Automatic taking and placing device for SMT (Surface Mount Technology) trays

Abstract

The utility model relates to an automatic SMT (Surface Mount Technology) tray taking and placing device which comprises a material taking and placing mechanism and two parallel side plates, and the material taking and placing end of the material taking and placing mechanism is positioned between the two side plates; the device further comprises a width adjusting mechanism, and the two side plates are both connected to the width adjusting mechanism. The width adjusting mechanism is used for driving the two side plates to synchronously move in the direction close to or away from each other, or driving one side plate to move in the direction close to or away from the other side plate so as to adjust the width between the two side plates. Different widths can adapt to trays with different thicknesses, and the containing requirement for the trays with different thicknesses is met; the material taking and placing device is wide in application range, high in universality and effectively applied to SMT material disc material taking and placing machining production, and the material taking and placing efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of SMT automated processing technology, and more specifically, to an automatic SMT tray loading and unloading device. Background Technology

[0002] In the electronics manufacturing industry, SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production lines typically need to handle various tray sizes. Traditional tray handling devices are not compatible with multiple tray sizes and can only handle trays of a single size. If different sized trays need to be handled, multiple automated handling devices with different tray sizes must operate simultaneously, resulting in a large and complex overall production system with low efficiency. While subsequent improvements have led to the design and development of automated SMT tray handling devices compatible with different tray sizes, the width between the two side plates used to accommodate different sized trays is fixed and cannot be adjusted. This limits the adaptability to trays with similar or minor thicknesses, resulting in insufficient flexibility and a limited range of compatible trays. Therefore, further improvements are needed. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an automatic SMT tray loading and unloading device in view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: an automatic SMT tray picking and placing device, the device including a picking and placing mechanism and two parallel side plates, the picking and placing end of the picking and placing mechanism being located between the two side plates; the device also includes a width adjustment mechanism, both side plates being connected to the width adjustment mechanism; the width adjustment mechanism is used to drive the two side plates to move synchronously toward each other or away from each other, or to drive one of the side plates to move toward the other side plate or away from the other side plate, so as to adjust the width between the two side plates.

[0005] In some embodiments, the width adjustment mechanism includes a first motor, the drive end of the first motor is connected to a lead screw, the lead screw has a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion with opposite helical directions respectively; a first nut seat is sleeved on the first threaded portion and the first nut seat is connected to one of the side plates; a second nut seat is sleeved on the second threaded portion and the second nut seat is connected to the other side plate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device further includes a second motor, a flange seat, a third motor, a gear, and a rack; the second motor is disposed on the flange seat, the gear is located inside the flange seat, the drive end of the second motor extends into the flange seat and is connected to the gear to drive the gear to rotate, the rack is transversely inserted into the flange seat and meshes with the gear, so that the rack can be driven to extend or extend between the two side plates through the cooperation of the second motor and the gear; the drive end of the third motor is connected to the flange seat to drive the flange seat to rotate, so that the rotation of the flange seat causes the rack to swing up and down relative to the two side plates; a tray limiting assembly is also provided at one end of the rack near the two side plates.

[0007] In some embodiments, the flange seat is further provided with at least one set of rack limiting components located above the rack. Each rack limiting component includes a rack adjusting shaft, a V-bearing, and a first E-type retaining ring. One end of the rack adjusting shaft is fixed to the inner wall of the flange seat, and the V-bearing is rotatably sleeved on the other end of the rack adjusting shaft via the first E-type retaining ring. The upper end of the rack is embedded in the groove of the V-bearing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flange seat is further provided with at least one set of moving auxiliary components on both sides of the rack. Each moving auxiliary component includes a guide wheel fixing plate, a guide wheel, a first shaft pin, a ball bearing, and a second E-type snap ring. The guide wheel fixing plate is fixed to the inner side wall of the flange seat, and the guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the guide wheel fixing plate through the first shaft pin, the ball bearing, and the second E-type snap ring. The side surface of the rack is in contact with the guide wheel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the rack includes a fixed portion and a rack portion disposed on the lower surface of the fixed portion, wherein there is a gap between the rack portion and one edge of the lower surface of the fixed portion; the flange seat also provides a cam follower at a position near the rack portion, wherein the rotating portion of the cam follower is located within the gap and contacts the lower surface of the fixed portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the side of the fixing part near the two side plates is set as an inclined surface with the inclined surface facing downwards, and the upper surface of the fixing part is provided with a through groove penetrating its inclined surface and lower surface; the tray limiting assembly includes an L-shaped support rod, a second shaft pin and limiting rollers; the L-shaped support rod is movably connected in the through groove through the second shaft pin, the vertical arm of the L-shaped support rod is vertically inserted in the through groove and partially located outside the through groove, and the horizontal arm of the L-shaped support rod is located outside the through groove and is provided with several limiting rollers arranged side by side.

