Material pushing mechanism and stacker crane

Abstract

This disclosure provides a pushing mechanism disposed inside a stacker crane. The tube / rod material is located on the first surface of the stacker crane. The pushing mechanism includes a pushing unit and a limiting unit. The pushing unit is movably disposed relative to the stacker crane along a first direction, enabling it to reciprocate relative to the stacker crane along the first direction. The pushing unit also rotates relative to the stacker crane around a second direction, allowing it to push the tube / rod material above or below the first surface of the stacker crane to place it. The limiting unit extends along the first direction to restrict the specific position of the pushing unit when it is above or below the first surface of the stacker crane. Through the rotatable pushing unit, under the limiting action of the limiting unit, when the pushing unit returns to its initial position, it always remains below the first surface of the stacker crane, thus not affecting the conveying of the next batch of tube / rod material and ensuring the overall stacking rhythm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of stacker crane technology, and more particularly to a material pushing mechanism and a stacker crane. Background Technology

[0002] Stacker cranes are important equipment in automated warehouses and are widely used in various industries to achieve intelligent storage of goods.

[0003] Pipes and rods are commonly used materials in the manufacturing industry. When using pipes and rods, they need to be stacked and bundled according to standardized weights. For some round pipes, only an initial thrust is needed for transportation, and the round pipes can move autonomously to the collection area for collection by inertia.

[0004] However, when transporting rectangular tubes and bars, the rectangular tubes and bars themselves cannot move on their own. Therefore, a pushing mechanism is required to push the tubes and bars to move throughout the process. However, when the pushing mechanism completes the return transport, it will affect the subsequent transport of tubes and bars, thereby affecting the overall stacking rhythm and failing to meet the production rhythm of continuous production line. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the technical problems this disclosure aims to solve is that when the pushing mechanism recycles the rectangular tubes after they have been conveyed, it may touch the tubes to be conveyed, thereby affecting the conveying of subsequent tubes and disrupting the overall stacking rhythm.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a pushing mechanism disposed inside a stacker crane, with the tubular material located on the first surface of the stacker crane, comprising:

[0007] The pushing unit is located inside the stacker crane. The pushing unit is movably arranged relative to the stacker crane in a first direction so as to be able to reciprocate relative to the stacker crane in the first direction. The pushing unit rotates relative to the stacker crane in a second direction so as to be able to push the tube or bar material above or below the first surface of the stacker crane to place the tube or bar material.

[0008] The limiting unit is located inside the stacker and extends along the first direction. The pushing unit engages with the limiting unit to limit the specific position of the pushing unit when it is above or below the first surface of the stacker.

[0009] The first direction is the conveying direction of the tubes and bars, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first surface of the stacker.

[0010] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pushing mechanism includes a pushing unit comprising a pusher plate and an auxiliary vehicle; the auxiliary vehicle is connected to a drive member to drive the auxiliary vehicle to reciprocate relative to the stacker in a first direction according to a drive signal; the pusher plate is connected to the auxiliary vehicle and rotates relative to the auxiliary vehicle in a second direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pushing mechanism includes an auxiliary carriage equipped with a telescopic spring, the first end of which is connected to the auxiliary carriage and the second end of which is connected to the push plate to control the rotation of the push plate by telescopic control; the push plate is equipped with a limiting member that engages with a limiting unit to limit the contraction of the telescopic spring.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pushing mechanism includes a limiting unit comprising a first limiting rod and a second limiting rod; the second end of the first limiting rod extends along a first direction, the second limiting rod is set at a certain angle relative to the second end of the first limiting rod, and the second limiting rod is rotatably connected relative to the first limiting rod; a fixing member is provided on the stacker to limit the rotation angle of the second limiting rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pushing mechanism includes a limiting unit comprising a first limiting rod and a second limiting rod; the second end of the first limiting rod extends along a first direction, the second limiting rod is connected to the second end of the first limiting rod at a certain angle, and the second limiting rod extends toward the side away from the first surface of the stacker.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pushing mechanism includes a fixing plate; the fixing plate is located on the rotation path of the second limiting rod.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pushing mechanism has an included angle of 150° between the first limiting rod and the second limiting rod.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aforementioned pushing mechanism includes a slide rail inside the stacker; the slide rail extends along a first direction, and the pushing unit is movably disposed on the slide rail.

