A pallet feeding device

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of automation equipment technology, and in particular, it is a pallet loading device. It includes a worktable, a rotating mechanism mounted on the worktable, and gripping mechanisms mounted around the rotating mechanism. Pallet carriers are mounted on the worktable around the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a base, a stepper motor, and an external gear slewing bearing, with the stepper motor and external gear slewing bearing respectively mounted in the base. This utility model adopts a four-station design. The rotating mechanism drives the gripping mechanism to periodically switch work positions. One round trip of the rotating mechanism completes the tasks of picking up empty pallets, placing empty pallets, loading workpieces, and unloading at the four stations. Each rotation of the gripping mechanism completes one step of processing, realizing multi-station collaborative operation in an automated production process. This eliminates the need for empty pallets to be laid flat on the conveyor line waiting for the robot to pick up workpieces, making reasonable use of equipment space and effectively reducing the factory space occupied by the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of automated equipment, specifically a pallet feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] Pallets typically refer to flat containers with raised edges. In the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor industries, they are mainly used for storing and transporting small electronic components. The design of pallets can effectively prevent components from being damaged during transportation and storage. Through standardized size and structure, pallets make component management more systematic and efficient. On automated production lines, pallets can quickly and accurately provide the required components, reducing manual intervention.

[0003] In current automated equipment, empty pallets are usually placed on a conveyor line, and then a robotic arm picks up workpieces and places them on the empty pallets. To reduce equipment costs, empty pallets are usually placed manually on the conveyor line. Each empty pallet is laid flat on the conveyor line, waiting for the robotic arm to pick up workpieces and place them on the empty pallet. Once the empty pallet is loaded with workpieces, it is then conveyed to the unloading station. This structure of arranging empty pallets on the conveyor line increases the length of the conveyor line and the factory area occupied by the equipment.

[0004] Therefore, we propose a pallet loading device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a pallet feeding device, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A pallet loading device includes a workbench, a rotating mechanism mounted on the workbench, gripping mechanisms mounted around the rotating mechanism, and pallet carriers mounted on the workbench around the rotating mechanism.

[0010] The rotary mechanism includes a base, a stepper motor, and an external gear rotary bearing. The stepper motor and the external gear rotary bearing are respectively installed in the base, and the output shaft end of the stepper motor is connected to the external gear rotary bearing through a gear. A square cover is installed on the external gear rotary bearing.

[0011] The gripping mechanism includes a Z-axis linear module and a suction cup bracket. The suction cup bracket is mounted on the slide of the Z-axis linear module, and a vacuum suction cup is mounted on the suction cup bracket.

[0012] Furthermore, a PLC controller and a solenoid valve are installed on the workbench, and the solenoid valve and the stepper motor are electrically connected to the PLC controller.

[0013] Furthermore, the base is provided with a support platform, and a pneumatic slip ring is embedded in the middle of the support platform. One power terminal and one air terminal of the pneumatic slip ring are respectively connected to the PLC controller and the solenoid valve through wires and air pipes.

[0014] Furthermore, the other electrical and air terminals of the pneumatic slip ring are connected to the Z-axis linear module and the vacuum chuck respectively via wires and air pipes, and the external toothed slewing bearing is fixed on the support platform.

[0015] Furthermore, the square cover has strip-shaped holes on all four sides, the Z-axis linear module is installed inside the square cover, and its slide section extends outward from the strip-shaped holes.

[0016] Furthermore, linear guide rails are installed on all four sides of the square cover, and the sliders of the linear guide rails are connected to the suction cup bracket.

[0017] Furthermore, the tray carrier corresponds to the position of the suction cup bracket, and the tray carrier is provided with a positioning groove.

