Alignment mechanism, transport device, and alignment method

Abstract

The application provides a positioning mechanism, a transportation device and a positioning method, relates to the field of semiconductor processing, and solves the technical problem that the traditional positioning mechanism can only adjust the position of a tray with a fixed size. The positioning mechanism comprises a first driving source assembly, a first limiting assembly in driving connection with the first driving source assembly, a second limiting assembly, a transmission assembly in transmission connection with the first limiting assembly and the second limiting assembly, a first sensor assembly connected with the first limiting assembly, and a second sensor assembly connected with the second limiting assembly. When the first side of the carrier is in contact with the first limiting assembly and the second side of the carrier is in contact with the second limiting assembly, the first driving source assembly will stop driving the first limiting assembly to move in the second direction, so that the first limiting assembly and the second limiting assembly can move different distances to clamp the two sides of the carrier to adjust the posture of the carrier for carriers with different sizes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of semiconductor processing, specifically to an alignment mechanism, a transport device, and an alignment method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing prevalence of automated equipment for Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) production, transporting components often requires the use of trays of varying sizes to carry products of different dimensions. To ensure the smooth operation of subsequent processes, it is essential to guarantee that the trays are placed in the correct orientation and fixed position on the transport components.

[0003] Currently, alignment mechanisms are typically installed around the feed end of transport components to adjust the position of the pallets. However, traditional alignment mechanisms can only adjust the position of pallets of a single fixed size. If the alignment mechanism is to be used to adjust the position of pallets of other sizes, it must be manually adjusted, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, greatly reducing production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application is proposed. Embodiments of this application provide an alignment mechanism, a transport device, and an alignment method.

[0005] In a first aspect, one embodiment of this application provides an alignment mechanism configured to align a carrier transporting a transport component along a first direction. The carrier has a first side and a second side in a second direction, and the first direction intersects the second direction. The alignment mechanism includes: a first drive source assembly; a first limiting assembly drivenly connected to the first drive source assembly, the first limiting assembly being movable along the second direction under the drive of the first drive source assembly to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the carrier; a second limiting assembly disposed opposite to the first limiting assembly in the second direction; and a transmission assembly drivenly connected to the first and second limiting assemblies, configured to adjust the alignment of the first limiting assembly and the second limiting assembly. Driven by the component, the first sensor component moves and drives the second limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction, so as to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle; the first sensor component, connected to the first limiting component, is configured to detect whether the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component; the second sensor component, connected to the second limiting component, is configured to detect whether the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component; wherein, when the first sensor component detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component and the second sensor component detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component, the first drive source component stops driving the first limiting component to move in the second direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly includes: a first synchronous pulley disposed adjacent to a first limiting component; a second synchronous pulley disposed opposite to the first synchronous pulley in a second direction and adjacent to the second limiting component; and a synchronous belt sleeved on the first and second synchronous pulleys, the synchronous belt having a first side and a second side in a first direction, the first side of the synchronous belt being connected to the first limiting component, and the second side of the synchronous belt being connected to the second limiting component.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first limiting component includes: a first connecting component connected to a first side of the timing belt; a first fixing component connected to the first connecting component; at least one first limiting member connected to the first fixing component and configured to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle; and / or, the second limiting component includes: a second connecting component connected to a second side of the timing belt; a second fixing component connected to the second connecting component; at least one second limiting member connected to the second fixing component and configured to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first connecting component includes: a first connector connected to a first fixing component; a second connector disposed opposite to at least a portion of the first connector in a first direction, with at least a portion of a first side of the timing belt located between the first connector and the second connector; a first locking member connecting the first connector and the second connector; and / or, the second connecting component includes: a third connector connected to the second fixing component; a fourth connector disposed opposite to at least a portion of the third connector in a first direction, with at least a portion of a second side of the timing belt located between the third connector and the fourth connector; and a second locking member connecting the third connector and the fourth connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, there are multiple first limiting members, and the multiple first limiting members are arranged along a first direction; and / or, there are multiple second limiting members, and the multiple second limiting members are arranged along a first direction; and / or, the cross-sectional shape of the first limiting member in the first direction and the second direction is circular, annular, or polygonal; and / or, the cross-sectional shape of the second limiting member in the first direction and the second direction is circular, annular, or polygonal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first drive source assembly includes: a cylinder connected to the first limiting assembly, configured to drive the first limiting assembly to move in a second direction to contact and apply a thrust to a first side of the vehicle, and, when the first sensor assembly detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting assembly and the second sensor assembly detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting assembly, drive the first limiting assembly to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to move away from the first side of the vehicle; wherein, the transmission assembly is configured to, when the first limiting assembly moves in the second direction, drive the second limiting assembly to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle, and, when the first limiting assembly moves in the opposite direction of the second direction, drive the second limiting assembly to move in the second direction to move away from the second side of the vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first sensor assembly includes: a first sensor disposed adjacent to the first fixing component; a third locking member connecting the first sensor and the first fixing component; and / or, the second sensor assembly includes: a second sensor disposed adjacent to the second fixing component; and a fourth locking member connecting the second sensor and the second fixing component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the alignment mechanism further includes: at least one guide rail extending in a second direction; at least two sliders slidably connected to the guide rail, at least one slider being connected to a first limiting component, and at least another slider being connected to a second limiting component.

