Conveying device and conveying system

Abstract

The invention discloses a conveying device and a conveying system.The conveying device comprises a solid tray conveying assembly, an empty tray conveying assembly, a first conveying assembly, a second conveying assembly and a first push-pull assembly, and the empty tray conveying assembly is arranged on the lower side of the solid tray conveying assembly; the first conveying assembly has a first state in butt joint with the solid tray conveying assembly and a second state in butt joint with the empty tray conveying assembly, the first push-pull assembly is arranged on the lower side of the empty tray conveying assembly and can reciprocate in the conveying direction of the empty tray conveying assembly, and the conveying device is configured to respond to the first conveying assembly to be switched to the second state. In the second state, the first conveying assembly and the empty tray conveying assembly are arranged in a staggered mode in the conveying direction of the empty tray conveying assembly, and the first push-pull assembly can drive the empty trays on the first conveying assembly to the empty tray conveying assembly. The conveying device can improve the overall logistics efficiency and the automation level, and manual intervention can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of transmission technology, and in particular to a transmission device and transmission system. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial logistics systems, conveying devices are typically used to transport items. In modern industrial automated production, especially in battery manufacturing (such as lithium batteries and power batteries), the logistics transportation of individual battery cells is an indispensable part of the entire production process. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of material conveying efficiency, human intervention, and automation level. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a conveying device and a conveying system. The conveying device can improve the overall logistics efficiency and automation level, and reduce manual intervention.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a conveying device, comprising: a full pallet conveying assembly for conveying a full pallet containing workpieces; an empty pallet conveying assembly disposed below the full pallet conveying assembly and for conveying an empty pallet not containing workpieces; a first conveying assembly disposed between the output end of the full pallet conveying assembly and the input end of the empty pallet conveying assembly, and having a first state of docking with the full pallet conveying assembly and a second state of docking with the empty pallet conveying assembly, wherein in the second state, the first conveying assembly and the empty pallet conveying assembly are offset in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly; a second conveying assembly disposed between the output end of the empty pallet conveying assembly and the input end of the full pallet conveying assembly; and a first push-pull assembly disposed below the empty pallet conveying assembly and capable of reciprocating along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly, wherein the conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first conveying assembly switching to the second state, the first push-pull assembly can move an empty pallet on the first conveying assembly onto the empty pallet conveying assembly.

[0005] In the above technical solution, by setting an empty pallet conveying component below the full pallet conveying component, and setting a first conveying component and a second conveying component at the output and input ends of the full pallet conveying component respectively, the pallets can be recycled while workpieces are being conveyed using them. This helps reduce the number of workstations on the production line and shorten the line space. Moreover, the pallets do not need to be frequently placed on or removed from the conveying device. At the same time, the conveying device can cooperate with corresponding storage and retrieval devices using the pallets. The storage device places the workpieces on the pallet, and the retrieval device removes the workpieces from the pallet, so that the full pallet conveying component can process the workpieces on the pallet in batches and perform different processes on the workpieces on the pallet simultaneously, which helps improve logistics efficiency and automation level. In addition, the setting of the first push-pull component facilitates stable conveying between components with two different conveying directions and simplifies the structure of the conveying device.

[0006] In some embodiments, in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly, the first push-pull assembly has a first position that engages with the first conveying assembly and a second position that engages with the empty pallet conveying assembly, and the conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first push-pull assembly moving to the first position, the first conveying assembly switches to the second state.

[0007] In the above technical solution, by setting the conveying device to respond to the first push-pull component moving to the first position, the first conveying component switches to the second state, so that the first push-pull component is ready for conveying first, and then the first conveying component makes the pallet on it cooperate with the first push-pull component. Combined with the fact that the first conveying component can change the height position of the pallet, and the first push-pull component needs to be positioned relative to the pallet in the conveying direction along the empty pallet conveying component, the above method facilitates the cooperation between the pallet and the first push-pull component, the two are not prone to interference, and it is easy to reduce the structural requirements of the first push-pull component.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bottom of the empty pallet has a push-pull protrusion, and the side of the push-pull protrusion facing away from the second conveying component in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component is a mating surface. The first push-pull component includes a push-pull seat and a push-pull block. The push-pull block protrudes upward from the push-pull seat and is fixed in position relative to the push-pull seat. The first side of the push-pull block facing the second conveying component is adapted to abut against the mating surface.

[0009] In the above technical solution, by setting a mechanically separable fit between the push-pull block and the mating surface, a stable and reliable fit between the first push-pull component and the pallet can be achieved, so that the first push-pull component can reliably transfer the pallet on the first conveying component to the empty pallet conveying component.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component, the first push-pull component has a first position corresponding to the first conveying component and a second position corresponding to the empty pallet conveying component, and the conveying device is configured to move the first push-pull component to the first position in response to the first conveying component switching to the second state.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the conveying device is configured such that in response to the first conveying component switching to the second state, the first push-pull component moves to the first position so that the first conveying component is ready to convey. Then, the first push-pull component moves in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component to dock with the first conveying component, so as to realize the limiting of the first push-pull component and the pallet in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component, and thus achieve stable conveying.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom of the empty pallet has a push-pull protrusion, and the side of the push-pull protrusion facing away from the second conveying component in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component is a mating surface. The first push-pull component has a switchable push-pull state and a clearance state. In the push-pull state, the first push-pull component can stop and engage with the mating surface to drive the empty pallet to be conveyed to the empty pallet conveying component or the second conveying component. In the clearance state, the first push-pull component is adapted to separate from the mating surface.

[0013] In the above technical solution, by setting the first push-pull component, the pallet can be transferred between the first conveying component and the empty pallet conveying component, and between the empty pallet conveying component and the second conveying component. Moreover, the first push-pull component will not obstruct the transfer of the pallet. The structure is simple and conducive to simplifying the structure of the conveying device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first push-pull assembly includes a push-pull base, a push-pull block, and an elastic member. The push-pull block is movable relative to the push-pull base between a push-pull position and a clearance position to switch the first push-pull assembly between a push-pull state and a clearance state. The push-pull position is located above the clearance position. The elastic member is used to apply an elastic force to the push-pull block toward the push-pull position. The push-pull block has a first surface adapted to abut against a mating surface and a second surface adapted to abut against the bottom end of a push-pull protrusion. The second surface is located on the upper surface of the push-pull block and is adjacent to the first surface. The second surface is inclined upward along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly so that the first push-pull assembly is configured such that the push-pull block can be pressed downward toward the clearance position by the item to be conveyed.

[0015] In the above technical solution, by setting the push-pull block to move between the push-pull position and the avoidance position, and cooperating with the elastic element, the push-pull block can be pressed downward toward the avoidance position by the part to be transferred, at least under its own gravity, so as to realize the automatic avoidance between the first push-pull component and the push-pull protrusion. It is not necessary to set a separate drive structure to drive the push-pull block to avoid, which simplifies the structure of the first push-pull component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component is opposite to that of the full pallet conveying component.

[0017] In the above technical solution, by setting the empty pallet conveying component and the full pallet conveying component to convey in opposite directions, it is beneficial to save the space occupied by the conveying device, especially the space occupied by the conveying device in the second horizontal direction. At the same time, it is convenient to make the output end of the full pallet conveying component and the input end of the empty pallet conveying component closer together, which is beneficial to appropriately shorten the conveying distance of the first conveying component and the second conveying component and simplify the structure of the first conveying component and the second conveying component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second conveying component has a third state of docking with the full pallet conveying component and a fourth state of docking with the empty pallet conveying component. In the fourth state, the second conveying component and the empty pallet conveying component are offset in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component. The conveying device includes a second push-pull component, which is disposed below the conveying surface of the empty pallet conveying component and is capable of reciprocating along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component. The conveying device is configured such that, in response to the second conveying component switching to the fourth state, the second push-pull component can move the empty pallet on the empty pallet conveying component onto the second conveying component.

[0019] In the above technical solution, by setting a second push-pull component, the structure of the second conveying component and the empty pallet conveying component is simplified while ensuring stable pallet conveying and facilitating docking between the second conveying component and the empty pallet conveying component. Furthermore, the direction in which the second push-pull component conveys the pallet to the second conveying component is the same as the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component, achieving good conveying consistency and improving conveying stability.

[0020] In some embodiments, the structure of the second push-pull assembly is the same as that of the first push-pull assembly. In the above technical solution, the first and second push-pull assemblies have good versatility, facilitating the installation of the conveying device and reducing design costs.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pallet conveying assembly includes: a carrying member having a plurality of carrying positions, the plurality of carrying positions being a first carrying position to an nth carrying position arranged sequentially along a first horizontal direction, each carrying position being used to carry a piece to be conveyed, where n is a positive integer and greater than or equal to 2; and a clamping conveying member including a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the first clamping member and the second clamping member being respectively disposed on opposite sides of the carrying member in a second horizontal direction, and both being capable of synchronously reciprocating along the first horizontal direction, at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member being capable of reciprocating along the second horizontal direction, so that the clamping conveying member can be used to clamp or release the piece to be conveyed on the carrying member, the clamping conveying member being configured to repeatedly convey the piece to be conveyed on the corresponding carrying position to an adjacent carrying position, the second horizontal direction being perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0022] In the above technical solution, by setting the clamping and conveying component to have a conveying state, it can repeatedly convey the items to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the (n-1)th bearing position to the adjacent second bearing position to the nth bearing position. This allows the clamping and conveying component to sequentially convey multiple items to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the second bearing position, the third bearing position, ..., up to the nth bearing position, and can also convey them from the nth bearing position to other positions. At the same time, multiple items to be conveyed can be conveyed in a single conveying process, so that the items to be conveyed can be processed accordingly at the corresponding bearing position, such as taking pictures or scanning codes. This is beneficial to improving the overall logistics efficiency and automation level, and reducing manual intervention.

