Apparatus and system for stacking and arranging sheet-like materials

Abstract

This invention provides a sheet-like material stacking and sorting device and system that not only eliminates the need for complex positioning and correction equipment using automated optical inspection, but also reduces development costs and equipment size. [Solution] The sheet material stacking and arranging device 1 mainly includes a carrying table 10 and displacement modules 20, 30 that vibrate the carrying table back and forth in at least two axial directions. Fixed alignment barrier walls 12 and at least one movable alignment position regulating plate 41, 42, 43 are provided on the side of the carrying table, respectively. Thus, when multiple sheet materials 70 are sequentially conveyed and stacked on the carrying table, the sheet materials are first provisionally aligned with the alignment barrier wall perpendicular to the conveying direction. Subsequently, the multiple sheet materials are stacked in an orderly manner by reciprocating vibration and gradual vertical displacement of the alignment position regulating plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment device and its system, and particularly to an alignment device and its system for neatly stacking sheet-like objects by means of reciprocating vibrations in different axial directions and the gradual approach of a movable position-regulating plate.

Background Art

[0002] Lamination processes are used in many fields. For example, the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) or the modularization of cell stacks are the most common. In the field of printed circuit boards, a high-density and three-dimensional circuit layout is realized by laminating substrates having metal wiring patterns. On the other hand, when used for the modularization of batteries, by stacking and electrically connecting a plurality of cells, it is possible to significantly improve the energy density of the modularized individual batteries.

[0003] In conventional lamination technologies, usually, accuracy during lamination is ensured by using automated optical inspection (AOI) or other positioning devices. However, the cost of the devices is high, and a large space is required to install the positioning devices, and alignment also takes a very long time. There are also physical or structural positioning methods that use clamping jigs or other auxiliary jigs to improve positioning accuracy. The most common one is the method using positioning pins. By opening positioning holes in the product and inserting the positioning pins, the product can be smoothly laminated, and the accuracy is improved by the positioning pin method.

[0004] However, these devices are costly and not versatile for many devices. In addition, for each product, and ultimately for each sheet-like object, it is necessary to develop a dedicated positioning device. Therefore, the development cost of related devices increases. However, the replacement of electronic products is very fast, and often, before the development cost can be recovered, it is necessary to start developing next-generation products, so the related costs remain high.

[0005] Based on the shortcomings of the conventional technology described above, this invention solves the above problems by providing a novel sheet-like material stacking and arranging device and system. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a sheet material stacking and aligning device and system that utilizes reciprocating vibration in different axial directions and an approach position regulating method using a movable alignment position regulating plate to arrange and align stacked sheet materials. This not only eliminates the need for complex positioning and correction equipment such as automatic optical inspection, but also reduces development costs and equipment size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention provides a sheet material stacking and arranging device comprising a support base on which multiple sheet materials are stacked, a fixed alignment barrier, a first displacement module, a second displacement module, and at least one movable alignment position regulating plate. The alignment barrier and the alignment position regulating plate are provided on the side of the support base. The sheet materials are placed on the support base and come into contact with the alignment barrier. The first displacement module and the second displacement module enable the support base to reciprocate in the first axial direction and the second axial direction, respectively. Furthermore, the first axial direction and the second axial direction are different. The multiple sheet materials stacked on the support base are arranged in an orderly manner by reciprocating vibration in different axial directions and the gradual upright movement of the movable alignment position regulating plate.

[0008] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the purpose, technical content, characteristics, and effects of this invention using specific examples, so that they can be more easily understood. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the sheet-like material stacking and arranging device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the sheet-like material stacking and arranging device according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of loading sheet materials into the sheet material stacking and arranging device of the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram showing the stacked state of sheet materials in the sheet material stacking and arranging device of the present invention. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram showing the alignment and arrangement of sheet materials in the sheet material stacking and arranging device of the present invention. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram showing the alignment and arrangement of sheet materials in the sheet material stacking and arranging device of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a stacking and arranging system consisting of a sheet-like material stacking and arranging device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] To enable a more readily and clearly understanding of the advantages, spirit, and features of this invention, the following will be described and examined in detail using embodiments and with reference to the above drawings. It should be noted that these embodiments are merely representative examples of the invention and do not limit the embodiments and claims of this invention to those embodiments only. These embodiments are provided solely for the purpose of making the disclosure of this invention clearer and easier to understand.

[0011] The terms used in the various embodiments disclosed herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and do not limit the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, singular forms are also included in plural forms. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to describe the various embodiments disclosed herein. The above terms (for example, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as their contextual meaning in the same art, unless explicitly limited in the various embodiments disclosed herein, and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.

