A stacking mechanism

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of material conveying technology and discloses a stacking mechanism. This stacking mechanism is used for loading and unloading material carriers, specifically including a frame, a drive component, and a limiting component. The frame has a space for accommodating the material carrier; the drive component is located outside the space and connected to the frame; the limiting component includes a limiting member rotatably connected to the frame; the limiting member is used to rotate to a first preset angle and then reset and support the material carrier, allowing the material carrier to unload; or, the limiting member is used to rotate to a second preset angle and then release the support on the material carrier, allowing the material carrier to load; wherein, the drive component is used to drive the material carrier to drive the limiting member to rotate, or directly drive the limiting member to rotate. This utility model avoids interference problems with the material carrier and improves the flexibility and compactness of the limiting structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of material conveying technology, and in particular to a stacking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the automated manufacturing process of the 3C electronics industry, the efficient and reliable loading and unloading of parts trays is a key link to ensure production efficiency and product quality.

[0003] Depending on the tray structure, the trays typically need to be stacked one by one during the unloading process, and then removed one by one during the loading process. This process often requires a stacking mechanism to reduce manual intervention and improve the efficiency of unloading and loading.

[0004] Traditional stacking mechanisms often employ a center-driven layout, where the lifting cylinder or motor is located in the central area of ​​the equipment frame. While this design facilitates power transmission, the tray and the workpiece it carries are prone to mechanical interference with the drive cylinder during the lifting or lowering of the tray from the bottom. This risk of interference increases significantly, especially when the tray is large or multiple layers need to be stacked. Furthermore, existing tray positioning methods often rely on complex mechanical adjustments or combinations of various components such as U-shaped frame supports, pull-out slides, and enclosure assemblies. This not only results in a cumbersome mechanism and large space occupation but also makes adjustments inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a stacking mechanism for material carriers to avoid interference problems of material carriers, while improving the flexibility and compactness of the limiting structure.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A stacking mechanism for loading and unloading material carriers, comprising:

[0008] The frame has space for accommodating the material carrier;

[0009] A drive unit is located outside the space and connected to the frame;

[0010] A limiting assembly includes a limiting member rotatably connected to the frame; the limiting member is used to rotate to a first preset angle and then reset and support the material carrier to allow the material carrier to unload; or, the limiting member is used to rotate to a second preset angle and then release the support on the material carrier to allow the material carrier to load.

[0011] The driving component is used to drive the material carrier to drive the limiting component to rotate, or to directly drive the limiting component to rotate.

[0012] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the limiting member includes a rotating part rotatably connected to the frame and a support part for extending into the space, the support part being used to support the material carrier.

[0013] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the rotating part and the supporting part are arranged at an obtuse angle or a right angle.

[0014] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the end of the support portion away from the rotating portion is rounded.

[0015] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the limiting component further includes a mounting base connected to the frame, and the rotating part is rotatably connected to the mounting base.

[0016] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the limiting member has an abutment portion at the end away from the support portion, and when the limiting member is reset, the abutment portion abuts against the mounting base.

[0017] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the stacking mechanism further includes a first pad block, which is detachably disposed at the driving end of the driving member. The first pad block is used to push the material carrier during the feeding stage. The material carrier has a mating edge that slides in contact with the limiting member. A first distance is formed between the first pad block and the mating edge, and the first distance is not equal to 0.

[0018] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the stacking mechanism further includes a second pad block, which is detachably disposed at the driving end of the driving member. The second pad block is used to remove the material carrier during the feeding stage. The material carrier has a mating edge that slides in contact with the limiting member. The sidewall of the second pad block is aligned with or partially protrudes from the mating edge.

[0019] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, the limiting component further includes an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the frame and the other end of which abuts against the limiting element. The elastic element is used to drive the limiting element to reset.

[0020] As an alternative to the stacking mechanism, a plurality of the limiting components are distributed circumferentially along the frame.

