Double-platform online laser plate splitting and arranging machine
The integrated design of the dual-platform online laser PCB splitting and tray-slab arrangement machine solves the problems of low efficiency and insufficient continuity in traditional PCB splitting and tray-slab arrangement, achieving efficient and precise PCB processing, suitable for ultra-thin or precision PCBs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEBEI BETA ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Traditional circuit board separation and tray-setting processes are inefficient, prone to human error, and difficult to meet the needs of flexible production with small batches and multiple batches, and the equipment continuity is insufficient.
The dual-platform online laser slitting and tray-loading integrated machine combines a laser slitting machine and a tray-loading machine, and combines a rotating structure and a transfer structure to realize the automated flow of trays. Magnetic attraction and socket positioning technology ensure precise positioning and stress-free cutting.
It significantly improves the efficiency of board separation and tray placement, production continuity, reduces the risk of circuit board damage, and increases product yield. It is suitable for processing ultra-thin or precision circuit boards.
Smart Images

Figure CN224583404U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laser PCB separation and tray arrangement in electronic manufacturing, specifically a dual-platform online laser PCB separation and tray arrangement integrated machine. Background Technology
[0002] The circuit board separation and tray placement process is a key link in the surface mount technology production line, which directly affects the subsequent placement operation and the final quality of the product. In this process, the circuit board is first divided into multiple small boards to facilitate subsequent processing and assembly. Then, these small boards need to be precisely trayed to ensure that various electronic components can be correctly positioned and installed in the pick-and-place machine.
[0003] Traditional board separation and traying processes often employ stand-alone operation or segmented manual intervention. The board separation process relies on mechanical cutting or laser board separation machines, and after completion, the circuit boards need to be manually transferred to the traying machine, resulting in low efficiency and easy introduction of human error. At the same time, single-station equipment operation has the problem of insufficient production continuity, long equipment idle time, and difficulty in meeting the flexible production needs of small batches and multiple batches. To address this, we propose a dual-platform online laser board separation and traying integrated machine. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a dual-platform online laser plate-splitting and tray-stacking integrated machine, which solves the aforementioned problems.
[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a dual-platform online laser slitting and tray-stacking integrated machine, comprising a laser slitting machine, a tray-stacking machine, a second support, a third support, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket is fixedly connected to the top surface of the second support, and the laser slitting machine is mounted on the top plate of the first bracket. The third support is fixedly connected to one side of the second support, and the second bracket is fixedly connected to the top surface of the third support. The tray-stacking machine is mounted on the top plate of the second bracket. A loading platform is fixedly connected to the side of the second support away from the third support. A rotating structure is provided on the top surface of the second support, and a tray structure is placed on the rotating structure. Two sets of symmetrical transfer structures are provided on both sides of the top plate of the first bracket, and the transfer structures correspond to the loading platform and the third support, respectively.
[0006] Preferably, the rotating structure includes a second motor, a turntable, and a mounting groove. The second support is a hollow structure, and the top surface of the second support has a mounting groove that extends into the interior of the second support. The second motor is fixedly connected inside the second support, and the bottom surface of the main body of the second motor is fixedly connected to the bottom surface inside the second support. The turntable is inserted into the mounting groove, and one side of the turntable inside the second support is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor.
[0007] Preferably, the rotating structure further includes metal blocks, and multiple circumferentially evenly distributed metal blocks are fixedly connected to one side of the turntable outside the second support.
[0008] Preferably, the tray structure includes a tray, a support frame, and a magnetic block. The support frame is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the tray. The side of the support frame opposite to the opening is fixedly connected to the tray. The magnetic block is embedded in the side of the support frame opposite to the opening. The support frame is sleeved and connected to the metal block, and the magnetic block is magnetically connected to the metal block.
