Positioning mechanism and sheet material transport system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of semiconductor and photovoltaic, and particularly relates to a positioning mechanism and a sheet material conveying system, which solves the problems of large space occupation and low positioning accuracy of the mechanism for positioning the conveyed sheet material in the related art. The positioning mechanism comprises a base, a positioning piece, a driving piece and a guide piece, the guide piece is in sliding connection with the positioning piece, the guide piece has a first inclined surface, the positioning piece is provided with a second inclined surface matched with the first inclined surface, in the case that the conveying mechanism moves the sheet material into a process position, the driving piece can drive the guide piece to move in a first direction to drive the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to generate relative movement, and then the positioning piece is lifted to carry the sheet material of the process position, and the sheet material is separated from the conveying mechanism to maintain the sheet material in the process position. The positioning mechanism and the sheet material conveying system provided by the present disclosure improve the movement accuracy of the positioning mechanism and reduce the occupied space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the fields of semiconductor and photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a positioning mechanism and sheet transport system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of photovoltaic technology, solar cells are widely used in various fields. During different processing steps, such as laser grooving and printing, solar cells are typically transported to the corresponding processing station via a conveyor belt. A positioning mechanism at the processing station then lifts the silicon wafer before proceeding with the corresponding processing. In existing technologies, the components in the positioning mechanism used to lift the silicon wafer are generally designed as linear modules extending vertically, such as cylinders or ball screws. This results in a large vertical space requirement for the positioning mechanism, and prolonged use leads to a decrease in motion accuracy, failing to meet requirements. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a positioning mechanism and a sheet conveying system to solve the problems of large space occupation and low positioning accuracy of the mechanism for positioning the conveyed sheet in the related art.

[0004] In a first aspect, one embodiment of this disclosure provides a positioning mechanism applied to a sheet transport system. The sheet transport system has a process position and includes a conveying mechanism configured to carry a sheet and move the sheet into or out of the process position. The positioning mechanism includes: a base disposed at the process position; a positioning member having a bearing surface configured to carry the sheet, the positioning member being slidably connected to the base along a first direction and capable of moving relative to the base in a vertical direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the vertical direction; a driving member disposed at the base; and a guide member connected to the driving member, the driving member being capable of driving the guide member to move along the first direction, the guide member being slidably connected to the positioning member, the guide member having a first inclined surface, and the positioning member having a second inclined surface cooperating with the first inclined surface. When the conveying mechanism moves the sheet into the process position, the driving member can drive the guide member to move along the first direction, thereby causing the first and second inclined surfaces to move relative to each other, thereby causing the positioning member to rise to carry the sheet at the process position, and the sheet disengaging from the conveying mechanism to maintain the sheet at the process position.

[0005] In some embodiments, the system further includes: a first guide rail disposed on a first inclined surface, the extension direction of the first guide rail being parallel to the extension direction of the first inclined surface; a second guide rail disposed on a second inclined surface, the extension direction of the second guide rail being parallel to the extension direction of the second inclined surface, and the extension directions of the first guide rail and the second guide rail being parallel to each other, the second guide rail being slidably connected to the first guide rail; and a plurality of balls, wherein a receiving space extending along the extension direction of the first guide rail is enclosed at the mating position between the first guide rail and the second guide rail, the plurality of balls being confined within the receiving space, and the balls being able to roll within the receiving space.

