Automated Reflow Line

1. Empty Carrier Recovery and Accumulation Buffer Stage: At the unloading station at the end of the production line, after products are removed from the conveyor, empty carriers are automatically guided into the return line system via elevators, transfer devices, or pushers. The return line typically employs friction wheels, chains, or belts as the drive mechanism. The carriers then enter the accumulation conveying section, which features a “stopper-releaser” mechanism. This allows carriers to queue tightly and accumulate sequentially without halting the main line operation, forming a dynamic buffer zone. This effectively absorbs upstream and downstream cycle time variations, ensuring smooth system operation.

2. Path Planning and Automated Guidance During Return Phase: Accumulated empty carriers are sequentially released per system commands into the return path. For complex layouts, the system automatically plans optimal routes via routing controls (e.g., switches, diverters) to bypass or traverse other production areas. When elevation changes are required to return to the origin, carriers enter vertical lifts or inclined conveyor sections. Throughout this process, RFID or QR code readers identify and track each carrier, ensuring correct flow direction and data exchange with the Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

3. Carrier Cleaning, Positioning, and Pre-Launch Readiness Stage: Before returning to the launch point, empty carriers may automatically pass through cleaning stations (e.g., roller brushes, air showers, vacuum cleaners) to ensure they enter the next production cycle in a clean state. Finally, carriers are precisely conveyed to the positioning holding station at the production line's starting point. Here, fine positioning mechanisms (e.g., lifting/positioning, taper pin alignment) secure the carrier within a coordinate system aligned with robots or automated equipment. The carrier remains ready to receive the next workpiece, completing a full “production-return” cycle.