Conveying device

Abstract

The conveying device comprises a conveying mechanism, a blocking mechanism and a detection mechanism, the blocking mechanism comprises a driving part and a blocking assembly, the driving part is arranged on a base and connected with the blocking assembly, and the driving part is used for driving the blocking assembly to move to the position above a conveying belt; the detection mechanism comprises a base, an optical sensor and a blowing assembly, a mounting cavity is formed in the base to mount the optical sensor, and the optical sensor is used for detecting the moving position of the blocking assembly; the air blowing assembly is arranged on the base and communicates with the mounting cavity, and the air blowing assembly is used for blowing air to the mounting cavity. According to the conveying device, the optical sensor can control the blocking assembly to stop at the accurate position by detecting the space position of the blocking assembly so as to block materials on the conveying belt from continuing to move. By arranging the air blowing assembly, dust in the working space where the optical sensor is located can be blown away, misrecognition of the optical sensor caused by dust accumulation is prevented, and therefore the accuracy of the stopping position of the blocking assembly can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of material conveying technology, and in particular to a conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industrial production, conveying devices are core equipment for automated material handling, widely used in packaging, sorting, assembly, and warehousing logistics. However, in actual working conditions, especially in industrial environments with high dust, humidity, or slight oil contamination, these traditional blocking devices exhibit significant limitations. A key drawback is that the sensors used to detect the position of the blocking devices, particularly optical sensors, are highly susceptible to contamination or obstruction by airborne pollutants. Dust accumulation severely attenuates the intensity of the detection beam, while moisture or oil can cause light refraction or complete blockage, preventing the sensors from accurately determining the real-time position of the blocking device. This leads to erroneous signal feedback and misjudgments by the control system, such as the blocking device being in position but not detected, or the blocking device not being reset but the system believing it has been reset. These misjudgments directly cause material blockages, inaccurate positioning, and even equipment collisions, severely restricting the continuity and stability of the production line and increasing equipment maintenance costs and the risk of production stoppages. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a conveying device that can prevent dust accumulation and ensure the accurate stopping position of the blocking components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, this application provides a conveying device in which an optical sensor can detect the spatial position of a blocking component to control it to stop at an accurate position to prevent the material on the conveyor belt from continuing to move. By setting up an air blowing component, dust in the working space where the optical sensor is located can be blown away, preventing dust accumulation from causing misidentification by the optical sensor, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the stopping position of the blocking component.

[0004] A conveying device includes a conveying mechanism, a blocking mechanism, and a detection mechanism. The conveying mechanism includes a base and a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt is driven on the base for placing materials.

[0005] The blocking mechanism includes a driving component and a blocking assembly. The driving component is disposed on the base and connected to the blocking assembly. The driving component is used to drive the blocking assembly to move above the conveyor belt. The detection mechanism includes a base, an optical sensor, and an air blowing assembly. The base has a mounting cavity for mounting the optical sensor, which is used to detect the movement position of the blocking assembly. The air blowing assembly is disposed on the base and communicates with the mounting cavity, and is used to blow air into the mounting cavity.

[0006] In the conveying device, an optical sensor is installed in the mounting cavity of the base. The optical sensor detects the movement of the blocking component, ensuring the beam path corresponds to the movement of the blocking component. It monitors and feeds back the spatial position signal of the blocking component to the control system in real time, allowing the blocking component to stop at a preset position and effectively block the material on the conveyor belt. To ensure the reliability of the detection process, the conveying device integrates an air blowing component, which continuously introduces gas into the sealed mounting cavity where the optical sensor is located, forming a directional, purified airflow. This effectively blows away and removes dust particles that enter the mounting cavity or adhere to the sensor's optical lens, maintaining a dust-free and dry detection microenvironment. This prevents the risk of misidentification, signal attenuation, or failure of the optical sensor due to dust accumulation obscuring the lens or interfering with the optical path, ensuring the continuous clarity and accuracy of the position detection signal. The air blowing component, by ensuring the reliability of the optical sensor, improves the stability and durability of the entire material conveying device in harsh industrial environments.

[0007] In one embodiment, the extending direction of the mounting cavity is parallel to the moving direction of the blocking assembly, the optical sensor is disposed in the mounting cavity and can emit a detection beam to the blocking assembly through the light outlet of the mounting cavity, the light outlet of the mounting cavity being directly opposite the blocking assembly.