[0017] A second aspect of this application provides a stacker crane that includes the aforementioned pushing mechanism.

[0018] Through the above technical solution, the material pushing mechanism provided in this disclosure, through a rotatable pushing unit, can realize that the pushing unit is higher than the stacker to complete the conveying of the pipes and bars. After the conveying is completed, it can rotate to a position lower than the first surface of the stacker and return to the initial position. At the same time, under the limiting action of the limiting unit, when the pushing unit returns to the initial position, it always maintains a position lower than the first surface of the stacker, which will not affect the conveying of the next batch of pipes and bars, ensuring the overall stacking rhythm, and thus meeting the rhythm of continuous production line. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pusher mechanism before the pusher plate is conveyed, as disclosed in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pusher plate of the pusher mechanism disclosed in this embodiment when it is conveyed to the second limiting plate in the first case;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the push plate of the pusher mechanism disclosed in this embodiment when the second limiting plate in the first case is retracted;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pusher plate of the pusher mechanism disclosed in this embodiment when it is conveyed to the second limiting plate in the second case;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the push plate of the pusher mechanism disclosed in this embodiment of the present disclosure and the second limiting plate in the second case being retracted;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a partial front view of the feeding mechanism disclosed in this embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Stacker; 2. Pushing unit; 21. Push plate; 22. Auxiliary vehicle; 3. Limiting unit; 31. First limiting rod; 32. Second limiting rod; 4. Telescopic spring; 5. Limiting component; 6. Fixing component; 61. Fixing plate; 7. Receiving hopper; a. First direction; b. Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of this disclosure by way of example, but should not be used to limit the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0029] These embodiments are provided to make the disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, material composition, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0030] It should be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the permissible margin of error. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the permissible margin of error. Terms such as "including" or "contains" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well.

[0032] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure depending on the specific circumstances. When a particular device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not be present between the particular device and the first or second device.

[0033] All terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not as idealized or highly formalized, unless expressly defined herein.

[0034] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Reference Appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 This embodiment discloses a pushing mechanism disposed inside a stacker 1, with the tube / rod material located on the first surface of the stacker 1. The mechanism includes a pushing unit 2 and a limiting unit 3. The pushing unit 2 is movably disposed relative to the stacker 1 along a first direction a, so as to be able to reciprocate relative to the stacker 1 along the first direction a. The pushing unit 2 rotates relative to the stacker 1 around a second direction b, so as to be able to push the tube / rod material above or below the first surface of the stacker 1 to place the tube / rod material. The limiting unit 3 extends along the first direction a to limit the specific position of the pushing unit 2 when it is above or below the first surface of the stacker 1. The first direction a is the conveying direction of the tube / rod material, and the second direction b is perpendicular to the first direction a and parallel to the first surface of the stacker 1.

