Caching system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of buffer systems for buffering product on production line, it includes: rack, buffer frame and transfer mechanism, rack includes the upper rack and lower rack being connected, the inside of upper rack and the inside of lower rack are enclosed to form buffer cavity, and in the same horizontal direction, the cross-sectional width of upper rack is greater than the cross-sectional width of lower rack, to form the avoidance space for assembly line to pass through below upper rack, the bottom of upper rack is equipped with operating port, and operating port is oppositely arranged with avoidance space. Buffer frame is located in buffer cavity, and includes several layers of vertically spaced buffer layer, and buffer layer is used to place product. Transfer mechanism is arranged in buffer cavity, and can be extended into avoidance space by operating port, and transfer mechanism is configured to transfer product between assembly line and designated buffer layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of material transportation technology, and more specifically, to a buffer system. Background Technology

[0002] In automated production lines, product buffering is a crucial component, serving two main functions: first, acting as a buffer during the production process to temporarily store products awaiting or already processed, balancing the production speed of upstream and downstream processes; and second, providing a certain amount of product reserves in case of equipment failure or production anomalies, ensuring that production is not immediately interrupted, thereby effectively guaranteeing the continuity of production.

[0003] In existing caching systems, products are primarily transported from the production line to a storage warehouse via transfer carts for temporary storage. When products need to be reintroduced into the production line, they are transported back from the storage warehouse using transfer carts. However, this caching system requires significant production space, hindering efficient space utilization. Furthermore, the transfer of products between the production line and the storage warehouse takes time, and additional time is required for moving products between the production line and the transfer carts, as well as between the storage warehouse and the transfer carts. This results in a longer overall cycle time, impacting the caching system's response speed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a caching system that solves the technical problems of how to improve space utilization and how to shorten the overall cycle time and improve the response speed of the caching system.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] This utility model provides a buffer system for buffering products on a production line, comprising: a frame including an upper frame and a lower frame connected to each other, the interior of the upper frame and the interior of the lower frame enclosing a buffer cavity, and in the same horizontal direction, the cross-sectional width of the upper frame is greater than the cross-sectional width of the lower frame, so that a clearance space for the production line to pass through is formed below the upper frame, and an operation port is provided at the bottom of the upper frame, and the operation port is arranged opposite to the clearance space; a buffer rack located in the buffer cavity, including several vertically spaced buffer layers, the buffer layers being used to place products; and a transfer mechanism located in the buffer cavity, which can extend into the clearance space through the operation port, and the transfer mechanism is configured to transfer products between the production line and the designated buffer layers.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the buffer cavity is provided with a first station and a second station, and the first station, the second station and the clearance space are arranged horizontally in sequence; the buffer rack is located on the first station; the transfer mechanism includes a feeding mechanism and a conveying mechanism, the feeding mechanism is horizontally movable and vertically movable within the buffer cavity, the feeding mechanism moves horizontally to switch between the first station and the second station, the feeding mechanism moves vertically to dock with different buffer layers and transfer products between the feeding mechanism and the designated buffer layer, and the conveying mechanism is used to transfer products between the production line and the feeding mechanism located on the second station.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the feeding mechanism includes a linear guide rail, a slide block, a linear displacement module, and a support member. The linear guide rail extends vertically, the slide block is slidably connected to the linear guide rail, the linear displacement module is disposed on the slide block and connected to the support member, the linear displacement module is used to drive the support member to move horizontally, so that the support member switches between the first station and the second station, and the support member is used to carry the product; the buffer layer has a vertically penetrating clearance opening, and the clearance opening is arranged horizontally opposite to the support member.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the first workstation, the second workstation, and the clearance space are arranged sequentially in the first horizontal direction. The linear displacement module is used to drive the support member to move along the first horizontal direction. The support member includes a connecting strip and several support strips. The connecting strip is used to connect each of the support strips and to connect with the linear displacement module. The clearance port includes several clearance sub-ports. Each of the support strips and each of the clearance sub-ports are arranged side by side at intervals in the second horizontal direction. The support strips and the clearance sub-ports all extend along the first horizontal direction, and the second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the buffer rack further includes a base, a top plate, and a support frame. The top plate is arranged vertically opposite to the base. The support frame stands upright on the base and is connected to the top plate. The buffer layer is located between the top plate and the base and includes a plurality of support rods. Each support rod is arranged side by side at intervals in the second horizontal direction, and a clearance opening is formed between two adjacent support rods. The support rods extend along the first horizontal direction and are connected to the support frame.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the lower frame includes a main body and a positioning frame. A positioning groove is formed inside the main body. The buffer frame, the feeding mechanism, and the positioning frame are all located in the positioning groove. The positioning frame stands upright on the main body and is connected to the linear guide rail. The buffer frame also includes a connecting piece, which is connected to the top of the positioning frame and the top plate, respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the main body has ventilation holes that communicate with the positioning groove and the outside respectively, and the buffer system further includes a fan, which is located in the positioning groove and arranged close to the ventilation holes.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom of the main body is provided with rollers.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the feeding mechanism and the buffer rack are arranged side by side opposite each other in the first horizontal direction, the conveying mechanism is located in the second horizontal direction of the feeding mechanism, and the conveying mechanism is a robotic arm.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the caching system further includes a detection camera located inside the caching cavity and positioned directly above the operation port.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the embodiments of this utility model have at least the following advantages and positive effects: In the buffer system of this embodiment, the production line operates continuously. When a product is conveyed to the section of the production line located in the clearance space, a transfer mechanism extends from the operating port, picks up the product from above, and then continues its operation, placing the picked-up product on a designated buffer layer according to preset instructions, thus completing one product buffering operation. When the product needs to be reintroduced into the production line, the transfer mechanism picks up the product from the designated buffer layer, continues its operation, extends the operating port, and places the product back onto the production line from above, reintegrating the product into the production process. Thus, the buffer system can correctly perform its buffering function. Specifically, the arrangement of the clearance space allows the buffer system to be closely integrated with the production line, eliminating the need for transfer carts and corresponding passageways, significantly saving space on the production floor and improving space utilization. On the other hand, the transfer mechanism can directly transfer products between the production line and the designated buffer layer. Compared to the transportation time and docking time required by existing technologies with transfer carts, this greatly shortens the overall cycle time and improves the response speed of the buffer system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The various objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative illustrations of the invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numerals always denote the same or similar parts. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a caching system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top view.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the upper rack.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A structural diagram in another state.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the specific structure of the buffer rack.

