Tray carrying device and feeding and discharging system

Abstract

The utility model provides a tray carrying device and a feeding and discharging system. The tray carrying device comprises a supporting frame and a carrying assembly, the supporting frame has the length direction and the width direction, and the supporting frame is provided with a feeding station and a stacking station in the length direction of the supporting frame. The carrying assembly is arranged on the supporting frame in a sliding mode so that the trays can be carried to the stacking station from the feeding station through the carrying assembly. Wherein the carrying assembly comprises an installation frame and a plurality of suction cups installed on the installation frame, and the positions, relative to the installation frame, of the suction cups are adjustable in the length direction and / or the width direction of the supporting frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a material tray handling device and a loading and unloading system, belonging to the field of automation equipment technology. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, more and more companies are adopting automated production lines to manufacture products. In most automated production lines, material loading and unloading are achieved using pallets (e.g., trays). Furthermore, during the loading and unloading process, multiple pallets are stacked, and these stacked pallets have different heights from the product tooling on the production line, necessitating the design of a pallet loading and unloading system to manage the pallet loading and unloading.

[0003] Furthermore, in existing automated production lines, technicians typically design pallet loading and unloading systems based on the size of the pallets used by the manufacturer. This means that the pallet loading and unloading system is only applicable to the current automated production line. When the automated production line is provided to other manufacturers, the pallet loading and unloading system needs to be redesigned due to the different pallet sizes, resulting in low compatibility. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides a material tray handling device and a loading and unloading system.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a tray conveying device is provided, comprising:

[0006] A support frame having a length direction and a width direction, wherein along the length direction of the support frame, the support frame has a loading station and a stacking station; and

[0007] A conveying assembly, slidably disposed on the support frame, for conveying the tray from the loading station to the stacking station;

[0008] The conveying assembly includes a mounting frame and a plurality of suction cups mounted on the mounting frame. The position of the suction cups relative to the mounting frame is adjustable in the length and / or width directions of the support frame.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the tray handling device of the present disclosure, the mounting frame has at least two rows of elongated holes, and at least a portion of the suction cup is located within the elongated holes.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of the present disclosure, each column of elongated holes includes a plurality of elongated holes; wherein, adjacent columns of elongated holes are staggered.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the pallet handling device of the present disclosure, the handling assembly further includes a gantry and a lifting device disposed on the gantry, the gantry being configured to slide relative to a support frame; the lifting device being configured to drive the mounting frame to produce a lifting action.

[0012] The tray conveying device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes:

[0013] A transport drive device is used to drive the gantry crane to slide on the support frame.

[0014] The tray conveying device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes:

[0015] A positioning device is disposed on the support frame and is used to position the topmost tray in a stack of trays.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the tray handling device of the present disclosure, the positioning device includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, both of which are slidably disposed on the support frame, wherein the first positioning component and the second positioning component are configured to approach or move away from each other to position and / or hold the tray or release the tray.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of this disclosure, the first positioning component includes:

[0018] A first mounting plate, the first mounting plate being configured to slide along the support frame;

[0019] A first positioning drive device, the first positioning drive device being mounted on the first mounting plate; and

[0020] A first positioning element is disposed on the first positioning drive device, and the first positioning drive device drives the first positioning element to approach or move away from the material tray.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of the present disclosure, a first protrusion is formed on the first positioning member, the first protrusion being arranged along the width direction of the support frame, thereby forming an upper step portion through the first protrusion, and a corner of the tray being located within the upper step portion.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of the present disclosure, the positioning device further includes a third positioning component and a fourth guiding component, the upper end of the fourth guiding component being fixed to the support frame, and the third positioning component and the fourth guiding component jointly positioning and / or holding the tray in another direction.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of this disclosure, the third positioning component includes:

[0024] The first crossbeam, the position of which is adjustable on the support frame;

[0025] A third positioning drive device, the third positioning drive device being fixed to the first crossbeam; and

[0026] The third positioning element is disposed on the third positioning drive device, which is used to drive the third positioning element to approach or move away from the material tray.

[0027] The tray conveying device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes:

[0028] A guiding device is provided on the support frame and is used to guide the material trays at the stacking station.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of the present disclosure, the guiding device includes a first guiding component and a second guiding component, both of which are slidably disposed on a support frame. The first guiding component and the second guiding component are configured to be able to approach or move away from each other in order to guide trays of different sizes.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of the present disclosure, the first guide assembly includes a first mounting plate and a first guide member disposed on the first mounting plate, wherein the first mounting plate is configured to slide along a support frame.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the tray conveying device of the present disclosure, the guiding device further includes a third guiding component and a fourth guiding component; wherein the upper end of the fourth guiding component is fixed to the support frame, and the third guiding component and the fourth guiding component together guide the tray in another direction.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a loading and unloading system is provided, which includes the above-described tray handling device. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the tray conveying device in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the tray conveying device in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tray conveying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a tray conveying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a lifting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tray handling device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figures 7 to 10 These are schematic diagrams of the material tray conveying device from different angles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of a positioning device and a guiding device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified structural diagram of part A.

