Continuous elevator

Abstract

The present invention discloses a continuous elevator. The continuous elevator includes a frame, a driving device, and a conveying unit. The frame includes a first material inlet / outlet and a second material inlet / outlet respectively located at two ends in the first direction, and at least one third material inlet / outlet located between the first material inlet / outlet and the second material inlet / outlet. The driving device is arranged on the frame. The conveying unit has a bearing surface for carrying materials, and the conveying unit continuously moves between the first material inlet / outlet and the second material inlet / outlet in the first direction under the drive of the driving device. When the conveying unit moves to the target material inlet / outlet in the first direction, the bearing surface of the conveying unit is configured to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to drive the materials to move. The continuous elevator of the present invention is provided with a third material inlet / outlet between the first material inlet / outlet and the second material inlet / outlet, so that the continuous elevator can convey materials on intermediate floors, thereby improving its working flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of warehousing equipment, and particularly to a continuous elevator. Background Art

[0002] A continuous elevator is a vertical conveying device that works continuously. Existing continuous elevators include a Z-type continuous elevator (with inlets and outlets on different sides) and a C-type continuous elevator (with inlets and outlets on the same side). The continuous elevator is used to connect production lines and assembly lines between different floors for material conveyance between different floors. The continuous elevator continuously ascends and descends and does not require the rotation of empty partitions, thus shortening the working time and improving the material conveyance efficiency between floors.

[0003] However, existing continuous elevators can usually only continuously ascend and descend between one inlet and one outlet, and materials cannot be output or input on the floors between the intermediate inlets and outlets. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a continuous elevator to improve its working flexibility.

[0005] The present invention provides a continuous elevator, comprising:

[0006] A frame, including a first material inlet and outlet and a second material inlet and outlet respectively located at two ends in a first direction, and at least one third material inlet and outlet located between the first material inlet and outlet and the second material inlet and outlet;

[0007] A driving device, arranged on the frame; and

[0008] A conveying unit, having a bearing surface for carrying materials, and the conveying unit continuously moves between the first material inlet and outlet and the second material inlet and outlet in the first direction under the drive of the driving device. When the conveying unit moves to a target material inlet and outlet among at least one third material inlet and outlet along the first direction, the bearing surface of the conveying unit is configured to move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to drive the materials to move.

[0009] In some embodiments, the conveying unit includes a first mating portion, and the continuous elevator further includes a second mating portion arranged at the third material inlet and outlet. When the conveying unit moves to the target material inlet and outlet under the drive of the driving device, the first mating portion and the second mating portion cooperate to make the bearing surface move.

[0010] In some embodiments, the conveying unit includes a plurality of rollers arranged in sequence in the second direction and a synchronous belt arranged between two adjacent rollers. A first mating portion is arranged on an end roller located at the end among the plurality of rollers. The first mating portion and the second mating portion cooperate to make the end roller rotate and drive other rollers among the plurality of rollers to rotate synchronously.

[0011] In some embodiments, a gear forming a first mating portion is provided on the end roller, and the gear is coaxially arranged with the end roller.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second mating portion includes a rack disposed at the third material inlet / outlet of the frame and extending in a first direction, and the gear mates with the rack. When the conveying unit moves along the rack under the drive of the driving device, the gear rotates to drive the end roller to rotate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the elevator further includes a receiving platform, the receiving platform is disposed outside the frame and corresponds to the third material inlet / outlet, and the lower end of the rack extends beyond the bottom end of the receiving platform.

[0014] In some embodiments, one end of the receiving platform close to the frame is arranged to be vertically movable in the first direction, and the upper end of the rack extends beyond the position of the end of the receiving platform close to the frame when it rises to the highest position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the upper end surface of the rack includes an inclined surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the rack is configured to be movable relative to the frame in the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the continuous elevator includes a controller coupled to the driving device and the rack. The controller controls the actions of the driving device and / or the rack according to the length of the material in the second direction so that the first moving time of the conveying unit along the first direction through the rack is greater than the second moving time of the material along the second direction within the bearing surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the continuous elevator includes two racks respectively located on both sides in the width direction of the conveying unit, and gears are provided at both ends of the end roller of the conveying unit to respectively mate with the two racks.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second mating portion is configured to be movable relative to the frame in the second direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the continuous elevator includes a controller coupled to the second mating portion. The controller controls whether the second mating portion moves along the second direction according to the target material inlet / outlet of the material. If the target material inlet / outlet of the material is the first material inlet / outlet or the second material inlet / outlet, the controller controls the second mating portion to remain at a position away from the frame; if the target material inlet / outlet of the material is one of at least one third material inlet / outlet, the controller controls the second mating portion corresponding to the target material inlet / outlet to move towards the direction close to the frame.

