Multi-host automatic production line and workpiece exchange method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-host automatic production line and a workpiece exchange method thereof.The production line comprises a plurality of hosts, a plurality of automatic platen exchange stations, a transportation unit and a storage unit, and each host is correspondingly provided with one automatic platen exchange station; each automatic platen exchange station is located between the corresponding main machine and the conveying unit, each automatic platen exchange station is used for temporarily storing workpieces and achieving rapid exchange of the workpieces between the automatic platen exchange station and the corresponding main machine, a plurality of storage positions are arranged on the storage unit, and the storage unit is used for storing to-be-machined workpieces and machined workpieces. The conveying unit is used for conveying workpieces between the storage unit and the multiple automatic platen exchange stations. The automatic bedplate exchange station is additionally arranged between the host and the storage unit, and the working process of the host is separated from the logistics conveying process of the storage unit, so that an original long cycle is decomposed into two parallel small cycles, the waiting time of the host is shortened, and the overall operation efficiency of the production line is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated processing production line technology, specifically to a multi-master automated production line and its workpiece exchange method, which is particularly suitable for multi-machine collaborative production scenarios that require frequent workpiece loading and unloading and long transportation distances. Background Technology

[0002] Early machine tools relied heavily on manual operation, with each machine running independently. Manual loading, unloading, and workpiece transfer between processes were required, limiting production efficiency. As the machine tool industry moves towards automation, automated production lines consisting of multiple main machines, transport units, loading / unloading units, and storage units have become increasingly common. These automated lines can operate continuously for 24 hours, with automatic workpiece transfer between processes, significantly improving equipment utilization and reducing labor costs.

[0003] However, in practical applications, it has been found that as the number of processing units increases and warehousing needs expand, the movement path required for transport units (such as stacker cranes or shuttles) to retrieve and place workpieces from storage units becomes longer, increasing the time required. During this process, the main machine that has completed processing must wait for the transport unit to deliver new workpieces before starting the next cycle, resulting in idle main machines and affecting the overall line efficiency. Especially when there are many storage locations, the round-trip time of the transport units becomes a bottleneck restricting production efficiency.

[0004] Figure 1 This is a top view of the layout of a typical automated production line. Figure 1 Taking the production line shown as an example, the production line includes a main unit 1, a transport unit 2, and a storage unit 3. Workpieces are placed on trays 4. After processing, trays 4 are stored in a specific location of the storage unit 3 via the transport unit 2. Subsequently, the transport unit 2 retrieves a new tray containing the next workpiece from another location and sends it to the main unit 1 for processing. During this process, when there are many storage locations in the storage unit, the round-trip travel time of the transport unit 2 is long, causing the main unit 1 to be in a waiting state, thus reducing the overall line operating efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multi-master automated production line and its workpiece exchange method in view of the shortcomings of the prior art. By adding an automated table exchange station between the master and the storage unit, the workflow of the master is separated from the logistics transportation process of the storage unit, thereby decomposing the original long cycle into two parallel small cycles, so as to reduce the waiting time of the master and improve the overall operating efficiency of the production line.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a multi-master automated production line, including multiple master machines, multiple automated platen exchange stations, a transportation unit and a storage unit. Each master machine is configured with one automated platen exchange station. Each automated platen exchange station is located between the corresponding master machine and the transportation unit. Each automated platen exchange station is used to temporarily store workpieces and realize the rapid exchange of workpieces with the corresponding master machine. The storage unit is provided with multiple storage locations. The storage unit is used to store workpieces to be processed and processed workpieces. The transportation unit is used to transport workpieces between the storage unit and the multiple automated platen exchange stations.

[0007] Preferably, each automated pallet exchange station includes a piping assembly, a base assembly, a slide assembly, and a hook arm assembly. The piping assembly is connected to the base assembly and provides hydraulic, pneumatic, and lubricating media. The slide assembly is movably mounted on the base assembly and is used to temporarily store workpieces and facilitate workpiece repositioning within the automated pallet exchange station. The hook arm assembly is mounted on the slide assembly and is used to pull workpieces from the host machine into the automated pallet exchange station or push workpieces from the automated pallet exchange station into the host machine. The centralized supply of hydraulic, pneumatic, and lubricating media through the piping assembly ensures stable operation of the automated pallet exchange station. The movable slide assembly, mounted on the base assembly, allows for temporary workpiece storage and repositioning within the automated pallet exchange station. The hook arm assembly, mounted on the slide assembly, is responsible for pulling workpieces from the host machine or pushing them from the automated pallet exchange station into the host machine. The components of the aforementioned automated pallet exchange station have clearly defined functions and reliable operation, providing a structural foundation for rapid exchange between the host machine and the automated pallet exchange station.

