Guard device for a conveyor line and conveyor system

Abstract

This application provides a protective device and conveying system for a conveyor line, including: a base plate, a rotating shaft, a baffle, and a magnetic actuating element; the rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on the base plate or the baffle; the base plate is fixed to one end of the conveyor line, and the baffle is connected to the base plate through the rotating shaft and can switch between a first position and a second position around the rotating shaft; the first position is a blocking position where the baffle is in a vertical state, and the second position is a releasing position where the baffle is in a horizontal state; the magnetic actuating element is disposed on the baffle; when two conveyor lines are connected, the magnetic actuating elements corresponding to the two protective devices installed at the ends of the two conveyor lines generate a repulsive force, driving the baffles of both sides to swing from the first position to the second position; when the two conveyor lines are separated, the two protective devices gradually move away from each other, and their baffles swing back from the second position to the first position. The protective device of this application embodiment has a simple structure, requires no external power, has high reliability, and can automatically reset.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of semiconductor manufacturing technology, and more specifically to a protective device and conveying system for a conveyor line. Background Technology

[0002] In semiconductor manufacturing, conveyor lines are widely used for transporting carriers (such as wafer cassettes). At the ends of the conveyor line, especially where they connect with equipment such as lifts and turning machines, there is a risk of overshoot due to control signal delays, electrical component failures, or carrier inertia. This means the carrier fails to stop in time and overshoots the current conveyor segment, potentially causing collisions with subsequent equipment, jamming, or even falling off the end, resulting in product damage and production interruptions.

[0003] In existing technologies, power-driven stoppers are commonly used, such as cylinder baffles or motor-driven stopping mechanisms. While these devices are effective, they require an external power source and a complex control system, resulting in high costs, complex structures, relatively high failure rates, and the risk of complete failure in the event of a power outage or air supply failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a protective device and conveying system for a conveyor line, which has a simple structure, requires no external power, has high reliability, and can automatically reset.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one embodiment of this application provides a protective device for a conveyor line, comprising: a base plate, a rotating shaft, a baffle, and a magnetic actuating element; the rotating shaft is rotatably disposed on the base plate or the baffle; the base plate is fixed to one end of the conveyor line, and the baffle is connected to the base plate via the rotating shaft and can switch between a first position and a second position around the rotating shaft; the first position is a blocking position where the baffle is in a vertical state, and the second position is a releasing position where the baffle is in a horizontal state; the magnetic actuating element is disposed on the baffle; when two conveyor lines are connected, the two protective devices installed at the ends of the two conveyor lines gradually approach each other, and the magnetic actuating elements corresponding to the two protective devices generate a repulsive force, driving the baffles of both sides to swing from the first position to the second position against their own gravity; when the two conveyor lines are separated, the two protective devices gradually move away from each other, and their baffles automatically swing back from the second position to the first position under their own gravity.

[0006] Optionally, the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the base plate, and the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the baffle.

[0007] Optionally, the magnetic force action element is positioned such that when the two protective devices gradually approach each other and reach an effective working distance, the line connecting their respective magnetic force action elements is coplanar or parallel to the axis of rotation of the two protective devices, so as to ensure that the repulsive force generates an effective torque that causes the baffle to swing horizontally.

[0008] Optionally, the magnetic force-acting element includes a pair of permanent magnets with opposite magnetic properties, respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft; when the baffles of the two protective devices swing from the first position to the second position under the repulsive force of the magnetic force-acting element, an attractive force is generated between the N-polar magnetic force-acting element on one protective device and the S-polar magnetic force-acting element on the other protective device.

[0009] Optionally, the protective device further includes a limiting structure for limiting the final angle of the baffle when it swings to the first position under the action of gravity, ensuring that it is in a vertical blocking state.

[0010] Optionally, the limiting structure includes a protrusion or pin disposed on the substrate, and the baffle abuts against the protrusion or pin when it swings to the first position.

[0011] Optionally, a metal block is also provided on the substrate, the position of which corresponds to the position of the magnetic force action member. When the two protective devices gradually move away from each other, the metal block and the magnetic force action member generate an attraction force, causing the baffle to swing back from the second position to the first position quickly.

