End frame conveying device for a container production line

Abstract

The application discloses an end frame conveying device for a container production line, which comprises a conveying mechanism, a turnover mechanism and a moving mechanism. The conveying mechanism is arranged in a horizontal direction to convey end frames. The turnover mechanism is arranged at the end of the conveying mechanism in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism to receive the end frames from the conveying mechanism. The turnover mechanism is further provided with a fixing assembly for fixing the end frames. The turnover mechanism is pivotable between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to pivot the end frames arranged on the turnover mechanism from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction. The moving mechanism is at least partially arranged above the turnover mechanism to receive and move the end frames from the turnover mechanism when the turnover mechanism is pivoted to the vertical direction. The end frame conveying device provided by the application can avoid manual operation, reduce safety hazards, improve the transportation speed of container processing, and improve the production efficiency and capacity of the container production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of container manufacturing, and more specifically to an end-frame conveying device for a container production line. Background Technology

[0002] A container is a large cargo container with certain strength, rigidity and specifications, specifically designed for the turnover or transportation of goods. As a commonly used storage and transportation tool in modern logistics, it is in high demand and is widely used in domestic and international transportation.

[0003] In existing technologies, container assembly lines have multiple workstations where workers perform operations such as container installation and welding. The transport of containers between these workstations primarily relies on manual labor. For example, when installing the front and rear frames of the container onto the container rack, hooks and other devices are used to connect them to the corner fittings, and then large lifting equipment is used to transport the container. However, this manual transport method is labor-intensive, prone to safety hazards, and limits container production efficiency, impacting the production line's capacity.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an end-frame conveyor for a container production line to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of this invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] This invention provides an end-frame conveying device for a container production line, the end-frame conveying device comprising:

[0007] The end frame conveying device includes:

[0008] A conveying mechanism, which is arranged horizontally for conveying end frames;

[0009] A flipping mechanism, disposed at the end of the conveying mechanism along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism, for receiving the end frame from the conveying mechanism, the flipping mechanism further comprising a fixing component for fixing the end frame, the flipping mechanism being pivotable between a horizontal and a vertical direction, thereby pivoting the end frame disposed on the flipping mechanism from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction; and

[0010] A moving mechanism disposed at least partially above the turnover mechanism for receiving and moving the end frame from the turnover mechanism in a state where the turnover mechanism is pivoted to a vertical direction.

[0011] Optionally, the conveying mechanism comprises a first conveying assembly disposed along a first conveying direction, and a second conveying assembly disposed along a second conveying direction, the first conveying assembly and the second conveying assembly are respectively provided with the turnover mechanism and the moving mechanism.

[0012] Optionally, the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are opposite.

[0013] Optionally, the turnover mechanism comprises:

[0014] A support plate for receiving and supporting the end frame from the conveying mechanism;

[0015] A pivoting seat capable of being pivoted about a first pivoting shaft parallel to the horizontal direction, the support plate being connected with the pivoting seat; and

[0016] A driving cylinder for driving the support plate to pivot about the first pivoting shaft between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0017] Optionally, an end of the support plate along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism is further provided with a limiting assembly for limiting the movement of the end frame on the support plate.

[0018] Optionally, the fixing assembly is disposed on both sides of the support plate along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism for fixing the end frame on the support plate.

[0019] Optionally, the fixing assembly comprises:

[0020] A fixing frame capable of being pivoted about a second pivoting shaft parallel to the height direction of the end frame on the turnover mechanism; and

[0021] A fixing cylinder capable of driving the fixing frame to pivot about the second pivoting shaft so that one end of the fixing frame contacts and fixes the end frame on the support plate.

[0022] Optionally, four fixing assemblies are disposed on the turnover mechanism.

[0023] Optionally, the moving mechanism comprises:

[0024] A cross beam disposed above the turnover mechanism along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism;

[0025] A lateral moving assembly is arranged on the cross beam and is capable of moving along the length direction of the cross beam; and

[0026] A longitudinal moving assembly is connected with the lateral moving assembly, and is capable of moving along the vertical direction and grabbing the end frame on the turnover mechanism.

[0027] Optionally, the conveying mechanism comprises a conveying plate chain arranged in the horizontal direction, and a driving motor driving the conveying plate chain to move.

[0028] According to the end frame conveying device provided by the application, the conveying mechanism is capable of conveying the end frame arranged in the horizontal direction, the turnover mechanism is capable of receiving the end frame from the conveying mechanism, and the turnover mechanism is capable of being pivoted from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction together with the end frame, and the moving mechanism is capable of receiving the end frame arranged in the vertical direction and conveying the end frame to the assembly station so as to be welded with the container chassis. Through the end frame conveying device provided by the application, the end frame of the container can be received, and the end frame can be pivoted from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction so as to be engaged with the chassis, manual operation can be avoided, the safety hidden danger is reduced, the transportation speed of the container processing is improved, and the production efficiency and the production capacity of the container production line are improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The following drawings of the application are hereby incorporated into this application as part of the present application for the purpose of understanding the present application. The embodiments of the application and their description shown in the drawings are used to explain the principles of the application.