[0023] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Frame; 11. Upper frame; 12. Lower frame; 121. Main body; 122. Positioning frame; 123. Positioning slot; 124. Vent hole; 13. Clearance space; 14. Operation port; 15. Buffer chamber; 16. First station; 17. Second station; 2. Buffer rack; 21. Buffer layer; 211. Support rod; 212. Clearance opening; 2121. Clearance sub-opening; 22. Base; 23. Top plate; 24. Support frame; 25. Connecting piece; 26. Sensor; 3. Transfer mechanism; 31. Feeding mechanism; 311. Linear guide rail; 312. Slide; 3121. Pressure sensor; 313. Linear displacement module; 314. Support component; 3141. Connecting bar; 3142. Support bar; 32. Handling mechanism; 4. Inspect the camera; 5. Products; D1, first horizontal direction; D2, second horizontal direction. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Although the present invention can be readily embodied in various forms, only some specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in this specification. It is understood that this specification should be regarded as an exemplary illustration of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to what is described herein.

[0025] Therefore, a feature pointed out in this specification is used to describe one feature of one embodiment of the present invention, and does not imply that every embodiment of the present invention must have the described feature. Furthermore, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. Although certain features may be combined to illustrate possible system designs, these features may also be used in other combinations not explicitly stated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the described combinations are not intended to be limiting.

