A flexible sheet material loader and method of loading

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible sheet feeding machine and a feeding method thereof. The flexible sheet feeding machine comprises a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit and a bearing lifting device. The first conveying unit comprises a first material taking assembly. The second conveying unit comprises second material taking assemblies at both ends and a third material taking assembly in the middle. The feeding method comprises positioning the material on the bearing lifting device and driving the material to gradually rise. The third material taking assembly is lowered to compress the middle part of the first material, the second material taking assembly is lowered to adsorb both ends of the first material and drive the first material to be raised upward to form an avoiding space, the first material taking assembly is extended into the avoiding space to adsorb the second material, the third material taking assembly is raised to completely separate the first material from the second material, the second conveying unit takes away the first material, and the first conveying unit takes away the second material. The application realizes reliable separation of the flexible sheet and the separator paper and efficient feeding, and guarantees the stability of the feeding rhythm and the positioning accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of photovoltaic module manufacturing technology, and in particular relates to a flexible sheet feeding machine and its feeding method. Background Technology

[0002] In the automated production process of photovoltaic modules, large-sized glass substrates need to be sequentially loaded from the stacking station onto the production line. To protect the glass surface from scratches during stacking, a thin layer of spacer paper is usually sandwiched between adjacent layers of glass. During loading, the upper layer of glass needs to be removed first, and the spacer paper adhering to the lower surface of the glass or covering the lower layer of glass needs to be removed as well.

[0003] As photovoltaic modules develop towards larger sizes and thinner sheets, the flexibility of glass has increased significantly. When absorbing large-size flexible glass, the glass surface will naturally sink or warp due to gravity, causing it to adhere tightly to the lower separator paper, and even forming a local vacuum in the adsorption area, making the two extremely difficult to separate.

[0004] In the prior art, for example, a double-sided glass feeder disclosed in Chinese invention patent application publication number CN119190858A includes a glass clamping assembly and a waste paper clamping assembly in each feeding device. The glass clamping assembly and the waste paper clamping assembly are connected to achieve synchronous movement. However, the linkage structure design of the glass clamping assembly and the waste paper clamping assembly in this solution prevents them from coordinating their actions at the critical moment of separation, thus failing to achieve complete separation of the glass and the paper. They can only perform alternating independent operations of clamping the glass first and then clamping the paper. However, when the glass clamping assembly lifts the glass, if the paper adheres to the glass, the paper is easily broken. The glass is lifted along with the paper, causing the separator paper to fly, break, or fall, requiring frequent machine stops to clean up the flying separator paper. This severely disrupts subsequent feeding processes, reduces the overall feeding cycle time, and affects feeding efficiency. In addition, in this design, the glass clamping assembly and waste paper clamping assembly move up and down, while the height of the glass stack is fixed. As the feeding process progresses, the height of the top glass in the stack decreases piece by piece. Each time the glass clamping assembly and waste paper clamping assembly pick up a piece, they need to dynamically adjust their descent stroke based on the remaining height. This design leads to a continuous increase in the single picking time as the feeding process progresses, causing the feeding cycle time to decrease piece by piece, which further reduces feeding efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flexible sheet feeding machine and its feeding method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a flexible sheet feeding machine that achieves reliable separation and efficient feeding of the flexible sheet and the separator, while ensuring the stability and positioning accuracy of the feeding cycle.

[0007] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solution: a flexible sheet feeding machine, comprising a bearing and lifting device, a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit; The first conveying unit includes a first drive module and a movable beam connected to the movable end of the first drive module and extending along a first direction. The two ends of the movable beam are connected to first drive members. The output shaft end of the first drive member is connected to a support rod extending along a second direction. The support rod extends cantilevered from the end of the movable beam toward the second conveying unit. A first material picking component is provided on the support rod. The second conveying unit includes a second drive module and a picking rack connected to the movable end of the second drive module and extending along a first direction. The bottom of both ends of the picking rack is provided with a second picking component, and the bottom of the middle of the picking rack is provided with a third picking component. The load-bearing lifting device is disposed between the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and is configured to carry materials and drive the materials to rise gradually.

[0008] Furthermore, the lifting device has a feeding conveyor line on one side and a waste receiving unit on the other side. The first handling unit moves between the waste receiving unit and the lifting device, and the second handling unit moves between the feeding conveyor line and the lifting device. The first handling unit and the second handling unit are jointly mounted on a mounting beam. The first drive module and the second drive module are mounted on the mounting beam. The moving beam and the material picker are both located below the mounting beam.

[0009] Furthermore, the first material handling component includes a plurality of material handling blocks arranged along a second direction, each material handling block having a first material handling element at its bottom and an air blowing hole on the side facing the material; the second material handling component includes a plurality of first material handling cylinders, the output shaft of each first material handling cylinder being connected to at least one second material handling element; the third material handling component includes a plurality of second material handling cylinders, the output shaft of each second material handling cylinder being connected to at least one third material handling element.

[0010] Furthermore, the first driving component is disposed on the first movable frame, and the movable beam is provided with a first driving component that drives the two first movable frames to move closer to or further away from each other along a first direction; the front and rear ends of the picking frame are each provided with a second movable frame, the second picking component is disposed on the second movable frame, and the picking frame is provided with a second driving component that drives the two second movable frames to move closer to or further away from each other; the picking frame is provided with a plurality of first sensors.

