Positioner for turning a workpiece or product by 180 degrees on a production line

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of positioners for workpiece or product realizes 180 degrees of turnover in production line, by conveying mechanism, turnover execution mechanism, transverse translation mechanism is formed, conveying mechanism includes synchronous belt conveying line body and the conveying driving mechanism for driving synchronous belt conveying line body conveying workpiece or product, transverse translation mechanism includes slide rail module, slider module and the translation driving mechanism for driving slider module transverse translation, slider module is located on slide rail module, turnover execution mechanism is located on slider module, and turnover execution mechanism is composed of turnover clamp and the turnover driving motor for driving turnover clamp 180 degrees of turnover.The utility model is through design turnover, transmission, translation structure is integrated mechanism, realize electrode plate on production line 180 degrees of automatic turnover function, improve product practicality while improving operation flexibility and efficiency, while the stability of the turnover execution mechanism design ensures the stability in the process of turning over electrode plate, reduces damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automation technology, and in particular to a positioner for rotating workpieces or products 180 degrees on a production line. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional manufacturing is undergoing a profound transformation from labor-intensive to technology-intensive, and full automation of production lines has become an irreversible trend. In this context, workpieces often require orientation changes, particularly 180-degree rotations, during processing, inspection, or assembly to access their reverse side. However, this process has long relied heavily on manual operation, which not only constitutes a bottleneck in production efficiency but also presents a series of serious challenges: manual rotation is slow and unstable, making seamless integration with high-speed, rhythmic automated production lines difficult; the uncontrollability of manual operation easily leads to scratches and bumps on workpieces, and poor rotation accuracy directly affects the quality consistency of subsequent processes; for heavy or large workpieces, the rotation process also poses significant safety hazards. Therefore, developing an automated device that can replace manual labor and complete rotation tasks accurately and efficiently has become crucial for overcoming production bottlenecks and improving overall manufacturing levels.

[0003] Traditional and early flipping and repositioning technologies still have significant limitations. They often use the lever principle, employing a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder to push a clamping arm for flipping. While simple in structure, they suffer from low precision and poor stability, typically limiting their use to heavy-duty applications where high precision is not required. Slewing bearing type flipping machines, on the other hand, use a large slewing bearing as the rotation center, driven by an electric motor or hydraulic motor. They offer high load-bearing capacity and are commonly used for large, heavy workpieces (such as structural components in engineering machinery), but the systems are bulky, require a large footprint, and are difficult to integrate into continuous conveyor lines.

[0004] A welding flipping and repositioning device disclosed in Chinese Patent CN223198416.U includes a gantry frame and a flipping and repositioning mechanism. It uses a flipping belt to support and drive the workpiece to flip. However, during the operation of this device, the entire weight of the workpiece and the flipping inertial force are borne by the flipping belt. There is no active clamping mechanism, which poses a risk of slippage and stretching. At the same time, this device is essentially an auxiliary device for manual operation, and it is difficult to achieve precise control of the flipping angle.

[0005] The flipping and positioning machine tooling disclosed in Chinese patent CN120382311.A includes a base, a swing arm and other mechanisms. It relies on a cylinder to drive a complex linkage-swing arm-fisheye tie rod mechanism to achieve the clamping function. The kinematic chain is too long and multiple connection points are hinged, which is prone to gaps and elastic deformation. The simple drive device cannot control the flipping angle in a straight line with precision and does not have the ability to work with high precision and high reliability. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model embodiment is to provide a positioner for workpieces or products to be rotated 180 degrees on the production line, so as to accurately and efficiently complete the workpiece or product rotation task.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a positioner for rotating workpieces or products 180 degrees on a production line. It comprises a conveying mechanism, a rotation execution mechanism, and a lateral translation mechanism. The conveying mechanism includes a synchronous belt conveyor line and a conveying drive mechanism for driving the synchronous belt conveyor line to transport workpieces or products. The lateral translation mechanism includes a slide rail module, a slider module, and a translation drive mechanism for driving the slider module to move laterally. The slider module is mounted on the slide rail module, and the rotation execution mechanism is mounted on the slider module. The rotation execution mechanism consists of a rotation fixture and a rotation drive motor for driving the rotation fixture to rotate 180 degrees.

