Synchronous lifting type setting machine for cleaning automatic line feeding

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automation equipment technology and discloses a synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning lines, comprising: a conveying assembly for carrying and conveying continuously arriving workpieces along the conveying direction; a positioning and blocking assembly disposed at the positioning area at the end of the conveying assembly, including multiple blocking structures spaced apart along the conveying direction, the blocking structures being configured to extend sequentially into the conveying path of the conveying assembly to block and limit the workpieces; and a top lifting assembly disposed above the positioning area, the top lifting assembly including a lifting drive mechanism and multiple downwardly extending top grippers. This invention achieves precise positioning and synchronous lifting of workpieces during the conveying process, avoiding positioning deviations caused by lifting individual workpieces, significantly improving positioning accuracy and production efficiency. Furthermore, the workpieces remain relatively stable in a suspended state, providing ample mechanical clearance for subsequent lateral material handling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automation equipment technology, and more specifically, to a synchronous lifting and shaping machine for use in automatic cleaning lines. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automation equipment technology, precision workpieces (such as aluminum battery casings) typically require continuous conveying, queuing, and precise positioning before entering automated cleaning lines or subsequent processing stations, facilitating efficient batch handling by downstream robotic arms. Existing material transfer and shaping equipment largely focuses on simple conveying and single-row sorting. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN223737057U discloses a casing transfer device and battery production equipment. This device moves the casings through a conveying component and utilizes a gradually narrowing shaping channel and driven edge vibration to gradually compress and shape multiple casings from a tray into a single row, which is then output from the discharge end.

[0003] While this traditional method solves the transition from multi-column to single-column material arrangement, it has significant technical limitations when interfacing with high-precision cleaning lines' lateral automated material handling stations. First, when the continuous feeding line stops material, workpieces often push against each other. This causes deformation of precision thin-walled workpieces and makes it impossible to establish a precise, pre-set spacing between them, failing to meet the requirements of simultaneous gripping by multi-head robotic arms. Second, after queuing, existing conveyor lines typically leave workpieces directly on the two-dimensional support surface awaiting gripping. Due to the obstruction of the bottom support structure, when the gripper of the lateral material handling robot extends to grasp the side wall of the workpiece, its end effector is highly susceptible to mechanical interference and collision with the conveyor belt or frame.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning lines to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides a synchronous lifting and setting machine for cleaning automatic feed lines, comprising: Conveying assembly, used to carry and transport continuously incoming workpieces along the conveying direction; The positioning and blocking assembly is located in the positioning area at the end of the conveying assembly, and includes multiple blocking structures spaced apart along the conveying direction. The blocking structures are configured to extend sequentially into the conveying path of the conveying assembly to block and limit the workpiece. The top lifting assembly is located above the positioning area. The top lifting assembly includes a lifting drive mechanism and multiple downward-extending top grippers. The positions of the top grippers correspond one-to-one with the positions of the workpieces limited by the obstruction structure. The lifting drive mechanism is configured to drive the top grippers to move downward synchronously to grip the top surfaces of multiple workpieces and lift them upward to a set height, so that all workpieces are removed from the bearing surface of the conveying assembly and are in a suspended state.

[0007] Preferably, the blocking structure includes a movable baffle, a lifting cylinder, and a sensor; the lifting cylinder is vertically positioned below the conveying assembly, the movable baffle is connected to the output end of the lifting cylinder, and a clearance gap is provided on the bearing surface of the conveying assembly for the movable baffle to pass through vertically; the sensor is installed on one side above the conveying assembly, and its sensing end corresponds to the blocking position where the movable baffle is located; the sensor and the lifting cylinder are connected to the controller and configured to trigger the extension of the lifting cylinder of the next position after sensing the workpiece; all lifting cylinders are configured to retract synchronously after the top gripper completes the gripping action.

[0008] Preferably, the positioning and blocking assembly further includes a fixed baffle and a tail end sensor; the fixed baffle spans across and is installed at the very end of the conveying path of the conveying assembly; the tail end sensor is installed on the fixed baffle and is used to detect the position status of the first workpiece abutting against the fixed baffle.

[0009] Preferably, the conveying assembly includes a first conveying section and a second conveying section connected end to end along the conveying direction; the positioning area is set on the second conveying section; the conveying speed of the first conveying section is set to be greater than the feeding speed of the cleaning line connected to its front end; the first conveying section and the second conveying section start and stop synchronously; the first conveying section and the second conveying section are configured to stop operating synchronously while the top lifting assembly performs an upward lifting action, and resume operation after the lifting is completed.