[0011] Furthermore, the first drive module includes a first motor and a first transmission belt connected to the output shaft end of the first motor and extending along a second direction, and the moving beam is connected to the first transmission belt through a first connecting frame; the second drive module includes a second motor, a second transmission belt connected to the output shaft end of the second motor and extending along a second direction, a first support plate connected to the second transmission belt, a second drive member disposed on the first support plate, and a second connecting frame connected to the output shaft end of the second drive member and driven by the second drive member to perform lifting and lowering movements, and the material picking rack is connected to the bottom of the second connecting frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the lifting device includes a frame, a lifting drive module mounted on the frame, a lifting frame driven by the lifting drive module to perform lifting movements, and a carrying mechanism mounted on the lifting frame; the carrying mechanism includes a first support shaft horizontally mounted on the lifting frame, a rotating frame connected to the first support shaft, and a rotation drive module that drives the rotating frame to rotate around the first support shaft. A carrying member is mounted on the rotating frame, and a second sensor is mounted on the carrying arm of the carrying member. The second sensor is electrically connected to the rotation drive module.

[0013] Furthermore, the rotary drive module includes a third drive component and a connector disposed at the output shaft end of the third drive component. A second support shaft is disposed at the bottom of the rotary frame, and a third support shaft is disposed on the lifting frame. The connector is rotatably disposed on the second support shaft, and the tail of the third drive component is rotatably disposed on the third support shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, the rotating frame includes a support frame and a second support plate and a third support plate horizontally disposed on one side of the support frame. The second support plate and the third support plate are arranged vertically and are both disposed on the side away from the carrier. A plurality of rotating plates are connected between the second support plate and the third support plate, and the rotating plates are rotatably connected to the first support shaft. The mounting arm of the carrier is provided with a snap-fit ​​block, and the snap-fit ​​block is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove that cooperates with the third support plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the load-bearing lifting device includes a support frame, a lifting mechanism mounted on the support frame, and a load plate horizontally connected to the lifting mechanism and driven by the lifting mechanism to perform lifting and lowering movements. Guide plates are provided on both sides of the load plate, and a limit plate is provided at one end of the load plate. The lifting mechanism includes at least one set of cross components and a lifting drive component.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a feeding method for a flexible sheet feeding machine, which is based on the above-mentioned flexible sheet feeding machine and includes the following steps: Step S1: Position the stacked materials onto the bearing and lifting device. The bearing and lifting device gradually drives the materials to rise. The materials include alternating stacked first materials and second materials. Step S2: The second drive module drives the material picker to move directly above the material, and then the material picker descends. The third material picker component in the middle of the material picker descends and presses against the middle of the first material. At the same time, the second material picker components at both ends of the material picker descend and attract the two ends of the first material. Step S3: The second material-taking component adsorbs both ends of the first material and lifts it upward, while the third material-taking component continues to maintain the pressing state; the two ends of the first material are lifted upward with the second material-taking component, and the middle part of the first material is pressed by the third material-taking component, thereby forming a clearance space between the two ends of the first material and the second material below; Step S4: The first drive module drives the moving beam to move, so that the support rod drives the first material picking component to extend into the clearance space; then the first drive unit drives the support rod to descend, so that the first material picking component descends and picks up the second material below. Step S5: The first material picking component maintains the state of adsorbing the second material, the second material picking component maintains the adsorption of both ends of the first material, and the third material picking component drives the middle part of the first material to rise, so that the first material is completely separated from the second material below. At this time, the second material picking component and the third material picking component jointly adsorb the first material, and the second drive module drives the picking frame to move to the right to pick up the first material to realize the feeding action of the first material. Step S6: After the first material is removed, the first driving component drives the support rod to rise, the first material picking component adsorbs the second material and drives the second material to rise, and the first driving module drives the moving beam to move to the left to pick up the second material. Step S7: The lifting device drives the material to rise again, and repeats steps S2 to S6 until all the material on the lifting device is removed.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the flexible sheet feeding machine and its feeding method of the present invention are as follows: By setting the second feeding component at both ends of the feeding frame and the third feeding component in the middle, the flexible glass at both ends is adsorbed and tilted upwards, while the middle is pressed tightly, thereby actively forming a clearance space between the two ends of the flexible glass and the lower layer of partition paper; by using the support rod that cantilevered from the end of the moving beam to the side of the second conveying unit and the first feeding component on the support rod, the cantilever structure can directly extend into the clearance space without interfering with the second conveying unit, so that the second conveying unit and the first conveying unit can work together simultaneously. While the second conveying unit drives the flexible glass to rise, the first feeding component can press the partition paper, thereby achieving complete separation of the flexible glass and the partition paper. Then, the flexible glass and the partition paper are carried away in sequence, avoiding the partition paper flying around and interfering with the feeding process, thus improving the feeding efficiency; In addition, the bearing lifting device can drive the material to rise gradually, so that the feeding height always remains basically constant. Based on this, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit do not need to calculate and adjust the complex descent stroke according to the remaining material height each time they pick up material, ensuring the stability of the feeding cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible sheet feeding machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transport unit, the second transport unit, and the mounting beam in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transport unit concealing the first drive module in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first material handling component in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second transport unit concealing the second drive module in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the coordinated action of the first and second transport units in Embodiment 1 of the present invention to separate the partition paper from the glass. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention from another angle; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting frame and the bearing mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting frame and the bearing mechanism from another angle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible sheet feeding machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bearing and lifting device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; The numbers in the image represent: Flexible sheet feeder - 100; Glass - 200, separator paper - 300, clearance space - 400; Pallet - 500; Lifting device-1, frame-11, limit frame-111, guide groove-112, lifting drive module-12, lifting motor-121, first drive shaft-122, second drive shaft-123, fifth drive belt-124, lifting frame-13, guide wheel-131, bearing mechanism-14, first support shaft-141, rotating frame-142, support frame-1421, second support plate-1422, third support plate-1423, rotating plate-1424, rotating drive module-143, third drive component-1431, connecting component-1432 Second support shaft - 1433, third support shaft - 1434, bearing component - 144, mounting arm - 1441, first mounting hole - 14411, bearing arm - 1442, limit block - 1444, limit guide plate - 1445, fourth support shaft - 145, adjustment module - 146, fifth motor - 1461, lead screw - 1462, snap-fit ​​block - 147, snap-fit ​​groove - 1471; support frame - 15, lifting mechanism - 16, bearing plate - 17, guide plate - 171, limit plate - 172, cross assembly - 161, lifting drive component - 162; First handling unit-2, first drive module-21, first motor-211, first transmission belt-212, first connecting frame-213, moving beam-22, support rod-23, connecting plate-231, first material picking assembly-24, material picking block-241, first material picking component-242, air blowing hole-243, first drive assembly-25, third motor-251, third transmission belt-252, first moving frame-27, first drive component-28; Second handling unit-3, second drive module-31, second motor-311, second transmission belt-312, first support plate-313, second drive component-314, second connecting frame-315, picking frame-32, second picking assembly-33, first picking cylinder-331, second picking component-332, second moving frame-34, second drive assembly-35, fourth motor-351, fourth transmission belt-352, third picking assembly-36, second picking cylinder-361, third picking component-362; Material feeding conveyor line-4, waste receiving unit-5, installation beam-6, waste receiving station-7, material feeding station-8, material feeding station-9. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1-11 This embodiment is a flexible sheet material feeding machine 100, which includes a material-carrying lifting device 1, a first conveying unit 2 for conveying paper 300, and a second conveying unit 3 for conveying glass 200. The first conveying unit 2 includes a first drive module 21 and a moving beam 22 connected to the movable end of the first drive module 21 and extending along a first direction. The two ends of the moving beam 22 are connected to first drive members 28. The output shaft end of the first drive member 28 is connected to a support rod 23 extending along a second direction. The support rod 23 extends cantilevered from the end of the moving beam 22 toward the second conveying unit 3. A first material-picking component 24 is provided on the support rod 23. The second conveying unit 3 includes a second drive module 31 and a material-picking rack 32 connected to the movable end of the second drive module 31 and extending along the first direction. The bottom of both ends of the material-picking rack 32 is provided with a second material-picking component 33, and the bottom of the middle of the material-picking rack 32 is provided with a third material-picking component 36. The lifting device 1 is located between the first handling unit 2 and the second handling unit 3. The lifting device 1 is configured to carry materials and drive the materials to rise gradually.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first direction is the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), and the second direction is the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction). This embodiment involves feeding glass 200, which has considerable flexibility. Glass 200 is referred to as the first material, and the separator paper 300 is referred to as the second material. The second handling unit 3 and the first handling unit 2 work alternately to pick up the first material and the second material respectively. In other embodiments, this solution can perform feeding operations on flexible sheets similar to glass 200; therefore, the specific types of the first material and the second material are not limited here.