[0008] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism includes two sets of synchronous belt conveyor lines, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The conveying drive mechanism consists of a synchronous belt drive motor and a transmission shaft. The synchronous belt drive motor drives one set of synchronous belt conveyor lines and drives the other set of synchronous belt conveyor lines through the transmission shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the flipping actuator and the lateral translation mechanism are respectively located between the two sets of synchronous belt conveyor lines.

[0010] Furthermore, the flipping actuator includes multiple sets of flipping fixtures, a flipping shaft is provided on the slider module, multiple sets of flipping fixtures are arranged side by side at intervals on the flipping shaft, a flipping drive motor is connected to the flipping shaft, and the flipping drive motor drives the multiple sets of flipping fixtures to flip through the flipping shaft.

[0011] Furthermore, the translation drive mechanism adopts a motor-driven lead screw mechanism.

[0012] Furthermore, the driving direction of the translation drive mechanism is parallel to the conveying direction of the synchronous belt conveyor line.

[0013] Furthermore, the flipping actuator also includes a flipping sensor for detecting whether the workpiece or product has reached a preset position on the flipping fixture.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. This invention achieves complete automation of the flipping process, significantly improving production efficiency: Compared with traditional lever-based flipping or manual operation, this invention achieves a complete automated process of "receiving-leaving-flipping-returning-unloading" through the coordinated operation of the conveying mechanism, flipping execution mechanism, and lateral translation mechanism. The precise cooperation between the synchronous belt conveyor and the flipping fixture ensures the accuracy of workpiece positioning, avoiding problems such as unstable cycle time and poor positional accuracy common in manual operation, and can be seamlessly integrated with high-speed automated production lines.

[0015] 2. The innovative lateral translation design of this utility model effectively avoids interference problems: This utility model uniquely designs a lateral translation mechanism. Through the cooperation of components such as the slide rail module, slider module, and lead screw module, the flipping execution system can move perpendicular to the conveying direction. The flipping motor and the translation motor start synchronously, realizing the flipping requirement of the workpiece in the shortest displacement. This design fundamentally solves the interference problem between the flipping mechanism and the conveyor line, ensuring the smooth operation of the flipping process, while providing flexibility for handling workpieces of different sizes.

[0016] 3. This utility model features a compact and stable structure, ensuring flipping accuracy and safety: Compared to the bulky structure and complex linkage mechanism gaps of traditional slewing bearing flipping machines, this utility model adopts a modular design, resulting in a compact structure and short kinematic chain, effectively reducing elastic deformation and gap accumulation. The direct connection between the flipping drive motor and the flipping fixture ensures precise control of the flipping angle, while the robust clamping design effectively prevents damage to the workpiece during the flipping process, making it particularly suitable for precision workpieces such as electrode plates with high precision requirements.

[0017] 4. The highly integrated design of this utility model enhances equipment adaptability: This utility model integrates the three major functions of conveying, flipping, and translation into one unit, which not only reduces the equipment's footprint but also improves the overall coordination of the system. This integrated design enables the positioner to flexibly adapt to different production line layout requirements, providing reliable technical support for intelligent manufacturing in the context of Industry 4.0. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a positioner used to achieve 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on a production line, according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of a positioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, used to achieve a 180-degree rotation of a workpiece or product on a production line.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view of a positioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is used to achieve a 180-degree rotation of a workpiece or product on a production line.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a front view of a positioner used in an embodiment of the present invention to achieve a 180-degree rotation of a workpiece or product on a production line.

