Carrier adaptable to loading PCBs (printed circuit boards) with different heights

Abstract

The utility model discloses a carrier adaptable to loading PCBs with different heights, and relates to the technical field of circuit board storage, each PCB is provided with a bottom edge and a side edge which are adjacent to each other, the carrier adaptable to loading PCBs with different heights comprises a support, and the support comprises a bottom frame and a side frame which are arranged in a crossed mode; the supporting assembly comprises a first supporting plate arranged on the bottom frame and a second supporting plate arranged on the side frame, the first supporting plate is provided with a first plate groove used for supporting the bottom edge, and the second supporting plate is provided with a second plate groove used for supporting the side edge; and the first movable frame is provided with a third supporting plate, the third supporting plate is provided with a third plate groove used for supporting the end, away from the bottom edge, of the side edge, and the first movable frame is movably connected with the side frame so that the distance between the third plate groove and the bottom frame can be adjusted. According to the technical scheme provided by the utility model, the compatibility of the PCB carrier is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of circuit board storage technology, and in particular to a carrier that can accommodate PCB boards of different heights. Background Technology

[0002] A PCB, or Printed Circuit Board, is a mechanical support and electrical connection carrier for electronic components, undertaking the core functions of signal transmission and circuit control. During PCB production, PCBs typically need to be transported for subsequent assembly. Existing carriers are designed for a single height; if the PCB size increases or decreases, the edges may become suspended, affecting stability and making them susceptible to warping or breakage during transport due to collisions, vibrations, or drops. Therefore, multiple carriers are needed for PCBs of different sizes or heights, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a carrier that can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights, thereby improving the compatibility of PCB board carriers.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a carrier capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights, wherein the PCB board has adjacent bottom and side edges, and the carrier capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights includes:

[0005] The support structure includes a cross-shaped base frame and side frames;

[0006] The support assembly includes a first support plate disposed on the base frame and a second support plate disposed on the side frame. The first support plate has a first groove for supporting the bottom edge, and the second support plate has a second groove for supporting the side edge.

[0007] A first movable frame is provided with a third support plate. The third support plate is provided with a third plate groove for supporting the end of the side away from the bottom edge. The first movable frame is movably connected to the side frame so that the distance between the third plate groove and the base frame is adjustable.

[0008] In one embodiment, the carrier capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights further includes a positioning structure. The positioning structure includes a first positioning part disposed on the side frame and a second positioning part disposed on the first movable frame. The second positioning part is used to cooperate with the first positioning part for positioning when the first movable frame moves to the corresponding height, so as to position the first movable frame on the side frame.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first positioning part is a spring pin, and the second positioning part is a positioning hole. Multiple positioning holes are spaced apart along the height direction of the movable frame. Each positioning hole is adapted to the head of the spring pin. The spring pin has a head and a tail. The tail of the spring pin is embedded in the side frame. The head of the spring pin is inserted into the positioning hole to restrict the movement of the movable frame, or the head of the spring pin is separated from the positioning hole to allow the movable frame to move.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first movable frame has a movement range of 10mm-140mm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the length of the first plate groove ranges from 30mm to 40mm; and / or,

[0012] The length of the second groove is in the range of 30mm-40mm; and / or,

[0013] The length of the third groove ranges from 30mm to 40mm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the carrier capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights further includes a second movable frame, on which a fourth support plate is provided. The fourth support plate is provided with a fourth plate groove for supporting the end of the bottom edge away from the side edge, and the second movable frame is movably connected to the base frame so that the distance between the fourth plate groove and the side frame is adjustable.

[0015] In one embodiment, the carrier capable of accommodating PCBs of different heights further includes a clamping structure. At least two first support plates are spaced apart along the length of the base frame. The clamping structure is located on the base frame and between two adjacent first support plates, for clamping the bottom edge of the PCB; and / or,

[0016] At least two second support plates are spaced apart along the height direction of the side frame. The clamping structure is disposed on the side frame and located between two adjacent second support plates therein, for clamping the side edge of the PCB.