[0008] In one embodiment, the drive unit includes a cylinder and a first air pipe connector, the first air pipe connector being connected to the cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder being connected to the blocking assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, the air blowing assembly includes an adapter fixed to the base and communicating with the mounting cavity, and the first air pipe connector is connected to the adapter via a pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, the optical sensor includes a connected optical fiber and a probe, the probe being disposed in the mounting cavity and facing the blocking assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the base has an air passage, one end of which is connected to the mounting cavity, and the other end is provided with the air blowing assembly, with the air passage facing the probe.

[0012] In one embodiment, the air blowing assembly is connected to a region in the mounting cavity located to the side or rear of the probe, and the air blowing direction of the air blowing assembly in the mounting cavity is toward the light outlet.

[0013] In one embodiment, the blocking assembly includes a movable block and a blocking frame, the movable block being connected to the drive member, the blocking frame being fixed to the movable block, and the blocking frame extending from the movable block to above the surface of the conveyor belt to prevent the material from moving with the conveyor belt.

[0014] In one embodiment, the movable block is slidably connected to the base.

[0015] In one embodiment, the direction of movement of the blocking component is perpendicular to the transmission direction of the conveyor belt. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission device according to one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Reference numerals: Conveying device 100; Conveying mechanism 200; Base 210; Blocking mechanism 300; Driving component 310; Cylinder 311; First air pipe connector 312; Blocking assembly 320; Moving block 321; Blocking frame 322; Detection mechanism 400; Base 410; Mounting cavity 411; Light outlet 4110; Optical sensor 420; Optical fiber 421; Probe 422; Air blowing assembly 430; Adapter 431. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, "multiple" means two or more; "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0020] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] In modern industrial production, conveying devices are core equipment for automated material handling, widely used in packaging, sorting, assembly, and warehousing logistics. These processes often require precise positioning and blocking of moving materials at specific workstations to facilitate subsequent operations such as detection, processing, barcode scanning, or sorting. Current technology primarily relies on simple mechanical levers or cylinder-driven stoppers to achieve this function. However, in actual working conditions, especially in dusty, humid, or slightly oily industrial environments, traditional stoppers exhibit significant limitations. A key drawback is that the sensors used to detect the stopper's position, particularly optical sensors, are highly susceptible to airborne contaminants adhering to or obstructing their lenses and optical paths. Dust accumulation severely attenuates the intensity of the detection beam, while moisture or oil can cause light refraction or complete blockage, preventing the sensor from accurately determining the stopper's real-time position. This leads to erroneous signal feedback and misjudgments by the control system. For example, the system might fail to detect the stopper when it is in position, or mistakenly believe the stopper has been reset when it has not. These misjudgments can directly lead to malfunctions such as material blockage, inaccurate positioning, and even equipment collisions, severely restricting the continuity and stability of the production line and increasing equipment maintenance costs and the risk of production stoppages. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a conveying device that can prevent dust accumulation and ensure the accuracy of the stopping position of the blocking components.

[0023] See Figures 1-2To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a conveying device 100, which relates to the field of industrial automation equipment technology and is particularly suitable for assembly line scenarios involving dust pollution, such as automobile manufacturing and electronic assembly. The conveying device 100 includes a conveying mechanism 200, a blocking mechanism 300, and a detection mechanism 400. The conveying mechanism 200 includes a base 210 and a conveyor belt, which is driven onto the base 210 for placing materials. The blocking mechanism 300 includes a driving member 310 and a blocking assembly 320. The driving member 310 is located on the base 210 and connected to the blocking assembly 320, and is used to drive the blocking assembly 320 to move above the conveyor belt. The detection mechanism 400 includes a base 410, an optical sensor 420, and an air blowing assembly 430. The base 410 has a mounting cavity 411 for mounting the optical sensor 420, which is used to detect the moving position of the blocking assembly 320. The air blowing assembly 430 is located on the base 410 and communicates with the mounting cavity 411, and is used to blow air into the mounting cavity 411. The optical sensor 420 can detect the spatial position of the blocking assembly 320 to control it to stop at an accurate position to prevent the material on the conveyor belt from continuing to move. By setting the air blowing component 430, dust in the working space where the optical sensor 420 is located can be blown away, preventing dust accumulation from causing misidentification of the optical sensor 420, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the stopping position of the blocking component 320.

