Full-automatic flow transfer SMT production line

Abstract

The utility model provides a full -automatic flow transfer SMT production line has solved the problem that the efficiency is low and the bad risk increases which the automation degree of prior art electronic product production line is insufficient to cause, it includes: loading unit and a plurality of loading tray, loading unit includes loading frame, loading mechanism, loading mechanical arm, a plurality of loading tray place in loading frame, work piece is placed in loading tray, printing patch reflow unit and a plurality of positioning fixture, printing patch reflow unit includes patch track, and the reflow track of symmetrical setting of patch track, the printing assembly of erecting on patch track and reflow track in proper order, patch machine and set up in the flow transfer mechanical arm of patch track end, positioning fixture circulates and flows between patch track and reflow track, pass through the unit of furnace and a plurality of high temperature fixture, pass through the unit of furnace includes the furnace track, and the back furnace track of symmetrical setting of furnace track, erects on the back welding furnace of furnace track and is set up in the material taking mechanical arm of furnace track end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic manufacturing technology, and in particular to a fully automated SMT production line. Background Technology

[0002] Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is a core process in electronics manufacturing. It integrates electronic devices by mounting micro-electronic components onto the surface of a PCB and then reflowing them for curing. As electronic products become increasingly miniaturized, precise, and highly integrated, the automation level and throughput efficiency of SMT production lines have become crucial factors determining production capacity. Early SMT production lines primarily used a semi-automated model of "manual labor + stand-alone equipment": operators manually placed PCB components onto printers and placement machines, then manually transferred them to the reflow oven after placement. This approach not only suffered from low efficiency and high labor costs but also made it prone to lower yield rates due to human error.

[0003] To improve efficiency, the industry has gradually introduced "segmented automation" SMT production lines, which connect printing, placement, and reflow equipment via simple conveyor belts. However, these production lines still do not solve the core pain points of the entire process flow. The shortcomings of existing technologies are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

[0004] I. Insufficient level of automation

[0005] Due to the characteristics of each production stage in the existing production line, the fixtures for the workpieces cannot be interchanged between different processes. For example, the placement stage requires precise fixture positioning to improve the placement accuracy of the placement machine, while the reflow stage requires fixtures with certain heat resistance. This requires the entire production process to be realized through multiple fixtures with different characteristics. In particular, the switching of many intermediate fixtures wastes a lot of manpower in the existing production line, resulting in insufficient automation of the entire production process.

[0006] II. Increased defects due to automation gaps in fixture connections

[0007] Manually switching fixtures makes it difficult to standardize operations due to differences in human experience, increasing errors and risks in material flow. Components are prone to misalignment or omission during placement, leading to "incomplete printing" or "insufficient solder" during subsequent solder paste printing, thus affecting the mounting quality. Utility Model Content

[0008] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a fully automated SMT production line to solve the problems of low efficiency and increased defect risk caused by insufficient automation in existing electronic product production lines.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a fully automated SMT production line for performing surface mount reflow processing on workpieces, including:

[0010] The loading unit includes a loading rack, a loading mechanism, and a loading robotic arm. The loading rack contains the loading trays, and the workpiece is placed in the loading trays.

[0011] The printed patch reflow unit includes a patch track, a reflow track symmetrically arranged with the patch track, a printing component, a patch machine, and a rotating robotic arm located at the end of the patch track. The positioning fixtures circulate between the patch track and the reflow track.

[0012] The furnace includes a furnace inlet track, a return track symmetrically arranged with the furnace inlet track, a reflow furnace mounted on the furnace inlet track, and a material handling robot arm located at the end of the furnace inlet track. The high-temperature resistant fixtures circulate in the furnace inlet track and the return track.

[0013] The loading mechanism moves the loading tray from the loading rack to the unloading station. The loading robotic arm takes the workpiece from the unloading station and places it on the positioning fixture that returns from the return track. Driven by the placement track, the positioning fixture passes through the solder paste printing process of the printed components and the placement process of the placement machine in sequence. At the end of the placement track, the transfer robotic arm takes off the workpiece and puts it into the high-temperature resistant fixture. The positioning fixture returns along the return track. The high-temperature resistant fixture enters the reflow oven along the furnace entry track. At the end of the furnace entry track, the unloading robotic arm takes off and retrieves the workpiece after it has passed through the furnace. The high-temperature resistant fixture returns along the return track.

[0014] As a more preferred embodiment, the printed component reflow unit further includes two alternating feeding devices, located at the front and rear ends of the component placement track and the reflow track, respectively. Each alternating feeding device includes two alternating feeding trays aligned with the ends of the component placement track and the reflow track. When the positioning fixture moves to the front end of the reflow track, the alternating feeding trays exchange positions, moving the positioning fixture to the front end of the component placement track. Simultaneously, when the positioning fixture moves to the end of the component placement track, the alternating feeding trays exchange positions, moving the positioning fixture to the end of the reflow track. The advantage is that the alternating feeding device, through the exchange of positions of the two alternating feeding trays, achieves seamless switching of the positioning fixture between the component placement track and the reflow track, avoiding fixture jamming or accumulation at the track junctions and ensuring the continuous circulation of the fixture. The separate devices at the front and rear ends further optimize the fixture turnover path, improve the overall operating efficiency of the printed component reflow unit, and reduce production line downtime.