[0010] Preferably, the first conveying section and the second conveying section are configured as belt drives; rigid support plates are arranged in parallel in the internal structure of both the first conveying section and the second conveying section, the upper surface of the support plates is in contact with the belt in the working section, and the two ends of the support plates are installed on the side plates of the frame of the conveying assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the top lifting assembly further includes a frame, a lifting plate, a vertical guide rail, and a crossbeam; the frame is independently set on one side of the conveying assembly; the lifting drive mechanism is a vertical lifting cylinder installed on the frame; the vertical guide rail is installed on the side of the frame; the lifting plate is slidably engaged with the vertical guide rail, and the top of the lifting plate is connected to the output end of the lifting drive mechanism; the lifting plate has a cantilever extending horizontally above the conveying assembly, and the bottom surface of the cantilever is connected to a crossbeam arranged along the conveying direction, and multiple top grippers are installed in a straight array at intervals on the bottom surface of the crossbeam.

[0012] Preferably, the top gripper is a vacuum suction cup assembly. Each vacuum suction cup assembly includes a suction cup base installed at the bottom of the crossbeam and four small suction cups installed at the bottom of the suction cup base. The four small suction cups are arranged in a rectangular array. The central axis of the top gripper is collinear with the central axis of the workpiece at the corresponding station in the positioning area, and the horizontal envelope area of ​​all the small suction cups on the same suction cup base is smaller than the top surface area of ​​the workpiece.

[0013] Preferably, the setting machine further includes a lateral correction component disposed above the conveying assembly; the lateral correction component includes a guide plate, a lateral push block and a thrust drive; the guide plate is disposed on one side edge of the bearing surface of the conveying assembly along the conveying direction; the thrust drive is disposed laterally on the other side of the conveying assembly, and its output direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction and faces the guide plate; the lateral push block is connected to the output end of the thrust drive.

[0014] Preferably, the lateral correction assembly includes a first set of correction units and a second set of correction units; the first set of correction units is located at the feed end of the first conveying section and includes a single thrust drive and a single lateral push block; the second set of correction units is located in the positioning area of ​​the second conveying section and includes multiple thrust drive units and lateral push blocks arranged at intervals along the conveying direction, with each of the multiple thrust drive units corresponding to a blocking station in the positioning area.

[0015] Preferably, the setting machine also includes a bottom platform, and the conveying assembly is mounted on the top of the bottom platform via a bracket; a liquid receiving tank is provided on the top surface of the bottom platform, and the bottom of the liquid receiving tank extends to both sides to form two symmetrical inclined guide plates, with the highest side of the inclined guide plates located below both ends of the conveying assembly.

[0016] Compared to existing technologies, this invention provides a synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning lines, offering at least the following advantages: Through the coordinated operation of the positioning and blocking components and the top lifting components, precise positioning and synchronous lifting of the workpiece are achieved during the conveying process. The workpiece will not collide or jam due to positional shifts during lifting, and positioning deviations caused by lifting a single workpiece are avoided, significantly improving positioning accuracy and production efficiency. The material array on a two-dimensional plane is transformed into a three-dimensional suspended state, and the workpiece remains relatively stable in this suspended state, providing ample mechanical clearance for subsequent lateral material handling. This avoids collisions between the material handling execution end and the bearing surface during material handling, improving equipment operational reliability.

