Automated loading and unloading apparatus for sheet products

Abstract

The utility model relates to the automatic feeding and discharging equipment for sheet product, and it links with the film plating station, and the feeding and discharging equipment includes feeding station, discharging station, transfer station and transfer unit. The utility model is based on the transfer cooperation of first, second transfer mechanism on one hand, realizes the automatic continuous feeding and discharging of sheet product in the film plating procedure, effectively improves production quality and production efficiency, reduces the contact frequency of worker and film plating equipment simultaneously, improves production safety, on the other hand, through the switching of first, second pick-and-place module two kinds of material taking mode, flexible matching product's working condition before and after film plating, effectively improves the feeding precision of product and the discharging success rate after film plating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of loading and unloading equipment, specifically relating to an automated loading and unloading equipment for thin sheet products. Background Technology

[0002] PVD coating has a wide range of applications, commonly found in hydrogen fuel cell stacks, tableware, medical devices, various tools, electronic components, watches, and other industries. Due to its excellent high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, metallic texture, and decorative effect, it greatly enhances the value of products and has become an essential post-processing step for many industries.

[0003] In existing factories, PVD coating processes are typically carried out manually. After the PVD coating machine finishes coating, the cover is opened, and the staff manually removes all products from the chamber and puts in the same number of uncoated products. The staff then manually presses the start button, and the PVD coating machine cover is pressed down to start operation.

[0004] However, in actual production, the following defects exist: 1. Manual loading and unloading is prone to operational errors, which cannot guarantee product quality and production efficiency. Moreover, each time materials are picked up and put in, the staff are in direct contact with the PVD coating machine, which poses certain safety hazards. 2. Thin sheet products undergo high temperatures during coating, causing stress deformation of the product's contours. Furthermore, the bottom of the product is the process surface during coating, lacking support, making it difficult for conventional robotic arms (such as vacuum suction cups) to accurately position and pick up the product, further increasing the difficulty of achieving automated loading and unloading. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an improved automated loading and unloading equipment for thin sheet products.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An automated loading and unloading device for thin sheet products is disclosed, which is connected to a coating station. The loading and unloading device includes a loading station, an unloading station, a transfer station, and a transfer unit. The transfer unit includes a first transfer mechanism for transferring the thin sheet product between the loading station, the unloading station, and the transfer station; and a second transfer mechanism for transferring the thin sheet product between the transfer station and the coating station. The second transfer mechanism includes a first pick-and-place module and a second pick-and-place module that can be switched to dock with either the coating station or the transfer station. The pick-and-place end of the first pick-and-place module has an adsorption end face, and the thin sheet product can be adhered to and adsorbed onto the adsorption end face and transferred from the transfer station to the coating station as the first pick-and-place module moves. The pick-and-place end of the second pick-and-place module has multiple clamping parts that match the side contour of the thin sheet product. During unloading, the multiple clamping parts can close towards each other to clamp the thin sheet product and transfer from the coating station to the transfer station as the second pick-and-place module moves.

[0007] Preferably, the direction of movement of each clamping part is perpendicular to the corresponding contact edge on the sheet product. This avoids relative slippage during the clamping contact process.

[0008] Preferably, the multiple clamping parts are divided into two clamping groups located near both ends of the sheet product, and in each clamping group, the movement directions of adjacent clamping parts intersect. This improves clamping stability.

[0009] Preferably, in the two clamping groups, the movement paths formed by the clamping parts located diagonally are arranged parallel to each other.

[0010] Preferably, each clamping part includes a vertically extending clamping body and an extension body extending horizontally inward from the bottom of the clamping body. This prevents the product from slipping downward between the multiple clamping parts during the clamping process, thereby improving the success rate of material handling.

[0011] Preferably, the transfer station includes a first transfer platform and a second transfer platform. The second transfer mechanism also includes an alignment power unit. When the alignment power unit drives the first pick-and-place module to align vertically with the first transfer platform, the second pick-and-place module simultaneously aligns vertically with the second transfer platform. This improves transfer efficiency.

[0012] Preferably, the alignment power unit includes a carrier, a rotational power component, and a translational power component. The first and second pick-up / placement modules are arranged side-by-side on the carrier. The rotational power component drives the carrier to rotate around a vertical centerline to switch the orientation of the first and second pick-up / placement modules. The translational power component drives the carrier to translate longitudinally and laterally on a horizontal plane. This design is simple and easy to assemble and implement.

[0013] Preferably, the first pick-and-place module and the second pick-and-place module each include a frame plate that is movably connected to the carrier and a lifting power component that drives the frame plate to move up and down, wherein the adsorption end face and multiple clamping parts are respectively formed on the bottom surface of the corresponding frame plate.