[0015] As a more preferred embodiment, the furnace transfer unit further includes two fixture transfer devices, which are respectively located at the front and rear ends of the furnace inlet track and the furnace return track. Each fixture transfer device includes a furnace return chain track aligned with the furnace inlet track, a furnace inlet chain track aligned with the furnace inlet track, a belt track perpendicular to both the furnace return chain track and the furnace inlet chain track, and a chain track lifting assembly. High-temperature resistant fixtures flow back from the furnace return track onto the furnace return chain track, with two sides of the high-temperature resistant fixture overlapping the two chains of the furnace return chain track. The chain lifting assembly drives the furnace return chain. The track descends, bringing the high-temperature resistant fixture into contact with the lower belt track and simultaneously disengaging it from the return chain track. The belt track then moves the high-temperature resistant fixture above the furnace feed chain track. After the robotic arm places the workpiece onto the fixture, the chain lifting assembly raises the furnace feed chain track, dragging the high-temperature resistant fixture upwards via chains on both sides, thus transferring it onto the furnace feed track. The beneficial effect is that the fixture transfer device, through the cooperation of the return chain track, the furnace feed chain track, and the belt track, combined with the chain track lifting assembly, achieves a smooth transfer of the high-temperature resistant fixture between the furnace feed track and the return track. This design avoids collisions or misalignments during fixture transfer, ensuring precise alignment of the fixture with the track, improving the flow efficiency of the furnace unit, reducing fixture wear, and extending service life.

[0016] As a preferred approach, the fully automated SMT production line also includes an unloading unit and several unloading trays. The unloading unit includes an unloading rack and an unloading mechanism. Several unloading trays are placed in the unloading rack. The unloading mechanism removes the unloading trays from the unloading rack to the unloading station. A robotic arm removes the workpieces from the high-temperature fixture and places them on the unloading trays. The unloading mechanism then places the unloading trays back into the unloading rack. The advantage is that the unloading unit and the loading unit form a complete automated closed loop from loading to processing to unloading, eliminating the need for manual workpiece recovery and tray organization, further reducing labor costs. The unloading mechanism automatically picks up and unloads the unloading trays, ensuring orderly workpiece storage, preventing damage to workpieces during manual unloading, and improving the overall automation level and workpiece storage standardization of the production line.

[0017] As a preferred approach, the loading robot arm, the circulation robot arm, and the picking robot arm are all equipped with vision systems to locate the workpiece position. This allows for the acquisition of workpiece images, identification of the workpiece's outer contour or line features, calculation of the workpiece's position coordinates and angles, and guidance of the loading, circulation, and picking robot arms to grasp the workpiece. The advantages are that the vision system, by identifying the workpiece's outer contour or line features, accurately calculates the position coordinates and angles, guiding the robot arms to grasp the workpiece, significantly improving grasping accuracy and avoiding workpiece damage or process misalignment caused by inaccurate positioning. The real-time performance and accuracy of visual positioning can adapt to the grasping needs of workpieces of different specifications, enhancing the versatility and reliability of the robot arm.

[0018] As a more preferred embodiment, the printed patch reflow unit further includes a first camera light source assembly disposed in front of the printed assembly, used to locate and record the position coordinates and angle of the workpiece in the positioning fixture. The advantage of this is that the first camera light source assembly can accurately locate the position coordinates and angle of the workpiece in the positioning fixture, providing accurate data support for the subsequent solder paste printing of the printed assembly, avoiding solder paste misalignment caused by workpiece displacement, and improving printing accuracy. Simultaneously, recording position information facilitates subsequent traceability and provides a basis for troubleshooting production line faults.

[0019] As a more preferred embodiment, the printing assembly includes a first fixture lifting assembly. When the positioning fixture moves to a position below the printing assembly, the first fixture lifting assembly lifts the positioning fixture. At this time, the patch track drives the subsequent positioning fixture to move to a position below the camera light source assembly for taking pictures. The advantage is that the first fixture lifting assembly lifts the positioning fixture during printing, while simultaneously driving the subsequent positioning fixture to a position below the camera light source assembly for taking pictures, realizing parallel operation of "printing-picture positioning", significantly shortening the processing time of a single workpiece, increasing the production line cycle time, and improving overall production efficiency.

[0020] As a more preferred embodiment, the printed surface mount reflow unit further includes a pin insertion assembly disposed between the printing assembly and the surface mount machine. This pin insertion assembly includes a second camera light source assembly, a pin insertion and placement device, and a second fixture lifting assembly sequentially mounted on the surface mount track. The surface mount track moves the positioning fixture to below the pin insertion assembly, and the second fixture lifting assembly lifts the positioning fixture for pin insertion. Simultaneously, the movement of the surface mount track moves the subsequent positioning fixture to the second camera light source assembly for solder paste inspection. The advantage is that the second camera light source assembly and the pin insertion assembly work together, allowing for parallel pin insertion and inspection operations while the positioning fixture performs pin insertion, thus improving production line efficiency. Solder paste inspection can detect printing defects early, preventing defective workpieces from entering subsequent surface mount processes, reducing ineffective processing, and improving product yield.

[0021] As a more preferred embodiment, the reflow unit further includes a cooling platform located at the rear of the reflow furnace. The cooling platform includes a blocking cylinder and multiple cooling fans. The blocking cylinder lifts and limits the high-temperature resistant fixture, while the cooling fans cool the fixture and the workpiece. After cooling, the blocking cylinder retracts, releasing the high-temperature resistant fixture. The advantages are that the cooling platform rapidly cools the workpiece and high-temperature resistant fixture after reflow, preventing workpiece damage due to high temperatures or interference with subsequent processing; the blocking cylinder limits the fixture, ensuring sufficient cooling and preventing uncooled workpieces from entering the next stage. This design protects workpiece quality and improves the safety and efficiency of post-reflow processing.