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 is a top view of the end frame conveying device according to an embodiment of the application;

[0032] Figure 2 is a side view of the end frame conveying device according to an embodiment of the application;

[0033] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the end frame conveying device according to an embodiment of the application;

[0034] Figure 4 is a front view of the moving mechanism in the end frame conveying device according to an embodiment of the application; and

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the moving mechanism in the end frame conveying device according to an embodiment of the application; and

[0036] Figure 6 is a front view of the turnover mechanism in the end frame conveying device according to an embodiment of the application; and

[0037] Figure 7 FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a turning mechanism in an end frame conveying device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] 100: conveying mechanism 110: first conveying assembly

[0040] 120: second conveying assembly 200: turning mechanism

[0041] 211: fixing frame 212: fixing cylinder

[0042] 220: support plate 221: limiting assembly

[0043] 230: pivoting seat 240: driving cylinder

[0044] 300: moving mechanism 310: cross beam

[0045] 320: lateral moving assembly 330: longitudinal moving assembly

[0046] 331: end frame gripper DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present application can be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present application.

[0048] It should be noted that the foregoing terms are used herein only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that the embodiments are provided so as to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same elements, so that the description will not be repeated.

[0050] The present application provides an end frame conveying device for a container production line. In the assembly production line of a container, the container needs to be assembled from parts such as front frame, rear frame, and chassis, and finally forms a complete container body. Among them, in the initial stage of the container production line, the front frame and the rear frame of the container need to be fixedly installed on the horizontally placed chassis in a vertically placed manner. The end frame conveying device provided by the present application can pivot the front frame and the rear frame of the container from a horizontal placement to a vertical placement and convey them to the assembly table on which the chassis is placed, so as to be fixedly installed with the chassis.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present application, the end frame conveying device comprises a conveying mechanism 100, a turnover mechanism 200, and a moving mechanism 300.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the conveying mechanism 100 is arranged in a horizontal direction, can receive the end frame placed in a horizontal direction, and convey it to the turnover mechanism 200 in a predetermined conveying direction. The turnover mechanism 200 can receive the end frame from the conveying mechanism 100, and the turnover mechanism 200 is provided with a fixing assembly for fixing the end frame, and the turnover mechanism 200 can also be pivotable between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The moving mechanism 300 is at least partially arranged above the turnover mechanism 200, can receive the end frame placed in a vertical direction on the turnover mechanism 200 and move it to the assembly table. It can be understood that the end frame in this embodiment can be either the front frame of the container or the rear frame of the container.

[0053] In this embodiment, the assembly table is arranged on one side of the end frame conveying device in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 100, and the moving mechanism 300 is also at least partially arranged on the assembly table. The end frame conveying device can receive the end frame placed in a horizontal direction, and after being pivoted to a vertical direction, convey it to the assembly table on which the chassis of the container is placed.

[0054] Specifically, when the end frame conveying device is used, the conveying mechanism 100 can receive the horizontally arranged end frame and convey it to the turnover mechanism 200. After the turnover mechanism 200 receives the end frame, the fixing assembly fixes the end frame on the turnover mechanism 200, and then the turnover mechanism 200 is pivoted from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction, thereby pivoting the end frame to the vertical direction as well. The moving mechanism 300 partially arranged above the turnover mechanism 200 is connected with the end frame, and then the fixing assembly releases the end frame. The moving mechanism 300 first moves the end frame upward in the vertical direction, so that the end frame is completely separated from the turnover mechanism 200, and then moves the end frame to the assembly table where the container chassis has been placed in the horizontal direction, so as to facilitate the subsequent work personnel to fix the end frame with the container chassis.

[0055] According to the end frame conveying device, the conveying mechanism 100 can convey the horizontally arranged end frame, the turnover mechanism 200 can receive the end frame from the conveying mechanism 100, and the turnover mechanism 200 can be pivoted from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction together with the end frame, and the moving mechanism 300 can receive the vertically arranged end frame and convey it to the assembly table for installation and welding with the container chassis. Through the end frame conveying device, the end frame of the container can be received and pivoted from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction for engagement with the chassis, manual operation can be avoided, safety hazards can be reduced, the transportation speed of the container processing can be improved, and the production efficiency and capacity of the container production line can be improved.

