Conveyor device and production line

Abstract

The present application relates to a conveyor device, comprising: a carrier conveyor line, a carrier, a carrier transfer mechanism, a movable vacuum module and a plurality of fixed vacuum modules. The carrier conveyor line is configured to convey the carrier in a first direction, and the carrier can pass through a plurality of stations during movement in the first direction; the fixed vacuum modules can be docked with the carrier, so as to perform vacuum suction on a part to be machined on the carrier; the carrier transfer mechanism is located on the side of the carrier conveyor line away from the fixed vacuum modules, and the carrier transfer mechanism is provided with a movable end; the movable vacuum module is arranged at the movable end of the carrier transfer mechanism, and can be docked with the carrier, so as to perform vacuum suction on the part to be machined on the carrier during synchronous movement with the carrier in the first direction. The carrier can be docked with the movable vacuum module during conveying, thereby enabling the carrier to suck and fix the part to be machined during conveying and preventing the position of the part to be machined from deviating relative to the carrier during conveying. Further provided in the present application is a production line.

Description

Conveying equipment and production lines Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of automation equipment, and in particular to a conveying equipment and a production line. Background Art

[0002] During the current production process, products typically pass through multiple workstations, requiring them to be moved between them and carried by carriers. As the carriers carry products from one workstation to the next, the product's position on the carriers can shift, making it difficult to position the product at each workstation.

[0003] Currently, elastic clamps are commonly used to secure products. However, for some products, no obstruction can be formed on the product surface during processing, such as in gluing and laminating processes. In such cases, ensuring that the product position does not shift during carrier movement is a pressing technical issue that needs to be addressed.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a conveying device and production line that ensures that the carrier will not deviate when moving and will not cause obstruction on the product surface.

[0006] A conveying device, comprising:

[0007] A carrier conveying line, configured to convey a carrier along a first direction, the carrier carrying a workpiece to be processed, and the carrier being capable of passing through a plurality of workstations during movement along the first direction;

[0008] A plurality of fixed vacuum modules are respectively provided at each workstation and are all located on the same side of the carrier conveyor line. The fixed vacuum modules can be docked with the carrier to vacuum adsorb the workpiece to be processed on the carrier;

[0009] a transfer mechanism, located on a side of the carrier conveying line away from the fixed vacuum module, the transfer mechanism having a movable end capable of moving along the first direction and the second direction; and

[0010] a mobile vacuum module, disposed at a movable end of the transfer mechanism, capable of docking with the carrier to vacuum-absorb the workpiece on the carrier while synchronously moving with the carrier along the first direction;

[0011] The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the transfer mechanism is capable of driving the movable vacuum module to move back and forth between two adjacent workstations;

[0013] When the movable vacuum module and the carrier move synchronously, the movable vacuum module is docked with the carrier; when the movable vacuum module moves along the second direction, the movable vacuum module is separated from the carrier.

[0014] In one embodiment, the carrier can pass through n workstations during movement along the first direction, and the conveying equipment includes at least n-1 mobile vacuum modules, and the n-1 mobile vacuum modules are arranged in sequence along the first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the carrier is provided with an adsorption surface for carrying the workpiece to be processed, and the adsorption surface is provided with adsorption holes;

[0016] When the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module is docked with the carrier, the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module is communicated with the adsorption hole.

[0017] In one embodiment, the carrier includes a body and a docking assembly, the adsorption surface is located on the body, the body further has a connecting hole connected to the adsorption hole, and the docking assembly is installed on the body and is used to dock with the fixed vacuum module or the mobile vacuum module;

[0018] When the docking assembly is docked with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the docking assembly connects the communicating hole with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module;

[0019] When the docking assembly is separated from the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the docking assembly seals the communicating hole.

[0020] In one embodiment, the docking assembly includes a fixed block and a movable block; the fixed block is fixedly connected to the body and has a groove communicating with the communication hole and a docking hole communicating with the groove; the movable block is disposed in the groove and is movable between a sealing position for sealing the docking hole and a conducting position for opening the docking hole;

[0021] When the docking assembly is docked with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module pushes the movable block to move to the conducting position, and the docking hole is connected with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module.