[0022] Explanation of icon numbers 1. Synchronous belt conveyor line; 2. Synchronous belt drive motor; 3. Drive shaft; 4. Slide rail module; 5. Slider module; 6. Translation drive motor; 7. Tilting fixture; 8. Tilting drive motor; 9. Tilting shaft; 10. Slide plate; 11. Lead screw module; 12. Lead screw drive nut. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0025] Furthermore, in this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 1-4 The positioner of this utility model embodiment for achieving 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on the production line consists of a conveying mechanism, a rotation execution mechanism, and a lateral translation mechanism.

[0027] A conveying mechanism is used to transport workpieces to a designated position. The conveying mechanism includes a synchronous belt conveyor line and a drive mechanism for driving the synchronous belt conveyor line to transport workpieces or products.

[0028] The lateral translation mechanism supports the entire flipping actuator, enabling it to move perpendicular to the conveyor direction. Its core purpose is to achieve the "receive-leave-flip-return-discharge" process, preventing the flipping mechanism from interfering with the conveyor line. The lateral translation mechanism includes a slide rail module, a slider module, and a translation drive mechanism for driving the slider module's lateral movement. The slider module is mounted on the slide rail module, and the flipping actuator is mounted on the slider module. The slider module consists of a slider and two sets of sliding plates mounted on the slider.

[0029] The flipping actuator is used to clamp the workpiece upon receipt and drive it to complete the flipping operation. The flipping actuator consists of a flipping fixture and a flipping drive motor for rotating the fixture 180 degrees. The flipping fixture is a common fixture in this field, typically using a cylinder to drive two grippers. Utilizing the lever principle, the linear motion of the cylinder is converted into the opening / closing of the grippers; details will not be elaborated here.

[0030] In one implementation, the conveying mechanism includes two sets of synchronous belt conveyor lines, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The conveying drive mechanism consists of a synchronous belt drive motor and a drive shaft. The synchronous belt drive motor drives one set of synchronous belt conveyor lines and drives the other set of synchronous belt conveyor lines through the drive shaft. The drive shaft connects the synchronous belt drive motor and the synchronous belt conveyor lines, transmitting the motor's power to the conveyor lines, thereby driving the synchronous belt conveyor lines to convey the workpiece (electrode plate) forward to the designated position.

[0031] The flipping actuator and the lateral translation mechanism are respectively located between the two sets of synchronous belt conveyor lines.

[0032] The present invention uses a synchronous belt drive motor to drive a synchronous belt conveyor line to transport the workpiece (electrode plate) forward. At the same time, the workpiece (electrode plate) enters a flipping fixture. When the electrode plate reaches the set position, the flipping sensor is triggered, the flipping drive motor starts, and drives the flipping fixture and the workpiece (electrode plate) to flip. The synchronous translation drive mechanism starts, and drives the slider module to translate on the slide rail module. Together with the flipping drive motor and the flipping fixture, a 180-degree flip is completed. After the flip is completed, the workpiece (electrode plate) falls onto the synchronous belt conveyor line. The synchronous belt drive motor continues to drive the synchronous belt conveyor line to transport the workpiece (electrode plate) forward.

[0033] In one embodiment, the flipping actuator includes multiple sets of flipping fixtures, a flipping shaft is provided on the slider module (slide plate), multiple sets of flipping fixtures are arranged side by side at intervals on the flipping shaft, a flipping drive motor is connected to the flipping shaft, and the flipping drive motor drives the multiple sets of flipping fixtures to flip through the flipping shaft.

[0034] In one implementation, the translation drive mechanism adopts a motor-screw drive mechanism, and the driving direction of the translation drive mechanism is parallel to the conveying direction of the synchronous belt conveyor line. The motor-screw drive mechanism is a common drive mechanism, consisting of a screw module, a screw transmission nut, and a translation drive motor (i.e., a servo motor), which will not be described in detail here.