[0006] In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the bearing surface is configured to bear the sheet of the process position, and the sheet is detached from the conveying mechanism. In the second state, the sheet of the process position is carried by the conveying mechanism, and the bearing surface is spaced apart below the sheet in a vertical direction. The positioning mechanism further includes: a first sensor disposed on the base, the first sensor having a sensing area; a first sensing sheet disposed on the guide, the first sensing sheet being movable in a first direction to move into or out of the sensing area; and a second sensing sheet disposed on the guide, the first sensing sheet and the second sensing sheet being spaced apart in the first direction, the second sensing sheet being movable in the first direction to move into or out of the sensing area. When the first sensor detects that the first sensing sheet has moved into the sensing area, the positioning mechanism is in the first state. When the first sensor detects that the second sensing sheet has moved into the sensing area, the positioning mechanism is in the second state. The driving member is configured to drive the guide to move in the first direction to switch the positioning mechanism between the first state and the second state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism includes two or more conveyor belts extending along a first direction, and multiple conveyor belts spaced apart along a second direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are mutually perpendicular. The guide is provided with two or more clearance channels recessed inward from the bearing surface. The clearance channels extend along the first direction and pass through the guide, and the clearance channels correspond one-to-one with the conveyor belts. When the bearing surface carries the sheet to detach from the conveying mechanism, the conveyor belt is located in the corresponding clearance channel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the device further includes a second sensor disposed on the positioning member, the second sensor being configured to sense whether a process position has moved into the sheet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the positioning member includes: a bearing portion having a bearing surface, the bearing surface having an adsorption hole, and the bearing portion having a channel communicating with the adsorption hole inside; a positioning portion detachably connected to the side of the bearing portion away from the bearing surface, and the positioning portion having a second inclined surface; the positioning mechanism further includes: an adsorption member communicating with the channel, wherein when the sheet is supported on the bearing surface, the adsorption member can extract gas from the channel so that the sheet is adsorbed on the bearing surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the positioning element further includes: a plurality of leveling bolts, which detachably connect the bearing portion and the positioning portion, wherein the tightening degree of the plurality of leveling bolts is adjustable so that the extension direction of the bearing surface is parallel to the extension direction of the sheet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the driving component includes: a motor disposed on a base; a screw connected to the output end of the motor, the screw extending along a first direction; a fixing block threadedly connected to the screw, and a guide connected to the fixing block, wherein the motor can drive the screw to rotate, and the fixing block threadedly connected to the screw can drive the guide to reciprocate along the first direction, so as to raise or lower the positioning component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system further includes a cooperating first slide rail and a first slider, the first slide rail extending in a vertical direction, one of the first slide rail and the first slider being disposed on a base and the other being disposed on a positioning member; and / or, the system further includes a cooperating second slide rail and a second slider, the second slide rail extending in a first direction, one of the second slide rail and the second slider being disposed on a base and the other being disposed on a guide member; and / or, the system further includes a weight-reducing hole, the weight-reducing hole being disposed on at least one of the positioning member, the guide member, and the base.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a sheet transport system having a process position. The sheet transport system includes: a conveying mechanism configured to carry a sheet and move the sheet into or out of the process position; and a positioning mechanism described above configured to detach the sheet moved into the process position from the conveying mechanism and maintain it at the process position.

[0014] The positioning mechanism and sheet conveying system provided in this disclosure, through the arrangement of a positioning member, a driving member, and a guiding member, enable the driving member to drive the guiding member to move along a first direction when the conveying mechanism moves the sheet into the process position. This causes the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to move relative to each other, thereby raising the positioning member to support the sheet at the process position, and allowing the sheet to detach from the conveying mechanism to maintain the sheet at the process position. The positioning mechanism of this disclosure converts the lateral movement of the guiding member and the relative movement of the first and second inclined surfaces into vertical movement, saving space occupied in the vertical direction and facilitating the miniaturization of the positioning mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, compared with the existing technology that directly uses linear modules such as cylinders and ball screws to lift the sheet material at the process position, the positioning mechanism provided in this disclosure converts the lateral movement of the driving component driving the guide component into the relative movement of the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane. As long as the relative displacement of the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane can be controlled, the vertical movement accuracy of the positioning mechanism can be controlled. There is no need to consider the situation where the error of linear modules such as cylinders and ball screws increases and the movement accuracy decreases due to long-term use, thereby improving the control accuracy of vertical movement. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of a sheet transport system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 As shown Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the positioning mechanism shown.

[0020] Figure 4 The image shown is a front view of the positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure in a second state.