[0023] In some embodiments, each of the first clamping member and the second clamping member is provided with a plurality of positioning structures spaced apart along a first horizontal direction, and the positioning structures are adapted to be detachably positioned and engaged with the item to be transferred.

[0024] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple positioning structures on the first clamping member and the second clamping member respectively, the clamping and conveying component can be detachably positioned and matched. This can improve the clamping and conveying stability and conveying accuracy of the clamping and conveying component without affecting the normal conveying of the clamping and conveying component, and prevent the component to be conveyed from being conveyed to a position that is deviated from the corresponding bearing position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the carrier member is used to carry the opposite two side edges of the item to be transferred, and includes a first carrier member and a second carrier member. The first carrier member and the second carrier member are spaced apart along a second horizontal direction, and both extend into strips along a first horizontal direction to define a plurality of carrier positions. A first clamping member is provided corresponding to the first carrier member, and a second clamping member is provided corresponding to the second carrier member.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the supporting component is used to support the opposite two side edges of the item to be conveyed. Therefore, the contact area between the supporting component and the item to be conveyed is relatively small. Even if the item to be conveyed rubs against the supporting component during the conveying process, it is less likely to experience large-area scratches. This helps reduce wear on the item during conveying, while ensuring stable support. It also simplifies the structure of the supporting component, reduces material usage, and lowers costs. Furthermore, since both the first and second supporting components are elongated strips and define multiple support positions, there is no clear boundary between adjacent support positions. This allows the supporting component to support items of different sizes, improving the applicability of the conveying assembly.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first clamping member and the second clamping member can reciprocate synchronously in the vertical direction, and both have a first height position and a second height position. In the first height position, the clamping and conveying member corresponds to the carrying member, so that the clamping and conveying member is used to clamp the item to be conveyed on the carrying member or to release the item to be conveyed onto the carrying member. In the second height position, the clamping and conveying member is located above the carrying member, so that the clamping and conveying member is used to lift the item to be conveyed away from the carrying member. The clamping and conveying member is configured to repeatedly lift the item to be conveyed at the m-th carrying position away from the carrying member and place it at the (m+1)-th carrying position, where m is a positive integer and 1≤m≤n-1.

[0028] In the above technical solution, by setting the first clamping member and the second clamping member to be movable between the first height position and the second height position, the first clamping member and the second clamping member can lift the item to be transferred away from the carrier member for transfer during the clamping and transfer process, so as to reduce the wear between the item to be transferred and the carrier member, and also to reduce the limitation on the size of the bearing area of ​​the carrier member used to bear the item to be transferred. For example, the carrier member can be used to bear the opposite two sides of the item to be transferred, or it can be used to bear the entire bottom surface of the item to be transferred.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a conveying system including the aforementioned conveying device, storage device, and retrieval device. The storage device is used to place workpieces on a pallet located at the input end of the solid pallet conveying assembly or on a pallet of the second conveying assembly, and the retrieval device is used to remove workpieces located at the output end of the solid pallet conveying assembly or on a pallet of the first conveying assembly.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the cooperation between the conveying device, the storage device, and the retrieval device enables the pallet to be used repeatedly while conveying workpieces. This helps reduce the number of workstations on the production line and shorten the line space. Furthermore, the pallet does not need to be frequently placed on or removed from the conveying device. At the same time, the pallet conveying component can process the workpieces on the pallet in batches and perform different processes on the workpieces on the pallet simultaneously, which helps improve logistics efficiency and automation level and reduce manual intervention.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second conveying component has a third state of docking with a full pallet conveying component and a fourth state of docking with an empty pallet conveying component. The conveying system includes: a first detection device, which is correspondingly disposed with the first conveying component and is used to detect whether a workpiece is placed on a pallet on the first conveying component in the first state; and a second detection device, which is correspondingly disposed with the second conveying component and is used to detect whether a workpiece is placed on a pallet on the second conveying component in the third state. The conveying system is configured such that: in response to detecting that no workpiece is placed on a pallet on the first conveying component in the first state, the first conveying component switches to a second state; and in response to detecting that a workpiece is placed on a pallet on the second conveying component in the third state, the full pallet conveying component receives the pallet on the second conveying component.

[0032] In the above technical solution, by setting up a first detection device and a second detection device, the full pallet conveying component can be used to convey full pallets and the empty pallet conveying component can be used to convey empty pallets, thereby improving the conveying accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a transmission system according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the conveying device shown; Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the conveyor device shown; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the empty pallet conveying assembly and the first push-pull assembly shown; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of section D shown in the center circle; Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the empty pallet conveying assembly, the first push-pull assembly, the first conveying assembly, and the second conveying assembly shown in the figure; Figure 7 for Figure 6 An enlarged view of section E, shown in the center circle; Figure 8 for Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of the empty pallet conveying assembly, the first push-pull assembly, the first conveying assembly, and the second conveying assembly shown in the diagram; Figure 9 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first conveying assembly and the first detection device shown; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an empty tray for some embodiments of this application; Figure 11 for Figure 10 Another schematic diagram of the empty pallet shown. Figure 12 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the actual pallet conveying assembly and the first support shown; Figure 13 for Figure 12 An enlarged view of part A, shown in the center circle; Figure 14 for Figure 12 An enlarged view of section B, shown in the center circle; Figure 15 for Figure 12 Enlarged view of section C shown in the middle circle. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0036] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application. The term "multiple" in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0040] In this application, the battery cell may include lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion primary batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or magnesium-ion batteries, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. Battery cells are generally divided into three types according to their packaging method: cylindrical battery cells, square battery cells, and pouch battery cells, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to these. Exemplarily, a battery cell typically includes a casing, a cell assembly, and an electrolyte. The casing is used to contain the cell assembly and the electrolyte, and the casing is provided with at least one positive electrode post and at least one negative electrode post. The cell assembly includes one or more electrode assemblies, which are formed by stacking or winding positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, and separators.

[0041] In modern industrial automated production, especially in the manufacturing of battery cells (such as lithium batteries and power batteries), the material transport of battery cells is an indispensable part of the entire production process. To improve production efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and enhance the automation level of production lines, various material handling systems are widely used in industry. Typically, material handling systems include: double-speed chain conveyor systems, belt conveyor systems, and roller conveyor systems. However, conveyor lines often struggle to perfectly match the processing requirements of the parts being transported, and due to transport demands, the transport direction of the parts usually needs to be adjusted. Furthermore, the docking methods between conveyor components with different transport directions are also quite complex.

[0042] Based on the above considerations, in order to be applicable to high-speed, high-precision, and modular material conveying scenarios, a conveying device is proposed. The conveying device includes a full pallet conveying component, an empty pallet conveying component, a first conveying component, a second conveying component, and a first push-pull component. The full pallet conveying component is used to convey full pallets containing workpieces. The empty pallet conveying component is located below the full pallet conveying component and is used to convey empty pallets without workpieces. The first conveying component is located between the output end of the full pallet conveying component and the input end of the empty pallet conveying component, and has a first state of docking with the full pallet conveying component and a second state of docking with the empty pallet conveying component. In the second state, the first conveying component and the empty pallet conveying component are offset in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component. The second conveying component is located between the output end of the empty pallet conveying component and the input end of the full pallet conveying component. The first push-pull component is located below the empty pallet conveying component and can reciprocate along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component. The conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first conveying component switching to the second state, the first push-pull component can move the empty pallet on the first conveying component to the empty pallet conveying component.

[0043] In the above technical solution, by setting an empty pallet conveying component below the full pallet conveying component, and setting a first conveying component and a second conveying component at the output and input ends of the full pallet conveying component respectively, the pallets can be recycled while workpieces are being conveyed using them. This helps reduce the number of workstations on the production line and shorten the line space. Moreover, the pallets do not need to be frequently placed on or removed from the conveying device. At the same time, the conveying device can cooperate with corresponding storage and retrieval devices using the pallets. The storage device places the workpieces on the pallet, and the retrieval device removes the workpieces from the pallet, so that the full pallet conveying component can process the workpieces on the pallet in batches and perform different processes on the workpieces on the pallet simultaneously, which helps improve logistics efficiency and automation level. In addition, the setting of the first push-pull component facilitates stable conveying between components with two different conveying directions and simplifies the structure of the conveying device.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 2-7In an embodiment of this application, a conveying device 200 is provided, including a full pallet conveying component 101, an empty pallet conveying component 102, a first conveying component 103, and a second conveying component 104. The full pallet conveying component 101 is used to convey full pallets containing workpieces (e.g., battery cells 300, battery cells, or bare battery cells). The empty pallet conveying component 102 is disposed below the full pallet conveying component 101 and is used to convey empty pallets without workpieces. The first conveying component 103 is disposed between the output end of the full pallet conveying component 101 and the input end of the empty pallet conveying component 102. The second conveying component 104 is disposed between the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the input end of the full pallet conveying component 101.

