Tray automatic replacement device and automated equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a tray automatic replacement device and an automatic device, the tray automatic replacement device comprising a frame structure, a lifting structure and a pushing structure. The frame structure has a first operation table, a second operation table and a plurality of supporting members. The second operation table is located below the first operation table, and a tray accommodating cavity is formed therebetween. The first operation table is provided with a tray lifting groove communicating with the cavity. The frame structure further comprises a limiting assembly fixed to the first operation table for storing trays. The pushing structure is connected to the edge of the first operation table for pushing the trays into the tray lifting groove. The lifting structure is fixed to the second operation table and comprises a motor and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly supports the vertical movement of the trays along the lifting groove. The device cooperates with the pushing and lifting structures to realize automatic transmission and stacking of the trays, avoids manual errors, ensures orderly production, improves the compactness of the structure, and can also cooperate with a mechanical hand to arrange the workpieces, reduces manual intervention, and improves production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of production equipment, and in particular to an automatic tray changing device and automated equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional production models, operations such as changing, conveying, and stacking material trays are mostly done manually. Specifically, when processing batches of parts, operators must manually clamp the parts to be processed onto the tray and then place the tray in the designated position on the processing equipment. For stacked trays, manual separation or stacking is also required to save storage space or meet continuous production needs. In addition, manual operation is labor-intensive, requires a large number of operators, which not only increases production costs but may also lead to inaccurate tray positioning due to human error, affecting processing accuracy and even causing damage to parts.

[0003] However, existing tray changing equipment employs numerous complex mechanical structures and precision control systems to achieve accurate tray replacement, conveying, and stacking, resulting in high costs as a primary concern. Furthermore, the complex structure increases the difficulty of installation, commissioning, and maintenance. Installation requires precise operation by professional personnel, and troubleshooting and repair during operation are time-consuming and labor-intensive, further increasing production and maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a compact automatic tray changing device and automation equipment that can reduce production costs.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic tray changing device includes a frame structure, a lifting structure, and a pushing structure. The frame structure includes a first operating table, a second operating table, and multiple supporting members. The multiple supporting members are respectively connected to the first operating table and the second operating table. The second operating table is located below the first operating table. A tray receiving cavity is formed between the first operating table and the second operating table. The lifting structure is fixed to the second operating table. The first operating table has a tray lifting groove, which communicates with the tray receiving cavity.

[0007] The frame structure also includes a limiting component, which is fixed to the first operating table. The pushing structure is connected to the edge of the first operating table. The limiting component includes two limiting rods and multiple limiting elements. The two limiting rods are axially symmetrically arranged on the first operating table along the length extension direction of the first operating table. Each limiting rod is vertically connected to at least one limiting element. The limiting component is used to store a material tray, and the pushing structure is used to push the material tray to the material tray lifting groove.

[0008] The lifting structure includes a motor assembly and a lifting assembly. The motor assembly is connected to the second operating platform, and the lifting assembly is connected to the power output end of the motor assembly. The lifting assembly is used to support the material tray to move vertically along the material tray lifting groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, the lifting assembly includes a threaded screw, a lifting connecting bearing, and a material tray abutment. The threaded screw is connected to the lifting end of the motor assembly, one end of the threaded screw is connected to the lifting connecting bearing, and the lifting connecting bearing is connected to the material tray abutment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the lifting connecting bearing has a first circular through hole, and one end of the threaded screw abuts against the first circular through hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, the tray abutment is a square tray abutment, which is used to support the tray to move vertically along the tray lifting groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second operating table has a threaded through hole, and the threaded screw passes through the threaded through hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the motor assembly includes a fixed base and a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the fixed base, which is fixed to the second operating table. The drive end of the drive motor is threadedly connected to the threaded screw, and the threaded screw is rotatably connected to the lifting connection bearing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fixed base has multiple fixing through holes for fasteners to be inserted.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pushing structure includes a fixing member, a push-pull rod, and a stroke cylinder. The fixing member is connected to the first operating table and has a second circular through hole. One end of the push-pull rod is connected to the stroke cylinder, and the other end of the push-pull rod is used to push the material tray. The stroke cylinder is connected to the fixing member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the limiting member has a right-angle limiting groove that is adapted to the outer contour of the tray.