[0017] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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 schematic diagram of the synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning line loading of the present invention (one of the workpieces is not shown). Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conveying component and the positioning and blocking component in this invention (the first conveyor belt is not shown). Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point A; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the top lifting assembly in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gripping state structure between the top gripper and the workpiece in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the position and structure of the inclined guide plate in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the small suction cup in this invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 10. Conveying assembly; 20. Positioning and blocking assembly; 30. Top lifting assembly; 40. Lateral correction assembly; 50. Machine platform; 60. Workpiece; 11. First conveying section; 12. Second conveying section; 13. Support plate; 21. Movable baffle; 22. Lifting cylinder; 23. Sensor; 24. Fixed baffle; 25. Tail end sensor; 31. Frame; 32. Lifting drive mechanism; 33. Vertical guide rail; 34. Lifting plate; 35. Crossbeam; 36. Top gripper; 41. Guide guard plate; 42. Lateral push block; 43. Thrust drive component; 51. Inclined guide plate; 361. Vacuum suction cup; 362. Annular airflow hood; 363. Air blowing nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0021] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0022] Example 1: As Figures 1-7 As shown, the present invention provides a synchronous lifting and shaping machine for cleaning automatic feed lines, comprising: Conveying assembly 10 is used to carry and convey continuously incoming workpieces 60 along the conveying direction; The positioning and blocking assembly 20 is located in the positioning area at the end of the conveying assembly 10 and includes multiple blocking structures spaced apart along the conveying direction. The blocking structures are configured to extend sequentially into the conveying path of the conveying assembly 10 to block and limit the workpiece 60. The top lifting assembly 30 is located above the positioning area. The top lifting assembly 30 includes a lifting drive mechanism 32 and multiple downwardly extending top grippers 36. The positions of the top grippers 36 correspond one-to-one with the positions of the workpieces 60 limited by the blocking structure. The lifting drive mechanism 32 is configured to drive the top grippers 36 to move downward synchronously to grip the top surfaces of the multiple workpieces 60 and lift them upward to a set height, so that all workpieces 60 are removed from the bearing surface of the conveying assembly 10 and are in a suspended state.

[0023] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This embodiment provides a synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning lines. Workpieces 60 continuously fed from the front end are first laid flat and transferred to the bearing surface of the conveying assembly 10. The conveying assembly 10 transports the workpieces 60 to the positioning area at the end. As the workpieces 60 enter the positioning area, the positioning and blocking assembly 20 begins to operate. The positioning and blocking assembly 20 includes multiple blocking structures spaced apart along the conveying direction. Under the command of the control system, these blocking structures extend sequentially from bottom to top into the conveying path of the conveying assembly 10. Due to physical interference, the forward-moving workpieces 60 sequentially abut against the corresponding blocking structures, thus being forcibly stopped and limited. Multiple workpieces 60 are intercepted sequentially here, ultimately arranging to form a preset number of equidistant workpiece arrays.

[0024] Once the workpiece array is complete, the top lifting assembly 30, positioned above the positioning area, is activated. The control system sends a descent command to the lifting drive mechanism 32, causing its output end to extend downwards, driving multiple top grippers 36 below it to move vertically downwards in sync. Since the installation positions of the top grippers 36 and the workpieces 60 limited by the blocking structure below are on the same vertical line, they correspond one-to-one. The bottom of the top grippers 36 precisely contacts the top surfaces of the multiple workpieces 60 and performs an adsorption gripping action. After secure gripping, the lifting drive mechanism 32 executes a reverse movement command, its output end retracting upwards, causing the top grippers 36 and the entire array of gripped workpieces to rise vertically upwards. When the workpieces 60 reach the set height, the lifting drive mechanism 32 stops operating. At this point, all workpieces 60 are completely detached from the bearing surface of the conveying assembly 10 and remain suspended in mid-air. The blocking structure also simultaneously withdraws from the conveying path, awaiting the entry of the next batch of workpieces 60. After the picking robot extends into the suspended area from the side to complete the gripping, the top gripper 36 releases the workpiece 60, and the lifting drive mechanism 32 continues to move, driving the top gripper 36 to descend back to its original position.

[0025] This embodiment achieves precise positioning and synchronous lifting of the workpiece 60 during the conveying process through the coordinated operation of the positioning and blocking component 20 and the top lifting component 30. The workpiece 60 will not collide or jam due to positional shifts during lifting, and positioning deviations caused by lifting a single workpiece 60 are avoided, significantly improving positioning accuracy and production efficiency. The material array on a two-dimensional plane is transformed into a three-dimensional suspended state, and the workpiece 60 remains relatively stable in this suspended state, providing ample mechanical clearance for subsequent lateral material handling. This avoids collisions between the material handling execution end and the bearing surface when handling material on the bearing surface, improving the reliability of equipment operation.

[0026] Example 2: Based on Example 1 above, the blocking structure includes a movable baffle 21, a lifting cylinder 22, and a sensor 23; the lifting cylinder 22 is vertically arranged below the conveying assembly 10, the movable baffle 21 is connected to the output end of the lifting cylinder 22, and a clearance gap is provided on the bearing surface of the conveying assembly 10 for the movable baffle 21 to pass through vertically; the sensor 23 is installed on one side above the conveying assembly 10, and its sensing end corresponds to the blocking position where the movable baffle 21 is located; the sensor 23 and the lifting cylinder 22 are connected to the controller and are configured to trigger the extension of the lifting cylinder 22 of the next position after sensing the workpiece 60; all lifting cylinders 22 are configured to retract synchronously after the top gripper 36 completes the gripping action.