[0044] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A magnified structural diagram of part B.

[0045] The specific labels in the attached figures are as follows:

[0046] 100 tray conveyor device

[0047] 110 base plate

[0048] 120 First support plate

[0049] 130 Second support plate

[0050] 140 First Conveying Component

[0051] 141 First driving wheel

[0052] 150 Second Conveyor Component

[0053] 151 Second drive wheel

[0054] 160 First Drive Component

[0055] 161 Double-acting helical screw

[0056] 170 Second drive component

[0057] 171 drive shaft

[0058] 172 Coupling

[0059] 180 Lifting Components.

[0060] 181 Lifting drive device

[0061] 182 Intermediate Plate

[0062] 183 First material tray support component

[0063] 184 Second tray support

[0064] 185 Third Drive Component

[0065] 186 First front blocking component

[0066] 187 First rear blocking component

[0067] 188 Second front blocking component

[0068] 188 Second rear stop

[0069] 190 foolproof blocks

[0070] 195 Inner baffle

[0071] 200 tray handling device

[0072] 210 Supporting Frame

[0073] 220 Transport Components

[0074] 221 Gantry Frame

[0075] 222 Lifting device

[0076] 223 Mounting rack

[0077] 224 suction cups

[0078] 230 Transport drive unit

[0079] 240 Positioning Device

[0080] 241 First Positioning Component

[0081] 241A First Mounting Plate

[0082] 241B First Positioning Drive Device

[0083] 241C First Positioning Component

[0084] 241D First Guiding Component

[0085] 242 Second positioning component

[0086] 242A Second Mounting Plate

[0087] 242B Second Positioning Drive Device

[0088] 242C Second Positioning Component

[0089] 242D Second Guiding Component

[0090] 243 First Double-Helix Screw

[0091] 244 Third Positioning Component

[0092] 244A First crossbeam

[0093] 244B Third Positioning Drive Device

[0094] 244C Third Positioning Component

[0095] 245 Fourth guiding component

[0096] 250 guide device

[0097] 251 First Guiding Component

[0098] 251A First Mounting Plate

[0099] 251C First Guide Component

[0100] 252 Second guide assembly

[0101] 252A Second Mounting Plate

[0102] 252C Second Guide Component

[0103] 253 Second Double-Helix Screw

[0104] 254 Third Guiding Component

[0105] 254A Second Crossbeam

[0106] 254C Third Guide Component

[0107] 255 Fourth guide component. Detailed Implementation

[0108] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0109] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0110] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary implementations / embodiments shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details that provide ways in which the technical concepts of this disclosure can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features of various implementations / embodiments may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0111] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent components. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the illustrated components, or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the components. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of components may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0112] When a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, "connected to," or "joined to" another component, the component may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly joined to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. However, when a component is referred to as being "directly on" another component, "directly connected to," or "directly joined to" another component, there are no intermediate components. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection, etc., and may or may not have intermediate components.

[0113] For descriptive purposes, this disclosure may use spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side (e.g., in a “sidewall”)” to describe the relationship between one component and another component as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, a component described as “below” or “under” another component or feature would subsequently be positioned “above” said other component or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both “above” and “below” orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), thus interpreting the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein accordingly.

[0114] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” and variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, thus explaining the inherent biases in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0115] The material handling system disclosed herein includes a tray conveying device 100 and a tray transport device; wherein, the tray conveying device 100 is used to convey the tray to the vicinity of the tray transport device, and the robot arm transfers the material on the tray from the tray at the tray transport device to the production line; when all the material on a certain tray has been transferred to the production line, the empty tray can be transported to the tray stacking station by the tray transport device, and the empty tray is unloaded at the tray stacking station.

[0116] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the tray conveying device in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the tray conveying device in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tray conveying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4This is a structural schematic diagram of a tray conveying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle.

[0117] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the material tray conveying device 100 disclosed herein may include structures such as a base plate 110, a first support plate 120, a second support plate 130, a first conveying assembly 140, a second conveying assembly 150, and a first driving assembly 160.