[0024] Specifically, in this embodiment, the conveying device 100 includes a conveying mechanism 200, a blocking mechanism 300, and a detection mechanism 400. The conveying mechanism 200 includes a base 210 and a conveyor belt, with the base 210 providing reliable support for the conveying device 100. The conveyor belt is smoothly laid on the surface of the base 210 via drive rollers, forming a continuous material carrying surface. When the drive system is started, the conveyor belt maintains a uniform speed, continuously conveying the material placed on its surface in a predetermined direction. The drive component 310 is fixedly installed on the side of the base 210, and the output end of the drive component 310 is linked with the blocking component 320. According to the production process requirements, the drive component 310 can receive commands from the control system to drive the blocking component 320 to perform lifting and lowering actions. When it is necessary to interrupt the material flow, the blocking component 320 quickly descends to a predetermined height above the conveyor belt, forming a physical barrier. When it is necessary to resume flow, the blocking component 320 promptly rises to make way for the material. The detection mechanism 400 serves both monitoring and system protection functions. It comprises a mounting base 410, an optical sensing unit, and an airflow cleaning system. The mounting base 410 has a mounting cavity 411 inside, where the optical sensing unit is housed. The sensing unit captures the specific position and status of the blocking component 320 by emitting and receiving light signals.

[0025] Furthermore, the conveying device 100 integrates an air-blowing assembly 430, which is mounted on the base 410 and connected to the mounting cavity 411. The air-blowing assembly 430 is used to blow air into the mounting cavity 411. Maintaining communication with the mounting cavity 411 through the interface on the base 410, clean compressed air can be continuously supplied into the mounting cavity 411. This prevents external dust, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the mounting cavity 411, and also continuously cleans the surface of the optical lens through directional airflow, ensuring that the optical sensor 420 always receives a clear detection signal. This fundamentally solves the problem of misjudgment caused by contamination of the optical sensor 420 under harsh operating conditions in traditional conveying devices 100. By setting up the air-blowing assembly 430, dust in the working space where the optical sensor 420 is located can be blown away, preventing dust accumulation and misidentification of the optical sensor 420, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the stopping position of the blocking assembly 320. An optical sensor 420 is mounted in the mounting cavity 411 of the base 410. The optical sensor 420 is used to detect the movement position of the blocking component 320 and to detect the correspondence between the beam path and the movement of the blocking component 320. It can monitor and feed back the spatial position signal of the blocking component 320 to the control system in real time, so that the blocking component 320 can stop at a preset position to block the material on the conveyor belt. To ensure the reliability of the detection process, the conveying device 100 integrates an air blowing component 430, which continuously introduces gas into the sealed mounting cavity 411 where the optical sensor 420 is located, forming a directional flow of purified airflow. This effectively blows away and discharges dust particles that enter the mounting cavity 411 or adhere to the optical sensor 420, maintaining a dust-free and dry detection microenvironment. This prevents the risk of misidentification, signal attenuation, or failure of the optical sensor 420 due to dust accumulation obscuring the lens or interfering with the optical path, ensuring the continuous clarity and accuracy of the position detection signal. The air blowing assembly 430 enhances the stability and durability of the entire material conveying device 100 in harsh industrial environments by ensuring the reliability of the optical sensor 420.

[0026] Furthermore, the extension direction of the mounting cavity 411 is parallel to the moving direction of the blocking assembly 320. The optical sensor 420 is disposed within the mounting cavity 411 and can emit a detection beam to the blocking assembly 320 through the light outlet 4110 of the mounting cavity 411. The light outlet 4110 of the mounting cavity 411 faces the blocking assembly 320. Through the light outlet 4110, the optical sensor 420 can continuously emit a detection beam to the moving blocking assembly 320. The position of the light outlet 4110 is calibrated to ensure that its opening direction is completely aligned with the movement path of the blocking assembly 320. This ensures that no matter where the blocking assembly 320 moves under the drive of the drive member 310, as long as it enters the sensitive area covered by the detection beam, the optical sensor 420 can immediately sense and respond. The parallel arrangement ensures the stability of the detection beam propagation path and effectively avoids signal attenuation or misjudgment problems that may be caused by angular deviation or excessive distance.

