Crawler belt conveyor device of external inspection machine
Through the multi-stage air path design and intelligent air pressure control of the microporous breathable track and positive and negative pressure air chamber support plate unit, the problems of impact damage and sliding friction in the process of receiving and transporting workpieces are solved, and the workpieces are transported stably and without damage and collected efficiently.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUAIAN WENSHAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, workpieces suffer from large impact damage during receiving and transportation, failure of positive pressure buffer due to poor sealing, and easy sliding friction during transportation. In particular, workpieces with high surface quality requirements in precision manufacturing are at risk of edge chipping and surface scratches.
The system employs a microporous breathable track combined with positive and negative pressure air chamber support plate units. Through multi-stage air path design and precision sealing structure, it achieves air cushioning and negative pressure adsorption of the workpiece. Combined with an intelligent air pressure control system, it ensures the stability and protection of the workpiece during receiving and transportation.
It achieves near-zero impact reception of workpieces, reduces initial impact force, avoids edge chipping and surface scratches, ensures conveying stability and accuracy, improves gas utilization and equipment adaptability, and prevents conveying problems caused by stacked materials.
Smart Images
Figure CN122009737A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the fields of precision manufacturing and automated conveying technology, and in particular to an external inspection machine track conveyor device. Background Technology
[0002] In the precision manufacturing industry, products undergo visual inspection after processes such as stamping and bending. Qualified products are typically blown out of the inspection station by a high-pressure air nozzle and fall into a collection device below. Existing technologies mainly employ two solutions: 1. Direct-feed hopper: When workpieces fall at high speed, they are prone to colliding with the hopper wall or already collected workpieces, resulting in chipped edges and scratches on the surface.
[0003] 2. Basic Track Conveyor: While this avoids falling from heights, the workpiece still directly impacts the track surface, posing a risk of initial impact damage. For example, patent CN216120425U discloses a material unloading device using positive and negative pressure, but its positive and negative pressure mechanism is simply attached to the conveyor belt. When positive pressure is needed for cushioning, this structure is prone to gas leakage due to poor fit, resulting in insufficient positive pressure and significantly reduced cushioning effect, failing to achieve a true soft landing.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a solution that can achieve near-zero impact reception of workpieces and stable and reliable transport. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the technical defects of the prior art, such as large impact damage when receiving workpieces, failure of positive pressure buffer due to poor sealing, and easy sliding friction during the conveying process, and provides an external inspection machine track conveyor device with good sealing performance, excellent buffering effect, and stable conveying.
[0006] This invention provides the following technical solution: An external inspection machine track conveyor device, comprising: frame; The drive roller and the driven roller are mounted on the frame; An annular track is fitted onto the drive roller and the driven roller. The annular track is a microporous breathable track. Multiple sets of elongated openings are evenly arranged side by side on a plane perpendicular to the rotation direction and parallel to the conveying plane of the annular track. Multiple sets of breathable micropores that penetrate to the outer ring of the annular track are vertically arranged on the openings. The positive pressure air chamber support plate unit is located below the track bearing section; The negative pressure air chamber support plate unit is located below the track bearing section; The air pressure control system controls the air pressure of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit respectively; The inner ring of the annular track is provided with two sets of annular raised guide rings, and a guide hole is provided in the raised guide ring that communicates with the opening. The positive pressure air chamber support plate unit and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit have the same structure. Both are provided with guide grooves for guiding and accommodating the protruding guide rings, and elongated openings are provided on both sides of the guide grooves. The elongated extension direction of the openings is the same as the rotation direction of the annular track. The guide hole one has through holes one on both sides. The through holes one is configured to communicate with the opening two when the annular track rotates so that the guide hole one corresponds to the area of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit or the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit.