[0022] In one embodiment, the docking assembly further includes a reset member, the reset member abutting against the movable block to provide a force to move the movable block to the sealing position;

[0023] When the docking assembly is separated from the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the movable block moves to the sealing position under the action of the restoring member.

[0024] In one embodiment, the docking hole passes through a side surface of the fixed block facing away from the groove and a bottom wall of the groove, and a communication channel is formed between the movable block and the groove, the communication channel connecting a side of the movable block facing the communication hole and a side facing the docking hole;

[0025] When the movable block is located at the conducting position, a communication space communicating with the communication channel is formed between the movable block and the bottom wall of the groove;

[0026] When the movable block is located at the sealing position, a sealing structure is formed between the movable block and the bottom wall of the groove to block the connection between the docking hole and the communicating channel.

[0027] In one embodiment, a communication groove connecting the communication channel and the communication hole is formed on a side of the movable block facing the communication hole.

[0028] In one embodiment, the docking assembly further includes a first sealing member, which is disposed between the fixing block and the body, and the first sealing member is disposed around the groove.

[0029] In one embodiment, the docking assembly further includes a second seal, which is disposed between the fixed block and the movable block. When the movable block is located in the sealing position, the second seal is clamped by the fixed block and the movable block, and the second seal is disposed around the docking hole.

[0030] In one embodiment, the main body is provided with a mounting groove, the inner wall of the mounting groove is provided with the communicating hole, and the docking assembly is installed in the mounting groove.

[0031] In one embodiment, the movable vacuum module and the fixed vacuum module both include a docking drive, a vacuum valve and a joint assembly. The vacuum valve is connected to the joint assembly and the vacuum generating device. The docking drive is transmission-connected to the joint assembly to drive the joint assembly toward the carrier located at the same workstation and dock the joint assembly with the carrier.

[0032] In one embodiment, the joint assembly includes a suction cup and a push rod arranged at the driving end of the docking drive member, the vacuum valve is connected to the vacuum generating device and the suction cup at the same time, one end of the push rod is located on the suction cup, and the other end extends from the opening of the suction cup.

[0033] In one embodiment, the conveying device further includes a carrier return line, and the carrier return line is used to convey the carrier along the second direction.

[0034] In one embodiment, the conveying equipment further includes a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism, wherein the first transfer mechanism is used to receive the carrier and transfer the carrier to the carrier return line, and the second transfer mechanism is used to transfer the carrier conveyed from the carrier return line to the carrier conveying line.

[0035] A production line comprises the above-mentioned conveying equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0037] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a conveying device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a carrier in the conveying equipment shown in FIG1 ;

[0039] FIG3-1 is a schematic structural diagram of some components of the carrier shown in FIG2 ;

[0040] Figure 3-2 is a schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of point A shown in Figure 3-1;

[0041] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a docking assembly in the carrier shown in FIG2 ;

[0042] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the docking assembly shown in FIG4 from another angle;

[0043] FIG6 is a structural schematic diagram of the docking assembly shown in FIG4 from another angle;

[0044] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the movable block, the reset member and the second sealing member in the docking assembly shown in FIG4 ;

[0045] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the components shown in FIG7 from another angle;

[0046] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the mobile vacuum module in the conveying equipment shown in FIG1 ;

[0047] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the mobile vacuum module shown in FIG9 from another angle;

[0048] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the coordination relationship between the first carrier and the second carrier in the conveying device provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0050] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0051] 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 the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0054] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides a conveying device 100 , including a transfer mechanism 11 , a carrier conveying line 12 , a carrier 20 , a mobile vacuum module 30 , and a plurality of fixed vacuum modules 40 .

[0056] The transfer mechanism 11 is located at one side of the carrier conveyor line 12 , and has a movable end that can move along a first direction and a second direction.

[0057] The carrier conveying line 12 is used to convey the carrier 20 along a first direction. The carrier 20 is used to carry the workpiece to be processed, and the carrier 20 can pass through multiple workstations during the process of moving along the first direction.

