Tray feeding and discharging module
By using a bidirectional screw-driven spacing adjustment assembly and a retractable flip-over tray, the cumbersome operation problem of the tray loading and unloading device when switching between different sizes is solved, enabling rapid adaptation and efficient production, and improving the flexibility and reliability of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU INSTER PHOTOELECTRIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Traditional tray loading and unloading devices are cumbersome to operate when switching between different sizes, which can easily lead to jamming, tray separation failure, or stacking misalignment. They also lack adaptability and are difficult to be compatible with non-standard or new model trays, affecting flexible production.
The spacing adjustment component driven by a bidirectional screw can synchronously adjust the spacing between the two conveyor belts to achieve synchronous adaptation of the feeding guide channel, the unloading guide channel, the tray separating mechanism, and the palletizing mechanism. Combined with the telescopic combination pallet and the flip-over palletizing pallet, the operation process is simplified and the use of robotic arms is reduced.
It enables rapid switching between multiple tray sizes, improves equipment efficiency and reliability, simplifies mechanical calibration procedures, reduces equipment failure risks, and enhances production flexibility.
Smart Images
Figure CN224492413U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field, and in particular to a tray loading and unloading module. Background Technology
[0002] Trays serve as standardized containers for precision components such as PCBs, electronic components, and semiconductor chips, and are widely used in PCB board cutting, SMT assembly, chip testing, and automated assembly lines. Traditional tray loading and unloading devices typically employ a fixed-spacing conveyor line structure. The loading area requires manual or robotic arm-based layer-by-layer tray picking, the tray placement area relies on cylinder-based positioning, and the unloading area requires an additional robotic arm for palletizing.
[0003] When the production line needs to switch between different sized trays, operators must adjust the conveyor belt width, replace the tray-separating mechanism fixture, and reset the material stop position and palletizing mechanism stroke parameters. This process involves mechanical calibration of multiple components and sensor reset, making it cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, manual adjustments are prone to causing tray jamming, tray-separating failures, or pallet misalignment due to positioning errors, leading to equipment malfunctions and product damage. In addition, traditional equipment lacks adaptability to tray sizes, making it difficult to accommodate non-standard or new tray models, thus hindering the demand for flexible production.
[0004] Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, it is necessary to design a tray loading and unloading module to solve the above problems.
[0005] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solution of this utility model and for the convenience of those skilled in the art to understand it. It should not be assumed that the above content is known to those skilled in the art simply because it has been described in the background section of this utility model. Utility Model Content
[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention discloses a tray loading and unloading module to solve the technical problem of rapid switching between multiple specifications of trays and improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the equipment.
[0007] This utility model discloses a tray loading and unloading module, including a mounting frame and a conveyor line disposed on the mounting frame, wherein:
[0008] The conveyor line includes two parallel conveyor belts and a drive mechanism that drives the two conveyor belts to run synchronously. The two conveyor belts are connected by a spacing adjustment component to enable them to move synchronously towards or away from each other.
[0009] Between the two conveyor belts, along the conveying direction, a tray loading and lifting mechanism, a material blocking mechanism, and a tray unloading and lifting mechanism are sequentially installed on the mounting frame;
[0010] On the sides of the conveyor belts on both sides of the Tray loading and lifting mechanism, there are lateral limiting plates and combined pallets for loading. The lateral limiting plates on both sides together form a loading guide channel. The combined pallets on both sides are horizontally retractable and can be separated vertically at their front ends, together forming the Tray splitting mechanism.
[0011] The conveyor belts on both sides of the Tray unloading and lifting mechanism are equipped with unloading lateral limit plates and stacking trays facing each other. The unloading lateral limit plates on both sides enclose and form an unloading guide channel; the stacking trays on both sides are arranged horizontally and can be flipped upwards, together forming the Tray stacking mechanism.