[0022] As a more preferred embodiment, the printed placement reflow unit further includes two buffer platforms located at the front and rear sides of the pick-and-place machine. These buffer platforms are equipped with tracks connected to the placement track and the reflow track. This assists in the movement of the positioning fixtures while buffering multiple fixtures, allowing them to enter the pick-and-place machine simultaneously. The advantage is that the buffer platforms can assist in the movement of the positioning fixtures and buffer multiple fixtures at the same time, ensuring that the pick-and-place machine can continuously receive fixtures for placement operations, avoiding efficiency drops due to discontinuous material feeding. The buffering function also balances the cycle time differences between the printing components and the pick-and-place machine, improving the overall coordination of the printed placement reflow unit.

[0023] As described above, the fully automated SMT production line of this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] This fully automated SMT production line, through the coordinated operation of automatic feeding, printing and placement reflow, and reflow units, achieves full automation of the entire process from workpiece feeding to placement and reflow, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing labor costs and human error. Positioning fixtures and high-temperature resistant fixtures circulate on their respective tracks, avoiding fixture waste and reducing equipment investment costs. Each robotic arm precisely transfers workpieces, ensuring smooth process transitions and significantly improving the production efficiency and product consistency of the SMT production line. This solves the problems of low efficiency and increased defect risk caused by insufficient automation in existing electronic product production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the fully automated SMT production line of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of the feeding unit of the fully automated SMT production line of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of the printing and placement reflow unit of the fully automated SMT production line of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic of the reflow unit of the fully automated SMT production line of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic of the unloading unit of the fully automated SMT production line of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 The diagram shows the loading rack of the fully automated SMT production line of this utility model.

[0031] Component designation explanation

[0032] 1 Feeding unit 11 Feeding rack 111 Long waist gourd-shaped hole 12 Feeding mechanism 13 Loading robotic arm 14 Material lifting mechanism 15 Quick-change suction cup 2 Printed surface mount reflow unit 21 Patch track 22 Return track 23 First camera light source assembly 24 Printed components 3 Pin assembly 31 Second camera light source assembly 32 Flexible feeder 33 Pin-mount device 34 Second fixture lifting assembly 35 Swing arm assembly 4 Cache platform 41 Laser beam sensor 5 Pick and place machine 51 Matrix fiber optic sensor 6 Rotary robotic arm 61 substandard pallets 62 Cylinder gripper assembly 7 Alternating feeding device 71 Alternating feeding trays 8 furnace reflow unit 81 Furnace Track 82 Recycle track 83 Reflow oven 84 jig transfer device 841 Furnace feed chain track 842 Recycle Chain Track 843 Belt track 85 Cooling platform 9 Feeding unit 91 Material feeding rack 92 feeding mechanism 93 Material handling robotic arm 94 Material lifting mechanism Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0034] It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of this utility model, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model. The following detailed description should not be considered restrictive, and the scope of the embodiments of this application is limited only by the claims of the published patents. The terminology used herein is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application. Spatial terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "below," "below," "lower part," "above," "upper part," etc., may be used in the text to illustrate the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figures and another element or feature.

[0035] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "holding" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of the stated feature, operation, element, component, item, kind, and / or group, but do not preclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition arise only when combinations of elements, functions, or operations are inherently mutually exclusive in some manner.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this utility model provides a fully automated SMT production line to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, for performing surface mount reflow processing on workpieces, including:

[0038] The loading unit 1 includes a loading rack 11, a loading mechanism 12, and a loading robotic arm 13. The loading trays are placed inside the loading rack 11, and the workpieces are placed inside the loading trays.

[0039] The printed patch reflow unit 2 includes a patch track 21, a reflow track 22 symmetrically arranged with the patch track 21, a printing assembly 24 sequentially mounted on the patch track 21 and the reflow track 22, a patch machine 5, and a rotating robotic arm 6 located at the end of the patch track 21. The positioning fixtures circulate between the patch track 21 and the reflow track 22.

[0040] The furnace passing unit 8 and several high-temperature resistant fixtures are included. The furnace passing unit 8 includes a furnace inlet track 81, a return track 82 symmetrically arranged with the furnace inlet track 81, a reflow furnace 83 mounted on the furnace inlet track 81, and a material handling robot arm 93 located at the end of the furnace inlet track 81. The high-temperature resistant fixtures circulate in the furnace inlet track 81 and the return track 82.

[0041] The loading mechanism 12 moves the loading tray from the loading rack 11 to the picking station. The loading robotic arm 13 takes the workpiece out from the picking station and places it on the positioning fixture that returns from the return track 22. Driven by the placement track 21, the positioning fixture passes through the solder paste printing process of the printing component 24 and the placement process of the placement machine 5 in sequence. At the end of the placement track 21, the transfer robotic arm 6 takes the workpiece and puts it into the high-temperature resistant fixture. The positioning fixture returns along the return track 22. The high-temperature resistant fixture enters the reflow furnace 83 along the furnace entry track 81. At the end of the furnace entry track 81, the picking robotic arm 93 takes off and retrieves the workpiece after it has passed through the furnace. The high-temperature resistant fixture returns along the return track 82.