[0008] Preferably, the base assembly includes a base bed, a bed guide rail, a lead screw drive mechanism, and a chip conveyor. The bed guide rail is arranged along the length of the base bed, and the slide assembly is slidably engaged with the bed guide rail. The lead screw drive mechanism is mounted on the base bed and is drively connected to the slide assembly. The lead screw drive mechanism drives the slide assembly to reciprocate along the bed guide rail, and the chip conveyor is installed on both sides of the base bed. The above-mentioned base assembly has a simple and reliable structure, and can stably realize the position transfer of workpieces within the automated table exchange station. The chip conveyor, installed on both sides of the base bed, can collect iron filings falling during processing, keeping the equipment and floor clean and preventing iron filings from accumulating and affecting equipment operation.

[0009] Preferably, the slide assembly includes a slide, a roller plate, multiple rollers, and a fixing pin. The slide slide is slidably engaged with the bed guide rail. The roller plate is fixed to the slide slide. The multiple rollers are spaced apart and mounted on the roller plate. The multiple rollers support the workpiece and allow the workpiece to move back and forth. The fixing pin is mounted on the slide slide and is used to insert into the bottom of the workpiece during workpiece waiting time to restrict the workpiece position. This slide assembly facilitates stable and reliable workpiece hooking or pushing operations and effectively prevents accidental movement of the workpiece during waiting time, ensuring the accuracy of the workpiece's position when stored in the automated table exchange station.

[0010] Preferably, the hook arm assembly includes a hook arm base, a hook arm guide rail, a hook arm, a hook arm head, and a hydraulic cylinder. The hook arm guide rail and the hydraulic cylinder are fixed to the hook arm base. The hook arm is slidably engaged with the hook arm guide rail and connected to the drive end of the hydraulic cylinder. The hook arm head is connected to the hook arm via a hook arm chain, achieving double the stroke movement when the hook arm moves, for hooking or pushing workpieces. The hook arm chain drive enables double the stroke movement of the hook arm head during hook arm movement, allowing the hook arm assembly to complete hooking or pushing actions over a greater distance within a limited space, resulting in a compact structure and highly efficient operation.

[0011] Preferably, each host machine includes a host bed, a slide, and a pressure plate. The slide is connected to the host bed via a first drive mechanism, which drives the slide to reciprocate along the host bed. The pressure plate supports a table, and the table has grooves on its side. The pressure plate is connected to the slide via a second drive mechanism, which drives the pressure plate to rise and fall to engage or disengage with the hook arm assembly. The first drive mechanism drives the slide to reciprocate along the bed, allowing adjustment of the host machine's processing position. The second drive mechanism drives the pressure plate to rise and fall; during workpiece transfer, the pressure plate rises to engage the hook arm head into the table groove, and then falls to disengage the hook arm head, achieving reliable engagement and disengagement with the hook arm assembly and ensuring smooth workpiece transfer between the host machine and the automated table exchange station. The first and second drive mechanisms employ existing drive methods, such as hydraulic cylinders and lead screws.

[0012] Preferably, the transport unit includes a frame, a lifting platform, forks, and a pallet. The lifting platform is vertically movable on the frame. The forks are mounted on the lifting platform via guide rails and can move back and forth. The pallet is connected to the forks via a pallet chain, allowing for double the travel distance when the forks move. The pallet is used to retrieve and place workpieces from the storage unit and transport them to the automated pallet exchange station. This transport unit enables efficient workpiece retrieval between the storage unit and the exchange station. Its vertically movable lifting platform on the frame can adapt to storage units of varying heights; the pallet directly carries the workpieces and transports them to the automated pallet exchange station, resulting in a compact structure and reliable operation.

[0013] Preferably, the storage unit is a multi-layer structure constructed from profiles. The multi-layer storage configuration of the storage unit can fully utilize vertical space to increase the number of storage locations, meeting the needs of large-scale production for workpiece storage and providing sufficient workpiece reserves for continuous production line operation.

[0014] A workpiece exchange method for a multi-host automated production line, applied to the aforementioned production line, includes the following steps: S1: Use an automated table exchange station to temporarily store workpieces to be processed and workpieces that have already been processed; S2: After the main machine finishes processing, the processed workpiece is removed from the main machine through the corresponding automated table exchange station, and the workpiece to be processed is sent from the automated table exchange station to the main machine. S3: During or after the main machine is processing, the workpiece is transported between the storage unit and the automated table exchange station via the transport unit to replenish the workpieces to be processed and to remove the processed workpieces.