[0045] It can be understood that the full pallet conveying component 101 is used to convey full pallets from the input end of the full pallet conveying component 101 to the output end of the full pallet conveying component 101; similarly, the empty pallet conveying component 102 is used to convey empty pallets from the input end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 to the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102. The structure of a full pallet and an empty pallet can be the same, and both can be called a pallet. The difference between the two is whether they contain workpieces. Then, the conveying device 200 can define a cyclic conveying path, which is roughly as follows: the full pallet conveying component 101 conveys the full pallet containing workpieces from its input end to its output end; the first conveying component 103 is used to receive the full pallet or empty pallet from the output end of the full pallet conveying component 101 and convey the pallet towards the input end of the empty pallet conveying component 102; the empty pallet conveying component 102 is used to receive the empty pallet from the first conveying component 103 and convey the empty pallet towards the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102; the second conveying component 104 is used to receive the empty pallet from the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and convey the empty pallet towards the input end of the full pallet conveying component 101; the input end of the full pallet conveying component 101 can receive the empty pallet or full pallet from the second conveying component 104, and so on in a cyclical manner.

[0046] As can be seen, by setting an empty pallet conveying component 102 below the full pallet conveying component 101, and setting a first conveying component 103 and a second conveying component 104 at the output and input ends of the full pallet conveying component 101 respectively, the pallets can be recycled while conveying workpieces. This helps reduce the number of workstations on the line and shorten the line space. Moreover, the pallets do not need to be frequently placed on the conveying device 200 or frequently removed from the conveying device 200. At the same time, the conveying device 200 can cooperate with corresponding storage and retrieval devices using the pallets. The storage device places the workpieces on the pallet, and the retrieval device removes the workpieces from the pallet, so that the full pallet conveying component 101 can process the workpieces on the pallet in batches and can simultaneously process the workpieces on the pallet in different processes, which helps improve logistics efficiency and automation level.

[0047] It is understandable that the conveyor 200 adopts a layered conveying system. The upper layer of the solid pallet conveying component 101 achieves horizontal high-speed conveying, while the lower layer of the empty pallet conveying component 102 can also achieve horizontal conveying. The first conveying component 103 and the second conveying component 104 at both ends can realize the lifting and lowering and entry and exit operations of the pallets. This makes the conveyor 200 modular in design, which is convenient for system expansion, maintenance and flexible deployment, adapting to different production line scales and process requirements, improving the flexibility and adaptability of the conveyor 200, and facilitating collaborative operation with AGVs, robots, stacker cranes and other equipment to achieve intelligent scheduling of multiple workstations and multiple tasks.

[0048] Furthermore, since the empty pallet conveying component 102 is located below the full pallet conveying component 101, the empty pallet conveying component 102 is less likely to obstruct the full pallet conveying component 101 and the pallets and workpieces thereon, making it easier to process the workpieces on the full pallet conveying component 101 in batches and in sequence according to the corresponding process.

[0049] It is understood that each of the first conveying assembly 103 and the second conveying assembly 104 includes a lifting platform 1031, which is vertically movable and can move vertically or inclined. The lifting platform 1031 can change the position of the pallet in the vertical direction to achieve the transfer of the pallet between the full pallet conveying assembly 101 and the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. Figures 1-3 The two lifting platforms 1031 shown in the first conveying component 103 are only used to illustrate the height position of the lifting platform 1031 when it docks with the full pallet conveying component 101 and the height position when it docks with the empty pallet conveying component 102.

[0050] like Figures 4-7As shown, the first conveying component 103 has a first state of docking with the full pallet conveying component 101 and a second state of docking with the empty pallet conveying component 102. In the first state, the first conveying component 103 can dock with the full pallet conveying component 101 to receive pallets conveyed to the output end of the full pallet conveying component 101. In the second state (as shown in the diagram), the first conveying component 103 can dock with the full pallet conveying component 101 to receive pallets conveyed to the output end of the full pallet conveying component 101. Figure 6 As shown, the first conveying component 103 can dock with the empty pallet conveying component 102 to realize the transfer of pallets from the first conveying component 103 to the empty pallet conveying component 102. In the second state, the first conveying component 103 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 are staggered in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. The arrangement of the first conveying component 103 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 is relatively independent and not easy to interfere with each other. Moreover, the two do not need to be embedded, which can easily impose too many restrictions on the conveying method and structure of the first conveying component 103 and the empty pallet conveying component 102. For example, the empty pallet conveying component 102 can use belt drive or roller drive for conveying without restricting the conveying method and structure of the empty pallet conveying component 102 to avoid the first conveying component 103. However, when the first conveying component 103 conveys downward until it switches to the second state, at least most of the pallets on the first conveying component 103 are difficult to be placed directly on the empty pallet conveying component 102.

[0051] As an example, taking a horizontal plane as the projection plane, the orthographic projection of the first conveying component 103 and the orthographic projection of the empty pallet conveying component 102 are offset in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. For example, on a horizontal plane, the orthographic projection of the first conveying component 103 and the orthographic projection of the empty pallet conveying component 102 are spaced apart in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. Then, when the first conveying component 103 moves downward toward the empty pallet conveying component 102 to switch to the second state, the pallet on the first conveying component 103 needs to be conveyed to the empty pallet conveying component 102. However, the above arrangement makes it difficult for the empty pallet conveying component 102 to directly carry the pallet on the first conveying component 103 in the second state along its conveying direction.

[0052] For example, the first conveying component 103 includes a lifting platform 1031 that can be raised and lowered. When the lifting platform 1031 is lowered to a height position that docks with the empty pallet conveying component 102, the orthographic projections of the lifting platform 1031 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 on the horizontal plane are spaced apart in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. At this time, it is difficult for the pallet on the lifting platform 1031 to be directly conveyed to the empty pallet conveying component 102.

[0053] Therefore, the conveying device 200 includes a first push-pull assembly 105, which is located below the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. The first push-pull assembly 105 can reciprocate along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. In other words, the first push-pull assembly 105 can move along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 or in the opposite direction. The conveying device 200 is configured such that, in response to the first conveying component 103 switching to the second state, the first push-pull component 105 can move the empty pallet on the first conveying component 103 to the empty pallet conveying component 102. After the first conveying component 103 switches to the second state, it means that the first conveying component 103 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 are docked. The first push-pull component 105 can move the pallet on the first conveying component 103 to the empty pallet conveying component 102 along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. Then, the first push-pull component 105 moves in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 in order to convey the next pallet conveyed from the first conveying component 103.

[0054] It is understood that, on the conveying path, the first push-pull assembly 105 is located between the first conveying assembly 103 and the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. The first push-pull assembly 105 is used to move the pallet on the first conveying assembly 103 to the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, so as to realize the conveying of the pallet between the first conveying assembly 103 and the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. Since the first conveying assembly 103 is used to receive the pallet at the output end of the full pallet conveying assembly 101 and convey it towards the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, the conveying direction of the first conveying assembly 103 and the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 form a non-zero angle (for example, the conveying direction of the first conveying assembly 103 and the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 are at opposite angles). Since the conveying direction of component 102 is perpendicular, and the first conveying component 103 can change the height position of the pallet during the conveying process, the first push-pull component 105 can simplify the structure of the first conveying component 103 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 while ensuring stable pallet conveying and facilitating docking between the first conveying component 103 and the empty pallet conveying component 102. Compared to placing the pallet in a predetermined position or posture on the first conveying component 103 for docking, the first push-pull component 105 can reduce the requirements for the pallet's placement position and posture on the first conveying component 103. Furthermore, the direction in which the first push-pull component 105 conveys the pallet to the empty pallet conveying component 102 is the same as the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102, achieving good conveying consistency and improving conveying stability.

[0055] In the above technical solution, the conveying device 200 can realize the recycling of pallets, which is beneficial to reduce the number of work positions on the line and shorten the line space. Moreover, the pallets do not need to be frequently placed on the conveying device 200 or frequently removed from the conveying device 200, which is beneficial to improve logistics efficiency and automation level. At the same time, the setting of the first push-pull component 105 facilitates the stable transmission between components with two different conveying directions and simplifies the structure of the conveying device 200.

[0056] In some embodiments, in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly, the first push-pull assembly has a first position that docks with the first conveying assembly and a second position that docks with the empty pallet conveying assembly. It is understood that in the first position, the first push-pull assembly 105 can dock with the first conveying assembly 103 to receive a pallet on the first conveying assembly 103, or cooperate with a pallet on the first conveying assembly 103 to transmit power from the first push-pull assembly 105 to the pallet, thereby driving the pallet to move; in the second position, the first push-pull assembly 105 can dock with the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, so that the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 can receive a pallet driven by the first push-pull assembly 105.

[0057] The conveying device 200 is configured such that, in response to the first push-pull assembly 105 moving to a first position, the first conveying assembly 103 switches to a second state. It can be understood that the first push-pull assembly 105 first moves to the first position to prepare for receiving, and then the first conveying assembly 103 switches to the second state to achieve docking between the first conveying assembly 103 and the first push-pull assembly 105. Next, the first push-pull assembly 105 moves along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 to move the pallet on the first conveying assembly 103 onto the empty pallet conveying assembly 102.

[0058] In the above technical solution, by setting the conveying device 200 to respond to the first push-pull component 105 moving to the first position, the first conveying component 103 switches to the second state, so that the first push-pull component 105 is ready to convey first, and then the first conveying component 103 makes the tray on it cooperate with the first push-pull component 105. Combining the fact that the first conveying component 103 can change the height position of the tray, and the first push-pull component 105 needs to be positioned with the tray in the upper limit of the conveying direction along the empty tray conveying component 102, the above method facilitates the cooperation between the tray and the first push-pull component 105, the two are not easy to interfere with each other, and it is easy to reduce the structural requirements of the first push-pull component 105.