[0027] The positioning and blocking assembly 20 also includes a fixed baffle 24 and a tail end sensor 25; the fixed baffle 24 spans across and is installed at the end of the conveying path of the conveying assembly 10; the tail end sensor 25 is installed on the fixed baffle 24 and is used to detect the position status of the first workpiece 60 that abuts against the fixed baffle 24.

[0028] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: In this embodiment, when the first workpiece 60 reaches the end of the conveying assembly 10, it is directly intercepted by the fixed baffle 24 spanning the path. At this time, the tail end sensor 25 installed on the fixed baffle 24 detects that the first workpiece 60 has been tightly fitted into place and immediately sends a first occupancy signal to the controller. Simultaneously, the sensing end of the sensor 23 on the side above the conveying assembly 10 detects the edge of the workpiece 60 and immediately sends a detection electrical signal to the controller. After receiving the signal, the controller issues an opening command to the lifting cylinder 22 located at the next station (i.e., the next station in the material's direction) along the conveying direction. The piston rod of the lifting cylinder 22 extends vertically upward, pushing the movable baffle 21 connected to its top through the clearance gap on the bearing surface of the conveying assembly 10 and protruding above the conveying path. Therefore, the second workpiece 60 that is immediately delivered is steadily intercepted by the movable baffle 21.

[0029] The subsequent workpieces 60 continue to be conveyed forward. This process continues; after the sensor 23 at the previous station confirms the material is in place, it dynamically triggers the lifting cylinder 22 at the next station to raise the movable baffle 21, forming a step-by-step interception control from the end to the front. Once the top gripper 36 has pressed down and completed gripping all workpieces 60, the controller sends a reset signal to all lifting cylinders 22. The piston rods of all lifting cylinders 22 simultaneously retract downwards, causing all movable baffles 21 to simultaneously descend below the bearing surface, thus clearing the conveying path and preparing for the smooth entry of the next batch of materials.

[0030] This embodiment employs a sensor-based step-by-step detection and a cylinder-based reverse step-by-step lifting mechanism. A fixed initial interception establishes the coordinate reference for the entire array, and the linkage between the preceding sensor-triggered subsequent actions ensures that the movable baffle 21 always rises precisely just before the next workpiece arrives. This guarantees that each workpiece can be independently limited while maintaining the precise design spacing between workpieces. Compared to a single physical obstruction at the end, this prevents multiple workpieces 60 from colliding and squeezing, avoiding deformation of precision aluminum shell workpieces and uncontrolled material spacing. It helps to achieve precise spacing and coordinate with subsequent batch grasping tasks.

[0031] Example 3: Based on Example 2 above, the conveying assembly 10 includes a first conveying section 11 and a second conveying section 12 connected end to end along the conveying direction; the positioning area is set on the second conveying section 12; the conveying speed of the first conveying section 11 is set to be greater than the feeding speed of the cleaning line connected to its front end; the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12 start and stop synchronously; the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12 are configured to stop running synchronously while the top lifting assembly 30 performs an upward lifting action, and resume operation after the lifting is completed.

[0032] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: In this embodiment, the speed of the drive motor of the first conveyor section 11 is preset to be higher than the feeding speed of the front conveyor line. When the workpiece 60 crosses the junction gap and is mounted on the belt of the first conveyor section 11, the workpiece 60 instantly receives a forward acceleration force. This speed difference widens the physical gap between the workpieces 60 that were originally connected end to end, ensuring that the first conveyor section 11 always carries only one workpiece 60.

[0033] After separation, the workpiece 60 continues to slide into the second conveyor section 12 for blocking and positioning. When the positioning area on the second conveyor section 12 detects that the number of workpieces has reached a preset full-load threshold, the controller simultaneously cuts off the power to the drive motors of the first conveyor section 11 and the second conveyor section 12, causing both belts to stop synchronously. In the stopped state, the top lifting assembly 30 descends to perform a gripping action. During this period, due to the speed difference between the first conveyor section 11 and the front-end conveyor line, even if the first conveyor section 11 is stationary, new workpieces sent out by the upstream conveyor line have not reached the entrance of the first conveyor section 11, let alone entered the second conveyor section 12.

[0034] After the top lifting assembly 30 lifts the workpiece upwards and suspends it in the air, the controller synchronously resumes the operation of the two conveyor belts.