[0009] Preferably, the transfer structure includes an L-shaped plate, a strip hole, and a support plate. Both sides of the top plate of the first support are fixedly connected to L-shaped plates. One end of one side of the L-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the first support, and the other side of the L-shaped plate faces upwards towards the first support. The L-shaped plate on one side of the first support is above the loading platform, and the L-shaped plate on the other side of the first support is above the third support and between the first support and the second support. A support plate is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the first support. The two L-shaped plates are provided with strip holes through their sides connected to the first support. The strip holes extend from the top plate of the first support to both sides of the support plate.
[0010] Preferably, the transfer structure further includes a motor, a lead screw, a limiting block, and a slider. The bottom surfaces of the main bodies of the two motors are fixedly connected to both sides of the support plate. One end of the output shaft of the support plate is connected to a lead screw via a coupling. The other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the side of the L-shaped plate facing the support. A threaded hole is provided through one side of each of the two sliders. The threaded holes of the two sliders are threadedly connected to the lead screw. A limiting block is fixedly connected to the side of the slider opposite to the strip hole. The limiting block is slidably connected to the strip hole.
[0011] Preferably, the transfer structure further includes a hydraulic cylinder and a magnetic tray clamp. The hydraulic cylinder is fixedly connected to the side of the limiting block away from the slider. The bottom surface of the main body of the hydraulic cylinder is fixedly connected to the limiting block. One end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the magnetic tray clamp.
[0012] Preferably, the support three is a box-shaped structure, the open end of the support three is the top surface of the support three, and a conveyor is installed inside the support three, the transmission direction of the conveyor is consistent with the axial direction of the lead screw.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a dual-platform online laser plate-splitting and tray-stacking integrated machine, which has the following beneficial effects:
[0014] 1. This dual-platform online laser PCB sorting and tray-loading integrated machine seamlessly connects the laser PCB sorting and tray-loading processes through an integrated design, replacing the traditional single-machine independent operation mode. The turntable rotation and dual-platform transfer structure realize automated tray circulation, avoiding efficiency loss and positioning errors caused by manual handling, significantly improving PCB sorting and tray-loading efficiency and production continuity, and meeting the needs of high-speed and high-precision electronic manufacturing.
[0015] 2. This dual-platform online laser PCB splitting and tray-stacking integrated machine adopts dual positioning technology of magnetic attraction and socketing. The tray is mechanically connected to the metal block through the support frame and reinforced by the magnetic attraction block to ensure zero displacement during the transfer and PCB splitting process. Combined with the stress-free cutting of laser PCB splitting and the visual precision positioning of the tray-stacking machine, it effectively reduces the risk of circuit board damage and improves the product yield. It is especially suitable for the processing of ultra-thin or precision circuit boards. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the transfer structure of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;
[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part B in the diagram.
[0021] In the diagram: 1. Laser PCB separator; 2. Plate sorting machine; 3. Loading platform; 4. Support 2; 5. Support 3; 6. Bracket 1; 7. L-shaped plate; 8. Bracket 2; 9. Pallet; 10. Magnetic pallet clamp; 11. Hydraulic cylinder; 12. Slider; 13. Strip hole; 14. Motor; 15. Support plate; 16. Turntable; 17. Metal block; 18. Motor 2; 19. Support frame; 20. Conveyor; 21. Limit block; 22. Magnetic block; 23. Lead screw; 24. Mounting slot. Detailed Implementation
[0022] 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.
[0023] Please see Figure 1-5 A dual-platform online laser slitting and tray-stacking integrated machine includes a laser slitting machine 1, a tray-stacking machine 2, a second support 4, a third support 5, a first bracket 6, and a second bracket 8. The first bracket 6 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the second support 4, and the laser slitting machine 1 is installed on the top plate of the first bracket 6. The third support 5 is fixedly connected to one side of the second support 4, and the second bracket 8 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the third support 5. The tray-stacking machine 2 is installed on the top plate of the second bracket 8. A loading platform 3 is fixedly connected to the side of the second support 4 away from the third support 5. A rotating structure is provided on the top surface of the second support 4, and a tray structure is placed on the rotating structure. Two sets of symmetrical transfer structures are provided on both sides of the top plate of the first bracket 6, and the transfer structures correspond to the loading platform 3 and the third support 5, respectively.
