Automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boat
Through the automatic positioning and guiding conveyor of graphite boats, the problem of inefficient graphite boat handling and stacking in photovoltaic silicon wafer manufacturing is solved, and efficient and safe automatic handling and stacking is achieved to meet the automation needs of smart factories.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422205605.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-09-09
AI Technical Summary
During the manufacturing process of photovoltaic silicon wafers, the handling and stacking of graphite boats mainly relies on manual operations, which are inefficient and have safety hazards. Inaccurate positioning leads to equipment failure and increased production costs.
An automatic positioning and guiding conveyor of graphite boats is designed, using components such as dual belt limit blocks and positioning cylinders to realize automatic guide and separation positioning of graphite boats, adapt to graphite boats of different sizes, and cooperate with inductors and control systems to achieve efficient and accurate automatic handling and stacking.
It improves the degree of automation of the production line, reduces manual operations, reduces production costs and safety hazards, improves handling and stacking efficiency, and adapts to the automation needs of smart factories.
Smart Images
Figure CN223254133U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automatic transportation of graphite boats, in particular to an automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boats used in the photovoltaic silicon wafer manufacturing industry. Background Art
[0002] In the photovoltaic silicon wafer manufacturing process, graphite boats, as key wafer carriers, are widely used for wafer handling, cleaning, and storage. Not only are these boats heavy and bulky, but they also require frequent switching, cleaning, and reuse on the production line. Therefore, efficiently and safely handling and stacking these boats has become a pressing challenge in photovoltaic silicon wafer manufacturing.
[0003] Traditional methods for handling and stacking graphite boats rely primarily on manual labor, typically requiring the coordinated efforts of multiple operators. This method is not only inefficient but also presents numerous safety risks. For example, the heavy weight of graphite boats can easily lead to strain injuries during handling, or even injuries from falling objects. Furthermore, because manual operation struggles with precise positioning, graphite boats are prone to collisions during stacking or placement, resulting in damage to the boats or wafers, and thus increasing production costs.
[0004] With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, smart factories are becoming the industry standard. Within smart factories, production lines are becoming increasingly automated, with many processes relying on sophisticated automated equipment. The handling and stacking of graphite boats is no exception, and the trend is to replace manual operations with automated equipment. However, the use of automated equipment also places higher demands on the positioning accuracy of the graphite boats. If positioning is inaccurate, the boats may shift during handling and stacking, causing equipment malfunction or even failure. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical deficiencies, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boats, so as to improve the degree of automation of the production line, enhance production efficiency, and reduce losses and safety hazards in the production process.
[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:
[0007] A graphite boat automatic positioning and guiding conveyor, comprising:
[0008] A frame with a work surface on the top;
[0009] Two power units are provided and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top of the work surface; the power unit includes a power bracket, a motor and a power assembly; the power assembly includes a belt and multiple rollers; the power bracket is fixed to the work surface; the rollers are rotatably mounted on the power bracket; the multiple rollers are arranged in an array with equal intervals along the length direction of the power bracket in a horizontal plane; the motor is fixed to the power bracket; the rollers are connected to the output shaft of the motor through a belt drive; a limit block is fixedly provided on the upper end surface of the power bracket, and the limit blocks are provided in two pieces and symmetrically arranged at both ends of the power bracket; the rollers are located in the area between the two limit blocks;
[0010] There are two guide plates, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top of the workbench; the power unit is located in the area between the two guide plates; and the guide plates are arranged parallel to the power bracket.
[0011] Preferably, it also includes two positioning cylinders; the two positioning cylinders are symmetrically arranged on the work surface; the positioning cylinders are fixed to the middle of the corresponding power bracket, and the piston rods of the positioning cylinders are arranged vertically upward; a positioning block is fixed on the piston rod of the positioning cylinder.
[0012] Preferably, it also includes a plurality of anti-drop racks; the anti-drop racks are fixed to the upper end of the work surface and are arranged in parallel with the power bracket at intervals; the plurality of anti-drop racks are arranged in an array at equal intervals on the work surface.
[0013] Preferably, the length of the power support and the length of the anti-fall frame are both greater than the width of the work surface.
[0014] Preferably, it further comprises an inductor; a plurality of the inductors are provided and symmetrically distributed on the power bracket on both sides of the positioning cylinder.
[0015] Preferably, the power unit is provided with two power components; the two power components are arranged in parallel and spaced apart.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:
[0017] Efficient automatic guidance: This device uses dual belts rotating in the same direction to move the graphite boat. When the boat contacts a stop block on one side of the device, the block firmly secures the left and right halves of the boat, thus achieving automatic guidance. Compared with traditional manual positioning, this guidance method is not only faster but also more precise, effectively reducing errors during the handling and stacking of the graphite boat.
[0018] Precise graphite boat separation and positioning: The positioning cylinder and its attached positioning block within the device are designed to separate the two graphite boats. The positioning block isolates the two graphite boats, allowing them to maintain their respective positions during the guidance process and avoid interference. This design ensures that both graphite boats can be guided independently during the same conveying process, significantly improving handling efficiency.