[0021] In some embodiments, the continuous elevator further includes a support plate for supporting the second mating portion and a drive mechanism for driving the support plate. The drive mechanism is connected to the support plate to drive the second mating portion to move in the second direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, a buffer is provided between the drive mechanism and the support plate.

[0023] In some embodiments, the continuous elevator further includes a receiving platform. The receiving platform is disposed outside the frame and corresponds to the third material inlet and outlet. One end of the receiving platform close to the frame is movably disposed in the first direction, and the receiving platform synchronously moves up and down within the range of up and down movement to be synchronously lifted and lowered with the bearing surface of the conveying unit, so that during the process of transferring the center of gravity of the material, the bearing surface of the conveying unit is smoothly docked with the conveying surface of the receiving platform.

[0024] In some embodiments, the height range of the up and down movement of one end of the receiving platform is less than the height of the third material inlet and outlet.

[0025] In some embodiments, the conveying surface of the receiving platform moves synchronously and in the same direction as the bearing surface of the conveying unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the continuous elevator further includes a transmission chain disposed between the driving device and the conveying unit and a limiting wheel disposed outside the transmission chain.

[0027] In some embodiments, the continuous elevator further includes a human-machine interaction operation console and a controller coupled to the human-machine interaction operation console. The human-machine interaction operation console is configured to input a target material inlet and outlet. The controller receives the target material inlet and outlet and controls whether the bearing surface moves according to the target material inlet and outlet.

[0028] In some embodiments, an electronic tag is provided on the material, and the target material inlet and outlet of the material are recorded on the electronic tag. The human-machine interaction operation console scans the electronic tag to input the target material inlet and outlet.

[0029] Based on the continuous elevator provided by the present invention, the continuous elevator includes a frame, a driving device, and a conveying unit. The frame includes a first material inlet / outlet and a second material inlet / outlet respectively located at both ends in the first direction, and at least one third material inlet / outlet located between the first material inlet / outlet and the second material inlet / outlet. The driving device is arranged on the frame. The conveying unit has a bearing surface for carrying materials, and the conveying unit continuously moves between the first material inlet / outlet and the second material inlet / outlet along the first direction under the drive of the driving device. When the conveying unit moves along the first direction to the target material inlet / outlet among at least one third material inlet / outlet, the bearing surface of the conveying unit is configured to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to drive the materials to move. The continuous elevator of the present invention is provided with a third material inlet / outlet between the first material inlet / outlet and the second material inlet / outlet, so that the continuous elevator can convey materials on intermediate floors, thereby improving its working flexibility. Moreover, the conveying unit of the continuous elevator has the function of conveying materials in the second direction when it reaches the target material inlet / outlet, so as to realize the conveying of materials during the continuous lifting or lowering process of the conveying unit, and improve the working efficiency of the continuous elevator.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 is a front view structural schematic diagram of the continuous elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a left view structural schematic diagram of the continuous elevator shown;

[0034] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a partial structural schematic diagram of the continuous elevator shown;

[0035] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a structural schematic diagram of the continuous elevator shown when the rack and the gear are in a disengaged state;

[0036] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a structural schematic diagram of the continuous elevator shown when the rack and the gear are in an engaged state;

[0037] Figure 6 is Figure 3Schematic structural diagram of the conveying unit and the material therein;

[0038] Figure 7 is Figure 6 Schematic structural diagram of the conveying unit in [[]] with the chain removed;

[0039] Figure 8 is Figure 7 Schematic structural diagram of the conveying unit in [[]];

[0040] Figure 9 is the schematic diagram of the cooperation between the rack and the conveying unit in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 is Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the meshing of the rack and the gear of the conveying unit in [[]];

[0042] Figure 11 is Figure 3 Schematic structural diagram of the rack assembly in [[]];

[0043] Figure 12 is the schematic structural diagram of the rack assembly in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 13 and Figure 14 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the partial structure of the elevator shown in [[]];

[0045] Figure 15 is Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of the receiving platform in [[]];

[0046] Figure 16 is Figure 15 Action diagram of the receiving platform shown in [[]];

[0047] Figure 17 is Figure 1 Another partial structure schematic diagram of the elevator shown in [[]];

[0048] Figures 18 to 20 Shows the process of the third material inlet / outlet of the elevator in this embodiment discharging materials;

[0049] Figures 21 to 24 Shows the process of the third material inlet / outlet of the elevator in this embodiment feeding materials. Detailed implementation manners

[0050] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and in no way constitutes a limitation on the present invention and its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be understood that for the sake of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the authorization specification. In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0052] For the sake of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper" can be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature shown in the drawings with other devices or features. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, the device described as "above" or "over" other devices or structures will then be positioned "below" or "beneath" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways, and corresponding interpretations should be made for the spatial relative descriptions used here.

