A conveying device for printing screen production and processing and a method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a conveying device and method for printing screen plate production and processing, and belongs to the technical field of printing screen plate production and processing conveying, and comprises the following: a circular conveying track for providing a physical path of circular motion; a plurality of conveying carriers movably arranged on the circular conveying track, and each of the conveying carriers is provided with an identity recognition label for storing a unique identification code of the conveying carrier and a coating state monitor for monitoring a coating state of a screen plate; a plurality of processing unit interfaces distributed along the circular conveying track, and each of the processing unit interfaces is provided with a state data probe for reading internal operation data of the processing unit; and a plurality of positioning reading points arranged before each of the processing unit interfaces of the circular conveying track and used for reading the identity recognition label of the conveying carrier. The application ensures that each screen plate can be sent to a next available station without failure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing screen production and processing conveying, specifically to a conveying device and method for printing screen production and processing. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional printing screen conveyor systems rely on fixed-sequence control logic based on PLCs. When handling flexible production tasks involving multiple varieties, small batches, and varying processes, they fail to perceive the real-time status of each processing unit, such as equipment load, remaining process time, and the screen's own process attributes. This leads to a severe mismatch between the conveyor cycle time and the production flow, frequently resulting in line idleness, bottlenecks, and low overall efficiency. The fundamental technical challenge lies in constructing a conveyor control method that transforms conveyor tasks from pre-fixed rigid sequences into predictions of the production cycle time over a future period based on real-time fusion and processing of heterogeneous status data from multiple workstations. This allows for the dynamic generation and optimization of conveyor instruction sequences, resolving the contradiction between the local determinism of conveyor execution and the global dynamism of the production process. Therefore, the technical direction of this invention is to research a control method that integrates the physical model of the conveyor device with the process model of the production flow, achieving an intelligent transformation of the conveyor system from passive execution to active collaboration.

[0003] The information disclosed in the background section above is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a conveying device and method for printing screen production and processing, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention includes:

[0006] A circular conveyor track is used to provide the physical path for cyclical motion;

[0007] Multiple conveying carriers are movably arranged on the circular conveying track, and each conveying carrier is provided with an identification tag for storing its own unique identification code and a coating status monitor for monitoring the coating status of the screen printing plate.

[0008] Multiple processing unit interfaces are distributed along the circular conveyor track, and each processing unit interface is provided with a status data probe for reading the internal operating data of the processing unit;

[0009] Multiple positioning and reading points are set in front of each processing unit interface of the circular conveyor track for reading the identification tag of the conveyor carrier;

[0010] The controller is electrically connected to the circular conveyor track, the coating status monitor, the status data probe, the positioning reading point, and the temporary buffer lifting frame.

[0011] Preferably, the annular conveying track includes a track body and a driving device. The driving force of the driving device is transmitted through a chain to the chain meshing teeth at the bottom of the conveying carrier, so as to drive the conveying carrier to move synchronously along the track body.

[0012] Preferably, the coating condition monitor is a non-contact capacitive sensor array, which generates data reflecting the degree of solvent evaporation in the coating by measuring the change in capacitance between itself and the coated surface of the screen.

[0013] Preferably, the status data probe is a communication gateway integrated with an industrial bus protocol, used to connect to the PLC controller of the processing unit and read internal register data of the device, including the remaining time of the current operation.

[0014] Preferably, the device further includes at least one temporary buffer lifting frame, which is disposed beside the annular conveyor track and controlled by the controller, for temporarily parking the designated conveyor carrier outside the annular conveyor track.

[0015] A conveying method for printing screen production and processing, the method being executed by a controller, comprising:

[0016] Three types of data are collected and integrated, including: the identity information of the transport carrier obtained by the positioning reading point, which is used to bind a preset process path; real-time coating status data obtained by the coating status monitor; and target processing unit status data obtained by the status data probe.

[0017] Based on the real-time coating status data, the real-time coating status data is calculated into a process window period through a preset process window conversion model. The process window period is set as a mandatory time constraint for the delivery task.

[0018] Based on the target processing unit status data, predict and generate a list of future available time points for all target processing units;

[0019] Based on the current position of the transport carrier, the process path, the process window period, and the list of future available time points, the estimated arrival time of the transport carrier to each target processing unit is calculated, and the optimal transport instruction is dynamically generated and executed by comparing the estimated arrival time with the process window period.