[0024] Furthermore, the rotating structure includes a second motor 18, a turntable 16, and a mounting groove 24. The second support 4 is a hollow structure, and the top surface of the second support 4 has a mounting groove 24 that extends into the interior of the second support 4. The second motor 18 is fixedly connected inside the second support 4, and the bottom surface of the main body of the second motor 18 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface inside the second support 4. The turntable 16 is inserted into the mounting groove 24, and one side of the turntable 16 inside the second support 4 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor 18. The mounting groove 24 is used to install the turntable 16, and the second motor 18 is used to rotate the turntable 16.
[0025] Furthermore, the rotating structure also includes metal blocks 17. Multiple circumferentially evenly distributed metal blocks 17 are fixedly connected to one side of the turntable 16 outside the support 2 4. The metal blocks 17 are used to install the tray structure. The tray structure rotates with the turntable 16 and is transported to the bottom of the laser PCB separator 1. The laser PCB separator 1 separates the circuit boards in the tray structure.
[0026] Furthermore, the tray structure includes a tray 9, a support frame 19, and a magnetic block 22. The support frame 19 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the tray 9. The side of the support frame 19 opposite to the opening is fixedly connected to the tray 9. The magnetic block 22 is embedded in the side of the support frame 19 opposite to the opening. The support frame 19 is sleeved and connected to the metal block 17, and the magnetic block 22 is magnetically connected to the metal block 17. The tray 9 is used to place the circuit board, and the support frame 19 is used to connect with the metal block 17 to limit the position of the tray 9. The metal block 17 is magnetically connected to the magnetic block 22 to further limit the position of the tray 9.
[0027] Furthermore, the transfer structure includes an L-shaped plate 7, a strip hole 13, and a support plate 15. L-shaped plates 7 are fixedly connected to both sides of the top plate of bracket 16. One end of one side of the L-shaped plate 7 is fixedly connected to bracket 16, and the other side of the L-shaped plate 7 faces upwards from bracket 16. The L-shaped plate 7 on one side of bracket 16 is above the loading platform 3, and the L-shaped plate 7 on the other side of bracket 16 is above support 3 5 and between bracket 16 and bracket 2 8. A support plate 15 is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of bracket 16. Strip holes 13 are opened through the sides of both L-shaped plates 7 connected to bracket 16. The strip holes 13 extend from the top plate of bracket 16 to both sides of the support plate 15. The L-shaped plates 7 and the support plate 15 are used to install the transfer structure, and the strip holes 13 are used to allow the transfer structure to slide.
[0028] Furthermore, the transfer structure also includes a motor 14, a lead screw 23, a limiting block 21, and a slider 12. The main body bottom surfaces of the two motors 14 are fixedly connected to the two sides of the support plate 15, respectively. One end of the output shaft of the support plate 15 is connected to the lead screw 23 through a coupling. The other end of the lead screw 23 is rotatably connected to the side of the L-shaped plate 7 facing the bracket 6. A threaded hole is opened through one side of the two sliders 12. The threaded holes of the two sliders 12 are threadedly connected to the lead screw 23, respectively. The side of the slider 12 opposite to the strip hole 13 is fixedly connected to the limiting block 21. The limiting block 21 is slidably connected to the strip hole 13. The motor 14 is used to rotate the lead screw 23. The strip hole 13 is slidably connected to the limiting block 21. When the lead screw 23 rotates, the slider 12 slides on the lead screw 23.