[0011] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the fixing part is provided with a first limiting post and a second limiting post, the first limiting post and the second limiting post are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the fixing part and are both located outside the flange seat.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first limiting post is disposed near the through groove and located between the through groove and the second limiting post, and the vertical arm of the L-shaped support rod is provided with a probe located outside the through groove, the probe corresponding to the first limiting post.

[0013] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the flange seat is provided with a first proximity switch and a second proximity switch, the first limiting post is located on the side of the first proximity switch away from the second proximity switch, and the second limiting post is located on the side of the second proximity switch away from the first proximity switch.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Unlike the prior art, the SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device of this utility model drives two side plates to move synchronously toward each other or away from each other through a width adjustment mechanism, or drives one side plate to move toward the other side plate or away from the other side plate, so as to adjust the width between the two side plates; different widths can accommodate trays of different thicknesses, meet the needs of accommodating trays of different thicknesses, improve the versatility of the device, have a wide range of applications, and are effectively applied to SMT tray pick-and-place material processing production, and the pick-and-place efficiency is also improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of the SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is another side view of the automatic SMT tray loading and unloading device in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 5 This is another exploded view of the SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the straight rack and the material tray limiting assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobility assistance component in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] The diagram shows the following markings and numbers: Material handling mechanism - 10; Side plate - 20; First motor - 11; Lead screw - 12; First threaded part - 121; Second threaded part - 122; Second motor - 21; Flange seat - 22; Third motor - 23; Gear - 24; Spur rack - 25; Rack adjusting shaft - 31; V-bearing - 32; First E-type circlip - 33; Guide wheel fixing plate - 41; Guide wheel - 42; First shaft pin - 43; Second E-type circlip - 44; Fixing part. -251; rack and pinion section -252; interval -250; cam follower -51; through slot -2510; L-shaped support rod -61; second shaft pin -62; limit roller -63; first limit post -71; second limit post -72; probe -73; first proximity switch -81; second proximity switch -82; first fixing plate -91; support plate -92; second fixing plate -93; third fixing plate -94; mounting bracket -95; slotted photoelectric switch -30. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0024] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0025] "Multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms indicating orientation, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "upper end," and "lower end," are all based on the posture and position of the device or equipment described in this solution during normal use.