[0020] Preferably, the process window conversion model is a pre-calibrated functional relationship, which maps the rate of change of capacitance value measured by the coating condition monitor to the maximum allowable waiting time before coating failure.

[0021] Preferably, the target processing unit status data is the remaining time of the current operation recorded in the processing unit PLC controller.

[0022] Preferably, the step of generating and executing the optimal delivery instruction further includes:

[0023] When the estimated arrival time of at least one target processing unit is less than the process window period, the transport command is used to drive the transport carrier to the target processing unit with the shortest estimated arrival time.

[0024] When the estimated arrival time of all target processing units is greater than the process window period, the transport command is used to drive the transport carrier to the nearest temporary buffer lift.

[0025] This invention provides an improved conveying device and method for printing screen production and processing, which has the following improvements and advantages compared with the prior art:

[0026] 1. This solution integrates three types of heterogeneous information in real time through the controller: the position of the conveyor, the state of the screen coating itself, and the future state of the processing unit. This data-driven decision-making method can dynamically generate the optimal conveying instructions, thereby effectively responding to changing production demands and improving the overall operating efficiency of the production line. A non-contact capacitive sensor array is introduced as a coating state monitor, which can convert the solvent evaporation of the screen coating into quantifiable capacitance value change rate data. The controller uses a pre-calibrated process window conversion model to map this change rate to the maximum allowable waiting time before coating failure, i.e., the process window. This process window serves as a mandatory time constraint for the conveying task, ensuring that each screen can be sent to the next available station without failure.

[0027] 2. The status data probe in this solution can read the remaining time of the current operation recorded in the PLC controller of the processing unit. This allows the controller to accurately predict the future available time of all target processing units. By comparing the expected arrival time of the conveyor with the process window, the controller can calculate and execute the optimal conveying instruction for the conveyor, select the path with the shortest expected arrival time, and set up a temporary buffer lifting frame, controlled by the controller, to move the specified conveyor off the main circular conveyor track for temporary parking. This design greatly enhances the flexibility of the system, avoids traffic congestion caused by process time mismatch, and ensures the smooth operation of the entire production line. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the device;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process flow of the method of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram: 100, circular conveyor track; 110, track body; 120, positioning reading point; 200, conveyor carrier; 210, carrier tray; 220, identification tag; 230, coating status monitor; 300, processing unit interface; 320, status data probe; 400, temporary buffer lifting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. Example 1

[0034] Please see Figure 1-2 This invention provides a conveying device for printing screen production and processing, comprising:

[0035] A circular conveyor track 100 is used to provide the physical path for cyclical motion;

[0036] Multiple conveying carriers 200 are movably arranged on the circular conveying track 100, and each conveying carrier 200 is provided with an identification tag 220 for storing its own unique identification code and a coating status monitor 230 for monitoring the coating status of the screen printing plate.

[0037] Multiple processing unit interfaces 300 are distributed along the circular conveyor track 100, and each processing unit interface 300 is equipped with a status data probe 320 for reading the internal operating data of the processing unit.

[0038] Multiple positioning reading points 120 are set in front of each processing unit interface 300 of the circular conveyor track 100 for reading the identification tag 220 of the conveyor 200;

[0039] The controller is electrically connected to the annular conveyor track 100, the coating status monitor 230, the status data probe 320, the positioning reading point 120, and the temporary buffer lifting frame 400.

[0040] At least one temporary buffer lifting frame 400 is provided beside the annular conveyor track 100 and is controlled by the controller to move the designated conveyor carrier 200 out of the annular conveyor track 100 for temporary parking.

[0041] The controller is used to perform the following steps:

[0042] The system collects and integrates the identity information of the transport carrier 200 obtained by the positioning reading point 120, the real-time coating status data obtained by the coating status monitor 230, and the target processing unit status data obtained by the status data probe 320.

[0043] Based on the real-time coating status data, the process window period is calculated and generated using a preset process window conversion model.

[0044] Based on the target processing unit status data, predict and generate a list of future available time points for all target processing units;

[0045] Based on the current position of the conveying carrier 200, the process path, the process window period, and the list of future available time points, the optimal conveying instruction is dynamically generated and executed.