[0007] This solution constructs the core structural framework of the external inspection machine's tracked conveyor. Through the cooperation of a microporous, breathable track and positive / negative pressure air chamber support plate unit, a fundamental transformation from hard impact to air cushioning of the workpiece is achieved. The precise fit between the raised guide ring and the guide groove ensures high airtightness of the air path. The multi-layered air path design, including opening one, guide hole one, through hole one, and opening two, achieves precise gas guidance and uniform distribution. This structure fundamentally solves the problem of impact damage to precision workpieces during receiving and transporting, laying the technical foundation for the subsequent detailed improvements in the dependent claims.
[0008] Preferably, the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit is inflated through the perforation one that rotates into position in two directions. The pressurized gas enters the guide hole one through the perforation one, then enters the opening one, and is ejected through the ventilated micro-holes on the opening one, generating a floating lifting force on the product falling downwards and buffering the impact of the product falling onto the annular track.
[0009] This solution specifically defines the positive pressure buffering process. Through a series of air paths—including two openings, one through-hole, one guide hole, another opening, and a ventilated micropore—the uniform ejection of compressed gas and the formation of a stable air cushion are achieved. This multi-stage air path design ensures the stability and uniformity of the air cushion, providing sufficient buffering for the workpiece before it contacts the track surface. This effectively reduces the initial impact force and avoids secondary damage such as edge chipping and surface scratches. It is particularly suitable for precision metal stampings and electronic components with extremely high surface quality requirements.
[0010] Preferably, the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit draws air outward through the air pressure control system, so that when the annular track moves the product to the area of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit, a negative pressure adsorption and positioning effect is generated.
[0011] This solution defines the working mechanism of negative pressure adsorption. Through the suction effect of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit, after the workpiece is buffered and stabilized on the track surface, a strong adsorption force is generated to fix it in place. This negative pressure adsorption method avoids the surface damage that may be caused by traditional mechanical clamping or friction conveying, ensures the stability of the workpiece during acceleration, deceleration, or turning, and prevents slippage, rolling, or displacement, providing a reliable guarantee for subsequent precise positioning and collection.
[0012] Preferably, it also includes two sets of straight pressure strips arranged above the annular track. The annular track has annular pressure grooves on both sides of its surface that mate with the straight pressure strips, and the two sets of annular pressure grooves are located outside the two sets of raised guide rings.
[0013] This design utilizes a combination of straight pressure strips and annular pressure grooves to create an effective sealing barrier above the annular track. This structural design further enhances the sealing effect in the positive pressure area, reduces gas leakage, and improves the stability and gas utilization rate of the air cushion. Simultaneously, the placement of the two sets of annular pressure grooves on the outside of the raised guide ring ensures that the sealing structure does not interfere with the normal operation of the guide ring, achieving a perfect combination of sealing and guiding functions.
[0014] Preferably, the permeable micropores on the microporous breathable track are arranged in an array on the circumferential track surface, with different openings corresponding to each other.
[0015] This design defines an array-like distribution of permeable micropores. This ensures uniform gas ejection across the track surface, preventing workpiece instability caused by excessively high or low local air pressure. The array-like distribution of air pores provides uniform support based on the shape and size of the workpiece, maintaining its stable posture on the air cushion and further improving the cushioning effect and conveying stability.
[0016] Preferably, the surface of the drive roller has an annular groove that mates with the raised guide ring.
[0017] This design achieves precise track positioning and stable operation through the engagement of an annular groove on the drive roller surface with a raised guide ring. This structural design ensures that the raised guide ring maintains a good fit with the guide groove throughout rotation, preventing air path misalignment and seal failure caused by track deviation, thus improving the operational reliability and service life of the equipment.
[0018] Preferably, a front curtain and a rear curtain are respectively provided above the front and rear ends of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit along the circumferential track conveying direction, and the gap between the bottom of the curtain and the track surface allows a single workpiece to pass through.
[0019] This solution creates material drop limiting zones and anti-stacking barriers at both ends of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit by setting up curtains at the front and rear ends. The gap between the bottom of the curtain and the track surface allows only a single workpiece to pass through, effectively preventing multiple workpieces from stacking into the conveying area. This avoids problems such as poor conveying and product crushing damage caused by stacking, ensuring the stable operation of the production line and product quality.