[0021] The lifting device 1 has a feeding conveyor line 4 on one side and a waste receiving unit 5 on the other side. The waste receiving unit 5 is located at the waste receiving station 7, the lifting device 1 is located at the feeding station 8, and the feeding conveyor line 4 is located at the feeding station 9. The waste receiving station 7, the feeding station 8, and the feeding station 9 are arranged in a straight line, i.e., the waste receiving unit 5, the lifting device 1, and the feeding conveyor line 4 are arranged in a straight line. The first handling unit 2 moves between the waste receiving unit 5 and the lifting device 1 to handle the paper separator 300, and the second handling unit 3 moves between the feeding conveyor line 4 and the lifting device 1 to feed the glass 200. In this embodiment, the first transport unit 2 and the second transport unit 3 are jointly arranged on a mounting beam 6, and the first transport unit 2 and the second transport unit 3 are located at the left and right ends of the mounting beam 6, respectively. Specifically, the first drive module 21 and the second drive module 31 are arranged on the mounting beam 6, the moving beam 22 and the material picker 32 are both located below the mounting beam 6, and the scrap receiving station 7, the material feeding station 8 and the material loading station 9 are arranged from left to right below the mounting beam 6.

[0022] The first material-grabbing component 24 includes a plurality of material-grabbing blocks 241 arranged along the second direction. Each material-grabbing block 241 has a first material-grabbing element 242 at its bottom. The material-grabbing block 241 has an air blowing hole 243 on the side facing the material. The first material-grabbing element 242 can be a suction cup, an adsorption block, or a suction nozzle, as long as it can adsorb the paper separator 300. The specific structure is set according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0023] Two support rods 23 are respectively positioned above the edges of the two sides of the material. Specifically, the support rods 23 extend along the short side of the glass 200. To enable the first conveying unit 2 to accommodate paper dividers 300 of different lengths, the support rods 23 are movably positioned along a first direction. Specifically, a first driving component 28 is mounted on a first movable frame 27. A first driving assembly 25 is mounted on the movable beam 22 to drive the two first movable frames 27 to move closer or further apart along the first direction. The first movable frames 27 are slidably mounted on the movable beam 22 via a slide rail and slider. When the first driving assembly 25 drives the two first movable frames 27 to move along the first direction, it can cause the two support rods 23 to move closer or further apart along the first direction, thereby accommodating paper dividers 300 of different lengths. A vertically extending connecting plate 231 is mounted on the support rod 23 near the first movable frame 27. The connecting plate 231 is slidably mounted on the first movable frame 27 via a slider and slide rail, ensuring the stability of the support rod 23's vertical movement.

[0024] To enable the second conveying unit 3 to accommodate glass 200 of different lengths, second movable frames 34 are provided at both the front and rear ends of the picking rack 32. Second picking components 33 at each end are correspondingly mounted on the second movable frames 34. A second driving component 35 is provided on the picking rack 32 to drive the two second movable frames 34 closer together or further apart. The second movable frames 34 are slidably mounted on the picking rack 32 via a sliding rail and slider. When the second driving component 35 drives the second movable frames 34 to move along a first direction, it can cause the second picking components 33 at both ends of the picking rack 32 to move closer together or further apart along the first direction, thus accommodating glass 200 of different lengths. Several first sensors are provided on the picking rack 32 to detect whether glass 200 is present at the feeding station 8.