[0046] In this embodiment, a conveying device for screen printing production aims to solve the problem of mismatch between conveying cycle time and production process caused by traditional fixed-sequence control logic in flexible production. This conveying device achieves a transformation from passive execution to active collaboration in the conveying system through the coordinated operation of various technical features. Specifically, the circular conveying track 100 provides the basic physical framework for the cyclical movement of all conveying carriers 200; multiple processing unit interfaces 300 distributed along the track serve as nodes for physical docking and data interaction between the conveying system and various processing equipment; the controller, which can be a Siemens S7-1500 series PLC, serves as the system's control core, electrically connecting to and uniformly managing the drive of the circular conveying track 100, the data from the coating status monitor 230 on the conveying carrier 200, the data from the status data probes 320 at the processing unit interfaces 300, and the data from the positioning reading points 120. This structure enables the controller to integrate three types of heterogeneous information in real time: the screen's own state, the future state of the processing units, and the position of the conveying carrier 200, providing a data foundation for dynamically generating conveying instructions. This effectively addresses the production needs of multiple varieties and changing processes, improving the overall operating efficiency of the production line.

[0047] The circular conveyor track 100 includes a track body 110 and a drive device. The driving force of the drive device is transmitted through a chain to the chain meshing teeth at the bottom of the meshing conveyor 200 to drive the conveyor 200 to move synchronously along the track body 110.

[0048] In this embodiment, the structure of the annular conveyor track 100 is further described. The annular conveyor track 100 consists of a track body 110 and a drive device. The track body 110 can be assembled from modular aluminum profiles, and its upper surface is machined with V-grooves for guidance and load-bearing to ensure the smooth movement of the conveyor carrier 200. The drive device provides the power source for the synchronous movement of the conveyor carrier 200. The connection relationship can be diverse, as long as it can achieve the function of driving all conveyor carriers 200 to move synchronously. For example, the drive device can be a servo motor, such as the Panasonic MINASA6 series, with its output shaft connected to the drive sprocket. It meshes with the chain teeth at the bottom of all conveyor carriers 200 through a closed-loop chain. When the servo motor rotates, the chain moves accordingly, and through the meshing action, it drives all conveyor carriers 200 to move precisely along the track body 110 at the same speed. To ensure the constant chain tension during long-distance conveying, passive tensioning wheels and guide support wheels can be added at the corners or long straight sections of the track. Through this design, the drive unit achieves centralized and precise control over the position and speed of all 200 conveying carriers, providing a reliable physical guarantee for the accurate execution of subsequent dynamic scheduling commands.

[0049] The coating condition monitor 230 is a non-contact capacitive sensor array. The capacitive sensor array generates data reflecting the degree of solvent evaporation in the coating by measuring the change in capacitance between itself and the coating surface of the screen.

[0050] In this embodiment, the function and structure of the coating state monitor 230 are explained. The purpose of the coating state monitor 230 is to convert the critical but invisible process state of the screen coating into a quantifiable digital signal. It can be a non-contact multi-point capacitive sensor array, the core of which can be constructed using a capacitive digital converter chip such as the AD7746 from Analog Devices. This array is installed at the center of the carrier tray 210 of the transport carrier 200, with the detection surface facing the adhesive surface of the screen. The working principle is that as the solvent in the screen coating continues to evaporate, the dielectric constant between the adhesive surface and the sensor array will change, resulting in a regular change in the capacitance value between the two. The capacitive sensor array continuously measures this change in capacitance value and outputs the amount or rate of change as raw data. After receiving this data, the controller can know in real time the degree to which the coating is approaching curing. This method transforms the process control that previously relied on experience or fixed time into precise data-driven control based on the physical state of the product itself, providing a direct and real-time input for calculating the accurate process window.

[0051] In one specific, but non-limiting, embodiment, the non-contact capacitive sensor array can be arranged in a nine-point matrix, 3x3 layout, uniformly covering an area of ​​approximately 20cm x 20cm at the center of the carrier tray 210 to accommodate screens of different sizes. When acquiring data, the controller simultaneously reads data from all nine sensors. To eliminate interference that may be caused by screen edge effects or uneven local coating, the controller can execute a simple data filtering algorithm: first, automatically remove the highest and lowest values ​​from the nine readings, and then arithmetically average the capacitance change rates of the remaining seven points. In this way, the system can obtain a stable and reliable average change rate value that better represents the coating state of the entire core area of ​​the screen, which is then used as input to the process window conversion model. This array-based measurement and data processing method significantly improves the anti-interference capability and accuracy of data acquisition compared to single-point measurement.