[0013] Secondly, one embodiment of this application provides a transportation device, including: a transportation component configured to transport a vehicle along a first direction; an alignment mechanism according to any of the first aspects, disposed adjacent to the transportation component, wherein a first limiting component and a second limiting component of the alignment mechanism are at least partially located above the transportation component; the first limiting component is configured to move along a second direction under the drive of a first driving source component of the alignment mechanism to contact and apply a thrust to a first side of the vehicle; a transmission component of the alignment mechanism is configured to move under the drive of the first limiting component and drive the second limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to a second side of the vehicle; and when a first sensor component of the alignment mechanism detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component and the second sensor component detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component, the first driving source component stops driving the first limiting component to move along the second direction.

[0014] Thirdly, one embodiment of this application provides an alignment method applied to the transport device in the second aspect described above. The alignment method includes: controlling a transport component to transport a vehicle to a preset position along a first direction; controlling a first drive source component to drive a first limiting component to move along a second direction to contact and apply a thrust to a first side of the vehicle, and a transmission component to move under the drive of the first limiting component, and drive a second limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to a second side of the vehicle, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction; and controlling the first drive source component to stop driving the first limiting component to move along the second direction when the first sensor component detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component and the second sensor component detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component.

[0015] The alignment mechanism, transport device, and alignment method proposed in this application, because when the first sensor component detects that the first side of the carrier is in contact with the first limiting component, and the second sensor component detects that the second side of the carrier is in contact with the second limiting component, the first drive source component will stop driving the first limiting component to move in the second direction. Therefore, for carriers of different sizes, the first and second limiting components can move different distances to clamp the two sides of the carrier to adjust the posture of the carrier, and can push a carrier of any size to the fixed position corresponding to that size carrier without manual adjustment, saving manpower and adjustment time, and improving production efficiency and equipment uptime. In addition, after clamping the two sides of the carrier, the first and second limiting components will not continue to move towards the carrier, avoiding damage to the carrier. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first type of conventional transportation device.

[0018] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the second type of conventional transportation device.

[0019] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the alignment mechanism provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a transportation device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a transmission assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first connection component provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first limiting member provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first limiting component provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the guide rail and slider provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating an alignment method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 100. A first type of conventional transport device; 110. A first transport component; 111. A conveyor belt; 120. A limiting structure; 130. A hand-cranked screw; 200. A second type of conventional transport device; 210. A second transport component; 220. A limiting cylinder; 300. An alignment mechanism; 310. A first drive source component; 311. A cylinder; 312. A cylinder fixing block; 320. A first limiting component; 321. A first connecting component; 322. A first fixing component; 323. A first limiting element; 324. A cylinder connecting block; 330. A second limiting component; 33 1. Second connecting assembly; 332. Second fixing assembly; 333. Second limiting member; 340. Transmission assembly; 341. First synchronous pulley; 342. Second synchronous pulley; 343. Synchronous belt; 3431. First side of synchronous belt; 3432. Second side of synchronous belt; 350. First sensor assembly; 360. Second sensor assembly; 370. Guide rail; 380. Slider; 390. First support assembly; 400. Transport assembly; 410. Rolling element; 420. Second support assembly; 500. Transport device; 510. Position detection sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first type of conventional transportation device.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the first conventional conveying device 100 includes: a first conveying component 110, two limiting structures 120, and a hand-cranked screw 130. The first conveying component 110 includes: two conveyor belts 111. The two limiting structures 120 are disposed on both sides of the first conveying component 110. The hand-cranked screw 130 includes: a screw and two screw nuts sleeved on the screw. Each screw nut is connected to one limiting structure 120. When using the first conventional conveying device 100, the pallet is usually placed at the feed end of the first conveying component 110, and the operator manually adjusts the hand-cranked screw 130 to clamp the pallet with the two limiting structures 120, and then the first conveying component 110 transports the pallet. With this structure, since the distance between the two limiting structures 120 is fixed after manual adjustment, only pallets of a single size can be adjusted. It is not possible to adjust multiple pallets of different sizes at the same time. If multiple pallets of different sizes need to be adjusted, the hand crank screw 130 needs to be adjusted manually multiple times, which increases the workload of the staff and consumes a lot of time.