[0017] In one embodiment, multiple first plate grooves are provided at intervals along the length direction of the first support plate, and each first plate groove is provided with a second plate groove and a third plate groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, the end of the base frame away from the side frame gradually extends away from the horizontal plane and is inclined.

[0019] In one embodiment, the carrier capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights further includes a sheet metal component disposed at the bottom of the base frame, for mounting the carrier capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights onto the board loading and unloading equipment.

[0020] In the technical solution provided by this utility model, the bracket provides stable support. The bracket consists of a base frame and side frames intersecting to form a stable support structure. A first support plate is installed on the base frame, and a first slot on the first support plate positions the base of the PCB board. Furthermore, a second support plate is installed on the side frames, and a second slot on the second support plate provides primary constraint on the side edge of the PCB board, preventing lateral displacement. Additionally, a first movable frame is installed, and a third support plate is installed on the first movable frame. A third slot on the third support plate supports the far side edge of the PCB board, reducing the risk of edge warping. When the edge of the PCB board is higher than the third support plate, the first movable frame moves away from the base frame, positioning the edge of the PCB board within the third slot; when the edge of the PCB board is lower than the third support plate, the first movable frame moves closer to the base frame, positioning the edge of the PCB board within the third slot, thus accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The technical solution proposed in this utility model embodiment, by providing a movable first frame, can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights, improving the compatibility of the PCB board carrier. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall assembly of the carrier that can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the carrier provided by this utility model, which can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights;

[0024] Figure 3 An exploded structural diagram of the carrier provided by this utility model, which can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the support component provided by this utility model.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0027] 100. Carrier; 10. Bracket; 11. Base frame; 12. Side frame; 20. First support plate; 21. First plate groove; 30. Second support plate; 31. Second plate groove; 40. First movable frame; 50. Third support plate; 51. Third plate groove; 60. Positioning structure; 61. First positioning part; 62. Second positioning part; 70. Clamping structure; 80. Sheet metal part; 200. Housing.

[0028] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only one part of the embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0032] For PCB boards, during the production process, considering the requirements of the manufacturing process, PCB boards need to be transferred for the next assembly step. Existing carriers are designed for a single height. If the size of the PCB board increases or decreases, the edges of the PCB board will be suspended, affecting stability. During transportation, the edges are prone to warping or breakage due to collisions, vibrations, or drops. Therefore, multiple carriers are needed for PCB boards of different sizes or heights, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.

[0033] In view of this, the present invention provides a carrier that can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights. The supporting components can provide basic support for the PCB boards. A movable frame is set on the side frame and is movably connected to the side frame. This allows the distance between the third plate slot and the bottom frame to be adjusted according to the height of the PCB board, so that the third plate slot can support the edge area of ​​PCB boards of different heights and improve the compatibility of the carrier.

[0034] To better understand the above technical solution, the following detailed explanation is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, this utility model provides a carrier 100 capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The PCB board has adjacent bottom and side edges. The carrier 100 capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights includes:

[0036] The support frame 10 includes a base frame 11 and side frames 12 arranged in a cross configuration;

[0037] The support assembly includes a first support plate 20 mounted on the base frame 11 and a second support plate 30 mounted on the side frame 12. The first support plate 20 has a first groove 21 for supporting the bottom edge, and the second support plate 30 has a second groove 31 for supporting the side edge.

[0038] The first movable frame 40 is provided with a third support plate 50. The third support plate 50 is provided with a third plate groove 51 for supporting the end of the side away from the bottom edge. The first movable frame 40 is movably connected to the side frame 12 so that the distance between the third plate groove 51 and the bottom frame 11 is adjustable.

[0039] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the bracket 10 provides stable support. The bracket 10 is a stable support structure formed by the intersection of the base frame 11 and the side frame 12. By setting a first support plate 20 on the base frame 11, the first plate groove 21 on the first support plate 20 positions the base of the PCB board. Moreover, by setting a second support plate 30 on the side frame 12, the second plate groove 31 on the second support plate 30 forms a primary constraint on the side of the PCB board, which can prevent lateral displacement. Furthermore, by providing a first movable frame 40, on which a third support plate 50 is mounted, and a third plate groove 51 on the third support plate 50, the far side of the PCB board can be supported, reducing the risk of edge warping of the PCB board. When the edge of the PCB board is higher than the third support plate 50, the first movable frame 40 moves away from the base frame 11, thereby positioning the edge of the PCB board within the third plate groove 51; when the edge of the PCB board is lower than the third support plate 50, the first movable frame 40 moves closer to the base frame 11, thereby positioning the edge of the PCB board within the third plate groove 51, thus accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The technical solution proposed in this embodiment of the present invention, by providing a movable first movable frame 40, can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights, thereby improving the compatibility of the PCB board carrier 100.

