the second stop position is transmitted to the first conveyor line of the same processing equipment connected in series via the first transmission line.

[0016] Furthermore, the target location includes the input end of the first transmission line of the next different processing equipment, the input end of the second transmission line of the next same processing equipment, the unloading position or the buffer position, and the buffer position is provided with a rotatable guide plate.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned processing equipment is equipped with a data acquisition module, which collects production data, including processing technology data, processing time data, equipment status data, and / or processing process data.

[0018] Each processing device is also connected to an industrial control computer. The processing device uploads local device data to the control system through the industrial control computer. The industrial control computer is also used to issue corresponding control commands to each processing device so that the processing device executes the control commands.

[0019] In summary, the processing line of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] (1) By connecting the first transmission lines of each processing device in the same processing station end to end, and connecting the second transmission lines of each processing station end to end, combined with the lifting and blocking components set on the first transmission lines, it can be achieved that multiple processing devices in the same processing station are connected in series to form a line, but their processing mode is parallel processing mode, and multiple first workpieces can be processed at the same time, which greatly improves processing efficiency. Moreover, each processing device is an independent individual. Even if one processing device malfunctions, it is only necessary to stop the processing device and remove the malfunctioning processing device. Since the transmission lines of each processing device are not directly connected, but are interconnected, even if the processing device is removed, the transmission line will not be broken, and it will not affect the normal processing of other processing devices. Furthermore, the removed processing device will not generate any instruction to request the first workpiece. Therefore, the preceding processing devices will not receive the instruction corresponding to the processing device. Thus, when releasing the first workpiece, the first workpiece will be released in real time according to the instruction of the current processing device.

[0021] (2) After the first workpiece is processed to form the second workpiece, the second transmission lines of each processing equipment in the same processing station sequentially transmit the workpiece to the input end of the first transmission line of the next processing station via the second transmission lines of the subsequent processing equipment, so that it becomes the first workpiece of the next processing station. A corresponding program can be designed to prevent the second lifting mechanism on the second transmission line from lifting upwards during the transmission of the second workpiece. For example, a probe or detection unit can be designed at the input end of the second transmission line. If a workpiece is detected entering from the input end of the second transmission line, it is considered that the workpiece is the second workpiece transmitted from the second transmission line of the previous processing equipment.

[0022] (3) In the design of connecting different processing stations on a processing line, the workpiece can be transferred by connecting the input end of the first transmission line of the first processing equipment in the current processing station to the output end of the second transmission line of the last processing equipment in the previous processing station. This allows the second workpiece from the previous processing station to be transferred to the first transmission line of the corresponding processing equipment in the next processing station via the second transmission line of the corresponding processing equipment. Based on this, the number of processing equipment in the corresponding processing station can be configured according to the processing time of each processing step, greatly improving processing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the processing line of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the processing equipment.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the processing equipment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the processing station of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the processing station of the present invention.

[0029] The diagrams in the instruction manual are labeled as follows:

[0030] First processing station A; processing equipment A; second processing station B; processing equipment B1; processing equipment B2; third processing station C; processing equipment C1; processing equipment C2;

[0031] Transmission mechanism 110; first lifting stop 111; first lifting mechanism 112; second lifting mechanism 113; second lifting stop 114; processing mechanism 120; feeding mechanism 130; first transmission line T1; second transmission line T2; workpiece carrier G; first workpiece G1; second workpiece G2. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of a processing line is shown as an example. The processing line includes multiple processing stations. Figure 1A schematic diagram of a processing line consisting of three processing stations is shown. Figure 1 In the image, only the structure of the transmission mechanism of each processing device is shown.

[0036] This embodiment uses three processing stations as an example to illustrate the processing line. The three processing stations are named processing station A, processing station B, and processing station C, respectively. Processing station A is used to perform a first processing step on the workpiece (e.g., first workpiece assembly), processing station B is used to perform a second processing step on the workpiece (e.g., second workpiece assembly), and processing station C is used to perform a third processing step on the workpiece (e.g., inspecting the assembled workpiece).

[0037] In this embodiment, the first processing station A is configured with one processing device (hereinafter referred to as processing device A), the second processing station B is configured with two processing devices (hereinafter referred to as processing devices B1 and B2), and the third processing station C is configured with two processing devices (hereinafter referred to as processing devices C1 and C2). It should be understood that the number of processing stations and processing devices described here are merely illustrative examples. The number of processing stations should be at least one, and the number of processing devices in each processing station should also be at least one.