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, a clear and complete description will be provided below in conjunction with the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0028] This utility model embodiment provides an automatic SMT tray loading and unloading device, such as... Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device includes a pick-and-place mechanism 10 and two parallel side plates 20. The pick-and-place end of the pick-and-place mechanism 10 is located between the two side plates 20. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device also includes a width adjustment mechanism, and both side plates 20 are connected to the width adjustment mechanism. The width adjustment mechanism is used to drive the two side plates 20 to move synchronously toward each other or away from each other in order to adjust the width between the two side plates 20.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, the width adjustment mechanism includes a first motor 11, with a lead screw 12 connected to the drive end of the first motor 11. The first motor 11 drives the lead screw 12 to rotate forward / backward. The lead screw 12 has a first threaded portion 121 and a second threaded portion 122 with opposite helical directions. A first nut seat is fitted on the first threaded portion 121 and is connected to one of the side plates 20. A second nut seat is fitted on the second threaded portion 122 and is connected to the other side plate 20. The rotation of the lead screw 12 drives the first and second nut seats to move in opposite directions, thereby moving the two side plates 20 closer to or further away from each other to adjust the width between the two side plates 20. Different widths can accommodate trays of different thicknesses, meeting the requirements for accommodating trays of different thicknesses.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device also includes a second motor 21, a flange seat 22, a third motor 23, a gear 24, and a rack 25; the second motor 21 is mounted on the flange seat 22, the gear 24 is located inside the flange seat 22, the drive end of the second motor 21 extends into the flange seat 22 and is connected to the gear 24 to drive the gear 24 to rotate, the rack 25 is transversely inserted into the flange seat 22 and meshes with the gear 24, so that the rack 25 is driven to extend or retract between the two side plates 20 through the cooperation of the second motor 21 and the gear 24; the drive end of the third motor 23 is connected to the flange seat 22 to drive the flange seat 22 to rotate, so that the rotation of the flange seat 22 drives the rack 25 to swing up and down relative to the two side plates 20; a tray limiting component is also provided at one end of the rack 25 near the two side plates 20.

[0031] When the material handling mechanism 10 picks up the material tray between the two side plates 20, the rack 25 is driven to move and extend between the two side plates 20 by the cooperation of the second motor 21 and the gear 24. At the same time, the third motor 23 drives the flange seat 22 to rotate, and the rack 25 swings downward through the flange seat 22, so that the material tray can be limited by the material tray limiting component, so that the material tray is stably placed between the two side plates 20. Conversely, if the material tray is to be released, the material tray limiting component needs to be released from the limiting component. Therefore, the rack 25 is controlled to swing upward to lift the material tray limiting component, and then the rack 25 is moved away from the two side plates 20 and returned to the appropriate initial position.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flange seat 22 is further provided with two sets of rack limiting components located above the rack 25. The two sets of rack limiting components are arranged side by side and spaced apart above the rack 25. Each rack limiting component includes a rack adjusting shaft 31, a V-bearing 32, and a first E-type retaining ring 33. One end of the rack adjusting shaft 31 is fixed to the inner wall of the flange seat 22, and the V-bearing 32 is rotatably sleeved on the other end of the rack adjusting shaft 31 through the first E-type retaining ring 33. The upper end of the rack 25 is embedded in the groove of the V-bearing 32, so that the rack 25 can move along a predetermined direction and is not easily deviated or misaligned.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flange seat 22 is further provided with four sets of moving auxiliary components on both sides of the rack 25. Two sets of moving auxiliary components are arranged side by side with intervals on one side of the rack 25, and the other two sets of moving auxiliary components are arranged side by side with intervals on the other side of the rack 25, forming a stable moving auxiliary layout for the rack 25. Specifically, each moving auxiliary component includes a guide wheel fixing plate 41, a guide wheel 42, a first shaft pin 43, a ball bearing (not shown in the figure), and a second E-type snap ring 44. The guide wheel fixing plate 41 is fixed to the inner side wall of the flange seat 22, and the guide wheel 42 is rotatably mounted on the guide wheel fixing plate 41 through the first shaft pin 43, the ball bearing (not shown in the figure), and the second E-type snap ring 44. The side surface of the rack 25 is in contact with the guide wheel 42, which further enables the rack 25 to move along a predetermined direction and is not easily deviated or misaligned.