[0059] As an example, the first conveying component 103 includes a lifting platform 1031, which is height-adjustable. In the second state, the height of the lifting platform 1031 is lower than that in the first state. The first push-pull component 105 prepares for conveying, and then the lifting platform 1031 of the first conveying component 103 is lowered so that the tray on it can cooperate with the first push-pull component 105. This allows the tray on the lifting platform 1031 and the first push-pull component 105 to be limited and cooperated along the conveying direction of the empty tray conveying component 102, so that the first push-pull component 105 can drive the tray to move.

[0060] Of course, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments of this application, in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, the first push-pull assembly 105 has a first position corresponding to the first conveying assembly 103 and a second position corresponding to the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. The conveying device 200 is configured such that, in response to the first conveying assembly 103 switching to the second state, the first push-pull assembly 105 moves to the first position. It can be understood that the first conveying assembly 103 first switches to the second state to prepare for conveying, and then the first push-pull assembly 105 moves to the first position to achieve docking between the first conveying assembly 103 and the first push-pull assembly 105. Next, the first push-pull assembly 105 moves along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 to move the pallet on the first conveying assembly 103 onto the empty pallet conveying assembly 102.

[0061] In the above technical solution, the conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first conveying component switching to the second state, the first push-pull component moves to the first position so that the first conveying component 103 is ready to convey. Then, the first push-pull component 105 moves in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 to dock with the first conveying component 103, so as to realize the limiting of the first push-pull component 105 and the pallet in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102, and thus achieve stable conveying.

[0062] As an example, the first conveying component 103 includes a lifting platform 1031, which is adjustable in height. In the second state, the height of the lifting platform 1031 is lower than that in the first state. The lifting platform 1031 of the first conveying component 103 first descends to the corresponding position to prepare for docking. Then, the first push-pull component 105 moves in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 to dock with the first conveying component 103, thereby achieving a limiting fit with the pallet.

[0063] It is understood that in the two conveying schemes mentioned above, the cooperation between the first push-pull component 105 and the tray can be a mechanically separable cooperation (such as the stop-and-hold cooperation described below) or a magnetic or other separable cooperation method.

[0064] In some embodiments, the conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first push-pull assembly moving to a first position, the first conveying assembly switches to a second state; in this case, the bottom of the empty pallet has a push-pull protrusion, and the side of the push-pull protrusion facing away from the second conveying assembly in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly is a mating surface; the first push-pull assembly includes a push-pull seat and a push-pull block, the push-pull block protruding upward from the push-pull seat and the position of the push-pull block 1052 relative to the push-pull seat is fixed, and the first side of the push-pull block facing the second conveying assembly is adapted to abut against the mating surface.

[0065] In the above technical solution, by setting a mechanically separable fit between the push-pull block 1052 and the mating surface 106b, a stable and reliable fit between the first push-pull assembly 105 and the pallet can be achieved, so that the first push-pull assembly 105 can reliably transfer the pallet on the first conveying assembly 103 to the empty pallet conveying assembly 102.

[0066] As an example, the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 may include a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor assembly; it is understood that the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 is configured to avoid the push-pull protrusion 106a of the empty pallet.

[0067] In other embodiments, the bottom of the empty tray has a push-pull groove, and the mating surface 106b is one side wall of the push-pull groove.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the conveying device 200 is configured such that, in response to the first conveying component 103 switching to the second state, the first push-pull component 105 moves to the first position. In this case, the bottom of the empty pallet has a push-pull protrusion 106a, and the side of the push-pull protrusion 106a facing away from the second conveying component 104 in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 is a mating surface 106b. The first push-pull component 105 has a switchable push-pull state and a clearance state. In the push-pull state, the first push-pull component 105 can abut against the mating surface 106b to drive the empty pallet to be conveyed to the empty pallet conveying component 102. In the clearance state, the first push-pull component 105 is adapted to separate from the mating surface 106b.

[0069] As an example, the first push-pull assembly 105 can first move to a suitable position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 in an avoidance state. When the first push-pull assembly 105 switches to the push-pull state, it can stop with the mating surface 106b. The first push-pull assembly 105 moves to a suitable position along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, which can drive the pallet from the first conveying assembly 103 to the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. The structure is simple and the conveying is convenient, which helps to save a set of conveying assemblies.

[0070] In the above technical solution, by setting the first push-pull component 105, the pallet can be transferred between the first conveying component 103 and the empty pallet conveying component 102, and the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the second conveying component 104 can be transferred. Moreover, the first push-pull component 105 will not obstruct the transfer of the pallet. The structure is simple and helps to simplify the structure of the conveying device 200.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-7 As shown, the first push-pull assembly 105 includes a push-pull base 1051, a push-pull block 1052, and an elastic element. The push-pull block 1052 can move relative to the push-pull base 1051 between a push-pull position and a clearance position, so that the first push-pull assembly 105 can switch between a push-pull state and a clearance state. When the push-pull position is above the clearance position, the push-pull block 1052 is in the push-pull position in the push-pull state, and in the clearance state, the push-pull block 1052 is in the clearance position. The elastic element is used to apply an elastic force to the push-pull block 1052 toward the push-pull position, so that the push-pull block 1052 can be held in the push-pull position under the action of the elastic element when no external force is applied. It can be understood that the movement mode of the push-pull block 1052 is not limited; the push-pull block 1052 can move up and down or rotate.

[0072] The push-pull block 1052 has a first surface 1052a adapted to abut against the mating surface 106b and a second surface 1052b adapted to abut against the bottom end of the push-pull protrusion 106a. The second surface 1052b is located on the upper surface of the push-pull block 1052 and is adjacent to the first surface 1052a. The second surface 1052b is inclined upward along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 so that the first push-pull assembly 105 is configured such that the push-pull block 1052 can be pressed downward toward the avoidance position by the item to be conveyed.

[0073] Taking the first push-pull assembly 105 located between the first conveying assembly 103 and the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 as an example, the first push-pull assembly 105 can initially maintain a push-pull state and move to a suitable position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. During the aforementioned movement, the second surface 1052b abuts against the bottom end of the push-pull protrusion 106a. Due to the inclined arrangement of the second surface 1052b, as the first push-pull assembly 105 moves, the push-pull protrusion 106a applies increasingly greater downward pressure to the push-pull block 1052, pressing the push-pull block 1052 toward the clearance position until the dragging structure moves to the aforementioned suitable position. At the appropriate position, the second surface 1052b separates from the push-pull protrusion 106a, and the push-pull block 1052 returns to the push-pull state under the action of the elastic element. At this time, the first surface 1052a can be horizontally opposite the mating surface 106b. The first push-pull assembly 105 moves along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, that is, the first surface 1052a and the mating surface 106b are in a stop-and-hold engagement, so that the dragging structure can drive the pallet from the first conveying assembly 103 to the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. Similarly, the first push-pull assembly 105 located between the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 and the second conveying assembly 104 is also like this, and will not be described again. As an example, the item to be conveyed can press the push-pull block 1052 toward the avoidance position using only its own weight.

[0074] In the above technical solution, by setting the push-pull block 1052 to move between the push-pull position and the avoidance position, and cooperating with the elastic element, the push-pull block 1052 can be pressed downward toward the avoidance position by the object to be transferred, at least under its own gravity, so as to realize the automatic avoidance between the first push-pull component 105 and the push-pull protrusion 106a. It is not necessary to set a separate drive structure to drive the push-pull block 1052 to avoid, which simplifies the structure of the first push-pull component 105.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 is opposite to the conveying direction of the full pallet conveying component 101, and therefore the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 is opposite to the first horizontal direction.

[0076] In the above technical solution, by setting the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the full pallet conveying component 101 to convey in opposite directions, it is beneficial to save the space occupied by the conveying device 200, especially the space occupied by the conveying device 200 in the second horizontal direction. At the same time, it is convenient to make the output end of the full pallet conveying component 101 and the input end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 closer together, and the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the input end of the full pallet conveying component 101 closer together. This is beneficial to appropriately shorten the conveying distance of the first conveying component 103 and the second conveying component 104, and simplify the structure of the first conveying component 103 and the second conveying component 104.

[0077] Of course, in other embodiments, the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the conveying direction of the full pallet conveying component 101 may also be at a non-zero angle, so as to realize flexible conveying of the conveying device 200.

[0078] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figures 4-8 As shown, the second conveying component 104 has a third state of docking with the full pallet conveying component 101 and a fourth state of docking with the empty pallet conveying component 102. In the third state, the second conveying component 104 can dock with the full pallet conveying component 101 to realize the transfer of the pallet from the second conveying component 104 to the full pallet conveying component 101. In the fourth state, the second conveying component 104 can dock with the empty pallet conveying component 102 to receive the pallet from the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102. In the fourth state, the second conveying component 104 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 are offset in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. The second conveying component 104 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 are arranged relatively independently and are not easy to interfere with each other. Moreover, the two do not need to be embedded, which can easily impose too many restrictions on the conveying method and structure of the second conveying component 104 and the empty pallet conveying component 102. For example, the empty pallet conveying component 102 can be conveyed by belt drive or roller drive, without restricting the conveying method and structure of the empty pallet conveying component 102 to avoid the second conveying component 104. However, when the second conveying component 104 conveys downward until it switches to the fourth state, the pallet on the empty pallet conveying component 102 is difficult to be directly and completely conveyed to the second conveying component 104.