[0038] Processing stations A, B, and C are connected in series, with the output of station A connected to the input of station B, and the output of station B connected to the input of station C. Each processing station's equipment (or multiple processing stations) is also connected in series, with the first processing device connected to the previous station or loading station, and the last processing device connected to the next station or unloading station.

[0039] Each of the above processing devices includes a transmission mechanism 110, a processing mechanism 120, and a feeding mechanism 130. The transmission mechanism 110 of each processing device includes a first transmission line T1 and a second transmission line T2 arranged side-by-side. The first transmission line T1 is used to transmit the first workpiece G1 (an unprocessed workpiece, see...). Figure 2 The second transmission line T2 is used to transmit the second workpiece G2 (the workpiece processed by the current machining mechanism 120, see...). Figure 3 The processing equipment A of the first processing station A is a corresponding workpiece assembly mechanism, the processing mechanism 120 of the second processing station B is a corresponding workpiece assembly mechanism, and the processing mechanism 120 of the third processing station C is a corresponding inspection mechanism.

[0040] The input end of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment A can be connected to the loading machine to receive the first workpiece G1. The second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment A is parallel to the first transmission line T1.

[0041] The input end of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment B1 in the second processing station B is connected to the output end of the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment A, for receiving the second workpiece G2 from the processing equipment A and using it as the first workpiece G1 of the processing equipment B1. The second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment B1 is preferably coaxially arranged with the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment A. The input end of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment B2 is connected to the output end of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment B1, for receiving the first workpiece G1 from the processing equipment B1. The input end of the second transmission line of the processing equipment B2 is connected to the output end of the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment B1 to receive the second workpiece G2 from the processing equipment B1.

[0042] The input end of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment C1 in the third processing station C is connected to the output end of the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment B2, for receiving the second workpiece G2 from the processing equipment B2 and using it as the first workpiece G1 of the processing equipment C1. The second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment C1 is preferably coaxially arranged with the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment B2. The input end of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment C2 is connected to the output end of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment C1, for receiving the first workpiece G1 from the processing equipment C1. The input end of the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment C2 is connected to the output end of the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment C1 to receive the second workpiece G2 from the processing equipment C1. The output end of the processing equipment C2 is connected to the unloading position to convey the second workpiece G2, which is sequentially transmitted to the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment C2, to the unloading position.

[0043] Please see Figures 2 to 5 A simplified structural diagram of the processing equipment and processing station is shown as an example. Figure 2 The image shows the workpiece carrier plate, loaded with unprocessed workpieces, positioned at the first lifting mechanism. Figure 3 This illustration shows the workpiece carrier being lifted by the second lifting mechanism while the workpiece is in the process of processing. Here, "processing equipment" refers to the mechanical equipment used in any step of the product manufacturing process, including but not limited to product processing, assembly, and inspection. Examples include processing equipment that performs any type of machining on the workpiece, such as cutting, pinning, and milling equipment; assembly equipment that performs any type of assembly on the workpiece, such as bonding, assembling, and connecting equipment; and inspection equipment that inspects the workpiece, such as equipment for checking product dimensions and appearance.

[0044] Each of the aforementioned processing devices includes a transfer mechanism 110, a processing mechanism 120, and a pick-and-feed mechanism 130. The processing devices may also include other known structures, which are not shown in the accompanying drawings and related text because they are not within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, the processing mechanism 120 is configured according to different processing methods, and its structure can adopt any existing known processing mechanism 120; therefore, it is indicated by a box in the drawings. Similarly, the pick-and-feed mechanism 130 can also adopt any existing known pick-and-feed structure, such as a pick-and-feed mechanism 130 combining a three-axis module and a pickup component, or a robotic arm, etc. Therefore, it is also indicated by a box in the drawings.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiments, each processing device's transmission mechanism 110 includes a first transmission line T1 and a second transmission line T2 arranged side-by-side. With the transmission direction of the transmission mechanism 110 as its length direction, the first transmission line T1 and the second transmission line T2 are arranged side-by-side along a width direction perpendicular to the length direction. The structures of the first transmission line T1 and the second transmission line T2 can adopt any transmission structure in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here.