[0032] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the second type of conventional transportation device.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the second conventional transport device 200 includes a second transport component 210 and two limiting cylinders 220. The two limiting cylinders 220 are located on both sides of the second transport component 210. After a pallet is placed on the second transport component 210, the cylinder rods of the two limiting cylinders 220 extend, clamping the pallet from both sides and ensuring the pallet is centered on the second transport component 210. However, with this structure, if adjustments to pallets of other sizes are needed, the positions of the limiting cylinders 220 must be manually adjusted, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, since the extension length of the cylinder rods of the limiting cylinders 220 is fixed, if the limiting cylinders 220 are misaligned, both cylinders 220 may continue to move towards the pallet after clamping it, potentially damaging the pallet. It is also possible that one limiting cylinder 220 can contact the pallet while the other cannot, making it impossible to adjust the pallet to a fixed position.

[0034] In view of this, this application proposes an alignment mechanism, a transport device, and an alignment method. When the first sensor assembly detects contact between the first side of the carrier and the first limiting assembly, and the second sensor assembly detects contact between the second side of the carrier and the second limiting assembly, the first drive source assembly stops driving the first limiting assembly to move in the second direction. Therefore, for carriers of different sizes, the first and second limiting assemblies can move different distances to clamp the sides of the carrier to adjust its posture. Furthermore, a carrier of any size can be pushed to its corresponding fixed position without manual adjustment, saving manpower and adjustment time, and improving production efficiency and equipment uptime. In addition, after clamping the sides of the carrier, the first and second limiting assemblies will not continue to move towards the carrier, avoiding damage to the carrier.

[0035] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the alignment mechanism provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a transportation device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, an exemplary embodiment of this application provides an alignment mechanism 300 configured to align a transport assembly 400 with a carrier transported along a first direction (X direction in the figure). The carrier has a first side and a second side in a second direction (Y direction in the figure), and the first and second directions intersect. The alignment mechanism 300 includes: a first drive source assembly 310, a first limiting assembly 320, a second limiting assembly 330, a transmission assembly 340, a first sensor assembly 350, and a second sensor assembly 360. The first limiting assembly 320 is drivenly connected to the first drive source assembly 310 and is capable of moving along the second direction under the drive of the first drive source assembly 310 to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the carrier. The second limiting assembly 330 is disposed opposite to the first limiting assembly 320 in the second direction. The transmission assembly 340 is driveably connected to the first limiting assembly 320 and the second limiting assembly 330, and is configured to move under the drive of the first limiting assembly 320, and drive the second limiting assembly 330 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction, so as to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle. The first sensor assembly 350 is connected to the first limiting assembly 320 and is configured to detect whether the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting assembly 320. The second sensor assembly 360 is connected to the second limiting assembly 330 and is configured to detect whether the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting assembly 330. Wherein, when the first sensor assembly 350 detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting assembly 320, and the second sensor assembly 360 detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting assembly 330, the first drive source assembly 310 stops driving the first limiting assembly 320 to move in the second direction.

[0037] For example, the first direction is a horizontal direction, and the second direction is another horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0038] For example, the first drive source component 310 may include a cylinder, a linear motor, or an electric actuator, etc.

[0039] For example, the first limiting component 320 may include a limiting post or a limiting plate.

[0040] For example, the second limiting component 330 may include a limiting post or a limiting plate.

[0041] For example, the transmission component 340 may include at least one of the following: a timing pulley, a timing belt, a connecting rod, a turntable, a sprocket, a chain, etc., as long as it can ensure that the first limiting component 320 can drive the second limiting component 330 to move in the opposite direction of the movement direction of the first limiting component 320 through the transmission component 340. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0042] For example, the first sensor assembly 350 may include a first sensor, which may be a photoelectric sensor, a micro switch, a laser displacement sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, etc. Preferably, the first sensor is a photoelectric sensor.

[0043] For example, the first sensor can determine whether the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component 320 by detecting the position of the first side of the vehicle.

[0044] For example, the second sensor assembly 360 may include a second sensor, which may be a photoelectric sensor, a micro switch, a laser displacement sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, etc. Preferably, the second sensor is a photoelectric sensor.

[0045] For example, the second sensor can determine whether the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component 330 by detecting the position of the second side of the vehicle.

[0046] For example, the carrier is a tray that carries products, and the products are exemplarily glass substrates, wafers, silicon wafers, etc.

[0047] For example, the alignment mechanism 300 also includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the first drive source component 310, the first sensor component 350, and the second sensor component 360. The controller is capable of controlling the first drive source component 310 to work and stop, and is capable of receiving a first signal sent by the first sensor component 350 and a second signal sent by the second sensor component 360, and controlling the first drive source component 310 according to the first signal and the second signal.