[0012] Optionally, the metal block is an iron block, which is partially embedded in the substrate and partially protrudes from the substrate; or the iron block is completely embedded in the substrate.

[0013] Optionally, the bottom profile of the baffle matches the profile of the transport vehicle, and when in the first position, it can effectively intercept the vehicle.

[0014] Another aspect of this application provides a conveying system including multiple conveyor lines, with at least two conveyor lines having a protective device installed at their ends, and the two protective devices facing each other when the two conveyor lines are connected.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the protective device of this application ingeniously utilizes magnetic repulsion to achieve opening and gravity to achieve automatic reset. It requires no external power source, air source, or control system, resulting in an extremely simple structure that fundamentally reduces cost and failure rate. Furthermore, the combination of mechanical and magnetic principles ensures effective protection and high safety even in extreme situations such as power outages or control failures on the production line. In addition, by adding auxiliary metal blocks and special limiting structures, its dynamic performance (such as rapid reset and stable holding) can be optimized to adapt to different application scenarios and needs. It is easy to install and can be widely used at the ends of various conveyor equipment, especially in conjunction with lifts, effectively preventing the carrier from falling. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a protective device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a baffle according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a substrate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2c This is a top view of a protective device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2d This is a side view of a protective device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a protective device according to an embodiment of the present application applied to a multi-section conveyor line;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a conveying system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] Protective device 100; base plate 1; screw 11; screw 12; baffle 2; rotating shaft 3; magnetic actuating element 4; N-polar magnet 41; S-polar magnet 42; limiting structure 5; fastener 6; metal block 7; bearing 21; Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this application, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number and aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0028] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. The drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0029] Additionally, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that practice can be carried out without these specific details.

[0030] Existing automated conveying technologies often employ power-driven stoppers to mitigate the risk of overshoot during carrier transport. However, these devices require an external power source and a complex control system, resulting in drawbacks such as high cost, complex structure, relatively high failure rate, and complete failure in the event of power outages or gas supply failures. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a protective device with a simple structure, requiring no external power, high reliability, and automatic reset capability to address these issues.

[0031] Based on this, one embodiment of this application provides a protective device 100 for a conveyor line, such as... Figure 1 , Figures 2a-2dAs shown, it includes: a base plate 1, a rotating shaft 3, a baffle 2, and a magnetic actuating element 4; the rotating shaft 3 is rotatably mounted on the base plate 1 or the baffle 2; the base plate 1 can be fixed to one end of the conveyor line by fastening parts, such as screws 11 and / or screws 12 and / or fasteners 6; the baffle 2 can switch between a first position and a second position around the rotating shaft 3 (the switching method is, for example, swinging); the first position is the blocking position where the baffle 2 is in a vertical state, and the second position is the release position where the baffle 2 is in a horizontal state; the magnetic actuating element 4 is disposed on the baffle 2; when the two conveyor lines are connected, the two protective devices 100 installed at the ends of the conveyor lines gradually approach each other, and the magnetic actuating elements 4 corresponding to the two protective devices 100 generate a repulsive force, driving the baffles 2 on both sides to swing from the first position to the second position against their own gravity; when the two conveyor lines are separated, the two protective devices 100 gradually move away from each other, and their baffles 2 automatically swing back from the second position to the first position under their own gravity.

[0032] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2d The rotating shaft 3 can be fixed to the base plate 1 by welding or by keyway, and the rotating shaft 3 and the baffle 2 can be rotatably connected by bearing 21.

[0033] In other embodiments, the rotary shaft 3 can also be rotatably mounted on the base plate 1 via the bearing 21. The baffle 2 is fixed to the rotary shaft 3 and can rotate together with the rotary shaft 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the magnetic actuating element 4 can be a permanent magnet, embedded or fixed on the baffle 2. The permanent magnets on the two protective devices 100 installed at the ends of the two conveyor lines have the same polarity configuration; for example, both use a single N-polarity magnet or a single S-polarity magnet. When the baffles 2 of the two protective devices 100 are in the first position (vertical state), the magnetic actuating elements 4 on the two protective devices 100 are opposite each other to achieve mutual repulsion when approaching. Specifically, the magnetic actuating element 4 is configured such that when the two protective devices 100 gradually approach and reach the effective action distance, the line connecting the respective magnetic actuating elements 4 is coplanar or parallel to the axis of rotation 3 of the two protective devices 100, to ensure that the repulsive force generates an effective torque that causes the baffle 2 to swing horizontally. However, in other embodiments, the line connecting the two magnetic actuating elements 4 may not be coplanar or parallel to the axis of rotation 3 of the two protective devices 100.

