Rapid and flexible transfer device and transfer method for SMT material frame

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of SMT production line logistics, and discloses a fast and flexible transfer device and method for an SMT material frame, the transfer device is used for transferring the SMT material frame between a Miniload system and a production line goods shelf, and the transfer device comprises a material frame main body frame; the material frame main body frame is provided with multiple layers of material frame bearing structures, the height of each layer of material frame bearing structure is matched with the height of a corresponding goods layer of a goods shelf of the production line, and each layer of material frame bearing structure can accommodate a fork arm of a Miniload system to extend into and lift or descend to be placed on a material frame on the layer; each bumping post mechanism is arranged at the front end of each layer of material frame bearing structure and comprises a bumping post and a pin, the bumping posts are mounted in a pressing type inserting manner, and the pins are in butt joint with a connection port of the Miniload system and a production line goods shelf for positioning; and the walking mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the material rack main body frame and is a universal wheel capable of being locked. Automatic Miniload storing and taking, AGV intelligent carrying, manual pushing and positioning and rapid feeding and discharging of goods shelves of a production line are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of SMT (surface mount technology) production line logistics, and mainly relates to a method and device for rapid and flexible transportation of SMT material frames. Background Art

[0002] Surface mount technology (SMT) production of military electronic products requires high reliability, variable batch sizes for diverse product varieties, and high integration. This requires frequent transfer of printed circuit board frames between Miniload (small automated warehouse) warehouses and production line shelving. The existing transfer model involves manual multiple transfers of frames onto carts. This is inefficient, error-prone, and labor-intensive. It also fails to simultaneously meet the diverse requirements of automated AGV (AGV) handling, automatic docking with Miniloads, and rapid manual loading and docking with production line shelving. The risk of frame shaking during transfer is high, compromising material safety and efficiency, and it is impossible to transfer multiple layers of frames simultaneously.

[0003] Domestic application numbers CN202321393558.1 and CN202320445732.6 have published patent introductions on the SMT printed circuit board rapid loading device, which only provide a method for loading printed circuit boards directly from the material frame to the SMT production equipment, but neither solves the problem of rapid and flexible transportation of SMT material frames within the production line.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a method and device for the rapid and flexible transfer of SMT material frames, which can be used for the rapid and flexible transfer of SMT material frames between automated warehouses (such as small Miniload) and production lines. This can solve the problems of automatic storage and retrieval of Miniload, intelligent handling by AGV, manual positioning, and rapid loading and unloading of production line shelves, and solve the problem of multi-scenario logistics switching of SMT material frames. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problems in the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention proposes a fast and flexible transfer device and transfer method for SMT material frames. The transfer device realizes automatic storage and retrieval of Miniload, intelligent handling by AGV, manual positioning, and fast loading and unloading of production line shelves, solving the problem of multi-scene logistics switching of SMT material frames. The transfer method further improves the transfer efficiency of SMT material frames.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: A fast and flexible transfer device for SMT material frames, used for transferring SMT material frames between Miniload system and production line shelves, including Material rack main frame; The material frame bearing structure is provided with multiple layers on the main frame of the material rack. The height of each layer of the material frame bearing structure is adapted to the height of the corresponding cargo layer of the production line shelf, and each layer of the material frame bearing structure can accommodate the fork arm of the Miniload system to extend into and lift or lower the material frame placed on that layer; The barrier column mechanism is set at the front end of each layer of the material frame bearing structure, including barrier columns and pins. The barrier columns are installed by press-fitting, and the pins are docked and positioned with the docking port of the Miniload system and the production line shelf; And the walking mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the main frame of the material rack and is a lockable universal wheel.

[0007] Furthermore, a roller assembly is provided on the bearing surface of each layer of the material frame bearing structure, and limiting guide plates are provided on both sides of the roller assembly, and the SMT material frame is placed on the roller assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the height of the bottom of the transfer device is adapted so that a latent lifting AGV can be inserted into its bottom, and the overall height and width of the transfer device are adapted so that the lifting mechanism of the latent lifting AGV can lift the entire transfer device off the ground for transportation.

