Transfer station applied to circuit board patch production line

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of circuit board patch production line, it discloses a kind of transfer station applied to circuit board patch, at least including slide rail structure, first conveying mechanism and second conveying mechanism: slide rail structure has plate part position;First conveying mechanism and second conveying mechanism slide in slide rail structure;First conveying mechanism and second conveying mechanism are located the two sides opposite in plate part position, first conveying mechanism and second conveying mechanism alternately slide to plate part position along slide rail structure, to convey circuit board to external equipment in plate part position.First conveying mechanism and second conveying mechanism when conveying circuit board do not interfere with each other, so that first conveying mechanism and second conveying mechanism can have sufficient space to adjust the relative position of itself and track when being connected with the track of double-track machine platform, so that first conveying mechanism and second conveying mechanism can accurately align the track of double-track AOI detection, reduce the difficulty of being connected with double-track machine platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of circuit board surface mount production line technology, and in particular to a transfer stage used in circuit board surface mount production lines. Background Technology

[0002] PCB surface mount technology (SMT) production lines are generally used to mount or assemble components onto the surface of PCBs. They typically include, in sequence according to the mounting process, a board loading machine, a solder paste printer, a mounting machine, an AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) machine, a reflow oven, and a cooling machine. Some manufacturers also employ a dual-line parallel solution to improve efficiency.

[0003] Taking a production line equipped with a dual-track AOI inspection machine as an example, the dual-track AOI inspection machine has two independently operating tracks for conveying circuit boards. Therefore, two independently operating production line groups are needed to convey circuit boards to the two tracks of the dual-track AOI inspection machine respectively.

[0004] The principle by which two independently operating production line groups transport circuit boards to the two tracks of the dual-track AOI inspection machine includes: Each independently operating production line group includes a board loading machine, a solder paste printer, and a pick and place machine. The pick and place machines of the two production line groups are connected one-to-one to the two tracks of the dual-track AOI inspection machine via two docking stations, so that the pick and place machines of the two production line groups can independently transport circuit boards to the two tracks of the dual-track AOI inspection machine.

[0005] However, in the aforementioned solutions, since dual-track AOI inspection machines are generally purchased directly from the market, the positions of their two tracks are relatively fixed, and the distance between the two tracks is small. To connect with the two tracks, the docking stations of the two production line groups are often placed close together. This results in limited operating space and a difficult assembly process when docking and assembling the docking stations of the two production line groups with the tracks of the dual-track AOI inspection machine. Of course, in other similar solutions involving the combination of dual production lines and dual-track machines, such as combining dual production lines with dual-track docking stations or combining dual production lines with dual-track reflow ovens, the problem of limited operating space and a difficult assembly process also exists.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a technology that can reduce the assembly difficulty of production lines and dual-track equipment (such as dual-track AOI inspection machines, dual-track docking stations, dual-track reflow ovens, etc.) has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0007] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a transfer stage for use in circuit board assembly lines, which can reduce the difficulty of docking the production line with dual-track machines (such as dual-track AOI inspection machines).