[0021] Figure 5 The image shown is a front view of a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure in a first state.

[0022] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the bearing portion in a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 The image shown is a side view of the bearing portion in a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 As shown Figure 7 The sectional view of the positioning mechanism in the BB direction shown.

[0025] Figure label: 100. Sheet conveying system; 100a. Process station; 10. Positioning mechanism; 1. Base; 11. First slider; 12. Second slide rail; 2. Positioning component; 21. Bearing part; 211. Bearing surface; 212. Adsorption hole; 213. Clearance channel; 214. Weight reduction hole; 215. Channel; 216. Air extraction hole; 217. Sealing bolt; 22. Positioning part; 221. Second inclined surface; 222. First slide rail; 3. Driving component; 31. Motor; 32. Screw; 33. Fixed component. 4. Fixed block; 5. Guide component; 6. First inclined surface; 7. Second slider; 8. Guide assembly; 9. First guide rail; 10. Second guide rail; 11. Limiting assembly; 12. First sensing element; 13. Sensing area; 14. First sensing plate; 15. Second sensing element; 16. Adsorption component; 17. Vacuum generator; 18. Leveling bolt; 29. ​​Conveying mechanism; 201. Conveyor belt assembly; 202. Driving component; 30. Support frame; X: First direction; Y: Second direction; Z: Vertical direction. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of a sheet transport system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Arrow X points to the first direction, which is also the conveying direction of the sheet material by the conveying mechanism 20; arrow Y points to the second direction; arrow Z points to the vertical direction, which is also the height direction of the supporting mechanism; and arrow Z points to the vertical direction Z. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the vertical direction Z are all perpendicular to each other, and will not be emphasized separately thereafter.

[0028] This disclosure provides a positioning mechanism, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The positioning mechanism 10 is applied to the sheet transport system 100, which has a process position 100a. The sheet transport system 100 includes a conveying mechanism 20, which is configured to carry the sheet and move the sheet into or out of the process position 100a. The positioning mechanism 10 is configured to disengage the sheet that has been moved into the process position 100a from the conveying mechanism 20 and maintain it at the process position 100a, and is also configured to return the carried processed sheet to the conveying mechanism 20 so that the conveying mechanism 20 moves the processed sheet out of the process position 100a.

[0029] Optionally, the sheet can be a solar cell, which needs to be processed through different steps to finally become a usable solar cell product. The shape of the solar cell can be, for example, rectangular, square with direction markings, or circular with direction markings, etc. The sheet can be a whole solar cell or a half solar cell, without specific limitations.

[0030] It is understood that the sheet transport system 100 may include a support frame 30, and the transport mechanism 20 may include a conveyor belt assembly 201 and a drive component 202 disposed on the support frame 30. The conveyor belt assembly 201 extends along the first direction X and passes through the process position 100a. The drive component 202 can drive the conveyor belt assembly 201 to move, so as to move the sheet carried on the conveyor belt assembly 201 along the first direction X to move into or out of the process position 100a.

[0031] Optionally, the process position 100a can be configured as a location for laser grooving, cutting, printing, photographic positioning, and other processes. Depending on the specific process required, laser grooving equipment, cutting equipment, printing equipment, photographic positioning equipment, and other process equipment can be set on one side of the conveyor belt group 201 and at the position corresponding to the process position 100a to implement the corresponding process. This can be adaptively adjusted according to actual needs and is not specifically limited. Furthermore, depending on the actual process requirements, there can be one process position 100a or multiple process positions 100a arranged at intervals along the first direction X. Each process position 100a is provided with a positioning mechanism 10. The positioning mechanism 10 enables the sheet material moved into the process position 100a to detach from the conveyor belt group 201 and remain at the process position 100a for the corresponding process equipment to process the sheet material. It also enables the processed sheet material to be re-carried by the conveyor belt group 201 after processing, so that the conveyor belt group 201 can move the processed sheet material out of the process position 100a.