[0040] Specifically, a carrier 100, capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights, is used in a board loading and unloading device. The device includes a housing 200, within which a robotic arm and a transport mechanism are located. At least one set of processing stations is also provided within the housing 200. The carrier 100 can be moved to the processing station via an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) vehicle, where the robotic arm can either transfer PCB boards transported by the transport mechanism onto the carrier 100, or transfer PCB boards from the carrier 100 onto the transport mechanism. The carrier 100, capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights, includes a bracket 10, a support assembly, and a first movable frame 40.

[0041] The bracket 10 can be made of metal materials such as stainless steel or iron, and has a certain load-bearing capacity to provide support.

[0042] The support assembly is fixed to the bracket 10 and can be secured to the bracket 10 with bolts, providing basic fixation for the bottom and sides of the PCB board. The first slot 21 may have a slot bottom and a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected to the slot bottom. The first sidewall is vertically arranged, and the second sidewall is inclined. The distance between the first sidewall and the second sidewall gradually increases in the direction away from the slot bottom. This shape of the first slot 21 facilitates automatic position correction when the PCB board is inserted, reducing friction or edge wear caused by angular deviation. The slot opening of the second slot 31 may be flared, allowing the side of the PCB board to be easily inserted through the port of the second slot 31.

[0043] The first movable frame 40 is movably connected to the side frame 12. It can slide relative to the side frame 12 via a slide rail or sleeve, allowing it to move under external force. The third support plate 50 on the first movable frame 40 can support the edge of the PCB board, reducing the risk of edge warping. It should be noted that the shape of the third board groove 51 is the same as the shape of the second board groove 31.

[0044] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier 100, which can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights, further includes a positioning structure 60. The positioning structure 60 includes a first positioning part 61 disposed on the side frame 12 and a second positioning part 62 disposed on the first movable frame 40. The second positioning part 62 is used to cooperate with the first positioning part 61 to position the first movable frame 40 on the side frame 12 when the first movable frame 40 moves to the corresponding height.

[0045] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the carrier 100 may further include a positioning structure 60. The positioning structure 60 can quickly lock the first movable frame 40, reducing the risk of displacement of the movable frame due to vibration during transportation and ensuring the stability of the PCB board. In this embodiment, the positioning structure 60 may include a first positioning part 61 and a second positioning part 62. The first positioning part 61 may be a pin, and the second positioning part 62 may be a positioning hole. When it is necessary to adjust the position of the first movable frame 40, the pin is separated from the positioning hole, so that the first movable frame 40 can move towards or away from the base frame 11 according to the height of the PCB board. When the edge of the PCB board is positioned in the third board groove 51, that is, when the movable frame is at the corresponding height, the pin is inserted into the positioning hole, thereby fixing the first movable frame 40. In another embodiment, the positioning structure 60 can also be a bolt or a threaded rod, threadedly connected to the first movable frame 40. When the position of the first movable frame 40 needs to be adjusted, the bolt or threaded rod is rotated to move it away from the side frame 12 until it separates from the side frame 12, thereby enabling the first movable frame 40 to slide. When the edge of the PCB board is positioned within the third board groove 51, the bolt or threaded rod is rotated in the opposite direction to move it closer to the side frame 12 until it abuts against the side frame 12, thereby fixing the first movable frame 40. With this configuration, stepless adjustment can be achieved.