[0025] The second picking assembly 33 and the third picking assembly 36 have the same or similar structures, both adsorbing the glass 200 by adsorption. Specifically, the second picking assembly 33 includes several first picking cylinders 331, and the output shaft of each first picking cylinder 331 is connected to at least one second picking element 332; the third picking assembly 36 includes several second picking cylinders 361, and the output shaft of each second picking cylinder 361 is connected to at least one third picking element 362. The second picking element 332 and the third picking element 362 can be suction cups, adsorption blocks, or suction nozzles, as long as they can adsorb the glass 200. The specific structure is set according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first drive assembly 25 is a motor driving a transmission belt, and the second drive assembly 35 is also a motor driving a transmission belt, which can be a belt or a chain. Specifically, the first drive assembly 25 includes a third motor 251 mounted on the moving beam 22 and a third transmission belt 252 connected to the output shaft of the third motor 251 and extending along a first direction. Two first moving frames 27 are respectively connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the third transmission belt 252. When the third motor 251 drives the third transmission belt 252, it can drive the two first moving frames 27 to move closer or further apart along the first direction. The second drive assembly 35 includes a fourth motor 351 mounted on the picking rack 32 and a fourth transmission belt 352 connected to the output shaft of the fourth motor 351 and extending along the first direction. Two second moving frames 34 are respectively connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the fourth transmission belt 352. When the fourth motor 351 drives the fourth transmission belt 352, it can drive the two second moving frames 34 to move closer or further apart along the first direction.

[0027] In other embodiments, the first drive assembly 25 is a motor-driven lead screw transmission, with the first movable frame 27 connected to the lead screw; or the first drive assembly 25 is a linear drive module. The second drive assembly 35 is a motor-driven lead screw transmission, with the second movable frame 34 connected to the lead screw; or the second drive assembly 35 is a linear drive module. Both motor-driven lead screw transmission and linear drive modules are prior art and will not be described further here.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first drive module 21 is an X-axis drive module, which is driven by a motor and a transmission belt, which can be a belt or a chain. Specifically, the first drive module 21 includes a first motor 211 mounted on the mounting beam 6 and a first transmission belt 212 connected to the output shaft end of the first motor 211 and extending along the second direction. The moving beam 22 is connected to the first transmission belt 212 through a first connecting frame 213. When the first motor 211 drives the first transmission belt 212, it can drive the moving beam 22 to move along the second direction. The second drive module 31 is an XZ axis drive module. Specifically, the second drive module 31 includes a second motor 311 mounted on the mounting beam 6, a second transmission belt 312 connected to the output shaft end of the second motor 311 and extending along a second direction, a first support plate 313 connected to the second transmission belt 312, a second drive member 314 mounted on the first support plate 313, and a second connecting frame 315 connected to the output shaft end of the second drive member 314 and driven by the second drive member 314 to perform lifting and lowering movements. The material picker 32 is connected to the bottom of the second connecting frame 315. The first drive member 28 is a cylinder or a motor, and the second drive member 314 is a cylinder or a motor.

[0029] The working process of the first handling unit 2 and the second handling unit 3 is as follows: In the initial position, the first handling unit 2 is located at the waste receiving station 7, and the second handling unit 3 is located at the material loading station 9. When material loading is required, the stacked glass 200 is first positioned at the material feeding station 8. Then, the second drive module 31 drives the picking rack 32 to move directly above the glass 200. After the first sensor detects that there is glass 200 below, the second picking components 33 at both ends of the picking rack 32 and the third picking component 36 in the middle start to work. The second picking cylinder 361 drives the third picking component 362 to descend and press against the middle upper surface of the glass 200. At this time, the third picking component 362 only plays a pressing role. At the same time, the first picking cylinder 331 drives the second picking component 362 to move directly above the glass 200. The second picking component 332 descends to adsorb the glass 200, while the middle third picking component 362 presses it down. Combined with the adsorption of the second picking components 332 at both ends, the first picking cylinder 331 drives the second picking components 332 to rise until the front and rear ends of the glass 200 tilt upwards, creating a clearance space 400 between the front and rear ends of the glass 200 and the paper divider 300. This tilting method creates the insertion space without additional mechanisms, resulting in a simple structure and efficient operation. Next, the first drive module 21 drives the moving beam 22 to move the support rod 23 to the feeding station 8. When in position, one end of the first picking component 24 on the support rod 23 extends into the clearance space 400, meaning several first picking components 242 are located within the clearance space 400. Since the support rod 23 adopts a cantilevered structure, the moving beam 22 and the picking rack 32 are arranged side by side at the feeding station 8 without interference, resulting in a compact layout. The air blowing hole 243 on the picking block 241 blows gas into the clearance space 400. If the partition paper 300 is adhered to the back of the glass 200, the blown gas can blow the partition paper 300 off the back of the glass 200, separating the glass 200 from the partition paper 300. Then, the first driving component 28 drives the support rod 23 to descend, causing several first picking components 242 to press and adhere to the partition paper 300. The suction cup and the air blowing work together, blowing first and then sucking to ensure that the partition paper is picked up completely and firmly. Subsequently, the third picking component 362 of the third picking assembly 36 vacuum suctions the partition paper. The glass 200 is attached to the upper surface of the glass 200. Then, the second picking cylinder 361 of the third picking component 36 drives the third picking component 362 to rise. The third picking component 362 adsorbs the middle of the glass 200 and rises, so that the glass 200 is completely separated from the paper 300. The second picking component 332 and the third picking component 362 are simultaneously adsorbed on the upper surface of the glass 200, so that the entire glass 200 is basically in a horizontal state. The third picking component 362 switches from pressing in the middle to adsorbing and rising in the middle, so that the glass 200 can be smoothly restored from the tilted posture at both ends to a horizontal posture. Then, the second drive module 31 drives the picking frame 32 to move the glass 200 to the loading station 9 and place the glass 200 on the conveyor line to complete the loading action of the glass 200.Simultaneously, the first material handling component 24 vacuum-adsorbs the separator paper 300, the first driving component 28 drives the support rod 23 to rise, and the first driving module 21 drives the moving beam 22 to move the support rod 23 to the waste receiving station 7, placing the separator paper 300 into the waste receiving unit, thus completing the handling of the separator paper 300. The first handling unit 2 and the second handling unit 3 work together without waiting for each other, effectively improving the overall feeding efficiency. Moreover, when the second handling unit 3 lifts the two ends of the glass 200, the first handling unit 2 can press firmly onto the separator paper 300 below the two ends of the glass. When the second handling unit 3 removes the glass, it can completely separate from the glass 200, and then the first handling unit 2 removes the separator paper 300. Therefore, the first handling unit 2 and the second handling unit 3 can both handle alternately and move to the feeding station 8 simultaneously. Their synergistic action completely separates the glass 200 from the separator paper 300, preventing the separator paper 300 from being lifted and causing damage or flying away, significantly improving the feeding efficiency of the glass 200.