[0008] This utility model is achieved using the following technical solution: A transfer station for use in a circuit board surface mount production line includes at least a frame, a first conveying module, a second conveying module, and a controller: the frame has a slide rail structure with a board ejection section; the first conveying module includes a first conveying mechanism slidably connected to the slide rail structure and a first driving component for driving the first conveying mechanism to slide along the slide rail structure; the second conveying module includes a second conveying mechanism slidably connected to the slide rail structure and a second driving component for driving the second conveying mechanism to slide along the slide rail structure; the controller controls the operation of the first driving component and the second driving component; wherein the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are located on opposite sides of the board ejection section, and under the drive of the first driving component and the second driving component, the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism alternately slide along the slide rail structure to the board ejection section.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the transfer platform further includes a housing with a discharge window; the frame is disposed inside the housing, and the position of the board discharge section corresponds to the position of the discharge window. When the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism slides to the board discharge section, the first conveying mechanism or the second conveying mechanism can transport the circuit board from the discharge window to outside the housing.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the housing is further provided with a first feeding window, which is arranged opposite to the discharge window. When the first conveying mechanism slides to the plate discharge position, the first conveying mechanism receives the circuit board supplied by the external device through the first feeding window and can transport the circuit board from the discharge window to outside the housing.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the housing is further provided with a second feeding window; the slide rail structure also includes a first waiting part, the position of which corresponds to the position of the second feeding window, and the second conveying mechanism can slide back and forth along the slide rail structure between the first waiting part and the board output part; when the second conveying mechanism slides to the first waiting part, the first conveying mechanism can receive the circuit board supplied by the external device from the second feeding window.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the first feed window and the second feed window are located on the same side of the housing.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the slide rail structure further includes a second waiting section, which is located on the side of the plate discharge section opposite to the first waiting section and is offset from the discharge window; the first conveying mechanism can slide back and forth along the slide rail structure between the second waiting section and the plate discharge section, and when the first conveying mechanism slides to the second waiting section, the first conveying mechanism is offset from the discharge window.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the slide rail structure further includes a third waiting section located between the first waiting section and the plate-out section, wherein the second conveying mechanism can remain at the third waiting section when the first conveying mechanism is at the plate-out section.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the slide rail structure includes a guide rail and a rack, with the rack extending along the length of the guide rail; the first drive assembly includes a first drive motor fixed to the first conveying mechanism and a first gear disposed on the output shaft of the first drive motor, the first gear meshing with the rack; the second drive assembly includes a second drive motor fixed to the second conveying mechanism and a second gear disposed on the output shaft of the second drive motor; the second gear meshing with the rack; both the first drive motor and the second drive motor are electrically connected to the controller.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the first conveying mechanism includes a bracket, two conveyor belts, and a conveying drive assembly; the bracket is slidably connected to a guide rail; the two conveyor belts are disposed on the bracket and are configured to support opposite sides of the bottom surface of the circuit board; the conveying drive assembly is used to drive the two conveyor belts to convey the circuit board; a first drive motor is fixedly connected to the bracket; the structure of the second conveying mechanism is the same as that of the first conveying mechanism.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, the conveyor belt includes a support plate disposed on the bracket, a pulley assembly disposed on the support plate, and a connecting belt sleeved on the pulley assembly; the connecting belt forms a support portion extending along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism under the limiting position of the pulley assembly, and the circuit board is supported by the support portion; the conveying drive assembly includes a conveying motor and a connecting shaft; the conveying motor is disposed on the bracket, and the conveying motor drives the pulley assemblies of the two conveyor belts simultaneously through the connecting shaft, so that the pulley assemblies drive the connecting belt to convey the circuit board.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: In some applications involving dual production line surface mount technology (SMT) of circuit boards, the first and second conveying mechanisms of this application can respectively transport circuit boards provided by the two production line equipment to the two tracks of the dual-track machine. The first and second conveying mechanisms move alternately to the board output position, transporting circuit boards to the two tracks of the dual-track machine in sequence. This ensures that the first and second conveying mechanisms do not interfere with each other when transporting circuit boards, allowing sufficient space for them to adjust their relative positions to the tracks when docking with the dual-track machine. This enables the first and second conveying mechanisms to accurately align with the tracks of external dual-track machines (such as dual-track AOI inspection machines, dual-track docking stations, and dual-track reflow ovens), reducing the difficulty of docking with external dual-track machines. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the transfer platform, production line, and dual-track machine in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the transfer stage according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1 Exploded view; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the transfer stage according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the first conveying module and the slide rail structure in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0020] The image is labeled as follows: 10. Shell; 11. Discharge window; 12. First feed window; 13. Second feed window; 20. Rack; 30. Slide rail structure; 31. Plate ejection section; 32. First waiting section; 33. Second waiting section; 34. Third waiting section; 301. Guide rail; 302. Rack; 40. First conveying mechanism; 41. Conveyor belt; 42. First drive motor; 43. Support; 431. Slider; 432. Base plate; 44. Connecting shaft; 45. Conveyor motor; 50. Second conveying mechanism; 60. Controller; 100. Transfer stage; 200. Production line; 300. Double-track machine. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment discloses a transfer platform 100 applied to a circuit board assembly line, which is used to transfer circuit boards from two production lines 200 to a dual-rail machine 300. The dual-rail transfer platform 300 can be a circuit board production line equipment with dual conveying tracks, such as a dual-rail AOI inspection machine, a dual-rail transfer platform, or a dual-rail reflow oven.

[0023] Please see Figures 2 to 5The transfer platform 100 includes at least a frame 20, a first conveying module, a second conveying module, and a controller 60. The frame 20 is provided with a slide rail structure 30, which has a plate-out portion 31. The first conveying module includes a first conveying mechanism 40 slidably connected to the slide rail structure 30 and a first drive assembly for driving the first conveying mechanism 40 to slide along the slide rail structure 30. The second conveying module includes a second conveying mechanism 50 slidably connected to the slide rail structure 30 and a second drive assembly for driving the second conveying mechanism 50 to slide along the slide rail structure 30. The controller 60 controls the operation of the first and second drive assemblies.