[0021] Beneficial effects:

[0022] In this invention, the frame forms a central space for accommodating stackable material carriers. By placing the drive unit outside the frame, the problem of interference between the drive end of the drive unit and the material carrier in the prior art can be effectively solved. The limiting component in the limiting assembly supports the core structure of the material carrier. The limiting component is rotatably connected to the frame, and the loading and unloading of the material carrier is achieved through the rotation of the limiting component. During the unloading process, a single material carrier is first placed on the drive end of the drive unit. This drive end supports the material carrier and lifts it from the bottom of the space. As the material carrier moves upward and contacts the limiting component, it can compress the limiting component, causing it to rotate a first preset angle. When the limiting component reaches the first preset angle, it rotates in the opposite direction to reset, thus supporting the material carrier. At this time, the drive end of the drive unit resets and waits for the next material carrier. During the unloading process, material carriers need to be stacked layer by layer. When the first set of material carriers is supported by the limiting component, the second set of material carriers is further placed on the driving end of the driving component. The driving component lifts the second set of material carriers from the bottom of the space upwards. The second set of material carriers moves upwards and contacts the limiting component, squeezing the limiting component and causing it to rotate by a first preset angle. When the limiting component reaches the first preset angle, it rotates in the opposite direction to reset, thus supporting the second set of material carriers. In this process, the second set of material carriers supports the first set of material carriers, further preventing multiple sets of material carriers from being stacked, thus forming a layer-by-layer unloading process. During the loading process, the driving end of the driving component first rises and squeezes the limiting component, causing it to rotate. When it rotates to the second preset angle, it releases the support for the bottom layer of material carriers. At this time, the driving end of the driving component begins to support the material carriers and moves downwards, thereby removing the material carriers. Since the material carrier loading process involves picking up materials one by one, after the drive end moves downward and brings out the bottom layer of material carrier, the limiting component automatically resets and continues to support the adjacent layers of material carriers. Through the reciprocating movement of the drive end of the drive component, the multi-layer stacked material carriers can be removed one by one from the bottom of the space, thus forming a layer-by-layer loading process. In this invention, the movement of a single component—the limiting component—not only achieves the stacking and unloading of material carriers but also the sequential unloading of multiple layers of material carriers. The overall structure is simple, compact, and highly flexible. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the material carrier stacking mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the material carrier being stacked onto the stacking mechanism according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting component provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the material carrier being stacked onto the stacking mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion at point A;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting member provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 This utility model embodiment provides a diagram showing the movement and positional relationship between the limiting component and the material carrier during the feeding process;

[0030] Figure 8 This utility model embodiment provides a diagram showing the movement and positional relationship between the limiting component and the material carrier during the feeding process.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 10. Stacking mechanism;

[0033] 100. Material carrier; 110. Mating edge;

[0034] 1. Frame; 11. Space; 12. Base; 13. Connecting plate;

[0035] 2. Driving components;

[0036] 3. Limiting component; 31. Limiting element; 311. Rotating part; 312. Supporting part; 313. Abutting part; 32. Mounting base; 33. Elastic element; 4. First pad; 5. Second pad. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0041] Please see the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 3 This embodiment relates to a stacking mechanism 10, which is used for loading and unloading material carriers 100. Specifically, it includes a frame 1, a driving member 2, and a limiting component 3. The frame 1 has a space 11 for accommodating the material carrier 100; the driving member 2 is located outside the space 11 and connected to the frame 1; the limiting component 3 includes a limiting member 31 rotatably connected to the frame 1; the limiting member 31 is used to rotate to a first preset angle and then reset and support the material carrier 100 to allow the material carrier 100 to unload; or, the limiting member 31 is used to rotate to a second preset angle and then release the support on the material carrier 100 to allow the material carrier 100 to load; wherein, the driving member 2 is used to drive the material carrier 100 to drive the limiting member 31 to rotate, or directly drive the limiting member 31 to rotate.

[0042] Specifically, the frame 1 is a cuboid frame structure, wherein a space 11 for accommodating stackable material carriers 100 is formed in the center of the cuboid frame structure. The frame 1 includes two opposing bases 12, each base 12 being a plate, and the two bases 12 are connected at the front and rear positions by connecting plates 13.

[0043] The material carrier 100 is a tray, which is a pallet for placing materials in order. The material carrier 100 is not only used to place electronic components of 3C products, but can also be used to place other parts. This application does not limit the specific scope of use of the material carrier 100.