[0046] The first transmission line T1 is used to transport the unprocessed workpiece (first workpiece G1), and the second transmission line T2 is used to transport the workpiece (second workpiece G2) processed by the processing mechanism 120, and to transport the second workpiece G2 to the destination position. The feeding mechanism 130 is used to pick up the first workpiece G1 at the first transmission line T1 and feed it to the processing station for the processing mechanism 120 to process the first workpiece G1. The feeding mechanism 130 is also used to feed the second workpiece G2 at the processing station to the second transmission line T2, so that the second transmission line T2 can transport the second workpiece G2 to the destination position. The destination position is determined according to the current processing node of the workpiece. For example, the destination position can be the input end of the first transmission line T1 of the next different processing equipment, the input end of the second transmission line T2 of the next same processing equipment, the unloading position, or the buffer position. The buffer position is provided with a rotatable guide plate.

[0047] When the first workpiece G1 completes its current processing at the current processing equipment to form the second workpiece G2, and a next different processing step is required, the second transmission line T2 transmits the second workpiece G2 to the input end of the first transmission line T1 of the next different processing equipment (the processing equipment corresponding to the next processing step, which is different from the current processing step). When the second workpiece G2 enters the input end of the first transmission line T1 of the next different processing equipment, it becomes the first workpiece G1 (the unprocessed workpiece) of the next different processing equipment.

[0048] In an embodiment with multiple identical processing devices connected in series, the first transmission line T1 of each processing device is connected to the first transmission line T1 of the adjacent processing device, enabling each processing device to acquire the first workpiece G1 through the interconnected first transmission lines T1. The second transmission line T2 of each processing device is connected to the second transmission line T2 of the adjacent processing device, enabling each processing device to acquire the second workpiece G2 through the interconnected second transmission lines T2, until the second transmission line T2 of the last processing device transfers the workpiece to the next processing station or unloading position. In this embodiment, if the current processing device is not the last device in the series, the second workpiece G2 formed after processing by the current processing device is transferred by the second transmission line T2 to the input end of the second transmission line T2 of the next processing device, until it is transferred to the output end of the last second transmission line T2. The output end of the last second transmission line T2 selects whether to transfer the workpiece to the input end, unloading position, or buffer position of the first transmission line T1 of the next different processing device, depending on whether the current processing node is the last processing node.

[0049] If the current processing node is not the last processing node, the last processing device can transfer the second workpiece G2 to the input end of the first transmission line T1 of the next processing station (the next different processing device) via the second transmission line T2. If the current processing node is the last processing node, the last identical processing device can transfer the second workpiece G2 to the unloading position via the second transmission line T2. If the second workpiece G2 needs to be sampled for inspection after the current processing node has finished processing, the second conveyor line of the last identical processing device or the current processing device can transfer the workpiece to the buffer position via a branch output line or the feeding mechanism 130, waiting for the AGV or other equipment to sample and inspect the sampled second workpiece G2.

[0050] In one embodiment, to facilitate easier picking up of the first workpiece G1 by the feeding mechanism 130, the first transmission line T1 can be configured as a pauseable transmission line T1 (the drive device of the first transmission line T1 is connected to the controller, and the controller controls the start and stop of the drive device after receiving sensor signals), thereby pausing the first workpiece G1 at a certain position to wait for the feeding mechanism 130 to accurately pick up the workpiece. Of course, this embodiment is not intended to limit the invention.

[0051] In another embodiment, also to facilitate the picking and feeding mechanism 130 in picking up the first workpiece G1, a first lifting stop 111 can be provided on the transmission path of the first transmission line T1. The first lifting stop 111 is used to block the first workpiece G1 that arrives at this location. The picking and feeding mechanism 130 is used to pick up the first workpiece G1 blocked by the first lifting stop 111 and feed it to the processing station. The first lifting stop 111 can be suspended above the first transmission line T1 by a bracket. In this embodiment, the first lifting stop 111 can be lowered to the first transmission line T1 to block the first workpiece G1 that arrives at this location. Preferably, the first lifting stop 111 can also be provided below the first transmission line T1. For example, the first transmission line T1 includes two parallel conveyor chains with a space between them, and the first lifting stop 111 is provided in this space. In this embodiment, the first lifting stop 111 can be raised above the first transmission line T1 to block the first workpiece G1 that arrives at this location.