[0012] Preferred technical solution: The spacing adjustment component includes a bidirectional lead screw, a guide rail and a linkage block. The bidirectional lead screw is mounted on the mounting frame through a bearing seat, and its two ends with oppositely helical threaded sections are respectively engaged with a linkage block. The conveyor belt is mounted on the linkage block and is slidably connected to the guide rail.
[0013] Preferred technical solution: There are two spacing adjustment components, and the two bidirectional lead screw shafts on the two spacing adjustment components are equipped with transmission wheels, and the two transmission wheels are connected by a transmission belt.
[0014] Preferred technical solution: A hand-cranked wheel is provided on one side of the transmission wheel.
[0015] Preferred technical solution: The material blocking mechanism includes a rotary clamping cylinder, and the output end of the rotary clamping cylinder is provided with an L-shaped swing arm. The end of the L-shaped swing arm can swing above the conveyor belt to achieve material blocking.
[0016] Preferred technical solution: The pallet is rotatably connected to the mounting frame via a hinge, and a return torsion spring is provided at the connection point; the bottom of the free end of the pallet is provided with a downwardly inclined guide slope.
[0017] Preferred technical solution: Tray locking mechanisms are provided on the sides of the conveyor belts on both sides of the material blocking mechanism. The Tray locking mechanism includes a baffle and a locking cylinder provided on the sides of the conveyor belts on both sides.
[0018] Preferred technical solution: The conveyor line is equipped with detection devices at the tray loading and lifting mechanism, the tray blocking mechanism, and the tray unloading and lifting mechanism to detect whether the tray is in place.
[0019] Preferred technical solution: A product identification device is provided on the side of the material blocking mechanism to identify whether the tray is fully loaded with products.
[0020] Preferred technical solution: A height warning device for detecting the stacking height of trays is installed on the side of the material feeding guide channel.
[0021] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model compared with the prior art are as follows:
[0022] This invention employs a bidirectional screw-driven spacing adjustment assembly, enabling two conveyor belts to move synchronously in opposite directions or back to back, accommodating trays of different sizes. The feeding guide channel, unloading guide channel, tray separating mechanism, and tray stacking mechanism are all composed of corresponding mechanisms on the two conveyor belts. When the spacing between the two conveyor belts is adjusted, the working dimensions of the feeding guide channel, unloading guide channel, tray separating mechanism, and tray stacking mechanism are adjusted synchronously, solving the problem of traditional equipment requiring step-by-step fixture replacement and parameter resetting when switching tray models, thus improving work efficiency. The upper and lower layers of trays are quickly separated using the staggered front end of the combined pallet, resulting in a simple structure and high work efficiency. A palletizing pallet that can be flipped upwards enables unidirectional tray transport and completes the stacking operation without the need for a robotic arm, resulting in a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, short working stroke, and significantly improved work efficiency. Sensors are used to monitor the entire process, achieving automated operation. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tray loading and unloading module according to the present invention;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mid-gap adjustment component of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tray distribution mechanism in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the palletizing plate in this utility model.
[0028] In the attached diagrams above, 1. Mounting frame; 2. Conveyor line; 21. Conveyor belt; 22. Spacing adjustment assembly; 221. Bidirectional lead screw; 222. Guide rail; 223. Linkage block; 224. Transmission wheel; 225. Transmission belt; 226. Hand crank wheel; 23. Drive mechanism; 3. Tray loading and lifting mechanism; 4. Material blocking mechanism; 41. Rotary clamping cylinder; 42. L-shaped swing arm; 5. Tray unloading and lifting mechanism; 6. Loading transverse limit plate; 7. Combined pallet; 71. Telescopic cylinder; 72. Top plate; 73. Moving plate; 8. Unloading transverse limit plate; 9. Stacking pallet; 91. Hinge; 92. Reset torsion spring; 93. Guide slope; 10. Tray locking mechanism; 101. Stop bar; 102. Locking cylinder; 11. Detection device; 12. Height warning device. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification.
[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be used interchangeably where appropriate for the purposes of describing embodiments of this application herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and their synonyms, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0031] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this utility model and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.