[0048] For example, the first driving source component 310 stopping the driving of the first limiting component 320 to move in the second direction includes: the first driving source component 310 driving the first limiting component 320 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to the initial position.

[0049] For example, if the first limiting component 320 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction, the transmission component 340 can drive the second limiting component 330 to move in the second direction.

[0050] For example, when the first drive source component 310 is powered on, it can drive the first limiting component 320 to move in the second direction. When the first sensor component 350 detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component 320 and the second sensor component 360 detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component 330, the second drive source component 310 is powered off. When the power is off, the second drive source component 310 is reset, thereby enabling the first limiting component 320 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0051] For example, the first drive source component 310 is reset when the power is off and can drive the first limit component 320 to move in the second direction. When the first sensor component 350 detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limit component 320 and the second sensor component 360 detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limit component 330, the second drive source component 310 is energized, thereby enabling the first limit component 320 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0052] In practical applications, after a pallet of any size is placed on the conveying assembly 200, when the pallet is detected by the positioning detection sensor 510, the controller receives the positioning signal sent by the positioning detection sensor 510. The controller controls the first drive source assembly 310 to drive the first limiting assembly 320 to move along the second direction. The first limiting assembly 320 drives the second limiting assembly 330 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction through the transmission assembly 340, so that the first limiting assembly 320 and the second limiting assembly 330 clamp the carrier from both sides to adjust the position of the carrier. When the first limiting component 320 contacts the first side of the vehicle, the first sensor component 350 sends a first signal to the controller. When the second limiting component 330 contacts the second side of the vehicle, the second sensor component 360 sends a second signal to the controller. After the controller receives the first and second signals, the controller controls the first drive source component 310 to stop driving the first limiting component 320 to move in the second direction. The first limiting component 320 stopping its movement in the second direction will also cause the transmission component 340 to stop driving the second limiting component 330 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0053] In the above embodiments, when the first sensor assembly 350 detects that the first side of the carrier is in contact with the first limiting assembly 320, and the second sensor assembly 360 detects that the second side of the carrier is in contact with the second limiting assembly 330, the first drive source assembly 310 will stop driving the first limiting assembly 320 to move in the second direction. Therefore, for carriers of different sizes, the first limiting assembly 320 and the second limiting assembly 330 can move different distances to clamp the two sides of the carrier to adjust the posture of the carrier. Furthermore, a carrier of any size can be pushed to the corresponding fixed position without manual adjustment, saving manpower and adjustment time, and improving production efficiency and equipment uptime. In addition, after clamping the two sides of the carrier, the first limiting assembly 320 and the second limiting assembly 330 will not continue to move towards the carrier, avoiding damage to the carrier.

[0054] For example, in the production of mobile phone OLEDs, if there are 64 transport components 400 transporting the carrier at the same time, if the alignment mechanism 300 in the embodiment of this application is used, 10 minutes of adjustment time of the alignment mechanism 300 can be saved at the feeding end of each transport component 400, which can save a total of 640 minutes and greatly improve production efficiency.

[0055] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a transmission assembly provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the transmission assembly 340 includes a first synchronous pulley 341, a second synchronous pulley 342, and a synchronous belt 343. The first synchronous pulley 341 is disposed adjacent to the first limiting assembly 320. The second synchronous pulley 342 is disposed opposite to the first synchronous pulley 341 in a second direction and adjacent to the second limiting assembly 330. The synchronous belt 343 is sleeved on the first synchronous pulley 341 and the second synchronous pulley 342. The synchronous belt 343 has a first side 3431 and a second side 3432 in a first direction. The first side 3431 of the synchronous belt 343 is connected to the first limiting assembly 320, and the second side 3432 of the synchronous belt 343 is connected to the second limiting assembly 330.

[0057] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first limiting component 320 can be connected to a portion of region A of the first side 3431 of the timing belt 343, and the second limiting component 330 can be connected to a portion of region B of the second side 3432 of the timing belt 343.

[0058] In the above embodiments, this transmission component 340 can cause the first limiting component 320 to move in the second direction, thereby driving the second limiting component 330 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction, and / or cause the first limiting component 320 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction, thereby driving the second limiting component 330 to move in the second direction. This structure is relatively simple and easy to manufacture.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first limiting assembly 320 includes: a first connecting assembly 321, a first fixing assembly 322, and at least one first limiting member 323. The first connecting assembly 321 is connected to a first side 3431 of the timing belt 343. The first fixing assembly 322 is connected to the first connecting assembly 321. At least one first limiting member 323 is connected to the first fixing assembly 322 and is configured to contact and apply a thrust to a first side of the vehicle.