[0052] In another embodiment, also to facilitate the picking and feeding mechanism 130 in picking up the first workpiece G1, a first lifting mechanism 112 is provided on the transmission path of the first transmission line T1. The platform surface of the first lifting mechanism 112 is provided with anti-slip texture. The first lifting mechanism 112 is used to lift the first workpiece G1. The picking and feeding mechanism 130 is used to pick up the first workpiece G1 from the first lifting mechanism 112 and feed it to the processing station. The first lifting mechanism 112 is also used to return to its downward position after the picking and feeding mechanism 130 picks up the first workpiece G1.

[0053] In this embodiment, a first lifting stop 111 and a first lifting mechanism 112 are provided on the transmission path of the first transmission line T1. The first lifting stop 111 is located on the side of the first lifting mechanism 112 facing the output end, or the first lifting stop 111 is close to the side of the first lifting mechanism 112 facing the output end. The first lifting stop 111 is used to rise when the first workpiece G1 reaches or is about to reach the first lifting mechanism 112 to prevent it from moving towards the output end. The first lifting mechanism 112 is used to lift the first workpiece G1 upward so that the feeding mechanism 130 can accurately pick up the first workpiece G1. The first lifting mechanism 112 is also used to return downward after the feeding mechanism 130 picks up the workpiece. The first lifting stop 111 is used to return downward based on a relevant return command, or to remain in an upward blocking state according to a relevant holding command.

[0054] Based on this embodiment, a workpiece carrier G is provided, which has a plurality of workpiece loading positions and can load a plurality of workpieces. The workpiece carrier G, loaded with a plurality of first workpieces G1, is placed on a first transmission line T1. When the workpiece carrier G is conveyed to a first lifting mechanism 112, a first lifting stop 111 rises to prevent the workpiece carrier G from continuing to move towards the conveying end. The first lifting mechanism 112 then lifts the workpiece carrier G upwards to move it away from the first transmission line T1, and a linked pick-and-feed mechanism 130 moves to the first lifting mechanism 112 to pick up the workpiece carrier G. The pick-and-feed mechanism 130 can move the workpiece carrier G to a designated position according to different design or implementation requirements. The designated position can be a processing station or a position located between the transmission mechanism 110 and the processing station.

[0055] In this embodiment, a second lifting mechanism 113 is provided on the transmission path of the second transmission line T2. The second lifting mechanism 113, when in the lifting state, serves as the designated position. The second lifting mechanism 113 can be configured to lift simultaneously with or sequentially with the first lifting mechanism 112 when the workpiece arrives at the first lifting mechanism 112. The platform surface of the second lifting mechanism 113 is provided with anti-slip textures. Alternatively, the second lifting mechanism 113 can be configured to lift upwards when the feeding mechanism 130 picks up the first workpiece G1 from the first lifting mechanism 112. The feeding mechanism 130 is used to feed the workpiece tray G picked up by the first lifting mechanism 112 to the second lifting mechanism 113 in the lifting state. The feeding mechanism 130 is also used to feed the first workpiece G1 in the workpiece tray G one by one to the processing station. The feeding mechanism 130 is also used to alternately feed the processed workpieces at the processing station to the workpiece tray G at the second lifting mechanism 113. Here, "alternating" means that after the feeding mechanism 130 picks up a first workpiece G1 to the processing station, it retrieves the second workpiece G2 (the processed workpiece) from the processing station and places it into the empty workpiece loading position on the workpiece tray G, and so on, alternately feeding the first workpiece G1 and the second workpiece G2 back and forth. Once all the workpieces in the workpiece carrier G at the second lifting mechanism 113 are the second workpiece G2, that is, after the workpieces in the workpiece carrier G have been processed, the second lifting mechanism 113 returns to its original position so that the workpiece carrier G containing the second workpiece G2 is transported to the destination position by the second transmission line T2.

[0056] During the processing of a workpiece, the processing time at each processing node may vary. For example, the processing time of the current processing node may be twice or more than the processing time of the previous or next processing node. That is, while the current processing equipment is processing one workpiece, the previous processing equipment can process two or more workpieces simultaneously. In response to this situation, to ensure that the cycle time of the current processing node can match the cycle time of the corresponding processing node, two or more identical processing equipment can be connected in series. This allows both or more processing equipment to process the first workpiece G1 that arrives at the current processing node during their idle time, thereby achieving the goal of multiple identical processing equipment performing parallel processing on the first workpiece G1.