[0046] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3In one embodiment of this utility model, the first positioning part 61 is a spring pin, and the second positioning part 62 is a positioning hole. Multiple positioning holes are spaced apart along the height direction of the movable frame. Each positioning hole is adapted to the head of the spring pin. The spring pin has a head and a tail. The tail of the spring pin is embedded in the side frame 12. The head of the spring pin is inserted into the positioning hole to restrict the movement of the movable frame, or the head of the spring pin is separated from the positioning hole to allow the movable frame to move.

[0047] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the first positioning part 61 and the second positioning part 62 can also be a spring pin and a positioning hole. In this embodiment, by pressing the head of the spring pin, the head of the spring pin is retracted, thereby allowing the first movable frame 40 to slide freely along the height direction of the side frame 12. When the first movable frame 40 moves to the corresponding height, the positioning hole is aligned with the head of the spring pin, and the spring pin pops out under the action of spring force, with the head inserting into the positioning hole, thereby locking the position of the first movable frame 40. The number of spring pins can be one or more, and is not limited here.

[0048] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this utility model, the movement range of the first movable frame 40 is 10mm-140mm.

[0049] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, the accuracy of the first movable frame 40 can be ensured by such a setting. It is understood that the limitation of a maximum moving distance of 140mm is to cover the needs of PCB boards ranging from low-height to medium-height and then to high-height, while ensuring structural strength and adjustment efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this utility model, the length of the first groove 21 ranges from 30mm to 40mm; and / or,

[0051] The length of the second groove 31 ranges from 30mm to 40mm; and / or,

[0052] The length of the third groove 51 ranges from 30mm to 40mm.

[0053] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, this arrangement ensures the stability of the support for the bottom edge, sides, and side ends of the PCB board while optimizing the structural strength, adaptability, and manufacturing cost of the carrier 100. It is understood that the length of the slot is the same as the width of the support plate. An excessively wide support plate would lead to material redundancy, increasing weight and cost, while an excessively narrow plate would easily bend and deform due to the weight of the PCB board.

[0054] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier 100, which can adapt to loading PCB boards of different heights, also includes a second movable frame. The second movable frame is provided with a fourth support plate. The fourth support plate is provided with a fourth plate groove for supporting the end of the bottom edge away from the side edge. The second movable frame is movably connected to the base frame 11 so that the distance between the fourth plate groove and the side frame 12 is adjustable.

[0055] In this embodiment, the carrier 100 may further include a second movable frame for supporting the bottom edge of the PCB board. In this embodiment, the second movable frame can be slidably connected to the base frame 11 via the aforementioned slide rail and sleeve arrangement, allowing it to move relative to the base frame 11 under external force. The fourth support plate on the second movable frame can support the edge of the PCB board, reducing the risk of warping at the bottom edge. Thus, the position of the second movable frame can be adjusted according to the length requirements of the bottom edge of the PCB board. It should be noted that the shape of the fourth plate groove is the same as the shape of the first plate groove 21.

[0056] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the carrier 100, which can accommodate PCBs of different heights, further includes a clamping structure 70. At least two first support plates 20 are spaced apart along the length of the base frame 11. The clamping structure 70 is located on the base frame 11 and between two adjacent first support plates 20, for clamping the bottom edge of the PCB; and / or,

[0057] At least two second support plates 30 are provided at intervals along the height direction of the side frame 12. The clamping structure 70 is provided on the side frame 12 and located between two adjacent second support plates 30, for clamping the side of the PCB.

[0058] In this embodiment, the carrier 100 may further include a clamping structure 70 to provide additional stability. The clamping structure 70 may be a fixing plate with multiple grippers. The fixing plate may be mounted on the side frame 12 to clamp the sides of the PCB board. Alternatively, it may be mounted on the base frame 11 to clamp the bottom edge of the PCB board. The side frame 12 and the base frame 11 may also be mounted simultaneously. It is understood that when the fixing plate is mounted on the base frame 11, each first board slot 21 corresponds to one gripper; when the fixing plate is mounted on the side frame 12, each second board slot 31 corresponds to one gripper. Multiple grippers may be staggered on the fixing plate to reduce the impact of excessively narrow distances on adjacent grippers.

[0059] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first plate grooves 21 are provided at intervals along the length direction of the first support plate 20, and each first plate groove 21 is provided with a second plate groove 31 and a third plate groove 51.