[0034] Specifically, in this embodiment, the rack 25 includes a fixing part 251 and a rack part 252 disposed on the lower surface of the fixing part 251. The fixing part 251 and the rack part 252 are integrally connected. A gap 250 is provided between the rack part 252 and one edge of the lower surface of the fixing part 251. A cam follower 51 is also provided inside the flange seat 22 near the rack part 252. The rotating part of the cam follower 51 is located within the gap 250 and contacts the lower surface of the fixing part 251, used to control the movement and position of the rack 25.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, the side of the fixing part 251 near the two side plates 20 is set as an inclined surface with the inclined surface facing downwards. The upper surface of the fixing part 251 is provided with a through groove 2510 penetrating its inclined surface and lower surface. The tray limiting assembly includes an L-shaped support rod 61, a second shaft pin 62, and limiting rollers 63. The L-shaped support rod 61 is movably connected in the through groove 2510 through the second shaft pin 62, and the L-shaped support rod 61 can swing up and down in the through groove 2510. Among them, the vertical arm of the L-shaped support rod 61 is vertically inserted in the through groove 2510 and partially located outside the through groove 2510, and the horizontal arm of the L-shaped support rod 61 is located outside the through groove 2510 and is provided with several limiting rollers 63 arranged side by side. When the rack 25 swings downwards, the L-shaped support rod 61 also swings downwards until the limiting rollers 63 on it contact the tray, thereby limiting the tray.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the fixing part 251 is respectively provided with a first limiting post 71 and a second limiting post 72. The first limiting post 71 and the second limiting post 72 are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the fixing part 251 and are both located outside the flange seat 22. The first limiting post 71 and the second limiting post 72 are used to limit the travel of the rack 25. The first limiting post 71 is located near the through groove 2510 and between the through groove 2510 and the second limiting post 72. The vertical arm of the L-shaped support rod 61 is provided with a probe 73 located outside the through groove 2510. The probe 73 corresponds to the first limiting post 71. When the limiting roller 63 on the L-shaped support rod 61 contacts the material tray and the probe 73 abuts against the first limiting post 71, it indicates that the swinging action of the L-shaped support rod 61 has been completed.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the flange seat 22 is respectively provided with a first proximity switch 81 and a second proximity switch 82. The first limiting post 71 is located on the side of the first proximity switch 81 away from the second proximity switch 82, and the second limiting post 72 is located on the side of the second proximity switch 82 away from the first proximity switch 81. The first proximity switch 81 is used to identify the moving position of the first limiting post 71, and the second proximity switch 82 is used to identify the moving position of the second limiting post 72, so as to determine the movement progress of the rack 25.

[0038] In this embodiment, the installation of the first motor 11, the third motor 23, and the material handling mechanism 10 still relies on corresponding plates, for example, such as Figure 1 , 2As shown, the third motor 23 is mounted on the first fixed plate 91. The two ends of the first fixed plate 91 are respectively mounted on two left-right spaced supporting plates 92. A second fixed plate 93 is also mounted on the supporting plates 92 below the first fixed plate 91. A third fixed plate 94 is also mounted on one side of the second fixed plate 93. The drive unit of the material handling mechanism 10 is mounted on the second fixed plate 93, and the material handling end of the material handling mechanism 10 is located on the side of the third fixed plate 94 away from the second fixed plate 93. A mounting bracket 95 is correspondingly mounted on each of the two side surfaces of the third fixed plate 94. The first motor 11 is mounted on one of the mounting brackets 95. The lead screw 12 passes through the third fixed plate 94 and is located within the frame of the two mounting brackets 95. The first threaded portion 121 and the second threaded portion 122 on the lead screw 12 are respectively located on both sides of the third fixed plate 94. Another mounting plate 95 is also equipped with a slotted photoelectric switch 30. The slotted photoelectric switch 30 is located near the lead screw 12 and is used to identify the movement process of the lead screw 12 so as to confirm the movement distance of the two side plates 20.

[0039] It should be noted that the specific structural design of the material handling mechanism used in this embodiment can be found in the relevant content of the patent publication CN119079536A, entitled "An Automatic Material Handling Device and System for SMT Trays". In practical applications, the examples in the accompanying drawings of this embodiment can be used for implementation. Alternatively, any other suitable material handling mechanism can be used, as long as it can satisfy the requirement of handling the material tray between the two side plates.

[0040] In this embodiment, the type of motor selected, such as servo motor or stepper motor, can be set according to the actual application requirements.

[0041] In other embodiments, the width adjustment mechanism is also used to drive one of the side panels to move closer to or further away from the other side panel to adjust the width between the two side panels.

[0042] For example, by controlling the movement of two lead screws with two motors respectively, and connecting the two side plates to the two lead screws respectively, one side plate can be driven to move closer to or further away from the other side plate according to the actual application needs, thereby realizing the adjustment of the width between the two side plates.