[0027] Further, in this embodiment, the driving component 310 includes a cylinder 311 and a first air pipe connector 312. The cylinder 311 serves as a power unit, driving the piston rod to move linearly by the inflow and outflow of compressed air inside the cylinder 311. The first air pipe connector 312 is installed on the corresponding interface of the cylinder 311, connecting to a ventilation pipe from an external air source, stably introducing or exporting compressed air into or out of the cylinder 311, thereby providing the necessary power for the reciprocating motion of the cylinder 311. The first air pipe connector 312 connects to the cylinder 311, and the output end of the cylinder 311 connects to the blocking assembly 320. The reciprocating piston rod of the cylinder 311 is mechanically connected to the blocking assembly 320. When compressed air enters one side of the cylinder 311 through the first air pipe connector 312, it pushes the piston rod outward; when the compressed air switches to the other side, the piston rod retracts inward. Furthermore, the linear motion is transmitted to the blocking assembly 320.

[0028] In one embodiment, the air blowing assembly 430 includes an adapter 431, which is mounted on the base 410 of the detection mechanism 400. A first air pipe connector 312 is connected to the adapter 431 via a pipeline. The internal channel of the adapter 431 communicates with the mounting cavity 411 where the optical sensor 420 is located, forming a channel for airflow into the cavity. A streamlined connection scheme is adopted in the overall air circuit system design. In the aforementioned blocking mechanism 300, the first air pipe connector 312, which provides power to the cylinder 311, is not directly connected to the main air source, but is connected to the adapter 431 on the air blowing assembly 430 via a dedicated air pipeline. Compressed air is delivered to the adapter 431 via the air pipeline, and the airflow continues to enter the mounting cavity 411 through the adapter 431, forming a continuous positive pressure airflow. This effectively blows away the detection lens of the optical sensor 420, preventing dust and moisture accumulation and ensuring the reliability of the detection by the transmission device 100.

[0029] Furthermore, the optical sensor 420 includes an optical fiber 421 and a probe 422 connected together. The optical fiber 421 is responsible for signal transmission, while the probe 422 directly performs the optical detection task. The optical fiber 421 and the probe 422 are interconnected through an interface and work together to complete the detection function. The probe 422 is placed inside the mounting cavity 411 of the base 410. The detection end is precisely positioned and calibrated to ensure that the direction of its emitted and received light signals is directly facing the blocking component 320 to be detected, ensuring that the detection beam can reach the target along a direct path. When the optical sensor 420 is working, the probe 422 emits a detection beam towards the blocking component 320, and determines the position of the blocking component 320 based on the received reflected light. The light signal is then transmitted remotely to the controller via the optical fiber 421 for analysis, thereby achieving real-time and accurate monitoring of the position of the blocking component 320. It should be noted that when the conveyor 100 is in operation, the moving block 321 and the blocking frame 322 are driven to move by the cylinder 311, while the base 410, adapter 431, mounting cavity 411, and probe 422 remain stationary. The probe 422 is oriented towards the moving block 321 to detect its position in real time, ensuring that the blocking frame 322 can reach the designated position above the conveyor belt to block materials, such as PCB boards.

[0030] To ensure that dust in the working space of the optical sensor 420 is blown away and to prevent dust accumulation from causing misidentification of the optical sensor 420, thus ensuring the accuracy of the stopping position of the blocking component 320, an air passage is provided in the base 410. One end of the air passage is connected to the internal space of the mounting cavity 411 through a specific interface structure, while the other end serves as a gas inlet, securely connected to the air blowing component 430, thereby directly introducing the clean airflow generated by the air blowing component 430 into the interior of the base 410. It is important to note that the outlet direction of the air passage, i.e., the end connected to the mounting cavity 411, faces the internal optical probe 422, to ensure that the clean, dry compressed air delivered from the air blowing component 430 can form a directionally controllable airflow through the air passage and continuously blow towards the mirror surface or sensing window of the probe 422. The airflow can effectively sweep away and prevent pollutants such as dust and water vapor in the air from adhering and accumulating on the key optical sensor 420. At the same time, the small positive pressure environment it creates can also prevent the entry of external polluted air to a certain extent, thereby ensuring that the optical probe 422 maintains detection sensitivity and signal feedback during operation, so as to ensure the stability of the detection of the transmission device 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, the air blowing assembly 430 is connected to the area located to the side or rear of the probe 422 in the mounting cavity 411, which can prevent the airflow pipeline from obstructing or interfering with the detection optical path of the probe 422 itself. The air blowing direction of the air blowing assembly 430 in the mounting cavity 411 is towards the light outlet 4110. When compressed air is injected into the mounting cavity 411 from the side or rear of the probe 422, it will form a directional airflow along a preset direction. As the airflow flows towards the light outlet 4110, it will cover and sweep across the lens surface at the front of the probe 422 and the entire optical path channel. In some embodiments, the blocking assembly 320 includes a moving block 321 and a blocking frame 322. The moving block 321 is directly connected to the driving member 310. The moving block 321 can receive the linear driving force from the driving member 310 and transmit this power to the conveying device 100. The blocking frame 322 is fixed on the moving block 321. The blocking frame 322 bends and extends from the moving block 321 to above the surface of the conveyor belt to prevent the material from moving with the conveyor belt. When the driving member 310 drives the moving block 321 to move, and then pushes the blocking frame 322 down, the bent and extended blocking frame 322 descends to a predetermined height above the surface of the conveyor belt and comes into contact with the moving material, thereby forming an effective physical barrier to prevent the material from continuing to move with the conveyor belt, thus realizing the positioning and blocking functions.