[0018] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a pallet feeding device, which has the following advantages:

[0020] This utility model adopts a four-station design. The rotary mechanism drives the gripping mechanism to periodically switch work positions. The rotary mechanism performs the work of picking up empty pallets, placing empty pallets, loading workpieces, and unloading at the four work positions in one round trip. The gripping mechanism completes one step of processing with each rotation. It realizes multi-station collaborative operation in the automated production process, so that empty pallets do not need to be laid flat on the conveyor line to wait for the robot to pick up workpieces. It makes reasonable use of equipment space and effectively reduces the space occupied by the equipment in the factory. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a partial top view of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a partial sectional view of the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Workbench; 2. Rotary mechanism; 21. Base; 22. Stepper motor; 23. External gear slewing bearing; 24. Square cover; 25. Support; 26. Pneumatic-electric slip ring; 27. Strip hole; 28. Linear guide rail; 3. Gripping mechanism; 31. Z-axis linear module; 32. Suction cup bracket; 33. Vacuum suction cup; 4. Pallet carrier; 41. Positioning groove; 5. PLC controller; 6. Solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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 some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all 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.

[0026] Example

[0027] like Figures 1-3 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a pallet loading device, including a workbench 1, on which a rotary mechanism 2 is installed, and gripping mechanisms 3 are installed around the rotary mechanism 2. Pallet carriers 4 are installed on the workbench 1 around the rotary mechanism 2. The rotary mechanism 2 drives the gripping mechanisms 3 to periodically change working positions. The rotary mechanism 2 performs the work of picking up empty pallets, placing empty pallets, loading workpieces, and unloading materials at four workstations in one round trip. The gripping mechanism 3 completes one step of processing in each rotation, realizing multi-workstation collaborative operation in the automated production process. This eliminates the need for empty pallets to be laid flat on the conveyor line waiting for the robot to pick up workpieces, making reasonable use of equipment space and effectively reducing the factory space occupied by the equipment.

[0028] The rotary mechanism 2 includes a base 21, a stepper motor 22, and an external gear rotary bearing 23. The stepper motor 22 and the external gear rotary bearing 23 are respectively installed in the base 21, and the output shaft end of the stepper motor 22 is connected to the external gear rotary bearing 23 through a gear. A square cover 24 is installed on the external gear rotary bearing 23.

[0029] The gripping mechanism 3 includes a Z-axis linear module 31 and a suction cup bracket 32. The suction cup bracket 32 ​​is mounted on the slide of the Z-axis linear module 31, and a vacuum suction cup 33 is mounted on the suction cup bracket 32.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, a PLC controller 5 and a solenoid valve 6 are installed on the workbench 1. The solenoid valve 6 and the stepper motor 22 are electrically connected to the PLC controller 5. The PLC controller 5, or programmable logic controller, is a digital computing and operating electronic system specifically designed for industrial applications. It uses a programmable memory to store instructions for performing logical operations, sequential control, timing, counting, and arithmetic operations. It controls various types of mechanical equipment or production processes through digital or analog inputs and outputs. The vacuum suction cup 33 fixes objects by generating a vacuum suction force. This suction force is generated by a vacuum pump, and the solenoid valve 6 plays a key role in this process. The solenoid valve 6 can control the airflow channel between the vacuum pump and the suction cup, thereby controlling the suction and release of the suction cup. When the solenoid valve 6 is energized, the airflow channel opens, the vacuum pump starts to pump air, and the suction cup generates suction force. When the solenoid valve 6 is de-energized, the airflow channel closes, the vacuum state is released, and the suction cup releases the object.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the base 21 is provided with a support platform 25, and a pneumatic slip ring 26 is embedded in the middle of the support platform 25. One electrical terminal and one air terminal of the pneumatic slip ring 26 are respectively connected to the PLC controller 5 and the solenoid valve 6 through wires and air pipes. The support platform 25 is a support structure. The pneumatic slip ring 26 is also called a rotor housing type pneumatic rotary joint. It is a transmission device that can transmit electrical or pneumatic signals during rotation, so that the air and electrical circuits can remain unobstructed when the machine rotates 360°.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the other electrical and air terminals of the pneumatic slip ring 26 are connected to the Z-axis linear module 31 and the vacuum suction cup 33 respectively via wires and air pipes. The external toothed slewing bearing 23 is fixed on the support 25. The structure of the external toothed slewing bearing 23 mainly includes core components such as an outer ring (with teeth), a sealing device, rolling elements, and a grease nipple. Its function is mainly reflected in both transmission and load bearing. Through the meshing of the outer ring toothed ring with the stepper motor 22 (pinion), it realizes the transmission of torque while rotating, which is suitable for high-load and high-precision positioning scenarios.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the square cover 24 has strip holes 27 on all four sides. The Z-axis linear module 31 is installed inside the square cover 24, and its slide extends outward from the strip holes 27. The strip holes 27 are clearance structures to facilitate the connection between the slide of the Z-axis linear module 31 and the suction cup bracket 32.