[0042] As can be seen, this fully automated SMT production line achieves full automation of the entire process from workpiece feeding to placement and reflow through the coordinated operation of automatic feeding, printing and placement reflow, and reflow unit 8. No manual intervention is required, significantly reducing labor costs and human error. Positioning fixtures and high-temperature resistant fixtures circulate on their respective tracks, avoiding fixture waste and reducing equipment investment costs. Each robotic arm precisely transfers workpieces, ensuring smooth process connections and significantly improving the production efficiency and product consistency of the SMT production line. This solves the problems of low efficiency and increased defect risk caused by insufficient automation in existing electronic product production lines.

[0043] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pick-and-place machine 5 is equipped with multiple matrix fiber optic sensors 51 at the front and rear to detect the number of positioning fixtures entering and exiting the placement section.

[0044] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the printed patch reflow unit 2 also includes two alternating feeding devices 7, which are respectively located at the front and rear ends of the patch track 21 and the reflow track 22. Each alternating feeding device 7 includes two alternating feeding trays 71 for aligning with the ends of the patch track 21 and the reflow track 22. When the positioning fixture moves to the front end of the reflow track 22, the alternating feeding trays 71 exchange positions, causing the positioning fixture to move to the front end of the patch track 21. Simultaneously, when the positioning fixture moves to the end of the patch track 21, the alternating feeding trays 71 exchange positions, causing the positioning fixture to move to the end of the reflow track 22. The beneficial effect is that the alternating feeding device 7 achieves seamless switching of the positioning fixture between the patch track 21 and the reflow track 22 by exchanging the positions of the two alternating feeding trays 71, avoiding fixture jamming or accumulation at the track connection and ensuring the continuity of fixture circulation. Devices are set up at the front and rear ends respectively to further optimize the jig turnover path, improve the overall operating efficiency of the printing and patch return unit 2, and reduce production line downtime.

[0045] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the rear end of the patch track 21 and the return track 22 is also equipped with a defective tray 61. The robotic arm 6 removes defective workpieces and places them into the defective tray 61. The beneficial effect is that the defective tray 61 can specifically collect defective workpieces screened by the robotic arm 6, achieving real-time classification of qualified and unqualified products, preventing unqualified products from being mixed into subsequent processes, and reducing rework costs. At the same time, centralized collection of defective workpieces facilitates subsequent analysis of the causes of failures, provides data support for production line optimization, and improves the overall product qualification rate.

[0046] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the rear end of the patch track 21 and the return track 22 is also equipped with multiple cylinder gripper assemblies 62 for the transfer of the robotic arm 6 for replacement, thereby accommodating different workpiece sizes. Each cylinder of the cylinder gripper assembly 62 is equipped with a magnetic sensor to determine whether the cylinder is fully closed and whether a workpiece is missed. Its advantages are that the cylinder gripper assembly 62 can be compatible with workpieces of different sizes, eliminating the need for frequent fixture changes and improving the adaptability of the production line to diverse workpieces. The magnetic sensor can determine whether the cylinder is fully closed in real time, accurately detect whether a workpiece is missed, avoid workpiece loss or subsequent idle operation due to missed clamping, and improve operational accuracy and production line stability.

[0047] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4As shown, the furnace transfer unit 8 also includes two fixture transfer devices 84, which are respectively located at the front end and rear end of the furnace inlet track 81 and the furnace return track 82. Each fixture transfer device 84 includes a furnace return chain track 842 aligned with the furnace inlet track 81, a furnace inlet chain track 841 aligned with the furnace inlet track 81, a belt track 843 perpendicularly arranged to the furnace return chain track 842 and the furnace inlet chain track 841, and a chain track lifting assembly. High-temperature resistant fixtures flow back from the furnace return track 82 onto the furnace return chain track 842, with two sides of the high-temperature resistant fixture overlapping the two chains of the furnace return chain track 842. The chain lifting assembly drives the furnace return chain track 842. 2. The high-temperature resistant fixture descends, bringing it into contact with the lower belt track 843 and simultaneously disengaging from the return chain track 842. The movement of the belt track 843 causes the high-temperature resistant fixture to move above the furnace inlet chain track 841. After the transfer robot arm 6 places the workpiece onto the high-temperature resistant fixture, the chain lifting assembly lifts the furnace inlet chain track 841, and drags the high-temperature resistant fixture upwards via chains on both sides, thus transferring it onto the furnace inlet track 81. The beneficial effect is that the fixture transfer device 84, through the cooperation of the return chain track 842, the furnace inlet chain track 841, and the belt track 843, combined with the chain track lifting assembly, achieves a smooth transfer of the high-temperature resistant fixture between the furnace inlet track 81 and the return track 82. This design avoids collisions or misalignments during fixture transfer, ensuring precise docking of the fixture with the track, improving the flow efficiency of the furnace transfer unit 8, while reducing fixture wear and extending its service life.

[0048] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fully automated SMT production line also includes a material unloading unit 9 and several material unloading trays. The material unloading unit 9 includes a material unloading rack 91 and a material unloading mechanism 92. Several material unloading trays are placed in the material unloading rack 91. The material unloading mechanism 92 removes the material unloading trays from the material unloading rack 91 to the material unloading station. The robotic arm 93 removes the workpieces from the high-temperature resistant fixture and places them on the material unloading trays. The material unloading mechanism 92 then places the material unloading trays back into the material unloading rack 91. The beneficial effect is that the material unloading unit 9 and the material loading unit 1 form a complete automated closed loop from loading to processing to unloading, eliminating the need for manual intervention in workpiece recycling and tray organization, further reducing labor costs. The material unloading mechanism 92 automatically picks up and unloads the material unloading trays, ensuring orderly workpiece storage, avoiding damage to workpieces during manual unloading, and improving the overall automation level and workpiece storage standardization of the production line.