[0032] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0033] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setting," "equipped with," "connection," "linking," "fitting," and "fitting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Similarly, "fitting" can mean completely or partially fitted. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this utility model discloses a tray loading and unloading module, including a mounting frame 1 and a conveyor line 2 disposed on the mounting frame 1. The main components of the present utility model will be described in detail below:
[0036] The conveyor line 2 includes two parallel conveyor belts 21 and a drive mechanism 23 that drives the two conveyor belts 21 to run synchronously. The two conveyor belts 21 are connected by a spacing adjustment component 22. When the size of the tray used decreases, the spacing adjustment component 22 drives the two conveyor belts 21 to move synchronously towards each other, so that the spacing between the two conveyor belts 21 decreases. When the size of the tray used increases, the spacing adjustment component 22 drives the two conveyor belts 21 to move synchronously away from each other, so that the spacing between the two conveyor belts 21 increases.
[0037] Between the two conveyor belts 21, along the conveying direction, a tray loading and lifting mechanism 3, a material blocking mechanism 4, and a tray unloading and lifting mechanism 5 are sequentially installed on the mounting frame 1. The tray loading and lifting mechanism 3 is used to control the lifting and lowering of empty tray stacks in the tray loading area. The material blocking mechanism 4 can stop and release trays on the conveyor belt 21, facilitating accurate and rapid loading of products into the trays. The tray unloading and lifting mechanism 5 is used to control the lifting and stacking of trays in the tray unloading area.
[0038] On both sides of the conveyor belts 21 of the tray loading and lifting mechanism 3, there are opposite loading lateral limit plates 6 and combined pallets 7. The loading lateral limit plates 6 on both sides form a loading guide channel. The combined pallets 7 on both sides are horizontally telescopically arranged by telescopic cylinders 71. The front end of the combined pallet 7 is divided into a fixed plate 72 and a liftable movable plate 73. Normally, the fixed plate 72 and the movable plate 73 are kept at the same level. During layering operations, the movable plate 73 moves away from the fixed plate 72 to separate the layers vertically, thus forming a tray separating mechanism for stacking trays. The trays are separated; when the distance between the two conveyor belts 21 changes, the size of the feeding guide channel changes synchronously because it is formed by the side feeding transverse limiting plates 6 of the two conveyor belts 21. Similarly, the distance between the opposite side combined trays 7 in the tray splitting mechanism also increases synchronously. In this way, the size of the trays that the feeding guide channel can pass through, the size of the trays corresponding to the tray splitting mechanism, and the size of the trays corresponding to the two conveyor belts 21 are adjusted synchronously to ensure adjustment efficiency and accuracy.
[0039] The tray unloading and lifting mechanism 5 has two side-mounted transverse limiting plates 8 and stacking trays 9 on the sides of the conveyor belts 21. The two side-mounted transverse limiting plates 8 together form a unloading guide channel. The two side-mounted stacking trays 9 are horizontally arranged and can be flipped upwards, together forming the tray stacking mechanism. When the distance between the two conveyor belts 21 changes, the size of the unloading guide channel changes synchronously because it is formed by the side-mounted transverse limiting plates 8 of the two conveyor belts 21. Similarly, the distance between the opposite side-mounted stacking trays 9 in the tray stacking mechanism also increases synchronously. In this way, the tray size allowed to pass through the unloading guide channel, the tray size corresponding to the tray stacking mechanism, and the tray size corresponding to the two conveyor belts 21 can be adjusted synchronously, ensuring adjustment efficiency and accuracy.