[0020] Preferably, the air pressure control system includes a positive pressure control unit and a negative pressure control unit. The positive pressure control unit includes an air compressor, an air tank, a precision pressure reducing valve, a proportional valve, a flow sensor, and a pressure sensor. The negative pressure control unit includes a vacuum generator, a vacuum tank, a vacuum regulating valve, and a vacuum sensor.
[0021] This solution constructs a complete air pressure control system. Through the independent configuration of positive and negative pressure control units, precise control of positive pressure buffering and negative pressure adsorption is achieved. The combination of components such as the air compressor, air tank, precision pressure reducing valve, and proportional valve ensures the stability and adjustability of the air pressure; the configuration of components such as the vacuum generator, vacuum storage tank, and vacuum regulating valve enables precise adjustment of negative pressure. This systematic design lays the foundation for subsequent intelligent control.
[0022] Preferably, the positive pressure control unit further includes a photoelectric sensor or a vision recognition system disposed at the nozzle outlet, the photoelectric sensor or vision recognition system being configured to detect the workpiece falling signal and trigger the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit to operate; the positive pressure control unit is configured to dynamically adjust the output air pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit according to preset process parameters and sensor feedback; The negative pressure control unit also includes a workpiece detection sensor disposed in the area of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit. The workpiece detection sensor is configured to detect whether the workpiece enters the negative pressure area and trigger negative pressure adsorption. The negative pressure control unit is configured to dynamically adjust the adsorption force of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit according to the type and weight of the workpiece.
[0023] This solution achieves an intelligent upgrade of the pneumatic control system. It uses photoelectric sensors or a vision recognition system to detect the workpiece falling signal in real time, enabling precise triggering of positive pressure buffering. Workpiece detection sensors monitor the workpiece entering the negative pressure zone, automatically initiating negative pressure adsorption. Based on preset process parameters and sensor feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the output parameters of positive and negative pressure, ensuring that the buffering effect and adsorption force are always at their optimal state. This adaptive control improves the adaptability and intelligence of the equipment.
[0024] Preferably, the air pressure control system further includes a PLC controller and a touch screen human-machine interface. The PLC controller is communicatively connected to the positive pressure control unit and the negative pressure control unit, respectively, and is configured to coordinate the timing switching of positive pressure buffering and negative pressure adsorption. The touch screen human-machine interface is configured to set and display air pressure parameters, working status and fault information.
[0025] This solution integrates a PLC controller and a touchscreen human-machine interface to achieve centralized management and visualized operation of the air pressure control system. The PLC controller coordinates the timing switching of positive pressure buffering and negative pressure adsorption, ensuring seamless integration of the two functions; the touchscreen human-machine interface provides a user-friendly interface, allowing operators to easily set air pressure parameters, monitor operating status, and view fault information, improving equipment usability and maintenance efficiency while reducing operational difficulty and maintenance costs.