[0012] Refer to Figure 1. The sheet material stacking and arranging device disclosed in this invention includes a support table 10, a fixed alignment barrier wall 12, a first displacement module 20, a second displacement module 30, and at least one movable alignment position regulating plate (first alignment position regulating plate 41, second alignment position regulating plate 42, third alignment position regulating plate 43). Multiple sheet materials 70 are stacked on the support table 10 for alignment and arranging. The surface of the support table 10 needs to be slightly larger than the size of the sheet materials 70. Furthermore, it is preferable that the shape is the same as the shape of the sheet materials 70. For example, as shown in the figure, since the sheet materials 70 are roughly rectangular, the surface of the support table 10 is also roughly rectangular. Of course, it may be designed in a different manner, as long as it can support and arrange the sheet materials 70.

[0013] The alignment barrier wall 12 is provided on one side of the support base 10. The alignment barrier wall 12 is fixedly installed. As shown in the figure, the support base 10 has a first side 101, a second side 102 opposite the first side 101, and a third side 103 and a fourth side 104 adjacent to the first side 101. The alignment barrier wall 12 is provided on the first side 101 of the support base 10. Also, as shown in the figure, the alignment barrier wall 12 is provided in pairs, but it may also be provided as a single wall in the center, or designed with a larger number of walls, and there are no particular limitations here.

[0014] The first displacement module 20 is used to reciprocate the support base 10 (together with the multiple sheet-like objects 70 stacked on top of it) in the first axial direction, and the second displacement module 30 is used to reciprocate the support base 10 (together with the multiple sheet-like objects 70 stacked on top of it) in the second axial direction. The vibration amplitude is approximately 5 to 10 mm. Furthermore, the first and second axial directions are different and may not be parallel to each other. In other words, the first and second axial directions are two different directions and have an angle between them. As shown in the figure, the first axis direction is parallel to the first side 101, and the second axis direction is parallel to the third side 103. In other words, the first axis direction and the second axis direction are perpendicular to each other. It should be explained that the first axis direction and the second axis direction are mainly set to match the sheet-like object 70 to be organized. As shown in the figure, the sheet-like object 70 has a roughly rectangular shape, so the first axis direction is designed to be parallel to the first side 101, and the second axis direction is designed to be parallel to the third side 103. When applying to sheet-like objects 70 of other shapes, the first axis direction and the second axis direction can be adjusted according to the actual needs.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the first displacement module 20 has a first drive source 21 and a first displacement platform 22. A support platform 10 is provided on the first displacement platform 22. The first drive source 21 generates reciprocating vibration in the first axial direction, causing the first displacement platform 22 to cause the support platform 10 located on it to reciprocate in the first axial direction. The second displacement module 30 has a second drive source 31 and a second displacement platform 32. The first displacement platform 22 is provided on the second displacement platform 32. The second drive source 31 generates reciprocating vibration in the second axial direction, causing the second displacement platform 32 to cause the first displacement platform 22 and the support platform 10 located on it to reciprocate in the second axial direction. The first drive source 21 and the second drive source 31 may be power sources such as servo motors or air cylinders, and by combining them with various methods such as crank connecting rods, crankshafts, slider connecting rods, and cams, the power is converted into linear reciprocating motion, causing the first displacement table 22 and the second displacement table 32 to vibrate in one direction. Of course, linear reciprocating motion may also be generated directly using, for example, a linear motor. The positions of the first displacement table 22 and the second displacement table 32 may also be swapped (i.e., the first displacement table 22 may be modified to support the second displacement table 32). Alternatively, one table may sequentially perform reciprocating vibrations in the first axial direction and the second axial direction alternately at intervals, or even generate reciprocating vibrations in two axial directions by combining a transmission mechanism with a single power source.

[0016] The movable alignment position regulating plates are movably mounted on the sides of the support base 10. As shown in the figure, the movable alignment position regulating plates are the first alignment position regulating plate 41 located on the third side 103, the second alignment position regulating plate 42 located on the fourth side 104, and the third alignment position regulating plate 43 located on the second side 102. When the sheet-like material 70 is tidied up by reciprocating vibration, these plates move to gradually approach and become upright, thereby blocking the sides of the support base 10 except for the first side 101. This restricts the displacement of the sheet-like material 70 and achieves the objective of aligning them by stacking them in an orderly manner. The operation and explanation of this part will be described in detail below. The third alignment position regulating plate 43 is located on the path through which the sheet-like material 70 is transported and stacked on the support base 10. Therefore, the angle at which the third alignment position regulating plate 43 gradually approaches the support base 10 ranges from a combined angle of 180 degrees with the support base 10 to a vertical angle of 90 degrees, which is the combined angle with the support base 10 at the time of approach. Furthermore, there are no fixed position regulating members on the sides (third side 103 and fourth side 104) where the first alignment position regulating plate 41 and the second alignment position regulating plate 42 are located. Therefore, the angle at which the first alignment position regulating plate 41 and the second alignment position regulating plate 42 gradually approach the support base 10 ranges from a combined angle of less than 180 degrees with the support base 10 to a vertical angle of 90 degrees, which is the combined angle with the support base 10 at the time of approach. The above gradual approach is completed within 3 to 10 seconds.