[0056] Further, the commonly used container includes front frames and rear frames, and their processing processes and installation positions for installation to the chassis are different. In the embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 The end frame conveying device includes the first conveying assembly 110 arranged in the first conveying direction and the second conveying assembly 120 arranged in the second conveying direction, so that the two conveying mechanisms 100 are used to convey the front frames and the rear frames of the container, respectively. For example, the first conveying assembly 110 can be used to convey the front frame of the container, and the second conveying assembly 120 can be used to convey the rear frame of the container. Preferably, the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are opposite, and the first conveying assembly 110 and the second conveying assembly 120 are oppositely arranged in the embodiment, so that the front frames and the rear frames from two different directions can be conveniently conveyed to the same end frame conveying device, so as to improve the production efficiency of the container production line.

[0057] Preferably, the existing containers include various specifications such as 20 feet and 40 feet, and in order to increase the applicability of the end frame conveying device, in the embodiment, the end of the second conveying assembly 120 is sequentially provided with two turnover mechanisms 200, which can pivot the end frame to the vertical direction from different positions, so that the moving mechanism 300 can move the front frame and the rear frame to the positions corresponding to the bottom frame of the assembly table respectively according to the production requirements, so as to avoid moving the front frame and the rear frame in a large range on the assembly table. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the second conveying assembly 120 can also be used to convey the front frame of the container.

[0058] Since the specifications of the front frame and the rear frame are substantially the same, the structures of the end frame conveying device for moving the front frame and the rear frame are also substantially the same, and the conveying method of the front frame and the rear frame will be described below.

[0059] The conveying mechanism 100 can move the end frame after preliminary processing to the turnover mechanism 200 in a horizontal manner. The turnover mechanism 200 can include a conveying roller or a conveying plate chain capable of receiving the end frame, and a driving motor. Exemplarily, the conveying plate chain can be arranged in a horizontal direction, and the driving motor can drive the conveying plate chain to move so as to convey the end frame arranged thereon to a predetermined position in a predetermined conveying direction.

[0060] The turnover mechanism 200 needs to be capable of receiving the end frame of the container and pivoting. In order to achieve the above functions, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the turnover mechanism 200 in the embodiment includes a support plate 220, a pivoting seat 230 and a driving cylinder 240. The support plate 220 is used to receive and support the end frame from the conveying mechanism 100. Exemplarily, the support plate 220 can have rollers for moving the end frame, or be directly configured as a conveying plate chain capable of moving the end frame. The support plate 220 is connected with the pivoting seat 230, and the pivoting seat 230 is pivotable about a first pivoting shaft parallel to the horizontal direction. The driving cylinder 240 can drive the support plate 220 to pivot between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction about the first pivoting shaft, that is, the driving cylinder 240 can provide power for the pivoting of the support plate 220. Exemplarily, the movable end of the driving cylinder 240 can be connected to the side edge of the support plate 220, and the other end is fixed to the ground or other immovable device, so that when the movable end moves, the support plate 220 can be driven to pivot. Preferably, at least one driving cylinder 240 can be arranged on each side of the support plate 220, so that the two sides of the support plate 220 can be uniformly stressed, and the support plate 220 can be stably pivoted.

[0061] Further, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the fixing assembly comprises a fixing frame 211 and a fixing cylinder 212, the fixing frame 211 is pivotable about a second pivot axis parallel to the height direction of the end frame on the turnover mechanism 200, and one end of the fixing frame 211 can contact the end frame on the support plate 220 during pivoting, and the fixing cylinder 212 can drive the fixing frame 211 to pivot about the second pivot axis, so that one end of the fixing frame 211 contacts and abuts against the end frame on the support plate 220, thereby achieving the fixing of the end frame. Exemplarily, the movable end of the fixing cylinder 212 is connected with the fixing frame 211, and the other end is fixed to the support plate 220, so that when the movable end moves, the fixing frame 211 can be driven to fix the end frame, and when the support plate 220 pivots, the fixing assembly can pivot with the support plate 220.

[0062] Preferably, four fixing assemblies are arranged on the turnover mechanism 200, and the four fixing assemblies are arranged on both sides of the support plate 220, i.e., two fixing assemblies are arranged on each side of the support plate 220 perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 100.

[0063] In addition, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the end of the support plate 220 along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 100 is provided with a limiting assembly 221, which can limit the movement of the end frame on the support plate 220 along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 100. The limiting assembly 221 can have the same structure as the fixing assembly. Exemplarily, the limiting assembly 221 can comprise a limiting frame and a limiting cylinder, and the limiting cylinder can drive the limiting frame to pivot about a third pivot axis parallel to the width direction of the end frame on the turnover mechanism 200, so that one side of the limiting frame contacts and abuts against the corner piece of the end frame, thereby achieving the fixing of the end frame.

