A production line having N processing stations and N+1 shuttles

Abstract

The application belongs to the production line manufacturing field, and particularly relates to a production line with N machining stations and N+1 feeders, which comprises N machining stations, N+1 feeders and a conveying line, the conveying line is located at the left side, the right side, the upper side or the lower side of the queue formed by the arrangement of the N machining stations, the nth machining station corresponds to the gap between the nth feeder and the nth+1 feeder, the stroke range of the nth feeder covers the section between the nth-1 machining station and the nth machining station on the conveying line, and the feeders before the machining stations respectively feed workpieces into the machining stations; the problem of how to connect multiple workstations in series to improve production output without increasing the site is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of production line manufacturing, specifically a production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders. Background Technology

[0002] In actual production, the material feeding rate often exceeds the speed of the equipment workstations. To increase capacity and reduce costs, multiple workstations are connected in series without requiring a large additional space. However, when connecting workstations in series, it is necessary to ensure that the processing time of the products by the multiple workstations overlaps at least partially; otherwise, the series connection is inefficient. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by designing a production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders, using a method of setting up N processing stations, N+1 feeders, and a conveyor line working together. This solves the problem of how to increase production output by connecting multiple workstations in series without increasing the space required.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0005] A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders includes N processing stations, N+1 feeders, and a conveyor line. The conveyor line is located on the left, right, top, or bottom side of the queue formed by the N processing stations. The nth processing station corresponds to the gap between the nth and (n+1)th feeders. The travel range of the nth feeder covers the section of the conveyor line between the (n-1)th and nth processing stations. In use, each batch consists of N unprocessed workpieces passing through the beginning of the conveyor line.

[0006] In each batch of unprocessed workpieces, the first piece is conveyed from the beginning of the conveyor line to the first feeder, and then fed into the first processing station by the first feeder; the second piece is conveyed from the beginning of the conveyor line to the first feeder, which then feeds it onto the conveyor line between the first and second feeders, and then onto the second feeder, which feeds it into the second processing station; and so on, until the Nth piece in the batch is conveyed from the beginning of the conveyor line through the first to the Nth feeders and the conveyor line in between, and then fed into the Nth processing station by the Nth feeder;

[0007] In each batch of processed workpieces, when n < N, the workpieces processed in the nth processing station are sent to the conveyor line by the (n+1)th feeder, and after passing through the (n+1)th to (N+1)th feeders and the conveyor line in between, they are sent to the conveyor line for output by the (N+1)th feeder; when n = N, the workpieces processed in the nth processing station are transferred to the (n+1)th feeder and then sent to the conveyor line for output by the (n+1)th feeder.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a controller and a counter. The counter is set at the beginning of the conveyor line or on the first lifting platform. The counter is signal-connected to the controller, and the controller is signal-connected to the feeder and the processing station.

[0009] Preferably, the controller is a PLC controller and the counter is a counting sensor.

[0010] Preferably, the feeder is a lifting platform.

[0011] Preferably, the lifting platform includes a support, a platform, and a lifting drive mechanism. The platform is slidably mounted on the support, and the lifting drive mechanism is fixedly mounted on the support. The lifting drive mechanism drives the platform to move up and down on the support.

[0012] Preferably, the platform includes a platform body, a conveyor belt, and a power mechanism. The conveyor belt and the power mechanism are disposed on the platform body. The power mechanism drives the conveyor belt, and the conveying direction of the conveyor belt is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveyor line.

[0013] Preferably, N equals 2.

[0014] Preferably, the conveyor line includes a first conveyor section, a second conveyor section, a third conveyor section, and a fourth conveyor section. The lifting platform is provided between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section, between the second conveyor section and the third conveyor section, and between the third conveyor section and the fourth conveyor section. The second conveyor section and the third conveyor section are each located below one of the processing stations. The counter is located on the first conveyor section or on the first lifting platform.

[0015] In each batch of unprocessed workpieces, the first piece is conveyed from the first conveyor section to the first lifting platform, and then the first lifting platform sends it into the first processing station; the second piece is conveyed from the first conveyor section to the first lifting platform, the first lifting platform descends to send it to the second conveyor section, and then from the second conveyor section to the second lifting platform, and then the second lifting platform rises to send it into the second processing station.

[0016] In each batch of processed workpieces, the workpieces completed in the first processing station are sent to the third conveyor section by the second lifting platform, the third conveyor section sends them to the third lifting platform, and the third lifting platform sends them to the fourth conveyor section for output; the workpieces completed in the second processing station are sent to the fourth conveyor section for output by the third lifting platform.

[0017] Preferably, the processing station is equipped with a conveying device that cooperates with the feeder.

[0018] Preferably, the N processing stations are arranged in a straight line.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] This application adopts a method of setting up N processing stations, N+1 feeders, and a conveyor line to cooperate with each other, and designs a production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders, which solves the problem of how to increase production output by connecting multiple workstations in series without increasing the space. Attached Figure Description

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

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the feeder in this application uses a lifting platform.