[0030] In this embodiment, the lifting device 1 includes a frame 11, a lifting drive module 12 mounted on the frame 11, a lifting frame 13 driven by the lifting drive module 12 to perform lifting movements, and a carrying mechanism 14 mounted on the lifting frame 13. The carrying mechanism 14 includes a first support shaft 141 horizontally mounted on the lifting frame 13, a rotating frame 142 connected to the first support shaft 141, and a rotation drive module 143 that drives the rotating frame 142 to rotate around the first support shaft 141. The rotating frame 142 is provided with a carrying member 144 for carrying materials. The carrying member 144 extends perpendicular to the first support shaft 141. A second sensor is provided on the carrying arm 1442 of the carrying member 144. The second sensor is electrically connected to the rotation drive module 143.

[0031] In this embodiment, two support members 144 are arranged in parallel, each supporting the bottom of one end of the material. The support members 144 are L-shaped and include a vertically extending mounting arm 1441. A support arm 1442 is horizontally connected to the bottom of the mounting arm 1441 and extends outwards. A limit block 1444 is provided at one end of the support arm 1442 near the mounting arm 1441, limiting the material on one side. Specifically, a second sensor is located at the free end of the support arm 1442. The second sensor is used to detect in real time whether the upper surface of the support arm 1442 is horizontal. The second sensor is electrically connected to the rotary drive module 143 and transmits the detected signal to the rotary drive module 143 in real time. Specifically, the second sensor is a tilt sensor, which uses a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) to detect the component of gravitational acceleration on the sensitive axis. When the support arm 1442 is absolutely horizontal, the mass block is relatively stationary. Once the support arm 1442 tilts due to load deformation, the mass block displaces accordingly, causing a change in the internal capacitance value. This change is converted into an electrical signal and output in real time, thereby determining whether the upper surface of the support arm is horizontal and providing a closed-loop adjustment basis for the rotation drive module 143. In other embodiments, the number of support members 144 can be increased to ensure the stability of the load. In another embodiment, the support member 144 can be a single L-shaped support plate with a relatively wide width to ensure the stability of the load.

[0032] The rotary drive module 143 includes a third drive component 1431 and a connector 1432 disposed at the output shaft end of the third drive component 1431. A second support shaft 1433 is disposed at the bottom of the rotary frame 142, and a third support shaft 1434 is disposed on the lifting frame 13. The connector 1432 is rotatably mounted on the second support shaft 1433, and the tail of the third drive component 1431 is rotatably mounted on the third support shaft 1434. The third drive component 1431 is preferably a hydraulic cylinder, suitable for heavy-duty applications. In other embodiments, if the material being transported is relatively light, a suitable drive component, such as a motor or electric cylinder, can be selected according to the actual situation. When the third drive component 1431 drives the rotary frame 142 to rotate around the first support shaft 141, it can cause the end of the bearing arm 1442 to tilt upwards or downwards, thereby achieving the function of adjusting the angle of the material.

[0033] The rotating frame 142 includes a support frame 1421 and a second support plate 1422 and a third support plate 1423 horizontally arranged on one side of the support frame 1421. The second support plate 1422 and the third support plate 1423 are arranged vertically and are both located on the side away from the load-bearing member 144. A plurality of rotating plates 1424 are connected between the second support plate 1422 and the third support plate 1423. The upper end of the rotating plate 1424 is rotatably connected to the first support shaft 141, and the other end of the upper end is connected to the second support plate 1422. The lower end of the rotating plate 1424 is connected to the third support plate 1423. The upper end of the rotating plate 1424 is provided with a second mounting hole, and the lower end is provided with a third mounting hole. The second mounting hole mates with the first support shaft 141, and the third mounting hole mates with the second support shaft 1433. One second support shaft 1433 is connected to two adjacent rotating plates 1424. In this embodiment, in order to ensure the stability of the rotation of the rotating frame 142, two third driving members 1431 are provided, and correspondingly two third support shafts 1434 are provided. Each third support shaft 1434 is connected to two adjacent rotating plates 1424. The number of rotating plates 1424 is more than four and they are arranged in parallel at intervals. The rotating plates 1424 that are not connected to the third support shafts 1434 can ensure the stability during rotation. The rotating frame 142 uses multiple parallel and spaced rotating plates 1424 to connect the second support plate 1422 and the third support plate 1423, forming a truss-like frame structure. It not only utilizes multi-point coaxial installation, with the second mounting hole cooperating with the first support shaft 141 and the third mounting hole cooperating with the second support shaft 1433, to ensure coaxiality and stability during rotation, but also transmits force evenly to adjacent rotating plates 1424 through two symmetrically arranged third driving members 1431, avoiding unilateral load. At the same time, the rotating plates 1424 that do not participate in the driving also play an auxiliary support and anti-torsion role. It has good overall rigidity, strong load-bearing capacity, high deformation resistance, and modular maintenance advantages.