[0060] For example, the first fixing component 322 can be a plate-like structure or a block-like structure.

[0061] For example, the first fixing component 322 has a first threaded hole, the bottom of the first limiting member 323 has a thread, and the bottom thread of the first limiting member 323 is screwed into the thread of the first threaded hole.

[0062] For example, the first fixing component 322 is connected to the first limiting member 323 by screws or bolts.

[0063] For example, the first fixing component 322 is connected to the first connecting component 321 by screws or bolts.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the first limiting component 320 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second limiting assembly 330 includes: a second connecting assembly 331, a second fixing assembly 332, and at least one second limiting member 333. The second connecting assembly 331 is connected to the second side 3432 of the timing belt 343. The second fixing assembly 332 is connected to the second connecting assembly 331. At least one second limiting member 333 is connected to the second fixing assembly 332 and is configured to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle.

[0066] For example, the second fixing component 332 can be a plate-like structure or a block-like structure.

[0067] For example, the second fixing component 332 has a second threaded hole, the bottom of the second limiting member 333 has a thread, and the bottom thread of the second limiting member 333 is screwed into the thread of the second threaded hole.

[0068] For example, the second fixing component 332 is connected to the second limiting member 333 by screws or bolts.

[0069] For example, the second fixing component 332 is connected to the second connecting component 331 by screws or bolts.

[0070] In the above embodiments, the second limiting component 330 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0071] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the first connection component provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, the first connecting assembly 321 includes a first connector 3211, a second connector 3212, and a first locking member. The first connector 3211 is connected to the first fixing assembly 322. The second connector 3212 is disposed opposite to at least a portion of the first connector 3211 in a first direction, and at least a portion of the first side 3431 of the timing belt 343 is located between the first connector 3211 and the second connector 3212. The first locking member connects the first connector 3211 and the second connector 3212.

[0073] For example, the first locking member can be a screw or bolt, such as the first connector 3211 having a third threaded hole, the second connector 3212 having a first through hole, and the first locking member passing through the first through hole and threadedly connected to the third threaded hole.

[0074] For example, there are multiple first through holes, multiple third threaded holes, and multiple first locking members, each of which passes through a first through hole and is threaded into a third threaded hole.

[0075] In the above embodiments, this structure enables the first limiting component 320 and the timing belt 343 to be securely connected, and the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second connecting assembly 331 includes a third connector, a fourth connector, and a second locking member. The third connector is connected to the second fixing assembly 332. At least a portion of the fourth connector is disposed opposite to the third connector in a first direction, and at least a portion of the second side 3432 of the timing belt 343 is located between the third connector and the fourth connector. The second locking member connects the third connector and the fourth connector. The structure of the second connecting assembly 331 described in this embodiment is similar to... Figure 6 The structure of the first connecting component 321 shown is basically the same, and can be found in [reference]. Figure 6 .

[0077] For example, the second locking member can be a screw or bolt, such as the third connector having a fourth threaded hole, the fourth connector having a second through hole, and the second locking member passing through the second through hole and threadedly connected to the fourth threaded hole.

[0078] For example, there are multiple second through holes, multiple fourth threaded holes, and multiple second locking members, each of which passes through a second through hole and is threaded into a fourth threaded hole.

[0079] In the above embodiments, this structure enables the second limiting component 330 and the timing belt 343 to be securely connected, and the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, there are multiple first limiting members 323, and the multiple first limiting members 323 are arranged along the first direction.

[0081] In the above embodiments, by setting multiple first limiting members 323, the thrust can be applied to the first side of the vehicle more smoothly.

[0082] In some embodiments, there are multiple second limiting members 333, and the multiple second limiting members 333 are arranged along the first direction.

[0083] In the above embodiments, by setting multiple second limiting members 333, the thrust can be applied to the second side of the vehicle more smoothly.

[0084] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of the first limiting member provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The shape and structure of the second limiting member 333 can be the same as those of the first limiting member 323. Therefore, the structure of the second limiting member 333 can be referenced. Figure 7 The first limiting member 323 is shown.

[0085] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the first limiting member 323 has a circular, annular, or polygonal shape in the cross-section of the first and second directions; and / or, the second limiting member 333 has a circular, annular, or polygonal shape in the cross-section of the first and second directions.

[0086] For example, the aforementioned ring can be a circular ring or a square ring, that is, the first limiting member 323 and / or the second limiting member 333 can be hollow structures, thereby saving materials.

[0087] For example, the polygon described above can be a rectangle, triangle, pentagon, or hexagon, etc.

[0088] In the above embodiments, if the cross-sectional shape of the first limiting member 323 and / or the second limiting member 333 in the first direction and the second direction are both circular, it is convenient to process threads at the bottom of the first limiting member 323 and / or the second limiting member 333, so that the first limiting member 323 can be threaded into the first threaded hole, and / or the bottom of the second limiting member 333 can be threaded into the second threaded hole.