[0118] The base plate 110 disclosed herein is generally square in shape and includes a first direction and a second direction. The first direction may be the length direction of the base plate 110, and the second direction may be the width direction of the base plate 110.

[0119] The first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 are both slidably mounted on the base plate 110. Specifically, the base plate 110 is provided with two guide rails, which are arranged in parallel and both are arranged along a first direction.

[0120] One end of the first support plate 120 is slidably mounted on one of the two guide rails via a slider, and the other end is slidably mounted on the other guide rail via a slider. Similarly, one end of the second support plate 130 is slidably mounted on one of the two guide rails via a slider, and the other end is slidably mounted on the other guide rail via a slider. Thus, both the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 can slide on the guide rails, allowing them to approach or move away from each other in a first direction.

[0121] With the above structure, the length direction of the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 of this disclosure is parallel to the second direction.

[0122] In this disclosure, when the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 approach or move away from each other, one of the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 can remain stationary. In a preferred embodiment, the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 can move in opposite directions simultaneously, so that the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 can approach or move away from each other.

[0123] The first conveying assembly 140 is disposed on the first support plate 120 and located inside the first support plate 120; similarly, the second conveying assembly 150 is disposed on the second support plate 130 and located inside the second support plate 130. That is, the first conveying assembly 140 and the second conveying assembly 150 of this disclosure are located in the area between the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130, thereby enabling the conveying of trays via the first conveying assembly 140 and the second conveying assembly 150. In other words, at this time, a stack of trays (i.e., at least one stacked tray) can be placed on the first conveying assembly 140 and the second conveying assembly 150 and conveyed by the first conveying assembly 140 and the second conveying assembly 150.

[0124] The first drive assembly 160 is used to drive the first support plate 120 and / or the second support plate 130 to move, so that the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 can approach or move away from each other. Thus, the tray conveying device of this disclosure can be adapted to trays of different sizes. That is, the width between the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 of this disclosure can change with the size of the tray, so that the tray conveying device 100 of this disclosure can convey trays of different sizes, thereby achieving compatibility with trays of different sizes.

[0125] Specifically, the first drive assembly 160 of this disclosure can simultaneously drive the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130, and cause the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 to have opposite directions of movement.

[0126] Specifically, the first drive assembly 160 of this disclosure may include a first drive motor and a bidirectional helical screw 161 driven to rotate by the first drive motor. The bidirectional helical screw 161 may be a trapezoidal screw with both positive and negative teeth. Specifically, the first drive motor is fixed to the base plate 110; both ends of the bidirectional helical screw 161 are rotatably disposed on the base plate 110 through bearing seats, and the axis of the bidirectional helical screw 161 is disposed along a first direction. At this time, the bearing seats can limit the axial position of the bidirectional helical screw 161.

[0127] A first nut is provided on the first support plate 120, and a second nut is provided on the second support plate 130. The first nut and the second nut have different helical directions, and both the first nut and the second nut cooperate with the bidirectional helical screw. Thus, when the bidirectional helical screw 161 rotates in one direction, the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 can approach each other, and when the bidirectional helical screw 161 rotates in another direction, the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 can move away from each other.

[0128] Both the first conveying assembly 140 and the second conveying assembly 150 are synchronous belt conveying assemblies, thereby enabling the conveying of a material tray disposed on a synchronous belt through the movement of the synchronous belt of the synchronous belt conveying assembly. In this disclosure, the first conveying assembly 140 includes a first driving pulley 141 and at least one first driven pulley, which are connected by a first synchronous belt drive. Similarly, the second conveying assembly 150 includes a second driving pulley 151 and at least one second driven pulley, which are connected by a second synchronous belt drive. Since synchronous belt conveying assemblies are common structures in the art, their structure will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0129] The tray conveying device 100 disclosed herein further includes a second drive assembly 170, which is used to drive the first conveying assembly 140 and the second conveying assembly 150 to move; that is, the second drive assembly 170 of this disclosure is set to one, and the first conveying assembly 140 and the second conveying assembly 150 are synchronously driven through one second drive assembly 170.

[0130] The second drive assembly 170 includes a second drive motor and a drive shaft 171 driven by the second drive motor. The cross-section of the drive shaft 171 is non-circular, for example, hexagonal. The first drive wheel 141 and the second drive wheel 151 are both slidably disposed on the drive shaft 171 and driven by the drive shaft 171 to rotate.

[0131] Specifically, the two ends of the drive shaft 171 of this disclosure are rotatably supported on the base plate 110 by bearing seats, and the axial position of the drive shaft 171 can be restricted by the bearing seats. That is to say, the axis of the drive shaft 171 is set along the first direction and will not move along the first direction.