[0058] The movable vacuum module 30 is disposed at the movable end of the transfer mechanism 11 and can be docked with the carrier 20 to vacuum-absorb the workpiece on the carrier 20 while synchronously moving with the carrier 20 along the first direction.

[0059] A plurality of fixed vacuum modules 40 are respectively provided at each workstation and are located on a side of the carrier conveyor line 12 away from the transfer mechanism 11. The fixed vacuum modules 40 can be docked with the carrier 20 to vacuum absorb the workpiece on the carrier 20.

[0060] Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the first direction and the second direction are respectively one of the left and right directions, and the first direction is the right direction, and the second direction is the left direction.

[0061] Using the aforementioned conveying equipment, the mobile vacuum module 30 is docked with the carrier 20 at the same workstation, and the workpiece on the carrier 20 is vacuum-adsorbed by the mobile vacuum module 30. The transfer mechanism 11 and the carrier conveyor line 12 then drive the mobile vacuum module 30 and the carrier 20 to be transported synchronously along a first direction. During the transport process, the mobile vacuum module 30 remains docked with the carrier 20, thereby maintaining the carrier 20's suction and fixation on the workpiece during transport, preventing the workpiece from shifting relative to the carrier 20 during transport.

[0062] When the carrier 20 is at any workstation, the fixed vacuum module 40 can dock with the carrier 20 at the same workstation, thereby vacuum-absorbing the workpiece on the carrier 20. This allows the fixed vacuum module 40 to vacuum-absorb the workpiece while the carrier 20 is at the workstation. Furthermore, the mobile vacuum module 30 can vacuum-absorb the workpiece while the carrier 20 is being transported. This further prevents the workpiece on the carrier 20 from shifting relative to the carrier 20.

[0063] It is understood that since the carrier 20 utilizes vacuum suction to secure the workpiece, it does not obstruct the workpiece surface. Furthermore, after the mobile vacuum module 30 docks with the carrier 20 at the same workstation, the two are transported synchronously, preventing separation. In other words, the mobile vacuum module 30 remains docked with the carrier 20 during transport.

[0064] In some embodiments, the conveying device further includes a carrier return line, which is used to convey the carrier along the second direction, thereby achieving a return of the carrier 20 .

[0065] Furthermore, the conveying equipment also includes a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism. The first transfer mechanism is used to receive the carrier 20 and transfer the carrier 20 to the carrier return line. The carrier return line is used to convey the carrier 20 transferred by the first transfer mechanism to the second transfer mechanism. The second transfer mechanism is used to transfer the carrier 20 conveyed by the carrier return line to the carrier conveying line 12. The carrier conveying line 12 is used to convey the carrier 20 transferred by the second transfer mechanism to the first transfer mechanism.

[0066] It should be noted that the first transfer mechanism is used to receive the carrier 20 carrying the workpiece to be processed, and then transfer the carrier 20 to the carrier return line. The carrier 20 passes through the carrier return line and the second transfer mechanism in sequence and enters the carrier conveyor line 12. It is then transported through the carrier conveyor line 12 to process the workpiece on the carrier 20.

[0067] In this embodiment, the carrier 20 carrying the workpiece to be processed is loaded onto the first transfer mechanism. Depending on the actual situation, a robot arm may be provided at the first transfer mechanism. Of course, in other embodiments, the loading may also be performed onto the second transfer mechanism, the feed end of the carrier conveyor line 12, or the carrier return line, which is not limited here.

[0068] In actual application, the carrier conveyor line 12 is located above the carrier return line, and the second transfer mechanism is used to lift the carrier 20 at the discharge end of the carrier return line to the feed end of the carrier conveyor line 12. After the carrier conveyor line 12 transports the processed workpiece and the carrier 20 to the first transfer mechanism, the robot unloads the carrier 20 and the workpiece.