[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. Revolutionary cushioning effect: The invention achieves a fundamental transformation of workpiece from hard collision to air cushioning through the air cushion layer formed by the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit. The workpiece is fully cushioned before contacting the track surface, and the initial impact force is greatly reduced, which completely solves the problem of secondary damage such as edge chipping and surface scratches caused by high-altitude falls on precision workpieces. 2. Excellent conveying stability: The suction force generated by the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit firmly fixes the workpiece to the track surface, avoiding the workpiece from sliding, rolling or displacing during acceleration, deceleration or turning, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the conveying process, and providing a reliable guarantee for subsequent positioning and collection. 3. Innovative sealing design: The rotating dynamic sealing structure of the raised guide ring and guide groove, combined with the static sealing design of the straight pressure bar and annular groove, forms a multi-layer sealing barrier, which greatly reduces the gas leakage rate and significantly improves the gas utilization efficiency and air cushion stability. This is the core advantage over existing technologies. 4. Intelligent adaptive control: The air pressure control system achieves intelligent switching and dynamic adjustment of positive pressure buffering and negative pressure adsorption through the coordinated work of photoelectric sensors, vision recognition system and PLC controller. It can automatically adjust air pressure parameters according to workpiece type, weight and falling speed to ensure that the buffering effect and adsorption force are always in the best state. 5. High-efficiency anti-stacking function: The setting of the first and last end curtains effectively prevents multiple workpieces from stacking into the conveying area, avoiding problems such as poor conveying and product crushing damage caused by stacking, and ensuring the stable operation of the production line. 6. Excellent adaptability: Through the touch screen human-machine interface, operators can easily set air pressure parameters, monitor working status, and view fault information. The equipment can quickly adapt to the non-destructive conveying requirements of different products and processes, greatly reducing equipment modification costs. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a top view of the installation of the ring track; Figure 2 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the annular track section at the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit area; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the drive roller; Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the positive pressure chamber support plate unit; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the perforation distribution on the side of a circular track; Markings in the diagram: 1. Drive roller; 2. Driven roller; 3. Annular track; 4. Raised guide ring; 5. Positive pressure air chamber support plate unit; 6. Negative pressure air chamber support plate unit; 7. Guide groove; 8. Opening two; 9. Straight pressure strip; 10. Annular pressure groove; 11. Opening one; 12. Breathable micropores; 13. First end curtain; 14. Tail end curtain; 15. Annular groove; 16. Perforation one; 17. Guide hole one. Detailed Implementation
[0028] Example 1 like Figure 1-4 As shown, an external inspection machine track conveyor device, in this embodiment, includes a frame, a drive roller 1 and a driven roller 2 mounted on the frame; an annular track 3 is sleeved on the drive roller 1 and the driven roller 2, the annular track 3 is a microporous breathable track, with multiple sets of elongated openings 11 evenly arranged side by side on a plane perpendicular to the rotation direction and parallel to the conveying plane of the annular track 3, and multiple sets of breathable micropores 12 vertically formed on the openings 11 and extending to the outer ring of the annular track 3; a positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 is located below the track bearing section; a negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 is located below the track bearing section; an air pressure control system controls the air pressure of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 respectively; the annular inner ring of the annular track 3 is provided with two sets of annular protruding guide rings 4, and the protruding guide rings 4 are provided with guide holes 17 communicating with the openings 11. The positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 have the same structure. Both are provided with guide grooves 7 for guiding and accommodating the protruding guide ring 4, and elongated openings 8 are provided on both sides of the guide grooves 7. The elongated extension direction of the openings 8 is the same as the rotation direction of the annular track 3. When the annular track 3 rotates, when the corresponding guide hole 17 rotates to the area of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6, the through holes 16 opened on both sides of the guide hole 17 are connected to the opening 8, so as to realize the connection of the air chamber.
[0029] The above describes the core structural framework of the external inspection machine's tracked conveyor. Through the cooperation of the microporous permeable track and the positive and negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6, the workpiece is fundamentally transformed from hard collision to air cushion buffering. The precise cooperation between the raised guide ring 4 and the guide groove 7 ensures the high sealing performance of the air path. The multi-layer air path design of opening 11, guide hole 17, through hole 16 and opening 2 8 achieves precise gas guidance and uniform distribution. This structure fundamentally solves the problem of impact damage to precision workpieces during receiving and conveying, laying the technical foundation for the subsequent detailed improvements of each dependent claim.
[0030] The positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 is inflated through the second opening 8 into the perforation 16 that has been rotated into position. The pressurized gas enters the guide hole 17 through the perforation 16, then enters the opening 11, and is ejected through the ventilated micro-holes 12 on the opening 11. This generates a floating lifting force on the product falling downwards, buffering the impact of the product falling onto the annular track 3.
[0031] The above describes the specific workflow of the positive pressure buffer. Through a series of air passages—opening 8, perforation 16, guide hole 17, opening 11, and ventilated micropores 12—the uniform ejection of compressed gas and the formation of a stable air cushion are achieved. This multi-stage air passage design ensures the stability and uniformity of the air cushion, providing sufficient buffering for the workpiece before it contacts the track surface. This effectively reduces the initial impact force and avoids secondary damage such as edge chipping and surface scratches. It is particularly suitable for precision metal stampings and electronic components with extremely high surface quality requirements.