[0044] The driving component 2 can be a linear motor or a hydraulic cylinder capable of outputting linear motion. The driving component 2 is fixed on the outer wall of the base 12. By setting the driving component 2 outside the frame 1, the problem of interference between the driving end of the driving component 2 and the material carrier 100 in the prior art can be effectively solved.

[0045] Furthermore, the limiting component 3 is disposed on the connecting plate 13. Multiple limiting components 3 can be disposed on the same connecting plate 13. The multiple limiting components 3 can be distributed along the circumference of the frame 1 to achieve multi-point support for the material carrier 100, thereby ensuring the reliability of the support. In this embodiment, two limiting components 3 are disposed at intervals on the same connecting plate 13.

[0046] The limiting component 31 in the limiting assembly 3 is the core structure supporting the material carrier 100. The limiting component 31 is rotatably connected to the frame 1, and participates in the loading and unloading process of the material carrier 100 through the rotation of the limiting component 31.

[0047] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the unloading process of the material carrier 100 refers to the process of stacking the material carrier 100 sequentially from bottom to top to form a neat pile, and preparing for subsequent loading; the loading process of the material carrier 100 refers to the process of taking out the stacked multi-layer material carriers 100 one by one from the bottom layer and placing them on the conveyor belt to be transported to the next assembly station.

[0048] In this embodiment, the feeding process first places a single material carrier 100 on the driving end of the driving member 2. The driving end is used to support the material carrier 100 and lift the material carrier 100 from the bottom of the space 11 upwards. The material carrier 100 moves upwards and contacts the limiting member 31. By squeezing the limiting member 31, the limiting member 31 is rotated to a first preset angle. Usually, the first preset angle does not exceed 90°. When the limiting member 31 reaches the first preset angle, the limiting member 31 will rotate in the opposite direction to reset, thereby achieving support for the material carrier 100. At this time, the driving end of the driving member 2 resets and waits for the next material carrier 100. During the material feeding process, the material carriers 100 need to be stacked layer by layer. When the first set of material carriers 100 is supported by the limiting member 31, the second set of material carriers 100 is placed at the driving end of the driving member 2. The driving member 2 lifts the second set of material carriers 100 from the bottom of the space 11 upwards. The second set of material carriers 100 moves upwards and contacts the limiting member 31, squeezing the limiting member 31 and causing it to rotate by a first preset angle. When the limiting member 31 reaches the first preset angle, it rotates in the opposite direction to reset, thereby supporting the second set of material carriers 100. In this process, the second set of material carriers 100 moves upwards and supports the first set of material carriers 100. Multiple sets of material carriers 100 are gradually stacked in this manner, finally forming a layered material pile.

[0049] In this embodiment, the feeding process begins with the drive end of the drive component 2 rising and pressing the limiting component 31, causing the limiting component 31 to rotate. When it rotates to a second preset angle, it releases the support for the bottommost material carrier 100. At this point, the drive end of the drive component 2 begins to contact and support the material carrier 100. As the drive end falls, the material carrier 100 is removed. Since the feeding process of the material carrier 100 is a one-by-one removal process, after the drive end moves downward and takes out the bottommost material carrier 100, the limiting component 31 automatically resets and continues to support and remove the material carriers 100 of the adjacent layers. Through the reciprocating movement of the drive end of the drive component 2, the multi-layer stacked material carriers 100 can be removed one by one from the bottom of the space 11, forming a layer-by-layer loading process.

[0050] Of course, the second preset angle can be the same as or different from the first preset angle, and is usually less than 90 degrees.

[0051] It should be noted that in the sequentially stacked adjacent material carriers 100, the lower-layer material carrier 100 needs to support the upper-layer material carrier 100. In this embodiment, four pressure-bearing members are set near the four corners of the material carrier 100. The pressure-bearing members can be rigid support column structures. The four pressure-bearing members not only support the material carrier 100, but also create a certain gap between the stacked material carriers 100. During the material unloading process, this gap ensures that the limiting member 31 returns to this gap, thereby allowing the driving member 2 to smoothly carry away the bottommost material carrier 100, realizing the sequential unloading of the material carriers 100.