[0035] In one implementation, the flipping actuator also includes a flipping sensor for detecting whether the workpiece or product has reached a preset position on the flipping fixture. The flipping sensor is a commonly used position detection sensor in the art; it typically employs a sensor with the strongest anti-interference capability and is very suitable for workpiece detection.

[0036] The specific working process of this utility model is as follows: Initial state: 1. A synchronous belt drive motor drives the synchronous conveyor line through a transmission shaft to smoothly transport the workpiece (electrode plate) along the conveying direction; 2. The flipping fixture is in the open position, waiting to receive the workpiece; 3. The slider module is located at the starting position of the slide rail module, and the entire flipping actuator is located on the side of the conveyor line; Material receiving stage: 1. The workpiece enters the working area of ​​the flipping fixture via a synchronous conveyor line; 2. When the workpiece reaches the set position, the flip sensor triggers a signal; 3. The flip-over fixture closes, firmly clamping the workpiece; The coordinated flipping and translation phase: 1. The tilting drive motor and the translation drive mechanism start synchronously; 2. The flipping drive motor drives the flipping fixture and the workpiece to begin rotating and flipping; 3. Simultaneously, the translation drive mechanism drives the slider module to move laterally on the slide rail module; 4. The sliding plate on the slider module serves as an auxiliary support to ensure the smoothness of translational movement; 5. The flipping action and translation movement are precisely coordinated to enable the workpiece to complete a 180-degree flip within the shortest displacement. Return and unloading stage: 1. After the flipping is completed, the flipping fixture opens, and the workpiece falls smoothly onto the synchronous belt conveyor line; 2. The slider module returns to its starting position along the slide rail module; 3. The synchronous belt drive motor continues to drive the conveyor line, transporting the flipped workpiece forward to the next process.

[0037] This utility model achieves automatic 180-degree rotation of electrode plates on the production line by designing a mechanism that integrates flipping, conveying, and translation structures. This improves product usability, operational flexibility, and efficiency. At the same time, the robust flipping mechanism design ensures stability during the electrode plate rotation process and reduces damage.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A positioner for rotating a workpiece or product 180 degrees on a production line, characterized in that, It consists of a conveying mechanism, a flipping execution mechanism, and a lateral translation mechanism. The conveying mechanism includes a synchronous belt conveyor line and a conveying drive mechanism for driving the synchronous belt conveyor line to convey workpieces or products. The lateral translation mechanism includes a slide rail module, a slider module, and a translation drive mechanism for driving the slider module to move laterally. The slider module is located on the slide rail module. The flipping execution mechanism is located on the slider module. The flipping execution mechanism consists of a flipping fixture and a flipping drive motor for driving the flipping fixture to flip 180 degrees.

2. The positioner for achieving 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on a production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes two sets of synchronous belt conveyor lines, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The conveying drive mechanism consists of a synchronous belt drive motor and a transmission shaft. The synchronous belt drive motor drives one set of synchronous belt conveyor lines and drives the other set of synchronous belt conveyor lines through the transmission shaft.

3. The positioner for achieving 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on a production line as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The flipping actuator and the lateral translation mechanism are respectively located between the two sets of synchronous belt conveyor lines.

4. The positioner for achieving 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on a production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping actuator includes multiple sets of flipping fixtures. A flipping shaft is provided on the slider module. Multiple sets of flipping fixtures are arranged side by side at intervals on the flipping shaft. A flipping drive motor is connected to the flipping shaft. The flipping drive motor drives the multiple sets of flipping fixtures to flip through the flipping shaft.

5. The positioner for achieving 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on a production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The translation drive mechanism adopts a motor-screw drive mechanism.

6. The positioner for achieving 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on a production line as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The driving direction of the translation drive mechanism is parallel to the conveying direction of the synchronous belt conveyor line.

7. The positioner for achieving 180-degree rotation of workpieces or products on a production line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping actuator also includes a flipping sensor for detecting whether the workpiece or product has reached a preset position on the flipping fixture.

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