[0034] To accommodate materials of varying widths, this embodiment includes an adjustment module 146 on the rotating frame 142 that drives two support members 144 to move closer or further apart. The adjustment module 146 comprises a fifth motor 1461 mounted on the support frame 1421 and a lead screw 1462 connected to the fifth motor 1461 via a T-shaped commutator. The mounting arm 1441 is connected to the lead screw 1462 via a lead screw nut. When the fifth motor 1461 drives the lead screw 1462, it can move the two support members 144 closer or further apart, enabling rapid and precise adjustment of the distance between them. This adapts to materials of different widths and significantly improves the device's versatility. Furthermore, the use of a single-motor synchronous drive ensures the symmetry and consistency of the movement of the two support members 144, eliminating the need for manual adjustment, resulting in a high degree of automation, a compact structure, and good alignment. In other embodiments, if only one support member 144 is provided, the adjustment module 146 is unnecessary.

[0035] A fourth support shaft 145, parallel to the first support shaft 141, is provided on the rotating frame 142. The upper end of the mounting arm 1441 is connected to the fourth support shaft 145. The fourth support shaft 145 is mounted on the support frame 1421. The upper end of the mounting arm 1441 has a first mounting hole 14411 that mates with the fourth support shaft 145. The fourth support shaft 145 is parallel to and above the lead screw 1462. The fourth support shaft 145 mates with the first mounting hole 14411 at the upper end of the mounting arm 1441, providing horizontal guidance and auxiliary load-bearing for the upper end. This balances the bending moment generated by the weight of the material, prevents the lead screw 1462 from bearing excessive bending load, and forms a dual-point constraint with the lower lead screw 1462, providing both upper guidance and lower drive. This ensures that the two load-bearing components 144 remain parallel, stable, and aligned when adjusting the spacing, thereby improving adjustment accuracy and the lifespan of the transmission system.

[0036] Mounting arm 1441 rests against third support plate 1423 on the side away from bearing arm 1442, and third support plate 1423 can limit the mounting arm 1441. When the rotary drive module 143 drives the rotary frame 142 to rotate, the carrier 144 rotates together with the rotary frame 142. To prevent the carrier 144 from detaching from the rotary frame 142 during rotation, a locking block 147 is provided on the back of the mounting arm 1441. The locking block 147 is provided with a locking groove 1471 that cooperates with the third support plate 1423. The upper end of the third support plate 1423 is locked into the locking groove 1471. This not only prevents the carrier 144 from detaching outward due to gravity or centrifugal force when the rotary frame 142 rotates, but also allows the locking block 147 to slide smoothly along the upper end of the third support plate 1423 when the adjustment module 146 drives the two carriers 144 to move, thus playing a guiding role and ensuring that the adjustment process is stable and does not deviate. This structure integrates limiting, anti-detachment, and guiding functions, is simple and reliable, requires no additional guide rails, reduces costs, and improves safety.

[0037] The lifting drive module 12 includes a lifting motor 121 mounted on the frame 11, a first drive shaft 122 mounted on the output shaft end of the lifting motor 121, a second drive shaft 123 mounted on the frame 11, and a fifth drive belt 124 wound around the first drive shaft 122 and the second drive shaft 123. The lifting frame 13 is connected to the fifth drive belt 124. The fifth drive belt 124 can be a chain or a belt, which can be set according to the actual situation.

[0038] The support arm 1442 has limiting guide plates 1445 extending along its length on both sides, and the frame 11 has limiting frames 111 parallel to the support arm 1442 on both sides. The limiting guide plates 1445 can limit and guide the lower end of the material to the left and right, preventing the material from shifting laterally during conveying or lifting. When the stacked material is too high, the limiting frames 111 can provide auxiliary constraints from the upper sides, effectively preventing the material from falling due to shaking or tilting. This structure achieves layered protection, ensuring positioning accuracy when picking up and putting down materials, improving the safety and stability of transporting high stacks of materials, and is simple in structure and low in cost. To ensure the stability of the lifting frame 13, guide wheels 131 are provided on the outer sides of both ends of the lifting frame 13, and guide grooves 112 that cooperate with the guide wheels 131 are provided on the inner side of the frame 11. The guide grooves 112 extend vertically, and the guide wheels 131 slide vertically within the guide grooves 112.