[0057] Based on this, at least one second lifting stop 114 can be further provided on the path of the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment. The second lifting stop 114 is located between the first lifting stop 111 and the input end of the first transmission line T1. The area of ​​the first lifting stop 111 facing the second lifting stop 114 forms a first blocking position, and the first lifting mechanism 112 is located at the first blocking position. The area of ​​the second lifting stop 114 facing the input end forms a second blocking position. The second lifting stop 114 is used to rise upward when there is a blocked first workpiece G1 at the first blocking position, so as to prevent the first workpiece G1 located at the second blocking position from entering the first blocking position. The first lifting stop 111 and the second lifting stop 114 are also used to return downward according to the relevant release command to release the first workpiece G1, so that the first workpiece G1 is transmitted through the first transmission line T1 to the first conveyor line of the next identical processing equipment in series. The relevant release command can be triggered based on the following conditions: the current processing equipment is in operation, and the subsequent connected processing equipment is idle, causing the corresponding second blocking member and first lifting blocking member 111 to return to their downward positions, so as to release the first workpiece G1 to the idle processing equipment. The relevant release command can also be triggered based on the following conditions: both the current and subsequent connected processing equipment are in operation, but the second blocking position and / or the first blocking position of the subsequent connected processing equipment is vacant (i.e., there is no new first workpiece G1), so based on the release command, the second lifting blocking member 114 and the first lifting blocking member 111 return to their downward positions, so as to release the first workpiece G1 to reach the first transmission line T1 of the corresponding processing equipment (at least the first workpiece G1 reaches the first blocking position of the first transmission line T1, and the first workpiece G1 cannot exceed the first lifting blocking member 111 in the conveying direction), so that the first workpiece G1 serves as a reserve workpiece for the subsequent connected processing equipment. After the subsequent processing equipment completes the processing of the current first workpiece G1, the first lifting mechanism 112 lifts the stored first workpiece G1 for another round of workpiece processing, and so on. Of course, the relevant release command can also be set based on the application scenarios and design requirements of different embodiments, so that the first lifting blocking member 111 and the second lifting blocking member 114 descend synchronously or in stages. The first lifting blocking member 111 and the second lifting blocking member 114 can automatically rise after releasing one or more first workpieces G1.

[0058] Please see Figure 4For example, the first processing device on the left and the last processing device on the right are connected in series via a transmission mechanism 110. Specifically, the output end of the first transmission line T1 of the first processing device is connected to the input end of the first transmission line T1 of the last processing device, and the output end of the second transmission line T2 of the first processing device is connected to the input end of the second transmission line T2 of the last processing device. The two processing devices are identical devices performing the same processing steps, and they form a processing station. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the processing station may include only one processing device or multiple identical processing devices connected in series. Each processing device's first transmission line T1 can have a second lifting stop 114, a first lifting mechanism 112, and a first lifting stop 111 arranged sequentially along the conveying direction. Each processing device's second transmission line T2 can have a second lifting mechanism 113 positioned corresponding to the first lifting mechanism 112. When the first workpiece G1 reaches the first lifting mechanism 112, the first lifting stop 111 and the first lifting mechanism 112 rise to disengage the first workpiece G1 from the first transmission line T1. The second lifting stop 114 also rises to prevent workpiece G1 from entering the second blocking position while the first lifting mechanism 112 is in the lifting state. The second lifting stop 114 can block the first workpiece G1. When the first workpiece G1 of the first lifting mechanism 112 is removed and is being processed, and the last processing equipment is in an idle state (unprocessed state) or the last processing equipment is in a processing state and there is no first workpiece G1 in reserve, the second lifting stop 114 returns to its original position to release the first workpiece G1 to the first blocking position. If the first lifting stop 111 is in the rising state at this time, the first lifting stop 111 returns to its original position to release the first workpiece G1. If the first lifting stop 111 is in the returned state at this time, the first workpiece G1 is directly conveyed by the first conveyor line to the input end of the first conveyor line of the last processing equipment. When the second lifting stop 114 and the first lifting stop 111 descend and release, they can use detection technologies such as CCD and infrared to ensure that only one first workpiece G1 (e.g., a workpiece carrier G) passes through at a time, meaning that only one first workpiece G1 passes through each descent and release. Alternatively, they can use detection technologies such as CCD and infrared to release multiple first workpieces G1 at once, so that the number of released first workpieces G1 corresponds to the number of subsequent identical processing equipment, allowing multiple first workpieces G1 to be released to the first transmission line T1 of each identical processing equipment.