[0060] In this embodiment, the technical solution allows for the simultaneous support of multiple PCB boards, reducing the number of board changeovers. Furthermore, to facilitate quick identification and positioning by operators, the side of the first support plate 20 is marked with labels corresponding to the first board slot 21 to identify different slot positions and improve efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the end of the base frame 11 away from the side frame 12 gradually extends away from the horizontal plane and is in an inclined state.

[0062] In the technical solution adopted in this embodiment, by tilting the base frame 11, the lateral displacement of the PCB board can be offset, making the storage of the PCB board more stable.

[0063] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier 100, which can accommodate PCB boards of different heights, further includes a sheet metal part 80, which is disposed at the bottom of the base frame 11, for mounting the carrier 100, which can accommodate PCB boards of different heights, onto the board loading and unloading equipment.

[0064] In this embodiment, the carrier 100 may further include a sheet metal part 80, thereby facilitating the installation of the carrier 100 on the pick-and-place device. In this embodiment, mounting holes may be provided on the sheet metal part 80, aligned with the positioning pins or threaded holes of the pick-and-place device, and a fixed connection may be achieved by bolts.

[0065] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A carrier capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights, characterized in that, The PCB board has an adjacent bottom edge and side edge, and the carrier capable of loading PCB boards with different heights comprises: a bracket comprising a cross arrangement of a bottom frame and a side frame; a support assembly comprising a first support plate arranged on the bottom frame and a second support plate arranged on the side frame, the first support plate being provided with a first plate groove for supporting the bottom edge, and the second support plate being provided with a second plate groove for supporting the side edge; and a first movable frame provided with a third support plate, the third support plate being provided with a third plate groove for supporting the end of the side edge away from the bottom edge, and the first movable frame being movably connected with the side frame to adjust the distance between the third plate groove and the bottom frame.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The carrier capable of loading PCB boards with different heights further comprises a positioning structure, the positioning structure comprising a first positioning part arranged on the side frame and a second positioning part arranged on the first movable frame, the second positioning part being used to cooperate with the first positioning part when the first movable frame is moved to a corresponding height to position the first movable frame on the side frame.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The first positioning part is a spring pin, and the second positioning part is a positioning hole, a plurality of positioning holes being arranged along the height direction of the movable frame, each of the positioning holes being matched with the head of the spring pin, the spring pin having opposite head and tail, the tail of the spring pin being embedded in the side frame, and the head of the spring pin being inserted into the positioning hole to limit the movement of the movable frame, or the head of the spring pin being separated from the positioning hole to move the movable frame.

4. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The movement range of the first movable frame is 10mm-140mm.

5. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The length of the first plate groove ranges from 30mm to 40mm; and / or, The length of the second plate groove ranges from 30mm to 40mm; and / or, The length of the third plate groove ranges from 30mm to 40mm.

6. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCBs of different heights. The carrier capable of loading PCB boards with different heights further comprises a second movable frame, the second movable frame being provided with a fourth support plate, the fourth support plate being provided with a fourth plate groove for supporting the end of the bottom edge away from the side edge, and the second movable frame being movably connected with the bottom frame to adjust the distance between the fourth plate groove and the side frame.

7. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The carrier capable of loading PCB boards with different heights further comprises a clamping structure, at least two first support plates being arranged along the length direction of the bottom frame, the clamping structure being arranged on the bottom frame and located between the adjacent two first support plates to clamp the bottom edge of the PCB; and / or, at least two second support plates being arranged along the height direction of the side frame, the clamping structure being arranged on the side frame and located between the adjacent two second support plates to clamp the side edge of the PCB.

8. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. A plurality of first plate grooves are arranged along the length direction of the first support plate, each of the first plate grooves being provided with a corresponding second plate groove and third plate groove.

9. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCB boards of different heights. The end of the bottom frame away from the side frame gradually extends away from the horizontal plane in an inclined state.

10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is capable of accommodating PCBs of different heights. The carrier capable of loading PCB boards with different heights further comprises a sheet metal part arranged at the bottom of the chassis and used for mounting the carrier capable of loading PCB boards with different heights on a plate taking and placing device.

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