[0053] As Figure 1 shown, the continuous elevator of the embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0054] A frame 1, including a first material inlet / outlet 11 and a second material inlet / outlet 12 respectively located at both ends in the first direction Y, and at least one third material inlet / outlet 13 located between the first material inlet / outlet 11 and the second material inlet / outlet 12;

[0055] The driving device 20 is arranged on the frame 1; and

[0056] The conveying unit 2 has a bearing surface for carrying the material A, and the conveying unit 2 continuously moves between the first material inlet / outlet 11 and the second material inlet / outlet 12 along the first direction Y under the drive of the driving device 20. When the conveying unit 2 moves along the first direction Y to the target material inlet / outlet among at least one third material inlet / outlet 13, the bearing surface of the conveying unit 2 is configured to move along the second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y to drive the material A to move.

[0057] As Figure 1 shown, each material inlet / outlet of the continuous elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention corresponds to a different floor. The continuous elevator according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with at least one third material inlet / outlet 13 between the first material inlet / outlet 11 and the second material inlet / outlet 12, so that the continuous elevator can convey the material A on the intermediate floor, thereby improving its working flexibility. Moreover, the conveying unit 2 of the continuous elevator has the function of conveying the material in the second direction X when it reaches the target material inlet / outlet, so as to realize the conveying of the material during the continuous lifting or lowering process of the conveying unit 2, and improve the working efficiency of the continuous elevator.

[0058] It should be noted here that in the description of this embodiment, the material A can refer to either the material itself or the material box containing the material A. The first direction Y refers to the height direction of the frame 1. The continuous movement of the conveying unit 2 between the first material inlet / outlet 11 and the second material inlet / outlet 12 means continuous movement without interruption, such as continuously rising without interruption or continuously descending without interruption. That is to say, the continuous elevator in this embodiment realizes the conveying of the material A by moving the material A within the bearing surface on the basis of ensuring the continuous movement of the conveying unit 2 in the height direction. The movement of the material A along the second direction X within the bearing surface can refer to conveying the material A from the outside of the frame 1 into the inside of the frame 1, in which case the third material inlet / outlet 13 is the inlet, or conveying the material A from the inside of the frame 1 to the outside of the frame 1, in which case the third material inlet / outlet 13 is the outlet.

[0059] Moreover, in Figure 1 the embodiment shown, each material inlet / outlet is located on the same side of the frame 1. In other embodiments not shown in the drawings, each material inlet / outlet can also be located on different sides of the frame respectively.

[0060] The material inlet / outlet in this embodiment refers to the area corresponding to the region between two adjacent floors of the continuous elevator. The conveying unit 2 reaching the target material inlet / outlet in the first direction Y means reaching the area belonging to the target material inlet / outlet. For example, when the conveying unit 2 is rising, it reaches the lower end of the third material inlet / outlet, or when the conveying unit 2 is descending, it reaches the upper end of the third material inlet / outlet.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the continuous elevator 1 of this embodiment includes a first material inlet and outlet 11, a second material inlet and outlet 12, and a third material inlet and outlet 13 corresponding to the three floors respectively. The three material inlets and outlets are used to transport materials with the production lines on the corresponding floors. The three material inlets and outlets can be used as both discharge ports and inlet ports. In the related technologies known to the inventor, materials are input or output from the first material inlet and outlet 11 and the second material inlet and outlet 12 located at the end. However, there is no disclosure of transporting materials from the third material inlet and outlet 13 located in the middle. In the following description, the third material inlet and outlet 13 will be described as the target material inlet and outlet, but the continuous elevator protected by the present invention can also use the first material inlet and outlet 11 and the second material inlet and outlet 12 as the target material inlet and outlet.

[0062] The continuous elevator of this embodiment includes a plurality of conveying units 2, and the plurality of conveying units 2 continuously operate between the first material inlet and outlet 11 and the second material inlet and outlet 12. When carrying materials, Figure 1 As shown, the conveying unit 2 is placed horizontally to run between different floors; when the material output is completed and the conveying unit is empty, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the conveying unit 2 is placed vertically to change direction in the frame 1 and enter the next working process.

[0063] like Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the conveying unit 2 of this embodiment includes a plurality of rollers 21 arranged in sequence along the second direction X and a synchronous belt 23 arranged between two adjacent rollers 21. A first matching portion is arranged on the end roller located at the end of the plurality of rollers 21. The first matching portion and the second matching portion cooperate to make the end roller rotate and drive the other rollers in the plurality of rollers to rotate synchronously. The conveying unit 2 of this embodiment includes a plurality of rollers 21 arranged in sequence. The rotation of one roller 21 can drive the other rollers 21 to rotate synchronously, thereby making the material on its surface move on its surface to complete the conveying of the material. The first matching portion is arranged on the end roller, so that in the process of lifting or lowering the conveying unit 2, the first matching portion can easily contact and cooperate with the second matching portion arranged on the frame 1, thereby simplifying the layout of the elevator.