[0032] Specifically, the positioning mechanism 10 includes a base 1, a positioning member 2, a driving member 3, and a guide member 4. The base 1 is disposed at the process position 100a. The positioning member 2 has a bearing surface 211, which is configured to bear the sheet. The positioning member 2 is slidably connected to the base 1 along the first direction X. The positioning member 2 can move relative to the base 1 in the vertical direction Z. The driving member 3 is disposed at the base 1. The guide member 4 is connected to the driving member 3. The driving member 3 can drive the guide member 4 to move along the first direction X. The guide member 4 is slidably connected to the positioning member 2. The guide member 4 has a first inclined surface 41. The positioning member 2 has a second inclined surface 221 that cooperates with the first inclined surface 41. When the conveying mechanism 20 moves the sheet into the process position 100a, the driving member 3 can drive the guide member 4 to move along the first direction X, so as to cause the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221 to move relative to each other, thereby causing the positioning member 2 to rise to bear the sheet at the process position 100a, and the sheet is disengaged from the conveying mechanism 20 so that the sheet is maintained at the process position 100a.

[0033] The positioning mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment, through the arrangement of the positioning member 2, the driving member 3, and the guide member 4, enables the driving member 3 to drive the guide member 4 to move along the first direction X when the conveying mechanism 20 moves the sheet into the process position 100a. This causes the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221 to move relative to each other, thereby raising the positioning member 2 to support the sheet at the process position 100a, and allowing the sheet to disengage from the conveying mechanism 20 so that the sheet remains at the process position 100a. The positioning mechanism 10 of this disclosure converts the lateral movement of the guide member 4 and the relative movement of the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221 into vertical movement in the Z direction, saving the space occupied by the positioning mechanism 10 in the vertical Z direction and facilitating the miniaturization of the positioning mechanism 10.

[0034] Furthermore, compared with the existing technology that directly uses linear modules such as cylinders and ball screws to lift the sheet at process position 100a, the positioning mechanism 10 provided in this disclosure converts the lateral movement of the driving component 3 driving the guide component 4 into the relative movement of the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221. As long as the relative displacement of the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221 can be controlled, the positioning mechanism 10 can be controlled in the vertical Z-direction motion accuracy. There is no need to consider the situation where the linear modules such as cylinders and ball screws have increased errors and reduced motion accuracy due to long-term use, thereby improving the control accuracy of the vertical Z-direction motion.

[0035] It is understood that, based on the conveyor belt assembly 201 being mounted on the support frame 30, the positioning mechanism 10 can be specifically mounted in the placement space enclosed below the support frame 30, so that the positioning mechanism 10 is installed within the placement space, and the positioning mechanism 10 is mounted below the conveyor belt assembly 201 at the process position 100a. The positioning mechanism 10 provided in this disclosure can reduce the space occupied in the placement space, thereby reducing the installation height and length of the support frame 30, and saving costs.

[0036] In some optional embodiments, the driving component 3 includes a motor 31, a screw 32, and a fixing block 33. The motor 31 is mounted on the base 1, the screw 32 is connected to the output end of the motor 31, and the screw 32 extends along a first direction X. The fixing block 33 is threadedly connected to the screw 32, and the guide component 4 is connected to the fixing block 33. The motor 31 can drive the screw 32 to rotate, and the fixing block 33, which is threadedly connected to the screw 32, can drive the guide component 4 to reciprocate along the first direction X, so that the positioning component 2 rises or falls. In other embodiments, the driving component 3 can also be configured as a linear module such as a cylinder, without specific limitation.

[0037] Optionally, the positioning mechanism 10 further includes a cooperating second slide rail 12 and a second slider 42. The second slide rail 12 extends along the first direction X. One of the second slide rail 12 and the second slider 42 is disposed on the base 1, and the other is disposed on the guide member 4, providing guidance for the linear reciprocating motion of the guide member 4 along the first direction X.