[0023] Among them, 1. Processing station; 2. Feeder; 3. Conveyor line; 3-1. First conveyor section; 3-2. Second conveyor section; 3-3. Third conveyor section; 3-4. Fourth conveyor section; 4. Support; 5. Platform; 6. Conveyor belt; 7. Lifting drive mechanism; 8. Power mechanism; 9. Conveying device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders includes N processing stations 1, N+1 feeders 2, and a conveyor line 3. The conveyor line 3 is located on the left, right, top, or bottom of the queue formed by the N processing stations 1. The nth processing station 1 corresponds to the gap between the nth feeder 2 and the (n+1)th feeder 2. The travel range of the nth feeder 2 covers the section of the conveyor line 3 between the (n-1)th and nth processing stations. In use, each batch consists of N unprocessed workpieces passing through the beginning of the conveyor line 3.

[0025] In each batch of unprocessed workpieces, the first piece is conveyed from the beginning of conveyor line 3 to the first feeder 2, and then fed into the first processing station 1 by the first feeder 2; the second piece is conveyed from the beginning of conveyor line 3 to the first feeder 2, and then fed into the second processing station 1 by the second feeder 2; and so on, until the Nth piece in the batch is conveyed from the beginning of conveyor line 3, passing through the first to Nth feeders and the conveyor lines in between, and then fed into the Nth processing station 1 by the Nth feeder;

[0026] In each batch of processed workpieces, when n < N, the workpieces processed in the nth processing station 1 are sent to the conveyor line 3 by the (n+1)th feeder 2. After passing through the (n+1)th to the (N+1)th feeder 2 and the conveyor line 3 in between, they are sent to the conveyor line 3 for output by the (N+1)th feeder 2. When n = N, the workpieces processed in the nth processing station 1 are transferred to the (n+1)th feeder 2 and then sent to the conveyor line 3 for output by the (n+1)th feeder 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first piece of each batch of unprocessed workpieces is conveyed from the beginning of conveyor line 3 to the first feeder 2, and then fed into the first processing station 1 by the first feeder 2; the second piece is conveyed from the beginning of conveyor line 3 to the first feeder 2, which then transfers it to the conveyor line 3 between the first and second feeders 2, and then to the second feeder 2, where it is fed into the second processing station 1; the third piece is conveyed from the beginning of conveyor line 3 to the first feeder 2. The first feeder delivers the workpiece to conveyor line 3 between the first and second feeders 2, then to the second feeder 2, which in turn feeds it onto conveyor line 3 between the second and third feeders 2, and then to the third feeder 2, which delivers it to the third processing station 1. This process continues until the Nth workpiece in the batch passes through the first to Nth feeders 2 and the conveyor lines in between from the beginning of conveyor line 3, and is then fed into the Nth processing station 1 by the Nth feeder 2. The next batch then repeats this process. This overlaps the processing time of all workpieces in processing station 1, thus saving time and increasing productivity.

[0028] Preferably, it also includes a controller and a counter. The counter is set at the beginning of the conveyor line 3 or on the first lifting platform. The counter is signal-connected to the controller, and the controller is signal-connected to the feeder 2 and the processing station 1.

[0029] Preferably, the controller is a PLC controller and the counter is a counting sensor.

[0030] Preferably, the feeder 2 is a lifting platform. This lifting platform design ensures that the feeder 2's travel range does not occupy floor space, as it only requires raising and lowering, thus only occupying height.

[0031] Preferably, the lifting platform includes a support 4, a platform 5, and a lifting drive mechanism 7. The platform 5 is slidably mounted on the support 4, and the lifting drive mechanism 7 is fixedly mounted on the support 4. The lifting drive mechanism 7 drives the platform 5 to move up and down on the support 4. When the platform 5 rises, it is used to send unprocessed workpieces to the processing station 1 or to receive processed workpieces in the processing station 1. When the platform 5 descends, it sends the workpieces on the platform 5 to the conveyor line 3.

[0032] Preferably, the platform 5 includes a platform body, a conveyor belt 6, and a power mechanism 8. The conveyor belt 6 and the power mechanism 8 are disposed on the platform body. The power mechanism 8 drives the conveyor belt 6. The conveying direction of the conveyor belt 6 is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveyor line 3. The conveyor belt 6 is used to send the workpiece to the processing station 1.

[0033] Preferably, N equals 2.

[0034] Preferably, the conveyor line 3 includes a first conveyor section 3-1, a second conveyor section 3-2, a third conveyor section 3-3, and a fourth conveyor section 3-4. The lifting platform is provided between the first conveyor section 3-1 and the second conveyor section 3-2, between the second conveyor section 3-2 and the third conveyor section 3-3, and between the third conveyor section 3-3 and the fourth conveyor section 3-4. The second conveyor section 3-2 and the third conveyor section 3-3 are each located below one of the processing stations 1. The counter is located on the first conveyor section 3-1 or on the first lifting platform.