[0009] The present invention also provides a method for rapid and flexible transfer of SMT material frames, which uses the above-mentioned transfer device and includes the following steps: Step 1: docking the transfer device with the Miniload system: S1.1. Position the transfer device at the designated pick-up and drop-off position of the Miniload system, with the barrier structure closed; S1.2. The Miniload system's fork arm is inserted from below the fork arm accommodation space of each layer's material frame support structure. The fork arm is raised to remove the material frame placed on that layer, or the fork arm is lowered to place the material frame on the roller assembly on that layer. Step 2: The transfer device uses a latent lifting AGV for transportation: S2.1-1. In the natural state, the column mechanism of the transfer device is in the open state; S2.2-1. The lurking lifting AGV moves to the bottom of the transfer device, and the lurking lifting AGV lifts the transfer device as a whole, so that the universal wheels of the walking mechanism are off the ground; S2.3-1. The lurking lifting AGV transports the transfer device to the target location; S2.4-1. The lurking lifting AGV lowers the transfer device, and the universal wheels of the walking mechanism touch the ground; Step 3: docking the transfer device with the production line shelf: S3.1. After the transfer device is transported, the retaining column mechanism is in the open state and positioned in front of the production line shelf. The retaining column mechanism pins are aligned, and the retaining column mechanism is switched to the closed state. The material frame support structure of each layer of the transfer device is aligned with the corresponding cargo layer of the production line shelf, ensuring that the push path of the SMT material frame is unobstructed. S3.2. Manually push the SMT material frame from each layer of the carrying structure of the transfer device to the interior of the corresponding cargo layer of the production line rack, or perform the reverse operation to complete the transfer of the SMT material frame.

[0010] Furthermore, in step 2, the steps of the manual transport process of the transfer device are as follows: S2.1-2. In the natural state, the transfer device column mechanism is in the open state; S2.2-2. Unlock the universal wheel of the walking mechanism; S2.3-2. Manually pushing the device to the target position; S2.4-2. Lock the universal wheels of the traveling mechanism.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) AGV automated handling: The existing SMT material frame transfer device is in the form of a manual single-layer trolley. The method is to manually carry the material frame from the material collection point to the manual trolley, and then manually move the material frame down after arriving at the material discharge point. The labor intensity is high, prone to errors, and inefficient. The transfer method of the present invention is highly flexible and can achieve automatic docking with Miniload, meet various needs such as AGV automated handling and rapid manual loading and unloading of material frames on production line shelves, reduce the number and distance of manual handling, reduce labor intensity, and improve logistics rhythm.

[0012] (2) Quick docking: The transfer device matches the height of the production line shelves and is combined with rolling push, which greatly shortens the manual handover time.

[0013] (3) Automation compatibility: Optimized design for AGV lifting and handling and Miniload fork arm operation, making the coordination between various devices more coordinated.

[0014] (4) Stable process: The retaining column mechanism automatically opens during transportation to prevent the material frame from sliding or shaking.

[0015] (5) Space optimization: Double-layer or even multi-layer design can transport two or more standard material frames at a time, greatly improving the transportation efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2It is a structural schematic diagram of the walking mechanism of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the blocking column mechanism of the present invention.

[0019] Among them: 1. The main frame of the material rack; 2. The walking mechanism; 3. The first layer bearing structure; 4. The second layer bearing structure; 5. The blocking column mechanism; 6. The pushing handle; 7. The limiting guide plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a device for fast and flexible transfer of SMT material frames is used for fast and flexible transfer of SMT material frames between the Miniload system (automated warehouse) and production line shelves.

[0022] It should be noted here that the transfer device is a multi-layer structure, and the number of layers is adapted to the number of layers of the production line shelves. This embodiment mainly explains the transfer device and the production line shelves as two-layer structures.

[0023] A device for rapid and flexible transfer of SMT material frames comprises a material frame main frame 1, a walking mechanism 2, a first-layer bearing structure 3, a second-layer bearing structure 4, and a blocking column mechanism 5.

[0024] The material rack main frame 1 serves as the main structure of the transfer device and is a double-layer load-bearing structure. A first-layer load-bearing structure 3 and a second-layer load-bearing structure 4 are provided, both of which are used to place SMT material frames respectively. The first-layer load-bearing structure 3 is arranged at the lower part of the material rack main frame 1, and the second-layer load-bearing structure 4 is arranged at the upper part of the material rack main frame 1. The heights of the load-bearing surfaces of the first-layer load-bearing structure 3 and the second-layer load-bearing structure 4 are respectively adapted to the heights of the corresponding cargo layers of the double-layer shelves of the production line, so as to facilitate the smooth pushing path of the SMT material frames. At the same time, the sizes of the first-layer load-bearing structure 3 and the second-layer load-bearing structure 4 can accommodate the fork arm of the Miniload system to extend horizontally and lift or lower the material frame placed on this layer. The height of the fork arm accommodating space at the bottom of the first-layer load-bearing structure is at least equal to the thickness of the fork arm of the Miniload system plus the safety gap. For example, the thickness of the fork arm of the Miniload system is 40 mm and the width is 200 mm, plus the safety gap, the height of the first-layer load-bearing structure 3 and the second-layer load-bearing structure 4 are both preferably 90 mm, the width is both preferably 300 mm, and the safety gap is preferably 50 mm.