[0064] In this embodiment, the assembly table for mounting the end frame of the container to the chassis is arranged on the side edge of the turnover mechanism 200 along the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 100. The moving mechanism 300 can move the end frame arranged in the vertical direction on the turnover mechanism 200 to the assembly table. In order to achieve the above function, as shown in Figures 3 to 5As shown, the moving mechanism 300 in the present embodiment comprises a crossbeam 310, a lateral moving assembly 320 and a longitudinal moving assembly 330. The crossbeam 310 is arranged above the flipping mechanism 200 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 100. The lateral moving assembly 320 is arranged on the crossbeam 310 and is capable of moving along the length direction of the crossbeam 310. The longitudinal moving assembly 330 is connected with the lateral moving assembly 320 and is capable of moving in the vertical direction. The longitudinal moving assembly 330 is capable of connecting with the end frame on the flipping mechanism 200 and moving in the vertical direction. That is, the longitudinal moving assembly 330 is capable of connecting with the end frame and lifting the end frame in the vertical direction to make it away from the flipping mechanism 200. It can be understood that when the moving mechanism 300 needs to move the end frame, after the longitudinal moving assembly 330 is connected with the end frame, the fixing assembly on the flipping mechanism 200 releases the end frame to ensure that it can move normally. Moreover, when the end frame is away from the flipping mechanism 200, the flipping mechanism 200 can return to the initial horizontal position without interfering with other devices to receive the next horizontally placed end frame from the conveying mechanism 100. Exemplarily, the end of the longitudinal moving assembly 330 is provided with an end frame grabber 331 capable of connecting with the corner piece of the end frame. The end frame grabber 331 is capable of connecting with the corner pieces at both ends of the end frame. For example, the end frame grabber 331 can have a rotating head extending into the hole of the corner piece. After the rotating head extends into the hole of the corner piece, it rotates to connect the end frame. In addition, the longitudinal moving assembly 330 can be configured as an electric hoist.

[0065] The present application has been described by the above-mentioned embodiments, but it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are only for the purpose of example and illustration, and are not intended to limit the present application to the scope of the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can understand that the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and more various modifications and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present application, which all fall within the scope of the present application. The scope of protection of the present application is defined by the attached claims and their equivalent scope.

Claims

1. An end frame conveying device for a container production line, characterized in that, The end frame conveying device comprises: a conveying mechanism arranged in a horizontal direction, comprising a conveying plate chain arranged in a horizontal direction for conveying end frames, the conveying mechanism comprising a first conveying assembly arranged in a first conveying direction, and a second conveying assembly arranged in a second conveying direction; a turnover mechanism arranged at an end of the conveying mechanism in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism for receiving the end frames from the conveying mechanism, the turnover mechanism further being provided with a fixing assembly for fixing the end frames, the turnover mechanism being pivotable between a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, so as to pivot the end frames arranged on the turnover mechanism from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction; and a moving mechanism arranged at least partially above the turnover mechanism for receiving and moving the end frames from the turnover mechanism to an assembly table in a state where the turnover mechanism is pivoted to the vertical direction, the moving mechanism comprising: a cross beam arranged above the turnover mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism; a transverse moving assembly arranged on the cross beam and movable along the length direction of the cross beam; and a longitudinal moving assembly connected with the transverse moving assembly, the longitudinal moving assembly being movable in a vertical direction and capable of grabbing the end frames on the turnover mechanism, wherein the first conveying assembly and the second conveying assembly are respectively provided with the turnover mechanism and the moving mechanism, and two turnover mechanisms are arranged in sequence at the end of the second conveying assembly.

2. The end frame conveying device for a container production line according to claim 1, characterized by, The first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are opposite.

3. The end frame conveying apparatus for a container production line according to claim 1, wherein The turnover mechanism comprises: a support plate for receiving and supporting the end frames from the conveying mechanism; a pivot base pivotable about a first pivot shaft parallel to the horizontal direction, the support plate being connected with the pivot base; and a driving air cylinder for driving the support plate to pivot about the first pivot shaft between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

4. The end frame conveying apparatus for a container production line according to claim 3, wherein An end of the support plate in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism is further provided with a limiting assembly for limiting the movement of the end frames on the support plate.

5. The end frame conveying apparatus for a container production line according to claim 3, wherein The fixing assembly is arranged on both sides of the support plate in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism for fixing the end frames on the support plate.

6. The end frame conveying device for a container production line according to claim 5, characterized by The fixing assembly comprises: a fixing frame pivotable about a second pivot shaft parallel to the height direction of the end frames on the turnover mechanism; and a fixing air cylinder capable of driving the fixing frame to pivot about the second pivot shaft so that one end of the fixing frame contacts and fixes the end frames on the support plate.

7. The end frame conveyor for a container production line according to claim 6, characterized in that, Four fixing assemblies are arranged on the turnover mechanism.

8. The end frame conveying apparatus for a container production line according to claim 1, wherein The conveying mechanism comprises a driving motor for driving the movement of the conveying plate chain.

Images