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, linear guide rails 28 are installed on the four sides of the square cover 24, and the slider of the linear guide rail 28 is connected to the suction cup bracket 32. The core function of the linear guide rail 28 is to provide precise linear guidance, stable support and efficient load bearing for the moving parts of the mechanical equipment, so as to ensure that it achieves high-precision and low-friction reciprocating motion on the predetermined trajectory.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the tray carrier 4 corresponds to the position of the suction cup bracket 32, and the tray carrier 4 is provided with a positioning groove 41. The tray carrier 4 is used to hold the tray, and the positioning groove 41 is used to limit the position of the tray.

[0036] In use, the rotary mechanism 2 drives the gripping mechanism 3 to periodically switch work positions. The rotary mechanism 2 travels back and forth once, performing tasks such as picking up empty pallets, releasing empty pallets, loading workpieces, and unloading materials at four work positions. The gripping mechanism 3 completes one processing step with each rotation, realizing multi-work position collaborative operation in the automated production process. This eliminates the need for empty pallets to be laid flat on the conveyor line waiting for the robot to pick up workpieces, making reasonable use of equipment space and effectively reducing the factory space occupied by the equipment.

[0037] In summary, the four-station design utilizes a rotary mechanism 2 to drive the gripping mechanism 3 to periodically switch work positions. The rotary mechanism 2 completes the tasks of picking up and releasing empty pallets, loading workpieces, and unloading materials at the four stations in one round trip. The gripping mechanism 3 completes one processing step with each rotation, enabling multi-station collaborative operation in the automated production process. This eliminates the need for empty pallets to be laid flat on the conveyor line waiting for the robotic arm to pick up workpieces, making efficient use of equipment space and effectively reducing the factory space occupied by the equipment.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A tray loading device comprising a worktable (1), characterized in that: A rotary mechanism (2) is installed on the workbench (1), and a gripping mechanism (3) is installed around the rotary mechanism (2). A pallet carrier (4) is installed around the rotary mechanism (2) on the workbench (1). The rotary mechanism (2) includes a base (21), a stepper motor (22) and an external gear rotary bearing (23). The stepper motor (22) and the external gear rotary bearing (23) are respectively installed in the base (21), and the output shaft end of the stepper motor (22) is meshed with the external gear rotary bearing (23) through a gear. A square cover (24) is installed on the external gear rotary bearing (23). The gripping mechanism (3) includes a Z-axis linear module (31) and a suction cup bracket (32). The suction cup bracket (32) is mounted on the slide of the Z-axis linear module (31), and a vacuum suction cup (33) is mounted on the suction cup bracket (32).

2. The pallet feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The workbench (1) is equipped with a PLC controller (5) and a solenoid valve (6), and the solenoid valve (6) and the stepper motor (22) are electrically connected to the PLC controller (5).

3. The pallet feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base (21) is provided with a support platform (25), and a pneumatic slip ring (26) is embedded in the middle of the support platform (25). One end of the pneumatic slip ring (26) is connected to the PLC controller (5) and the solenoid valve (6) respectively through a wire and a gas pipe.

4. The pallet feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The other electrical and air terminals of the pneumatic slip ring (26) are connected to the Z-axis linear module (31) and the vacuum chuck (33) respectively via wires and air pipes. The external toothed slewing bearing (23) is fixed on the support (25).

5. The pallet feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The square cover (24) has strip holes (27) on all four sides. The Z-axis linear module (31) is installed inside the square cover (24), and its slide section extends outward from the strip holes (27).

6. The pallet feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The square cover (24) is equipped with linear guide rails (28) on all four sides, and the slider of the linear guide rail (28) is connected to the suction cup bracket (32).

7. The pallet feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tray carrier (4) corresponds to the position of the suction cup bracket (32), and the tray carrier (4) is provided with a positioning groove (41).

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