[0026] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back) used to explain the structure and movement of the various elements of this invention are relative rather than absolute. These descriptions are appropriate when these elements are in the positions shown in the drawings. If the descriptions of the positions of these elements change, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a buffer system for buffering products 5 on a production line. It mainly includes a frame 1, a buffer rack 2, and a transfer mechanism 3. The frame 1 includes an upper frame 11 and a lower frame 12 connected to each other. The interiors of the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12 enclose a buffer cavity 15. In the same horizontal direction, the cross-sectional width of the upper frame 11 is greater than that of the lower frame 12, so that a clearance space 13 for the production line to pass through is formed below the upper frame 11. An operation port 14 is provided at the bottom of the upper frame 11, and the operation port 14 is arranged opposite to the clearance space 13. The buffer rack 2 is located inside the buffer cavity 15 and includes several vertically spaced buffer layers 21 for placing products 5. The transfer mechanism 3 is located inside the buffer cavity 15 and can extend into the clearance space 13 through the operation port 14. The transfer mechanism 3 is configured to transfer products 5 between the production line and a designated buffer layer 21.

[0028] In the buffer system of this embodiment, the production line operates continuously. When product 5 is conveyed to the portion of the production line located in the clearance space 13, the transfer mechanism 3 extends from the operating port 14, picks up product 5 from above, and then continues its operation, placing the picked-up product 5 on the designated buffer layer 21 according to preset instructions, thus completing one buffering operation for product 5. When product 5 needs to be reintroduced into the production line, the transfer mechanism 3 picks up product 5 from the designated buffer layer 21, continues its operation, extends the operating port 14, and places product 5 back onto the production line from above, allowing product 5 to be reintegrated into the production process. Thus, the buffer system can correctly perform its buffering function. Specifically, the arrangement of the clearance space 13 allows the buffer system to be closely integrated with the production line, eliminating the need for a transfer vehicle and the corresponding channel arrangement, which greatly saves space on the production site and improves space utilization. On the other hand, the transfer mechanism 3 can directly transfer the product 5 between the production line and the designated buffer layer 21. Compared with the transportation time and docking time of the transfer vehicle required by the prior art when setting up the transfer vehicle, it can greatly shorten the overall cycle time and improve the response speed of the buffer system.

[0029] Please see Figures 3 to 5 In a specific embodiment, the buffer cavity 15 is provided with a first station 16 and a second station 17, and the first station 16, the second station 17 and the clearance space 13 are arranged horizontally in sequence. The buffer rack 2 is located on the first station 16. The transfer mechanism 3 includes a feeding mechanism 31 and a conveying mechanism 32. The feeding mechanism 31 is horizontally movable and vertically movable within the buffer cavity 15. The feeding mechanism 31 moves horizontally to switch between the first station 16 and the second station 17. The feeding mechanism 31 is vertically movable to dock with different buffer layers 21 and to transfer the product 5 between the feeding mechanism 31 and the designated buffer layer 21. The conveying mechanism 32 is used to transfer the product 5 between the production line and the feeding mechanism 31 located on the second station 17.

[0030] The action of transferring product 5 between the production line and the designated buffer layer 21 by the transfer mechanism 3 is decomposed into two steps and handled by the conveying mechanism 32 and the feeding mechanism 31 in the transfer mechanism 3. This avoids the mechanical complexity and high control difficulty that exist when only a single mechanism is set up, and makes the transfer path of product 5 between the production line and the buffer layer clearer, thereby enhancing the reliability of the overall structure and improving work efficiency.

[0031] It is conceivable that the actions of the handling mechanism 32 in taking product 5 from the assembly line and the feeding mechanism 31 in transferring product 5 to the designated buffer layer 21 can be performed in parallel, thereby further improving the response speed and work efficiency.

[0032] Please see Figures 4 to 6In a specific embodiment, the feeding mechanism 31 includes a linear guide rail 311, a slide block 312, a linear displacement module 313, and a support member 314. The linear guide rail 311 extends vertically, the slide block 312 is slidably connected to the linear guide rail 311, the linear displacement module 313 is disposed on the slide block 312 and connected to the support member 314, the linear displacement module 313 is used to drive the support member 314 to move horizontally, so that the support member 314 switches between the first station 16 and the second station 17, and the support member 314 is used to carry the product 5. The buffer layer 21 has a vertically penetrating clearance opening 212, and the clearance opening 212 is arranged horizontally opposite to the support member 314.