[0069] After unloading, the robot places the carrier 20 carrying the unprocessed workpiece on the first transfer mechanism, and the first transfer mechanism transfers the carrier 20 to the feeding end of the carrier return line, and the carrier 20 is transported by the carrier return line to the unloading end of the carrier return line.

[0070] In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 11 can drive the movable vacuum module 30 to move back and forth between two adjacent workstations.

[0071] What can be determined is that when the mobile vacuum module 30 moves synchronously with the carrier 20, the mobile vacuum module 30 docks with the carrier 20, and the mobile vacuum module 30 and the carrier 20 can move to the next workstation; when the mobile vacuum module 30 moves along the second direction, that is, moves in the opposite direction relative to the carrier 20 moving along the first direction, the mobile vacuum module 30 is separated from the carrier 20, and the mobile vacuum module 30 can return to the previous workstation.

[0072] In some embodiments, the carrier 20 can pass through n workstations during movement along the first direction. The conveying device includes at least n-1 mobile vacuum modules 30, and the n-1 mobile vacuum modules 30 are arranged in sequence along the first direction.

[0073] It can be determined that n is a positive integer greater than 1. In addition, two adjacent movable vacuum modules 30 can alternately pass through the same workstation during their movement.

[0074] Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the conveying device is capable of conveying the carrier 20 sequentially through seven workstations. Assuming that there are six mobile vacuum modules 30 , initially, the six mobile vacuum modules 30 are located at the first six workstations, and the transfer mechanism 11 is used to simultaneously drive the six mobile vacuum modules 30 to move one workstation to the right (as shown in FIG1 ).

[0075] Of course, it will be understood that in the above embodiment, there is only one transfer mechanism 11, and the movable end of the transfer mechanism 11 is connected to a movable plate, on which all mobile vacuum modules 30 are mounted, thereby synchronously transporting multiple mobile vacuum modules 30. In other embodiments, there may be multiple transfer mechanisms 11, each of which is used to transport a mobile vacuum module 30, so that each mobile vacuum module 30 can move independently.

[0076] In some embodiments, the carrier 20 is provided with a suction surface 21 for supporting the workpiece to be processed, and the suction surface 21 is provided with suction holes 22 .

[0077] When the movable vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 is docked with the carrier 20 , the movable vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 is connected to the adsorption holes 22 , so that the vacuum generating device evacuates the adsorption holes 22 through the movable vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 .

[0078] Referring to Figures 2, 3-1, and 3-2, in some embodiments, carrier 20 includes a body 23 and a docking assembly 24. Adsorption surface 21 is located on body 23, and body 23 also defines a communication hole 25 that communicates with adsorption hole 22. Docking assembly 24 is mounted on body 23 and is configured to dock with mobile vacuum module 30 or fixed vacuum module 40.

[0079] When the docking assembly 24 is docked with the mobile vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40, the docking assembly 24 connects the connecting hole 25 with the mobile vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40; when the docking assembly 24 is separated from the mobile vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40, the docking assembly 24 can seal the connecting hole 25.

[0080] In this way, after the mobile vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 evacuates the adsorption hole 22, the mobile vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 is separated from the docking component 24, and the docking component 24 will seal the connecting hole 25, so that the adsorption hole 22 remains in a vacuum state, ensuring that the workpiece to be processed is adsorbed and fixed.

[0081] In some embodiments, the main body 23 defines a mounting groove 261 , an inner wall of the mounting groove 261 defines a communicating hole 25 , and the docking assembly 24 is installed in the mounting groove 261 .

[0082] 4 to 6 , in some embodiments, the docking assembly 24 includes a fixed block 241 and a movable block 242 . The fixed block 241 is fixedly connected to the body 23 and defines a groove 2411 communicating with the communication hole 25 and a docking hole 2412 communicating with the groove 2411 .

[0083] The movable block 242 is disposed in the groove 2411 , and the movable block 242 can move between a sealing position for sealing the docking hole 2412 and a conducting position for opening the docking hole 2412 .

[0084] When the docking assembly 24 docks with the movable vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 , the movable vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 pushes the movable block 242 to the conducting position, and the docking hole 2412 communicates with the movable vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 .