[0019] Reduced manual operation and lower production costs: The automated design of this device significantly reduces reliance on manual operation. Traditional manual handling and stacking methods require multiple people to work together, which is both labor-intensive and error-prone. This device can automatically guide and handle the graphite boat without human intervention, reducing labor costs and losses caused by operational errors.
[0020] Improves production line safety and efficiency: Graphite boats require multiple placements during handling. Improper positioning can easily lead to equipment failure or material damage. This device, through the coordinated operation of limit blocks, positioning cylinders, and anti-drop racks, ensures the stability and safety of the graphite boats during transportation, eliminating the safety hazards associated with traditional manual operations. Furthermore, this device seamlessly integrates with other automated equipment in the production line, further improving overall production efficiency.
[0021] Adapting to the automation needs of smart factories: In photovoltaic silicon wafer smart factories, this device can be used in conjunction with other automated equipment (such as stackers and handling robots) to form a complete automated production system. Its efficient and precise positioning and guidance functions can meet the high-speed operation requirements of smart factories and provide technical support for achieving comprehensive automation.
[0022] Strong applicability: when the length of the graphite boat is long, the two ends of the graphite boat are placed on the two outer power components; when the length of the graphite boat is short, the two ends of the graphite boat are placed on the two inner power components; the setting of this structure can adapt to graphite boats of different sizes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the power unit in the present utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle.
[0026] in:
[0027] 1. Work surface; 2. Anti-drop frame; 3. Guide plate; 4. Power support; 5. Frame; 6. Limit block; 7. Belt; 8. Motor; 9. Roller; 10. Positioning cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a graphite boat automatic positioning and guiding conveyor comprises:
[0030] The frame 5 is equipped with a work surface 1 on top, which serves as the operating platform for the graphite boat. The work surface 1 is flat and solid, capable of bearing the weight of the graphite boat and ensuring that the graphite boat remains stable during transportation. The frame 5 serves as the main structure of the device and provides support for the entire device.
[0031] The power unit is the core driving part of this device, and is equipped with two of them, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top of the work table 1; the power unit includes a power support 4, a motor 8, a belt 7 and a power assembly; the power assembly includes multiple rollers 9; the power support 4 is fixed on the work table 1; the rollers 9 are rotatably installed on the power support 4; multiple rollers 9 are arranged in an array at equal intervals along the length direction of the power support 4 in the horizontal plane to form a conveying path; the motor 8 is fixed on the power support 4; the rollers 9 and the output shafts of the motor 8 are connected by belt 7 to drive the graphite boat along the conveying path; the two power units can share one motor 8 and are connected by shaft transmission; a limit block 6 is fixed on the upper end surface of the power support 4, and there are two limit blocks 6, which are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the power support 4; the rollers 9 are located in the area between the two limit blocks 6; the limit block 6 can ensure that the graphite boat always remains in the correct position during the conveying process to avoid deviation;
[0032] Two guide plates 3 are symmetrically positioned on either side of the top of the work surface 1. The power unit is located between the two guide plates 3. The guide plates 3 are arranged parallel to the power support 4, providing lateral guidance for the graphite boat. The guide plates 3 effectively prevent lateral movement of the graphite boat during transportation, thereby improving stability and safety.
[0033] In this embodiment, to simultaneously guide two graphite boats, two positioning cylinders 10 are also included. These two positioning cylinders 10 are symmetrically arranged on the work surface 1. Each positioning cylinder 10 is fixed to the center of its corresponding power support 4, with its piston rod pointing vertically upward. Positioning blocks are fixed to the piston rods of the positioning cylinders 10. After the first graphite boat is guided, the piston rod of the positioning cylinder 10 extends, and the positioning blocks secure and isolate the first graphite boat, allowing the second graphite boat to be inserted and guided. The positioning blocks ensure that the two graphite boats do not interfere with each other during the guidance process, further improving the operating efficiency of the device.
[0034] This embodiment also includes multiple anti-drop racks 2, which are fixed to the upper end of the work surface 1 and spaced parallel to the power support 4. The multiple anti-drop racks 2 are arranged in an array with equal spacing on the work surface 1. The anti-drop racks 2 are designed primarily to prevent the graphite boat from accidentally falling during transportation. Especially during automated operations, the anti-drop racks 2 effectively ensure the safety of equipment and personnel, preventing accidents caused by falling materials.
[0035] In this embodiment, the length of the power support 4 and the length of the anti-fall frame 2 are both greater than the width of the work surface 1 .
[0036] This embodiment also includes sensors primarily for detecting the position of the graphite boat. Multiple sensors are symmetrically located on the power brackets 4 on either side of the positioning cylinder. These sensors monitor the movement of the graphite boat in real time and provide feedback to the control system. The control system uses this information to determine if the graphite boat is in position and control subsequent operations. The intelligent design of the sensors enables efficient operation on automated production lines, eliminating positioning errors associated with traditional manual operations.