[0017] This application also provides an automated device, including a robotic arm and an automatic tray changing device as described in any embodiment.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages:

[0019] The aforementioned automatic tray changing device enables automatic transfer and stacking of trays on the first operating table through the coordinated operation of the pushing and lifting structures. This avoids errors caused by manual stacking, ensures orderly production, and improves the structural compactness of the automatic tray changing device. It can also work with robotic arms in automated production equipment to place workpieces on trays, thereby achieving automatic tray changing and stacking, further reducing manual intervention and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic tray changing device according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the automatic tray changing device shown;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural design of the frame structure.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the lifting structure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure.

[0026] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] To better understand the technical solutions and beneficial effects of this disclosure, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments:

[0029] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure of an automatic tray changing device 10 includes a frame structure 100, a lifting structure 200, and a pushing structure 300. The frame structure 100 includes a first operating table 110, a second operating table 120, and a plurality of support members 130. The plurality of support members 130 are respectively connected to the first operating table 110 and the second operating table 120. The second operating table 120 is located below the first operating table 110. A tray receiving cavity 1201 is formed between the first operating table 110 and the second operating table 120. The lifting structure 200 is fixed to the second operating table 120. The first operating table 110 has a tray lifting groove 1101, which is connected to the tray receiving cavity 1201.

[0030] The frame structure 100 also includes a limiting component 140, which is fixed to the first operating table 110. The pushing structure 300 is connected to the edge of the first operating table 110. The limiting component 140 includes two limiting rods 141 and multiple limiting elements 142. The two limiting rods 141 are axially symmetrically arranged on the first operating table 110 along the length extension direction of the first operating table 110. Each limiting rod 141 is vertically connected to at least one limiting element 142. The limiting component 140 is used to store the material tray, and the pushing structure 300 is used to push the material tray to the material tray lifting groove 1101.

[0031] The lifting structure 200 includes a motor assembly 210 and a lifting assembly 220. The motor assembly 210 is connected to the second operating table 120, and the lifting assembly 220 is connected to the power output end of the motor assembly 210. The lifting assembly 220 is used to support the material tray to move vertically along the material tray lifting groove 1101.

[0032] In this embodiment, in the initial state, the motor assembly 210 drives the lifting assembly 220 to its highest point. The tray of the lifting assembly 220 is flush with the first operating table 110, ensuring that the empty tray can be smoothly pushed from the limiting assembly 140 by the pushing structure 300 to the tray lifting groove 1101, so that the empty tray is placed on the tray of the lifting assembly 220. In addition, the empty tray waiting area can hold multiple trays with aluminum profile edging and aluminum plate support, and plastic trays are placed inside. The waiting area is designed with a tube position to limit the push of only the bottom tray at a time, avoiding stacking chaos. Furthermore, the pushing cylinder is in a retracted state, waiting for a signal to trigger before performing the pushing action.

[0033] When the equipment receives the start signal from the control system, the pushing structure 300 pushes the bottom empty tray from the limiting component 140 to above the tray lifting groove 1101. At this time, the robotic arm of the automated equipment and the automatic tray changing device 10 work together to place the workpiece into the tray. After the lifting component 220 above the tray lifting groove 1101 is full of workpieces, the control system sends a signal, and the motor component 210 drives the lifting component 220 to descend, so that the tray descends along the tray lifting groove 1101 by one tray thickness. Then, the pushing structure 300 pushes the second empty tray from the limiting component 140 to above the tray lifting groove 1101 and stacks it on top of the first full tray. Finally, the control system continues to send a working signal, and the automatic tray changing device 10 repeats the above process to complete the automatic replacement and stacking of trays until all empty trays are placed.