[0038] Optionally, the base 1 may be provided with a placement groove that runs through the first direction X, the driving member 3 is disposed in the placement groove of the base 1, and the fixing block 33, which is threadedly connected to the screw 32, may be disposed in the placement groove, and the fixing block 33 is located at the center of the placement groove in the second direction Y.

[0039] In some alternative embodiments, the positioning member 2 includes a support portion 21 and a positioning portion 22. The support portion 21 has a support surface 211, and the positioning portion 22 is detachably connected to the side of the support portion 21 away from the support surface 211. The positioning portion 22 is provided with a second inclined surface 221.

[0040] Optionally, the guide member 4 with the first inclined surface 41 and the positioning part 22 with the second inclined surface 221 can be provided in one set, or multiple sets can be provided at intervals along the second direction Y. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, two sets of guide members 4 with the first inclined surface 41 and positioning parts 22 with the second inclined surface 221 are provided at intervals along the second direction Y. Two guide members 4 in the two sets are respectively connected to the two ends of the fixing block 33 along the second direction Y, and two positioning parts 22 are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y at the bottom of the bearing part 21. Each set of guide members 4 and positioning parts 22 corresponds to each other, so that the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221 are opposite to each other and can move relative to each other along the inclined surface.

[0041] Optionally, the positioning mechanism 10 also includes a first slide rail 222 and a first slider 11 that cooperate. The first slide rail 222 extends in the vertical direction Z. One of the first slide rail 222 and the first slider 11 is disposed on the base 1 and the other is disposed on the positioning member 2, so as to provide guidance for the movement of the positioning part 22 in the vertical direction Z.

[0042] Optionally, at least one of the base 1, positioning component 2, and guide component 4 may be provided with a weight reduction hole 214. The size, shape, and location of the weight reduction hole 214 can be adjusted according to actual needs without specific limitations.

[0043] Figure 3 As shown Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the positioning mechanism shown. Figure 4 The image shown is a front view of the positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure in a second state. Figure 5 The image shown is a front view of a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure in a first state.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments, the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221 can be slidably connected by the guide component 5 so that the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 221 can generate relative movement without deviating from the preset upward or downward inclined movement trajectory.

[0045] Optionally, the extension direction of the first inclined plane 41 is parallel to the extension direction of the second inclined plane 221. The angle between the extension direction of the first inclined plane 41 and the extension direction of the horizontal plane is adjustable and not specifically limited.

[0046] Specifically, the guide assembly 5 includes a first guide rail 51 and a second guide rail 52 that cooperate. The first guide rail 51 is disposed on the first inclined surface 41, and the extension direction of the first guide rail 51 is parallel to the extension direction of the first inclined surface 41. The second guide rail 52 is disposed on the second inclined surface 221, and the extension direction of the second guide rail 52 is parallel to the extension direction of the second inclined surface 221. The extension directions of the first guide rail 51 and the second guide rail 52 are parallel. The second guide rail 52 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 51. At the position where the first guide rail 51 and the second guide rail 52 cooperate, an accommodating space extending along the extension direction of the first guide rail 51 is enclosed. Multiple balls are confined in the accommodating space, and the balls can roll in the accommodating space. For example, the first guide rail 51 and the second guide rail 52 have surface limiting grooves that extend along the extension direction of the first guide rail 51. The limiting grooves enclose a receiving space for accommodating the ball. The ball will not fall out of the limiting groove, but can rotate freely. The second guide rail 52 is slidably connected to the first guide rail 51, and the part of the ball protruding from the limiting groove can contact the surface of the second guide rail 52. When the first guide rail 51 and the second guide rail 52 move relative to each other, the ball can rotate to reduce the frictional resistance between the first guide rail 51 and the second guide rail 52.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 The positioning mechanism 10 has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the bearing surface 211 is configured to bear the sheet of process position 100a, and the sheet is detached from the conveying mechanism 20. In the second state, the sheet of process position 100a is carried by the conveying mechanism 20, and the bearing surface 211 is spaced below the sheet along the vertical direction Z, and the bearing surface 211 is located below the conveyor belt group 201.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 5 The positioning mechanism 10 also includes a limiting component 6, which specifically includes a first sensing element 61, a first sensing plate 62, and a second sensing plate. The first sensing element 61 is disposed on the base 1 and has a sensing area 611. The first sensing plate 62 is disposed on the guide member 4 and can move along the first direction X to move into or out of the sensing area 611. The second sensing plate is disposed on the guide member 4 and the first sensing plate 62 and the second sensing plate are arranged at intervals along the first direction X. The second sensing plate can move along the first direction X to move into or out of the sensing area 611. When the first sensing element 61 detects that the first sensing plate 62 has moved into the sensing area 611, the positioning mechanism 10 is in a first state. When the first sensing element 61 detects that the second sensing plate has moved into the sensing area 611, the positioning mechanism 10 is in a second state. The driving member 3 is configured to drive the guide member 4 to move along the first direction X so that the positioning mechanism 10 switches between the first state and the second state, thereby further improving the control accuracy of the positioning mechanism 10 in the vertical direction Z.