[0040] Usage steps:
[0041] Tray separation: The output end of the tray loading and lifting mechanism 3 is raised, and the empty tray stack is placed along the loading guide channel at the output end of the tray loading and lifting mechanism 3. The output end of the tray loading and lifting mechanism 3 then falls back, aligning the combined tray 7 with the layer gap between the two bottom trays of the tray stack. It should be noted that the layer height of trays of the same model is consistent when stacked. Only one adjustment of the tray loading and lifting mechanism 3 is needed to ensure subsequent automatic alignment. The combined trays 7 on both sides extend forward and insert into the layer gap between the two trays. Then the tray loading and lifting mechanism 3 continues to fall back, and the front end of the combined tray 7 is staggered vertically to separate the two trays. The combination trays 7 on both sides can prevent incomplete separation between the two trays due to friction or adhesion.
[0042] Product loading: After separation, the bottom tray falls onto the two conveyor belts 21 and is conveyed forward. When it reaches the product loading area, the blocking mechanism 4 rises to stop and position the tray. After external personnel or a robot loads the product into the tray, the blocking mechanism 4 resets and orients the tray so that it continues to be conveyed forward with the conveyor belt 21.
[0043] Stacking: After the tray reaches the tray unloading and lifting mechanism 5, the tray unloading and lifting mechanism 5 lifts the tray and conveys it upward along the unloading guide channel. When the tray passes the stacking pallet 9, the upper surfaces on both sides of the tray first contact the bottom of the stacking pallet 9. As the tray rises, it pushes the stacking pallet 9 upward and flips it, allowing the tray to pass through the tray stacking mechanism. After the tray passes the tray stacking mechanism, the stacking pallet 9 returns to its horizontal position. At this time, the tray unloading and lifting mechanism 5 descends, and the tray is supported from the bottom by the stacking pallet 9. The above process is repeated so that the trays are stacked layer by layer from below the unloading guide channel.
[0044] Spacing adjustment: When it is necessary to switch the Tray model, the spacing between the two conveyor belts 21 can be adjusted by the spacing adjustment component 22, which simultaneously drives the size of the feeding guide channel, Tray splitting mechanism, unloading guide channel and Tray stacking mechanism to change. The operation is simple and efficient.
[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the spacing adjustment assembly 22 includes a bidirectional lead screw 221, a guide rail 222, and a linkage block 223. The bidirectional lead screw 221 is mounted on the mounting frame 1 via a bearing seat, and its two ends with oppositely helical threaded sections are respectively engaged with a linkage block 223. The conveyor belt 21 is mounted on the linkage block 223 and is slidably connected to the guide rail 222. In use, rotating the bidirectional lead screw 221 can drive the two linkage blocks 223 and the conveyor belt 21 to move synchronously in opposite directions or in opposite directions. The structure is simple, the operation is convenient, and the motion accuracy is high.
[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are two spacing adjustment components 22. The ends of the bidirectional lead screws 221 on each spacing adjustment component 22 are equipped with drive wheels 224, and the two drive wheels 224 are connected by a drive belt 225. This further improves the motion accuracy and stability of the linkage block 223 and the conveyor belt 21 on it.
[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a hand-cranked wheel 226 is provided on one side of the transmission wheel 224 for easy manual adjustment.
[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the material blocking mechanism 4 includes a rotary clamping cylinder 41. An L-shaped swing arm 42 is provided at the output end of the rotary clamping cylinder 41. The end of the L-shaped swing arm 42 can swing above the conveyor belt 21 to block the material. The structure is simple and easy to control.
[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the pallet 9 is rotatably connected to the mounting frame 1 via a hinge 91, and a return torsion spring 92 is provided at the connection point; a downwardly inclined guide slope 93 is provided at the bottom of the free end of the pallet 9. The return torsion spring 92 is used to increase the return speed of the pallet 9; the guide slope 93 is used to reduce the resistance encountered when the tray pushes the pallet 9.
[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a tray locking mechanism 10 is provided on the sides of the conveyor belts 21 on both sides of the material blocking mechanism 4. The tray locking mechanism 10 includes a baffle 101 and a locking cylinder 102 provided on the sides of the conveyor belts 21 on both sides, which are used to lock and fix the tray, thereby improving the positioning accuracy when loading the product onto the tray.