[0034] The aforementioned automatic tray changing device 10, through the coordinated operation of the pushing structure and the lifting structure, enables the automatic transfer and stacking of trays on the first operating table 110, avoiding errors caused by manual stacking, ensuring the orderly progress of the production process, and improving the structural compactness of the automatic tray changing device 10. At the same time, it can cooperate with the robotic arm in the automated production equipment to place workpieces on trays, so as to realize the automatic changing and stacking of trays, thereby further reducing manual intervention and improving production efficiency.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the lifting assembly 220 includes a threaded screw 221, a lifting connecting bearing 222, and a tray abutment 223. The threaded screw 221 is connected to the lifting end of the motor assembly 210, and one end of the threaded screw 221 is connected to the lifting connecting bearing 222, which is connected to the tray abutment 223. In this embodiment, when the motor assembly 210 drives the threaded screw 221 to rotate, the precise fit of the threads converts the rotational motion into precise linear motion, allowing the lifting connecting bearing 222 to move vertically and stably along the threaded screw 221, avoiding problems such as tray jamming and tilting caused by inaccurate lifting. The lifting connecting bearing 222, as the connecting component between the threaded screw 221 and the tray abutment 223, can accurately transmit the linear motion of the threaded screw 221 to the tray abutment 223. The tray abutment 223 is in direct contact with the tray. The surface of the tray abutment 223 can be made of anti-slip material or designed with anti-slip texture to increase the friction between it and the tray, preventing the tray from sliding or shifting during lifting. At the same time, the shape and size of the tray abutment 223 can be customized according to different specifications of trays to ensure that it can fit tightly against the bottom of the tray, evenly distribute the weight of the tray, and improve the stability of the tray placed on the tray abutment 223.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the lifting connecting bearing 222 has a first circular through hole 2201, and one end of the threaded screw 221 abuts against the first circular through hole 2201. In this embodiment, the precise fit between the first circular through hole 2201 and one end of the threaded screw 221 ensures a tight fit between them. When the motor assembly 210 drives the threaded screw 221 to rotate, the abutting relationship allows the rotational power to be transmitted to the lifting connecting bearing 222 efficiently and stably, avoiding power loss or inaccurate transmission due to loose connection. This ensures that the lifting connecting bearing 222 can perform precise vertical lifting and lowering movements according to the rotation angle and number of turns of the threaded screw 221, thereby driving the tray abutment 223 and the tray to achieve precise lifting and lowering operations.

[0037] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the tray abutment 223 is a square tray abutment 223, which supports the vertical movement of the tray along the tray lifting groove 1101. In this embodiment, the square design makes the contact surface between the tray abutment 223 and the tray planar. Compared with some irregular or circular contact surfaces, planar contact provides more stable support. During the tray lifting process, the square tray abutment 223 can evenly distribute the weight of the tray, preventing the tray from tilting or shaking due to uneven force, providing a precise reference for subsequent workpiece placement and tray stacking, and ensuring the accuracy and stability of the entire production process.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the second operating table 120 has a threaded through hole 1202, through which the threaded screw 221 passes. In this embodiment, the threaded through hole 1202 provides a precise guide channel for the threaded screw 221. When the motor assembly 210 drives the threaded screw 221 to rotate, the threaded screw 221 moves vertically along the threaded trajectory of the threaded through hole 1202. The precise guiding effect ensures that the threaded screw 221 can only move in a predetermined vertical direction, avoiding inaccurate transmission caused by screw wobbling or deviation. At the same time, the threads of the threaded through hole 1202 and the threads of the threaded screw 221 cooperate with each other to form a stable transmission mechanism, thereby efficiently and stably converting the rotational motion of the motor assembly 210 into the linear motion of the threaded screw 221, thus ensuring that the lifting assembly 220 drives the material tray to perform precise vertical lifting operations.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the motor assembly 210 includes a fixed base 211 and a drive motor 212. The drive motor 212 is connected to the fixed base 211, which is fixed to the second operating table 120. The drive end of the drive motor 212 is threadedly connected to a threaded screw 221, and the threaded screw 221 is rotatably connected to a lifting connecting bearing 222. In this embodiment, in the initial state, due to the rolling balls present in the lifting connecting bearing 222, the axial rotational motion of the lifting end of the threaded screw 221 connected to it can be converted into the rolling motion of the rolling balls themselves, greatly reducing the friction between the lifting end of the threaded screw 221 and the lifting connecting bearing 222. This allows the drive motor 212 in the motor assembly 210 to drive the threaded screw 221 to rotate, thereby enabling the tray abutment 223 to smoothly move up and down along the threaded screw 221, raising the lifting assembly 220 to its highest point. At this time, the tray abutment 223 on the lifting assembly 220 is flush with the first operating table 110. When the equipment receives the start signal from the control system, the push structure 300 starts to work, pushing the bottom empty tray from the limit component 140 to the tray lifting groove 110. Then, the robotic arm of the automated equipment works in conjunction with the tray automatic changing device 10 to place the workpiece into the tray.