[0049] Optionally, the positioning mechanism 10 further includes a control component, which is electrically connected to the drive component 3 and the first sensor component 61 respectively. The control component can control the drive component 3 to move the guide component 4 along the first direction X. When the first sensor component 61 detects that the first sensing piece 62 is located in the sensing area 611, it generates a first sensing signal. The control component controls the drive component 3 to stop according to the first sensing signal, at which time the positioning mechanism 10 is in the first state. When the first sensor component 61 detects that the second sensing piece is located in the sensing area 611, it generates a second sensing signal. The control component controls the drive component 3 to stop according to the second sensing signal, at which time the positioning mechanism 10 is in the second state. It can be understood that during the transition between the first state and the second state of the positioning mechanism 10, the first sensing piece 62 and the second sensing piece are located on both sides of the first sensor component 61 in the first direction X, and the distance between the first sensing piece 62 and the second sensing piece in the first direction X is set as the displacement of the guide component 4 in the first direction X.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, the positioning mechanism 10 further includes a second sensor 7 disposed on the positioning member 2. In a second state, the second sensor 7 is configured to sense whether the process position 100a has moved into the sheet. The second sensor 7 is electrically connected to a control member, which can control the drive member 3 to operate based on the detection result of the second sensor 7, so as to promptly lift the sheet for processing when the process position 100a moves into the sheet.

[0051] Optionally, a receiving groove may be provided on the bearing surface 211, and the second sensing element 7 is disposed in the receiving groove. It is understood that the second sensing element 7 may be specifically configured on the side of the bearing surface 211 near the sheet removal direction, without specific limitation.

[0052] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the bearing portion in a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 The image shown is a side view of the bearing portion in a positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 As shown Figure 7 The sectional view of the positioning mechanism in the BB direction shown.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 6 to 8The conveyor belt group 201 includes two or more conveyor belts extending along a first direction X. Multiple conveyor belts are spaced apart along a second direction Y. The bearing portion 21 has two or more recessed avoidance channels 213 extending inward from the bearing surface 211. These avoidance channels 213 extend along the first direction X and penetrate the bearing portion 21. Each avoidance channel 213 corresponds to a conveyor belt. When the bearing surface 211 carries the sheet material and detaches from the conveyor mechanism 20, the bearing surface 211 is positioned above the conveyor belt in the vertical direction Z, and the conveyor belt is located within the corresponding avoidance channel 213. The avoidance channels 213 ensure that when the sheet material is detached from the conveyor belt group 201, the bearing portion 21 does not interfere with the conveyor belt, while maximizing the contact area between the bearing surface 211 and the sheet material. In particular, the central area of ​​the sheet material is supported by the bearing surface 211, preventing sheet material displacement or deformation during the lifting process, which would affect the process outcome.