[0017] Next, refer to Figures 1 and 2. In actual operation, the sheet-like material 70 can be sequentially transported by the transport table 71 and stacked on the support table 10. At this time, the angle between the third alignment position regulating plate 43 and the support table 10 is 180 degrees. The form of the transport table 71 is not limited and can be a general transport belt or transport rollers, etc. Furthermore, the transport direction of the transport table 71 is toward the first side edge 101 of the support table 10, and as it is transported, the sheet-like material 70 is brought into contact with the alignment barrier wall 12 on one side.

[0018] Refer to Figure 1. In order to smoothly transport these sheet-like materials 70 one after another to the carrying platform 10, a lifting mechanism is provided on the bottom surface of the second displacement platform, which includes a lifting platform 52, a lifting base 53, and a lifting module 51 positioned on the lifting platform 52 and the lifting base 53. Thus, the lifting platform 52 is used to support the second displacement platform 32 and members such as the first displacement platform 22 and the carrying platform 10 located on it, and the height of the carrying platform 10 is controlled using the lifting module 51 located below the lifting platform 52. Refer to Figure 3A. Initially, the surface of the carrying platform 10 is controlled to be approximately aligned with the transport platform 71. When the sensor 72 detects that the first sheet-like material 70 has passed through and been loaded onto the carrying platform 10 and has come into contact with the alignment barrier wall 12, the lifting module 51 is used to control the lifting platform 52, lowering it to a height equivalent to approximately one sheet-like material 70 thickness. As a result, as shown in Figure 3B, when loading the second sheet-like material 70, smooth entry without height differences can be maintained, thus avoiding damage or dropping caused by collisions during the loading and stacking process of the sheet-like material 70. The above operations are continued sequentially until the stacking of all the sheet-like materials 70 is complete.

[0019] Next, refer to FIGS. 1 and 4A - 4B. After a predetermined number of sheet - like objects 70 are stacked, the first displacement module 20 and the second displacement module 30 generate reciprocating vibrations in the first axial direction and the second axial direction. Since the vibration amplitude is only about 5 - 10 mm, gaps are generated in the sheet - like objects 70 in a disordered stacked state along with such small - amplitude reciprocating vibrations. As a result, it becomes difficult for these sheet - like objects 70 to adhere to each other, and they can easily move and gradually become neatly arranged. Moreover, the first alignment position regulating plate 41 and the second alignment position regulating plate 42 are gradually lifted by the third drive source 44 provided on the first displacement stage 22, and the third alignment position regulating plate 43 is gradually lifted by the fourth drive source 45 provided on the first displacement stage 22, thereby blocking the second side 102, the third side 103, and the fourth side 104 of the carrier 10. In this way, it is gradually and slowly made to stand upright and contract, while gradually restricting the displaceable range of the sheet - like object 70, and combining the reciprocating vibrations in the first axial direction and the second axial direction. Then, until the first alignment position regulating plate 41, the second alignment position regulating plate 42, and the third alignment position regulating plate 43 are completely lifted to approach and stand upright, restricting the sheet - like object 70 from being able to move completely, thereby completing the alignment and arrangement of the sheet - like object 70.

[0020] As shown in the figure, since the sheet - like object 70 is substantially rectangular, here, the first axial direction is parallel to the direction from the third side 103 to the fourth side 104, and the second axial direction is parallel to the direction from the first side 101 to the second side 102. When applying to an aspect with a larger aspect ratio, that is, when it is in a more slender rectangular aspect, the first axial direction and the second axial direction may be designed in the directions of the two diagonals of the sheet - like object 70. Further, for example, when applying to other non - rectangular shapes such as a shape in which some sides have a curved surface or an arc surface, or other regular or irregular various geometric or non - geometric shapes, the directions of the first axial direction and the second axial direction may be adjusted according to actual needs. Mainly, the rectification and alignment by the reciprocating vibrations performed in the two non - parallel first axial direction and the second axial direction do not deviate from the concept of this case.