[0035] When the baffles of the two protective devices 100 swing from the first position to the second position under the repulsive force of the magnetic action members, an attraction is generated between the N-polar magnetic action member on one of the protective devices 100 and the S-polar magnetic action member on the other protective device 100.

[0036] In another alternative embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the magnetic actuator 4 may also include a pair of permanent magnets with opposite magnetic properties, such as a combination of an N-polar magnet 41 and an S-polar magnet 42, respectively installed on both sides of the rotating shaft 3. When the two conveyor lines are connected but have not reached the effective working distance, when both protective devices 100 installed at the ends of the conveyor lines are in the first position (vertical state), the N-polar magnet 41 and S-polar magnet 42 on one protective device 100 are opposite to the N-polar magnet 41 and S-polar magnet 42 on the other protective device 100; wherein, the connection of the two conveyor lines is, for example, connected along a straight line. When the two protective devices 100 gradually approach and reach the effective working distance, the baffles 2 of the two protective devices 100 swing from the first position to the second position (horizontal state) under the repulsive force of the magnetic actuator 4. At this time, the N-polar magnet 41 on one protective device 100 is directly opposite to the S-polar magnet 42 on the other protective device 100, thereby generating an attractive force F'. This attraction F' helps to resist external disturbances (such as vibrations caused during vehicle transport) when the conveyor line is docked, maintaining the baffle 2 in a horizontal and stable state during the docking process. This prevents accidental reset due to vibration or slight displacement (such as the baffle 2 resetting from a horizontal to a vertical position) that could interfere with vehicle passage, thus improving the reliability of the release process. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The illustration shows a case with one N-polar magnet 41 and one S-polar magnet 42. In practical applications, two N-polar magnets 41 or two S-polar magnets 42 can be used together to increase magnetism. This application does not limit the number and size of the magnetic force-acting components 4, and the specific number and size can be determined according to the actual application.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the protective device 100 further includes a limiting structure 5, used to limit the final angle of the baffle 2 when it swings to the first position under gravity, ensuring that it is in a vertical blocking state. The specific position of the limiting structure 5 may vary depending on the direction in which the baffle 2 switches from the second position to the first position. For example, when the baffle 2 swings to the left, switching from the second position to the first position, the limiting structure 5 is positioned on the base plate 1 at the position corresponding to the left side of the baffle 2 (specifically, when the baffle 2 is in a vertical state, the limiting structure 5 just contacts the left edge of the baffle 2). If the baffle 2 swings to the right, switching from the second position to the first position, the limiting structure 5 is positioned on the base plate 1 at the position corresponding to the right side of the baffle 2 (specifically, when the baffle 2 is in a vertical state, the limiting structure 5 just contacts the right edge of the baffle 2). Figure 1 As shown, when the protective device 100 exists alone or is far away from the protective device 100 on another conveyor line, the baffle 2 swings to the first position under its own gravity, and its side abuts against the limiting structure 5 (such as a protrusion or pin set on the substrate) fixed on the base plate 1, thereby being precisely held in the vertical first position to reliably block the carrier on the conveyor line.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, when two conveyor lines need to be docked, the two protective devices 100 installed at the ends of the two conveyor lines gradually approach each other. When the distance approaches a certain level, the respective magnetic actuators 4 (with like magnetic poles facing each other) on the two protective devices 100 generate a strong repulsive force F. Since the magnetic actuators 4 are located on one side of the rotating shaft 3, this repulsive force generates a rotational torque that overcomes the gravity of the baffle 2, driving the two baffles 2 to rotate outward synchronously until they switch to the second position in a horizontal state, making way for the conveyor. When the docking is completed and the two conveyor lines separate, the two protective devices 100 move away from each other, and the magnetic force between them decays rapidly. Under the action of its own gravity, the baffle 2 automatically swings downward around the rotating shaft 3 until it is blocked again by the limiting structure 5, switching (resetting) to the first position in a vertical state.