[0040] Furthermore, after the tray above the tray lifting groove 1101 is filled with workpieces, the control system sends a signal, and the drive motor 212 in the motor assembly 210 starts running again, driving the threaded screw 221 to rotate. Since the lifting connecting bearing 222 serves as the connecting component between the threaded screw 221 and the tray abutment 223, it also drives the tray abutment 223 to descend, thereby causing the tray filled with workpieces to descend along the tray lifting groove 1101 by a travel of one tray thickness. Next, the pushing structure 300 pushes the second empty tray from the limiting assembly 140 to the top of the tray lifting groove 1101 and stacks it on top of the first full tray. Finally, the control system continues to send a working signal, and the automatic tray changing device 10 repeats the above process, thereby completing the automatic changing and stacking of trays until all empty trays are finished.

[0041] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the fixed base 211 has multiple fixed through holes 2101 for fasteners to pass through. In this embodiment, the fixed through holes 2101 are evenly distributed on the edge of the fixed base 211 and in key stress-bearing areas. By passing fasteners through the fixed through holes 2101, the fixed base 211 can be securely connected to the second operating table 120. This secure connection enhances the stability of the motor assembly 210 during operation. When the drive motor 212 operates at high speed, it generates vibration and torque. If the connection between the fixed base 211 and the second operating table 120 is not secure, the vibration and torque may cause the motor assembly 210 to shift or wobble, thereby affecting the rotational accuracy of the threaded screw 221, ultimately causing deviations in the lifting and lowering of the tray, affecting the normal operation of the entire automatic tray changing device 10 and the placement accuracy of the workpieces. The cooperation of the fixed through holes 2101 and the fasteners effectively prevents the motor assembly 210 from shifting, thus ensuring that the motor assembly 210 maintains a stable working state.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the pushing structure 300 includes a fixing member 310, a push-pull rod 320, and a stroke cylinder 330. The fixing member 310 is connected to the first operating table 110 and has a second circular through hole 3101. One end of the push-pull rod 320 is connected to the stroke cylinder 330, and the other end of the push-pull rod 320 is used to push the material tray. The stroke cylinder 330 is connected to the fixing member 310. In this embodiment, the stroke cylinder 330 serves as a power source, providing a stable and controllable thrust. When the stroke cylinder 330 receives a signal from the control system, it pushes the push-pull rod 320 according to a preset stroke. Driven by the stroke cylinder 330, the push-pull rod 320 precisely pushes the material tray from the limiting component 140 to above the material tray lifting groove 1101. Precise pushing ensures that the material tray can accurately reach the designated position, avoiding problems such as material tray misalignment or falling due to inaccurate pushing, and improving the accuracy and stability of the entire production process.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the limiting member 142 has a right-angle limiting groove 1401, which is adapted to the outer contour of the tray. In this embodiment, the right-angle design of the right-angle limiting groove 1401 can fit against the right-angled edge of the tray, providing extremely precise positioning for the tray. When the tray is placed in the limiting component 140, the edge of the tray can be precisely embedded in the right-angle limiting groove 1401, preventing the tray from moving freely in the horizontal direction. This effectively avoids positional displacement of the tray due to shaking or collision during storage, ensuring the stability of the tray within the limiting component 140.

[0044] This application also provides an automated device, including a robotic arm and an automatic tray changing device according to any embodiment. In this embodiment, in the initial state, the motor assembly 210 drives the lifting assembly 220 to its highest point, and the tray of the lifting assembly 220 is flush with the first operating table 110, ensuring that the empty tray can be smoothly pushed from the limiting assembly 140 by the pushing structure 300 to the tray lifting groove 1101, so that the empty tray is placed on the tray of the lifting assembly 220. In addition, the empty tray waiting area can hold multiple trays with aluminum profile edging and aluminum plate support, and plastic trays are placed inside. The waiting area is designed with a tube position to limit the push of only the bottom tray at a time, avoiding stacking chaos. Furthermore, the pushing cylinder is in a retracted state, waiting for a signal to trigger before performing the pushing action. When the equipment receives the start signal from the control system, the pushing structure 300 pushes the bottom empty tray from the limiting component 140 to above the tray lifting groove 1101. At this time, the robotic arm of the automated equipment and the automatic tray changing device 10 work together to place the workpiece into the tray. After the lifting component 220 above the tray lifting groove 1101 is full of workpieces, the control system sends a signal, and the motor component 210 drives the lifting component 220 to descend, so that the tray descends along the tray lifting groove 1101 by one tray thickness. Then, the pushing structure 300 pushes the second empty tray from the limiting component 140 to above the tray lifting groove 1101 and stacks it on top of the first full tray. Finally, the control system continues to send a working signal, and the automatic tray changing device 10 repeats the above process to complete the automatic replacement and stacking of trays until all empty trays are placed.