[0059] Please see Figure 5For example, three identical processing devices are shown located on the left, middle, and right sides, respectively, forming a processing station. The first transmission line T1 of the first processing device on the left, the second processing device in the middle, and the last processing device on the right are connected end-to-end, and the second transmission line T2 is also connected end-to-end. Each processing device is equipped with a second lifting stop 114, a first lifting mechanism 112, and a first lifting stop 111 sequentially along the conveying direction. The functions of the second lifting stop 114, the first lifting mechanism 112, and the first lifting stop 111 are all the same as... Figure 4 The functions shown are the same or similar. The subtle difference is that the second lifting stop 114 of the first processing equipment can determine the number of first workpieces G1 released based on the processing status of the secondary processing equipment and the processing status of the last processing equipment (provided that the number of first workpieces G1 at the second lifting stop 114 is sufficient). For example, when both the secondary and last processing equipment are in processing mode, and neither of them has any first workpieces G1 in reserve, the first processing equipment releases two first workpieces G1 by manipulating the second lifting stop 114 and the first lifting stop 111, so that the first transmission line T1 transmits the two first workpieces G1 to the second lifting stop 114 of the first transmission line T1 of the secondary processing equipment; the secondary processing equipment releases one first workpiece G1 by manipulating the second lifting stop 114 and the first lifting stop 111 (the other remains at the secondary processing equipment), so that the first transmission line T1 transmits the first workpiece G1 to the second lifting stop 114 or the first lifting stop 111 of the last processing equipment, thereby ensuring that each subsequent processing equipment has a reserve of first workpieces G1. The release of the second lifting stop 114 and the first lifting stop 111 of each processing equipment can be triggered by the processing status of the next equipment (e.g., no first workpiece G1 in reserve or idle status). For example, when the connected processing equipment is in an idle state, a status command is sent to the control system. The control system controls the release of the first workpiece G1 through the previous equipment or the first equipment, so that the first workpiece G1 is transported to the processing equipment that sent the command.

[0060] Based on the above embodiments, the workpiece processing flow is as follows:

[0061] First, the first workpiece G1 is fed to the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment A. The feeding mechanism 130 of the processing equipment A feeds the first workpiece G1 to the processing station for processing. The second workpiece G2 formed after processing is fed to the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment A, which is used to transfer the second workpiece G2 to the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment B1 of the second processing station B.

[0062] Secondly, the processing equipment B1 of the second processing station B takes the second workpiece G2 arriving at the first transmission line T1 as the first workpiece G1 and processes the first workpiece G1. The process is the same as that of the processing equipment A described above. At the same time, if the processing equipment B2 is idle and the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment B1 has multiple first workpieces G1, the first workpiece G1 is transported to the first transmission line T1 of the processing equipment B2 through the first transmission line T1, so that the processing equipment B2 and the processing equipment B1 process their respective first workpieces G1.

[0063] After processing by processing equipment B1, the second workpiece G2 is placed on the second transmission line T2 of processing equipment B1, which then transports the second workpiece G2 to the second transmission line T2 of processing equipment B2, and then to the first transmission line T1 of the third processing station C via the second transmission line T2 of processing equipment B2; after processing by processing equipment B2, the second workpiece G2 is directly transported to the first transmission line T1 of the third processing station C via the second transmission line T2 of processing equipment B2.

[0064] Finally, the processing equipment C1 of the third processing station C takes the second workpiece G2 that has arrived at the first transmission line T1 as the first workpiece G1 and performs processing on the first workpiece G1. The processing process of processing equipment C1, the processing process of processing equipment C2, and the process of the first workpiece G1 being transferred to processing equipment C2 can all be referred to the description of the second processing station B, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] After the processing equipment C1 finishes processing, its second workpiece G2 is placed on the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment C1 so that the second workpiece G2 enters the unloading position after passing through the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment C2; after the processing equipment C2 finishes processing, its second workpiece G2 is directly transmitted to the unloading position by the second transmission line T2 of the processing equipment C2.