[0021] Also, the number and positions of the alignment position regulating plates and the alignment blocking walls 12 can be adjusted as necessary. For example, only one side (e.g., only the second alignment position regulating plate 42) cooperates with the alignment blocking wall 12 and the carrier 10, and the rectification is assisted by slightly inclining toward the side or the corner of the side during the rectification process. Or even when there are alignment blocking walls 12 on two sides and they are combined with one or two alignment position regulating plates, the purposes of rectification and alignment can be achieved. Further, the shapes and (respective) numbers of the first alignment position regulating plate 41, the second alignment position regulating plate 42, and the third alignment position regulating plate 43 may be changed. In the figure, two are provided for each, but it may be adjusted according to the actual shape and form of the sheet-like object 70. For example, when the sheet-like object 70 has a relatively long side, relatively more alignment position regulating plates may be provided. Or regarding the shape, it may be adjusted to a non-planar form such as an arc surface or a curved surface according to the shape of the side surface of the sheet-like object 70. Also, the movable alignment position regulating plate and the fixed alignment blocking wall 12 may be designed at the corner of the side. Further, in the drawings here, the first alignment position regulating plate 41 and the second alignment position regulating plate 42 are operated by the third drive source 44, and the third alignment position regulating plate 43 is operated by the fourth drive source 45. However, it may be designed to have a separate drive source for each alignment position regulating plate, or it may be designed to be operated by only one drive source.

[0022] Furthermore, the reciprocating motion in the first axial direction described above can be achieved by providing a slide rail parallel to the first side 101 between the bottom end of the first displacement base 22 and the ceiling surface of the second displacement base 32, and linearly joining the first displacement base 22 to the second displacement base 32 in an operable manner. In such a method, the first drive source 21 can be installed on the second displacement base 32. Also, the reciprocating motion in the second axial direction described above can be achieved by providing a slide rail parallel to the third side 103 between the bottom end of the second displacement base 32 and the ceiling surface of the lifting base 52, and linearly joining the second displacement base 32 to the lifting base 52 in an operable manner. In such a method, the second drive source 31 can be installed on the lifting base 52.

[0023] Furthermore, refer to Figure 5. To further activate the stacking and tidying stations, multiple sheet-like material stacking and tidying devices 1 may be combined to form a stacking and tidying system. In this system, a base 60 is provided to move multiple sheet-like material stacking and tidying devices 1 on the base 60. The transport table 71 is fixed to a first position on the base 60. With this arrangement, when the sheet-like material stacking and tidying device 1 moves to the first position on the base 60, the transport table 71 sequentially transports multiple sheet-like materials 70 to the carrying table 10 for stacking. When a predetermined number of sheets are stacked, the sheet-like material stacking and tidying device 1 on which the sheet-like materials 70 are placed moves away from the first position, while another sheet-like material stacking and tidying device 1 moves to the first position. This further activates the operation of the stations in the process and effectively improves the stacking and tidying efficiency.

[0024] Further explanation of the above description is provided. For example, the base 60 is provided with rails 61. In addition, in order to make the lifting base 53 movable on the base 60, a group of sliding grooves 54 may be provided at the bottom end of the lifting base 53, corresponding to the rails 61. For example, once the alignment and tidying operation is completed, the sheet material stacking and tidying device 1 can move on the base 60 via the lifting base 53 and move away from the transport table 71. That is, it moves away from the first position. Similarly, the next sheet material stacking and tidying device 1 moves to the first position using the same operating mechanism and approaches the transport table 71, thereby enabling the stacking of sheet materials 70. Of course, after the stacking is completed, it may move to a position away from the transport table 71 and then return to perform alignment and tidying again. Furthermore, the manner of transporting the base 60 is not limited to the linear reciprocating form shown in the figure, but may also be linear transport or disc-shaped exchange, etc., so that it can be immediately provided for subsequent processing after alignment and tidying. This part can be implemented by directly connecting the end of the base 60 to the next workstation. The operation of the subsequent sheet-like material stacking and arranging devices is the same as described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again here.

[0025] Furthermore, the sheet-like material 70 may have a protruding portion 74, and may, for example, be a cell having tab leads protruding from both opposing ends. As shown in Figure 1, the first alignment position regulating plate 41 and the second alignment position regulating plate 42 each include two position regulating members 411 and 412 and a connecting arm 413 located between the two position regulating members 411 and 412. The spacing between the position regulating members 411 and 412 is approximately equal to the width of the protruding portion 74, so that the position regulating members 411 and 412 can abut against the neck portion 73 of the sheet-like material 70 on both sides of the protruding portion 74.