[0049] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, the loading robotic arm 13, the circulation robotic arm 6, and the picking robotic arm 93 are all equipped with vision systems to locate the workpiece position. This allows for the acquisition of workpiece images, identification of the workpiece's outer contour or line features, calculation of the workpiece's position coordinates and angles, and guidance of the loading robotic arm 13, circulation robotic arm 6, and picking robotic arm 93 to grasp the workpiece. The beneficial effect is that the vision system, by identifying the workpiece's outer contour or line features, accurately calculates the position coordinates and angles, guiding the robotic arms to grasp the workpiece, significantly improving grasping accuracy and avoiding workpiece damage or process misalignment due to inaccurate positioning. The real-time and accurate nature of visual positioning can adapt to the grasping needs of workpieces of different specifications, enhancing the versatility and reliability of the robotic arms.

[0050] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the loading unit 1 also includes multiple quick-change gripping suction cups 15 to meet the switching needs of the loading robotic arm 13. Each quick-change gripping suction cup 15 is equipped with a filter to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the internal pipes of the robotic arm. The advantages are that the quick-change gripping suction cups 15 can be quickly switched to meet the gripping needs of the loading robotic arm 13 for different types of workpieces, reduce the time for changing grippers, and improve loading efficiency. The filters equipped on the suction cups can prevent dust from entering the internal pipes of the robotic arm, avoid pipe blockage or component wear, extend the service life of the robotic arm, and reduce equipment maintenance costs.

[0051] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, the feeding unit 1 further includes a vacuum generator for providing an air source to the quick-change gripping suction cup 15. The beneficial effect is that the vacuum generator provides a stable air source to the quick-change gripping suction cup 15, ensuring that the suction cup has sufficient suction force, preventing the workpiece from falling off during gripping or transfer, and improving gripping reliability. A stable air supply also ensures uniform suction force of the suction cup, reducing workpiece deformation caused by insufficient suction force and protecting workpiece quality.

[0052] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the printed patch reflow unit 2 also includes a first camera light source assembly 23 disposed on the front side of the printing assembly 24, used to locate and record the position coordinates and angle of the workpiece in the positioning fixture. Its advantages are that the first camera light source assembly 23 can accurately locate the position coordinates and angle of the workpiece in the positioning fixture, providing accurate data support for the subsequent solder paste printing of the printing assembly 24, avoiding solder paste misalignment caused by workpiece displacement, and improving printing accuracy. At the same time, recording position information facilitates subsequent traceability and provides a basis for troubleshooting production line faults.

[0053] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3As shown, the printing component 24 includes a first fixture lifting component. When the positioning fixture moves to below the printing component 24, the first fixture lifting component lifts the positioning fixture. At this time, the patch track 21 drives the subsequent positioning fixture to move to below the camera light source component for taking pictures. Its beneficial effect is that the first fixture lifting component lifts the positioning fixture during printing, and at the same time drives the subsequent positioning fixture to below the camera light source component for taking pictures, realizing the parallel operation of "printing-picture positioning", which greatly shortens the processing time of a single workpiece, improves the production line cycle time, and improves the overall production efficiency.

[0054] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, the printing assembly 24 consists of a UVW platform, a squeegee lifting and translation assembly, a fixture lifting assembly, a platform lifting assembly, and an acrylic outer cover. A stencil is installed below the UVW platform, and the stencil is moved to the corresponding coordinates based on the acquired data. The squeegee lifting and translation assembly is installed on the UVW platform and has two sets of squeegees. The extension and retraction of the cylinder drives the squeegee up and down, and the rodless cylinder drives the squeegee to translate left and right, printing solder paste onto the workpiece surface. The platform lifting assembly uses a lead screw and a stepper motor to lift the UVW platform, adjusting the stencil height. For workpieces of the same thickness, the stencil printing position height is consistent. When the stencil needs to be replaced, the platform lifting assembly rises to the top, clearing the operating space. The acrylic cover effectively slows down the evaporation of solder paste solvent. Mounted on the UVW platform, the acrylic cover moves up and down with it. Its advantages include: the UVW platform allows for precise stencil movement, ensuring accurate solder paste printing; two sets of squeegees working in conjunction with cylinders achieve efficient printing, improving print quality; the platform lifting assembly facilitates stencil replacement, reducing changeover time; and the acrylic cover slows down solder paste solvent evaporation, ensuring stable solder paste performance. The overall structure optimizes the printing process, improves printing accuracy and operational convenience, and reduces material waste.

[0055] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, the printed surface mount reflow unit 2 further includes a pin insertion assembly 3 disposed between the printing assembly 24 and the surface mount machine 5. The pin insertion assembly 3 includes a second camera light source assembly 31, a pin insertion and placement device 33, and a second fixture lifting assembly 34 sequentially mounted on the surface mount track 21. The surface mount track 21 drives the positioning fixture to move below the pin insertion assembly. The second fixture lifting assembly 34 lifts the positioning fixture to perform pin insertion processing. Simultaneously, the movement of the surface mount track 21 drives the subsequent positioning fixture to the second camera light source assembly 31 for solder paste inspection. The beneficial effect is that the second camera light source assembly 31 and the pin insertion assembly 3 cooperate, allowing the subsequent fixture to complete solder paste inspection while the positioning fixture performs pin insertion processing, achieving parallel operation of pin insertion and inspection, and improving production line efficiency. Solder paste inspection can detect printing defects in advance, preventing defective workpieces from entering subsequent surface mount processes, reducing ineffective processing, and improving product qualification rate.