[0035] This embodiment employs a horizontal differential speed method for conveying distance. By utilizing the speed difference between the first conveyor section 11 and the front-end conveyor line, it ensures that the first conveyor section 11 always carries only one workpiece 60. This reduces the load on the conveyor line and allows sufficient time for the workpiece to enter during the lifting window. The combined use of two conveyor belts isolates the high-speed conveying area and the positioning area, ensuring that the high-speed conveying area corresponding to the first conveyor section 11 only handles the transport of a single workpiece without bearing additional weight. This avoids friction caused by workpieces stopping on the second conveyor section 12, which could hinder the conveying process and ensure stable equipment operation.

[0036] Example 4: Based on Example 3 above, the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12 are configured as belt drives; rigid support plates 13 are arranged in parallel in the internal structure of the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12, the upper surface of the support plates 13 is in contact with the belt in the working section, and the two ends of the support plates 13 are installed on the side plate of the frame of the conveying assembly 10.

[0037] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: The upper surface of the support plate 13 abuts against the inner bottom surface of the belt in the working section (i.e., the upper half of the belt carrying the material) from directly below, which can improve the load-bearing capacity of the belt; it also guides and limits the workpiece 60 from below, preventing the workpiece 60 from being misaligned due to elastic collapse and deformation of the belt. In addition, when the top gripper 36 presses down on the workpiece 60 to grip it tightly, the workpiece 60 transmits the downward pressure to the belt of the second conveyor section 12. The support plate 13 bears the huge clamping force from top to bottom, ensuring effective adsorption and preventing gripping slippage and missed gripping accidents.

[0038] Example 5: Based on Example 1 above, the top lifting assembly 30 further includes a frame 31, a lifting plate 34, a vertical guide rail 33, and a crossbeam 35; the frame 31 is independently set on one side of the conveying assembly 10; the lifting drive mechanism 32 is a vertical lifting cylinder installed on the frame 31; the vertical guide rail 33 is installed on the side of the frame 31; the lifting plate 34 is slidably engaged with the vertical guide rail 33, and the top of the lifting plate 34 is connected to the output end of the lifting drive mechanism 32; the lifting plate 34 has a cantilever extending horizontally above the conveying assembly 10, and the bottom surface of the cantilever is connected to a crossbeam 35 arranged along the conveying direction, and multiple top grippers 36 are installed in a straight array at intervals on the bottom surface of the crossbeam 35.

[0039] The top gripper 36 is a vacuum suction cup assembly. Each vacuum suction cup assembly includes a suction cup base installed at the bottom of the crossbeam 35, and four small suction cups installed at the bottom of the suction cup base. The four small suction cups are arranged in a rectangular array. The central axis of the top gripper 36 is collinear with the central axis of the workpiece 60 at the corresponding station in the positioning area, and the horizontal envelope area of ​​all the small suction cups on the same suction cup base is smaller than the top surface area of ​​the workpiece 60.

[0040] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: In this embodiment, after receiving a descent signal, the lifting drive mechanism 32 mounted on the frame 31 extends its piston rod downward. The piston rod pulls the lifting plate 34 downward. During the movement, the lifting plate 34 slides tightly with the vertical guide rail 33 fixed to the side of the frame 31. The vertical guide rail 33 uses a slider structure to guide and restrict the lifting plate 34 to move only in the vertical direction, eliminating lateral sway and shaking.

[0041] The cantilever of the lifting plate 34 extends the horizontal beam 35 directly above the positioning area. Multiple top gripping components 36 (i.e., vacuum suction cup assemblies) at the bottom of the beam 35 descend synchronously. The central axis of each vacuum suction cup assembly is precisely aligned with the geometric center of the top surface of the workpiece 60 at the corresponding workstation below. When the four small suction cups arranged in a rectangular array contact the surface of the workpiece 60, the vacuum generator draws air from inside the suction cup holders to create negative pressure, firmly adhering the workpiece 60.

[0042] Because the horizontal envelope area formed by the four small suction cups is limited to a smaller area than the total area of ​​the top surface of workpiece 60, the small suction cups only occupy the central area of ​​the top of workpiece 60 when adsorption is complete. Subsequently, the piston rod of the lifting drive mechanism 32 retracts upward, causing the lifting plate 34 to rise smoothly along the vertical guide rail 33, lifting workpiece 60 as a whole. In this suspended state, the outer edge area of ​​the top surface of workpiece 60 and all four sidewalls are completely exposed without any physical obstruction. After the lateral robot gripper completes docking and clamps the workpiece sidewalls, the control valve cuts off the vacuum source, introducing positive pressure air into the suction cup holder, breaking the vacuum state and releasing workpiece 60.