[0024] The first conveying mechanism 40 and the second conveying mechanism 50 are located on opposite sides of the board exit section 31. Driven by the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly, the first conveying mechanism 40 and the second conveying mechanism 50 alternately slide along the slide rail structure 30 to the board exit section 31, so as to convey the circuit board to the corresponding track of the dual-rail machine.

[0025] Specifically, in some applications involving dual-line board assembly, the first conveying mechanism 40 and the second conveying mechanism 50 of this embodiment can respectively convey the circuit boards provided by the two production lines to the two tracks of the dual-track machine. The first conveying mechanism 40 and the second conveying mechanism 50 alternately move to the board output section 31, conveying the circuit boards to the two tracks of the dual-track machine in sequence. In this way, the process of conveying the circuit boards by the first conveying mechanism 40 and the second conveying mechanism 50 does not interfere with each other. When one conveys the circuit board at the board output section 31, the other moves away from the board output section 31 to make way. This allows the first conveying mechanism 40 and the second conveying mechanism 50 to have sufficient space to adjust their relative positions to the tracks when docking with the tracks of the dual-track machine, thereby accurately aligning with the corresponding tracks for dual-track AOI detection and reducing the difficulty of docking with the dual-track machine.

[0026] In some embodiments, the transfer table further includes a housing 10, which has a discharge window 11. A frame 20 is disposed inside the housing 10, and the housing 10 protects the frame 20 inside the frame 20. The position of the plate discharge section 31 corresponds to the position of the discharge window 11. When the first conveying mechanism 40 or the second conveying mechanism 50 slides to the plate discharge section 31, the first conveying mechanism 40 or the second conveying mechanism 50 can transport the circuit board from the discharge window 11 to the outside of the housing 10, so as to transport it to the track of the dual-rail machine.

[0027] In some embodiments, the housing 10 also has a first feed window 12, which is disposed opposite to the discharge window 11. When the first conveying mechanism 40 slides to the board discharge section 31, the feed end and discharge end of the first conveying mechanism 40 face the first feed window 12 and the discharge window 11, respectively. The first conveying mechanism 40 receives circuit boards supplied by external equipment through the first feed window 12. For example, the first conveying mechanism 40 can receive circuit boards provided by the pick-and-place machine of the production line through the first feed window 12. After receiving the circuit board, the first conveying mechanism 40 can transport the circuit board from the discharge window 11 to the outside of the housing 10, so as to the track of the dual-rail machine.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing 10 further includes a second feeding window 13, which is located on the same side of the housing 10 as the first feeding window 12. The slide rail structure 30 also includes a first waiting area 32, the position of which corresponds to the position of the second feeding window 13. The second conveying mechanism 50 can slide back and forth along the slide rail structure 30 between the first waiting area 32 and the board output area 31. The first conveying mechanism 40 can receive circuit boards supplied by external devices from the second feeding window 13. Specifically, after the second conveying mechanism 50 has finished conveying the circuit board to the board output area 31, it moves back to the first waiting area 32 to wait for receiving the circuit board and to avoid interfering with the process of the first conveying mechanism 40 moving to the board output area 31 to convey the circuit board.

[0029] In some embodiments, the slide rail structure 30 further includes a second waiting area 33, which is located on the side of the board discharge area 31 opposite to the first waiting area 32 and is offset from the discharge window 11. The first conveying mechanism 40 can reciprocate along the slide rail structure 30 between the second waiting area 33 and the board discharge area 31. After the first conveying mechanism 40 has finished conveying the circuit board at the board discharge area 31, it slides to the second waiting area 33. The first conveying mechanism 40 is offset from the discharge window 11 to avoid interfering with the process of the first conveying mechanism 40 moving to the board discharge area 31 to convey the circuit board.

[0030] In some embodiments, the slide rail structure 30 further includes a third waiting section 34, which is located between the first waiting section 32 and the board output section 31. When the first conveying mechanism 40 is conveying the circuit at the board output section 31, the second conveying mechanism 50 can stay at the third waiting section 34 and wait for the first conveying mechanism 40 to finish conveying the circuit board and move back to the second waiting section 33 before moving to the board output section 31.