[0079] As an example, taking a horizontal plane as the projection plane, the orthographic projection of the second conveying component 104 and the orthographic projection of the empty pallet conveying component 102 are offset in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. For example, on a horizontal plane, the orthographic projection of the second conveying component 104 and the orthographic projection of the empty pallet conveying component 102 are spaced apart in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. When the second conveying component 104 moves downward toward the empty pallet conveying component 102 to switch to the fourth state, the pallet on the empty pallet conveying component 102 needs to be conveyed to the second conveying component 104. However, the above arrangement makes it difficult for the second conveying component 104 in the fourth state to directly carry the pallet at the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 upward.

[0080] For example, the second conveying component 104 includes a liftable platform 1031. When the liftable platform 1031 is lowered to the height position where it docks with the empty pallet conveying component 102, the orthographic projections of the liftable platform 1031 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 on the horizontal plane are spaced apart in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. At this time, the liftable platform 1031 cannot directly carry the pallet at the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and convey it upward. In other words, at this time, the pallet at the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 has not been completely conveyed to the second conveying component 104.

[0081] Therefore, the conveying device 200 includes a second push-pull assembly 107, which is located below the empty pallet conveying assembly. The second push-pull assembly 107 can reciprocate along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. In other words, the second push-pull assembly 107 can move along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 or in the opposite direction. The conveying device 200 is configured such that, in response to the second conveying component 104 switching to the fourth state, the second push-pull component 107 can move the empty pallet on the empty pallet conveying component 102 to the second conveying component 104. When the second conveying component 104 switches to the fourth state, it means that the second conveying component 104 and the empty pallet conveying component 102 are docked. The second push-pull component 107 can move the pallet on the empty pallet conveying component 102 to the second conveying component 104 along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102. Then, the second push-pull component 107 moves in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 in order to convey the next pallet conveyed from the empty pallet conveying component 102.

[0082] It is understood that, on the conveying path, the second push-pull component 107 is located between the second conveying component 104 and the empty pallet conveying component 102. The second push-pull component 107 is used to move the pallet on the empty pallet conveying component 102 to the second conveying component 104, so as to realize the conveying of the pallet between the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the second conveying component 104. Since the second conveying component 104 is used to receive the pallet at the output end of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and convey it toward the full pallet conveying component 101, the conveying direction of the second conveying component 104 is at a non-zero angle with the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 (for example, the conveying direction of the second conveying component 104 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102). Moreover, the second conveying component 104 can change the height position of the pallet during the conveying process. Therefore, the setting of the second push-pull component 107 can simplify the structure of the second conveying component 104 and the empty pallet conveying component 102, while realizing stable pallet conveying and facilitating docking between the second conveying component 104 and the empty pallet conveying component 102. In addition, the direction in which the second push-pull assembly 107 transfers the pallet to the second conveying assembly 104 is the same as the direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, which can achieve good conveying consistency and facilitates improved conveying stability.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the structure of the second push-pull assembly 107 is the same as that of the first push-pull assembly 105. Therefore, the first push-pull assembly 105 and the second push-pull assembly 107 have good versatility, facilitating the installation of the conveying device 200 and reducing design costs.

[0084] As an example, the first push-pull assembly 105 can first move to a suitable position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 in an avoidance state. When the first push-pull assembly 105 switches to the push-pull state, it can stop with the mating surface 106b. The first push-pull assembly 105 moves to a suitable position along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly 102, which can drive the pallet from the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 to the second conveying assembly 104. The structure is simple and the conveying is convenient, which helps to save a set of conveying assemblies.

[0085] In some technologies, the double-speed chain conveyor system is a traditional material conveying method. Its core principle is that the movement of the chain propels the pallet or workpiece forward. This system has advantages such as simple structure, low cost, and convenient maintenance, and is widely used in industrial scenarios with low to medium speed and low precision requirements. Its main disadvantages are: limited operating speed, making it difficult to meet the needs of high-speed production; low positioning accuracy, unable to achieve high-precision workstation alignment; easy wear and tear, resulting in high maintenance costs; and difficulty in achieving multi-workstation collaboration and flexible scheduling. Belt conveyor systems achieve material transfer through the continuous movement of a belt. They have a simple structure and stable operation, suitable for some non-high-precision, low-to-medium speed production environments. Their main disadvantages are: limited speed, making high-speed operation difficult; pallet positioning relies on external sensors, making accuracy difficult to guarantee; belt slippage and aging are prone to occur, requiring frequent maintenance; and it is not suitable for scenarios with frequent start-stop operations and high-precision control. Roller conveyor systems use rollers as supports, with pallets sliding or rolling forward on the rollers. This system is suitable for scenarios with medium speed and certain load-bearing requirements. Its main drawbacks are: inaccurate positioning, unsuitable for high-precision operations; the need for external drive devices (such as motors, chains, etc.); easy friction during pallet sliding, increasing energy consumption; and unfavorable for automatic control of complex paths. Therefore, this application improves the physical pallet conveying assembly 101.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, the pallet conveying assembly 101 includes a carrying component 1 and a clamping conveying component 2. The carrying component 1 has multiple carrying positions 10, which are arranged sequentially from the first carrying position to the nth carrying position along a first horizontal direction. Each carrying position 10 is used to carry a piece to be conveyed (e.g., the pallet described below), where n is a positive integer and n is greater than or equal to 2. It can be understood that multiple pieces to be conveyed can be placed on the carrying component 1, and the number of pieces to be conveyed is less than or equal to the number of carrying positions 10. The first horizontal direction is the conveying direction of the pallet conveying assembly 101. In this embodiment, the first horizontal direction is the attached... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 12 The direction in the middle is F1, the second horizontal direction. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 The direction of F2 is in the middle, and the up and down directions are... Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 12 The direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102 is F3 in the middle. Figure 4 The direction is F4.

[0087] The clamping and conveying component 2 includes a first clamping member 21 and a second clamping member 22. The first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the bearing component 1 in a second horizontal direction, and both can reciprocate synchronously in a first horizontal direction. Therefore, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can move in the first horizontal direction or in the opposite direction. At least one of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can reciprocate in the second horizontal direction, so that the clamping and conveying component 2 can be used to clamp or release the item to be conveyed on the bearing component 1. Therefore, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 are suitable for clamping on both sides of the item to be conveyed in the second horizontal direction. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0088] The clamping and conveying component 2 is configured to repeatedly convey the item to be conveyed from the corresponding bearing position 10 to the adjacent bearing position 10. It can be understood that the clamping and conveying component 2 has a conveying state. In the conveying state, the clamping and conveying component 2 repeatedly conveys the item to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the (n-1)th bearing position to the adjacent second bearing position to the nth bearing position, respectively. Therefore, in the conveying state, the clamping and conveying component 2 repeatedly performs multiple conveying processes. In a single conveying process, the clamping and conveying component 2 can convey the item to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the adjacent second bearing position, can convey the original item to be conveyed from the second bearing position to the adjacent third bearing position, ..., and simultaneously can convey the original item to be conveyed from the (n-1)th bearing position to the adjacent nth bearing position. It can be understood that the first horizontal direction is the conveying direction of the clamping and conveying component 2.

[0089] It can be seen that the clamping and conveying component 2 can repeatedly convey the items to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the (n-1)th bearing position to the second bearing position to the nth bearing position adjacent to it.

[0090] For example, each of the first to (n-1)th bearing positions 10 has a component to be transferred placed on it (the nth bearing position may or may not have a component to be transferred placed on it). At least one of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 moves to a suitable position in the second horizontal direction so that the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can simultaneously clamp all the components to be transferred on the bearing member 1. Then, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 move synchronously along the first horizontal direction while clamping the components to be transferred, so that the component to be transferred originally located at the (n-1)th bearing position is transferred to the nth bearing position, and the component to be transferred originally located at the (n-2)th bearing position 10 is transferred to the (n-1)th bearing position. The components are transferred to the (n-1)th bearing position, ..., so that the component originally located at the second bearing position is transferred to the third bearing position, and the component originally located at the first bearing position is transferred to the second bearing position; then, at least one of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 moves to a suitable position in the second horizontal direction so that the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can simultaneously release all the components to be transferred, at which time all the components to be transferred released can be placed on the corresponding bearing position 10 of the bearing member 1; then, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22, while maintaining the state of releasing the components to be transferred, move synchronously in the opposite direction of the first horizontal direction to prepare for the next transfer process, and so on. As an example, the above cycle can make the component originally located at the first bearing position be transferred to the second bearing position, the third bearing position, ..., the nth bearing position in sequence, and finally be transferred from the nth bearing position to other positions.

[0091] Of course, when the pallet conveying component 101 starts running, there may be at least one carrier position 10 among the first carrier position to the (n-1)th carrier position that is not occupied by a carrier item. This will not affect the operation of the pallet conveying component 101 until the pallet conveying component 101 has a carrier item in each of the first carrier position to the (n-1)th carrier position, and then simultaneously conveys (n-1) carrier items.

[0092] It is understandable that, in the transmission state, if a piece to be transmitted is placed on the nth bearing position, the piece to be transmitted on the nth bearing position can also be transferred to other positions by the clamping and transmission component 2, so as to free up the nth bearing position for the next piece to be transmitted.