[0056] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pin assembly 3 also includes a flexible feeder 32 and a swing arm assembly 35 connected to the pin placement device 33. The flexible feeder 32 is used for feeding the PIN pins and the PCB board. The swing arm assembly 35 consists of a stepper motor, a reducer, and machined parts. It is rotatable and equipped with a limiting plate and a vacuum generator to hold and limit the PCB board, preventing material displacement during rapid rotation. Its advantages are that the flexible feeder 32 provides a stable and continuous supply of PIN pins and the PCB board, avoiding production line stagnation due to supply interruptions; the swing arm assembly 35 uses the limiting plate and vacuum generator to hold and fix the PCB board, preventing material displacement during rotation and ensuring accurate pin placement. The combination of these two components improves the stability and accuracy of pin placement and reduces material waste.

[0057] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the reflow unit 8 also includes a cooling platform 85, which is located behind the reflow furnace 83. The cooling platform 85 includes a blocking cylinder and multiple cooling fans. The blocking cylinder lifts and limits the high-temperature resistant fixture, and the cooling fans cool the high-temperature resistant fixture and the workpiece. After cooling, the blocking cylinder retracts, releasing the high-temperature resistant fixture. The beneficial effect is that the cooling platform 85 rapidly cools the workpiece and high-temperature resistant fixture after reflow through the cooling fans, preventing damage to the workpiece due to high temperature or affecting subsequent processing. The blocking cylinder limits the fixture, ensuring sufficient cooling and preventing uncooled workpieces from entering the next stage. This design protects workpiece quality and improves the safety and efficiency of post-reflow processing.

[0058] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the printed placement return unit 2 also includes two buffer platforms 4 disposed on the front and rear sides of the pick-and-place machine 5. The buffer platforms 4 are equipped with tracks connected to the placement track 21 and the return track 22. These buffer platforms assist in the flow of positioning fixtures while buffering multiple positioning fixtures, allowing them to enter the pick-and-place machine 5 simultaneously. The beneficial effect is that the buffer platforms 4 can assist in the flow of positioning fixtures and buffer multiple fixtures simultaneously, ensuring that the pick-and-place machine 5 can continuously receive fixtures for placement operations, avoiding efficiency drops due to discontinuous material supply. The buffering function can also balance the cycle time difference between the printing assembly 24 and the pick-and-place machine 5, improving the overall coordination of the printed placement return unit 2.

[0059] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3As shown, a laser beam sensor 41 is also provided at the entrance end of the buffer station 4 to detect the excessive height of the positioning fixture and prevent the positioning fixture from colliding with the pick and place machine 5. Its beneficial effect is that the laser beam sensor 41 can detect whether the positioning fixture is too high in advance, avoid the excessively high fixture from entering the pick and place machine 5 and causing equipment collision, protect the core components of the pick and place machine 5, reduce equipment downtime due to failure, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the safety of production line operation.

[0060] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, the feeding unit 1 further includes a rack suspension mechanism for connecting the feeding rack 11, which has a lifting function. Two cylinders are respectively installed on both sides, and the extension and retraction of the cylinders drive the feeding rack 11 to rise and fall. When the material cart transports the feeding rack 11 to the position, touching the button on the machine surface will cause the mechanism to lift the feeding rack 11, separating it from the material cart. When the feeding rack needs to be replaced, the material cart is in position, touching the button on the machine surface will cause the mechanism to lower the feeding rack 11, connecting it to the material cart. Further, the material cart can be an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), eliminating the button on the machine surface and achieving unmanned operation. Its advantage lies in the fact that the rack suspension mechanism uses cylinders to automatically lift and lower the feeding rack 11, quickly completing the separation or connection with the material cart, reducing the labor intensity and time cost of manual material handling. Using an AGV material cart enables unmanned operation, further improving the automation level of the feeding process, adapting to the needs of intelligent factories, and reducing human error.

[0061] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the loading unit 1 also includes a loading lifting mechanism 14. The loading lifting mechanism 14 includes two lifting cylinders, two clamping cylinders, and four check valves arranged on both sides. To center and fix the loading pallet within this mechanism, one clamping cylinder pushes the loading pallet to the center, while the other clamping cylinder clamps and fixes the loading pallet. The two lifting cylinders and the two clamping cylinders operate simultaneously. When the lifting cylinders retract, a waiting position is formed, and the four check valves form a photo-taking position. The unloading unit 9 also includes a similar unloading lifting mechanism 94, whose function is the same as the loading lifting mechanism 14, and will not be described further. Its beneficial effect is that the loading lifting mechanism 14 center and fixes the loading pallet through the clamping cylinders, avoiding pallet displacement that could lead to inaccurate gripping; the lifting cylinders and check valves form a waiting position and a photo-taking position, optimizing the loading process and ensuring accurate gripping by the subsequent robotic arm. Similarly, the unloading lifting mechanism 94 improves the reliability and stability of the loading and unloading process and reduces workpiece wear.