[0132] The first drive wheel 141 is rotatably supported on the first support plate 120 via a bearing, and the drive shaft 171 is slidable within the inner bore of the bearing, so that the drive shaft 171 does not affect the movement of the first support plate 120 in the first direction. Similarly, the second drive wheel 151 is rotatably supported on the second support plate 130 via a bearing, and the drive shaft 171 is slidable within the inner bore of the bearing, so that the drive shaft 171 does not affect the movement of the second support plate 130 in the first direction.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the drive shaft 171 includes a first shaft component and a second shaft component, which are connected by a coupling 172. In this case, the first shaft component can cooperate with the first drive wheel 141, and the second shaft component can cooperate with the second drive wheel 151, thereby preventing the deviation in the movement direction of the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130 from affecting the rotation of the drive shaft 171.

[0134] The material tray conveying device 100 disclosed herein also includes a lifting assembly 180, which is used to lift the material tray between the first support plate 120 and the second support plate 130. Accordingly, the lifting assembly 180 can lift a stack of material trays to the loading station of the loading and unloading system.

[0135] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a lifting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the lifting assembly 180 of this disclosure includes components such as a lifting drive device 181, an intermediate plate 182, a first material tray support 183, and a second material tray support 184.

[0137] The lifting drive device 181 can be mounted on the bracket. Preferably, the lifting drive device 181 can be an electric cylinder (i.e., an electric slide module). The intermediate plate 182 is mounted on the lifting drive device 181 so that the intermediate plate 182 can be lifted and lowered by the lifting drive device 181. In this disclosure, the intermediate plate 182 is arranged in a vertical plane, and the length direction of the intermediate plate 182 is arranged approximately horizontally.

[0138] The first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 are both slidably disposed on the intermediate plate 182, and the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 can approach or move away from each other.

[0139] In this disclosure, when the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 approach or move away from each other, one of the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 can remain stationary. In a preferred embodiment, the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 can move in opposite directions simultaneously, so that the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 can approach or move away from each other.

[0140] The third drive assembly 185 is used to drive the first tray support 183 and / or the second tray support 184 to move, so that the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 can approach or move away from each other. Thus, the tray conveying device of this disclosure can adapt to trays of different sizes. That is, the width between the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 of this disclosure can change with the size of the tray, so that the tray conveying device 100 of this disclosure can convey trays of different sizes, thereby achieving compatibility with trays of different sizes.

[0141] Specifically, the third drive component 185 of this disclosure can simultaneously drive the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184, and make the first tray support 183 and the second tray support 184 have opposite directions of movement.

[0142] Specifically, the third drive assembly 185 of this disclosure may include a third drive motor and a bidirectional helical screw driven to rotate by the third drive motor. Preferably, the bidirectional helical screw may be a trapezoidal screw with both positive and negative teeth. Specifically, the third drive motor is fixed to the intermediate plate 182; both ends of the bidirectional helical screw are rotatably disposed on the intermediate plate 182 through bearing seats, and the bidirectional helical screw is disposed along the length direction of the intermediate plate 182, and the bearing seats can limit the axial position of the bidirectional helical screw.

[0143] A first material tray support nut is provided on the first material tray support member 183, and a second material tray support nut is provided on the second material tray support member 184. The first material tray support nut and the second material tray support nut have different helical directions, and both the first material tray support nut and the second material tray support nut are engaged with a bidirectional helical screw. Thus, when the bidirectional helical screw rotates in one direction, the first material tray support member 183 and the second material tray support member 184 can approach each other, and when the bidirectional helical screw rotates in the other direction, the first material tray support member 183 and the second material tray support member 184 can move away from each other.

[0144] See again Figure 5 The first tray support 183 of this disclosure has a first receiving groove, which is arranged along the length direction of the first tray support 183 (i.e., along the width direction of the base plate 110). A first front blocking member 186 and a first rear blocking member 187 are disposed within the first receiving groove. The positions of the first front blocking member 186 and the first rear blocking member 187 within the first receiving groove are adjustable, thereby enabling the first tray support 183 of this disclosure to adapt to different tray sizes. In other words, when a tray is placed between the first front blocking member 186 and the first rear blocking member 187, regardless of the size of the tray, the first front blocking member 186 and the first rear blocking member 187 can contact the tray (i.e., the bottom tray of a stack of trays), thus enabling the first tray support 183 of this disclosure to stably hold the stack of trays.