[0064] Specifically, Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a gear 22 forming a first matching portion is disposed on the end roller of this embodiment, and the gear 22 is coaxially disposed with the end roller.

[0065] In this embodiment, the end roller includes a roller body and a roller shaft disposed at the end of the roller body. Tooth grooves are cut on the outer surface of the roller shaft to form a gear 22. That is to say, the gear 22 in this embodiment is integrally formed on the roller shaft. In embodiments not shown in other drawings, the gear may also be an independent component and connected to the roller shaft.

[0066] Synchronous belts 23 are disposed around the roller shafts between every two adjacent rollers 21. To keep the distance between two adjacent rollers 21 in this embodiment fixed, the conveying unit 2 in this embodiment further includes a chain plate structure 24 disposed between two adjacent rollers 21. The chain plate structure 24 includes a housing and a chain disposed inside the housing. The setting of the chain plate structure 24 also enables the conveying unit 2 to ensure the distance between adjacent rollers when turning.

[0067] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the rack assembly 3 in this embodiment includes a rack 31 disposed at the third material inlet / outlet 13 of the frame 1 and extending along the first direction Y to form a second mating portion. The gear 22 meshes with the rack 31. When the conveying unit 2 moves along the rack 31 under the drive of the driving device 20, the gear 22 rotates to drive the end roller to rotate. When the conveying unit 2 rises so that the end roller approaches the rack 31, the gear 22 meshes with the rack 31, and the rack 31 remains stationary. However, the conveying unit 2 continues to rise under the drive of the driving mechanism 20. Then, the meshing of the rack 31 and the gear 22 will drive the end roller to rotate, and the rotation of the end roller can drive other rollers to rotate through the synchronous belt 23. In this way, all the rollers of the entire conveying unit obtain kinetic energy and then convey the material A carried on the rollers 21 of the conveying unit 2 to the conveying platform.

[0068] In embodiments not shown in other drawings, the first mating portion and the second mating portion may also be a cam and a slider or a worm and a worm gear.

[0069] Since the conveying unit 2 in this embodiment moves continuously during the lifting or lowering process, the conveying time of the conveying unit 2 for the material should be less than the moving time of the conveying unit 2 on the rack 31 to ensure the completion of the material conveying.

[0070] Specifically, the time for the conveying unit to pass through the rack 31 in the first direction Y is defined as the first moving time, and the moving time of the material A in the second direction X on the bearing surface of the conveying unit 2 is defined as the second moving time. To ensure the smooth conveyance of the material A during the rising or falling of the conveying unit 2, the first moving time in this embodiment should be greater than the second moving time.

[0071] However, for the material A with different lengths in the second direction X, its second moving time on the conveying unit 2 is different. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the position of the rack 31 according to the length of the material A and the moving speed of the conveying unit 2 in the first direction Y. In order to adjust the position of the rack 31, the rack assembly 3 of this embodiment is movably arranged relative to the frame 1 in the first direction Y. Of course, the lifting or lowering speed of the conveying unit 2 can also be adjusted by controlling the action of the driving device 20.

[0072] In this embodiment, the continuous elevator further includes a controller 5 coupled to the rack assembly 3. The controller 5 controls whether the rack assembly 3 moves in the first direction Y according to the length of the material A in the second direction X.

[0073] When the length of the material A is relatively long, the controller controls the rack 31 to first move upward from the original height. After the rack 31 meshes with the gear 22, the controller then controls the rack 31 to move downward so that the rack 31 moves in the reverse direction relative to the gear 22, thereby accelerating the rotation of the drum and shortening the second moving time to complete the conveying of the material. Such a setting enables the elevator of this embodiment to convey materials A of different sizes, thereby expanding the applicable range of the elevator of this embodiment.

[0074] The upper end surface of the rack 31 of this embodiment includes an inclined surface.

[0075] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the rack assembly 3 of this embodiment includes two racks 31 respectively located on both sides of the width direction of the conveying unit 2. Gears 22 are provided at both ends of the end drums of the conveying unit 2 to cooperate with the two racks 31 respectively.

[0076] The rack assembly 3 of this embodiment further includes a support plate 32 located at the bottom end of the rack 31 and a connecting plate 33 located between the two racks 31 to connect the two racks 31.