[0054] Optionally, the conveyor belt and the clearance channel 213 are fitted with a clearance to avoid interference. The shape of the clearance channel 213 and the depth of the vertical Z-shaped indentation can be adaptively adjusted according to the actual situation and are not specifically limited.

[0055] In some optional embodiments, the positioning mechanism 10 further includes an adsorption member 8, which may include a vacuum generator 81 disposed on the base 1 and a pipe communicating with the vacuum generator 81. The bearing portion 21 has a channel 215 inside, and the bearing surface 211 has an adsorption hole 212 communicating with the channel 215. The bearing portion 21 also has an air extraction hole 216 communicating with the channel 215. The air extraction hole 216 and the pipe are connected by a flexible hose. The vacuum generator 81 is electrically connected to the control unit. After the sheet is moved into the process position 100a by the conveying mechanism 20, the control unit can control the positioning mechanism 10 to switch from the second state to the first state. The bearing surface 211 supports the sheet moved into the process position 100a and removes the sheet from the conveying mechanism 20. At this time, the sheet covers each adsorption hole 212, and the control unit can also control the vacuum generator 81 to work to extract the gas in the channel 215. The suction force acts on the sheet through the adsorption holes 212 so that the sheet is adsorbed on the bearing surface 211, preventing the sheet from moving relative to the bearing surface 211.

[0056] Optionally, the channel 215 extends along the first direction X, and the channel 215 can be configured as a plurality of channels spaced apart along the second direction Y. Each channel 215 is provided with a plurality of adsorption holes 212 arranged spaced apart along the second direction Y to improve the stability and strength of adsorption on the sheet.

[0057] It is understandable that the shape, size, and position of the channel 215 and the adsorption hole 212 can be adapted to actual needs without being specifically limited.

[0058] Optionally, along the first direction X, the bearing part 21 may first be provided with a through hole, and then sealing bolts 217 are provided at both ends of the through hole to form a channel 215. This method reduces the processing difficulty.

[0059] In some alternative embodiments, the positioning member 2 further includes a plurality of leveling bolts 9, which detachably connect the bearing part 21 and the positioning part 22. The tightening degree of the plurality of leveling bolts 9 is adjustable so that the extension direction of the bearing surface 211 is parallel to the extension direction of the sheet.

[0060] This disclosure also provides a sheet transport system, such as... Figure 1 The sheet transport system 100 has a process position 100a. The sheet transport system 100 includes a conveying mechanism 20 and a positioning mechanism 10. The conveying mechanism 20 is configured to carry the sheet and move the sheet into or out of the process position 100a. The positioning mechanism 10 is configured to detach the sheet that has been moved into the process position 100a from the conveying mechanism 20 and maintain it at the process position 100a.

[0061] It is understood that the specific details of the conveying mechanism 20 and the positioning mechanism 10 can be found in the relevant descriptions of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the connection can be a detachable connection using bolts and nuts, screws, clips, magnetic attraction, etc. In some connections where there is no particular requirement for a detachable fit, a non-detachable connection can be achieved through welding, bonding, or other methods.

[0063] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0064] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0065] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, devices, and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0066] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0067] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A positioning mechanism applied to a sheet transport system, the sheet transport system having a process station, the sheet transport system including a conveying mechanism configured to carry a sheet and move the sheet into or out of the process station, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism includes: The base is located at the aforementioned process position; A positioning element has a bearing surface configured to bear the sheet material. The positioning element is slidably connected to the base along a first direction. The positioning element is capable of moving relative to the base in a vertical direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction. A driving component is disposed on the base; A guide member is connected to the driving member, which can drive the guide member to move along the first direction. The guide member is slidably connected to the positioning member. The guide member has a first inclined surface, and the positioning member has a second inclined surface that cooperates with the first inclined surface. When the conveying mechanism moves the sheet into the process position, the driving member can drive the guide member to move along the first direction, so as to cause the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to move relative to each other, thereby causing the positioning member to rise to support the sheet in the process position, and the sheet disengages from the conveying mechanism so that the sheet is maintained in the process position.