[0089] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of a first limiting component provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The second limiting component 330 may have the same shape and structure as the first limiting component 320. Therefore, the structure of the second limiting component 330 can be referenced. Figure 7 The first limiting component 320 is shown.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, the first limiting member 323 is a plate-like structure extending along the first direction, and / or the second limiting member 333 is a plate-like structure extending along the first direction.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first drive source assembly 310 includes a cylinder 311. The cylinder 311 is connected to the first limiting assembly 320 and is configured to drive the first limiting assembly 320 to move along a second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle. When the first sensor assembly 350 detects contact between the first side of the vehicle and the first limiting assembly 320, and the second sensor assembly 360 detects contact between the second side of the vehicle and the second limiting assembly 330, the cylinder 311 drives the first limiting assembly 320 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to move away from the first side of the vehicle. The transmission assembly 340 is configured to, when the first limiting assembly 320 moves along the second direction, drive the second limiting assembly 330 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle, and when the first limiting assembly 320 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction, drive the second limiting assembly 330 to move in the second direction to move away from the second side of the vehicle.

[0092] For example, the first limiting component 320 further includes a cylinder connecting block 324, which is connected to the first fixing component 322, and the cylinder rod of the cylinder 311 is connected to the cylinder connecting block 324.

[0093] For example, cylinder 311 is disposed on the side of the first limiting component 320 near the second limiting component 330. When energized, the cylinder rod of cylinder 311 can retract into the cylinder barrel, thereby driving the first limiting component 320 to move in the second direction. When de-energized, the cylinder rod of cylinder 311 can extend out of the cylinder barrel, thereby driving the first limiting component 320 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0094] For example, cylinder 311 is disposed on the side of the first limiting component 320 away from the second limiting component 330. When energized, the cylinder rod of cylinder 311 can extend out of the cylinder barrel, thereby driving the first limiting component 320 to move in the second direction. When de-energized, the cylinder rod of cylinder 311 can retract into the cylinder barrel, thereby driving the first limiting component 320 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0095] In the above embodiments, the cylinder 311 can drive the first limiting component 320 and the second limiting component 330 to clamp the carrier or reset it to the initial position, thereby realizing the automatic adjustment of the position of the carrier on the transport component 400.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first sensor assembly 350 includes a first sensor and a third locking member. The first sensor is disposed adjacent to the first fixing assembly 322, and the third locking member connects the first sensor and the first fixing assembly 322.

[0097] For example, the third locking element is a screw or bolt.

[0098] In the above embodiment, this structure allows the first sensor to be securely fixed to the first fixing component 322.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second sensor assembly 360 includes a second sensor and a fourth locking member. The second sensor is disposed adjacent to the second fixing assembly 332. The fourth locking member connects the second sensor and the second fixing assembly 332.

[0100] For example, the fourth locking element is a screw or bolt.

[0101] In the above embodiment, this structure allows the second sensor to be securely fixed to the second fixing component 332.

[0102] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the guide rail and slider provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0103] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the alignment mechanism 300 further includes at least one guide rail 370 and at least two sliders 380. At least one guide rail 370 extends along a second direction. The sliders 380 are slidably connected to the guide rail 370, at least one slider 380 is connected to a first limiting component 320, and at least another slider 380 is connected to a second limiting component 330.

[0104] For example, there are at least two guide rails 370, each guide rail 370 being slidably connected to a slider 380.

[0105] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, there is at least one guide rail 370, each guide rail 370 is slidably connected to two sliders 380, one slider 380 slidably connected to each guide rail 370 is connected to a first limiting component 320, and the other slider 380 slidably connected to each guide rail 370 is connected to a second limiting component 330.

[0106] For example, at least one slider 380 is connected to the first fixing component 322, and at least another slider 380 is connected to the second fixing component 332.

[0107] For example, the number of guide rails 370 and sliders 380 is equal and there are at least two. The guide rails 370 and sliders 380 are set in a one-to-one correspondence, and the sliders 380 are slidably connected to the corresponding guide rails 370.

[0108] For example, such as Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, there are four guide rails 370, arranged in two rows and two columns along the first and second directions. Each guide rail 370 is slidably connected to a corresponding slider 380. The first fixing component 322 has a first end 3221 and a second end 3222 in the first direction, and the second fixing component 332 has a first end and a second end in the first direction. The slider 380 corresponding to the guide rail 370 near the first end 3221 of the first fixing component 322 is connected to the first end 3221 of the first fixing component 322. The slider 380 corresponding to the guide rail 370 near the second end 3222 of the first fixing component 322 is connected to the second end 3222 of the first fixing component 322. The slider 380 corresponding to the guide rail 370 near the first end of the second fixing component 332 is connected to the first end of the second fixing component 332. The slider 380 corresponding to the guide rail 370 near the second end of the second fixing component 332 is connected to the second end of the second fixing component 332.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the alignment mechanism 300 further includes a first support component 390, and a guide rail 370 is connected to the first support component 390, wherein the first support component 390 is configured to support the guide rail 370.