[0066] In summary, the processing line consists of multiple processing stations connected in series, each corresponding to a different processing step. The input end of the first transmission line T1 of the first processing device in each processing station is connected in series with the output end of the second transmission line T2 of the last processing device in the adjacent previous processing station. Among the multiple identical processing devices in each processing station, the first transmission lines T1 of each device are connected in series, and the second transmission lines T2 of each device are also connected in series. The structure or function of the components (such as various lifting stops and jacking mechanisms) installed on the first transmission line T1 and second transmission line T2 of each processing device can be found in the description of the embodiments shown above, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] In addition, the processing line can be equipped with modules, devices, or systems to automate the processing. This transforms the processing line into a fully automated production line, allowing for the monitoring, statistics, and control command issuance of various processing parameters and statuses of each processing device within the line. These modules, devices, or systems can employ any known existing method to automate the entire production process from loading to unloading. For example, various equipment status detection modules can be installed on each processing device to monitor its production status. Each processing device can also be equipped to scan or acquire relevant data of the workpiece being processed, thereby tracking the entire processing progress, obtaining all parameter data related to the workpiece, and achieving real-time monitoring of processing cycle time, processing stages, yield rate, etc. Data acquisition modules can be installed on each of the processing devices to collect production data, including processing technology data, processing time data, equipment status data, and / or processing process data. Each processing device can upload local data to the control system via an industrial control computer, which also issues corresponding control commands to the corresponding processing devices to execute those commands. For example, in the above embodiments, each lifting mechanism, lifting blocking component, processing mechanism 120, and feeding mechanism 130 implements its respective actions through relevant control commands, thereby realizing the functions of each component shown herein and in the appended claims.

[0068] Based on the embodiments shown above, the processing line of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0069] (1) By connecting the first transmission lines of each processing device in the same processing station end to end, and connecting the second transmission lines of each processing station in series, combined with the lifting and blocking components set on the first transmission lines, it can be achieved that multiple processing devices in the same processing station are connected in series to form a line, but their processing mode is parallel processing mode, and multiple first workpieces can be processed at the same time, which greatly improves processing efficiency. Moreover, each processing device is an independent individual. Even if one processing device malfunctions, it is only necessary to stop the processing device and remove the malfunctioning processing device. Since the transmission lines of each processing device are not directly connected, but are interconnected, even if the processing device is removed, the transmission line will not be broken, and it will not affect the normal processing of other processing devices. Furthermore, the removed processing device will not generate any instruction to request the first workpiece. Therefore, the preceding processing devices will not receive the instruction corresponding to the processing device. Thus, when releasing the first workpiece, the first workpiece will be released in real time according to the instruction of the current processing device.

[0070] (2) After the first workpiece is processed to form the second workpiece, the second transmission lines of each processing equipment in the same processing station sequentially transmit the workpiece to the input end of the first transmission line of the next processing station via the second transmission lines of the subsequent processing equipment, thus serving as the first workpiece of the next processing station. A corresponding program can be designed to prevent the second lifting mechanism on the second transmission line from lifting upwards during the transmission of the second workpiece. For example, a probe or detection unit can be designed at the input end of the second transmission line. If the workpiece is detected to be entering from the input end of the second transmission line, it is considered that the workpiece is the second workpiece transmitted by the second transmission line of the previous processing equipment. It should be understood that this is only an example. In practice, any method that prevents the second lifting mechanism from lifting upwards during the process is acceptable whenever the second transmission lines of the subsequent processing equipment need to transmit the second workpiece sequentially.

[0071] (3) In the design of connecting different processing stations on a processing line, the workpiece can be transferred by connecting the input end of the first transmission line of the first processing equipment in the current processing station to the output end of the second transmission line of the last processing equipment in the previous processing station. This allows the second workpiece from the previous processing station to be transferred to the first transmission line of the corresponding processing equipment in the next processing station via the second transmission line of the corresponding processing equipment. Based on this, the number of processing equipment in the corresponding processing station can be configured according to the processing time of each processing step, greatly improving processing efficiency.