[0037] Specifically, to address the issue that existing pushing mechanisms, when pushing rectangular tubes and bars, affect the conveying of the next set of rectangular tubes and bars after the previous set is conveyed and the pushing unit 2 is retracted, the pushing mechanism provided in this embodiment, through the rotatable pushing unit 2, rotates to a position lower than the first surface of the stacker 1 and returns to its initial position after the previous set of rectangular tubes and bars has been conveyed, in preparation for the next conveying. Therefore, when the pushing unit 2 is retracted, it will not affect the conveying of the next set of tubes and bars, ensuring the overall stacking rhythm and meeting the needs of continuous production line production.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pushing mechanism is mainly used in the stacker crane 1 to convey rectangular tubes and rods, completing the stacking of rectangular tubes and rods. It can also be used for stacking tubes and rods of other shapes. The pushing unit 2 is a general term for equipment with conveying function. The pushing unit 2 is located inside the stacker crane 1 and is movably arranged relative to the stacker crane 1 along the first direction a. It can also rotate relative to the stacker crane 1 around the first direction a. Therefore, by rotating the pushing unit 2, it can be made to be higher than or lower than the first surface of the stacker crane 1. For example, when the pushing unit 2 is higher than the first surface of the stacker crane 1, the tubes and rods can be conveyed as the pushing unit 2 moves; when the pushing unit 2 is lower than the first surface of the stacker crane 1, the pushing unit 2 returns to its initial position before conveying, preparing for the next conveying. The movement of the pushing unit 2 will not affect the conveying of the next set of pipes and bars, ensuring the overall conveying rhythm. Specifically, the pushing unit 2 includes a push plate 21 and an auxiliary vehicle 22. The auxiliary vehicle 22 is an auxiliary device, mainly used to drive the push plate 21 to move. The auxiliary vehicle 22 is connected to an external drive component to drive the auxiliary vehicle 22 to reciprocate relative to the stacker 1 along the first direction a according to the drive signal, so as to cooperate with the push plate 21 to convey the pipes and bars. The push plate 21 is a plate with a rigid surface and rotates relative to the auxiliary vehicle 22 around the second direction b. When it rotates to a position higher than the first surface of the stacker 1, it contacts the pipes and bars and cooperates with the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22 to convey the pipes and bars. When it rotates to a position lower than the first surface of the stacker 1, it is retracted and cooperates with the auxiliary vehicle 22 to return to the initial position, without affecting the conveying of the next set of pipes and bars.

[0039] Among them, the limiting unit 3 is a general term for equipment with limiting function. The limiting unit 3 is located inside the stacker 1 and extends along the first direction a. It can limit the pushing unit 2 to be higher or lower than the first surface of the stacker 1. It can be understood that when the pushing unit 2 is engaged with the limiting unit 3, the pushing unit 2 is higher than the first surface of the stacker 1 to realize the conveying of the tube and bar material. When the pushing unit 2 is disengaged from the limiting unit 3, the pushing unit 2 is lower than the first surface of the stacker 1 and the pushing unit 2 is retracted into the stacker 1 to ensure the conveying of the next set of tube and bar material.

[0040] According to the above, the pushing mechanism provided in this disclosure, through the rotatable pushing unit 2, can realize that the pushing unit 2 can rotate to the inside of the stacker 1 when not conveying, and is lower than the first surface of the stacker 1, so as not to affect the next conveying of the tube and bar, ensuring the overall stacking rhythm and meeting the rhythm of continuous production of the production line.

[0041] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, identifying three possible relationships, such as A and / or B. Specifically, it can be understood as: A and B can be included simultaneously, A can exist alone, or B can exist alone, and any of the above three situations can be met.

[0042] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 In the specific implementation of the pushing mechanism provided in this embodiment, the auxiliary carriage 22 is provided with a telescopic spring 4. The first end of the telescopic spring 4 is connected to the auxiliary carriage 22, and the second end of the telescopic spring is connected to the push plate 21 so as to control the rotation of the push plate 21 by telescopic control. The push plate 21 is provided with a limiting member 5, which is engaged with the limiting unit 3 to limit the telescopic spring 4.

[0043] Specifically, to control the rotation of the push plate 21, this embodiment provides a telescopic spring 4 on the auxiliary carriage 22, with both ends of the telescopic spring 4 connected to the auxiliary carriage 22 and the push plate 21 respectively. The rotation of the push plate 21 is controlled by the extension and retraction of the telescopic spring 4. Simultaneously, the push plate 21 is provided with a limiting member 5, which can be a roller or a slider. The limiting member 5 engages with the limiting unit 3, restricting the retraction of the telescopic spring 4 to prevent the push plate 21 from rotating. It can be understood that after the push plate 21 completes the conveying of the previous set of tubular rods and is preparing to return to its initial position to prepare for the next set of tubular rods... During conveying, the limiting member 5 on the push plate 21 is positioned below the first surface of the stacker 1 under the restriction of the limiting unit 3, and the telescopic spring 4 is in a stretched state. When the push plate 21 moves to the initial position and needs to convey the next set of pipes and bars, the limiting member 5 disengages from the limiting unit 3, and the telescopic spring 4 contracts, driving the push plate 21 to rotate to a position above the first surface of the stacker 1 for the second conveying. Thus, by setting the telescopic spring 4, the rotation of the push plate 21 can be achieved in conjunction with the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22 and the limitation of the limiting unit 3, ensuring the continuous operation of the device.