[0052] The status data probe 320 is a communication gateway with an integrated industrial bus protocol, used to connect to the PLC controller of the processing unit and read internal register data of the device, including the remaining time of the current operation.

[0053] In this embodiment, the implementation and function of the status data probe 320 are specified. The goal of the status data probe 320 is to obtain the future availability status of the processing unit, rather than merely its current occupied or idle status. Specifically, it can be implemented as a communication gateway integrating multiple industrial bus protocols, such as Modbus and Profinet, or the Moxa MGate5105 series. This communication gateway is directly connected to the PLC controller of the corresponding processing unit via a physical cable, such as a Siemens S7-1200 PLC used in an oven. After the connection is established, the status data probe 320 can directly read the registers storing specific operating data inside the PLC according to a preset protocol and address; the key data is the remaining time of the current operation. By reading this data, the controller no longer treats the processing unit as a simple busy / idle state machine, but can accurately predict the exact future availability time of the unit. This provides data support for shifting the conveyor scheduling from passive waiting to proactive prediction and planning, enabling the system to perform longer-term and optimized path and timing arrangements.

[0054] The device also includes at least one temporary buffer lift 400, which is disposed beside the circular conveyor track 100 and controlled by a controller, for temporarily parking a designated conveyor carrier 200 outside the circular conveyor track 100.

[0055] In this embodiment, the temporary buffer lifting frame 400 provides the system with the ability to handle scheduling conflicts and avoid traffic congestion. When the controller predicts that the process window of a screen on a certain conveyor 200 cannot match the available time of any target processing unit, a temporary parking area is required. The temporary buffer lifting frame 400 is set next to the circular conveyor track 100. The lifting action can be realized by a ball screw mechanism driven by a stepper motor to ensure the accuracy of vertical positioning. Its core actions include receiving and releasing the conveyor 200. When receiving the carrier, the lifting platform moves to the same height as the main track. The lateral docking mechanism can be driven by a cylinder to dock with the main track. The electromagnetic push rod pushes the conveyor 200 from the side out of the main drive chain, so that it slides onto the stationary guide rail of the lifting frame. When it is necessary to release the carrier, the controller monitors the running status of the main drive chain. When a suitable meshing gap appears on the chain, it instructs the lifting frame to push the carrier in the opposite direction, so that the chain meshing teeth at its bottom fall back into the chain gap, and resume its movement on the main track. The presence of the temporary buffer lifting frame 400 greatly enhances the flexibility of the conveying system, ensuring that carriers waiting due to process time mismatches do not block the main road and guaranteeing the smooth operation of the entire production line.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Please see Figure 3 A method for conveying printing screens during production and processing, the method being executed by a controller, comprising:

[0058] Three types of data are collected and integrated: the identity information of the transport carrier 200 obtained by the positioning reading point 120, which is used to bind the preset process path; real-time coating status data obtained by the coating status monitor 230; and target processing unit status data obtained by the status data probe 320.

[0059] Based on real-time coating status data, the real-time coating status data is calculated into a process window period through a preset process window conversion model. The process window period is set as a mandatory time constraint for the delivery task.

[0060] The process window period is a dynamically quantified time constraint indicator used to characterize the maximum allowable waiting time before the screen coating fails due to excessive solvent evaporation in its current state; this time is a key logical judgment basis for ensuring product quality and preventing screen scrap.

[0061] Based on the target processing unit status data, predict and generate a list of future available time points for all target processing units;

[0062] Based on the current location of the conveyor 200, the process path, the process window period, and the list of future available time points, the estimated arrival time of the conveyor 200 to each target processing unit is calculated, and the optimal conveying instruction is dynamically generated and executed by comparing the estimated arrival time with the process window period.

[0063] When the expected arrival time exceeds the process window, this status will act as a logic trigger signal, causing the controller to immediately execute the plan to send the conveyor 200 to the temporary buffer area, thereby preventing product failure.