[0029] Furthermore, the transfer structure also includes a hydraulic cylinder 11 and a magnetic tray clamp 10. The hydraulic cylinder 11 is fixedly connected to the side of the limiting block 21 facing away from the slider 12. The bottom surface of the main body of the hydraulic cylinder 11 is fixedly connected to the limiting block 21. One end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 11 is connected to the magnetic tray clamp 10. The hydraulic cylinder 11 is connected to the limiting block 21 and slides with the limiting block 21. The magnetic tray clamp 10 is used to clamp the tray 9. The tray 9 containing the circuit board is first placed on the loading platform 3. The magnetic tray clamp 10 corresponding to the loading platform 3 clamps the tray 9 on the loading platform 3 and transports it to the top of the turntable 16, and places the tray 9 on the corresponding metal block 17.
[0030] Furthermore, support 3 5 is a box-shaped structure. The open end of support 3 5 is the top surface of support 3 5. A conveyor 20 is installed inside support 3 5. The transmission direction of conveyor 20 is consistent with the axis direction of lead screw 23. The magnetic pallet clamp 10 corresponding to support 3 5 picks up the pallet 9 on turntable 16 and transports it above conveyor 20. Conveyor 20 transports pallet 9 to the bottom of pallet slab 2. Pallet slab 2 arranges the circuit board inside the pallet structure. After the arrangement is completed, pallet 9 is removed from conveyor 20.
[0031] Structural Description:
[0032] Laser PCB Separator 1: Installed on the top plate of bracket 16, the specific shape depends on the model, usually a box structure, containing laser emission and control components, to perform laser cutting and separation of circuit boards in tray 9 with high precision and no stress damage;
[0033] Plate placement machine 2: Installed on the top plate of bracket 2 8, it integrates visual recognition and robotic arm structure to accurately place the separated circuit boards into tray 9 to ensure placement positioning;
[0034] Support 2 4: Hollow cuboid with a mounting groove 24 on the top surface, supporting bracket 1 6 and having a built-in motor 2 18 to bear the rotating structure;
[0035] Support 3 5: Box-shaped structure with an opening on the top surface, with a conveyor 20 installed inside, connecting the turntable 16 and the plate-swinging machine 2, and the transfer pallet 9;
[0036] Support bracket 6: A frame with legs, with the laser PCB separator 1 fixed on the top plate and L-shaped plates 7 installed on the side to provide support for the transfer structure;
[0037] Support 2 8: A frame with legs, the top plate fixes the plate-slab machine 2, and it works with support 3 5 to complete the plate-slab process;
[0038] L-shaped plate 7: An L-shaped metal plate, one side of which is fixed to bracket 6, and the other side is provided with a strip hole 13 to provide a sliding track for the transfer structure;
[0039] Loading platform 3: Flat plate structure, fixed to one side of support 2 4, for manual placement of tray 9 containing circuit boards to be separated;
[0040] Tray 9: A rectangular plate with a fixed support frame 19 on the bottom, used to support circuit boards and adapt to transportation and positioning;
[0041] Magnetic pallet clamp 10: Plate-shaped structure with an integrated magnetic suction device on the bottom surface, driven by a hydraulic cylinder 11 to clamp and transport pallet 9;
[0042] Hydraulic cylinder 11: Cylindrical cylinder body, one end connected to magnetic pallet clamp 10, to realize vertical lifting and placing of pallets;
[0043] Slider 12: Rectangular block shape, with threaded holes on the side to cooperate with lead screw 23, sliding within the strip hole 13 of L-shaped plate 7;
[0044] Strip hole 13: A long strip-shaped through hole on the side of the L-shaped plate 7, which cooperates with the limiting block 21 to limit the sliding trajectory of the slider 12;
[0045] Motor 14: Cylindrical drive device, output shaft connected to lead screw 23, drives the transverse displacement of the transfer structure;
[0046] Support plate 15: A rectangular plate, fixed to the middle of the top surface of bracket 6, supporting motor 14 and lead screw 23;
[0047] Turntable 16: A circular plate with the bottom center connected to the 18th shaft of motor 2, and metal blocks 17 evenly distributed on the top surface. The transfer pallet 9 is used to transfer the plate to the sorting station.