[0043] This embodiment combines a side-mounted cantilevered guide lifting mechanism with a reduced-size suction cup matrix, achieving both extremely high vertical gripping accuracy and minimizing the surface area occupied by the workpiece. The vertical guide rail structure avoids the resonance and vibration that occurs with long cantilever structures during lifting; the small central suction area design leaves a large blank area around the workpiece's geometric periphery, ensuring zero drop during extraction and maximizing the operational freedom of the external material handling tool. This effectively avoids mechanical interference and collisions between the material handling robot and the top gripper, achieving a suspended material handling state.

[0044] Example 6: Based on Example 1 above, the shaping machine further includes a lateral correction component 40 disposed above the conveying component 10; the lateral correction component 40 includes a guide plate 41, a lateral push block 42, and a thrust drive component 43; the guide plate 41 is disposed on one side edge of the bearing surface of the conveying component 10 along the conveying direction; the thrust drive component 43 is disposed laterally on the other side of the conveying component 10, and its output direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction and faces the guide plate 41; the lateral push block 42 is connected to the output end of the thrust drive component 43.

[0045] The lateral correction assembly 40 includes a first set of correction units and a second set of correction units. The first set of correction units is located at the feed end of the first conveying section 11 and includes a single thrust drive 43 and a single lateral push block 42. The second set of correction units is located in the positioning area of ​​the second conveying section 12 and includes multiple thrust drive units 43 and lateral push blocks 42 arranged at intervals along the conveying direction. The multiple thrust drive units 43 correspond one-to-one with the blocking positions in the positioning area.

[0046] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: At the feed end of the first conveying section 11, when a single workpiece 60 enters, the thrust drive 43 (hydraulic cylinder) in the first set of correction units responds quickly. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends laterally, pushing the lateral push block 42 at its end to move to the opposite side. The lateral push block 42 pushes the workpiece 60 flat to the edge, making it press tightly against the guide guard plate 41. After completing one lateral coarse positioning, the hydraulic cylinder retracts.

[0047] Subsequently, workpieces 60 flow to the positioning area of ​​the second conveying section 12 and are blocked sequentially. Before the upward lifting action occurs, the second set of correction units is activated. The lateral push block 42 corresponding to each workpiece 60 extends independently to the opposite side. Each lateral push block 42 presses down on the side wall of a workpiece 60 in the blocking position, applying a uniform lateral thrust to eliminate the slight deflection angle and lateral displacement deviation of each workpiece, forcing the entire array to completely conform to the guide plate 41 in the lateral direction, forming a precise straight line. Then all hydraulic cylinders retract synchronously. The thrust drive components 43 in the second set of correction units act synchronously after all workpieces 60 have moved into place, or act individually after each workpiece 60 has moved into place.

[0048] This embodiment employs a combined structure of dynamic coarse correction and static multi-point fine correction. Correction is performed initially upon the workpiece 60 entering the conveying assembly 10 and again within the positioning area, significantly improving the positioning accuracy of the workpiece 60. A multi-stage independent hydraulic side-push structure and a blocking structure form a combined horizontal and vertical limiting structure within the plane. This structure uses the side guide plate 41 and movable baffle 21 as limiting bases to form a precise material array, reducing the computational burden of secondary adjustment and correction by the rear-end material handling robot. With the assistance of the above structure, the serpentine distribution of the workpiece within the positioning area is avoided, preventing issues such as top suction cup deviation, air leakage, and material drop, thus improving the reliability of the gripping action.

[0049] Example 7: Based on Example 1 above, the shaping machine also includes a bottom platform 50, and the conveying assembly 10 is installed above the bottom platform 50 by a bracket; the top surface of the bottom platform 50 is provided with a liquid receiving tank, and the bottom of the liquid receiving tank extends to both sides to form two symmetrical inclined guide plates 51, and the highest side of the inclined guide plate 51 is located below both ends of the conveying assembly 10.