[0145] Similarly, the second tray support 184 of this disclosure is provided with a second receiving groove, which is arranged along the length direction of the second tray support 184 (i.e., along the width direction of the base plate 110). A second front blocking member 188 and a second rear blocking member 189 are disposed within the second receiving groove. The positions of the second front blocking member 188 and the second rear blocking member 189 within the second receiving groove are adjustable, thereby enabling the second tray support 184 of this disclosure to adapt to different tray sizes. In other words, when a tray is placed between the second front blocking member 188 and the second rear blocking member 189, regardless of the size of the tray, the second front blocking member 188 and the second rear blocking member 189 can contact the tray (i.e., the bottom tray of a stack of trays), thus enabling the second tray support 184 of this disclosure to stably hold the stack of trays.

[0146] The first front blocking member 186 and the first rear blocking member 187 protrude at least partially from the first tray support member 183; similarly, the second front blocking member 188 and the second rear blocking member 189 protrude at least partially from the second tray support member 184.

[0147] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the tray conveying device 100 further includes a tray detection device for detecting the presence signal of the tray. That is, the tray detection device can detect the presence or absence of the tray. In a preferred embodiment, the tray detection device can be a through-beam switch, a photoelectric sensor, or a diffuse reflection sensor, and multiple devices can be configured to detect the tray from multiple locations.

[0148] See again Figure 1 The first support plate 120 of this disclosure is provided with a first side baffle, and the second support plate 130 is provided with a second side baffle, so that a stack of material trays can be stably located between the first side baffle and the second side baffle.

[0149] In addition, the first support plate 120 or the second support plate 130 of this disclosure is provided with a foolproof block 190, which is located at one end of the first conveying assembly 140 or the second conveying assembly 150. Thus, through the design of the foolproof block 190, the tray is only allowed to enter the tray conveying device 100 from one direction.

[0150] The base plate 110 disclosed herein is also provided with an inner baffle 195, on which a tray detection device may be provided. The tray detection device can determine that the tray is close to the inner baffle 195. Accordingly, the first conveying component 140 and the second conveying component 150 can decelerate and slowly convey a stack of trays to a preset position.

[0151] The disclosed tray conveying device is compatible with trays of various sizes, enabling automated production lines to produce a wide range of products, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing costs, while also meeting market demands and the trend towards product diversification. Furthermore, this automated production line can produce multiple different products through various processes, thereby reducing the number of production lines in a factory, lowering capital expenditures, and increasing production efficiency. Additionally, for companies providing automation equipment, this tray conveying device can be offered to most manufacturers, reducing the number of new product development projects required.

[0152] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tray conveying device 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 to 9 These are schematic diagrams of the material tray conveying device 200 from different angles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the tray conveying device 200 of this disclosure may include components such as a support frame 210 and a conveying assembly 220.

[0154] The support frame 210 can be mounted on the ground or other components, and it may include a worktable that is generally horizontally positioned. The worktable has a length direction and a width direction; correspondingly, the length direction of the worktable is the length direction of the support frame 210, and the width direction of the worktable is the width direction of the support frame 210. Unless otherwise specified, if a component is mounted on (set on) the support frame 210, it means that the component is mounted on (set on) the worktable.

[0155] Along the length of the support frame 210, the support frame 210 has a loading station and a stacking station. Specifically, two through holes can be opened on the worktable of the support frame 210. One through hole corresponds to the loading station, where the material tray can be conveyed from below the worktable to above the worktable. The other through hole corresponds to the stacking station, where the material tray can be conveyed from above the worktable to below the worktable. At the stacking station, empty material trays (i.e., trays whose material has been removed) are stacked together to complete the unloading of the material trays.

[0156] Those skilled in the art should know that the size of the through hole should be larger than the size of the largest tray, so as to facilitate the tray passing through the worktable.

[0157] The conveying assembly 220 is slidably mounted on the support frame 210 to move the tray from the loading station to the stacking station. Specifically, at the loading station, the robot can remove the materials from the tray one by one or in batches. Once all the materials in the tray have been removed, the conveying assembly 220 moves to move the tray from the loading station to the stacking station.

[0158] In one specific embodiment, the handling assembly 220 may include structures such as a gantry 221, a lifting device 222, a mounting bracket 223, and a suction cup 224.

[0159] The upper surface of the workbench may be provided with two guide rails, which are arranged along the length of the workbench. The gantry 221 is slidably mounted on the two guide rails by a slider, so that the gantry 221 can move along the length of the support frame 210, and the conveying component 220 will move along the length of the support frame 210 accordingly.