[0025] The first-layer supporting structure 3 and the second-layer supporting structure 4 are both provided with roller assemblies, and the SMT material frame is placed on the roller assemblies. The roller assemblies are provided so that when the transfer device is docked with the production line shelf, the SMT material frame can be directly pushed to the corresponding cargo layer. At the same time, limiting guide plates are provided on both sides of the roller assemblies to limit and guide the moving path of the SMT material frame when pushing the SMT material frame to the production line shelf.

[0026] A blocking column mechanism 5 is respectively provided at the front end of the first-layer bearing structure 3 and the second-layer bearing structure 4, which is used to prevent the material frame from accidentally sliding out during transportation. The blocking column mechanism 5 includes a blocking column and a pin. The blocking column adopts a press-type plug-in installation method to facilitate the opening and closing control of the blocking column. The pin plays a role in docking and positioning with the docking port of Miniload and the production line shelf. The blocking column mechanism 5 includes a closed state and an open state. The open state is that the blocking column is in a protruding working state, which plays a role in protecting the material frame. After the pin is docked and positioned with the production line shelf, the blocking column needs to be pressed to put it in a closed state, which is convenient for automatic / manual loading and unloading and transportation of the material frame.

[0027] A walking mechanism 2 is provided at the bottom of the main frame 1 of the material rack. The walking mechanism 2 is an independently lockable universal wheel, which is used to support the movement of the material rack and realize manual steering. It includes wheels, locking mechanisms and locking pedals. The locking mechanism is triggered by stepping on the locking pedal, and the friction plate or ratchet inside the locking mechanism contacts the wheel, increasing resistance or physically jamming the wheel to prevent it from rotating or rolling. Release the pedal, the locking mechanism is reset, and the wheel resumes free rotation.

[0028] Pushing handles 6 are provided on both sides of the top of the material rack main frame 1 to facilitate manual pushing of the transfer device.

[0029] The height of the bottom of the transfer device is adapted to allow a latent lifting AGV (automatic guided vehicle) to be inserted into its bottom, and the overall height and width of the transfer device are adapted to the lifting mechanism of the latent lifting AGV to lift the entire device off the ground for transportation.

[0030] This embodiment also provides a method for fast and flexible transfer of SMT material frames, which is used to enable the above-mentioned transfer device to quickly and flexibly transfer SMT material frames between Miniload (automated warehouse) and production line shelves, including the following steps: Step 1: Docking of the transfer device and the Miniload: S1.1. Position the transfer device at the designated pick-up and drop-off position of the Miniload system, with the barrier structure closed; S1.2. The Miniload system's built-in fork arm is inserted from below the fork arm receiving space at the bottom of the first load-bearing structure. The fork arm is raised to remove the material frame on that layer, or the fork arm is lowered to place the material frame on the roller assembly on that layer. S1.3. Insert the built-in fork arm of the Miniload system from the second fork arm receiving space to the bottom of the second layer of the load-bearing structure 4. The fork arm lifts and removes the material frame on this layer, or lowers the fork arm and places the material frame on the roller assembly on this layer.

[0031] Step 2: The transport process of the transfer device includes the use of a latent lifting AGV and a manual push method; When using a latent lifting AGV for transportation: S2.1-1. In the natural state, the column mechanism 5 is in the open state; S2.2-1. The latent lifting AGV moves to the bottom of the device, and the lifting mechanism lifts the entire device, so that the universal wheel of the walking mechanism 2 is off the ground; S2.3-1. The AGV transports the device to the target location; S2.4-1. The AGV lowers the device, and the universal wheels of the traveling mechanism 2 touch the ground.

[0032] When doing a manual push: S2.1-2. In the natural state, the column mechanism 5 is in the open state; S2.2-2. Unlock the universal wheel of the walking mechanism 2; S2.3-2. Manually pushing the device to the target position; S2.4-2. Lock the universal wheels of traveling mechanism 2.

[0033] The SMT material frame transfer efficiency has been increased from 15 frames / hour to 33 frames / hour, and the number of transport personnel has been reduced from 3 to 1. The material frame transfer process is smooth and efficient, without defects such as material frame shaking and falling, realizing the rapid and flexible transfer of SMT material frames.

[0034] Step 3: Docking steps with double-layer shelves of production line: S3.1. The device is manually pushed or transported by an automated guided vehicle (AGV), with the retaining column mechanism 5 in the open position. Once positioned in front of the double-deck rack on the production line, the retaining column mechanism 5 is aligned using its protruding pins. The retaining column mechanism 5 is then switched to the closed position, aligning the first-tier support structure of the device with the first-tier shelf on the production line, and the second-tier support structure 4 of the device with the second-tier shelf on the production line, respectively, ensuring a clear path for the material frame. S3.2. Manually push the material frame from the first layer of the bearing structure 3 of the device to the first layer of the production line shelf inside the cargo; S3.3. Manually push the material frame from the second-layer supporting structure 4 of the device to the interior of the second-layer storage location of the production line shelf; or perform the reverse operation.