[0026] In summary, this invention provides a sheet-like material stacking and arranging device and system. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging device generates looseness in the stacked sheet-like materials by reciprocating vibration in two axial directions, mimicking manual arranging. Furthermore, the stacked sheet-like materials are aligned and arranged by the gradual uprighting of an alignment position regulating plate. This not only eliminates the need for complex positioning and correction equipment such as automatic optical inspection, but also simplifies the structure, making it easier to manufacture and reducing development costs. Moreover, it can arrange sheet-like materials regardless of their shape or form, thus having a very wide range of applications. Furthermore, by providing a system configured using the sheet-like material stacking and arranging device, this invention further revitalizes sheet-like material stacking and arranging stations and effectively improves stacking and arranging efficiency.

[0027] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Accordingly, equivalent modifications or additions made based on the features and spirit described in the claims of this utility model shall all be included within the scope of the claims of this utility model. [Explanation of symbols]

[0028] 1 Sheet material stacking and organizing device 10. Carrying platform 101 1st side 102 Second side 103 Third side 104 4th side 12 Alignment barrier 20 First displacement module 21 First drive source 22 First displacement platform 30 Second Displacement Module 31 Second drive source 32 Second displacement platform 41. First Alignment Position Regulation Plate 411, 412 Position regulating members 413 Connecting Arm 42. Second Alignment Position Regulation Plate 43. Third Alignment Position Regulation Plate 44 Third drive source 45 Fourth drive source 51 Lifting Module 52 Elevating platform 53 Lifting base 54 Slide grooves 60 base 61 rails 70 Sheet-like material 71 Transport platform 72 sensors 73 Neck section 74 Protrusion

Claims

1. A sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus, A support platform on which multiple sheet-like materials are stacked, A fixed alignment barrier wall is provided on one side of the support base to bring the plurality of sheet-like objects into contact with each other, A first displacement module that allows the support platform to vibrate reciprocatingly in the first axial direction, The support platform is made capable of reciprocating vibration in the second axial direction, and the second displacement module is different in the first axial direction and the second axial direction, The system includes at least one movable alignment regulating plate provided on the side of the support platform where the alignment barrier wall is not provided, which moves to become upright gradually during the reciprocating vibration of the first and second displacement modules, thereby blocking at least another side of the support platform and aligning the plurality of sheet-like objects, Device.

2. Furthermore, the sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transport table provided adjacent to the transport table for sequentially transporting and stacking the plurality of sheet-like materials onto the transport table.

3. Furthermore, the sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a lifting module that maintains the plurality of sheet-like materials so that they are sequentially transported onto the support platform and stacked without any difference in height by displacing the support platform vertically.

4. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the direction of transport of the transport platform is perpendicular to the alignment barrier wall.

5. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocating vibration width of the first displacement module and the second displacement module is 5 to 10 mm.

6. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the support base has a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a third side and a fourth side adjacent to the first side, the alignment barrier wall is provided on the first side, and the first axial direction is parallel to the direction from the third side to the fourth side.

7. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging device according to claim 6, further comprising three alignment position regulating plates provided on the second side, the third side, and the fourth side, respectively.

8. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging device according to claim 7, wherein the angle at which the alignment position regulating plate provided on the second side gradually approaches the support base is from an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the support base to an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the support base at the time of approach.

9. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first displacement module includes a first drive source and a first displacement table for supporting and positioning the support table, and the first drive source generates reciprocating vibrations in the first axial direction in the first displacement table and the support table.

10. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second displacement module includes a second drive source and a second displacement platform for supporting and positioning the first displacement platform, and the second drive source generates second axial reciprocating vibrations in the second displacement platform, the first displacement platform and the support platform.

11. The sheet-like material stacking and arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet-like material has a protruding portion, the alignment position regulating plate comprises two position regulating members and a connecting arm positioned between the position regulating members such that the distance between the position regulating members is approximately equal to the width of the protruding portion.

12. A stacking and arranging system formed by the sheet-like material stacking and arranging apparatus described in claim 1, At least two of the aforementioned sheet-like material stacking and arranging devices, A base for moving the aforementioned sheet-like material stacking and arranging device, Includes a transport table fixed to a first position of the base, When the sheet-like material stacking and arranging device moves to the first position of the base, the conveying table sequentially conveys and stacks multiple sheet-like materials onto the carrying table, and when a predetermined number of sheets are stacked, the sheet-like material stacking and arranging device on which the sheet-like materials are placed moves away from the first position, and another sheet-like material stacking and arranging device moves to the first position. system.

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