[0015] Preferably, each automated worktable exchange station has three workstations: workstation B, which interfaces with the corresponding host computer; workstation A, which stores workpieces awaiting processing; and workstation C, which stores processed workpieces awaiting retrieval by the transport unit. Each automated worktable exchange station enables the workpiece to be moved between the three workstations. Under this technical solution, workpieces awaiting processing are always ready at workstation A, while processed workpieces await retrieval at workstation C. The transport unit can leave after delivering a new workpiece to workstation A, achieving seamless connection between all stages, further shortening cycle time and improving production efficiency.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: (1) The multi-master automated production line of the present invention, by setting up an automated table exchange station between the master and the transport unit, splits the conventional single long cycle in which the transport unit directly serves the master into two independent small cycles: the master and the automated table exchange station, and the automated table exchange station and the storage unit. This allows the master to immediately start the next processing after it finishes processing without waiting for the transport unit to pick up the parts from a distance. The transport unit also does not need to wait for the master to process the parts before it can transport the workpieces between the storage unit and the automated table exchange station, thereby effectively reducing the master's waiting time and improving the overall operating efficiency of the production line.

[0017] (2) The workpiece exchange method of the multi-master automated production line of the present invention temporarily stores the workpieces to be processed and the workpieces already processed through the automated table exchange station. After the master machine finishes processing, the workpieces are exchanged using the automated table exchange station. At the same time or afterward, the transport unit transports the workpieces between the storage unit and the automated table exchange station, so that the master machine processing cycle and the transport unit transport cycle run independently of each other. The master machine can process continuously without waiting for the transport unit to go back and forth, and the transport unit can transport the workpieces without waiting for the master machine to process, which significantly improves the overall line operating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A top view of the layout of a typical automated production line; Figure 2 This is a top view of the layout of the multi-host automated production line in Example 1; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the multi-host automated production line in Example 1 (the figure shows one host and one automated table exchange station). Figure 4 This is an external view of a single automated platform exchange station in Example 1 (two platforms are shown in the figure). Figure 5 This is an external view of the base assembly in Embodiment 1; Figure 6 This is an external view of the slide assembly in Example 1 (the figure shows a platform). Figure 7 This is an external view of the hook arm assembly in Example 1; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the hook arm assembly in Example 1; Figure 9 This is a simplified diagram of the appearance of a single host unit in Example 1; Figure 10 This is an external view of the transport unit in Example 1; Figure 11 This is an external view of the storage unit in Example 1; Figures 1-11 The specific reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1-Main unit, 2-Transportation unit, 3-Storage unit, 4-Table, 5-Automatic table exchange station, 6-Pipeline assembly, 7-Base assembly, 8-Slide assembly, 9-Hook arm assembly, 10-Base bed, 11-Screw drive mechanism, 12-Bed guide rail, 13-Chip conveyor, 14-Slide, 15-Roller plate, 16-Fixing pin, 17-Roller, 18-Hook arm base, 19-Hook arm linear guide, 20-Hook arm head, 21-Hook arm, 22-Hydraulic cylinder, 23-Hook arm chain, 24-Main unit bed, 25-Slide seat, 26-Pressure plate, 27-Frame, 28-Lifting platform, 29-Fork arm, 30-Pallet, 31-Storage location, 32-Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Components and structures not limited thereto in the present invention are all constructed using conventional techniques in the art.

[0020] Example 1: A multi-master automated production line, such as Figures 2-3 As shown, the system includes multiple main units 1, multiple automated pallet exchange stations 5, a transport unit 2, and a storage unit 3. Each main unit 1 is configured with one automated pallet exchange station 5. Each automated pallet exchange station 5 is located between its corresponding main unit 1 and the transport unit 2. Each automated pallet exchange station 5 is used to temporarily store workpieces and enable rapid exchange of workpieces with its corresponding main unit 1. The storage unit 3 is a multi-layer structure constructed from profiles, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the storage unit 3 is equipped with multiple storage locations 31. The storage unit 3 is used to store workpieces to be processed and workpieces that have been processed. The transportation unit 2 is used to transport workpieces between the storage unit 3 and multiple automated table exchange stations 5.