[0039] The lifting device 1 is freely movable, allowing it to move freely to a designated location for material feeding after being loaded. For example, rollers are installed at the bottom of the frame 11, or the entire frame 11 is mounted on a rolling trolley. The lifting device 1 can flexibly move between the palletizing area and the loading station without the need for forklifts or hoisting equipment, enabling nearby material retrieval and rapid material feeding, significantly improving material handling and flow efficiency. Simultaneously, the mobile design reduces reliance on fixed tracks or installation foundations, adapting to multi-station and multi-scenario production layouts, and its simple structure and low modification cost further enhance its advantages. The specific movement method of the lifting device 1 can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0040] The working process of the lifting device 1 is as follows: Glass is stacked in a complete stack on the pallet 500. The lifting device 1 moves to the glass stacking area, and the lifting drive module 12 drives the lifting frame 13 to descend. The lifting device 1 moves so that the support arm 1442 of the support component 144 extends into the bottom of the pallet 500. Then, the lifting drive module 12 drives the lifting frame 13 to rise, and the support arm 1442 lifts the pallet 500 and the glass on it. Then, the lifting device 1 moves to the loading station, and the lifting drive module 12 drives the lifting frame 13 to rise to the set height. At this time… Due to the weight of the pallet 500 and the glass, the end of the support arm 1442 may bend downwards, causing the glass to tilt downwards at the end of the support arm 1442, affecting the glass loading process. The rotary drive module 143 then activates, driving the rotating frame 142 to rotate counterclockwise, keeping the support arm 1442 horizontal. Simultaneously, the second sensor detects the horizontal position of the upper surface of the support arm 1442. If the support arm 1442 is horizontal, the glass will remain horizontal, ensuring the accuracy of the glass loading. During the loading process, as the glass is gradually removed and its weight decreases, if the support arm 1442 is not adjusted, the end of the support arm 1442 will gradually tilt upwards. Furthermore, as loading progresses, the angle of this upward tilt increases, causing the glass to tilt in the opposite direction, again affecting the glass loading process. Therefore, during the loading process, the rotary drive module 143 operates continuously. Specifically, the second sensor detects the horizontal state of the support arm 1442 in real time, and the second sensor is electrically connected to the third drive component 1431. The second sensor transmits the horizontal state parameters of the upper surface of the support arm 1442 detected in real time to the third drive component 1431. The third drive component 1431 adjusts the angle of the support arm 1442 in real time. Specifically, the rotary drive module 143 drives the rotating frame 142 to rotate clockwise, continuously adjusting to keep the support arm horizontal at all times. In this way, no matter how the load on the support arm 1442 changes, the glass remains horizontal, ensuring loading accuracy. Therefore, this solution can adjust the tilt angle of the glass before loading and can also adjust the tilt angle of the glass in real time during loading, so that the glass always remains horizontal, thereby ensuring the accuracy of glass loading.

[0041] Example 2: Please refer to Figures 12-13This embodiment is basically similar to Embodiment 1. The design of the first handling unit 2, the second handling unit 3, the feeding conveyor line 4, and the waste receiving unit 5, as well as the layout of the waste receiving station 7, the feeding station 8, and the feeding station 9, are consistent with the embodiment. The difference lies in the structural replacement design of the bearing and lifting device 1 in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the bearing and lifting device 1 is always located at the feeding station 8, used to carry materials and drive the materials to rise gradually. Specifically, the bearing and lifting device 1 includes a support frame 15, a lifting mechanism 16 set on the support frame 15, and a bearing plate 17 horizontally connected to the lifting mechanism 16 and driven by the lifting mechanism 16 to perform lifting and lowering movements. Guide plates 171 are provided on both sides of the bearing plate 17, and a limit plate 172 is provided at one end of the bearing plate 17. The lifting mechanism 16 includes at least one set of cross components 161 and a lifting drive component 162. The lifting mechanism 16 is prior art, and its design can be adopted from existing technologies; therefore, it will not be elaborated further here. Alternatively, one can refer to the lifting mechanism in a transfer device disclosed in Chinese Invention Patent Publication No. CN218434719U. The lifting mechanism 16 with the above structure can always keep the support plate 17 in a horizontal state, thereby ensuring that the glass is in a horizontal state and guaranteeing the accuracy of material loading. In actual use, the support frame 15 and the lifting mechanism 16 are buried underground. When the support plate 17 is not carrying any material, its upper surface is flush with the ground.

[0042] When the lifting device 1 is feeding, it is always located at the feeding station 8. The whole stack of glass is on the pallet 500. First, the forklift moves to the stacking area and lifts the pallet 500 and the glass 200 on the pallet 500. Then the forklift moves to one side of the feeding station 8 and positions the pallet 500 and the glass 200 on the pallet 500 together on the support plate 17. Then the lifting mechanism 16 gradually drives the support plate 17 to rise, realizing the feeding action of the glass 200.

[0043] Example 3: This example provides a feeding method for a flexible sheet feeder, which is based on the flexible sheet feeder described in Example 1 or Example 2, and includes the following steps: Step S1: Position the stacked materials onto the lifting device 1. The lifting device 1 gradually drives the materials to rise. The materials include alternating stacked first and second materials. Step S2: The second drive module 31 drives the material picker 32 to move directly above the material. Then the material picker 32 descends, the third material picker component 36 in the middle of the material picker 32 descends and presses against the middle of the first material, and at the same time the second material picker components 33 at both ends of the material picker 32 descend and adsorb the two ends of the first material. In step S3, the second material-taking component 33 adsorbs both ends of the first material and lifts it upward, while the third material-taking component 36 continues to keep it pressed. The two ends of the first material are lifted upward with the second material-taking component 33, and the middle of the first material is pressed by the third material-taking component 36, thereby forming a clearance space 400 between the two ends of the first material and the second material below. Step S4: The first drive module 21 drives the moving beam 22 to move, so that the support rod 23 drives the first material picking component 24 to extend into the clearance space 400; then the first drive component 28 drives the support rod 23 to descend, so that the first material picking component 24 descends and picks up the second material below. Step S5: The first picking component 24 maintains the state of adsorbing the second material, the second picking component 33 maintains the adsorption of both ends of the first material, and the third picking component 36 drives the middle of the first material to rise, so that the first material is completely separated from the second material below. At this time, the second picking component 33 and the third picking component 36 jointly adsorb the first material, and the first material is basically in a horizontal state. The second drive module 31 drives the picking rack 32 to move horizontally to the right to pick up the first material to realize the feeding action of the first material. Step S6: After the first material is removed, the first driving component 28 drives the support rod 23 to rise, the first material picking component 24 adsorbs the second material and drives the second material to rise, and the first driving module 21 drives the moving beam 22 to move horizontally to the left to pick up the second material. In step S7, the lifting device 1 drives the material to rise again, repeating steps S2 to S6 until all the material on the lifting device 1 has been removed. Then, the material is repositioned onto the lifting device 1 for the next round of feeding.