[0160] A lifting device 222 is disposed on the gantry frame 221, and the lifting device 222 is configured to drive the mounting frame 223 to produce a lifting action. In a preferred embodiment, the lifting device 222 may be located approximately at the middle of the crossbeam of the gantry frame 221. In a specific embodiment, the lifting device 222 may be a slide cylinder; of course, the lifting device 222 of this disclosure may also employ other linear motion mechanisms.

[0161] The mounting bracket 223 has at least two rows of elongated holes, wherein the length direction of the elongated holes is the same as the extension direction of the row of elongated holes. In a specific embodiment, the mounting bracket 223 may include 19 rows of elongated holes, and some rows may have 6 elongated holes, while others may have 5 elongated holes. This disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0162] Suction cups 224 are mounted on mounting brackets 223. In this disclosure, multiple suction cups 224 are provided. In one specific embodiment, six suction cups 224 are provided. Of course, the number of suction cups 224 can vary depending on the size of the tray. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0163] Multiple suction cups 224 are fixed to the mounting bracket 223, with at least a portion of each cup located within an elongated hole. Therefore, when a suction cup 224 is located at different positions within a single elongated hole, or within different elongated holes in a row of the same elongated hole, the distance between the suction cups 224 and the elongated holes in that row is adjustable. Similarly, when a suction cup 224 is located within elongated holes in different rows, the distance between the suction cups in a direction perpendicular to the elongated hole's extension direction (the width direction of the worktable) is adjustable.

[0164] Therefore, the tray handling device 200 of this disclosure can adapt to trays of different sizes and realize the handling and unloading of trays of different sizes, thus solving the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment, adjacent rows of elongated holes are staggered, and this staggered arrangement can achieve the following effect: Figure 6 As shown, the mounting bracket 223 of this disclosure has greater strength, and correspondingly, the mounting bracket 223 will not bend during the process of the tray handling device 200 handling the tray.

[0166] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the material tray conveying device 200 of this disclosure further includes a conveying drive device 230, which is used to drive the gantry 221 to slide on the support frame 210. That is, the conveying drive device 230 of this disclosure can provide power for the conveying action of the material tray; in a specific embodiment, the conveying drive device 230 of this disclosure can be a linear drive mechanism such as an electric cylinder or an electric slide table.

[0167] The material tray handling device 200 disclosed herein further includes a positioning device 240, which is disposed on the support frame 210 and is used to position the topmost material tray in a stack of material trays.

[0168] In one specific embodiment, the positioning device 240 includes a first positioning component 241 and a second positioning component 242, both of which are slidably disposed on the support frame 210. The first positioning component 241 and the second positioning component 242 are configured to be able to approach or move away from each other to position and hold the tray or release the tray.

[0169] Specifically, the first positioning component 241 and the second positioning component 242 of this disclosure have the same / similar / symmetrical structure. The structure of the first positioning component 241 and the second positioning component 242 will be described in detail below.

[0170] The first positioning component 241 of this disclosure may include a first mounting plate 241A and a first positioning drive device 241B disposed on the first mounting plate 241A; wherein, two parallel guide rails are disposed on the lower surface of the worktable, the extension direction of the two guide rails is parallel to the length direction of the worktable, one end of the first mounting plate 241A is slidably disposed on one of the two guide rails by a slider, and the other end is slidably disposed on the other of the two guide rails by a slider, so that the length direction of the first mounting plate 241A of this disclosure is the width direction of the worktable, and the movement direction of the first mounting plate 241A is the length direction of the worktable.

[0171] The first positioning drive device 241B can be a linear drive structure such as a cylinder. Moreover, the first positioning drive device 241B is mounted on the first mounting plate 241A and can drive the first positioning member 241C to approach or move away from the material tray, thereby realizing the positioning and separation of the material tray through the first positioning member 241C.

[0172] In a preferred embodiment, a first protrusion is formed on the first positioning member 241C. The first protrusion is arranged along the width direction of the worktable, so that an upper step and a lower step can be formed through the first protrusion. One corner of the material tray can be located in the upper step, so that the first positioning member 241C can stably support the material tray located above it and can separate the material tray located below it.

[0173] Similarly, the second positioning component 242 of this disclosure may include a second mounting plate 242A and a second positioning drive device 242B disposed on the second mounting plate 242A; wherein, one end of the second mounting plate 242A is slidably disposed on one of the two guide rails by a slider, and the other end is slidably disposed on the other of the two guide rails by a slider, so that the length direction of the second mounting plate 242A of this disclosure is the width direction of the worktable, and the movement direction of the second mounting plate 242A is the length direction of the worktable.

[0174] The second positioning drive device 242B can be a linear drive structure such as a cylinder. Moreover, the second positioning drive device 242B is mounted on the second mounting plate 242A and can drive the second positioning member 242C to approach or move away from the material tray, thereby realizing the positioning and separation of the material tray through the second positioning member 242C.