[0021] In Example 1, as Figures 4-8As shown, each automated table exchange station 5 includes a piping assembly 6, a base assembly 7, a slide assembly 8, and a hook arm assembly 9. The piping assembly 6 is connected to the base assembly 7 and is used to provide hydraulic, pneumatic, and lubricating media. The slide assembly 8 is movably mounted on the base assembly 7 and is used to temporarily store workpieces and realize the position change of workpieces within the automated table exchange station 5 (i.e., the movement of workpieces between different workstations). The hook arm assembly 9 is mounted on the slide assembly 8 and is used to pull workpieces from the host machine 1 into the automated table exchange station 5 or push workpieces from the automated table exchange station 5 into the host machine 1. Specifically, the base assembly 7 includes a base bed 10, a bed guide rail 12, a lead screw drive mechanism 11, and a chip conveyor 13. The bed guide rail 12 is arranged along the length direction of the base bed 10. The slide assembly 8 is slidably engaged with the bed guide rail 12. The lead screw drive mechanism 11 is mounted on the base bed 10 and is connected to the slide assembly 8 for transmission. 11 is used to drive the slide assembly 8 to reciprocate along the bed guide rail 12. The chip conveyor 13 is installed on both sides of the base bed 10. The slide assembly 8 includes a slide 14, a roller plate 15, multiple rollers 17, and a fixing pin 16. The slide 14 is slidably engaged with the bed guide rail 12. The roller plate 15 is fixed to the slide 14. Multiple rollers 17 are spaced apart on the roller plate 15. The multiple rollers 17 are used to support the workpiece and enable the workpiece to move back and forth. The fixing pin 16 is installed on the slide 14 and is used to drive the slide assembly 8 to reciprocate along the bed guide rail 12. The bottom of the workpiece is inserted during the workpiece waiting period to limit the workpiece position; the hook arm assembly 9 includes a hook arm base 18, a hook arm rail 19, a hook arm 21, a hook arm head 20 and a hydraulic cylinder 22. The hook arm rail 19 and the hydraulic cylinder 22 are fixed on the hook arm 21 base 18. The hook arm 21 is slidably engaged with the hook arm rail 19 and connected to the drive end of the hydraulic cylinder 22. The hook arm head 20 is connected to the hook arm 21 through the hook arm chain 23, and achieves double stroke movement when the hook arm 21 moves, for hooking or pushing the workpiece.

[0022] In Example 1, as Figure 9 As shown, each main unit 1 includes a main unit bed 24, a slide 25, and a pressure plate 26. The slide 25 is connected to the main unit bed 24 via a first drive mechanism, which drives the slide 25 to reciprocate along the main unit bed 24. The pressure plate 26 supports the table 4, and the side of the table 4 has grooves 32. The pressure plate 26 is connected to the slide 25 via a second drive mechanism, which drives the pressure plate 26 to rise and fall to achieve docking or disengagement with the hook arm assembly 9. The first and second drive mechanisms adopt existing drive methods, such as hydraulic cylinders and lead screws.

[0023] In Example 1, as Figure 10As shown, the transport unit 2 includes a frame 27, a lifting platform 28, a fork arm 29, and a pallet 30. The lifting platform 28 is movably mounted on the frame 27. The fork arm 29 is mounted on the lifting platform 28 via a guide rail and can move back and forth. The pallet 30 is connected to the fork arm 29 via a pallet chain, achieving double travel when the fork arm 29 moves. The pallet 30 is used to pick up and put down workpieces from the storage unit 3 and transport the workpieces to the automated pallet exchange station 5.

[0024] Example 2: A workpiece exchange method for a multi-host automated production line, applied to the production line described in Example 1. Each automated table exchange station 5 of this production line has three workstations, including workstation A for storing workpieces to be processed, workstation B for docking with the corresponding host machine 1, and workstation C for storing processed workpieces awaiting removal by the transport unit 2. The workpiece exchange method of this production line includes the following steps: 1) After the workpiece on the host machine 1 is processed, the hook arm assembly 9 of the automated table exchange station 5 extends to the groove of the workpiece table located at station B. The pressure plate 26 on the host machine 1 is lifted under the drive of the second drive mechanism, so that the hook arm head 20 of the hook arm assembly 9 is locked into the groove. Then the hook arm assembly 9 retracts and pulls the workpiece table from the host machine 1 into station B of the automated table exchange station 5. 2) The slide assembly 8 of the automated table exchange station 5 moves along the bed guide rail 12 to move the workpiece table to be processed at station A to station B which is connected to the host machine 1. At the same time, the processed workpiece table originally located at station B is moved to station C. 3) The hook arm assembly 9 moves horizontally, causing the hook arm head 20 to disengage from the processed workpiece table at station C and engage with the workpiece table to be processed at station B. Then the hook arm assembly 9 extends and pushes the workpiece table to be processed into the host machine 1. After it is in place, the pressure plate 26 on the host machine 1 presses down under the drive of the second drive mechanism, causing the hook arm head 20 to disengage, the hook arm assembly 9 retracts, and the host machine 1 begins processing. 4) At the same time or after the above steps, the transport unit 2 takes out the next workpiece table to be processed from the storage unit 3, transports it to station A of the automated table exchange station 5, and retrieves the processed workpiece table located at station C from the automated table exchange station 5 and puts it into the empty storage space 31 of the storage unit 3. 5) The slide assembly 8 moves again, moving the workpiece plate to be processed from station A to station B to wait for the next cycle. At the same time, the original station B position is vacated, and the entire structure returns to its initial state.