[0077] To ensure the stable conveying of the conveying unit of this embodiment, the continuous elevator of this embodiment includes two rack assemblies 3 respectively located on both sides of the second direction X of the frame 1. To better ensure that the conveying unit 2 smoothly completes the conveying of the material, the elevator of this embodiment further includes a receiving platform 4. As Figure 1 shown, the receiving platform 4 is arranged outside the frame 1 and is correspondingly arranged with the third material inlet and outlet 13. The receiving platform 4 is arranged on the floor slab 17 of the third material inlet and outlet 13. As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, in some embodiments, the lower end of the rack 31 extends beyond the bottom end of the receiving platform 4 so that the gear 22 of the end drum starts to mesh with the rack 31 earlier. At this time, the material is conveyed from inside the frame 1 to the outside of the frame 1.

[0078] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower end of the rack 31 extends to the lower surface of the floor slab 17.

[0079] One end of the receiving platform 4 of this embodiment close to the rack 1 is arranged to be liftable in the first direction Y. The upper end of the rack 31 exceeds the position when one end of the receiving platform 4 close to the rack 1 rises to the highest point. Such an arrangement ensures that during the docking process of the conveying unit 2 with the receiving platform 4, the gear of the conveying unit 2 always remains meshed with the rack 31.

[0080] Since the third material inlet / outlet 13 of this embodiment is a selectable material inlet / outlet, that is, only when the material needs to be conveyed through the third material inlet / outlet 13, the rack assembly 3 needs to play a role. Therefore, when the material does not need to be conveyed through the third material inlet / outlet 13, the rack assembly 3 is in a position away from the rack 1 to prevent the gear 22 on the roller 21 from meshing with the rack 31; when the material needs to be conveyed through the third material inlet / outlet 13, the rack assembly 3 moves towards the position close to the rack 1 to make the gear 22 mesh with the rack 31 to complete the conveyance of the material. That is to say, generally, the rack assembly 3 is in a position away from the rack 1, and only when the third material inlet / outlet 13 is the target material inlet / outlet, the rack assembly 3 moves towards the position close to the rack 1 to perform its function.

[0081] Moreover, the continuous elevator of this embodiment includes at least one third material inlet / outlet 13. When one of the at least one third material inlet / outlets 13 is the target material inlet / outlet, the corresponding rack assembly 3 only needs to move.

[0082] To achieve the above functions, the rack assembly 3 of this embodiment is arranged to be movable relative to the rack 1 in the second direction X.

[0083] Specifically, the continuous elevator further includes a controller 5 coupled to the rack assembly 3. The controller 5 controls whether the rack assembly 3 moves according to the target material inlet / outlet of the material. If the target material inlet / outlet of the material is the first material inlet / outlet 11 or the second material inlet / outlet 12, the controller 5 controls the rack assembly 3 to remain in a position away from the rack 1; if the target material inlet / outlet of the material is the third material inlet / outlet 13, the controller 5 controls the rack assembly 3 to move towards the direction close to the rack 1.

[0084] To achieve the movement of the rack assembly 3 in the first direction Y and the second direction X, as Figure 11As shown in the figure, the continuous elevator of this embodiment further includes a first driving mechanism 6 for driving the rack assembly 3 to move in the second direction X and a second driving mechanism 7 for driving the rack assembly 3 to move in the first direction Y. Among them, the first driving mechanism 6 is located on the side of the support plate 32 away from the rack 1. The second driving mechanism 7 is located between the support plate 32 and the connecting plate 33. The support plate 32 of this embodiment is an L-shaped plate. The first driving mechanism 6 is connected to the vertical section of the L-shaped plate.

[0085] To prevent the conveying unit 2 of this embodiment from contacting the rack assembly 3 and causing vibration, as Figure 12 shown, in another embodiment, a buffer member 8 is provided between the first driving mechanism 6 and the support plate 32. Specifically, the first driving mechanism 6 of this embodiment is a cylinder. A spring is provided between the piston rod of the cylinder and the support plate 32.

[0086] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, a groove 16 for guiding the movement of the rack assembly 3 is further provided on the rack 1 of this embodiment. The groove 16 has a first direction section and a second direction section. The rack assembly 3 moves along the groove 16.

[0087] As Figure 17 shown, the elevator of this embodiment further includes a transmission chain 9 provided between the driving device 20 and the conveying unit 2. Transmission chains 9 are connected to the four corners of the conveying unit 2. To prevent the conveying unit 2 from contacting the rack assembly 3 and being inwardly squeezed by the rack assembly 3, resulting in deformation of the transmission chain, the elevator of this embodiment further includes a limiting wheel 10 provided outside the transmission chain 9.