[0031] In some embodiments, the slide rail structure 30 includes a guide rail 301 and a rack 302. The guide rail 301 is mounted on the top surface of the frame 20 and is a guide groove structure or a guide boss structure; preferably, the guide rail 301 adopts a guide groove structure. The rack 302 extends along the length direction of the guide rail 301, specifically, the rack 302 is disposed within the guide groove. The first conveying mechanism 40 and the second conveying mechanism 50 are both slidably connected to the guide rail 301.

[0032] The first drive assembly includes a first drive motor 42 fixedly connected to the first conveying mechanism 40 and a first gear disposed on the output shaft of the first drive motor 42. The first gear meshes with a rack 302. When the first drive motor 42 drives the first gear to rotate forward and backward, the first gear can reciprocate along the rack 302, thereby forcing the first drive motor 42 to make adaptive movements. Finally, the first drive motor 42 drives the first conveying mechanism 40 to slide back and forth along the slide rail structure 30. The second drive assembly includes a second drive motor fixedly connected to the second conveying mechanism 50 and a second gear disposed on the output shaft of the second drive motor. The second gear meshes with a rack 302. When the second drive motor drives the second gear to rotate forward and backward, the second gear can reciprocate along the rack 302, thereby forcing the second drive motor to make adaptive movements. Finally, the second drive motor drives the second conveying mechanism 50 to slide back and forth along the slide rail structure 30.

[0033] Both the first drive motor 42 and the second drive motor are servo motors, and both are electrically connected to the controller 60. The controller 60 can be a PLC controller or a common industrial computer. The controller 60 controls the first drive motor 42 and the second drive motor to rotate precisely through a program, thereby precisely controlling the distance traveled by the first conveyor mechanism 40 and the second conveyor, enabling the first conveyor mechanism 40 and the second conveyor mechanism 50 to move precisely.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first conveying mechanism 40 includes a bracket 43, two conveyor belts 41, and a conveying drive assembly. The bracket 43 is located above the guide rail 301 and is slidably attached to the guide rail 301. Specifically, the bracket 43 includes a base plate 432 and a slider 431 fixed to the bottom wall of the base plate 432, the slider 431 being slidably attached to the guide rail 301. A first drive motor 42 is fixed to the slider 431 of the bracket 43, with its output shaft facing downwards, and a first gear located below the slider 431. The two conveyor belts 41 are disposed on the base plate 432 of the bracket 43. The two conveyor belts 41 are configured to support opposite sides of the bottom surface of the circuit board, and the conveying drive assembly is used to drive the two conveyor belts 41 to convey the circuit board.

[0035] The structure of the second conveying mechanism 50 is the same as that of the first conveying mechanism 40. Its structure and installation method can be referred to the first conveying mechanism 40. The structure and installation method of the second conveying mechanism 50 will not be described in detail here.

[0036] In some embodiments, the conveyor belt 41 includes a support plate disposed on the substrate 432, a pulley assembly disposed on the support plate, and a connecting belt sleeved on the pulley assembly. Specifically, the support plate is fixed to the top surface of the substrate 432, and the pulley assembly includes two driven pulleys, two tension pulleys, and one driving pulley. The two driven pulleys are rotatably disposed at both ends in the length direction of the support plate, the driving pulley is disposed at the lower part of the support plate, the two tension pulleys are disposed at the lower part of the support plate and are symmetrically located on both sides of the driving pulley, and the connecting belt is sleeved on the two driven pulleys, the two tension pulleys, and the driving pulley. The connecting belt forms a support portion extending along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 41 under the limitation of the driven pulleys, tension pulleys, and driving pulley, and the support portion supports the circuit board.

[0037] The conveying drive assembly includes a conveyor motor 45 and a connecting shaft 44. The conveyor motor 45 is mounted on a bracket 43 and simultaneously drives the pulley sets of the two conveyor belts 41 via the connecting shaft 44, so that the pulley sets drive the connecting belt conveyor circuit board. Specifically, a vertical plate is provided on the top surface of the base plate 432, which is parallel to the support plate. The conveyor motor 45 is fixedly connected to the side of the vertical plate facing away from the support plate. One end of the connecting shaft 44 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the conveyor motor 45 via a coupling, and the other end of the connecting shaft 44 is rotatably connected to the support plate away from the vertical plate. The drive pulleys of the two conveyor belts 41 are both sleeved on the connecting shaft 44. When the conveyor motor 45 drives the connecting shaft 44 to rotate, the connecting shaft 44 drives the drive pulleys of the two conveyor belts 41 to rotate synchronously. The drive pulleys drive the connecting belt, the driven pulley, and the tension pulley.