[0039] This embodiment utilizes permanent magnets to provide a persistent and stable magnetic force, requiring no power supply and thus saving energy and being environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the line connecting the magnetic force-acting components 4 of the two protective devices 100 is coplanar or parallel to the axis of rotation 3 of the two protective devices 100. The position design of the permanent magnets optimizes the force arm of the magnetic force, ensuring that the repulsive force can generate the maximum rotational torque, making the baffle 2 swing smoothly and effortlessly, and its operation more reliable.

[0040] Furthermore, when the two protective devices 100 separate, to accelerate the switch of the baffle 2 to the first vertical position, a metal block 7 can be added to the base plate 1. This metal block 7 can be attracted by the magnetic actuator 4, and the attraction between the metal block 7 and the magnetic actuator 4 causes the baffle 2 to quickly swing back from the second position to the first position. Specifically, the exact position of the metal block 7 can be determined by calculation. When the baffle 2 is in the second position (horizontal position), the attraction between the metal block 7 and the magnetic actuator 4 on the baffle 2 is much smaller than the repulsive force between the two protective devices 100, and will not affect the positioning of the baffle 2. When the two protective devices 100 move away from each other, the repulsive force F between them also decreases, and the baffle 2 begins to fall back to the first position under its own gravity. The attraction between the metal block 7 and the magnetic actuator 4 forms an auxiliary reset torque, allowing the baffle 2 to swing back to the vertical position quickly with greater speed and kinetic energy, ensuring timely protection. This embodiment adds magnetic-assisted reset on top of gravity reset. When the two protective devices 100 separate, the metal block 7 attracts the magnetic force element 4 on its own device, which can accelerate the process of the baffle 2 falling back from the second position to the first position, so that it returns to the blocking position faster and more powerfully, further enhancing the response speed and reliability of the protection.

[0041] Preferably, the metal block 7 can be an iron block, which is partially embedded in the substrate 1 and partially protrudes from the substrate 1. That is, the protruding part of the iron block is located in the gap between the substrate 1 and the baffle 2. However, in other embodiments, the iron block can also be completely embedded in the substrate 1.

[0042] Preferably, the bottom contour of the baffle 2 matches the contour of the transport vehicle, effectively intercepting the vehicle when in the first position. For example, if the front end of the vehicle is arc-shaped, the bottom of the baffle 2 can be designed as a corresponding "arc-shaped groove." When the vehicle collides with it, it will embed into the groove, forming a stable surface contact, dispersing the impact force across the entire contact surface and protecting the vehicle. The matching contour increases the contact area, ensuring the safety and smoothness of the blockage.

[0043] Compared to existing technologies, this application's embodiment cleverly utilizes magnetic repulsion to switch the baffle to a horizontal release position and gravity to switch it to a vertical blocking position. It requires no external power source, air source, or control system, resulting in an extremely simple structure that fundamentally reduces cost and failure rate. Furthermore, the combination of mechanical and magnetic principles ensures effective protection and high safety even in extreme situations such as power outages or control failures on the production line. The switching of the baffle between the first and second positions is triggered entirely by the relative position of the two protective devices, eliminating the need for complex control logic. Additionally, by adding auxiliary metal blocks and special limiting structures, its dynamic performance (such as rapid reset and stable holding) can be optimized to adapt to different application scenarios and needs. It is easy to install and can be widely used at the ends of various conveyor equipment, especially in conjunction with lifts, effectively preventing the carrier from falling.