[0062] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, the feeding structure includes a limiting sheet metal to restrict the position of the feeding tray and prevent rapid movement. A diffuse reflection sensor is also installed on the limiting sheet metal to detect tray displacement. The mechanism has lifting and bidirectional telescopic functions. The lifting function allows for loading and unloading the feeding tray from different heights, while the bidirectional telescopic function allows for rapid loading and unloading from both front and rear directions, minimizing the machine's footprint. The lifting function is achieved through a lead screw, linear guide rail, machined parts, and a closed-loop stepper motor. The closed-loop stepper motor provides feedback, alerting the user when a step is missed. The bidirectional telescopic function is achieved through multiple sets of gears and racks, machined parts, and a stepper motor. The bidirectional telescopic mechanism is equipped with proximity sensors and limit mechanisms to determine position and prevent gears from dislodging from the rack, which could lead to serious consequences. Its advantages include: the limit sheet metal prevents the loading pallet from shifting during rapid movement; the diffuse reflection sensor accurately determines the pallet's position, preventing missed or incorrect placement; the lifting function adapts to racks of different heights; the bidirectional telescopic function enables forward and backward material loading and unloading, saving machine space; the closed-loop stepper motor prevents step loss; and the proximity sensor and limit mechanism ensure operational safety. The overall design improves loading accuracy, flexibility, and safety, reducing operational risks.

[0063] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, the unloading unit 9 also includes a material rack suspension mechanism, the function of which is the same as that of the material rack suspension mechanism of the loading unit 1. Its beneficial effect is that the material rack suspension mechanism of the unloading unit 9 has the same function as that of the loading unit 1, realizing the automatic separation and combination of the unloading rack 91 and the material cart, ensuring the automated coordination of the unloading and loading links, improving the overall flow efficiency of the production line, reducing manual intervention, and reducing labor costs.

[0064] In some possible embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 6 As shown, the loading rack 11 and unloading rack 91 are provided with elongated hoist holes 111 on one side for connecting to the rack suspension mechanism. The advantage is that the elongated hoist holes 111 on the loading rack 11 and unloading rack 91 facilitate precise connection with the rack suspension mechanism, reducing installation difficulty and improving the compatibility between the rack and the suspension mechanism. The hole design can also accommodate slight deviations in the suspension mechanism's movement, ensuring stable connection, reducing installation and adjustment time, and improving the efficiency of the loading and unloading process.

[0065] As described above, the fully automated SMT production line of this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0066] 1. Full-process automation: Through the coordinated operation of automatic feeding, printing and patch reflow, and reflow unit 8, the entire process from workpiece feeding to patch reflow is automated, without the need for manual intervention, which greatly reduces labor costs and human error.

[0067] 2. Fixture recycling: Positioning fixtures and high-temperature resistant fixtures circulate on their respective tracks, avoiding fixture waste and reducing equipment investment costs.

[0068] 3. High-efficiency production: Each robotic arm precisely transfers workpieces, ensuring smooth process connections and significantly improving the production efficiency and product consistency of the SMT production line.

[0069] 4. Seamless switching: The alternating feeding device 7 enables seamless switching of the positioning fixture between the patch track 21 and the return track 22, avoiding fixture jamming or accumulation at the track connection and ensuring the continuity of fixture circulation.

[0070] 5. Real-time classification: The non-conforming pallet 61 can collect non-conforming workpieces screened by the circulating robotic arm 6, realizing real-time classification of qualified and non-conforming products, avoiding non-conforming products from being mixed into subsequent processes, and reducing rework costs.

[0071] 6. Adaptable to diverse workpieces: The cylinder gripper assembly 62 is compatible with workpieces of different sizes, eliminating the need for frequent fixture changes and improving the production line's adaptability to diverse workpieces.

[0072] 7. Precise detection: The magnetic sensor can determine in real time whether the cylinder is fully closed, accurately detect whether a workpiece is missed, avoid workpiece loss or subsequent processes running idle due to missed clamping, and improve operational accuracy and production line stability.

[0073] 8. Smooth transfer: The fixture transfer device 84, through the cooperation of the return furnace chain track 842, the furnace inlet chain track 841 and the belt track 843, combined with the chain track lifting component, realizes the smooth transfer of the high-temperature resistant fixture between the furnace inlet track 81 and the return furnace track 82, avoiding collisions or misalignment during fixture transfer.

[0074] 9. Complete automated closed loop: The unloading unit 9 and the loading unit 1 form a complete automated closed loop from loading to processing and then to unloading, eliminating the need for manual intervention in workpiece recycling and pallet sorting, further reducing labor costs.

[0075] Therefore, this utility model effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.