[0048] Metal block 17: a cylindrical or square protrusion, fixed to the top surface of turntable 16, and sleeved with tray 9 support frame 19 and magnetically fixed;
[0049] Motor 2 18: A cylindrical drive device installed inside support 2 4, which drives turntable 16 to rotate;
[0050] Support frame 19: A rectangular frame with a magnetic block 22 embedded in the open side, which is connected to the metal block 17 and the limiting tray 9.
[0051] Conveyor 20: A box-shaped structure with a built-in conveyor belt, parallel lead screw 23 axis, conveying tray 9 to the tray swivel machine 2;
[0052] Limiting block 21: Rectangular block, fixed to the side of slider 12, and slidingly engaged with strip hole 13 for guidance;
[0053] Magnetic block 22: a square or round magnet, embedded in the inner wall of the support frame 19, and magnetically fixed to the tray with the metal block 17;
[0054] Lead screw 23: A long screw with motor 14 and L-shaped plate 7 connected at both ends, converting rotational motion into linear motion of the slider;
[0055] Mounting slot 24: The top surface of support 24 has a circular through hole to accommodate turntable 16 and ensure its vertical rotation and positioning.
[0056] Working principle: The operator places the tray 9 containing the circuit boards to be separated onto the loading platform 3. At this time, the magnetic tray clamp 10 on the side of the loading platform 3 in the transfer structure starts to work. The motor 14 drives the lead screw 23 to rotate. Through the limiting cooperation between the slider 12 and the strip hole 13, the magnetic tray clamp 10 is driven to slide laterally along the L-shaped plate 7 to directly above the loading platform 3. The hydraulic cylinder 11 drives the magnetic tray clamp 10 to descend vertically. Using the magnetic attraction principle, the tray 9 is attracted and lifted to the initial position. The slider 12 slides in the opposite direction, transporting the tray 9 to above the turntable 16. The hydraulic cylinder 11 descends, causing the support frame 19 of the tray 9 to engage with the metal block 17 on the turntable 16. The magnetic block 22 is magnetically attracted and fixed to the metal block 17, completing the tray loading. After the tray 9 is positioned, the rotating structure starts. The motor 18 drives the turntable 16 to rotate, transferring the tray 9 to the work station below the laser PCB separator 1. The laser PCB separator 1, based on the preset cutting path, cuts the circuit boards in the tray 9... The circuit board is cut into independent small boards using high-precision non-contact cutting. After cutting, the turntable 16 continues to rotate, transporting the separated tray 9 to another workstation. The transfer structure on the other side is activated, and the magnetic tray clamp 10 repeats the above-mentioned lateral sliding and lifting actions to pick up the separated tray 9 from the turntable 16 and transport it to the conveyor 20 above the support 3 5. The conveyor 20 runs along the axial direction of the lead screw 23, sending the tray 9 to the designated position below the tray placement machine 2. The tray placement machine 2 locates the circuit board position through a vision recognition system. The robotic arm, in conjunction with a special clamp, accurately places the separated small boards into the tray 9 according to a preset array, ensuring the positioning accuracy during component mounting. After tray placement is completed, the conveyor 20 runs in reverse, removing the tray 9 from the equipment for manual or subsequent automated system removal. When the tray 9 on one turntable 16 is being laser separated, the transfer structure on the other side can simultaneously perform the loading action of the loading platform 3 or the unloading action of the conveyor 20, reducing equipment idle time.
[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A dual-platform online laser slab separating and tray-stacking integrated machine, comprising a laser slab separating machine (1), a tray-stacking machine (2), a second support (4), a third support (5), a first bracket (6), and a second bracket (8), wherein the first bracket (6) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the second support (4), the laser slab separating machine (1) is mounted on the top plate of the first bracket (6), the third support (5) is fixedly connected to one side of the second support (4), the second bracket (8) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the third support (5), and the tray-stacking machine (2) is mounted on the top plate of the second bracket (8), characterized in that: The support two (4) is fixedly connected to the loading platform (3) on the side away from the support three (5). The top surface of the support two (4) is provided with a rotating structure, and a tray structure is placed on the rotating structure. The top plate of the support one (6) is provided with two sets of symmetrical transfer structures on both sides, and the transfer structures correspond to the loading platform (3) and the support three (5) respectively.