[0014] Preferably, the loading and unloading equipment also includes a barcode scanning station located between the transfer station and the loading or unloading station. The barcode scanning station includes a positioning seat for positioning the sheet products, a barcode scanner mounted above the positioning seat, and a barcode scanner. By completing the scanning process simultaneously with the barcode marking, the equipment's total contact volume (CT) is reduced, significantly increasing the equipment's capacity.

[0015] Furthermore, the transfer station is installed on a ground rail and can move along the rail to connect with or offset from the coating station. In the event of equipment failure, the equipment can be moved out, leaving a manual operation channel, meaning that equipment maintenance will not affect planned production capacity.

[0016] Due to the implementation of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art: The existing manual loading and unloading methods are prone to operational errors, which cannot guarantee product quality and production efficiency. Moreover, each time materials are picked up and placed, workers are in direct contact with the PVD coating machine, which poses certain safety hazards. At the same time, thin sheet products are subjected to high temperatures during coating, which causes corresponding stress deformation of the product contour. In addition, the bottom of the product is the process surface during coating and lacks support, making it difficult for conventional robotic arms (such as vacuum suction cups) to accurately position and pick up the product, further increasing the difficulty of achieving automated loading and unloading. This application presents a comprehensive structural design for an automated loading and unloading device for sheet products, cleverly addressing the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies. When this automated loading and unloading device is used, during docking with the coating station, the sheet products are placed at the loading station, and the first transfer mechanism transfers the sheet products one by one to the intermediate station. The first pick-and-place module, with its adsorption end face formed by the pick-and-place end, adheres to and adsorbs the sheet products located at the intermediate station. As the first pick-and-place module moves, the sheet products are transferred from the intermediate station to the coating station for coating. After coating is completed, the pick-and-place end of the second pick-and-place module is aligned with the sheet products at the coating station, and multiple clamping parts formed by the pick-and-place end of the second pick-and-place module converge to clamp the sheet products. As the second pick-and-place module moves, the coated sheet products are transferred from the coating station to the intermediate station. Finally, the first transfer mechanism transfers the sheet products from the transfer station to the unloading station, thus completing the automatic loading and unloading of sheet products during coating. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this utility model, on the one hand, is based on the transfer cooperation of the first and second transfer mechanisms to realize the automatic and continuous loading and unloading of thin sheet products in the coating process, which effectively improves production quality and efficiency, while reducing the frequency of contact between workers and coating equipment and improving production safety; on the other hand, by switching between the two material handling methods of the first and second pick-up and place modules, the working conditions of the product before and after coating can be flexibly matched, which effectively improves the loading accuracy of the product and the success rate of unloading after coating. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automated loading and unloading equipment and coating station used for thin sheet products according to this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram of the automated loading and unloading equipment; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Top view of a partial structure in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of the second transfer mechanism; The components are as follows: 1. Loading station; 2. Unloading station; 3. Transfer station; 31. First transfer platform; 32. Second transfer platform; 4. Transfer unit; 41. First transfer mechanism; 42. Second transfer mechanism; 421. First pick-and-place module; m. Adsorption end face; 422. Second pick-and-place module; b. Clamping part; b0. Clamping body; b1. Extension body; j. Frame plate; s. Lifting power component; 423. Alignment power unit; z. Carrier frame; x. Rotation power component; p. Translational power component; B. Thin sheet product; 5. Dotting and scanning station; 50. Positioning seat; 51. Dotting device; W. Coating station; G. Ground rail. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that they are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "above," "below," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible embodiments.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products in this embodiment is connected to the coating station W. The loading and unloading equipment includes a loading station 1, an unloading station 2, a transfer station 3, and a transfer unit 4.

[0025] Specifically, loading station 1 and unloading station 2 are arranged side by side and spaced apart. Both loading station 1 and unloading station 2 are conventional loading and unloading conveyor mechanisms for thin sheet products, which will not be described in detail here.

[0026] In this example, the transfer station 3 is located on one side of the loading station 1 and the unloading station 2, and the transfer station 3 includes a first transfer platform 31 and a second transfer platform 32 arranged side by side.