[0052] In this embodiment, the movement of a single component—the limiting member 31—not only enables the stacking and unloading of the material carrier 100, but also enables the sequential unloading of multiple layers of material carriers 100. The overall structure is simple, compact, and highly flexible.

[0053] Please see the appendix Figure 4 -Appendix Figure 6 Optionally, the limiting member 31 includes a rotating part 311 rotatably connected to the frame 1 and a support part 312 for extending into the space 11, the support part 312 for supporting the material carrier 100.

[0054] Specifically, the limiting member 31 is a plate-like structure. One end of the limiting member 31 forms a rotating part 311 with a hinge hole, through which it is rotatably connected to the frame 1. The other end forms a support part 312, which can extend into the space 11 in its initial position to support the material carrier 100. The side wall of the support part 312 is a flat surface for contact with the bottom wall of the material carrier 100, achieving a stable support effect.

[0055] In this embodiment, the rotating part 311 and the supporting part 312 are arranged at an obtuse angle or a right angle. The rotating part 311 and the supporting part 312 can form a V-shaped structure. Since the supporting part 312 needs to withstand great pressure, the connection between the supporting part 312 and the rotating part 311 is a weak point in terms of strength. Increasing the included angle between the two helps to alleviate the stress concentration problem in the weak point. Therefore, the angle between the rotating part 311 and the supporting part 312 is greater than 90°. In addition, the rotating part 311 and the supporting part 312 are arranged at an angle, which can appropriately reduce the first preset angle and the second preset angle, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of loading and unloading.

[0056] Optionally, the end of the support portion 312 away from the rotating portion 311 is rounded.

[0057] In this embodiment, a convex arc transition or rounded corner is formed at the end of the support portion 312, which can increase the strength of the support portion 312. In addition, since the material carrier 100 also slides relative to the support portion 312 during the compression process, the arc surface or rounded corner is also conducive to the relative sliding between the two, reducing the wear of the support portion 312.

[0058] Optionally, the limiting component 3 also includes a mounting base 32, which is connected to the frame 1, and the rotating part 311 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 32.

[0059] In this embodiment, a limiting groove is formed on the connecting plate 13, and the mounting base 32 is partially disposed within the limiting groove. The mounting base 32 is threadedly connected to the connecting plate 13. The rotating part 311 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 32 via a shoulder screw. The shoulder screw not only enables the rotating part 311 to rotate but also withstands a large shear force. When the limiting member 31 supports the material carrier 100, the supporting part 312 on the limiting member 31 is subjected to significant pressure, resulting in a relatively large shear force at the hinge position of the rotating part 311. Therefore, a shoulder screw is used to withstand this large shear force.

[0060] Optionally, the limiting member 31 has an abutment portion 313 at the end away from the support portion 312, and when the limiting member 31 is reset, the abutment portion 313 abuts against the mounting base 32.

[0061] Specifically, when the support part 312 is subjected to a large pressure from the material carrier 100, a certain force is required at the other end of the limiting member 31 to keep the limiting member 31 in balance. Therefore, an abutment part 313 is formed at the end of the limiting member 31 away from the support part 312. The abutment part 313 abuts against the mounting base 32. The reaction force applied by the mounting base 32 to the abutment part 313 and the pressure on the support part 312 form a torque balance, thereby maintaining the stability of the limiting member 31 support.

[0062] Optionally, the limiting component 3 also includes an elastic element 33, one end of which is connected to the frame 1 and the other end of which abuts against the limiting component 31. The elastic element 33 is used to drive the limiting component 31 to reset.

[0063] Specifically, the elastic element 33 is a spring pin, fixed to the mounting base 32, and its elastic extension end abuts against the limiting element 31. When the elastic element 33 moves to a first preset angle, it can push the limiting element 31 to rotate in the opposite direction and reset. Of course, when the support part 312 of the limiting element 31 is in a free state, the elastic element 33 can also push the limiting element 31 to reset through elastic action.

[0064] The elastic element 33 can also adopt other elastic structures, such as springs.