[0175] In a preferred embodiment, a second protrusion is formed on the second positioning member 242C. The second protrusion is arranged along the width direction of the worktable, thereby forming an upper step and a lower step. One corner of the material tray can be located in the upper step, so that the second positioning member 242C can stably support the material tray above it and can separate the material tray below it.

[0176] In addition, the positioning device 240 of this disclosure also includes a first double-rotor lead screw 243, which can be manually driven or driven by a motor to rotate. In a specific embodiment, a handwheel is installed on the first double-rotor lead screw 243, so that the rotation of the first double-rotor lead screw 243 is achieved by rotating the handwheel. Moreover, the first double-rotor lead screw 243 is rotatably supported on the support frame 210 by a bearing seat, and the bearing in the bearing seat can limit the axial position of the first double-rotor lead screw 243.

[0177] A first positioning nut is provided on the first mounting plate 241A, and a second positioning nut is provided on the second mounting plate 242A. The first positioning nut and the second positioning nut have different helical directions, and both the first positioning nut and the second positioning nut cooperate with the first double-helical screw 243. Thus, when the first double-helical screw 243 rotates in one direction, the first mounting plate 241A and the second mounting plate 242A can approach each other, and when the first double-helical screw 243 rotates in another direction, the first mounting plate 241A and the second mounting plate 242A can move away from each other.

[0178] Furthermore, the first mounting plate 241A is also provided with a first guiding member 241D, which extends downward from the position of the first mounting plate 241A; similarly, the second mounting plate 242A is also provided with a second guiding member 242D, which extends downward from the position of the second mounting plate 242A, thereby enabling the positioning of other trays through the first guiding member 241D and the second guiding member 242D.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning device 240 further includes a third positioning component 244 and a fourth guiding component 245; wherein the upper end of the fourth guiding component 245 is fixed to the support frame 210, and the fourth guiding component 245 is arranged substantially vertically. This allows the third positioning component 244 and the fourth guiding component 245 to jointly position and hold the tray in another direction.

[0180] The third positioning component 244 includes a first crossbeam 244A, a third positioning drive device 244B, and a third positioning element 244C. The first crossbeam 244A is fixed to the support frame 210, and its position on the support frame 210 is adjustable. The third positioning drive device 244B can be a linear drive structure such as a cylinder. The third positioning drive device 244B is mounted on the first crossbeam 244A and can drive the third positioning element 244C to approach or move away from the material tray, thereby achieving the positioning and separation of the material tray through the third positioning element 244C.

[0181] In a preferred embodiment, a third protrusion is formed on the third positioning member 244C. The third protrusion is arranged along the length direction of the worktable, thereby forming an upper step and a lower step. One corner of the material tray can be located in the upper step, so that the third positioning member 244C can stably support the material tray above it and can divide the material tray below it.

[0182] In this disclosure, the first positioning component 241, the second positioning component 242 and the third positioning component 244 are all located below the support frame 210.

[0183] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the tray handling device 200 further includes a guide device 250, which is disposed on the support frame 210 and is used to guide the trays at the stacking station.

[0184] In one specific embodiment, the guiding device 250 includes a first guiding component 251 and a second guiding component 252, both of which are slidably disposed on the support frame 210. The first guiding component 251 and the second guiding component 252 are configured to be able to approach or move away from each other to accommodate trays of different sizes.

[0185] Specifically, the first guide component 251 and the second guide component 252 of this disclosure have the same / similar / symmetrical structure. The structure of the first guide component 251 and the second guide component 252 will be described in detail below.

[0186] The first guide assembly 251 of this disclosure may include a first mounting plate 251A and a first guide member 251C disposed on the first mounting plate 251A; similarly, the second guide assembly 252 of this disclosure may include a second mounting plate 252A and a second guide member 252C disposed on the second mounting plate 252A. Additionally, the guide device 250 of this disclosure also includes a second double-screw lead screw 253, which can be manually driven or driven by a motor. In a specific embodiment, a handwheel is mounted on the second double-screw lead screw 253, thereby rotating the second double-screw lead screw 253 by rotating the handwheel. Moreover, the second double-screw lead screw 253 is rotatably supported on the support frame 210 by a bearing seat, and the bearing in the bearing seat can limit the axial position of the second double-screw lead screw 253.