[0044] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 3 and attached Figure 4 In this embodiment, the pushing mechanism includes a first limiting rod 31 and a second limiting rod 32 in the limiting unit 3. The second end of the first limiting rod 31 extends along the first direction a, and the second limiting rod 32 is set at a certain angle relative to the second end of the first limiting rod 31. The second limiting rod 32 is rotatably connected to the first limiting rod 31. The stacker 1 is provided with a fixing member 6 to limit the rotation angle of the second limiting rod 32.

[0045] Specifically, to make the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22 more continuous, in this embodiment, the limiting unit 3 includes a first limiting rod 31 and a second limiting rod 32. Both the first limiting rod 31 and the second limiting rod 32 are rectangular rigid rods with flat surfaces. The second end of the first limiting rod 31 extends along the first direction a, and the second limiting rod 32 is set at a certain angle relative to the second end of the first limiting rod 31 and is rotatably connected to the first limiting rod 31. The angle range of the second limiting rod 32 is between 120° and 150°. The stacker crane 1 is provided with a fixing member 6 to limit the angle between the first limiting rod 31 and the second limiting rod 32. Under the restriction of the fixing member 6, the rotatable angle range is between 120° and 180°. Due to its own weight, the second limiting rod will rotate clockwise around the second direction b toward one side of the first limiting rod 31. The fixing member 6 can limit the rotation angle of the second limiting rod 32. It can be understood that when it is necessary to push the tube... When the bar stock is being conveyed, the limiting member 5 disengages from the first limiting rod 31 and is located on the side of the first limiting rod 31 away from the first surface of the stacker 1. Under the action of the extension spring 4, the push plate 21 rotates to a position higher than the first surface of the stacker 1. Subsequently, the external controller causes the drive unit to move the auxiliary carriage 22, thereby pushing the bar stock to be conveyed until the limiting member 5 passes the second end of the second limiting rod 32, completing the conveying of the bar stock. During the recycling process, as the auxiliary carriage 22 moves, the limiting member 5 engages with the second limiting rod 32 before the second limiting rod 32. Since the first limiting rod 31 and the second limiting rod 32 are set at a certain angle, the limiting member 5 can act as a buffer when it moves to engage with the first limiting rod 31, making the movement of the auxiliary carriage 22 more continuous. As a result, the push plate 21 rotates more smoothly, making the entire push plate 21 more stable when it retracts to a position lower than the first surface of the stacker, which is conducive to smooth overall transportation.

[0046] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 3 In the specific implementation of the pushing mechanism provided in this embodiment, the limiting unit 3 includes a first limiting rod 31 and a second limiting rod 32; the second end of the first limiting rod 31 extends along the first direction a, and the second limiting rod 32 is connected to the second end of the first limiting rod 31 at a certain angle, and the second limiting rod 32 extends toward the side away from the first surface of the stacker 1.

[0047] Specifically, to make the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22 more continuous, the limiting unit 3 in this embodiment includes a first limiting rod 31 and a second limiting rod 32. The second end of the first limiting rod 31 extends along the first direction a, and the second limiting rod 32 is connected to the second end of the first limiting rod 31 at a certain angle. The included angle between the first limiting rod 31 and the second limiting rod 32 is 150°, which makes the engagement of the limiting member 5 with the first limiting rod 31 smoother. It can be understood that when the push plate 21 completes the conveying and recycling of the tube and bar material under the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22, the tilt angle set by the second limiting rod 32 can reduce the obstruction to the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22 when the limiting member 5 is engaged with the first limiting rod 31 and the second limiting rod 32, making the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22 more continuous, in preparation for the transportation of the next set of tube and bar material.

[0048] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 3 In the specific implementation of the pushing mechanism provided in this embodiment, the fixing member 6 includes a fixing plate 61; the fixing plate 61 is located on the rotation path of the second limiting rod 32.