[0037] In this embodiment, the power unit is configured with two power components; the two power components are arranged in parallel and spaced apart; an anti-drop frame 2 is arranged between the two adjacent power components; when the length of the graphite boat is longer, the two ends of the graphite boat are placed on the two outer power components; when the length of the graphite boat is shorter, the two ends of the graphite boat are placed on the two inner power components; the setting of this structure can adapt to graphite boats of different sizes.
[0038] Working principle:
[0039] Initial state: Before the device is started, the power unit is in standby mode, the piston rod of the positioning cylinder 10 is retracted, and the positioning block does not hinder the placement of the graphite boat. The anti-drop frame 2 and the work surface 1 together form a safe operating environment.
[0040] Graphite boat placement: The operator or automated equipment places the graphite boat on the conveying path between the two power units, that is, on the rollers 9. Both ends of the graphite boat are naturally placed on the rollers 9 on both sides.
[0041] Automatic Guidance: Motor 8 starts, driving rollers 9 through belt 7, which in turn propels the graphite boat along the conveyor path toward the next process. At this point, stoppers 6 act as physical barriers, ensuring the graphite boat does not deviate from the intended path during movement, achieving automatic guidance.
[0042] Positioning and Fixing: When the first graphite boat moves to the predetermined position (e.g., touching the stop block 6) and is guided, the control system sends a signal to extend the piston rod of the positioning cylinder 10, securing and isolating the graphite boat. At this point, the first graphite boat is stable and ready for subsequent operations.
[0043] Placing the Second Graphite Boat: After the first graphite boat is secured, the operator or automated equipment can immediately place the second graphite boat in the area corresponding to the second power unit and repeat the above alignment process. Due to the isolation effect of the positioning block, the two graphite boats do not interfere with each other during the alignment process.
[0044] Intelligent Monitoring: Sensors monitor the position of the graphite boat in real time, ensuring accuracy during movement and positioning. Once the boat is detected, the sensor sends a signal back to the control system, which then takes the next action, such as controlling the stacker's telescopic fork to remove the boat.
[0045] How to use:
[0046] Preparation stage: Check whether all parts of the device are intact and confirm that key parts such as the motor 8 and positioning cylinder 10 are in normal working condition.
[0047] Place the graphite boat: According to the operating specifications, gently place the graphite boat on the conveying path, and ensure that both ends of the graphite boat are in stable contact with the rollers 9.
[0048] Starting device: Start the device through the control panel or remote control system, and the motor 8 starts to work, driving the graphite boat to automatically guide.
[0049] Monitoring process: Observe the movement and fixation of the graphite boat through the monitoring interface to confirm whether the sensor accurately feedbacks the graphite boat position information.
[0050] Subsequent operations: After the graphite boat is aligned and fixed, according to the production process, a stacker or other automated equipment is used to take the graphite boat out and place it in a three-dimensional warehouse.
[0051] Repeat operation: Repeat the above steps to automatically position, guide and convey the subsequent graphite boats.
[0052] Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on the device, clean the dust and debris on the work surface 1, rollers 9 and other components, check the wear of the motor 8, belt 7 and other components to ensure long-term stable operation of the device.
Claims
1. A graphite boat automatic positioning and guiding conveyor, characterized in that: include: A frame (5) is provided with a work surface (1) on the top; The invention relates to a power unit, which is provided with two and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top of a work surface (1); the power unit comprises a power support (4), a motor (8) and a power assembly; the power assembly comprises a belt (7) and a plurality of rollers (9); the power support (4) is fixed on the work surface (1); the rollers (9) are rotatably mounted on the power support (4); the plurality of rollers (9) are arranged in an array at equal intervals along the length direction of the power support (4) in a horizontal plane; the motor (8) is fixed on the power support (4); the rollers (9) are connected to the output shaft of the motor (8) through a belt (7); a limit block (6) is fixedly provided on the upper end surface of the power support (4), and the limit blocks (6) are provided with two and symmetrically arranged at both ends of the power support (4); the rollers (9) are located in the area between the two limit blocks (6); There are two guide plates (3) symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top of the work surface (1); the power unit is located in the area between the two guide plates (3); the guide plates (3) are arranged in parallel with the power bracket (4).
2. The automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boats according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes two positioning cylinders (10); the two positioning cylinders (10) are symmetrically arranged on the work surface (1); the positioning cylinders (10) are fixed to the middle of the corresponding power bracket (4), and the piston rods of the positioning cylinders (10) are arranged vertically upward; and a positioning block is fixedly arranged on the piston rod of the positioning cylinder (10).
3. The automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boats according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a plurality of anti-drop frames (2); the anti-drop frames (2) are fixed to the upper end of the work surface (1) and are arranged in parallel with the power support (4) at intervals; and the plurality of anti-drop frames (2) are arranged in an array at equal intervals on the work surface (1).
4. The automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boats according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the power support (4) and the length of the anti-fall frame (2) are both greater than the width of the work surface (1).
5. The automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boats according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a sensor; the sensor is configured in plurality and symmetrically distributed on the power bracket (4) on both sides of the positioning cylinder (10).
6. The automatic positioning and guiding conveyor for graphite boats according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power unit is provided with two power components; the two power components are arranged in parallel and spaced apart.