[0032] The negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 draws air outward through the air pressure control system, so that when the annular track 3 moves the product to the area of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6, a negative pressure adsorption and positioning effect is generated.
[0033] The above describes the working mechanism of negative pressure adsorption. Through the suction effect of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6, after the workpiece is buffered and stabilized on the track surface, a strong adsorption force is generated to fix it in place. This negative pressure adsorption method avoids surface damage that may be caused by traditional mechanical clamping or friction conveying, ensures the stability of the workpiece during acceleration, deceleration, or turning, and prevents slippage, rolling, or displacement, providing a reliable guarantee for subsequent precise positioning and collection.
[0034] The present invention also includes two sets of straight pressure strips 9, which are arranged above the annular track 3. The annular track 3 has annular pressure grooves 10 on both sides of its surface that are mated with the straight pressure strips 9, and the two sets of annular pressure grooves 10 are located outside the two sets of protruding guide rings 4.
[0035] The above-mentioned structure, which combines the straight pressure strip 9 with the annular pressure groove 10, forms an effective sealing barrier above the annular track 3. This structural design further enhances the sealing effect of the positive pressure area, reduces gas leakage, and improves the stability and gas utilization rate of the air cushion. At the same time, the layout of the two sets of annular pressure grooves 10 located outside the raised guide ring 4 ensures that the sealing structure will not interfere with the normal operation of the guide ring, thus achieving a perfect combination of sealing and guiding functions.
[0036] The breathable micropores 12 on the breathable track, corresponding to different openings 11, are distributed in an array on the circumferential track surface.
[0037] The above describes the array-like distribution of the permeable micropores 12. This design ensures uniform gas ejection on the track surface, avoiding workpiece instability caused by excessively high or low local air pressure. The array-like distribution of air pores can provide uniform support force according to the shape and size of the workpiece, keeping the workpiece in a stable position on the air cushion, further improving the cushioning effect and conveying stability.
[0038] The surface of the drive roller 1 is provided with an annular groove 15 that mates with the raised guide ring 4.
[0039] In the above-mentioned configuration, the precise positioning and stable operation of the track are achieved by the cooperation between the annular groove 15 on the surface of the drive roller 1 and the raised guide ring 4. This structural design ensures that the raised guide ring 4 always maintains a good fit with the guide groove 7 during rotation, avoiding air path misalignment and sealing failure caused by track deviation, and improving the operational reliability and service life of the equipment.
[0040] Above the first and last ends of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 along the circumferential track conveying direction, a first end curtain 13 and a last end curtain 14 are respectively provided, and the gap between the bottom of the curtain and the track surface allows a single workpiece to pass through.
[0041] As described above, by setting up the first-end curtain 13 and the last-end curtain 14, material drop limiting zones and anti-stacking barriers are formed at both ends of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5. The gap between the bottom of the curtain and the surface of the track allows only a single workpiece to pass through, effectively preventing multiple workpieces from stacking into the conveying area. This avoids problems such as poor conveying and product crushing damage caused by stacking, ensuring the stable operation of the production line and product quality. Furthermore, the curtain material can be made of flexible materials (such as wear-resistant rubber or silicone sheets) to reduce wear when in contact with the product.
[0042] Example 2 An external inspection machine track conveyor device, in this embodiment, is a further limitation based on embodiment 1, wherein the air pressure control system includes a positive pressure control unit and a negative pressure control unit, the positive pressure control unit includes an air compressor, an air tank, a precision pressure reducing valve, a proportional valve, a flow sensor and an air pressure sensor, and the negative pressure control unit includes a vacuum generator, a vacuum tank, a vacuum regulating valve and a vacuum sensor.
