English (UK) 
简体中文 In the workshop of an auto parts factory in Tianjin, a 40-metre-long U-shaped conveyor line is transporting work pallets with millimetre-level precision. When the pallet arrives at the assembly station, the jacking device accurately lifts up, and the robotic arm grabs the parts to complete the assembly - the whole process without human intervention. Such a scene is becoming a standard feature of modern intelligent factories, and the core artery for this process is the workpiece pallet conveyor.
I. Working principle and structural innovation of workpiece pallet conveyor
Workpiece pallet conveyors are based onModular structureBased on the flow of materials through sophisticated collaboration. Its core consists of three parts:
- mechanical systemAdopting speed-regulated motor drive, controlling the conveying speed through frequency converter, adapting to different production rhythms.
- carrier: comprising a conveyor unit such as a multiplier chain, a roller or a timing belt, wherein theHeavy Duty Speed ChainCan carry pallet loads of up to 4 tonnes
- positioning system: Achieve ±0.05mm positioning accuracy by relying on devices such as pin cylinders and H-type stoppers.
The breakthrough in structural design isGap adjustment kit(Combination of fixing wheels/springs/equal height screws). When the pallet passes by, the spring automatically compensates the gap between the friction wheel and the base plate of the workpiece through pre-pressure, ensuring a slip-free transmission. This dynamic adjustability solves the pain point of slippage of traditional smooth rollers and enables stable conveyance of pallets even when empty.
Analysis of core technology innovation points
(1) Intelligent Friction Drive System
Embedded in the bottom of the tooling base plateWear-resistant polyurethane friction blocksThe design creates a high coefficient of friction contact surface with the drive sprocket. The design compares to traditional direct metal contact:
- Reduces operating noise by more than 15 dB
- Reduces transmission energy consumption by approximately 20%
- Avoid scratching the bottom of the tray
(2) Dynamic gap compensation mechanism
Precision fit of spring loaded top tightening block and contour screws to achieve0.1-3mm adaptive gap adjustment. This design allows the device to be compatible with trays with different levels of wear and tear, significantly reducing the risk of jams due to part tolerances.
(3) Modular Function Expansion
Modern workpiece pallet conveyors have developed eight functional modules:
- Elevating traversing mechanism (for multi-directional flow)
- Servo jacking positioning (accuracy up to ±0.05mm)
- Heavy-duty module for doubled speed chain (4 tonnes load per section)
- Closed-loop control system (integrated sensors via PLC)
This modular design allows the line to be reconfigured within 72 hours to accommodate product iterations.
Third, the depth of industry applications to adapt
Automotive ManufacturingThe 40-metre U-shaped line body, which realises 360° engine flip assembly by means of a jacking and rotating mechanism, compresses the workstation switching time to 8 seconds.
Lithium battery production lineAdopting three-row chain type heavy-duty system, it can carry 300kg battery module to complete helium checking process, and its high temperature resistant design can adapt to 150℃ drying environment.
Pharmaceutical aseptic workshopThe stainless steel pallet conveyor meets the cleanliness requirements of GMP certification through rounded corner design and fully sealed structure. With the cold chain module, it can operate stably in -25℃ environment.
Personal observation: When researching a new energy factory, I found that its pallet conveying system was through theIntegrated RFID and Machine VisionThe conveyor is now used for automatic sorting of battery cores. This cross-technology integration indicates that the conveyor is evolving from a "handling tool" to an "intelligent decision-making terminal".
IV. Future direction of evolution
Based on the technical study of Wei Chuang Automation and other companies, I think the industry will show three major trends:
- mechatronicsDrive-control technology integrates motor, drive and encoder inside the chain link, reducing 90% wiring.
- Digital twin applications: Predictive maintenance reduces downtime by more than 40% through real-time mapping of physical equipment operational data
- Ultra-structural design: Lightweight links with carbon fibre composites to reduce energy consumption while maintaining strength 35%
Of particular note, certain headline companies have begun testingMagnetic Levitation Pallet System. The technology achieves contactless transport of pallets through electromagnetic fields, completely eliminating mechanical wear and tear, and is particularly suitable for high-cleanliness scenarios such as semiconductor manufacturing.
V. Self-questioning: analysis of core issues
Q1: How to solve the problem of light-loaded pallet slipping on work pallet conveyor?
A: Through a triple innovation: rubber raised transfer rollers to increase the coefficient of friction; polyurethane friction blocks embedded in the base plate of the workpiece; and a spring-loaded jacking mechanism to dynamically compensate for the gap.
Q2: Why do modern production lines prefer Speed Chain systems?
A: Because of its "acceleration feature" - when the chain continues to run when the pallet is blocked, the rollers generate a 2-3 times speed difference relative to the chain, which not only protects the goods but also improves the efficiency.
Q3: What is the mystery of the positioning holes on the tooling pallet?
A: The pin sleeve holes distributed on all four sides achieve ±0.1mm repetitive positioning accuracy, and together with the cylinder pin mechanism, it provides an absolute coordinate system for the manipulator.
The evolutionary history of the workpiece pallet conveyor, essentiallyThe history of the game of precision and flexibility in manufacturingWhen the latest generation of conveyor systems in a laboratory in Suzhou to achieve 0.003mm positioning chatter suppression. When the latest generation of conveying systems in a laboratory in Suzhou to achieve 0.003mm positioning chatter suppression, we see not only the technical parameters of the breakthrough, but also the entire industrial logic of the reconstruction of the underlying - the production line is from the "rigid assembly line" into a "reconfigurable cell", and this evolutionary path has just begun its prelude. "Reconfigurable cell", and this evolutionary path, has just begun its prelude.