[0045] Compared with the prior art, this disclosure has at least the following advantages:

[0046] The aforementioned automatic tray changing device 10, through the coordinated operation of the pushing structure and the lifting structure, enables the automatic transfer and stacking of trays on the first operating table 110, avoiding errors caused by manual stacking, ensuring the orderly progress of the production process, and improving the structural compactness of the automatic tray changing device 10. At the same time, it can cooperate with the robotic arm in the automated production equipment to place workpieces on trays, so as to realize the automatic changing and stacking of trays, thereby further reducing manual intervention and improving production efficiency.

[0047] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this disclosure, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this disclosure, and these all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A magazine automatic changing device characterized by comprising: The device includes a frame structure, a lifting structure, and a pushing structure. The frame structure includes a first operating platform, a second operating platform, and multiple supporting members. The multiple supporting members are respectively connected to the first operating platform and the second operating platform. The second operating platform is located below the first operating platform, and a material tray receiving cavity is formed between the first operating platform and the second operating platform. The lifting structure is fixed to the second operating platform. The first operating platform has a material tray lifting groove, which communicates with the material tray receiving cavity. The frame structure also includes a limiting component, which is fixed to the first operating table. The pushing structure is connected to the edge of the first operating table. The limiting component includes two limiting rods and multiple limiting elements. The two limiting rods are axially symmetrically arranged on the first operating table along its length. Each limiting rod is vertically connected to at least one limiting element. The limiting component is used to store a material tray, and the pushing structure is used to push the material tray into the material tray lifting slot. The lifting structure includes a motor assembly and a lifting assembly. The motor assembly is connected to the second operating platform, and the lifting assembly is connected to the power output end of the motor assembly. The lifting assembly is used to support the material tray to move vertically along the material tray lifting groove.

2. The magazine changer according to claim 1, characterized in that The lifting assembly includes a threaded screw, a lifting connecting bearing, and a material tray abutment. The threaded screw is connected to the lifting end of the motor assembly, one end of the threaded screw is connected to the lifting connecting bearing, and the lifting connecting bearing is connected to the material tray abutment.

3. The magazine changer according to claim 2, characterized in that The lifting connecting bearing has a first circular through hole, and one end of the threaded screw abuts in the first circular through hole.

4. The magazine changer of claim 2 wherein, The tray abutment is a square tray abutment, which is used to support the tray to move vertically along the tray lifting groove.

5. The magazine changer of claim 2 wherein, The second operating table has a threaded through hole, and the threaded screw passes through the threaded through hole.

6. The magazine changer of claim 2 wherein, The motor assembly includes a fixed base and a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the fixed base, and the fixed base is fixed to the second operating table. The drive end of the drive motor is threadedly connected to the threaded screw, and the threaded screw is rotatably connected to the lifting connection bearing.

7. The magazine changer of claim 6 wherein, The fixed base has multiple fixing through holes for fasteners to be inserted.

8. The magazine changer of claim 1 wherein, The pushing structure includes a fixing component, a push-pull rod, and a stroke cylinder. The fixing component is connected to the first operating table and has a second circular through hole. One end of the push-pull rod is connected to the stroke cylinder, and the other end of the push-pull rod is used to push the material tray. The stroke cylinder is installed on the fixing component.

9. The magazine changer of claim 1 wherein, The limiting component has a right-angle limiting groove, which is adapted to the outer contour of the material tray.

10. An automated device, characterized in that, Includes a robotic arm and an automatic tray changing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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