[0027] In some specific embodiments, the first transfer platform 31 and the second transfer platform 32 are aligned with the loading station 1 and the unloading station 2, respectively, and the first transfer platform 31 and the second transfer platform 32 are respectively moved closer to or further away from the loading station 1 and the unloading station 2 via a transmission mechanism. The sheet product B to be loaded is positioned on the first transfer platform 31, and the sheet product B to be unloaded is positioned on the second transfer platform 32. Both the first transfer platform 31 and the second transfer platform 32 use outer contour positioning, which is a conventional technical means and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] Meanwhile, in order to improve efficiency, the first transfer platform 31, the second transfer platform 32, and the coating station W all constitute the positioning area for the four thin sheet products B, and the layout of the positioning area is the same in the three. That is to say, the loading transfer, unloading transfer, and coating of the four thin sheet products B can be carried out simultaneously each time.

[0029] In this example, the transfer unit 4 includes a first transfer mechanism 41 for transferring the sheet product B between the loading station 1, the unloading station 2, and the transfer station 3; and a second transfer mechanism 42 for transferring the sheet product B between the transfer station 3 and the coating station W. The second transfer mechanism 42 includes a first pick-and-place module 421 and a second pick-and-place module 422 that can be switched to dock with the coating station W or the transfer station 3 respectively, and a mechanism for driving the first pick-and-place module 421 and the second pick-and-place module 422. The alignment power unit 423 has an adsorption end face m formed on the pick-and-place end of the first pick-and-place module 421. The sheet product B can be attached to and adsorbed on the adsorption end face m and transferred from the transfer station 3 to the coating station W with the movement of the first pick-and-place module 421. The pick-and-place end of the second pick-and-place module 422 has multiple clamping parts b that match the side contour of the sheet product B. During unloading, the multiple clamping parts b can close together to clamp the sheet product B and transfer from the coating station W to the transfer station 3 with the movement of the second pick-and-place module 422.

[0030] In some specific embodiments, the first transfer mechanism 41 is located between the transfer station 3 and the loading station 1 and unloading station 2. The first transfer mechanism 41 employs a four-axis robotic arm, with its pick-and-place end using a suction cup capable of picking up two thin sheets of product at a time. When the alignment power unit 423 drives the first pick-and-place module 421 to align vertically with the first transfer platform 31, the second pick-and-place module 422 simultaneously aligns vertically with the second transfer platform 32, improving transfer efficiency. In this embodiment, the pick-and-place operation of the first and second transfer mechanisms is based on a conventional CCD positioning mechanism to locate the product position, a standard technical method that will not be elaborated upon here.

[0031] Meanwhile, the alignment power unit 423 includes a carrier frame z, a rotational power component x, and a translational force component p. The first pick-and-place module 421 and the second pick-and-place module 422 are arranged side-by-side with a gap on the carrier frame z. The rotational power component x drives the carrier frame z to rotate around a vertical centerline to switch the orientation of the first pick-and-place module 421 and the second pick-and-place module 422. The translational force component p drives the carrier frame z to translate longitudinally and laterally on a horizontal plane. This design is simple and easy to assemble and implement.

[0032] The first pick-and-place module 421 and the second pick-and-place module 422 each include a frame plate j that is movably connected to the carrier z, a lifting power component s that drives the frame plate j to move up and down, an adsorption end face m and multiple clamping parts b that are respectively formed on the bottom surface of the corresponding frame plate j, wherein the adsorption end face m adsorbs the thin sheet product based on the Bernoulli principle, and each clamping part b clamps or releases the product based on the push of a cylinder.

[0033] For ease of implementation, the movement direction of each clamping part b is perpendicular to the corresponding contact edge on the sheet product B; the multiple clamping parts b are divided into two clamping groups arranged near both ends of the sheet product. In each clamping group, the movement directions of adjacent clamping parts b intersect, and in the two clamping groups, the movement paths formed by the diagonally located clamping parts b are arranged parallel. It should be noted that the sheet product in this embodiment is a bipolar plate, and the two ends of the bipolar plate have through holes. Therefore, when the second pick-and-place module 422 of this embodiment picks up the material, each of the two clamping groups has two clamping parts b, and the two clamping parts b are inserted into the corresponding through holes and contact the edges of the through holes.

[0034] Meanwhile, each clamping part b includes a vertically extending clamping body b0 and an extension body b1 extending horizontally inward from the bottom of the clamping body b0. This prevents the product from slipping downward between the multiple clamping parts during the clamping process, thereby improving the success rate of material handling.

[0035] To further facilitate implementation, transfer station 3 and transshipment unit 4 are installed on ground rail G and can move along the ground rail to connect with or offset from the coating station. In the event of equipment failure, the equipment can be moved out, leaving a manual operation channel, meaning that equipment maintenance will not affect planned production capacity.