[0035] In each batch of unprocessed workpieces, the first piece is conveyed from the first conveyor section 3-1 to the first lifting platform, and then the first lifting platform sends it into the first processing station 1; the second piece is conveyed from the first conveyor section 3-1 to the first lifting platform, the first lifting platform descends and sends it to the second conveyor section 3-2, then from the second conveyor section 3-2 into the second lifting platform, and then the second lifting platform rises and sends it into the second processing station 1;

[0036] In each batch of processed workpieces, the workpieces completed in the first processing station 1 are sent to the third conveyor section 3-3 by the second lifting platform, the third conveyor section 3-3 then sends them to the third lifting platform, and the third lifting platform then sends them to the fourth conveyor section 3-4 for output; the workpieces completed in the second processing station 1 are sent to the fourth conveyor section 3-4 for output by the third lifting platform.

[0037] Preferably, the processing station 1 is equipped with a conveying device 9 that cooperates with the feeder 2. The conveying device 9 can be a conveyor chain or a conveyor belt, used for conveying workpieces within the processing station 1.

[0038] Preferably, the N processing stations 1 are arranged in a straight line.

Claims

1. A production line having N processing stations and N+1 feeders, characterized in that, It includes N processing stations (1), N+1 feeders (2), and a conveyor line (3). The conveyor line (3) is located on the left, right, top, or bottom side of the queue formed by the N processing stations (1). The nth processing station (1) corresponds to the gap between the nth feeder (2) and the (n+1)th feeder (2). The travel range of the nth feeder (2) covers the section of the conveyor line (3) between the (n-1)th and nth processing stations. In use, each batch of N unprocessed workpieces passing through the beginning of the conveyor line (3) is considered a batch. In each batch of unprocessed workpieces, the first piece is conveyed from the beginning of the conveyor line (3) to the first feeder (2), and then fed into the first processing station (1) by the first feeder (2); the second piece is conveyed from the beginning of the conveyor line (3) to the first feeder, and then fed into the conveyor line (3) between the first feeder (2) and the second feeder (2), and then fed into the second feeder (2), and then fed into the second processing station (1) by the second feeder (2); and so on, until the Nth piece of the batch is conveyed from the beginning of the conveyor line (3) through the first to the Nth feeders and the conveyor line in between, and then fed into the Nth processing station (1) by the Nth feeder; In each batch of processed workpieces, when n < N, the workpieces processed in the nth processing station (1) are sent to the conveyor line (3) by the (n+1)th feeder (2), and after passing through the (n+1)th to (N+1)th feeders (2) and the conveyor line (3) in between, they are sent to the conveyor line (3) by the (N+1)th feeder (2) for output; when n = N, the workpieces processed in the nth processing station (1) are transferred to the (n+1)th feeder (2) and then sent to the conveyor line (3) for output by the (n+1)th feeder (2).

2. The production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a controller and a counter. The counter is set at the beginning of the conveyor line (3) or on the first lifting platform. The counter is connected to the controller, and the controller is connected to the feeder (2) and the processing station (1).

3. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is a PLC controller, and the counter is a counting sensor.

4. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 2, characterized in that, The feeder (2) is a lifting platform.

5. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting platform includes a bracket (4), a platform (5), and a lifting drive mechanism (7). The platform (5) is slidably mounted on the bracket (4), and the lifting drive mechanism (7) is fixedly mounted on the bracket (4). The lifting drive mechanism (7) drives the platform (5) to move up and down on the bracket (4).

6. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 5, characterized in that, The platform (5) includes a platform body, a conveyor belt (6), and a power mechanism (8). The conveyor belt (6) and the power mechanism (8) are arranged on the platform body. The power mechanism (8) drives the conveyor belt (6). The conveying direction of the conveyor belt (6) is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveyor line (3).

7. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 4, characterized in that, The value of N is 2.

8. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conveyor line (3) includes a first conveyor section (3-1), a second conveyor section (3-2), a third conveyor section (3-3), and a fourth conveyor section (3-4). The lifting platform is provided between the first conveyor section (3-1) and the second conveyor section (3-2), between the second conveyor section (3-2) and the third conveyor section (3-3), and between the third conveyor section (3-3) and the fourth conveyor section (3-4). The second conveyor section (3-2) and the third conveyor section (3-3) are each located below one of the processing stations (1). The counter is located on the first conveyor section (3-1) or on the first lifting platform. In each batch of unprocessed workpieces, the first piece is conveyed from the first conveyor section (3-1) to the first lifting platform, and the first lifting platform sends it into the first processing station (1); the second piece is conveyed from the first conveyor section (3-1) to the first lifting platform, the first lifting platform descends and sends it to the second conveyor section (3-2), and then from the second conveyor section (3-2) into the second lifting platform, and the second lifting platform rises and sends it into the second processing station (1); In each batch of processed workpieces, the workpieces processed in the first processing station (1) are sent to the third conveyor section (3-3) by the second lifting platform, and then to the third lifting platform by the third lifting platform, and then to the fourth conveyor section (3-4) for output; the workpieces processed in the second processing station (1) are sent to the fourth conveyor section (3-4) for output by the third lifting platform.

9. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing station (1) is equipped with a conveying device (9) that works in conjunction with the feeder (2).

10. A production line with N processing stations and N+1 feeders according to claim 1, characterized in that, The N processing stations (1) are arranged in a straight line.

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