[0044] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible sheet feeding machine, characterized in that: It includes a lifting device, a first transport unit, and a second transport unit; The first conveying unit includes a first drive module and a movable beam connected to the movable end of the first drive module and extending along a first direction. The two ends of the movable beam are connected to first drive members. The output shaft end of the first drive member is connected to a support rod extending along a second direction. The support rod extends cantilevered from the end of the movable beam toward the second conveying unit. A first material picking component is provided on the support rod. The second conveying unit includes a second drive module and a picking rack connected to the movable end of the second drive module and extending along a first direction. The bottom of both ends of the picking rack is provided with a second picking component, and the bottom of the middle of the picking rack is provided with a third picking component. The load-bearing lifting device is disposed between the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and is configured to carry materials and drive the materials to rise gradually.

2. The flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting device is provided with a feeding conveyor line on one side and a waste receiving unit on the other side. The first handling unit moves between the waste receiving unit and the lifting device, and the second handling unit moves between the feeding conveyor line and the lifting device. The first handling unit and the second handling unit are jointly mounted on a mounting beam. The first drive module and the second drive module are mounted on the mounting beam. The moving beam and the material picker are both located below the mounting beam.

3. The flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first material handling assembly includes a plurality of material handling blocks arranged along a second direction, each material handling block having a first material handling element at its bottom and an air blowing hole on the side facing the material; the second material handling assembly includes a plurality of first material handling cylinders, each first material handling cylinder having at least one second material handling element connected to its output shaft end; the third material handling assembly includes a plurality of second material handling cylinders, each second material handling cylinder having at least one third material handling element connected to its output shaft end.

4. The flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first driving component is mounted on the first movable frame, and the movable beam is provided with a first driving assembly that drives the two first movable frames to move closer to or further away from each other along a first direction; the front and rear ends of the picking frame are each provided with a second movable frame, and the second picking assembly is mounted on the second movable frame; the picking frame is provided with a second driving assembly that drives the two second movable frames to move closer to or further away from each other; the picking frame is provided with a plurality of first sensors.

5. A flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first drive module includes a first motor and a first transmission belt connected to the output shaft end of the first motor and extending along a second direction. The moving beam is connected to the first transmission belt via a first connecting frame. The second drive module includes a second motor, a second transmission belt connected to the output shaft end of the second motor and extending along a second direction, a first support plate connected to the second transmission belt, a second drive member disposed on the first support plate, and a second connecting frame connected to the output shaft end of the second drive member and driven by the second drive member to perform lifting and lowering movements. The material picking rack is connected to the bottom of the second connecting frame.

6. The flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting device includes a frame, a lifting drive module mounted on the frame, a lifting frame driven by the lifting drive module to perform lifting movements, and a carrying mechanism mounted on the lifting frame. The carrying mechanism includes a first support shaft horizontally mounted on the lifting frame, a rotating frame connected to the first support shaft, and a rotation drive module that drives the rotating frame to rotate around the first support shaft. A carrying member is mounted on the rotating frame, and a second sensor is mounted on the carrying arm of the carrying member. The second sensor is electrically connected to the rotation drive module.

7. A flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The rotary drive module includes a third drive component and a connector disposed at the output shaft end of the third drive component. A second support shaft is disposed at the bottom of the rotary frame, and a third support shaft is disposed on the lifting frame. The connector is rotatably disposed on the second support shaft, and the tail of the third drive component is rotatably disposed on the third support shaft.

8. A flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating frame includes a support frame and a second support plate and a third support plate horizontally disposed on one side of the support frame. The second support plate and the third support plate are arranged vertically and are both disposed on the side away from the carrier. A plurality of rotating plates are connected between the second support plate and the third support plate, and the rotating plates are rotatably connected to the first support shaft. The mounting arm of the carrier is provided with a snap-fit ​​block, and the snap-fit ​​block is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove that cooperates with the third support plate.

9. A flexible sheet feeding machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting device includes a support frame, a lifting mechanism mounted on the support frame, and a bearing plate horizontally connected to the lifting mechanism and driven by the lifting mechanism to move up and down. Guide plates are provided on both sides of the bearing plate, and a limit plate is provided at one end of the bearing plate. The lifting mechanism includes at least one set of cross components and a lifting drive component.

10. A feeding method for a flexible sheet material feeding machine, characterized in that: It is completed based on the flexible sheet feeding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and includes the following steps: Step S1: Position the stacked materials onto the bearing and lifting device. The bearing and lifting device gradually drives the materials to rise. The materials include alternating stacked first materials and second materials. Step S2: The second drive module drives the material picker to move directly above the material, and then the material picker descends. The third material picker component in the middle of the material picker descends and presses against the middle of the first material. At the same time, the second material picker components at both ends of the material picker descend and attract the two ends of the first material. Step S3: The second material-taking component adsorbs both ends of the first material and lifts it upward, while the third material-taking component continues to maintain the pressing state; the two ends of the first material are lifted upward with the second material-taking component, and the middle part of the first material is pressed by the third material-taking component, thereby forming a clearance space between the two ends of the first material and the second material below; Step S4: The first drive module drives the moving beam to move, so that the support rod drives the first material picking component to extend into the clearance space; then the first drive unit drives the support rod to descend, so that the first material picking component descends and picks up the second material below. Step S5: The first material picking component maintains the state of adsorbing the second material, the second material picking component maintains the adsorption of both ends of the first material, and the third material picking component drives the middle part of the first material to rise, so that the first material is completely separated from the second material below. At this time, the second material picking component and the third material picking component jointly adsorb the first material, and the second drive module drives the picking frame to move to the right to pick up the first material to realize the feeding action of the first material. Step S6: After the first material is removed, the first driving component drives the support rod to rise, the first material picking component adsorbs the second material and drives the second material to rise, and the first driving module drives the moving beam to move to the left to pick up the second material. Step S7: The lifting device drives the material to rise again, and repeats steps S2 to S6 until all the material on the lifting device is removed.

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