[0085] Furthermore, the docking assembly 24 further includes a reset member 243 , which abuts against the movable block 242 to provide a force for moving the movable block 242 to the sealing position.

[0086] When the docking assembly 24 is separated from the movable vacuum module 30 or the fixed vacuum module 40 , the movable block 242 moves to the sealing position under the action of the reset member 243 , and the docking assembly 24 seals the communicating hole 25 .

[0087] In actual application, a mounting hole 262 is further defined in the mounting groove 261 of the body 23 . The reset member 243 is installed in the mounting hole 262 , and one end of the reset member 243 abuts against the movable block 242 .

[0088] Specifically, the fixing block 241 is connected to the body 23 via bolts and is installed in the installation slot 261 . The reset member 243 is a spring and includes two springs.

[0089] In some embodiments, the docking hole 2412 passes through the side surface of the fixed block 241 away from the groove 2411 and the bottom wall of the groove 2411, and a connecting channel 2413 is formed between the movable block 242 and the groove 2411. The connecting channel 2413 can connect the side of the movable block 242 facing the connecting hole 25 and the side facing the docking hole 2412. A connecting groove 2421 is provided on the side of the movable block 242 facing the connecting hole 25, and the connecting groove 2421 is connected to the connecting channel 2413 and the connecting hole 25 at the same time.

[0090] When the movable block 242 is in the conducting position, a communication space is formed between the movable block 242 and the bottom wall of the groove 2411, which is connected to the communication channel 2413. In this way, the communication channel 2413 and the docking hole 2412 are connected at the same time, thereby connecting the communication hole 25 with the docking hole 2412.

[0091] When the movable block 242 is located at the sealing position, a sealing structure is formed between the movable block 242 and the bottom wall of the groove 2411 to block the connection between the docking hole 2412 and the communication channel 2413 .

[0092] Please refer to FIG. 7 . In actual application, the movable block 242 is substantially a rectangular block. The corners of the movable block 242 are inclined surfaces 2422 . The aforementioned communication channel 2413 is formed between the inclined surfaces 2422 and the sidewalls of the groove 2411 .

[0093] Please also refer to Figure 8. In some embodiments, the docking assembly 24 includes a first seal 244 and a second seal 245. The first seal 244 is arranged between the fixing block 241 and the body 23, and the first seal 244 is arranged around the groove 2411 to ensure the sealing of the connection between the groove 2411 and the connecting hole 25.

[0094] The second sealing member 245 is disposed between the fixed block 241 and the movable block 242. When the movable block 242 is in the sealing position, the second sealing member 245 is clamped by the fixed block 241 and the movable block 242, and the second sealing member 245 is disposed around the docking hole 2412 to seal the docking hole 2412.

[0095] In practical applications, both the first sealing member 244 and the second sealing member 245 are rubber sealing rings.

[0096] In other embodiments, the sealing structure may also be other structures, or the movable block 242 may abut against the bottom wall of the groove 2411 , thereby blocking the connection between the docking hole 2412 and the communication channel 2413 .

[0097] Referring to Figures 9 and 10 , in some embodiments, the mobile vacuum module 30 includes a vacuum valve 32, a docking driver 31, and a joint assembly. The docking driver 31 is disposed at the movable end of the transfer mechanism 11 and is in transmission connection with the joint assembly to drive the joint assembly toward the carrier 20 located at the same station and dock the joint assembly with the carrier 20. The vacuum valve 32 is connected to the joint assembly and the vacuum generator to connect or disconnect the joint assembly and the vacuum generator.

[0098] It is understandable that when the joint assembly is docked with the carrier 20 , the vacuum generating device can evacuate the carrier 20 through the joint assembly.

[0099] In actual application, the joint assembly includes a suction cup 33 and a push rod 34 arranged at the driving end of the docking drive member 31. The vacuum valve 32 is connected to the vacuum generating device and the suction cup 33 at the same time. One end of the push rod 34 is located in the suction cup 33, and the other end extends from the opening of the suction cup 33.