[0110] For example, the first support component 390 includes at least one profile, each profile being connected to at least one guide rail 370.

[0111] For example, the length of the guide rail 370 can be determined according to the size of various vehicles to be adjusted.

[0112] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first drive source assembly 310 also includes a cylinder fixing block 312, which is connected to the cylinder 311 and the first support assembly 390.

[0113] Based on the same concept, such as Figure 4As shown, this application embodiment provides a transportation device 500, which includes a transportation component 400 and an alignment mechanism 300 as described in the above embodiment. The transportation component 400 is configured to transport a vehicle along a first direction. The alignment mechanism 300 is disposed adjacent to the transport assembly 400. The first limiting component 320 and the second limiting component 330 of the alignment mechanism 300 are both at least partially located above the transport assembly 400. The first limiting component 320 is configured to move along a second direction under the drive of the first drive source component 310 of the alignment mechanism 300 to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle. The transmission component 340 of the alignment mechanism 300 is configured to move under the drive of the first limiting component 320 and drive the second limiting component 330 to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle. When the first sensor component 350 of the alignment mechanism 300 detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component 320 and the second sensor component 360 detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component 330, the first drive source component 310 stops driving the first limiting component 320 to move along the second direction.

[0114] In some embodiments, the transport assembly 400 includes: a plurality of rolling elements 410 arranged along a first direction, a second drive source assembly, and a second support assembly 420. The rolling elements 410 are drivenly connected to the second drive source assembly and rotatably connected to the second support assembly 420. The rolling elements 410 are configured to carry and transport a vehicle along the first direction.

[0115] For example, the second drive source component includes a motor.

[0116] For example, the rolling element 410 is a roller, bearing, or drum.

[0117] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the transport device 500 also includes a position detection sensor 510. The position detection sensor 510 is located near the feed end of the transport assembly 400. When the position detection sensor 510 detects the carrier, the first drive source assembly 310 drives the first limit assembly 320 to move in the second direction.

[0118] In the above embodiments, by setting a positioning detection sensor 510, the alignment mechanism 300 can be automatically controlled to adjust the position of the carrier when a new carrier enters at the feeding end.

[0119] Since the transport device 500 includes the alignment mechanism 300, all the technical features and effects of the alignment mechanism 300 are not described here.

[0120] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating an alignment method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0121] Based on the same concept, such as Figure 10 As shown, this application embodiment also provides an alignment method applied to the transport device 500 in the above embodiment. The alignment method provided in this application embodiment includes the following steps 601 to 603.

[0122] Step 601: Control the transport component to transport the vehicle to the preset position along the first direction.

[0123] The preset position is exemplified by the position detection sensor 510 starting to detect the position of the vehicle.

[0124] Step 602: Control the first drive source component to drive the first limiting component to move along the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle, and the transmission component can move under the drive of the first limiting component and drive the second limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle, the second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0125] Step 603: When the first sensor assembly detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting assembly and the second sensor assembly detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting assembly, the first drive source assembly is controlled to stop driving the first limiting assembly to move in the second direction.

[0126] In one possible application scenario, the alignment method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to mobile phone terminal manufacturing, display device manufacturing, cover plate product manufacturing, or other equipment manufacturing, that is, the product transported by the carrier can be the product to be transported during the processing in the above-mentioned fields.

[0127] In some embodiments, in step 602, controlling the first drive source component to drive the first limit component to move along the second direction includes: when the positioning detection sensor detects the vehicle, controlling the first drive source component to drive the first limit component to move along the second direction.

[0128] In some embodiments, in step 603, controlling the first driving source component to stop driving the first limiting component to move in the second direction includes: controlling the first driving source component to drive the first limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0129] Since the description of the alignment method embodiment corresponds to the description of the transport device 500 embodiment, and the transport device 500 includes the alignment mechanism 300, the parts not described in detail can be referred to the foregoing embodiments of the transport device 500 and the alignment mechanism 300.