[0050] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: During the conveying of workpiece 60, residual coolant and metal shavings overflowing from the interior or dripping from the surface of the aluminum shell workpiece 60 are forced down by gravity through the mechanical gaps of the conveying assembly 10 and enter the liquid receiving tank on the top surface of the bottom platform 50. The mixed waste liquid first drips onto the highest side of the two symmetrical inclined guide plates 51 in the middle of the liquid receiving tank, and then the droplets accelerate down the slope, eventually converging and flowing out of the main body of the equipment along the drain opening of the bottom platform 50. Through the above structural design, residual liquid is prevented from entering the mechanical parts during long-term use, thus extending the service life and maintenance cycle of the equipment.

[0051] Example 8: Based on Example 5 above, each small suction cup in the top gripper 36 includes an internal vacuum suction cup 361 and an annular airflow shroud 362 surrounding the vacuum suction cup; the annular airflow shroud 362 is coaxially arranged with the vacuum suction cup 361, and the bottom end face of the annular airflow shroud is slightly higher than the bottom suction surface of the vacuum suction cup 361; multiple downwardly inclined air nozzles 363 are evenly distributed around the bottom of the annular airflow shroud 362, and the spray direction of the air nozzles 363 converges towards the central axis directly below the vacuum suction cup 361; the annular airflow shroud 362 is connected to an air source and is configured to spray pulsed airflow into the area to be adsorbed of the workpiece 60 through the air nozzles 363 before the vacuum suction cup 361 comes into contact with the top surface of the workpiece 60.

[0052] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: This embodiment mainly addresses the special working conditions in the pre-loading stage of an automated cleaning line. Since the continuously arriving aluminum shell workpieces 60 have not yet been cleaned, their top surfaces are typically covered with residual coolant, oil, and fine metal debris from the previous machining process. If a conventional suction cup is used for direct downward suction, the oil and debris can easily cause poor sealing of the suction cup lip, leading to negative pressure leakage and workpiece falling during the subsequent lifting phase.

[0053] By introducing a coaxial airflow purging composite gripping head, a purging-then-adsorption action is achieved: when the lifting drive mechanism 32 drives the top gripper 36 to descend, just before the bottom end of the vacuum suction cup 361 contacts the top surface of the workpiece 60 (e.g., 10mm-20mm from the surface), the control system triggers the air source, and airflow is ejected from the blowing nozzles 363 at the bottom of the outer annular airflow cover 362. The descending position of the top gripper 36 can be monitored by a position sensor, and when the aforementioned set distance threshold is reached, a position signal is sent to the control system. As multiple blowing nozzles 363 tilt downwards and converge to form a conical air curtain, residual waste liquid and metal debris on the surface of the adsorption area of ​​the workpiece 60 are blown outwards to form a clean zone.

[0054] As the lifting drive mechanism 32 continues to press down, the internal vacuum suction cup 361 accurately falls into the clean area, and its rubber lip can directly and tightly contact the clean metal body of the workpiece 60. Subsequently, a vacuum is drawn to establish negative pressure, greatly ensuring the sealing of the vacuum adsorption. This embodiment eliminates the need for a large and expensive independent purging station at the front end of the conveyor line. Through the composite structure at the end of the gripping head, it completely overcomes the problem of slippage and material falling due to surface contamination at a low cost, significantly improving the reliability and safety of the equipment under harsh operating conditions.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0056] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A synchronous lifting-type shaping machine for cleaning automatic feed lines, characterized in that, include: Conveying assembly (10) for carrying and conveying continuously incoming workpieces (60) in the conveying direction; The positioning and blocking assembly (20) is located in the positioning area at the end of the conveying assembly (10), and includes multiple blocking structures spaced apart along the conveying direction. The blocking structures are configured to extend into the conveying path of the conveying assembly (10) in sequence to block and limit the workpiece (60). The top lifting assembly (30) is located above the positioning area. The top lifting assembly (30) includes a lifting drive mechanism (32) and multiple downward-extending top grippers (36). The positions of the top grippers (36) correspond one-to-one with the positions of the workpieces (60) limited by the blocking structure. The lifting drive mechanism (32) is configured to drive the top grippers (36) to move downward synchronously to grip the top surfaces of multiple workpieces (60) and lift them upward to a set height, so that all workpieces (60) are removed from the bearing surface of the conveying assembly (10) and are in a suspended state.

2. The synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking structure includes a movable baffle (21), a lifting cylinder (22), and a sensor (23). The lifting cylinder (22) is vertically positioned below the conveying assembly (10). The movable baffle (21) is connected to the output end of the lifting cylinder (22), and a clearance gap is provided on the bearing surface of the conveying assembly (10) for the movable baffle (21) to pass through vertically. The sensor (23) is installed on one side above the conveying assembly (10), and its sensing end corresponds to the blocking position where the movable baffle (21) is located. The sensor (23) and the lifting cylinder (22) are connected to the controller and configured to trigger the extension of the lifting cylinder (22) of the next position after sensing the workpiece (60). All lifting cylinders (22) are configured to retract synchronously after the top gripper (36) completes the gripping action.