[0088] As Figure 1 shown, the continuous elevator of this embodiment further includes a receiving platform 4 provided at the third material inlet and outlet 13. The receiving platform 4 is provided on the floor plate 17 outside the rack 1 and is correspondingly arranged with the third material inlet and outlet 13. As Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, one end of the receiving platform 4 close to the rack 1 is movably provided in the first direction Y so as to be smoothly docked with the conveying unit 2 when the conveying unit 2 conveys the material A on its bearing surface. During the process of the conveying unit 2 outputting the material A from the rack 1, when a part of the material A has left the conveying unit 2 while another part still stays on the conveying unit 2, the end of the receiving platform 4 is smoothly docked with the end of the conveying unit 2 so that the material A is smoothly conveyed.

[0089] Specifically, during the process of the center of gravity transfer of material A, the up and down movement of one end of the receiving platform 4 of this embodiment close to the frame 1 in the first direction Y is synchronized with the up and down movement of the conveying unit 2 in the first direction Y. Such a setting enables the smooth docking of the receiving platform 4 and the conveying unit 2 during the transfer of material A to ensure the stable conveying of material A. When the conveying unit 2 rises, during the process of the center of gravity transfer of material A between the conveying unit 2 and the receiving platform 4, before the bearing surface of the conveying unit 2 completely disengages from material A, the center of gravity of material A has been completely transferred to the conveying surface of the receiving platform 4. When the conveying unit 2 descends, before the conveying surface of the receiving platform 4 completely disengages from material A, the center of gravity of material A has been completely transferred to the bearing surface of the conveying unit 2.

[0090] Moreover, the receiving platform 4 of this embodiment is a belt conveying platform. In embodiments not shown in other drawings, the receiving platform is a roller conveying platform. And the conveying surface of the receiving platform 4 moves synchronously and in the same direction as the bearing surface of the conveying unit 2.

[0091] As Figure 15 and 16 shown, one end of the receiving platform 4 close to the frame 1 is arranged to be liftable. When the third material inlet / outlet 13 needs to output material, one end of the receiving platform 4 close to the frame 1 rises synchronously with the conveying unit 2 so that the bearing surface of the receiving platform 4 becomes an inclined surface. When material A is conveyed by the roller of the conveying unit 2 to the third material inlet / outlet 13, the center of gravity of material A is still on the conveying unit 2. As the material slides onto the belt of the receiving platform 4, the center of gravity of material A will complete the transfer from the conveying unit 2 to the receiving platform 4 with the highest point of the inclined surface of the bearing and conveying platform 4 as the fulcrum. With the continuous lifting of the conveying unit 2, the tail of material A will naturally tilt up to accelerate the movement of the center of gravity to the receiving platform 4. That is to say, the setting of the inclined surface of the receiving platform 4 of this embodiment enables material A to move from the conveying unit 2 to the receiving platform 4 naturally and smoothly.

[0092] As Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, the receiving platform 4 of this embodiment includes a first platform 41 close to the frame 1, a second platform 12 far from the frame 1, and a third driving mechanism 43 arranged on the lower side of the first platform 41. The first platform 41 is rotatably connected to the second platform 42. The third driving mechanism drives the first platform 41 to rotate relative to the second platform 42, thereby making the first platform 41 inclined.

[0093] The third driving mechanism 43 is a telescopic driving mechanism such as a cylinder or an oil cylinder.

[0094] The height range of the up-and-down movement of one end of the receiving platform 4 in this embodiment is smaller than the height range of the third material inlet / outlet 13. The bottom end of the receiving platform 4 is placed on the floor slab 17. Therefore, the height of the highest point of the upward movement of one end of the receiving platform 4 is smaller than the height of the upper end of the third material inlet / outlet 13.

[0095] Next, according to Figures 18 to 20 a detailed description will be given of the working process when the third material inlet / outlet 13 of the embodiment of the present invention serves as the discharge port.

[0096] When the third material inlet / outlet 13 serves as the discharge port, the rack assembly 3 moves along the second direction X under the drive of the first drive mechanism 6 to approach the frame 1 and moves to a position where it can cooperate with the conveying unit 2.

[0097] The conveying unit 2 moves upward in the frame 1 under the drive of the driving device 20. As Figure 18 shown, when the conveying unit 2 moves to the position of the third material inlet / outlet 13, the gear 22 of the end roller thereof meshes with the rack 31 and continues to move upward under the drive of the driving device 20, thereby causing the end roller to rotate and conveying the material A outward. At this time, the receiving platform 4 is still in a horizontal state.