[0049] Specifically, in order to accurately limit the rotation angle of the second limiting rod 32, the fixing plate 61 is located on the rotation path of the second limiting rod 32. The fixing plate 61 is a rigid steel plate. It can be understood that when the second limiting rod 32 rotates around the second end of the first limiting rod 31, the fixing plate 61 can restrict the rotation on the rotation path of the second limiting rod 32, and can provide maximum support force to the second limiting rod 32 to ensure the limiting effect. In this way, the limiting member 5 can be smoothly engaged with the second limiting rod 32, so as to realize the smooth movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22 and the recovery of the push plate 21.

[0050] In some embodiments, refer to the appendix Figure 3 In this embodiment, the material pushing mechanism is provided with a slide rail inside the stacker 1; the slide rail extends along the first direction a, and the pushing unit 2 is movably disposed on the slide rail.

[0051] Specifically, in order to limit the movement of the auxiliary vehicle 22, in this embodiment, the stacker 1 is provided with a slide rail inside, and the slide rail extends along the first direction a. By setting the slide rail, the external controller causes the drive unit to drive the auxiliary vehicle 22 to move in the first direction a without deviation. Under the limitation of the limiting unit 3, the push plate 21 can rotate smoothly to complete the conveying of the pipe and bar material and the recycling of the push plate 21.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] This embodiment provides a stacker crane, which includes at least one pushing mechanism. Specifically, the pushing mechanism is the same as the pushing mechanism in Embodiment 1. For the specific structure and working principle, please refer to the description of Embodiment 1, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0054] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0055] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner.

Claims

1. A pushing mechanism, disposed inside a stacker (1), wherein tubular rods are located on a first surface of the stacker (1), characterized in that, include: A pushing unit (2) is located inside the stacker (1). The pushing unit (2) is movably arranged relative to the stacker (1) in a first direction so as to be able to reciprocate relative to the stacker (1) in the first direction. The pushing unit (2) rotates relative to the stacker (1) about a second direction so as to be able to push the tube or bar material above the first surface of the stacker (1) or below the first surface of the stacker (1) to place the tube or bar material. A limiting unit (3) is located inside the stacker (1) and extends along the first direction to limit the specific position of the pushing unit (2) when it is above or below the first surface of the stacker (1). The pushing unit (2) includes a push plate (21) and an auxiliary vehicle (22); The auxiliary vehicle (22) is connected to the drive unit to drive the auxiliary vehicle (22) to reciprocate relative to the stacker (1) in a first direction according to the drive signal. The push plate (21) is connected to the auxiliary vehicle (22) and rotates relative to the auxiliary vehicle (22) in a second direction. The auxiliary vehicle (22) is provided with a telescopic spring (4). The first end of the telescopic spring (4) is connected to the auxiliary vehicle (22), and the second end of the telescopic spring (4) is connected to the push plate (21) to control the rotation of the push plate (21) by telescopic control. The push plate (21) is provided with a limiting member (5) and the limiting member (5) is engaged with the limiting unit (3) to limit the telescopic spring. Wherein, the first direction is the conveying direction of the tube and bar, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first surface of the stacker (1).

2. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting unit (3) includes a first limiting rod (31) and a second limiting rod (32); The second end of the first limiting rod (31) extends along the first direction, and the second limiting rod (32) is set at a certain angle relative to the second end of the first limiting rod (31), and the second limiting rod (32) is rotatably connected to the first limiting rod (31). The stacker (1) is provided with a fixing member (6) to limit the rotation angle of the second limiting rod (32).

3. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting unit (3) includes a first limiting rod (31) and a second limiting rod (32); The second end of the first limiting rod (31) extends along the first direction, and the second limiting rod (32) is connected to the second end of the first limiting rod (31) at a certain angle. The second limiting rod (32) extends toward the side away from the first surface of the stacker (1).

4. The feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fastener (6) includes a fixing plate (61); The fixing plate (61) is located on the rotation path of the second limiting rod (32).

5. The feeding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The included angle between the first limiting rod (31) and the second limiting rod (32) is 150°.

6. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stacker (1) is equipped with a slide rail (7) inside; The slide rail (7) extends along the first direction, and the pushing unit (2) is movably disposed on the slide rail (7).

7. A stacker crane, characterized in that, It includes: The feeding mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6.

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