[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveyor line 2 is equipped with a detection device 11 for detecting whether the tray is in place at the tray loading and lifting mechanism 3, the tray blocking mechanism 4, and the tray unloading and lifting mechanism 5. The detection device 11 generally uses a photoelectric sensor to facilitate automated control.
[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a product identification device is provided on the side of the material blocking mechanism 4 to identify whether the tray is fully loaded with products, which facilitates automated control.
[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a height warning device 12 is installed on the side of the unloading guide channel to detect the stacking height of the trays, reminding the operator or equipment to remove the stacked trays.
[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present 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 the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A tray loading / unloading module, comprising a mounting frame (1) and a conveyor line (2) disposed on the mounting frame (1), characterized in that: The conveyor line (2) includes two parallel conveyor belts (21) and a drive mechanism (23) that drives the two conveyor belts (21) to run synchronously. The two conveyor belts (21) are connected by a spacing adjustment component (22) so that they can move synchronously towards each other or away from each other. Between the two conveyor belts (21), a tray loading and lifting mechanism (3), a blocking mechanism (4) and a tray unloading and lifting mechanism (5) are sequentially provided on the mounting frame (1) along the conveying direction. On the sides of the conveyor belts (21) on both sides of the Tray loading and lifting mechanism (3), there are opposite loading transverse limiting plates (6) and combined trays (7). The loading transverse limiting plates (6) on both sides form a loading guide channel. The combined trays (7) on both sides are horizontally retractable and their front ends can be staggered and separated to form a Tray splitting mechanism. The conveyor belts (21) on both sides of the Tray unloading and lifting mechanism (5) are provided with unloading lateral limiting plates (8) and stacking trays (9) facing each other. The unloading lateral limiting plates (8) on both sides enclose and form an unloading guide channel. The stacking trays (9) on both sides are arranged horizontally and can be flipped upwards, together forming the Tray stacking mechanism.
2. The Tray loading / unloading module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacing adjustment assembly (22) includes a bidirectional lead screw (221), a guide rail (222) and a linkage block (223). The bidirectional lead screw (221) is mounted on the mounting frame (1) through a bearing seat, and the threaded sections at both ends with opposite directions are respectively engaged with a linkage block (223). The conveyor belt (21) is mounted on the linkage block (223) and is slidably connected to the guide rail (222).
3. The Tray loading / unloading module according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are two spacing adjustment components (22), and the ends of the bidirectional lead screws (221) on the two spacing adjustment components (22) are provided with transmission wheels (224), and the two transmission wheels (224) are connected by transmission belts (225).
4. The tray loading / unloading module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A hand-cranked wheel (226) is provided on one side of the transmission wheel (224).
5. The tray loading / unloading module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material blocking mechanism (4) includes a rotary clamping cylinder (41), and the output end of the rotary clamping cylinder (41) is provided with an L-shaped swing arm (42). The end of the L-shaped swing arm (42) can swing above the conveyor belt (21) to achieve material blocking.
6. The tray loading / unloading module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pallet (9) is rotatably connected to the mounting frame (1) via a hinge (91), and a return torsion spring (92) is provided at the connection point; the bottom of the free end of the pallet (9) is provided with a downwardly inclined guide slope (93).
7. The tray loading / unloading module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Tray locking mechanisms (10) are provided on the sides of the conveyor belts (21) on both sides of the material blocking mechanism (4). The Tray locking mechanism (10) includes a baffle (101) and a locking cylinder (102) provided on the sides of the conveyor belts (21) on both sides.
8. The Tray loading / unloading module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor line (2) is equipped with a detection device (11) for detecting whether the tray is in place at the tray loading and lifting mechanism (3), the material blocking mechanism (4), and the tray unloading and lifting mechanism (5).
9. The tray loading / unloading module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material blocking mechanism (4) is provided with a product identification device on its side for identifying whether the Tray is fully loaded with products.
10. The tray loading / unloading module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A height warning device (12) for detecting the stacking height of trays is provided on the side of the unloading guide channel.