[0043] The positive pressure control unit also includes a photoelectric sensor or vision recognition system installed at the nozzle outlet, used to detect the workpiece falling signal and trigger the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 to work; the positive pressure control unit dynamically adjusts the output air pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 according to preset process parameters and sensor feedback; The negative pressure control unit also includes a workpiece detection sensor located in the area of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6, used to detect whether the workpiece enters the negative pressure area and trigger negative pressure adsorption; the negative pressure control unit dynamically adjusts the adsorption force of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 according to the type and weight of the workpiece.
[0044] The air pressure control system also includes a PLC controller and a touch screen human-machine interface. The PLC controller is connected to the positive pressure control unit and the negative pressure control unit respectively, and is used to coordinate the timing switching of positive pressure buffering and negative pressure adsorption. The touch screen human-machine interface is used to set and display air pressure parameters, working status and fault information.
[0045] In summary, the positive pressure control unit consists of an air compressor, an air tank, a precision pressure reducing valve, a proportional valve, a flow sensor, and a pressure sensor. The air compressor provides the compressed air source, the air tank stabilizes air pressure fluctuations, the precision pressure reducing valve reduces high-pressure gas to the working pressure range, the proportional valve precisely regulates the output air pressure and flow rate, the flow sensor monitors the gas flow rate in real time, and the pressure sensor monitors the air pressure in the air chamber in real time. A photoelectric sensor or vision recognition system is installed at the nozzle outlet. When the falling workpiece is detected, a signal is sent to the PLC controller, and the PLC controller immediately instructs the positive pressure control unit to start. When the workpiece falls from the nozzle, the photoelectric sensor detects the workpiece signal. The PLC controller, based on preset process parameters (including workpiece weight, falling height, material, etc.), quickly increases the air pressure of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 to the set value through a proportional valve. The gas is sprayed upward through the microporous breathable track, forming a stable air cushion layer between the workpiece and the track surface. After the workpiece contacts the air cushion, the system dynamically reduces the air pressure through a proportional valve based on the buffer distance and buffer effect to achieve smooth damping until the workpiece is completely supported by the track. The entire process adopts closed-loop control, and the output parameters are adjusted in real time based on the feedback from the air pressure sensor and the flow sensor to ensure a stable and reliable buffer effect. The negative pressure control unit consists of a vacuum generator, a vacuum tank, a vacuum regulating valve, and a vacuum sensor. The vacuum generator generates negative pressure through the Venturi principle, the vacuum tank is used to stabilize negative pressure fluctuations, the vacuum regulating valve is used to precisely adjust the magnitude of negative pressure, and the vacuum sensor monitors the vacuum level in the negative pressure chamber in real time. A workpiece detection sensor is set in area 6 of the negative pressure chamber support plate to detect whether the workpiece has entered the negative pressure area.
[0046] After the workpiece passes through the positive pressure buffer and stabilizes on the track surface, it enters the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 area. The workpiece detection sensor detects the workpiece signal, and the PLC controller instructs the negative pressure control unit to start. The vacuum generator adjusts the air pressure of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 to the set value through the vacuum regulating valve, generating an adsorption force to firmly adsorb the workpiece onto the track surface. The negative pressure control unit dynamically adjusts the adsorption force according to the type and weight of the workpiece to ensure that the workpiece does not slip or roll during the conveying process. When the workpiece leaves the negative pressure area, the workpiece detection sensor detects the disappearance of the signal, and the PLC controller instructs the negative pressure control unit to shut down.
[0047] The PLC controller, as the core of the entire pneumatic control system, is responsible for coordinating the timing switch between positive pressure buffering and negative pressure adsorption. When the workpiece falls from the nozzle, the PLC controller first activates the positive pressure control unit to achieve a soft landing; when the workpiece enters the negative pressure zone, the PLC controller then activates the negative pressure control unit to achieve stable workpiece conveying. The switching time between the two control units is precisely calculated based on the conveyor belt speed and workpiece position to ensure seamless connection. The touchscreen human-machine interface is used to set and display pneumatic parameters, operating status, and fault information, allowing operators to easily adjust and monitor system operation. The air pressure control system features adaptive adjustment, automatically adjusting the positive and negative pressure levels based on the actual weight and descent speed of the workpiece. Through machine learning algorithms, the system establishes a correlation between workpiece weight and optimal air pressure, achieving intelligent control. When a change in workpiece weight is detected, the system automatically adjusts the air pressure parameters to ensure that the buffering effect and suction force are always at their best.