[0038] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line, characterized in that, At least including: The frame (20) is provided with a slide rail structure (30), the slide rail structure (30) having a plate-out portion (31); The first conveying module includes a first conveying mechanism (40) slidably connected to the slide rail structure (30) and a first driving component for driving the first conveying mechanism (40) to slide along the slide rail structure (30); The second conveying module includes a second conveying mechanism (50) slidably connected to the slide rail structure (30) and a second driving assembly for driving the second conveying mechanism (50) to slide along the slide rail structure (30); and A controller (60) is used to control the operation of the first drive component and the second drive component; The first conveying mechanism (40) and the second conveying mechanism (50) are located on opposite sides of the plate-out portion (31). Driven by the first driving component and the second driving component, the first conveying mechanism (40) and the second conveying mechanism (50) alternately slide along the slide rail structure (30) to the plate-out portion (31).

2. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing (10) with a discharge window (11); the frame (20) is located inside the housing (10), and the position of the plate discharge part (31) corresponds to the position of the discharge window (11). When the first conveying mechanism (40) or the second conveying mechanism (50) slides to the plate discharge part (31), the first conveying mechanism (40) or the second conveying mechanism (50) can transport the circuit board from the discharge window (11) to outside the housing (10).

3. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The housing (10) is also provided with a first feeding window (12), which is arranged opposite to the discharge window (11). When the first conveying mechanism (40) slides to the discharge part (31), the first conveying mechanism (40) receives the circuit board supplied by the external device through the first feeding window (12) and can transport the circuit board from the discharge window (11) to outside the housing (10).

4. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (10) is also provided with a second feeding window (13); the slide rail structure (30) also includes a first waiting part (32), the position of the first waiting part (32) corresponds to the position of the second feeding window (13), and the second conveying mechanism (50) can slide back and forth along the slide rail structure (30) between the first waiting part (32) and the plate output part (31); when the second conveying mechanism (50) slides to the first waiting part (32), the first conveying mechanism (40) can receive the circuit board supplied by the external device from the second feeding window (13).

5. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first feed window (12) and the second feed window (13) are located on the same side of the housing (10).

6. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The slide rail structure (30) further includes a second waiting part (33), which is located on the side of the plate discharge part (31) facing away from the first waiting part (32) and is offset from the discharge window (11); the first conveying mechanism (40) can slide back and forth along the slide rail structure (30) between the second waiting part (33) and the plate discharge part (31), and when the first conveying mechanism (40) slides to the second waiting part (33), the first conveying mechanism (40) is offset from the discharge window (11).

7. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The slide rail structure (30) also includes a third waiting section (34), which is located between the first waiting section (32) and the plate-out section (31). When the first conveying mechanism (40) is located at the plate-out section (31), the second conveying mechanism (50) can stay at the third waiting section (34).

8. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The slide rail structure (30) includes a guide rail (301) and a rack (302), the rack (302) extending along the length of the guide rail (301); the first drive assembly includes a first drive motor (42) fixed to the first conveying mechanism (40) and a first gear disposed on the output shaft of the first drive motor (42), the first gear meshing with the rack (302); the second drive assembly includes a second drive motor fixed to the second conveying mechanism (50) and a second gear disposed on the output shaft of the second drive motor; the second gear meshing with the rack (302); the first drive motor (42) and the second drive motor are both electrically connected to the controller (60).

9. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first conveying mechanism (40) includes a bracket (43), two conveyor belts (41), and a conveying drive assembly; the bracket (43) is slidably connected to the guide rail (301); the two conveyor belts (41) are disposed on the bracket (43), and the two conveyor belts (41) are configured to support the opposite sides of the bottom surface of the circuit board; the conveying drive assembly is used to drive the two conveyor belts (41) to convey the circuit board; the first drive motor (42) is fixedly connected to the bracket (43); the structure of the second conveying mechanism (50) is the same as that of the first conveying mechanism (40).

10. The transfer stage for use in a circuit board surface mount production line as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The conveyor belt (41) includes a support plate disposed on the bracket (43), a pulley assembly disposed on the support plate, and a connecting belt sleeved on the pulley assembly; the connecting belt forms a support portion extending along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism under the limiting of the pulley assembly, and the circuit board is supported by the support portion; the conveying drive assembly includes a conveying motor (45) and a connecting shaft (44); the conveying motor (45) is disposed on the bracket (43), and the conveying motor (45) drives the pulley assemblies of the two conveyor belts (41) simultaneously through the connecting shaft (44), so that the pulley assemblies drive the connecting belt to convey the circuit board.

Images