[0098] As Figure 19 shown, while the conveying unit 2 continues to move upward, the material A moves outward under the drive of the roller of the conveying unit 2. During this process, the end of the receiving platform 4 close to the frame 1 rises synchronously with the conveying unit 2 so that the belt surface part of the receiving platform 4 is inclined. At this time, the center of gravity of the material A is still on the conveying unit 2. As the conveying unit 2 continues to output the material A outward and the conveying unit 2 continues to move upward, as Figure 20 shown, the material A is moved out by the conveying unit 2, and the material A tilts toward one side of the receiving platform 4 with the highest point of the receiving platform 4 as the fulcrum and gets closer and closer to the belt surface of the receiving platform 4. When the tail of the material A is raised to the highest and completely separated from the conveying unit 2, the center of gravity of the material A has been completely received by the receiving platform 4 and continues to be output downward under the drive of the belt of the receiving platform 4.

[0099] As Figures 18 to 20 shown, the lifting speed of the receiving platform 4 in this embodiment is synchronized with the lifting speed of the conveying unit 2 so that the material A slides smoothly between the conveying unit 2 and the receiving platform 4.

[0100] Next, according to Figures 21 to 23 a detailed description will be given of the working process when the third material inlet / outlet 13 of the embodiment of the present invention serves as the feed port.

[0101] As Figure 21As shown, first, one end of the receiving platform 4 close to the rack 1 is raised to the highest position to make the conveying surface of the receiving platform 4 inclined, and the material A reaches its highest position under the conveyance of the receiving platform 4. The conveying unit 2 completes the cooperation with the rack assembly 3 during the descending process. As Figure 22 shown, the material A moves towards the conveying unit 2 side driven by the belt of the receiving platform 4, and part of the material A has separated from the receiving platform 4. The conveying unit 2 continues to descend, and one end of the receiving platform 4 also descends synchronously so that the material A can be smoothly transferred between the two. As Figure 23 shown, at this time, the material A has completely moved onto the conveying unit 2 and Figure 24 as shown enters the interior of the rack 1 driven by the conveying unit 2. The continuous elevator further includes a human-machine interaction operation console and a controller coupled to the human-machine interaction operation console. The human-machine interaction operation console is configured to input the target material inlet and outlet, and the controller receives the target material inlet and outlet and controls whether the bearing surface moves according to the target material inlet and outlet.

[0102] In some embodiments, an electronic tag is provided on the material, and the target material inlet and outlet of the material are recorded on the electronic tag. The human-machine interaction operation console scans the electronic tag to input the target material inlet and outlet.

[0103] Specifically, an electronic tag is provided on the material A in this embodiment, and the target material inlet and outlet of the material A are recorded on the electronic tag. Specifically, an RFID chip can be provided outside the material box, and all incoming materials have material codes. And all materials have set production workshops and floors. Each time the material is transported up and down the floors by the elevator, first use an electronic gun to scan the RFID on the material box and the material number in the material box. When the material box passes through the elevator inlet, the FRFID detection device provided at the inlet will automatically detect the production workshop floor to which the material should be transported. In this way, the controller will automatically trigger the auxiliary conveying device at the material inlet and outlet of the part production workshop floor to move to the preset position and wait. In this way, when the material is lifted to the designated floor position, the waiting auxiliary conveying device can drive the conveying unit 2 to automatically convey the material to move to the corresponding material inlet and outlet. Multiple material inlets and outlets can operate simultaneously under the unified control of the controller to output the corresponding materials to the set floors and reach the belt of the receiving platform 4 respectively. The belt of the receiving platform 4 is connected to the conveying device of the stereoscopic warehouse to automatically convey the material to the storage location of the stereoscopic warehouse for storage.

[0104] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: it is still possible to modify the specific implementation manners of the present invention or perform equivalent replacements for some technical features; without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, they should all be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous elevator, characterized in that, it comprises: a frame (1), including a first material inlet / outlet (11) and a second material inlet / outlet (12) respectively located at two ends in a first direction (Y), and at least one third material inlet / outlet (13) located between the first material inlet / outlet (11) and the second material inlet / outlet (12); a driving device (20), arranged on the frame (1); and a conveying unit (2), having a bearing surface for carrying materials (A), and the conveying unit (2) continuously moves between the first material inlet / outlet (11) and the second material inlet / outlet (12) along the first direction (Y) under the drive of the driving device (20). When the conveying unit (2) moves to the target material inlet / outlet among the at least one third material inlet / outlet (13) along the first direction (Y), the bearing surface of the conveying unit (2) is configured to move along a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction (Y) to drive the materials (A) to move; the conveying unit (2) includes a first engaging portion, and the continuous elevator further includes a second engaging portion arranged at the third material inlet / outlet (13). When the conveying unit (2) moves to the target material inlet / outlet under the drive of the driving device (20), the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion cooperate to make the bearing surface move, and the second engaging portion includes a rack (31) extending along the first direction; the continuous elevator includes a controller (5) coupled to the driving device (20) and the rack (31). The rack (31) is configured to be movable relative to the frame (1) in the first direction (Y). The controller (5) controls the operation of the driving device (20) and / or the operation of the rack (31) according to the length of the materials (A) in the second direction (X) so that the conveying unit (2) passes through the first moving time of the rack (31) along the first direction (Y) is greater than the second moving time of the materials (A) in the bearing surface along the second direction (X).