[0130] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0131] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0132] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0133] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0134] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A positioning mechanism, characterized in that, The alignment mechanism is configured to align a vehicle transporting a transport component along a first direction, the vehicle having a first side and a second side in a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction, the alignment mechanism comprising: First driving source component; The first limiting component is driven and connected to the first driving source component. The first limiting component can move along the second direction under the drive of the first driving source component to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle. The second limiting component is disposed opposite to the first limiting component in the second direction; A transmission assembly, which is pulsatorically connected to the first limiting assembly and the second limiting assembly, is configured to move under the drive of the first limiting assembly and drive the second limiting assembly to move in the opposite direction of the second direction, so as to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle; A first sensor assembly, connected to the first limiting assembly, is configured to detect whether a first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting assembly; A second sensor assembly, connected to the second limiting assembly, is configured to detect whether a second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting assembly; Specifically, when the first sensor component detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component, and the second sensor component detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component, the first drive source component stops driving the first limiting component to move in the second direction.

2. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes: The first synchronous wheel is disposed adjacent to the first limiting component; The second synchronous pulley is disposed opposite to the first synchronous pulley in the second direction and is disposed adjacent to the second limiting component; A timing belt is fitted onto the first timing pulley and the second timing pulley. The timing belt has a first side and a second side in the first direction. The first side of the timing belt is connected to the first limiting component, and the second side of the timing belt is connected to the second limiting component.

3. The alignment mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting component includes: A first connecting component is connected to a first side of the synchronization belt; A first fixing component is connected to the first connecting component; At least one first limiting member, connected to the first fixing assembly, is configured to contact and apply a thrust to a first side of the vehicle; And / or, the second limiting component includes: The second connecting component is connected to the second side of the synchronization belt; The second fixing component is connected to the second connecting component; At least one second limiting member, connected to the second fixing component, is configured to contact and apply thrust to a second side of the vehicle.

4. The alignment mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connection component includes: The first connector is connected to the first fixing component; The second connector is disposed opposite to at least a portion of the first connector in the first direction, and at least a portion of the first side of the timing belt is located between the first connector and the second connector; A first locking element connects the first connecting element and the second connecting element; And / or, The second connection component includes: The third connector is connected to the second fixing component; A fourth connector is disposed opposite to at least a portion of the third connector in the first direction, and at least a portion of the second side of the timing belt is located between the third connector and the fourth connector; The second locking member connects the third connecting member and the fourth connecting member.

5. The alignment mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, There are multiple first limiting members, and the multiple first limiting members are arranged along the first direction; And / or, there are multiple second limiting members, and the multiple second limiting members are arranged along the first direction; And / or, the shape of the cross section of the first limiting member in the first direction and the second direction is circular, annular, or polygonal; And / or, the shape of the cross-section of the second limiting member in the first direction and the second direction is circular, annular, or polygonal.

6. The alignment mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first driver source component includes: A cylinder, connected to the first limiting component, is configured to drive the first limiting component to move in the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle, and when the first sensor component detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component and the second sensor component detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component, drive the first limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to move away from the first side of the vehicle. The transmission assembly is configured to, when the first limiting assembly moves along the second direction, drive the second limiting assembly to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle, and when the first limiting assembly moves in the opposite direction of the second direction, drive the second limiting assembly to move in the second direction to move away from the second side of the vehicle.

7. The alignment mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first sensor assembly includes: The first sensor is disposed adjacent to the first fixed component; The third locking element connects the first sensor and the first fixing component; And / or, the second sensor assembly includes: The second sensor is disposed adjacent to the second fixed component; The fourth locking element connects the second sensor and the second fixing component.

8. The alignment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Also includes: At least one guide rail extends along the second direction; At least two sliders are slidably connected to the guide rail, at least one slider is connected to the first limiting component, and at least another slider is connected to the second limiting component.

9. A transport device, characterized in that, include: The transport component is configured to transport a vehicle along a first direction; The alignment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is disposed adjacent to the transport assembly. The first limiting component and the second limiting component of the alignment mechanism are both at least partially located above the transport assembly. The first limiting component is configured to move along the second direction under the drive of the first drive source component of the alignment mechanism to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle. The transmission component of the alignment mechanism is configured to move under the drive of the first limiting component and drive the second limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle. When the first sensor component of the alignment mechanism detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting component and the second sensor component detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting component, the first drive source component stops driving the first limiting component to move along the second direction.

10. A method for alignment, characterized in that, Applied to the transport device of claim 9, the alignment method includes: Control the transport component to transport the vehicle to a preset position along the first direction; The first drive source component is controlled to drive the first limiting component to move along the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the first side of the vehicle, and the transmission component can move under the drive of the first limiting component and drive the second limiting component to move in the opposite direction of the second direction to contact and apply a thrust to the second side of the vehicle, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction; When the first sensor assembly detects that the first side of the vehicle is in contact with the first limiting assembly, and the second sensor assembly detects that the second side of the vehicle is in contact with the second limiting assembly, the first drive source assembly is controlled to stop driving the first limiting assembly to move in the second direction.

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