[0048] The working principle of this invention is: In this invention, when the annular track 3 rotates, the guide hole 17 in the raised guide ring 4 rotates to the area of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit 5 and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6. The through holes 16 on both sides of the guide hole 17 are connected to the opening 8 of the air chamber support plate unit to form a complete air passage. When the workpiece falls from the nozzle, the photoelectric sensor or vision recognition system detects the workpiece signal, and the PLC controller immediately instructs the positive pressure control unit to start. The compressed gas is sprayed upward through the path of the opening 8, through hole 16, guide hole 17, opening 11, and ventilating micropore 12, forming a stable air cushion layer between the workpiece and the track surface. After the workpiece contacts the air cushion, the system dynamically reduces the air pressure through the proportional valve according to the buffer distance and buffer effect to achieve smooth damping until the workpiece is completely supported by the track. After the workpiece passes through the positive pressure buffer and stabilizes on the track surface, it enters the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 area. The workpiece detection sensor detects the workpiece signal, and the PLC controller instructs the negative pressure control unit to start. The vacuum generator adjusts the air pressure of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit 6 to the set value through the vacuum regulating valve, generating an adsorption force to firmly adsorb the workpiece onto the track surface. The negative pressure control unit dynamically adjusts the adsorption force according to the type and weight of the workpiece to ensure that the workpiece does not slip or roll during the conveying process. The bottom of the first curtain 13 and the last curtain 14 defines the area for material to fall, and the gap between them and the track surface only allows a single workpiece to pass through. When multiple workpieces are stacked and attempt to pass through the curtain, the workpiece on top will be blocked and separated, ensuring that only a single layer of workpieces enters the subsequent process. The precise fit between the raised guide ring 4 and the guide groove 7, as well as the tight contact between the straight pressure strip 9 and the annular pressure groove 10, form an effective sealing structure to prevent gas from leaking from the periphery of the air chamber support plate unit, ensuring the stability of the air cushion and the gas utilization rate. Furthermore, the positive pressure buffer control process specifically includes: 1. Use photoelectric sensors or vision recognition systems to detect whether a workpiece is falling from the nozzle outlet; 2. Upon detecting a workpiece falling signal, the PLC controller records the workpiece position and falling time; 3. The PLC controller calculates the required air pressure value based on preset process parameters, such as workpiece weight and drop height; 4. Start the positive pressure control unit: including the air compressor, air tank, precision pressure reducing valve, and proportional valve connected in sequence; 5. The proportional valve adjusts the output air pressure and flow rate according to PLC instructions; 6. Pressure and flow sensors monitor the air pressure and flow rate in the air chamber in real time; 7. The PLC controller dynamically adjusts the proportional valve opening based on sensor feedback to ensure stable air pressure; 8. The workpiece contacts the air cushion, and the cushioning is complete.
[0049] Negative pressure adsorption control process 1. The workpiece enters area 6 of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit; 2. The workpiece detection sensor detected a workpiece signal; 3. The PLC controller calculates the required negative pressure value based on the workpiece type and weight; 4. Start the negative pressure control unit: including the vacuum generator, vacuum tank, and vacuum regulating valve connected in sequence; 5. The vacuum regulating valve adjusts the negative pressure according to PLC instructions; 6. A vacuum sensor monitors the negative pressure value in real time; 7. The PLC controller dynamically adjusts the opening of the vacuum regulating valve based on sensor feedback to ensure stable adsorption force; 8. The workpiece is firmly adhered to the track surface, ensuring stable transport.