[0093] As an example, the items to be transferred can be a tray 106 (e.g., the solid tray and empty tray described below) used to carry battery cells 300 (or battery cells, or bare battery cells, etc.). When multiple battery cells 300 arrive, they are arranged irregularly and have not been pre-processed. During the manufacturing process, the battery cells 300 need to undergo multiple processes sequentially (e.g., OCV detection, photography, visual inspection, barcode scanning, inkjet coding, adhesive application, etc.). Each process can correspond to a carrying position 10, enabling batch processing of multiple battery cells 300 on the corresponding carrying position 10. After multiple processes, the battery cells 300 are arranged in a certain pattern so that they can be packaged according to a preset order, thereby facilitating the adaptation to different packaging specifications and other differentiated needs of the battery cells 300. When multiple battery cells 300 arrive, the storage device (e.g., a robotic arm) picks up the battery cells 300 and places them on the tray of the first carrying position (or multiple storage devices). After the component handling device picks up the battery cell 300 and places it on a tray, the tray is then conveyed to the first carrying position. Once the tray at the first carrying position is full, the gripping and conveying component 2 conveys the tray at the first carrying position to the second carrying position. After the first carrying position is emptied, the next tray is placed on it, and the component handling device continues to pick up and store components. Simultaneously, the battery cell 300 located at the second carrying position can undergo the corresponding process. After the battery cell 300 at the second carrying position is processed and the tray at the first carrying position is full, the gripping and conveying component 2 conveys the tray at the first carrying position to the second carrying position, the tray at the second carrying position to the third carrying position, and so on. When the battery cell 300 at the nth carrying position is processed, the gripping and conveying component 2 can convey the tray at the nth carrying position to other locations, where the picking device (e.g., a robotic arm) picks up the battery cell 300 and places it in the corresponding location for packaging. Of course, the first carrying position may or may not have a corresponding process.

[0094] In the above technical solution, by setting the clamping and conveying component 2 to have a conveying state, it can repeatedly convey the items to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the (n-1)th bearing position to the adjacent second bearing position to the nth bearing position. This allows the clamping and conveying component 2 to sequentially convey multiple items to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the second bearing position, the third bearing position, ..., up to the nth bearing position, and can also convey them from the nth bearing position to other positions. At the same time, multiple items to be conveyed can be conveyed in a single conveying process, so that the items to be conveyed can be processed at the corresponding bearing position 10, such as taking pictures or scanning codes. This is beneficial to improving the overall logistics efficiency and automation level, reducing manual intervention, and can be applied to high-speed, high-precision, high-flexibility, low-maintenance, and modular material conveying scenarios. It solves the shortcomings of traditional double-speed chains, belt lines, and roller lines in terms of speed, precision, flexibility, and maintenance costs. Compared with traditional double-speed chains and belt lines, the speed is significantly improved, which meets the production needs of modern battery manufacturing for high capacity and high cycle time.

[0095] It is understood that the clamping and conveying component 2 includes a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism is used to drive the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to reciprocate synchronously in a first horizontal direction, and the second driving mechanism is used to drive at least one of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to reciprocate in a second horizontal direction. As an example, the conveying device 200 includes a first support 1082, on which both the carrying component 1 and the clamping and conveying component 2 are disposed; the conveying device 200 includes a second support 1083, on which the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 is disposed; the conveying device 200 includes a support platform 1081, on which both the first support 1082 and the second support 1083 are supported.

[0096] As an example, the first drive mechanism includes a ball screw mechanism or a rack and pinion mechanism, but is not limited to these. The first drive mechanism can also be a linear motor. The power source connected to the first drive mechanism can be a servo motor (the pallet conveying assembly 101 can reach a horizontal running speed of more than 5 m / s), but is not limited to these. The power source connected to the first drive mechanism can be a cylinder, but is not limited to these. As an example, there are two first drive mechanisms, each connected to a first clamping member 21 and a second clamping member 22 in a one-to-one correspondence; or, there is one first drive mechanism, and the clamping and conveying component 2 includes a connector connecting the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22, and the first drive mechanism drives the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to move synchronously through the connector.

[0097] As an example, the second drive mechanism is used to drive the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to reciprocate in the second horizontal direction. The first drive mechanism can drive the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to move through the second drive mechanism, or the second drive mechanism can drive the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to move through the first drive mechanism. For example, the second drive mechanism is used to drive the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to move towards each other or away from each other in the second horizontal direction to achieve clamping and releasing of the object to be transferred. For example, the second drive mechanism includes a gear and rack mechanism (with two racks arranged radially opposite to each other in the meshing engagement of the driving gear), a bidirectional ball screw mechanism (with left-hand threads and right-hand threads machined on the same screw, and the left-hand threads and right-hand threads are respectively fitted with nuts), or for example, the second drive mechanism includes two linear motors.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 12 As shown, in the transfer state, the clamping and transferring member 2 repeatedly transfers the item to be transferred from the nth bearing position to the first conveying assembly 103 after detaching from the bearing member 1. It can be understood that the portion of the clamping and transferring member 2 corresponding to the nth bearing position can be along the first horizontal direction on the side of the nth bearing position and beyond the nth bearing position away from the (n-1)th bearing position (e.g., ...). Figure 2 and Figure 12 (As shown) reciprocating movement. Similarly, it can be understood that the clamping and conveying component 2 is configured to repeatedly convey the item to be conveyed on the second conveying assembly 104 to the first bearing position.

[0099] For example, after the items to be transferred sequentially pass through the first bearing position to the nth bearing position, multiple processing steps are completed to enable linkage between the pallet transfer assembly 101 and other structures (e.g., robots, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) equipment, or the first conveying assembly 103 described herein). For instance, the output end of the pallet transfer assembly 101 is provided with a first conveying assembly 103 to receive the items to be transferred from the pallet transfer assembly 101. In the transfer state, if an item to be transferred is placed on the nth bearing position, the clamping and conveying component 2 can repeatedly transfer the item to be transferred on the nth bearing position until it is detached from the bearing component 1 and transferred to the first conveying assembly 103. If an item to be transferred is placed on the second conveying assembly 104, and the second conveying assembly 104 is in a third state of docking with the pallet transfer assembly 101, the clamping and conveying component 2 can repeatedly transfer the item to be transferred on the second conveying assembly 104 to the first bearing position. Of course, the pallet transfer assembly 101 can also transfer the pallet on the second conveying assembly 104 to the first bearing position through the clamping and conveying component 2.

[0100] In the above technical solution, by setting the clamping and conveying component 2, the item to be conveyed on the nth bearing position can be repeatedly conveyed to the bearing component 1, which is detached from the bearing component 1. This facilitates the linkage between the solid pallet conveying component 101 and other structures. Furthermore, the solid pallet conveying component 101 does not need to be set with a conveying and transfer component to transfer the item to other structures, which simplifies the structure of the conveying system.

[0101] For example, the clamping and conveying component 2 can move toward the side where the second conveying component 104 is located to extend beyond the carrying component 1, so as to clamp the item to be conveyed on the second conveying component 104 and convey it to the first carrying position. It can also move toward the side where the first conveying component 103 is located to extend beyond the carrying component 1, so as to clamp the item to be conveyed on the nth carrying position and convey it to the first conveying component 103. In the first state, the first conveying component 103 and the carrying component 1 are misaligned in the conveying direction of the clamping and conveying component 2. In the third state, the second conveying component 104 and the carrying component 1 are misaligned in the conveying direction of the clamping and conveying component 2. Combined with the misaligned arrangement of the empty pallet conveying component 102 relative to the first conveying component 103 and the second conveying component 104 in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component 102, it is convenient to make the two ends of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the carrying component 1 basically aligned when the conveying directions of the empty pallet conveying component 102 and the full pallet conveying component 101 are opposite, which facilitates the arrangement of the conveying device 200.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figures 12-15 As shown, each of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 is provided with a plurality of positioning structures 23 spaced apart along the first horizontal direction. The positioning structures 23 are adapted to be detachably positioned and engaged with the item to be transferred.

[0103] It is understood that each positioning structure 23 can correspond to the corresponding bearing position 10. When the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 clamp and transport the item to be transported, the positioning structure 23 on both of them will be positioned and cooperate with the item to be transported to improve the clamping stability of the clamping and transporting component 2. When the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 need to release the item to be transported, the positioning structure 23 on both of them will disengage from the item to be transported to achieve separation.

[0104] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple positioning structures 23 on the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 respectively, the clamping and conveying component 2 can be detachably positioned and engaged. This improves the clamping and conveying stability and accuracy of the clamping and conveying component 2 without affecting its normal conveying function, and prevents the item to be conveyed from deviating from its corresponding bearing position 10. Therefore, the pallet conveying assembly 101 can achieve high-speed and precise horizontal movement of the item to be conveyed, offering advantages such as fast response and high positioning accuracy.

[0105] For example, multiple bearing positions 10 are arranged at equal intervals along the first horizontal direction, and multiple positioning structures 23 are arranged at equal intervals along the first horizontal direction, so that each positioning structure 23 can be positioned between two adjacent bearing positions 10. In some embodiments, such as Figures 12-15 As shown, the positioning structure 23 is provided on the opposing sides of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22, and is configured to include a positioning pin 231 and / or a positioning hole extending along the second horizontal direction. In the second horizontal direction, the side of the first clamping member 21 facing the second clamping member 22 has a plurality of positioning structures 23, and the side of the second clamping member 22 facing the first clamping member 21 has a plurality of positioning structures 23.