[0064] In this embodiment, the execution flow of the conveying method reflects the data-driven decision-making logic of the system. The controller collects and fuses multi-source data. When the conveying carrier 200 passes the positioning reading point 120, such as an RFID reader, its identification tag 220 is read. Based on this unique identification information, the controller retrieves the preset process path of the screen printing plate from the upper management system, clarifying the sequence of processing units it needs to pass through. At the same time, the controller continuously obtains real-time coating status data from the coating status monitor 230 on the conveying carrier 200 and obtains the status data of each unit from the status data probes 320 at the interfaces 300 of all potential target processing units. The controller processes and calculates this data. It inputs the real-time coating status data into the preset process window conversion model to calculate the maximum allowable waiting time before the screen printing plate coating fails, i.e., the process window period. This time is used as a hard constraint for scheduling decisions. At the same time, it uses the target processing unit status data obtained from the status data probes 320 to generate a list containing the precise future available time points of all target processing units, and the controller makes dynamic decisions. It combines the current position of the conveyor 200, its associated process path, the calculated process window, and a list of predicted future available time points to calculate the estimated arrival time for each possible target processing unit. By comparing these estimated arrival times with the process window, the controller can dynamically generate and execute optimal conveying instructions, which drive the conveyor 200 to the most suitable target or temporary buffer area.

[0065] It should be noted that the "optimal" in this embodiment specifically refers to: under the premise of strictly adhering to the mandatory time constraints set by the process window, selecting the execution path that minimizes the expected arrival time for the current independent conveying task; this decision focuses on the immediate efficiency and process success rate of a single screen conveying task, rather than making a global optimization prediction of the future state of the entire production line that includes complex variables; the optimal instruction under this definition ensures that each screen can enter the next available workstation in the fastest way without failure, thereby directly and effectively solving the problems of production line waiting and bottleneck congestion caused by the mismatch between conveying and production cycle.

[0066] The process window conversion model is a pre-calibrated functional relationship that maps the rate of change of capacitance measured by the coating condition monitor 230 to the maximum allowable waiting time before coating failure.

[0067] In this embodiment, the process window conversion model is the key to achieving precise time constraints;

[0068] The purpose of the process window conversion model is to accurately estimate the remaining effective time before the screen coating fails by measuring quantifiable capacitance changes, even when the physical state of the coating cannot be directly perceived. Logically, the model maps the input real-time capacitance change rate data to the maximum allowable waiting time before coating failure through a pre-calibrated functional relationship. Overall, the model characterizes the complete physical process and dynamic characteristics of the coating's curing failure, which is caused by the change in dielectric constant between the coating surface and the non-contact capacitance sensor array as the solvent in the coating continuously evaporates.

[0069] This model is not a fixed time parameter, but a functional relationship that can reflect the dynamic changes in the process;

[0070] The input to this processing flow is the real-time capacitance change rate data from the coating condition monitor 230. The logical steps are as follows: Step 1: The controller continuously collects capacitance values ​​from the coating condition monitor 230 at fixed time intervals, such as 10 seconds. Step 2: The controller calculates the rate of change of capacitance values ​​between two consecutive collections, i.e., the capacitance change rate. Step 3: The controller substitutes this real-time capacitance change rate into a pre-calibrated function relationship. Output and flow: The final output of the process is the process window period, which is then transmitted to the decision module for comparison with the expected inbound time, thereby dynamically generating the optimal delivery instruction.

[0071] This functional relationship needs to be obtained in advance through experimental calibration. The process is as follows: For a specific type of photosensitive adhesive and a specific ambient temperature and humidity, the experimenter records multiple corresponding data points of capacitance change rate measured by the coating state monitor 230 and the remaining time before the failure point throughout the entire process from the completion of the coating to the failure of the coating due to over-curing. By curve fitting these data points, the functional relationship can be obtained. This functional relationship is stored in the controller, with the input being the real-time monitored capacitance change rate and the output being the maximum allowable waiting time before the coating fails. For example, a higher capacitance change rate may be mapped to a shorter maximum waiting time, and vice versa. In this way, the process window conversion model transforms the abstract process state change into a specific time limit that can be used for scheduling algorithms, so that the delivery decision can closely match the actual process requirements of the product.

[0072] To further illustrate the model establishment process, a non-limiting specific method is provided: Under a constant temperature and humidity environment, such as 25°C and 60%RH, a screen coated with a specific photosensitive emulsion is continuously monitored. Timing begins from the moment coating is completed, and the controller records the rate of change of capacitance value measured by the coating state monitor 230 at fixed time intervals, such as 10 seconds. Simultaneously, at regular intervals, such as 2 minutes, samples are taken out for standard exposure and development tests to determine whether they are still within the effective process period, until the critical time point of coating failure is found and recorded as failure. .

