Material tray loading and unloading apparatus

Abstract

A tray handling device includes a transfer device, a connecting device, and a cross-shaped gripper. The connecting device is mounted on the transfer device, and the cross-shaped gripper is mounted on the connecting device. The cross-shaped gripper includes a gripper cylinder and four grippers. The gripper cylinder is fixed to the connecting device. The bottom of the gripper cylinder has four radially arranged displacement components. The grippers are fixed below the displacement components. A hook extends from the lower end of each gripper, hooking inward. The inner edge of the hook defines a gripping range. The transfer device can simultaneously move the connecting device and the cross-shaped gripper, placing the tray within the gripping range. The gripper cylinder is then activated, causing the hooks to engage the outer edge of the tray, thus achieving the gripping purpose.

Claims

1. A tray handling device, comprising: a transfer device having a connecting end; a connecting device including a top block, a plurality of pushing assemblies and a bottom block, the top block being fixed to the connecting end, the pushing assemblies being disposed between the top block and the bottom block, each pushing assembly including a sleeve, a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a sleeve ring and an elastic element, the sleeve being fixed to the top block, the first shaft portion being inserted into the sleeve with its upper end protruding above the top block, the second shaft portion being fixed to the lower end of the first shaft portion, the maximum outer diameter of the second shaft portion being larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first shaft portion, such that the connection between the second shaft portion and the first shaft portion forms a... The first shaft portion is fitted with a stepped surface. The collar and the elastic member are both fitted onto the first shaft portion. The collar abuts against the stepped surface. The elastic member is located between the collar and the top block. The elastic force of the elastic member can cause the collar and the second shaft portion to move away from the top block. A cross-shaped gripper is also included, comprising a gripper cylinder and four grippers. The gripper cylinder is fixed below the top block. The bottom of the gripper cylinder has four radially arranged displacement members. The grippers are fixed below the displacement members. A hook extends from the lower end of each gripper. The hooks hook inward. The inner edge of the hooks defines a gripping range.

2. The material tray loading and unloading device as requested in item 1, wherein the push assembly is provided in four sets, which correspond to the four corners of the top block and the bottom block respectively.

3. The tray loading and unloading device as requested in item 1, wherein a longitudinal limiting member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the first shaft.

4. The tray handling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting device further includes a lateral limiting component disposed on the top block and corresponding to the claw, for limiting the lateral displacement stroke of the claw.

5. The tray handling device as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the lateral limiting components includes two extension blocks and two protrusions, the extension blocks being fixed to the top block and extending downward, and the extension blocks being located on opposite sides of the claw, the corresponding positions where the extension blocks overlap with the claw having an elongated hole, the elongated holes being arranged laterally, and the protrusions being fixed to opposite sides of the claw and respectively accommodated in the elongated holes.

6. The tray handling device of claim 1, wherein the gripping area is quadrilateral and the hooks are located at the midpoints of the sides of the quadrilateral.

7. The tray picking and placing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer contour of the gripping range matches the length and width dimensions of a tray to be picked or placed.

8. The tray handling device of claim 1 further includes a control component, which includes a host and a first sensing element. The host is electrically connected to the first sensing element, the transfer device and the gripper cylinder respectively. It can receive a sensing signal from the first sensing element and analyze the signal content to control the transfer device to perform displacement and control the gripper cylinder to drive in the forward or reverse direction. The first sensing element is disposed on the gripper and the sensing end faces the gripping range.

9. The tray handling device of claim 1 further includes a control component comprising a host and a plurality of second sensing elements. The host is electrically connected to the second sensing elements, the transfer device and the gripper cylinder, respectively. The host can receive a sensing signal from the second sensing elements and analyze the signal content to control the transfer device to perform displacement and control the gripper cylinder to drive in the forward or reverse direction. The second sensing elements are respectively disposed on different sides of the top block, and the sensing ends face the position near the periphery within the gripping range.

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