[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A track conveyor device for an external inspection machine, characterized in that, include: frame; The drive roller and the driven roller are mounted on the frame; An annular track is fitted onto the drive roller and the driven roller. The annular track is a microporous breathable track. Multiple sets of elongated openings are evenly arranged side by side on a plane perpendicular to the rotation direction and parallel to the conveying plane of the annular track. Multiple sets of breathable micropores that penetrate to the outer ring of the annular track are vertically arranged on the openings. The positive pressure air chamber support plate unit is located below the track bearing section; The negative pressure air chamber support plate unit is located below the track bearing section; The air pressure control system controls the air pressure of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit respectively; The inner ring of the annular track is provided with two sets of annular raised guide rings, and a guide hole is provided in the raised guide ring that communicates with the opening. The positive pressure air chamber support plate unit and the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit have the same structure. Both are provided with guide grooves for guiding and accommodating the protruding guide rings, and elongated openings are provided on both sides of the guide grooves. The elongated extension direction of the openings is the same as the rotation direction of the annular track. The guide hole one has through holes one on both sides. The through holes one is configured to communicate with the opening two when the annular track rotates so that the guide hole one corresponds to the area of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit or the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit.
2. The external inspection machine track conveyor device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positive pressure air chamber support plate unit is inflated by rotating the perforation into position through the opening. The pressurized gas enters the guide hole through the perforation and then enters the opening. It is then ejected through the ventilated micro-holes on the opening, generating a floating lifting force on the product falling downwards and buffering the impact of the product falling onto the annular track.
3. The external inspection machine track conveyor device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The negative pressure air chamber support plate unit draws air outward through the air pressure control system, so that when the annular track moves the product to the area of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit, a negative pressure adsorption and positioning effect is generated.
4. The track conveyor device for an external inspection machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes two sets of straight pressure strips, which are arranged above the annular track. The annular track has annular pressure grooves on both sides of its surface that mate with the straight pressure strips, and the two sets of annular pressure grooves are located outside the two sets of raised guide rings.
5. The track conveyor device for an external inspection machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microporous breathable track has different openings corresponding to breathable micropores that are distributed in an array on the circumferential track surface.
6. The track conveyor device for an external inspection machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the drive roller has an annular groove that mates with the raised guide ring.
7. The external inspection machine track conveyor device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Above the first and last ends of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit along the circumferential track conveying direction, a first end curtain and a last end curtain are respectively provided, and the gap between the bottom of the curtain and the track surface allows a single workpiece to pass through.
8. The track conveyor device for an external inspection machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air pressure control system includes a positive pressure control unit and a negative pressure control unit. The positive pressure control unit includes an air compressor, an air tank, a precision pressure reducing valve, a proportional valve, a flow sensor, and an air pressure sensor. The negative pressure control unit includes a vacuum generator, a vacuum tank, a vacuum regulating valve, and a vacuum sensor.
9. The external inspection machine track conveyor device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The positive pressure control unit also includes a photoelectric sensor or a vision recognition system disposed at the nozzle outlet. The photoelectric sensor or vision recognition system is configured to detect the workpiece falling signal and trigger the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit to operate. The positive pressure control unit is configured to dynamically adjust the output air pressure and flow rate of the positive pressure air chamber support plate unit according to preset process parameters and sensor feedback. The negative pressure control unit also includes a workpiece detection sensor disposed in the area of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit. The workpiece detection sensor is configured to detect whether the workpiece enters the negative pressure area and trigger negative pressure adsorption. The negative pressure control unit is configured to dynamically adjust the adsorption force of the negative pressure air chamber support plate unit according to the type and weight of the workpiece.
10. The external inspection machine track conveyor device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The air pressure control system also includes a PLC controller and a touch screen human-machine interface. The PLC controller is communicatively connected to the positive pressure control unit and the negative pressure control unit, respectively, and is configured to coordinate the timing switching of positive pressure buffering and negative pressure adsorption. The touch screen human-machine interface is configured to set and display air pressure parameters, working status and fault information.