3. The synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning line as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning and blocking assembly (20) also includes a fixed baffle (24) and a tail end sensor (25); the fixed baffle (24) spans and is installed at the end of the conveying path of the conveying assembly (10); the tail end sensor (25) is installed on the fixed baffle (24) to detect the position status of the first workpiece (60) abutting against the fixed baffle (24).

4. The synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying assembly (10) includes a first conveying section (11) and a second conveying section (12) connected end to end along the conveying direction; the positioning area is set on the second conveying section (12); the conveying speed of the first conveying section (11) is set to be greater than the feeding speed of the cleaning line connected to its front end; the first conveying section (11) and the second conveying section (12) start and stop synchronously; the first conveying section (11) and the second conveying section (12) are configured to stop running synchronously while the top lifting assembly (30) performs the upward lifting action, and resume operation after the lifting is completed.

5. The synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning line as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first conveying section (11) and the second conveying section (12) are configured as belt drives; rigid support plates (13) are arranged in parallel in the internal structure of the first conveying section (11) and the second conveying section (12). The upper surface of the support plate (13) is in contact with the belt in the working section, and the two ends of the support plate (13) are installed on the side plate of the frame of the conveying assembly (10).

6. The synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top lifting assembly (30) also includes a frame (31), a lifting plate (34), a vertical guide rail (33), and a crossbeam (35); the frame (31) is independently set on one side of the conveying assembly (10); the lifting drive mechanism (32) is a vertical lifting cylinder installed on the frame (31); the vertical guide rail (33) is installed on the side of the frame (31); the lifting plate (34) slides with the vertical guide rail (33), and the top of the lifting plate (34) is connected to the output end of the lifting drive mechanism (32); the lifting plate (34) has a cantilever extending horizontally above the conveying assembly (10), and the bottom surface of the cantilever is connected to a crossbeam (35) arranged along the conveying direction, and multiple top grippers (36) are installed in a straight array at intervals on the bottom surface of the crossbeam (35).

7. The synchronous lifting and setting machine for cleaning automatic feed lines as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The top gripper (36) is a vacuum suction cup assembly. Each vacuum suction cup assembly includes a suction cup seat installed at the bottom of the crossbeam (35) and four small suction cups installed at the bottom of the suction cup seat. The four small suction cups are arranged in a rectangular array. The central axis of the top gripper (36) is collinear with the central axis of the workpiece (60) at the corresponding station in the positioning area, and the horizontal envelope area of ​​all the small suction cups on the same suction cup seat is smaller than the top surface area of ​​the workpiece (60).

8. The synchronous lifting and shaping machine for automatic cleaning line as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The shaping machine also includes a lateral correction assembly (40) disposed above the conveying assembly (10); the lateral correction assembly (40) includes a guide guard plate (41), a lateral push block (42) and a thrust drive (43); the guide guard plate (41) is disposed on one side edge of the bearing surface of the conveying assembly (10) along the conveying direction; the thrust drive (43) is disposed laterally on the other side of the conveying assembly (10), and its output direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction and faces the guide guard plate (41); the lateral push block (42) is connected to the output end of the thrust drive (43).

9. The synchronous lifting and setting machine for automatic cleaning line as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The lateral correction assembly (40) includes a first set of correction units and a second set of correction units; the first set of correction units is located at the feed end of the first conveying section (11) and includes a single thrust drive (43) and a single lateral push block (42); the second set of correction units is located in the positioning area of ​​the second conveying section (12) and includes multiple thrust drive units (43) and lateral push blocks (42) arranged at intervals along the conveying direction, with the multiple thrust drive units (43) corresponding one-to-one with the blocking stations in the positioning area.

10. The synchronous lifting and setting machine for cleaning automatic feed lines as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The setting machine also includes a bottom platform (50), and the conveying assembly (10) is mounted on the bottom platform (50) via a bracket; the bottom platform (50) has a liquid receiving tank on its top surface, and the bottom of the liquid receiving tank extends to both sides to form two symmetrical inclined guide plates (51), with the highest side of the inclined guide plate (51) located below both ends of the conveying assembly (10).

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