[0073] For failure Data points recorded at any previous time point can be used to calculate the corresponding remaining effective process time before failure. Therefore, a set of data pairs can be obtained. The rate of change of capacitance at time t, and the remaining effective process time; plot these data pairs on a coordinate system, and determine the functional relationship using standard curve fitting techniques, such as the least squares method. For example, this relationship can be fitted to a second-order polynomial:

[0074]

[0075] in:

[0076] : This represents the remaining effective process time calculated by the model, i.e., the process window period.

[0077] : Represents the rate of change of capacitance value measured in real time by coating condition monitor 230, and is an input variable of the model.

[0078] : These are the coefficients of the quadratic and linear terms of the model, determined by the curve fitting process, reflecting the nonlinear effect of the capacitance change rate on time decay.

[0079] : is a constant term, which is also determined by the fitting process.

[0080] This functional relationship is pre-programmed into the controller. During actual operation, the controller substitutes the real-time measured values ​​into this formula to dynamically calculate the current precise value. Furthermore, the rate of change of the critical capacitance value observed in the experiment that leads to coating failure was set as the process failure threshold, used to trigger early warnings or mandatory scheduling instructions.

[0081] The target processing unit status data is the remaining time of the current operation recorded in the processing unit PLC controller;

[0082] The remaining time for the current job is key data reflecting the future availability of the processing unit, representing how much longer the currently ongoing job will take to complete, and is the basis for predictive scheduling. This data is obtained by connecting to the processing unit's PLC controller via a status data probe 320 and reading its internal registers. For example, when a baking oven's PLC starts a 10-minute baking job, it sets the value of its internal timer register to 600 seconds and begins to decrement it. The status data probe 320 periodically reads the value of this register.

[0083] In this embodiment, the specific content of the target processing unit's status data is clearly defined. To predict the future availability of the processing unit, the data collected by the system is not simply an idle or occupied signal. The core data that the controller reads from the PLC controller of the target processing unit through the status data probe 320 is the value of the remaining time of its current operation. This value is usually stored in the PLC's internal data register and is updated in real time by the PLC's own program. For example, when a baking oven's PLC starts a 10-minute baking operation, it sets the value of its internal timer register to 600 seconds and begins to decrease. The status data probe 320 periodically reads the value of this register. When the controller reads a value of 300 seconds, it can accurately predict that the oven will become idle in 5 minutes. Obtaining the data of the remaining time of the current operation is the basis for upgrading from reactive scheduling to predictive scheduling. It enables the controller to anticipate future opportunities and make more reasonable and efficient delivery arrangements.

[0084] The step of generating and executing the optimal delivery instructions further includes:

[0085] When the estimated arrival time of at least one target processing unit is less than the process window period, the transport command is used to drive the transport carrier 200 to the target processing unit with the shortest estimated arrival time.

[0086] When the estimated arrival time of all target processing units is greater than the process window period, the transport command is used to drive the transport carrier 200 to the nearest temporary buffer lift 400.

[0087] Here, "nearest" refers to the temporary buffer lift 400 that is closest to the current position of the conveyor 200 in terms of physical distance or travel time. The controller calculates the travel time from the current positioning reading point 120 to each temporary buffer lift 400 using pre-set track layout data and selects the one with the shortest travel time. After the conveyor 200 is moved off the main track, it will be parked on the temporary buffer lift 400 until the controller detects that its next target processing unit 300 has become available and that the estimated arrival time from the temporary parking position back to the main track and to that processing unit meets the process window constraint again. Only then will the controller execute the command to send the carrier 200 back to the main track. This command pushes the carrier 200 out through the lift, causing the chain meshing teeth at its bottom to fall back into the empty space of the main drive chain, resuming its movement on the main track.

[0088] In this embodiment, the specific decision-making logic for generating and executing the optimal conveying instruction is described in detail. After integrating all necessary data and calculation results, the controller's decision-making process follows a clear judgment criterion. The controller calculates the estimated arrival time for the current conveying carrier 200 to each feasible target processing unit. This time is the sum of the travel time from the current position to the target interface and the predicted waiting time of the target unit, i.e., the remaining time of the current operation. The controller compares this estimated arrival time with the process window period calculated based on the real-time status of the screen.