[0065] Optionally, the stacking mechanism 10 further includes a first pad 4, which is detachably disposed at the drive end of the drive member 2. The first pad 4 is used to push the material carrier 100 during the feeding stage. The material carrier 100 has a mating edge 110 that slides in contact with the limiting member 31. A first distance is formed between the first pad 4 and the mating edge 110, and the first distance is not equal to 0.

[0066] Please see the appendix Figure 7 In this embodiment, the first pad 4 and the limiting member 31 can be directly opposite or partially opposite each other. During the material feeding stage, the first pad 4 is fixed to the driving end of the driving member 2. There are many ways to detachably connect the first pad 4 and the driving end of the driving member 2, including but not limited to threaded connection, plug-in, snap-fit, or magnetic connection. By forming a first distance between the mating edge 110 and the first pad 4, the limiting member 31 can avoid interfering with the first pad 4 when resetting, thus limiting the free reset of the limiting member 31 by the action of the elastic member 33.

[0067] Of course, in another embodiment, the limiting member 31 and the first pad 4 can be misaligned so that even if the first distance is equal to 0, the limiting member 31 and the first pad 4 will not interfere with each other.

[0068] Optionally, the stacking mechanism 10 further includes a second pad 5, which is detachably disposed at the drive end of the drive member 2. The second pad 5 is used to remove the material carrier 100 during the feeding stage. The material carrier 100 has a mating edge 110 that slides in contact with the limiting member 31. The sidewall of the second pad 5 is aligned with or partially protrudes from the mating edge 110.

[0069] Please see the appendix Figure 8 In this embodiment, the second pad 5 and the limiting member 31 can be opposite or partially opposite each other. During the feeding stage, the second pad 5 is fixed to the driving end of the driving member 2. There are many ways to detachably connect the second pad 5 and the driving end of the driving member 2, including but not limited to threaded connection, plug-in, snap-fit, or magnetic connection. As the second pad 5 gradually moves upward and squeezes the limiting member 31 to make it rotate, when it rotates to the second preset angle, since the sidewall of the second pad 5 is aligned with or partially protrudes from the mating edge 110, the driving member 2 can smoothly carry away the second pad 5 and the material carrier 100 on the second pad 5. After the material carrier 100 on the second pad 5 is completely separated from the limiting member 31, the limiting member 31 is free to reset under the action of the elastic member 33.

[0070] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A stacking mechanism for loading and unloading material carriers, characterized in that, include: The frame has space for accommodating the material carrier; A drive unit is located outside the space and connected to the frame; A limiting assembly includes a limiting member rotatably connected to the frame; the limiting member is used to rotate to a first preset angle and then reset and support the material carrier to allow the material carrier to unload; or, the limiting member is used to rotate to a second preset angle and then release the support on the material carrier to allow the material carrier to load. The driving component is used to drive the material carrier to drive the limiting component to rotate, or to directly drive the limiting component to rotate.

2. The stacking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member includes a rotating part that is rotatably connected to the frame and a support part that extends into the space, the support part being used to support the material carrier.

3. The stacking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating part and the supporting part are arranged at an obtuse angle or a right angle.

4. The stacking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the support portion away from the rotating portion is rounded.

5. The stacking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting component also includes a mounting base, which is connected to the frame, and the rotating part is rotatably connected to the mounting base.

6. The stacking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting member has an abutting portion at the end away from the support portion, and when the limiting member is reset, the abutting portion abuts against the mounting base.

7. The stacking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The stacking mechanism further includes a first pad block, which is detachably disposed at the driving end of the driving member. The first pad block is used to push the material carrier during the feeding stage. The material carrier has a mating edge that slides in contact with the limiting member. A first distance is formed between the first pad block and the mating edge, and the first distance is not equal to 0.

8. The stacking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The stacking mechanism further includes a second pad, which is detachably disposed at the drive end of the drive member. The second pad is used to remove the material carrier during the feeding stage. The material carrier has a mating edge that slides in contact with the limiting member. The sidewall of the second pad is aligned with or partially protrudes from the mating edge.

9. The stacking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The limiting component also includes an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the frame and the other end of which abuts against the limiting component. The elastic element is used to drive the limiting component to reset.

10. The stacking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The plurality of the limiting components are distributed circumferentially along the frame.

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