[0100] The docking of the docking assembly 24 and the mobile vacuum module 30 is actually the docking of the docking assembly 24 and the joint assembly. During docking, the suction cup 33 abuts against the fixed block 241 and is connected to the docking hole 2412. The push rod 34 is inserted into the docking hole 2412 and abuts against the movable block 242 to push the movable block 242 to the conduction position.

[0101] It is understandable that the radial dimension of the push rod 34 is smaller than the radial dimension of the docking hole 2412 to ensure that the suction cup 33 is connected to the connecting hole 25 through the docking hole 2412 and the groove 2411 after docking.

[0102] It should be noted that the fixed vacuum module 40 and the mobile vacuum module 30 have the same structure and can share the same vacuum generating device. The difference lies in the docking drive component in the fixed vacuum module 40, which is fixed relative to the carrier conveyor line 12. Therefore, the structure of the fixed vacuum module 40 will not be described in detail here. Furthermore, the docking method between the fixed vacuum module 40 and the carrier 20 is also the same as the docking method between the mobile vacuum module 30 and the carrier 20. That is, the aforementioned docking assembly 24 is provided at both ends of the carrier 20 in the upper and lower directions in Figure 1, and the arrangement is the same, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0103] In some embodiments, the carrier 20 includes a main body 23 and four groups of docking components 24. The main body 23 is a rectangular parallelepiped, and mounting grooves 261 are respectively provided on all four sides of the main body 23. The four groups of docking components 24 are respectively arranged in the four mounting grooves 261, that is, the two long sides and the two short sides of the main body 23 are provided with docking components 24, and the docking components 24 on the long sides are used for docking with the robot.

[0104] In this way, the robot grips the carrier 20 by its long side and docks with the docking assembly 24. The docking assembly 24 then evacuates the suction holes 22 on the suction surface 21 to ensure that the carrier 20 maintains suction force on the workpiece during transportation by the robot, preventing the workpiece from shifting.

[0105] In some embodiments, the workpiece to be processed is a screen glass or a base, so in this embodiment, there are two carriers 20, one of which is used to place the screen glass, and the other is used to place the base.

[0106] In addition, in Figure 1, from left to right, there are the first station 201, the second station 202, the third station 203, the fourth station 204, the fifth station 205, the sixth station 206, and the seventh station 207. Specifically, they are the loading station, the buffer station, the dispensing station, the visual dispensing station, the perforation and film tearing station, the pressure holding station, and the unloading station.

[0107] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present application, the working process of the conveying equipment in the above embodiment is described here with reference to FIG1 and FIG11:

[0108] In this embodiment, each of the first through fourth stations 201 through 204 is equipped with a single fixed vacuum module 40, while each of the fifth through seventh stations 205 through 207 is equipped with two stacked fixed vacuum modules 40. Furthermore, two stacked mobile vacuum modules 30 are provided for reciprocating between the fifth and sixth stations 205 and 206, respectively, and between the sixth and seventh stations 206 and 207. A single mobile vacuum module 30 is provided for reciprocating between the remaining stations.

[0109] The first carrier 28 carrying the screen glass is placed on the first transfer mechanism of the seventh station 207 by a robot, and then transported to the second transfer mechanism of the first station 201 via the first transfer mechanism and the carrier return line, and then transferred to the carrier conveying line 12 by the second transfer mechanism.

[0110] First carrier 28 at first station 201 first docks with stationary vacuum module 40 at first station 201. Stationary vacuum module 40 applies vacuum to first carrier 28, ensuring negative pressure on suction surface 21 secures the screen glass. When first carrier 28 needs to be transported to second station 202, mobile vacuum module 30 at first station 201 docks with first carrier 28 and applies vacuum to it. Once completed, stationary vacuum module 40 separates from first carrier 28, securing the screen glass in place thanks to the negative pressure provided by mobile vacuum module 30.