[0035] The transfer device realizes the coordinated control of the Miniload system, the latent jack-up AGV and the production shelves through the warehouse management system (WMS): when the operator initiates the transfer task on the production line, the WMS automatically dispatches the AGV to transport the device to the target point. After the Miniload is stored and retrieved, the AGV transports the device to the designated position of the production line and triggers the sound and light prompt. After the material frame is manually pushed, the device status is updated by the reset button to form a closed-loop control.

[0036] Specifically, status perception: Miniload docking ports and production line AGV pick-up and placement points are equipped with through-beam photoelectric sensors to detect the status of the transfer device in real time; the idle / occupied status of the transfer device is dynamically managed through the status mark bit of the WMS.

[0037] Task triggering and scheduling: The operator initiates the material frame transfer task at the production line MES terminal → WMS generates a task queue; if the target transfer device is not in place, WMS dispatches an idle AGV to the production line pick-up and placement point to transfer the device to the Miniload docking port (the sensor triggers the arrival signal).

[0038] Execution closed loop: Miniload confirms the completion of material frame access through the fork arm action feedback signal → WMS assigns the AGV to transport the device to the designated point on the production line; the system sends a task completion instruction to the workstation computer, triggering an audio and visual prompt for manual intervention to push the material frame; after manual handover, the device is pushed to the AGV pick-up and placement point and the "Release Device" button is clicked, and the WMS automatically marks it as idle.

[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fast and flexible transfer device for SMT material frames, used for transferring SMT material frames between Miniload system and production line shelves, characterized by: include Material rack main frame; The material frame bearing structure is provided with multiple layers on the main frame of the material rack. The height of each layer of the material frame bearing structure is adapted to the height of the corresponding cargo layer of the production line shelf, and each layer of the material frame bearing structure can accommodate the fork arm of the Miniload system to extend into and lift or lower the material frame placed on that layer; The barrier column mechanism is set at the front end of each layer of the material frame bearing structure, including barrier columns and pins. The barrier columns are installed by press-fitting, and the pins are docked and positioned with the docking port of the Miniload system and the production line shelf; And the walking mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the main frame of the material rack and is a lockable universal wheel.

2. The device for rapid and flexible transport of SMT material frames according to claim 1, characterized in that: A roller assembly is provided on the bearing surface of each layer of the material frame bearing structure, and limiting guide plates are provided on both sides of the roller assembly, and the SMT material frame is placed on the roller assembly.

3. The device for rapid and flexible transport of SMT material frames according to claim 2, characterized in that: The height of the bottom of the transfer device is adapted to the latent lifting AGV so that it can be inserted into its bottom, and the overall height and width of the transfer device are adapted to the lifting mechanism of the latent lifting AGV to lift the entire transfer device off the ground for transportation.

4. A method for rapid and flexible transport of SMT material frames, characterized in that: The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is used, comprising the following steps: Step 1: docking the transfer device with the Miniload system: S1.

1. Position the transfer device at the designated pick-up and drop-off position of the Miniload system, with the barrier structure closed; S1.

2. The Miniload system's fork arm is inserted from below the fork arm accommodation space of each layer's material frame support structure. The fork arm is raised to remove the material frame placed on that layer, or the fork arm is lowered to place the material frame on the roller assembly on that layer. Step 2: The transfer device uses a latent lifting AGV for transportation: S2.1-1. In the natural state, the column mechanism of the transfer device is in the open state; S2.2-1. The lurking lifting AGV moves to the bottom of the transfer device, and the lurking lifting AGV lifts the transfer device as a whole, so that the universal wheels of the walking mechanism are off the ground; S2.3-1. The lurking lifting AGV transports the transfer device to the target location; S2.4-1. The lurking lifting AGV lowers the transfer device, and the universal wheels of the walking mechanism touch the ground; Step 3: docking the transfer device with the production line shelf: S3.

1. After the transfer device is transported, the retaining column mechanism is in the open state and positioned in front of the production line shelf. The retaining column mechanism pins are aligned, and the retaining column mechanism is switched to the closed state. The material frame support structure of each layer of the transfer device is aligned with the corresponding cargo layer of the production line shelf, ensuring that the push path of the SMT material frame is unobstructed. S3.

2. Manually push the SMT material frame from each layer of the carrying structure of the transfer device to the interior of the corresponding cargo layer of the production line rack, or perform the reverse operation to complete the transfer of the SMT material frame.

5. A method for rapid and flexible transport of SMT material frames according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step 2, the steps of the manual transport process of the transfer device are as follows: S2.1-2. In the natural state, the transfer device column mechanism is in the open state; S2.2-2. Unlock the universal wheel of the walking mechanism; S2.3-2. Manually pushing the device to the target position; S2.4-2. Lock the universal wheels of the traveling mechanism.

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