[0072] The above embodiments merely illustrate preferred implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A processing line comprising multiple processing stations connected in series, each processing station including at least one processing device, the processing device including a transmission mechanism, a processing mechanism, and a feeding mechanism, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line arranged side by side. The first transmission line is used to transmit unprocessed workpieces, and the second transmission line transmits workpieces processed by the processing mechanism to the destination position. The picking and feeding mechanism is used to pick up the unprocessed workpieces and feed them to the processing station, and is also used to pick up the workpieces processed by the processing mechanism and feed them to the second transmission line. In the plurality of processing stations, the first transmission line of the first processing equipment in the first processing station is connected to the loading position, and the second transmission line of the last processing equipment in the last processing station is connected to the unloading position; the first transmission line of the first processing equipment in the intermediate processing station is connected to the second transmission line of the last processing equipment in the previous processing station, and the second transmission line of the last processing equipment is connected to the first transmission line of the next processing station.

2. The processing line as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the processing station has multiple identical processing devices connected in series, the first transmission line of each identical processing device is connected to the first transmission line of the adjacent identical processing device, and the second transmission line is connected to the second transmission line of the adjacent identical processing device.

3. The processing line as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The drive unit of the first transmission line of each processing equipment is connected to the controller. After receiving the sensor signal, the controller controls the start and stop of the drive unit, thereby facilitating the picking and feeding mechanism to pick up the material.

4. The processing line as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each processing equipment has a first lifting and blocking component on the transmission path of the first transmission line. The first lifting and blocking component is used to block the unprocessed workpiece that arrives at this location. The feeding and picking mechanism is used to pick up the unprocessed workpiece that is blocked by the first lifting and blocking component.

5. The processing line as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each processing equipment has a first lifting mechanism on the transmission path of the first transmission line; the first lifting mechanism is used to lift the unprocessed workpiece, the surface of the first lifting mechanism platform is provided with anti-slip texture, the feeding mechanism is used to pick up the unprocessed workpiece on the first lifting mechanism, and the first lifting mechanism is also used to return to its downward position after the feeding mechanism picks up the unprocessed workpiece. A first lifting stop is provided on the side of the first lifting mechanism facing the output end of the first transmission line. The first lifting stop is used to rise when the unprocessed workpiece reaches or is about to reach the first lifting mechanism to prevent it from moving towards the output end.

6. The processing line as described in claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a workpiece carrier, the first lifting stop is used to block the workpiece carrier, which contains a number of unprocessed workpieces; the first lifting mechanism is used to lift the workpiece carrier upward; the feeding mechanism is used to pick up the workpiece carrier at the first lifting mechanism; the first lifting mechanism is also used to return to its downward position after the feeding mechanism picks up the workpiece carrier.

7. The processing line as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Each processing equipment has a second lifting mechanism on the transmission path of the second transmission line, and the surface of the platform of the second lifting mechanism is provided with anti-slip texture. The picking and feeding mechanism is also used to feed the workpiece tray picked up by the first lifting mechanism to the second lifting mechanism in the lifting state. The picking and feeding mechanism is also used to feed the unprocessed workpieces in the workpiece tray to the processing station one by one. The picking and feeding mechanism is also used to alternately feed the processed workpieces at the processing station to the workpiece tray at the second lifting mechanism. The second lifting mechanism is also used to return to its downward position after the workpieces in the workpiece tray are processed, so that the workpiece tray loaded with the processed workpieces is transported to the destination position by the second transmission line.

8. The processing line as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: Each processing equipment is further provided with a second lifting stop on the first transmission line. The second lifting stop is located between the first lifting stop and the input end of the first transmission line. The area of ​​the first lifting stop facing the second lifting stop forms a first blocking position, and the area of ​​the second lifting stop facing the input end forms a second blocking position. The second lifting stop is used to rise when there is an unprocessed workpiece blocked at the first stop position, so as to prevent the unprocessed workpiece located at the second stop position from entering the first stop position; the first lifting stop and the second lifting stop are also used to return to the lower position based on the corresponding release command to release the unprocessed workpiece, so that the unprocessed workpiece at the second stop position is transmitted to the first transmission line of the same processing equipment connected in series via the first transmission line.

9. The processing line as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The target location includes the input end of the first transmission line of the next different processing equipment, the input end of the second transmission line of the next same processing equipment, the unloading position or the buffer position, and the buffer position is provided with a rotatable guide plate.

10. The processing line as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the aforementioned processing equipment is equipped with a data acquisition module, which collects production data, including processing technology data, processing time data, equipment status data, and / or processing process data. Each processing device is also connected to an industrial control computer. The processing device uploads local device data to the control system through the industrial control computer. The industrial control computer is also used to issue corresponding control commands to each processing device so that the processing device executes the control commands.

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