[0106] It is understood that the positioning structure 23 is fixedly set. When the positioning structure 23 is configured to include the positioning pin 231, the part to be transferred has a positioning hole that can be positioned and engaged with the positioning pin 231; and when the positioning structure 23 is configured to include the positioning hole, the part to be transferred has a positioning pin 231 that can be positioned and engaged with the positioning hole. The number of positioning pins 231 and / or the number of positioning holes in the positioning structure 23 can be set according to actual needs; Figures 13-15 In the example, the positioning structure 23 includes two positioning pins 231 spaced apart along the second horizontal direction, which helps to improve clamping stability and better adapt to high-precision material conveying scenarios; of course, the positioning structure 23 can also be constructed to include three or more positioning pins 231.

[0107] In the above technical solution, by constructing the positioning structure 23 as a positioning pin 231 or a positioning hole, the positioning structure 23 is simple in structure and facilitates quick positioning and engagement or disengagement with the part to be transferred. At the same time, since the positioning structure 23 extends along the second horizontal direction, the engagement direction and disengagement direction between the positioning structure 23 and the part to be transferred are both consistent with the second horizontal direction. This makes the engagement direction between the positioning structure 23 and the part to be transferred consistent with the clamping direction and release direction of the clamping and transferring component 2. Thus, the engagement of the positioning structure 23 and the part to be transferred can be synchronized with the clamping of the clamping and transferring component 2, and the disengagement of the positioning structure 23 and the part to be transferred can be synchronized with the release of the clamping and transferring component 2, which is beneficial to improving the transfer efficiency of the clamping and transferring component 2.

[0108] As can be seen, the positioning structure 23 facilitates contactless clamping and release of the items to be conveyed, ensuring minimal or even no wear and slippage during the conveying process, thus improving operational stability and lifespan. The coordinated motion control of the clamping and conveying component 2 in the first and second horizontal directions achieves a balance between high speed and high precision, breaking through the technical bottleneck of traditional conveying systems where "speed" and "precision" are difficult to balance.

[0109] Clearly, the dedicated positioning holes or pins on the workpiece to be conveyed, which mate with the positioning structure 23, provide a highly adaptable design that is compatible with various pallet sizes, types, and structures, enhancing the system's versatility and scalability. Furthermore, the mechanical rigidity of the positioning structure 23 and the workpiece avoids positioning deviations caused by friction or sliding, as is common in traditional sliding conveyors. It also facilitates mechanical alignment with the positioning holes or pins on the workpiece via servo closed-loop control, achieving high-precision positioning within ±1mm, superior to traditional conveying methods (such as double-speed chains and roller conveyors). This makes it suitable for automated production lines and assembly stations with stringent positioning requirements.

[0110] Of course, the positioning structure 23 is not limited to this; for example, the positioning structure 23 can be movably set. Taking the first clamping member 21 as an example, the positioning structure 23 can move between the positioning position and the separation position relative to the first clamping member 21. In the positioning position, the positioning structure 23 can be positioned and cooperated with the corresponding item to be transferred. In the separation position, the positioning structure 23 can be separated from the corresponding item to be transferred.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figures 12-15 As shown, the carrier component 1 includes a first carrier 11 and a second carrier 12. The first carrier 11 and the second carrier 12 are spaced apart along a second horizontal direction, and both extend into long strips along a first horizontal direction to define a plurality of carrier positions 10. A first clamping member 21 is provided corresponding to the first carrier 11, and a second clamping member 22 is provided corresponding to the second carrier 12, so that the carrier component 1 is used to carry the opposite two side edges of the item to be transferred.

[0112] In the above technical solution, the bearing component 1 is used to support the opposite two sides of the item to be transferred. Therefore, the contact area between the bearing component 1 and the item to be transferred is relatively small. Even if the item to be transferred rubs against the bearing component 1 during the transfer of the item by the clamping and conveying component 2, it is not easy for the item to be transferred to have a large area of ​​scratches. This is beneficial to reduce the wear of the item to be transferred during the transfer process, provided that the bearing component 1 can stably support the item to be transferred. At the same time, it is easy to simplify the structure of the bearing component 1, reduce the amount of material used in the bearing component 1, and reduce the cost.

[0113] Furthermore, since both the first carrier 11 and the second carrier 12 extend into long strips and define multiple carrier positions 10, there is no clear boundary between two adjacent carrier positions 10. This allows the carrier component 1 to carry items of different sizes and specifications, which is beneficial to improving the applicability of the pallet conveying assembly 101.

[0114] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12As shown, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can reciprocate synchronously in the vertical direction, and both have a first height position and a second height position. At the first height position, the clamping and conveying member 2 corresponds to the carrying member 1, so that the clamping and conveying member 2 is used to clamp the item to be conveyed on the carrying member 1, or to release the item to be conveyed onto the carrying member 1; at the second height position, the clamping and conveying member 2 is located above the carrying member 1, so that the clamping and conveying member 2 is used to lift the item to be conveyed away from the carrying member 1.

[0115] It is understood that, in the vertical direction, the clamping and conveying component 2 located at the second height position is higher than the clamping and conveying component 2 located at the first height position. At the first height position, the clamping and conveying component 2 can clamp or release the item to be conveyed on the carrying component 1 by moving the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 in the second horizontal direction. At this time, the item to be conveyed has not been removed from the carrying component 1, that is, the item to be conveyed is still placed on the corresponding carrying position 10. However, if the item to be conveyed is clamped by the clamping and conveying component 2 located at the second height position, the item to be conveyed is removed from the carrying component 1, and the carrying component 1 does not carry the item to be conveyed.

[0116] The clamping and conveying component 2 is configured to repeatedly lift the item to be conveyed on the m-th bearing position 10 away from the bearing component 1 and place it on the (m+1)-th bearing position 10. In the conveying state, the clamping and conveying component 2 repeatedly lifts the item to be conveyed on the m-th bearing position 10 away from the bearing component 1 and places it on the (m+1)-th bearing position 10, where m is a positive integer and 1≤m≤n-1.

[0117] Taking the clamping and conveying component 2 as an example of conveying a component to be conveyed from the first bearing position to the second bearing position, the component to be conveyed is placed on the first bearing position, the clamping and conveying component 2 is at a first height position, at least one of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 moves to a suitable position in the second horizontal direction so that the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can clamp the component to be conveyed; then, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22, while maintaining the state of clamping the component to be conveyed, move synchronously upward in the vertical direction to the second height position so that the component to be conveyed is lifted away from the bearing component 1, that is, the component to be conveyed is lifted by the clamping and conveying component 2 to above the bearing component 1; then, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 move synchronously in the first horizontal direction so that the component to be conveyed is lifted away from the bearing component 1, that is, the component to be conveyed is lifted by the clamping and conveying component 2 to above the bearing component 1; then, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 move synchronously in the first horizontal direction so that the component to be conveyed is lifted to the second height position. The first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 continue to hold the item to be transferred and move synchronously downwards in the vertical direction to a first height position so that the item to be transferred is placed on the carrier member 1. Then, at least one of the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 moves to a suitable position in the second horizontal direction so that the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can release the item to be transferred at the same time. At this time, the released item to be transferred can be stably placed on the corresponding carrier position 10. Then, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 keep in the state of releasing the item to be transferred and move synchronously in the opposite direction of the first horizontal direction to prepare for the next transfer process, and so on.

[0118] In the above technical solution, by setting the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to be movable between the first height position and the second height position, the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 can lift the item to be transferred away from the carrier member 1 for transfer during the clamping and transfer process, so as to reduce the wear between the item to be transferred and the carrier member 1, and to reduce the limitation on the size of the bearing area of ​​the carrier member 1 used to bear the item to be transferred. For example, the carrier member 1 can be used to bear the opposite two sides of the item to be transferred, or it can be used to bear the entire bottom surface of the item to be transferred.

[0119] It is understood that the clamping and conveying component 2 includes a third driving mechanism, which is used to drive the first clamping member 21 and the second clamping member 22 to move synchronously in the vertical direction; the third driving mechanism may have the same or different structure as the first driving mechanism.

[0120] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a conveying system 400, including a storage device, a retrieval device, and the aforementioned conveying device 200. The storage device is used to place workpieces on the input end of the full pallet conveying assembly 101 or on the pallet of the second conveying assembly 104, so that the pallet can be changed from an empty pallet to a full pallet and conveyed by the full pallet conveying assembly 101. The retrieval device is used to remove workpieces from the output end of the full pallet conveying assembly 101 or on the pallet of the first conveying assembly 103, so that the pallet can be changed from a full pallet to an empty pallet and conveyed to the empty pallet conveying assembly 102 for conveying.

[0121] It is understood that when a workpiece is put on the line, the conveying system can place the workpiece directly on the pallet located on the second conveying component 104 or on the pallet located on the first bearing position of the solid pallet conveying component 101 through the storage device. When the workpiece is taken off the line, it can be picked up from the output end of the solid pallet conveying component 101 or the first conveying component 103 through the picking device. This helps to reduce the number of working positions on the line, shorten the line space, and has a high degree of integration.