[0032] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the movable block 321 is slidably connected to the base 410. For example, a dedicated guide rail or groove is provided on the base 410, and a matching slider or bearing is mounted on the movable block 321. This sliding connection provides stable guidance for the movement of the movable block 321. When the drive unit 310 pushes the movable block 321, the movable block 321 reciprocates linearly along the trajectory defined by the sliding connection, ensuring that the movable block 321 and the blocking frame 322 connected above it run smoothly along the preset path in each movement, effectively preventing possible deviation, shaking, or jamming during movement. The sliding connection not only ensures the repeatability of the blocking assembly 320 during lifting and lowering, thus ensuring that the blocking frame 322 can reach the designated working position above the conveyor belt, but also significantly improves the stability of the conveyor device 100, reduces wear between components, and extends the service life of the conveyor device 100.

[0033] In one embodiment, the blocking component 320 moves perpendicular to the transmission direction of the conveyor belt. Specifically, during continuous operation, the conveyor belt's bearing surface travels at a constant speed along a fixed straight line to achieve continuous material conveying. Under the control of the drive component 310, the blocking component 320 moves along another straight path at a 90-degree angle to the transmission direction, lifting or extending. By setting these two directions to a perpendicular intersecting motion relationship, the blocking frame 322 can directly and efficiently intervene in the material flow path when it operates.

[0034] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A conveying device, characterized in that, It includes a conveying mechanism, a blocking mechanism, and a detection mechanism. The conveying mechanism includes a base and a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt is driven on the base for placing materials. The blocking mechanism includes a driving component and a blocking assembly. The driving component is disposed on the base and connected to the blocking assembly. The driving component is used to drive the blocking assembly to move above the conveyor belt. The detection mechanism includes a base, an optical sensor, and an air blowing assembly. The base has a mounting cavity for mounting the optical sensor, which is used to detect the movement position of the blocking assembly. The air blowing assembly is disposed on the base and communicates with the mounting cavity, and is used to blow air into the mounting cavity.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extending direction of the mounting cavity is parallel to the moving direction of the blocking assembly. The optical sensor is located inside the mounting cavity and can emit a detection beam to the blocking assembly through the light outlet of the mounting cavity. The light outlet of the mounting cavity is directly opposite the blocking assembly.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component includes a cylinder and a first air pipe connector, the first air pipe connector being connected to the cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder being connected to the blocking assembly.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air blowing assembly includes an adapter, which is fixed to the base and communicates with the mounting cavity. The first air pipe connector is connected to the adapter through a pipe.

5. The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical sensor includes a connected optical fiber and a probe, the probe being disposed in the mounting cavity and facing the blocking assembly.

6. The conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, An air passage is provided in the base, one end of which is connected to the mounting cavity, and the other end is provided with the air blowing assembly. The air passage faces the probe.

7. The conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air blowing assembly is connected to the area located to the side or rear of the probe in the mounting cavity, and the air blowing direction of the air blowing assembly in the mounting cavity is towards the light outlet.

8. The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The blocking assembly includes a movable block and a blocking frame. The movable block is connected to the drive unit, and the blocking frame is fixed to the movable block. The blocking frame bends and extends from the movable block to above the surface of the conveyor belt to prevent the material from moving with the conveyor belt.

9. The conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The movable block is slidably connected to the base.

10. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction of movement of the blocking component is perpendicular to the transmission direction of the conveyor belt.

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