2. The positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first guide rail is disposed on the first inclined surface, and the extension direction of the first guide rail is parallel to the extension direction of the first inclined surface. The second guide rail is disposed on the second inclined surface. The extension direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the extension direction of the second inclined surface, and the extension direction of the first guide rail is parallel to the extension direction of the second guide rail. The second guide rail is slidably connected to the first guide rail. Multiple balls are included, and a receiving space extending along the extension direction of the first guide rail is enclosed at the mating position between the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The multiple balls are confined in the receiving space, and the balls are able to roll in the receiving space.

3. The positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the bearing surface is configured to bear the sheet at the process position, and the sheet is detached from the conveying mechanism. In the second state, the sheet at the process position is carried by the conveying mechanism, and the bearing surface is spaced below the sheet in a vertical direction. The positioning mechanism further includes: A first sensing element is disposed on the base, and the first sensing element has a sensing area; A first sensing element is disposed on the guide member, and the first sensing element is capable of moving along the first direction to move into or out of the sensing area; A second sensing element is disposed on the guide member. The first sensing element and the second sensing element are arranged at a distance along the first direction. The second sensing element is movable along the first direction to move into or out of the sensing area. When the first sensing element detects that the first sensing element has moved into the sensing area, the positioning mechanism is in the first state. When the first sensing element detects that the second sensing element has moved into the sensing area, the positioning mechanism is in the second state. The driving element is configured to drive the guide member to move along the first direction so that the positioning mechanism switches between the first state and the second state.

4. The positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes two or more conveyor belts extending along the first direction, and multiple conveyor belts spaced apart along the second direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are mutually perpendicular. The guide member is provided with two or more clearance channels that are recessed inward from the bearing surface. The clearance channels extend along the first direction and penetrate the guide member. Each clearance channel corresponds to the conveyor belt. When the bearing surface carries the sheet to detach from the conveying mechanism, the conveyor belt is located within the corresponding clearance channel.

5. The positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second sensor is disposed on the positioning member, and the second sensor is configured to sense whether the process position has moved into the sheet.

6. The positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning element includes: The support portion has the support surface, the support surface is provided with adsorption holes, and the interior of the support portion is provided with a channel communicating with the adsorption holes; The positioning part is detachably connected to the side of the bearing part away from the bearing surface, and the positioning part is provided with the second inclined surface; The positioning mechanism also includes: An adsorption element, connected to the channel, is capable of extracting gas from the channel when the sheet is supported on the support surface, so that the sheet is adsorbed onto the support surface.

7. The positioning mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning element also includes: Multiple leveling bolts are detachably connected to the bearing part and the positioning part. The tightening degree of the multiple leveling bolts is adjustable so that the extension direction of the bearing surface is parallel to the extension direction of the sheet.

8. The positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component includes: The motor is mounted on the base. A screw is connected to the output end of the motor, and the screw extends along the first direction; A fixed block is threadedly connected to the screw, and the guide member is connected to the fixed block. The motor can drive the screw to rotate, and the fixed block threadedly connected to the screw can drive the guide member to reciprocate along the first direction, so that the positioning member rises or falls.

9. The positioning mechanism according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a first slide rail and a first slider that cooperate, the first slide rail extending along the vertical direction, one of the first slide rail and the first slider being disposed on the base, and the other being disposed on the positioning member; and / or, It also includes a cooperating second slide rail and a second slider, the second slide rail extending along the first direction, one of the second slide rail and the second slider being disposed on the base, and the other being disposed on the guide member; and / or, It also includes weight-reducing holes, which are disposed in at least one of the positioning member, the guide member, and the base.

10. A sheet conveying system, characterized in that, The sheet conveying system has a process station, and the sheet conveying system includes: A conveying mechanism is configured to carry the sheet and move the sheet into or out of the process station; The positioning mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to disengage the sheet moved into the process position from the conveying mechanism and maintain it at the process position.

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