[0044] Another aspect of the embodiments of this application provides a conveying system, such as Figure 3 As shown, the system includes multiple conveyor lines, with at least two conveyor lines each having a protective device 100 installed at their ends. When the two conveyor lines are connected, the two protective devices 100 are positioned facing each other. Optionally, the protective devices 100 can be fixed to the ends of the conveyor lines using fasteners 6 passing through mounting holes on the substrate 1. The installation method is simple, facilitating modular design and on-site commissioning and maintenance.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the base plate 1 of the protective device 100 of any of the above embodiments is securely installed on the frame of the conveyor line (especially the end) requiring protection, using fasteners 6 (such as pins, rivets, clips, etc.) in conjunction with screws 11 and 12. The protective devices 100 on the two conveyor lines must be positioned opposite each other. For example, when an N-polarity magnetic actuating element is installed on the baffle of one protective device 100, and an N-polarity magnetic actuating element is also installed on the baffle of the other protective device 100, when the two conveyor lines are connected and the baffles are in the first position, the magnetic actuating element on one protective device 100 is opposite to the magnetic actuating element on the other protective device 100 to ensure the effective action of the magnetic force. This conveying system is particularly suitable for scenarios involving connection with elevators. Figure 4 As shown, the protective device 100 can be installed at both ends of the lifting platform conveyor line. When one conveyor line inside the elevator rises and connects with the upper conveyor line, and the protective devices 100 at the ends of the two conveyor lines reach the effective working distance, the corresponding magnetic actuators generate a repulsive force, driving the baffles on both sides to swing from the first position to the second position, allowing unobstructed transmission of the vehicle between the two conveyor lines. When the elevator descends, the two conveyor lines move away from each other, and the baffles of the protective device 100 swing from the second position to the first position, preventing the vehicle from falling from the end of the conveyor line. Therefore, it can effectively prevent the vehicle from falling from the end of the conveyor line during the lifting process or due to control failure.

[0046] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

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

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A guard for a conveyor line, characterized in that include: Substrate, rotating shaft, baffle, and magnetic actuating components; The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed on the base plate or the baffle; The substrate is fixed to one end of the conveyor line, and the baffle is connected to the substrate through the rotating shaft and can be switched between a first position and a second position around the rotating shaft; the first position is the blocking position in which the baffle is in a vertical state, and the second position is the releasing position in which the baffle is in a horizontal state. The magnetic force-acting component is disposed on the baffle; When the two conveyor lines are connected, the two protective devices installed at the ends of the two conveyor lines gradually approach each other. The magnetic force of the corresponding components of the two protective devices generates a repulsive force, causing the baffles on both sides to swing from the first position to the second position against their own gravity. When the two conveyor lines are separated, the two protective devices gradually move away from each other, and their baffles automatically swing back from the second position to the first position under their own gravity.

2. The guard of claim 1, wherein The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the base plate, and the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the baffle.

3. The guard of claim 2, wherein, The magnetic force action element is positioned such that when the two protective devices gradually approach each other and reach an effective working distance, the line connecting their respective magnetic force action elements is coplanar or parallel to the axis of rotation of the two protective devices, so as to ensure that the repulsive force generates an effective torque that causes the baffle to swing horizontally.

4. The guard of claim 1, wherein The magnetic force-acting component includes a pair of permanent magnets with opposite magnetic properties, respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft; When the baffles of the two protective devices swing from the first position to the second position under the repulsive force of the magnetic action, an attraction is generated between the N-polar magnetic action on one protective device and the S-polar magnetic action on the other protective device.

5. The guard of claim 1, wherein The protective device also includes a limiting structure to limit the final angle of the baffle when it swings to the first position under the action of gravity, so as to ensure that it is in a vertical blocking state.

6. The guard of claim 5, wherein The limiting structure includes a protrusion or pin disposed on the substrate, and the baffle abuts against the protrusion or pin when it swings to the first position.

7. The guard of claim 1, wherein A metal block is also provided on the substrate, and the position of the metal block corresponds to the position of the magnetic force action member. When the two protective devices gradually move away from each other, the metal block and the magnetic force action member generate an attraction force, causing the baffle to swing quickly from the second position back to the first position.

8. The guard of claim 7, wherein, The metal block is an iron block, which is partially embedded in the substrate and partially protrudes from the substrate; or the iron block is completely embedded in the substrate.

9. The guard of claim 1, wherein, The bottom contour of the baffle matches the contour of the transport vehicle, and when in the first position, it can effectively intercept the vehicle.

10. A conveying system comprising a plurality of conveying lines, characterized in that At least two conveyor lines are each equipped with a protective device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 at their ends, and when the two conveyor lines are connected, the two protective devices are positioned opposite each other.

Images