[0089] The remaining time of the current job serves as a key component in calculating the estimated inbound time, providing the controller with the ability to predict future available time points, enabling the system to perform longer-term and optimized path and timing arrangements.

[0090] The decision-making logic operates in two scenarios. First, if at least one value in the calculated list of estimated arrival times is less than the process window, it indicates that at least one solution can complete the delivery before the screen printing plate is scrapped. In this case, the controller selects the solution with the shortest estimated arrival time, generates a delivery command, and drives the delivery carrier 200 to that target processing unit. Second, if the estimated arrival times for all target processing units are greater than the process window, it indicates that directly going to any unit will result in product defects. In this case, the controller's command changes; instead of ordering the delivery carrier 200 to go to the production unit, it instructs it to go to the nearest temporary buffer lift 400 for parking. This avoids product scrapping and prevents waiting carriers from blocking the main pipeline, demonstrating the system's intelligent response capability when facing scheduling conflicts.

[0091] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conveying method for printing screen production and processing, the conveying method being implemented based on a conveying device for printing screen production and processing, characterized in that, The conveying device includes: A circular conveyor track (100) is used to provide the physical path for cyclical motion; Multiple conveying carriers (200) are movably disposed on the annular conveying track (100), and each conveying carrier (200) is provided with an identification tag (220) for storing its own unique identification code and a coating status monitor (230) for monitoring the coating status of the screen printing plate. Multiple processing unit interfaces (300) are distributed along the annular conveyor track (100), and each processing unit interface (300) is provided with a status data probe (320) for reading the internal operating data of the processing unit. Multiple positioning reading points (120) are set in front of each of the processing unit interfaces (300) of the circular conveying track (100) for reading the identification tag (220) of the conveying carrier (200). The controller is electrically connected to the annular conveyor track (100), the coating status monitor (230), the status data probe (320), the positioning reading point (120), and the temporary buffer lifting frame (400). The method is executed by the controller and includes: Three types of data are collected and integrated, including: the identity information of the transport carrier (200) obtained by the positioning reading point (120), which is used to bind the preset process path; real-time coating status data obtained by the coating status monitor (230); and target processing unit status data obtained by the status data probe (320). Based on the real-time coating status data, the real-time coating status data is calculated into a process window period through a preset process window conversion model. The process window period is set as a mandatory time constraint for the delivery task. Based on the target processing unit status data, predict and generate a list of future available time points for all target processing units; Based on the current position of the conveyor (200), the process path, the process window period, and the list of future available time points, the estimated arrival time of the conveyor (200) to each target processing unit is calculated, and the optimal conveying instruction is dynamically generated and executed by comparing the estimated arrival time with the process window period.

2. The conveying method for printing screen production and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular conveying track (100) includes a track body (110) and a driving device. The driving force of the driving device is transmitted through a chain to the chain meshing teeth at the bottom of the meshing conveying carrier (200) to drive the conveying carrier (200) to move synchronously along the track body (110).

3. The conveying method for printing screen production and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coating condition monitor (230) is a non-contact capacitive sensor array. The capacitive sensor array generates data reflecting the degree of solvent evaporation of the coating by measuring the change in capacitance between itself and the coating surface of the screen.

4. The conveying method for printing screen production and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The status data probe (320) is a communication gateway integrated with the industrial bus protocol, used to connect to the PLC controller of the processing unit and read the internal register data of the device, including the remaining time of the current operation.

5. The conveying method for printing screen production and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes at least one temporary buffer lift (400), which is disposed beside the annular conveyor track (100) and controlled by the controller, for temporarily parking the designated conveyor carrier (200) outside the annular conveyor track (100).

6. The conveying method for printing screen production and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process window conversion model is a pre-calibrated functional relationship, which maps the rate of change of capacitance value measured by the coating condition monitor (230) to the maximum allowable waiting time before coating failure.

7. The conveying method for printing screen production and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target processing unit status data is the remaining time of the current operation recorded in the processing unit PLC controller.

8. The conveying method for printing screen production and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of generating and executing the optimal delivery instruction further includes: When the estimated arrival time of at least one target processing unit is less than the process window period, the transport command is used to drive the transport carrier (200) to the target processing unit with the shortest estimated arrival time; When the estimated arrival time of all target processing units is greater than the process window period, the transport command is used to drive the transport carrier (200) to the nearest temporary buffer lift (400).

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