[0033] A specific and feasible structural design is provided for the feeding mechanism 31. The linear guide rail 311 and the slide 312 are used to ensure the overall lifting function, the linear displacement module 313 is used to ensure the overall horizontal movement function, and the support member 314 is used to carry the product 5 and form a docking with the buffer rack 2 through lifting and horizontal movement. Specifically, through the lifting and horizontal movement of the support member 314 and the alignment arrangement between the clearance port 212 and the support member 314, the product 5 can be stored and retrieved in an orderly manner on the buffer rack 2. The storage and retrieval action is smooth and reliable, and the overall structure can be effectively simplified. Furthermore, there is no need to reserve operating space for structures such as robotic arms above and below the buffer layer 21, thereby greatly improving the space utilization rate of the buffer rack 2.

[0034] Please see Figure 4 In this embodiment, a pressure sensor 3121 is provided on the slide 312.

[0035] Please see Figures 3 to 6 In a specific embodiment, the first station 16, the second station 17, and the clearance space 13 are sequentially arranged in the first horizontal direction D1. The linear displacement module 313 is used to drive the support member 314 to move along the first horizontal direction D1. The support member 314 includes a connecting strip 3141 and several support strips 3142. The connecting strip 3141 is used to connect each support strip 3142 and is connected to the linear displacement module 313. The clearance port 212 includes several clearance sub-ports 2121. Each support strip 3142 and each clearance sub-port 2121 are arranged side by side at intervals in the second horizontal direction D2, and both the support strips 3142 and the clearance sub-ports 2121 extend along the first horizontal direction D1. The second horizontal direction D2 is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction D1. A comb-tooth exchange mechanism is formed between the support member 314 and the buffer layer 21, making the transfer process of the product 5 more stable and reliable. Moreover, such a support member 314 and buffer layer 21 can also provide more uniform and stable support for the product 5.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the buffer rack 2 further includes a base 22, a top plate 23, and a support frame 24. The top plate 23 is arranged vertically opposite to the base 22. The support frame 24 stands upright on the base 22 and is connected to the top plate 23. The buffer layer 21 is located between the top plate 23 and the base 22 and includes several support rods 211. Each support rod 211 is arranged side by side at intervals in the second horizontal direction D2, and a clearance opening 2121 is formed between adjacent support rods 211. The support rods 211 extend along the first horizontal direction D1 and are connected to the support frame 24. This provides a stable, effective, and feasible structural design for the buffer rack 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the support frame 24 includes the same number of columns as the support rods 211, and the columns and support rods correspond one-to-one. At least one column is provided with a sensor 26, which is used to detect whether there is a product 5 on each buffer layer 21.

[0038] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a specific embodiment, the lower frame 12 includes a main body 121 and a positioning frame 122. A positioning groove 123 is formed inside the main body 121. The buffer frame 2, the feeding mechanism 31, and the positioning frame 122 are all located within the positioning groove 123. The positioning frame 122 stands upright on the main body 121 and is connected to the linear guide rail 311. The buffer frame 2 also includes a connecting piece 25, which is connected to the top of the positioning frame 122 and the top plate 23, respectively, thereby further improving the stability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a specific embodiment, the main body 121 has ventilation holes 124 that communicate with the positioning groove 123 and the outside respectively. The buffer system also includes a fan, which is located in the positioning groove 123 and arranged close to the ventilation holes 124. Through the coordinated operation of the fan and the ventilation needle, it is convenient to dissipate heat from the various components and mechanisms in the positioning groove 123, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of the buffer system.

[0040] In a specific embodiment, the bottom of the main body 121 is provided with rollers, which can adaptively adjust the position of the cache system according to changes in production cycle and layout, thereby improving the flexibility of use.

[0041] Please see Figure 3 In a specific embodiment, the feeding mechanism 31 and the buffer rack 2 are arranged side by side and opposite each other in the first horizontal direction D1. The conveying mechanism 32 is located in the second horizontal direction D2 of the feeding mechanism 31, and the conveying mechanism 32 is a robot. The arrangement of the conveying mechanism 32 and the selection of the robot enable it to perform the action of transferring the product 5 normally, and make the space layout compact, thereby further improving the space utilization rate.