[0076] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fully automated SMT production line for performing surface mount technology (SMT) reflow processing on workpieces, characterized in that, include: The loading unit (1) includes a loading rack (11), a loading mechanism (12), and a loading robotic arm (13). The loading pallets are placed inside the loading rack (11), and the workpiece is placed inside the loading pallet. The printed patch reflow unit (2) and several positioning fixtures are provided. The printed patch reflow unit (2) includes a patch track (21), a reflow track (22) symmetrically arranged with the patch track (21), a printing assembly (24) sequentially mounted on the patch track (21) and the reflow track (22), a patch machine (5), and a rotating robotic arm (6) located at the end of the patch track (21). The positioning fixtures circulate between the patch track (21) and the reflow track (22). The furnace passing unit (8) and several high-temperature resistant fixtures are provided. The furnace passing unit (8) includes a furnace inlet track (81), a return track (82) symmetrically arranged with the furnace inlet track (81), a reflow furnace (83) mounted on the furnace inlet track (81), and a material handling robot arm (93) located at the end of the furnace inlet track (81). The high-temperature resistant fixtures circulate in the furnace inlet track (81) and the return track (82). The loading mechanism (12) moves the loading tray from the loading rack (11) to the picking station. The loading robot arm (13) takes the workpiece out from the picking station and places it on the positioning fixture that returns from the return track (22). The positioning fixture, driven by the placement track (21), passes through the solder paste printing process of the printing component (24) and the placement process of the placement machine (5) in sequence. At the end of the placement track (21), the transfer robot arm (6) takes the workpiece and puts it into the high-temperature resistant fixture. The positioning fixture returns along the return track (22). The high-temperature resistant fixture enters the reflow furnace (83) along the furnace inlet track (81). At the end of the furnace inlet track (81), the picking robot arm (93) takes off and collects the workpiece after the furnace. The high-temperature resistant fixture returns along the furnace return track (82).

2. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printed patch return unit (2) also includes two alternating feeding devices (7), which are respectively located at the front end and rear end of the patch track (21) and the return track (22). The alternating feeding device (7) includes two alternating feeding trays (71) for aligning with the ends of the patch track (21) and the return track (22). When the positioning fixture moves to the front end of the return track (22), the alternating feeding trays (71) exchange positions, so that the positioning fixture moves to the front end of the patch track (21). At the same time, when the positioning fixture moves to the end of the patch track (21), the alternating feeding trays (71) exchange positions, so that the positioning fixture moves to the end of the return track (22).

3. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The furnace transfer unit (8) further includes two fixture transfer devices (84), which are respectively located at the front end and rear end of the furnace inlet track (81) and the furnace return track (82); the fixture transfer device (84) includes a furnace return chain track (842) aligned with the furnace inlet track (81), a furnace inlet chain track (841) aligned with the furnace inlet track (81), a belt track (843) perpendicular to the furnace return chain track (842) and the furnace inlet chain track (841), and a chain track lifting assembly; the high-temperature resistant fixtures flowing back from the furnace return track (82) flow into the furnace return chain track (842), and the... The two sides of the high-temperature resistant fixture overlap the two chains of the recycle chain track (842). The chain lifting assembly drives the recycle chain track (842) to descend, so that the high-temperature resistant fixture contacts the belt track (843) below and simultaneously disengages from the recycle chain track (842). The movement of the belt track (843) drives the high-temperature resistant fixture to move above the furnace inlet chain track (841). After the transfer robot arm (6) places the workpiece on the high-temperature resistant fixture, the chain lifting assembly drives the furnace inlet chain track (841) to rise, and drags the high-temperature resistant fixture up through the chains on both sides, and then transfers it to the furnace inlet track (81).

4. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fully automated SMT production line also includes a material unloading unit (9) and several material unloading trays. The material unloading unit (9) includes a material unloading rack (91) and a material unloading mechanism (92). Several material unloading trays are placed in the material unloading rack (91). The material unloading mechanism (92) takes the material unloading trays from the material unloading rack (91) to the material unloading station. The material picking robot arm (93) takes the workpieces off the high-temperature resistant fixture and places them on the material unloading trays. The material unloading mechanism (92) then puts the material unloading trays back into the material unloading rack (91).

5. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading robot arm (13), the transfer robot arm (6), and the unloading robot arm (93) are all equipped with vision systems to locate the workpiece position through vision.

6. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printed patch reflow unit (2) also includes a first camera light source assembly (23) disposed on the front side of the printing assembly (24) for positioning and recording the position coordinates and angle of the workpiece in the positioning fixture.

7. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 6, characterized in that: The printing assembly (24) includes a first fixture lifting assembly. When the positioning fixture moves to below the printing assembly (24), the first fixture lifting assembly lifts the positioning fixture. At this time, the patch track (21) drives the subsequent positioning fixture to move to below the camera light source assembly to take pictures.

8. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printed surface mount reflow unit (2) further includes a pin insertion assembly (3) disposed between the printing assembly (24) and the pick and place machine (5). The pin insertion assembly (3) includes a second camera light source assembly (31), a pin insertion device (33), and a second fixture lifting assembly (34) sequentially mounted on the surface mount track (21). The surface mount track (21) drives the positioning fixture to move to the bottom of the pin insertion assembly. The second fixture lifting assembly (34) lifts the positioning fixture to perform pin insertion. At the same time, the movement of the surface mount track (21) drives the subsequent positioning fixture to move to the second camera light source assembly (31) for solder paste detection.

9. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflow unit (8) also includes a cooling platform (85), which is located on the rear side of the reflow furnace (83). The cooling platform (85) includes a blocking cylinder and multiple cooling fans. The blocking cylinder lifts up the high-temperature resistant fixture to limit its movement, and the cooling fans cool down the high-temperature resistant fixture and the workpiece. After cooling down, the blocking cylinder retracts to release the high-temperature resistant fixture.

10. The fully automated SMT production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The printed patch return unit (2) also includes two buffer stations (4) set on the front and rear sides of the patch machine (5). The buffer station (4) is provided with a track connected to the patch track (21) and the return track (22), which assists the positioning fixture in flowing while buffering multiple positioning fixtures so that they enter the patch machine (5) at the same time.

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