[0043] It is understandable that, due to the change in the width between the two side plates, the position distance between the picking and placing end of the picking and placing mechanism and the two side plates can be appropriately adjusted. This can be designed and selected according to the actual application needs, with the aim of being able to stably accommodate material trays of different thicknesses. This embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0044] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic SMT tray pick-and-place device, the device comprising a pick-and-place mechanism and two parallel side plates, wherein the pick-and-place end of the pick-and-place mechanism is located between the two side plates; characterized in that: The device further includes a width adjustment mechanism, on which both side plates are connected; the width adjustment mechanism is used to drive the two side plates to move synchronously toward each other or away from each other, or to drive one of the side plates to move toward the other side plate or away from the other side plate, so as to adjust the width between the two side plates.

2. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width adjustment mechanism includes a first motor, the drive end of which is connected to a lead screw. The lead screw has a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion with opposite helical directions. A first nut seat is fitted on the first threaded portion and is connected to one of the side plates. A second nut seat is fitted on the second threaded portion and is connected to the other side plate.

3. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes a second motor, a flange seat, a third motor, a gear, and a rack; the second motor is mounted on the flange seat, the gear is located inside the flange seat, the drive end of the second motor extends into the flange seat and is connected to the gear to drive the gear to rotate, the rack is transversely inserted into the flange seat and meshes with the gear, so that the rack can be driven to extend or retract between the two side plates through the cooperation of the second motor and the gear; the drive end of the third motor is connected to the flange seat to drive the flange seat to rotate, so that the rotation of the flange seat causes the rack to swing up and down relative to the two side plates; a material tray limiting assembly is also provided at one end of the rack near the two side plates.

4. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flange seat is further provided with at least one set of rack limiting components located above the rack. Each rack limiting component includes a rack adjusting shaft, a V-bearing, and a first E-type retaining ring. One end of the rack adjusting shaft is fixed to the inner wall of the flange seat, and the V-bearing is rotatably sleeved on the other end of the rack adjusting shaft through the first E-type retaining ring. The upper end of the rack is embedded in the groove of the V-bearing.

5. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The flange seat is further provided with at least one set of moving auxiliary components on both sides of the rack. Each moving auxiliary component includes a guide wheel fixing plate, a guide wheel, a first shaft pin, a ball bearing, and a second E-type snap ring. The guide wheel fixing plate is fixed to the inner side wall of the flange seat, and the guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the guide wheel fixing plate through the first shaft pin, the ball bearing, and the second E-type snap ring. The side surface of the rack is in contact with the guide wheel.

6. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rack includes a fixed part and a rack part disposed on the lower surface of the fixed part, and there is a gap between the rack part and one edge of the lower surface of the fixed part; the flange seat also provides a cam follower at a position near the rack part, and the rotating part of the cam follower is located within the gap and in contact with the lower surface of the fixed part.

7. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixing part has an inclined surface on one side near the two side plates, with the inclined surface facing downwards. The upper surface of the fixing part has a through groove that runs through its inclined surface and lower surface. The tray limiting assembly includes an L-shaped support rod, a second shaft pin, and limiting rollers. The L-shaped support rod is movably connected in the through groove through the second shaft pin. The vertical arm of the L-shaped support rod passes vertically through the through groove and is partially located outside the through groove. The horizontal arm of the L-shaped support rod is located outside the through groove and is provided with several limiting rollers arranged side by side.

8. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper surface of the fixing part is provided with a first limiting post and a second limiting post, which are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the fixing part and are both located outside the flange seat.

9. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first limiting post is located near the through groove and between the through groove and the second limiting post. The vertical arm of the L-shaped support rod is provided with a probe located outside the through groove, and the probe corresponds to the first limiting post.

10. The SMT tray automatic pick-and-place device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The upper surface of the flange seat is provided with a first proximity switch and a second proximity switch respectively. The first limiting post is located on the side of the first proximity switch away from the second proximity switch, and the second limiting post is located on the side of the second proximity switch away from the first proximity switch.

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