[0042] Please see Figure 2 In a specific embodiment, the buffer system further includes a detection camera 4, which is located inside the buffer cavity 15 and directly above the operation port 14. The detection camera 4 is used by the conveying mechanism 32 to capture and inspect products 5 that are picked up and placed on the production line or picked up from the production line, thereby adding a quality management function to the buffer system.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the conveying mechanism 32 transfers the product, which is a screen assembly, by adsorption.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is descriptive and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the present invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A caching system for caching products on a production line, characterized in that, include: The rack includes an upper rack and a lower rack connected to each other. The interior of the upper rack and the interior of the lower rack enclose a buffer cavity. In the same horizontal direction, the cross-sectional width of the upper rack is greater than the cross-sectional width of the lower rack, so that a clearance space is formed below the upper rack for the production line to pass through. The bottom of the upper rack is provided with an operation port, and the operation port is arranged opposite to the clearance space. A buffer rack, located inside the buffer cavity, includes several vertically spaced buffer layers for placing products; A transfer mechanism is located within the buffer cavity and can extend into the clearance space through the operating port. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer products between the production line and the designated buffer layer.

2. The caching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer cavity is provided with a first workstation and a second workstation, and the first workstation, the second workstation and the clearance space are arranged horizontally in sequence. The cache rack is located at the first workstation; The transfer mechanism includes a feeding mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The feeding mechanism is horizontally movable and vertically movable within the buffer cavity. The feeding mechanism moves horizontally to switch between the first station and the second station. The feeding mechanism moves vertically to dock with different buffer layers and transfer products between the feeding mechanism and the designated buffer layer. The conveying mechanism is used to transfer products between the production line and the feeding mechanism located at the second station.

3. The caching system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes a linear guide rail, a slide block, a linear displacement module, and a support member. The linear guide rail extends vertically, and the slide block is slidably connected to the linear guide rail. The linear displacement module is disposed on the slide block and connected to the support member. The linear displacement module is used to drive the support member to move horizontally so that the support member can switch between the first station and the second station. The support member is used to carry the product. The buffer layer has a vertically extending clearance opening, and the clearance opening is arranged horizontally opposite to the support member.

4. The caching system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first workstation, the second workstation, and the clearance space are arranged sequentially in the first horizontal direction, and the linear displacement module is used to drive the support member to move along the first horizontal direction; The support member includes a connecting strip and several support strips. The connecting strip is used to connect each of the support strips and to connect with the linear displacement module. The clearance port includes several clearance sub-ports. Each of the support strips and each of the clearance sub-ports are arranged side by side at intervals in the second horizontal direction, and both the support strips and the clearance sub-ports extend along the first horizontal direction. The second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

5. The caching system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The buffer rack also includes a base, a top plate, and a support frame. The top plate and the base are arranged vertically opposite each other. The support frame stands on the base and is connected to the top plate. The buffer layer is located between the top plate and the base and includes several support rods. Each support rod is arranged side by side at intervals in the second horizontal direction, and a clearance opening is formed between two adjacent support rods. The support rods extend along the first horizontal direction and are connected to the support frame.

6. The caching system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower frame includes a main body and a positioning frame. A positioning groove is formed inside the main body. The buffer frame, the feeding mechanism and the positioning frame are all located in the positioning groove. The positioning frame stands upright on the main body and is connected to the linear guide rail. The buffer rack also includes connecting pieces, which are connected to the top of the positioning frame and the top plate, respectively.

7. The caching system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main body has ventilation holes that communicate with the positioning groove and the outside respectively. The buffer system also includes a fan, which is located in the positioning groove and arranged close to the ventilation holes.

8. The caching system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the main body is equipped with rollers.

9. The caching system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism and the buffer rack are arranged side by side and opposite each other in the first horizontal direction, and the conveying mechanism is located in the second horizontal direction of the feeding mechanism, and the conveying mechanism is a robotic arm.

10. The caching system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a detection camera, which is located inside the buffer cavity and directly above the operation port.

Images