[0111] Next, the carrier conveying line 12 and the transfer mechanism 11 operate simultaneously, so that the first carrier 28 and the movable vacuum module 30 are synchronously conveyed to the second station 202 . At this time, the movable vacuum module 30 at the second station 202 is synchronously conveyed to the third station 203 .

[0112] After being transported to the second station 202, the fixed vacuum module 40 of the second station 202 docks with the first carrier 28 and evacuates the first carrier 28. After evacuation, the mobile vacuum module 30 of the second station 202 separates from the first carrier 28 and, under the action of the transfer mechanism 11, returns to the first station 201. The corresponding mobile vacuum module 30 at the third station 203 returns to the second station 202.

[0113] The above steps are then repeated to continue conveying the first carrier 28 until it reaches the fifth station 205. After the first carrier 28 is conveyed to the fifth station 205, the robot places the second carrier 29, which carries the base, on top of the first carrier 28. The first and second carriers 28, 29 are stacked together. The robot then provides vacuum suction for the second carrier 29.

[0114] Next, the two fixed vacuum modules 40 of the fifth station 205 are first docked with the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29 respectively, and then vacuum the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29. After vacuuming, the robot arm is separated from the second carrier 29.

[0115] After processing is completed, the two mobile vacuum modules 30 dock with the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29, respectively, and evacuate the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29. After evacuation, the two fixed vacuum modules 40 separate from the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29, respectively. The carrier conveyor line 12 then transports the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29 to the sixth workstation 206.

[0116] The transfer mechanism 11 simultaneously transports the two mobile vacuum modules 30 at the fifth station 205 to the sixth station 206. After the two fixed vacuum modules 40 at the sixth station 206 dock with the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29, respectively, the mobile vacuum modules 30 separate from the first and second carriers 28 and 29 and, under the action of the transfer mechanism 11, return to the fifth station 205. The two mobile vacuum modules 30 that were moved to the seventh station 207 also return to the sixth station 206.

[0117] It should be noted that the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29 both include a main body 23 and a docking assembly 24. The main body 23 can be modified in structure according to the workpiece to be processed, but the docking method and the connection method between the docking assembly 24 and the adsorption hole 22 are the same.

[0118] At the seventh station 207, the fixed vacuum module 40 and the mobile vacuum module 30 simultaneously evacuate the carriers 20 (the first carrier 28 and the second carrier 29). Once the robot grasps and evacuates the carrier 20, the fixed vacuum module 40 and the mobile vacuum module 30 separate from the carrier 20, and the robot unloads the carrier 20.

[0119] In addition, since the docking component 24 has a self-locking capability, that is, after the vacuum module (mobile vacuum module 30 or fixed vacuum module 40) is separated from the docking component 24, the docking component 24 can seal the connecting hole 25, so that the adsorption surface 21 can maintain the adsorption force and improve the adsorption and fixing effect.

[0120] In this embodiment, the vacuum module and the robot evacuate the carrier 20 , and the vacuuming is completed when the negative pressure value in the carrier 20 reaches -70 KPa.

[0121] The present application also provides a production line having the above-mentioned conveying equipment.

[0122] In addition, the production line also includes the above-mentioned loading station, buffer station, dispensing station, dispensing quality inspection station, perforation and film tearing station, pressure holding station and unloading station, and the corresponding stations are equipped with corresponding equipment, for example, the dispensing station is equipped with dispensing equipment to process the workpiece to be processed on the carrier 20.