2. The dual stage on-line laser dicing and die bonding machine of claim 1, wherein: The rotating structure includes a second motor (18), a turntable (16), and a mounting groove (24). The second support (4) is a hollow structure. The top surface of the second support (4) is provided with a mounting groove (24), which extends into the interior of the second support (4). The second motor (18) is fixedly connected inside the second support (4). The bottom surface of the main body of the second motor (18) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface inside the second support (4). The turntable (16) is inserted into the mounting groove (24). One side of the turntable (16) inside the second support (4) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor (18).
3. The dual stage on-line laser dicing and die bonding machine of claim 2, wherein: The rotating structure also includes metal blocks (17), and the turntable (16) has multiple circumferentially evenly distributed metal blocks (17) fixedly connected to one side of the support (4) outside the support.
4. The dual stage on-line laser dicing and die bonding machine of claim 3, wherein: The tray structure includes a tray (9), a support frame (19), and a magnetic block (22). The bottom surface of the tray (9) is fixedly connected to the support frame (19). The side of the support frame (19) facing away from the opening is fixedly connected to the tray (9). The side of the support frame (19) opposite to the opening is inlaid with the magnetic block (22). The support frame (19) is sleeved and connected to the metal block (17), and the magnetic block (22) is magnetically connected to the metal block (17).
5. The dual stage on-line laser dicing and die bonding machine of claim 1, wherein: The transfer structure includes an L-shaped plate (7), a strip hole (13), and a support plate (15). The top plate of the first bracket (6) is fixedly connected to both sides of the L-shaped plate (7). One end of one side of the L-shaped plate (7) is fixedly connected to the first bracket (6), and the other side of the L-shaped plate (7) faces the top of the first bracket (6). The L-shaped plate (7) on one side of the first bracket (6) is above the loading platform (3), and the L-shaped plate (7) on the other side of the first bracket (6) is above the third support (5) and between the first bracket (6) and the second bracket (8). The support plate (15) is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the first bracket (6). The two L-shaped plates (7) are connected to the first bracket (6) on one side, and a strip hole (13) is opened through them. The strip hole (13) extends from the top plate of the first bracket (6) to both sides of the support plate (15).
6. The dual stage on-line laser dicing and die bonding machine of claim 5, wherein: The transfer structure also includes a motor (14), a lead screw (23), a limiting block (21), and a slider (12). The bottom surfaces of the main bodies of the two motors (14) are fixedly connected to the two sides of the support plate (15). One end of the output shaft of the support plate (15) is connected to the lead screw (23) through a coupling. The other end of the lead screw (23) is rotatably connected to the side of the L-shaped plate (7) facing the bracket (6). A threaded hole is opened through one side of the two sliders (12). The threaded holes of the two sliders (12) are threadedly connected to the lead screw (23) respectively. The side of the slider (12) opposite to the strip hole (13) is fixedly connected to the limiting block (21). The limiting block (21) is slidably connected to the strip hole (13).
7. The dual stage on-line laser dicing and die bonding machine of claim 6, wherein: The transfer structure also includes a hydraulic cylinder (11) and a magnetic tray clamp (10). The side of the limiting block (21) facing away from the slider (12) is fixedly connected to the hydraulic cylinder (11). The bottom surface of the main body of the hydraulic cylinder (11) is fixedly connected to the limiting block (21). One end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (11) is connected to the magnetic tray clamp (10).
8. The dual stage on-line laser dicing and die bonding machine of claim 1, wherein: The support three (5) is a box-shaped structure. The open end of the support three (5) is the top surface of the support three (5). A conveyor (20) is installed inside the support three (5). The transmission direction of the conveyor (20) is consistent with the axial direction of the lead screw (23).