[0187] A first guide nut is provided on the first mounting plate 251A, and a second guide nut is provided on the second mounting plate 252A. The first guide nut and the second guide nut have different helical directions, and both the first guide nut and the second guide nut cooperate with the second double-helical screw 253. Thus, when the second double-helical screw 253 rotates in one direction, the first mounting plate 251A and the second mounting plate 252A can approach each other, and when the second double-helical screw 253 rotates in another direction, the first mounting plate 251A and the second mounting plate 252A can move away from each other. Thus, the tray can fall from the first guide member 251C and the second guide member 252C, and the first guide member 251C and the second guide member 252C can guide trays of different sizes.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment, the guiding device 250 further includes a third guiding component 254 and a fourth guiding component 255; wherein the upper end of the fourth guiding component 255 is fixed to the support frame 210, and the fourth guiding component 255 is arranged substantially vertically. This allows the third guiding component 254 and the fourth guiding component 255 to jointly guide the tray in another direction.

[0189] The third guide assembly 254 includes a second crossbeam 254A and a third guide member 254C; the second crossbeam 254A is fixed to the support frame 210, wherein the position of the second crossbeam on the support frame 210 is adjustable; the third guide member 254C is fixed to the second crossbeam 254A, thereby enabling the tray to be guided in another direction through the third guide member 254C and the fourth guide member 255.

[0190] Therefore, the material tray handling device disclosed herein can be compatible with the handling of material trays of various sizes, saving the factory's capital expenditure. Moreover, the material tray handling device disclosed herein also has the technical advantages of fast and efficient operation, simple control, and stable structure.

[0191] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments / modes or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0192] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0193] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for illustrating the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A material tray conveying device, characterized in that, include: A support frame having a length direction and a width direction, and along the length direction of the support frame, the support frame has a loading station and a stacking station; as well as A conveying assembly, slidably disposed on the support frame, for conveying the tray from the loading station to the stacking station; The conveying assembly includes a mounting frame and a plurality of suction cups mounted on the mounting frame. The position of the suction cups relative to the mounting frame is adjustable in the length and / or width directions of the support frame.

2. The material tray conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket has at least two rows of elongated holes, and at least a portion of the suction cup is located within the elongated holes.

3. The material tray conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each column of elongated holes includes multiple elongated holes; adjacent columns of elongated holes are staggered.

4. The material tray conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport assembly also includes a gantry and a lifting device disposed on the gantry, the gantry being configured to slide relative to the support frame; the lifting device being configured to drive the mounting frame to produce a lifting action.

5. The material tray conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A transport drive device is used to drive the gantry crane to slide on the support frame.

6. The material tray conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A positioning device is disposed on the support frame and is used to position the topmost tray in a stack of trays.

7. The material tray conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning device includes a first positioning component and a second positioning component, both of which are slidably disposed on the support frame. The first and second positioning components are configured to be able to approach or move away from each other to position and / or hold the tray or release the tray.

8. The material tray conveying device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first positioning component includes: A first mounting plate, the first mounting plate being configured to slide along the support frame; A first positioning drive device, the first positioning drive device being mounted on the first mounting plate; and A first positioning element is disposed on the first positioning drive device, and the first positioning drive device drives the first positioning element to approach or move away from the material tray.

9. The material tray conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A first protrusion is formed on the first positioning member. The first protrusion is arranged along the width direction of the support frame, so that an upper step can be formed through the first protrusion, and one corner of the material tray can be located in the upper step.

10. The material tray conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning device further includes a third positioning component and a fourth guiding component. The upper end of the fourth guiding component is fixed to the support frame. The third positioning component and the fourth guiding component together position and / or hold the material tray in another direction.

11. The material tray conveying device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third positioning component includes: The first crossbeam, the position of which is adjustable on the support frame; A third positioning drive device, the third positioning drive device being fixed to the first crossbeam; and The third positioning element is disposed on the third positioning drive device, which is used to drive the third positioning element to approach or move away from the material tray.

12. The material tray conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A guiding device is provided on the support frame and is used to guide the material trays at the stacking station.

13. The material tray conveying device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The guiding device includes a first guiding component and a second guiding component, both of which are slidably disposed on the support frame. The first guiding component and the second guiding component are configured to be able to approach or move away from each other in order to guide trays of different sizes.

14. The material tray conveying device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first guide assembly includes a first mounting plate and a first guide disposed on the first mounting plate, wherein the first mounting plate is configured to slide along the support frame.

15. The tray conveying device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The guiding device further includes a third guiding component and a fourth guiding component; wherein, the upper end of the fourth guiding component is fixed to the support frame, and the third guiding component and the fourth guiding component together guide the material tray in another direction.

16. A loading and unloading system, characterized in that, The tray conveying device includes any one of claims 1-15.

Images