[0122] In the above technical solution, the cooperation between the conveying device 200, the storage device, and the retrieval device enables the pallet to be used repeatedly while conveying workpieces. This helps to reduce the number of workstations on the production line and shorten the line space. Moreover, the pallet does not need to be frequently placed on the conveying device 200 or frequently removed from it. At the same time, the pallet conveying component 101 can process the workpieces on the pallet in batches and can simultaneously process the workpieces on the pallet in different processes. This helps to improve logistics efficiency and automation level and reduce manual intervention.

[0123] For example, the conveying system 400 can be used as an automated device for pallet conveying during the manufacturing or assembly of battery cells 300 (such as lithium batteries), and is part of an industrial logistics system.

[0124] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the conveying system 400 includes a first detection device 201, which is correspondingly disposed with the first conveying component 103 and is used to detect whether a workpiece is placed on the tray of the first conveying component 103 in a first state. The conveying system 400 is configured such that, in response to detecting that no workpiece is placed on the tray of the first conveying component 103 in the first state, the first conveying component 103 switches to a second state. It can be understood that the first detection device 201 first detects that no workpiece is placed on the tray of the first conveying component 103, indicating that the tray of the first conveying component 103 is an empty tray, i.e., the picking device has already removed the workpiece from the tray of the first conveying component 103. Then, the first conveying component 103 moves the empty tray downwards to switch to the second state, improving conveying accuracy. As an example, if the first detection device 201 first detects that a workpiece is still placed on the tray of the first conveying component 103, indicating that the tray of the first conveying component 103 is not an empty tray, the first conveying component 103 will not switch to the second state.

[0125] The second conveying assembly 104 has a third state of docking with the full pallet conveying assembly 101 and a fourth state of docking with the empty pallet conveying assembly 102. The conveying system 400 includes a second detection device 202, which is correspondingly disposed with the second conveying assembly 104, and is used to detect whether a workpiece is placed on the pallet on the second conveying assembly 104 in the third state. The conveying system 400 is configured such that, in response to detecting that a workpiece is placed on the pallet on the second conveying assembly 104 in the third state, the full pallet conveying assembly 101 receives the pallet on the second conveying assembly 104.

[0126] It is understood that the second detection device 202 first detects that a workpiece is placed on the tray of the second conveying assembly 104, indicating that the tray of the second conveying assembly 104 is a solid tray, that is, the workpiece storage device has placed the workpiece on the tray of the second conveying assembly 104. Then, the solid tray conveying assembly 101 conveys the solid tray of the second conveying assembly 104 to the first bearing position, improving the conveying accuracy. As an example, if the second detection device 202 first detects that no workpiece is placed on the tray of the second conveying assembly 104, it indicates that the tray of the second conveying assembly 104 is not a solid tray, and the solid tray conveying assembly 101 will not accept the tray of the second conveying assembly 104. Optionally, the first detection device 201 and the second detection device 202 can be sensor devices. The type of sensor device is not limited, and the structure and principle of the sensor device are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0127] The conveying system 400 includes a third detection device 203, which is set to one of the bearing positions 10 to detect whether a workpiece is placed on the tray at the corresponding bearing position 10, so as to further improve the conveying accuracy of the conveying system 400.

[0128] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0129] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A conveying device, characterized in that, include: A pallet conveying assembly for conveying pallets containing workpieces; An empty pallet conveying assembly is disposed below the full pallet conveying assembly and is used to convey empty pallets that do not contain workpieces. A first conveying component is disposed between the output end of the full pallet conveying component and the input end of the empty pallet conveying component, and has a first state of docking with the full pallet conveying component and a second state of docking with the empty pallet conveying component. In the second state, the first conveying component and the empty pallet conveying component are offset from each other in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component. A second conveying assembly is disposed between the output end of the empty pallet conveying assembly and the input end of the full pallet conveying assembly; A first push-pull assembly is disposed below the empty pallet conveying assembly and is capable of reciprocating along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly. The conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first conveying component switching to the second state, the first push-pull component can move an empty pallet on the first conveying component to the empty pallet conveying component.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly, the first push-pull assembly has a first position that docks with the first conveying assembly and a second position that docks with the empty pallet conveying assembly. The conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first push-pull assembly moving to the first position, the first conveying assembly switches to the second state.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the empty pallet has a push-pull protrusion, and the side of the push-pull protrusion facing away from the second conveying component in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly is a mating surface. The first push-pull assembly includes a push-pull base and a push-pull block. The push-pull block protrudes upward from the push-pull base and is fixed in position relative to the push-pull base. The first surface of the push-pull block facing the second conveying assembly is adapted to abut against the mating surface.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly, the first push-pull assembly has a first position corresponding to the first conveying assembly and a second position corresponding to the empty pallet conveying assembly. The conveying device is configured such that, in response to the first conveying component switching to the second state, the first push-pull component moves to the first position.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the empty pallet has a push-pull protrusion, and the side of the push-pull protrusion facing away from the second conveying component in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly is a mating surface. The first push-pull assembly has a switchable push-pull state and a avoidance state. In the push-pull state, the first push-pull assembly can abut against the mating surface to drive the empty pallet to the empty pallet conveying assembly. In the avoidance state, the first push-pull assembly is adapted to separate from the mating surface.

6. The conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first push-pull assembly includes a push-pull base, a push-pull block, and an elastic element. The push-pull block is movable relative to the push-pull base between a push-pull position and a clearance position, so that the first push-pull assembly switches between the push-pull state and the clearance state. The push-pull position is located above the clearance position. The elastic element is used to apply an elastic force to the push-pull block toward the push-pull position. The push-pull block has a first surface adapted to abut against the mating surface and a second surface adapted to abut against the bottom end of the push-pull protrusion. The second surface is located on the upper surface of the push-pull block and is adjacent to the first surface. The second surface is inclined upward along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly so that the first push-pull assembly is configured such that the push-pull block can be pressed downward toward the avoidance position by the pallet.

7. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The empty pallet conveying component moves in the opposite direction to the full pallet conveying component.

8. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The second conveying component has a third state of docking with the full pallet conveying component and a fourth state of docking with the empty pallet conveying component. In the fourth state, the second conveying component and the empty pallet conveying component are offset from each other in the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying component. The conveying device includes: The second push-pull assembly is located below the conveying surface of the empty pallet conveying assembly and can reciprocate along the conveying direction of the empty pallet conveying assembly. The conveying device is configured such that, in response to the second conveying component switching to the fourth state, the second push-pull component can move an empty pallet from the empty pallet conveying component onto the second conveying component.

9. The conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The structure of the second push-pull component is the same as that of the first push-pull component.

10. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The physical pallet conveying assembly includes: The carrier component has multiple carrier positions, which are arranged sequentially along a first horizontal direction from the first carrier position to the nth carrier position. Each carrier position is used to carry the item to be transferred, where n is a positive integer and greater than or equal to 2. The first horizontal direction is the transfer direction of the pallet transfer assembly. A clamping and conveying component includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the carrying component in a second horizontal direction, and both can reciprocate synchronously along the first horizontal direction. At least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member can reciprocate in the second horizontal direction so that the clamping and conveying component can be used to clamp or release the item to be conveyed on the carrying component. The clamping and conveying component is configured to repeatedly convey the item to be conveyed corresponding to the carrying position to the adjacent carrying position. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

11. The conveying device according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the first clamping member and the second clamping member is provided with a plurality of positioning structures spaced apart along the first horizontal direction, and the positioning structures are adapted to be detachably positioned and engaged with the item to be transferred.

12. The conveying device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The carrying component is used to carry the opposite two side edges of the item to be transferred, and includes a first carrying component and a second carrying component. The first carrying component and the second carrying component are spaced apart along the second horizontal direction, and both extend into long strips along the first horizontal direction to define a plurality of carrying positions. The first clamping component is provided corresponding to the first carrying component, and the second clamping component is provided corresponding to the second carrying component.

13. The conveying device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first clamping member and the second clamping member can reciprocate synchronously in the vertical direction, and both have a first height position and a second height position. At the first height position, the clamping and conveying component corresponds to the carrying component, so that the clamping and conveying component is used to clamp the item to be conveyed on the carrying component, or to release the item to be conveyed onto the carrying component; At the second height position, the clamping and conveying component is positioned above the carrying component, so that the clamping and conveying component is used to lift the item to be conveyed away from the carrying component. The clamping and conveying component is configured to repeatedly lift the item to be conveyed from the bearing component at the m-th bearing position and place it at the (m+1)-th bearing position, where m is a positive integer and 1≤m≤n-1.

14. A transmission system, characterized in that, include: A conveying device, wherein the conveying device is the conveying device according to any one of claims 1-13; A storage device for placing workpieces on a pallet located at the input end of the solid pallet conveying assembly or on a pallet of the second conveying assembly; A part-removing device for removing workpieces located at the output end of the solid pallet conveying assembly or on the pallet of the first conveying assembly.

15. The transmission system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second conveying component has a third state of docking with the full pallet conveying component and a fourth state of docking with the empty pallet conveying component, and the conveying system includes: A first detection device is configured corresponding to the first conveying assembly and is used to detect whether a workpiece is placed on the tray of the first conveying assembly in the first state. A second detection device is provided corresponding to the second conveying assembly and is used to detect whether a workpiece is placed on the tray of the second conveying assembly in the third state. The conveying system is configured such that: in response to detecting that no workpiece is placed on the pallet on the first conveying component in the first state, the first conveying component switches to the second state; in response to detecting that a workpiece is placed on the pallet on the second conveying component in the third state, the pallet conveying component receives the pallet on the second conveying component.

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