2. The continuous elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that, the conveying unit (2) includes a plurality of rollers (21) arranged in sequence along the second direction (X) and a synchronous belt (23) arranged between two adjacent rollers (21). The first engaging portion is arranged on the end roller located at the end among the plurality of rollers (21), and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion cooperate to make the end roller rotate and drive the other rollers among the plurality of rollers to rotate synchronously.

3. The continuous elevator according to claim 2, characterized in that, a gear (22) forming the first engaging portion is arranged on the end roller, and the gear (22) is coaxially arranged with the end roller.

4. The continuous elevator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gear (22) cooperates with the rack (31). When the conveying unit (2) moves along the rack (31) under the drive of the driving device (20), the gear (22) rotates to drive the end roller to rotate.

5. The continuous elevator according to claim 4, wherein, the continuous elevator further includes a receiving platform (4). The receiving platform (4) is arranged outside the frame (1) and corresponds to the third material inlet / outlet (13). The lower end of the rack (31) extends beyond the lowest end of the receiving platform (4).

6. The continuous elevator according to claim 5, wherein, one end of the receiving platform (4) close to the frame (1) is arranged to be vertically movable in the first direction (Y). The upper end of the rack (31) extends beyond the position of the end of the receiving platform (4) close to the frame (1) when it rises to the highest position.

7. The continuous elevator according to claim 4, wherein, the upper end surface of the rack (31) includes an inclined surface.

8. The continuous elevator according to claim 4, wherein, the continuous elevator includes two racks (31) respectively located on both sides in the width direction of the conveying unit (2). Gears (22) are arranged at both ends of the end roller of the conveying unit (2) to cooperate with the two racks (31) respectively.

9. The continuous elevator according to claim 1, wherein, the second engaging part is configured to be movable relative to the frame (1) in the second direction (X).

10. The continuous elevator according to claim 9, wherein, the continuous elevator includes a controller (5) coupled to the second engaging part. The controller (5) controls whether the second engaging part moves in the second direction (X) according to the target material inlet / outlet of the material (A). If the target material inlet / outlet of the material (A) is the first material inlet / outlet (11) or the second material inlet / outlet (12), the controller (5) controls the second engaging part to remain at a position away from the frame (1); if the target material inlet / outlet of the material (A) is one of the at least one third material inlet / outlets (13), the controller (5) controls the second engaging part corresponding to the target material inlet / outlet to move towards the direction close to the frame (1).

11. The continuous elevator according to claim 10, wherein, the continuous elevator further includes a support plate (32) for supporting the second engaging part and a driving mechanism for driving the support plate (32). The driving mechanism is connected to the support plate (32) to drive the second engaging part (3) to move in the second direction (X).

12. The continuous elevator according to claim 11, wherein, a buffer is arranged between the driving mechanism and the support plate (32).

13. The continuous elevator according to claim 1, wherein, The continuous elevator further includes a receiving platform (4), which is arranged outside the frame (1) and corresponds to the third material inlet / outlet (13). One end of the receiving platform (4) close to the frame (1) is movably arranged in the first direction (Y), and the receiving platform (4) synchronously rises and falls within the range of up and down movement with the bearing surface of the conveying unit (2), so that during the process of the transfer of the center of gravity of the material (A), the bearing surface of the conveying unit (2) is smoothly docked with the conveying surface of the receiving platform (4).

14. The continuous elevator according to claim 13, wherein, the height range of the up and down movement of one end of the receiving platform (4) is smaller than the height range of the third material inlet / outlet (13).

15. The continuous elevator according to claim 13, wherein, the conveying surface of the receiving platform (4) moves synchronously and in the same direction as the bearing surface of the conveying unit (2).

16. The continuous elevator according to claim 1, wherein, the continuous elevator further includes a transmission chain (9) arranged between the driving device (20) and the conveying unit (2) and a limiting wheel (10) arranged outside the transmission chain (9).

17. The continuous elevator according to claim 1, wherein, the continuous elevator further includes a human-machine interaction operation console and a controller (5) coupled to the human-machine interaction operation console. The human-machine interaction operation console is configured to input the target material inlet / outlet, and the controller (5) receives the target material inlet / outlet and controls whether the bearing surface moves according to the target material inlet / outlet.

18. The continuous elevator according to claim 17, wherein, an electronic tag is arranged on the material (A), and the target material inlet / outlet of the material (A) is recorded on the electronic tag. The human-machine interaction operation console scans the electronic tag to input the target material inlet / outlet.

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