[0123] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0124] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A conveying device, characterized in that: include: A carrier conveying line, used for conveying a carrier along a first direction, the carrier carrying a workpiece to be processed, and the carrier can pass through a plurality of workstations during movement along the first direction; A plurality of fixed vacuum modules are respectively arranged at each workstation and are all located on the same side of the carrier conveyor line. The fixed vacuum modules can be docked with the carrier to vacuum adsorb the workpiece to be processed on the carrier; A transfer mechanism, located at a side of the carrier conveying line away from the fixed vacuum module, the transfer mechanism having a movable end capable of moving along the first direction and the second direction; and A mobile vacuum module, disposed at the movable end of the transfer mechanism, the mobile vacuum module being capable of docking with the carrier to vacuum adsorb the workpiece to be processed on the carrier in a process of synchronously moving with the carrier along the first direction; The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism can drive the mobile vacuum module to move back and forth between two adjacent workstations; When the mobile vacuum module moves synchronously with the carrier, the mobile vacuum module docks with the carrier; when the mobile vacuum module moves along the second direction, the mobile vacuum module separates from the carrier.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The carrier can pass through n workstations during movement along the first direction, and the conveying equipment includes at least n-1 mobile vacuum modules, and the n-1 mobile vacuum modules are arranged in sequence along the first direction.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The carrier is provided with an adsorption surface for carrying the workpiece to be processed, and the adsorption surface is provided with adsorption holes; When the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module is docked with the carrier, the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module is communicated with the adsorption hole.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The carrier includes a body and a docking assembly, the adsorption surface is located on the body, the body is further provided with a connecting hole connected to the adsorption hole, the docking assembly is installed on the body and is used to dock with the fixed vacuum module or the mobile vacuum module; When the docking assembly is docked with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the docking assembly connects the communicating hole with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module; When the docking assembly is separated from the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the docking assembly seals the communicating hole.

6. The conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The docking assembly comprises a fixed block and a movable block; the fixed block is fixedly connected to the body and is provided with a groove communicating with the communicating hole and a docking hole communicating with the groove; the movable block is arranged in the groove and is movable between a sealing position for sealing the docking hole and a conducting position for opening the docking hole; When the docking assembly is docked with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module pushes the movable block to move to the conduction position, and the docking hole is connected with the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module.

7. The conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that The docking assembly further includes a reset member, which abuts against the movable block and is used to provide a force to move the movable block to the sealing position; When the docking assembly is separated from the fixed vacuum module or the movable vacuum module, the movable block moves to the sealing position under the action of the reset member.

8. The conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The docking hole penetrates a side surface of the fixed block away from the groove and a bottom wall of the groove, and a communication channel is formed between the movable block and the groove, and the communication channel connects a side of the movable block facing the communication hole and a side facing the docking hole; When the movable block is located at the conducting position, a communication space communicating with the communication channel is formed between the movable block and the bottom wall of the groove; When the movable block is located at the sealing position, a sealing structure is formed between the movable block and the bottom wall of the groove to block the connection between the docking hole and the communication channel.

9. The conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that A communication groove connecting the communication channel and the communication hole is formed on one side of the movable block facing the communication hole.

10. The conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that The docking assembly further includes a first sealing member, which is disposed between the fixing block and the body, and is disposed around the groove.

11. The conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The docking assembly also includes a second seal, which is arranged between the fixed block and the movable block. When the movable block is located at the sealing position, the second seal is clamped by the fixed block and the movable block, and the second seal is arranged around the docking hole.

12. The conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that The main body is provided with a mounting groove, the inner wall of the mounting groove is provided with the communicating hole, and the docking assembly is installed in the mounting groove.

13. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that The movable vacuum module and the fixed vacuum module both include a docking drive, a vacuum valve and a joint assembly. The vacuum valve is connected to the joint assembly and a vacuum generating device. The docking drive is transmission-connected to the joint assembly to drive the joint assembly to move toward the carrier located at the same workstation and dock the joint assembly with the carrier.

14. The conveying device according to claim 13, characterized in that The joint assembly includes a suction cup and a push rod arranged at the driving end of the docking drive member. The vacuum valve is connected to the vacuum generating device and the suction cup at the same time. One end of the push rod is located on the suction cup, and the other end extends from the opening of the suction cup.

15. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that The conveying device further includes a carrier return line, and the carrier return line is used to convey the carrier along the second direction.

16. The conveying device according to claim 15, characterized in that The conveying equipment also includes a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism. The first transfer mechanism is used to receive the carrier and transfer the carrier to the carrier return line. The second transfer mechanism is used to transfer the carrier conveyed by the carrier return line to the carrier conveying line.

17. A production line, characterized in that: A conveying device comprising any one of claims 1-16.

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