Claims

1. A multi-host automated production line, characterized in that, The system includes multiple main units, multiple automated workpiece exchange stations, a transport unit, and a storage unit. Each main unit is configured with one automated workpiece exchange station. Each automated workpiece exchange station is located between the corresponding main unit and the transport unit. Each automated workpiece exchange station is used to temporarily store workpieces and enable rapid exchange of workpieces with the corresponding main unit. The storage unit has multiple storage locations and is used to store workpieces to be processed and processed workpieces. The transport unit is used to transport workpieces between the storage unit and the multiple automated workpiece exchange stations.

2. The multi-master automated production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the automated table exchange stations includes a piping assembly, a base assembly, a slide assembly, and a hook arm assembly. The piping assembly is connected to the base assembly and is used to provide hydraulic, pneumatic, and lubricating media. The slide assembly is movably mounted on the base assembly and is used to temporarily store workpieces and realize the position change of workpieces within the automated table exchange station. The hook arm assembly is mounted on the slide assembly and is used to pull workpieces from the host machine into the automated table exchange station or push workpieces from the automated table exchange station into the host machine.

3. The multi-master automated production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base assembly includes a base bed, a bed guide rail, a lead screw drive mechanism, and a chip conveyor. The bed guide rail is arranged along the length of the base bed. The slide assembly is slidably engaged with the bed guide rail. The lead screw drive mechanism is mounted on the base bed and is connected to the slide assembly for transmission. The lead screw drive mechanism is used to drive the slide assembly to reciprocate along the bed guide rail. The chip conveyor is installed on both sides of the base bed.

4. The multi-master automated production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The slide assembly includes a slide, a roller plate, multiple rollers, and a fixing pin. The slide is slidably engaged with the bed guide rail. The roller plate is fixed to the slide. The multiple rollers are spaced apart on the roller plate. The multiple rollers are used to support the workpiece and enable the workpiece to move back and forth. The fixing pin is installed on the slide and is used to insert into the bottom of the workpiece during workpiece waiting period to limit the workpiece position.

5. The multi-master automated production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hook arm assembly includes a hook arm base, a hook arm rail, a hook arm, a hook arm head, and a hydraulic cylinder. The hook arm rail and the hydraulic cylinder are fixed on the hook arm base. The hook arm slides with the hook arm rail and is connected to the drive end of the hydraulic cylinder. The hook arm head is connected to the hook arm through a hook arm chain, achieving double the stroke when the hook arm moves, for hooking or pushing workpieces.

6. The multi-master automated production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the main units includes a main unit bed, a slide, and a pressure plate. The slide is connected to the main unit bed via a first drive mechanism, which drives the slide to reciprocate along the main unit bed. The pressure plate supports a table, and the side of the table has grooves. The pressure plate is connected to the slide via a second drive mechanism, which drives the pressure plate to rise and fall to engage or disengage with the hook arm assembly.

7. The multi-master automated production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport unit includes a frame, a lifting platform, forks, and a pallet. The lifting platform is movably mounted on the frame. The forks are mounted on the lifting platform via guide rails and can move back and forth. The pallet is connected to the forks via a pallet chain, achieving double travel when the forks move. The pallet is used to pick up and put down workpieces from the storage unit and transport the workpieces to the automated pallet exchange station.

8. The multi-master automated production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage unit is a multi-layered structure constructed from profiles.

9. A workpiece exchange method for a multi-master automated production line, applied to the production line described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Use an automated table exchange station to temporarily store workpieces to be processed and workpieces that have already been processed; S2: After the main machine finishes processing, the processed workpiece is removed from the main machine through the corresponding automated table exchange station, and the workpiece to be processed is sent from the automated table exchange station to the main machine. S3: During or after the main machine is processing, the workpiece is transported between the storage unit and the automated table exchange station via the transport unit to replenish the workpieces to be processed and to remove the processed workpieces.

10. The workpiece exchange method in a multi-master automated production line according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the automated table exchange stations has three workstations: workstation B, which interfaces with the corresponding host computer; workstation A, which stores workpieces to be processed; and workstation C, which stores processed workpieces awaiting pickup by the transport unit. Each automated table exchange station enables the workpiece to be moved between the three workstations.

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