[0036] In addition, the loading and unloading equipment also includes a barcode scanning station 5 located between the transfer station 3 and either the loading station 1 or the unloading station 2. The barcode scanning station 5 includes a positioning base 50 for positioning the sheet product B, a barcode scanner 51 positioned above the positioning base, and both the barcode scanner 51 and the barcode scanner are commercially available products. After the coating is completed, barcode scanning is performed simultaneously with the barcode marking, reducing the equipment's total contact volume (CT) and significantly increasing the equipment's capacity.

[0037] In summary, after adopting this automated loading and unloading equipment, when docking with the coating station, the sheet products are placed at the loading station, and the first transfer mechanism transfers the sheet products one by one to the transfer station. The first pick-and-place module adheres to and adsorbs the sheet products located at the transfer station from its pick-and-place end face, and with the movement of the first pick-and-place module, the sheet products are transferred from the transfer station to the coating station for coating. After coating is completed, the pick-and-place end of the second pick-and-place module is aligned with the sheet products on the coating station, and the multiple clamping parts formed by the pick-and-place end of the second pick-and-place module close together to clamp the sheet products. With the movement of the second pick-and-place module, the coated sheet products are transferred from the coating station to the transfer station. Finally, the first transfer mechanism transfers the sheet products from the transfer station to the unloading station, thereby completing the automatic loading and unloading of sheet products during coating. Therefore, compared with the prior art, this utility model, on the one hand, is based on the transfer cooperation of the first and second transfer mechanisms to realize the automatic and continuous loading and unloading of thin sheet products in the coating process, which effectively improves production quality and efficiency, while reducing the frequency of contact between workers and coating equipment and improving production safety; on the other hand, by switching between the two material handling methods of the first and second pick-up and place modules, the working conditions of the product before and after coating can be flexibly matched, which effectively improves the loading accuracy of the product and the success rate of unloading after coating.

[0038] The present utility model has been described in detail above, with the aim of enabling those skilled in the art to understand its contents and implement it. However, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automated loading and unloading device for thin sheet products, which is connected to a coating station, characterized in that, The loading and unloading equipment includes a loading station, an unloading station, a transfer station, and a transfer unit. The transfer unit includes a first transfer mechanism for transferring the sheet product between the loading station, the unloading station, and the transfer station; and a second transfer mechanism for transferring the sheet product between the transfer station and the coating station. The second transfer mechanism includes a first pick-and-place module and a second pick-and-place module that can be switched to dock with either the coating station or the transfer station. The pick-and-place end of the first pick-and-place module has an adsorption end face, and the sheet product can be adhered to and adsorbed onto the adsorption end face and transferred from the transfer station to the coating station as the first pick-and-place module moves. The pick-and-place end of the second pick-and-place module has multiple clamping parts that match the side contour of the sheet product. During unloading, the multiple clamping parts can close towards each other to clamp the sheet product and transfer from the coating station to the transfer station as the second pick-and-place module moves.

2. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction of movement of each clamping part is perpendicular to the corresponding contact edge on the sheet product.

3. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of clamping parts are divided into two clamping groups located near both ends of the sheet product. In each clamping group, the movement directions of adjacent clamping parts intersect.

4. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the two clamping groups, the movement paths formed by the clamping parts located diagonally are arranged in parallel.

5. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Each of the clamping parts includes a vertically extending clamping body and an extension body that extends horizontally inward from the bottom of the clamping body.

6. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer station includes a first transfer platform and a second transfer platform. The second transfer mechanism also includes an alignment power unit. When the alignment power unit drives the first pick-and-place module to align with the first transfer platform, the second pick-and-place module will then align with the second transfer platform synchronously.

7. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 6, characterized in that, The alignment power unit includes a carrier, a rotational power component, and a translational power component. The first pick-up and place module and the second pick-up and place module are arranged side by side and spaced apart on the carrier. The rotational power component drives the carrier to rotate around a vertical centerline to switch the orientation of the first pick-up and place module and the second pick-up and place module. The translational power component drives the carrier to translate longitudinally and laterally on a horizontal plane.

8. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first pick-and-place module and the second pick-and-place module each include a frame plate that is movably connected to the carrier and a lifting power component that drives the frame plate to move up and down, wherein the adsorption end face and multiple clamping parts are respectively formed on the bottom surface of the corresponding frame plate.

9. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 6, characterized in that, The loading and unloading equipment also includes a dotting and scanning station set between the transfer station and the loading or unloading station. The dotting and scanning station includes a positioning seat for positioning the sheet products, a dotting device and a barcode scanner set above the positioning seat.

10. The automated loading and unloading equipment for sheet products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer station is installed on a ground rail and can move along the ground rail to be aligned with or offset from the coating station.

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